Lack of time, not content!

We're back to sweltering again; last night was one of those rare ones (for here) that didn't cool down by bedtime. I was awake at 5:00 so opened the windows and turned the whole-house fan on to get it a little cooler inside. The heat makes some things more challenging, like keeping animals at the State Fair healthy (Rick is the State Fair veterinarian once again; expect photos); our animals seem to be handling it okay. Poppy and I compete in our first agility trial of the year tomorrow, so that will be challenging in the heat. A year ago at this same trial, my knees hurt so bad I was afraid I wouldn't be able to hobble through our last class. That finally kickstarted a search for some relief that resulted in my bilateral knee replacements last April, so the trial tomorrow is a meaningful milestone.

A different meaningful milestone was reached last week-end; I went for my first post-surgery hike! I was delighted that going down and up a (slightly) uneven trail was as comfortable as the walking I've been doing. The hike to Drift Creek Falls and back is only three miles, but I'm confident now that I can do more.

I've been collecting photos of sunrises and sunsets for awhile; with the days getting shorter I'm seeing more of them.

The three above were all taken the same evening as I rode Stella near our home.

Before and after the sun rose one morning.

The next three were taken while on another sunset horseback ride.

A sunset over the neighbor's shop

Same color scheme for dawn the next morning

A spectacular sunset from horseback!

The eastern sky this morning

The white Friesian is spun and plied; I've decided to use it (dyed red) for my Dala Sweater. No hurry on that, though; I have a lot more of the black to ply. I guess I could cast on with the 129g of 2-ply that's done, though, as my singles are looking pretty consistent. Maybe I'll do that....

Fresh applesauce is slowly filling up space on the pantry shelves. To my delight, the apples on our first-to-ripen tree are mostly free from bugs and blemishes, which makes prepping them easier and much more pleasant. Might as well take advantage of such a nice harvest and the many empty jars I have; the only costs are time, electricity, lids, and cinnamon. Rick and I both enjoy a meal of peanut butter and applesauce on toasted homemade bread.

A month from now I'll be in Lincoln, Nebraska to see my mom, sister, BIL, nephew, and hopefully a few friends. I've tried to call my mom to tell her, but her phone goes straight to voicemail and she hasn't responded to my messages. I know her phone is working; my sister has confirmed that. Oh well; we'll have a good visit when I'm there. I suspect the 'Michelle compartment' of her brain is shrinking with all the changes and challenges she's experiencing, and the proximity to my sister and her family.

That's it for now from . . .