heatwave over for now...

This past weekend, like in so many places, the red-hot heat of summer descended on the Midwest. With temperatures in the upper 90's, the cool refreshment of ice cream was a daily treat. We laughed as we enjoyed favorites from childhood...orange push-ups, drumsticks, and ice cream sandwiches. 

These sun-soaked and humid days meant chores were done early and then again late in the day. Quick trips were made several times to refresh water buckets, check on animals, and share watermelon slices with the hens. 

But today brought a blissful change...temperatures began in the 60's along with a cool breeze from the north. It was nice to putter outside and check on the garden.

As you can see, zucchini and melons are doing quite well...
I'll be making my chocolate zucchini cake this weekend - yum!

peppers are ready for canning (next time I'll share my grandmother's recipe)

I'm not quite sure what this flower is, it's a welcome volunteer that pops up each year and is nearly 6 feet tall! (any ideas??)

On our way to ballet classes last week, my daughter and I spied an old wooden cart outside one of the best shops in a nearby town, The Farmer's Daughters on Main

They have a great collection of retro, vintage, antique, and farm items, and it's run by the two friendliest sisters imaginable...you'll feel like you've known them for years.

Anyway, the cart was still there Saturday, so I had to stop and check it out. Found in an old farm, it was in terrific shape and just waiting for a new home...what else could I do?  

Coated with water seal and filled with flowers, it's sitting by our post lantern at the entrance to our driveway. It'll be fun to fill with pumpkins in the fall and greenery for Christmas, then I'll tuck it away for the rest of winter to keep it protected from the heavy snows.

For me it's always great to find something I feel "needs a home" - like this old cart, galvanized pails, or the barn vent I put on top of the chicken run. Anything rusty or chippy that has a sense of history to it...the old sink that's out by the garden for washing off veggies, the vintage metal chairs in the shade that are just right for resting in, or the enamelware cowboy coffee pot that's filled with homemade laundry soap. 

Love it all...and I'm so glad there are those who rescue it for us to find!

  

knee deep in summer...

These July days are hot & humid...I'm up early, then out again as the evening cools off a bit. Tomatoes are just beginning to turn red, while peppers and zucchini plants are bursting at the seams. It's time for some zucchini chocolate cake...oh my, soooo delicious! Truly, try my recipe here...I think you'll love it!

In our part of the Midwest, the forecast for the weekend is 95 degrees all three days. Yikes...I'll be keeping an eye on water buckets making sure they're filled with cool water and tossing some chilled watermelon out for the hens to enjoy. And other than a quick trip to the county fair to drop off pies for judging, I think we'll all plan on staying indoors.

Here's a look at what's happening around the farm today...


~Flowers have kept blooming, even in all the heat...

~Maizy has a new bunting, all the way from England!

~false sunflowers are one of my favorites...

~the first tomato!

~a little patriotic flower display...

and in case you're still doubting that zucchini chocolate cake, just take a look at this!

happy Independence Day!

scorching summer days...

It's been in the 90's for the last several days...scorching hot and humid. Oh, I am an autumn and winter girl, this heat always does me in.

The daily plan? 

Up early, out while there's still shade, then inside until evening. 

Goats, chickens, our trusty guard dog, barn cats, our garden, and flowers are given lots of fresh water, and even though it's too hot for me, it's perfect weather for sun-dried sheets and enjoying fresh berries.

Our daughter is coming home Friday after a month of studying at a ballet school...I'm tidying up and will be shopping for her favorite foods. And in this heat, it's definitely time for homemade ice cream! I'll share the recipe next time...triple chocolate, oh-my!

Today's post is short; like all of you...lots to do, time is flying, but so much to love and enjoy!

Happy Monday, friends!