Knit, Click, & Stir: heat defeat

It's hot...really hot. Normally, when temperatures are in the 90s, I stay inside. But because of this girl, we are outside...so...much.

Many socialization excursions that will have to take the place of puppy training until she gets a clean bill of health from the vet. So it's walks on campus, with so many other pups...

(adults pups are okay!)

...and lots of local hikes, where she meets lots of new people.

She loves the car!

She's a pretty chill pup...most of the time.

Okay, so I *have* to be outside...at least I can try to enjoy some nature.

green heron eating a frog

groundhog invading our neighbors' container gardens

black tiger swallowtail caterpillar

But honestly, I have the worst attitude ever. For some reason, summer is killing me this year. I never like summer with the heat/humidity, the mosquitoes, the ticks...but this year it's just the worst. I'm apathetic and lethargic. I'm not motivated to get things done and feel almost desperate for fall. Every time I see a sign, I celebrate.

Changing leaves...coincidence?!?

This is a FALL webworm caterpillar!

These winter shoes really needed cleaning because it's ALMOST time to wear them again, right? Right?!?!?

We had to have some trees trimmed because they were crowding power lines recently...

They only cut a few down. Most of them were just trimmed closely on one side. Bare, they look like winter trees.

Sometimes I look at them and pretend that the leaves are falling and that soon it will be cold again. I've got another two months to go, easy, so I'm trying to work through this summer ennui with lots of pep talks.

Summer flowers from the garden!!