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Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Dog Days of Summer


Bruno following me. I guess I look more interesting than the horse next door; their screaming match was what brought me outside.

The hay guy delivered today ... 

One of the spare stalls is stacked floor to ceiling with 2nd cut local hay.

I had to postpone the delivery for a week because of the swallows. I wanted to wait till the babies were flying, so they  and their parents could get in and out of their nest.

I was out in the near dark last night, trying to re-set the gate. It was originally put up in such a haphazard way that the hinges are out of alignment.

I couldn't find my set of wrenches, so I called Andy, and asked if he could bring some.

And then he fixed the gate! :)

Andy, the hay guy, came today, and stacked 108 bales of hay in a spare stall. That should do Bruno for a year. I think Andy thought I was a bit mad, asking him to wait for a week till the swallows could all fly. I HAD to - they bring me so much joy when I am out there in the summer - swooping, soaring, and chirping and singing. They started flying on Tuesday, and today they are pros.
And a bit of information about the term "dog days of summer". Apparently it predates the Romans, but they named it. At this time of year, Sirius, the "dog star", in the constellation Canis Major, rises and sets with the sun. It was believed its presence added to the heat of the sun during the summer days. The Romans gave the time between July 23 to August 23 the name of "dog days". The Farmers Almanac lists the dog days as those from July 3 to August 11.
I absolutely love this time of year. We have glorious hot weather now - up in the low 30's C. And it's predicted to last for a few weeks, so my open studio/show/whatever should be lovely weather-wise.

As always, your comments are most welcome!

13 comments:

  1. Nice to see how you care for everything, horses, dogs, swallows... and I learned about the "dog days", which I recently experienced where the Romans invented the name ... and it now seems that we have - at last - got them also in Paris!

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  2. Wonderful glimpses into your life Kathryn. I like the gate post for a painting--but a bit off center.
    Actually, you've got a lot of paintings around your place. Great play in textures.

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  3. Oh we would have waited for the birdies to be gone too!
    Your stacked hay looks good, and is the first srep in getting ready for winter.
    Our gate is doing the same thing!
    love
    tweedles

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  4. Love the post Kathryn, I really love how you share your life with us. :) I would have waited for the sparrows too!

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  5. Great to see pictures of your life, Kathryn, and to see how Bruno and the swallows are doing! Love the gate, I see a painting coming on!

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  6. I woould have done the same. I'm glad you're getting some nice weather in :0)

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  7. Kathryn, I'm so glad you waited for the swallows,that sounds like me. I love your post,it makes me feel like I'm there in your barn and can smell the hay. love to you,Diana

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  8. I thoroughly enjoy seeing your horse, dogs, barn, hay. It looks so idyllic - and, of course, owning a horse is really beyond my wildest dreams so I live vicariously through yours!

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  9. Hello Kathryn:) I've got lots of respect for you because of your love for animals. I wish everyone would do the same as you! A hurry for you! Beautiful surrounding you live in!

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  10. Hi, I feel like it is the dog days, can't seem to get anything done. Looking forward to your studio, will see you Sunday.

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  11. Dog Tired!

    Lovely photographs, Kathryn.

    When we were in Norfolk, Pat and I went to a second-hand bookshop. There was a notice "Please Shut The Door to Keep the Swallows Out!"

    Interesting post, I really enjoyed it

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  12. Love how you watch out for your critters, Kathryn!! The doggie, Bruno, and swallows are in good hands!

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  13. What a nice hay guy! I used to work in a barn where the owner would come through and knock all the swallows nests down. Broke my heart.

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