The full-meal deal

So which do you like better, the "snack posts" I've been tossing on here from lack of time to do more, or the bigger buffet that this is going to be? Inquiring mind wants to know!

First, Happy National Dog Day!

Oh, this dog; he has my heart. And my feelings for him have swelled to painful proportions as Brian and I slowly worked our way through our most recent "car book" – A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. If you love dogs, I highly recommend it – if you like a heart-wrenchingly good read. When I found out there is a sequel, I knew my heart couldn't take another one; I don't need to be reminded about how much these creatures love us – and how hard it is to say good-bye to them.

The flock integration continues to go fantastically well, perhaps because chickens are not as sharp as sheep in recognizing faces. Here are the three new Australorps with one of the Olive-Eggers at the rear:

I've seen one of the Australorps posture at one of the older hens and get her to back down, so maybe size and personality play into it, too. Still, I'm thinking that choosing black hens from here on out so they can just blend in may be the way to go; good thing black is a favorite critter-color of mine!

Yesterday I spent a lot of time at this place, and driving to and from it twice:

Brian starts high school there on Monday; yesterday we paid for tuition, books, and sports fees, talked with teachers, got a locker, the "lay of the land," and the "order of the day(s)." Then we went back for varsity soccer "try-outs," which was really an introduction and orientation, since anyone who wants to be on the team can be – provided they accept the parameters and keep their grades up. The soccer coach is all about character-building and life skills; competition and winning are very much secondary. He is also the Health and P.E. teacher, so he expects the team members to eat well (NO soda or junk food!), stay hydrated, get enough rest, etc. Jumping into a commute, school, AND sports while maintaining violin may be biting off more than we can chew, but it seemed worth trying.

On the way out the door to soccer try-outs, I grabbed a spindle and my TdF singles. Fiber time is ONE good thing about all our new commitments, I guess!

Today I finally had a chance to tackle the bush beans I picked before our backpacking trip, and the prunes I picked the last two mornings. Seven quarts of spiced prunes, a full dehydrator, and a plum upside-down cake barely made a dent in the fruit on our two trees; then there are the apples. I have my work cut out for me on Sunday! Fortunately, it's supposed to be a little cooler by then. After a mild Monday, this week heated right back up to at and near triple digits. But of course; it's canning season!

That's it for now from . . .