We need to rain ourselves out of this drought -- I thought to myself as I worked the flower fields this morning. Tonight, tomorrow, Monday. We're likely to have rain and that's a good thing. But of course, I cannot say that I haven't liked this summer of warm and sunny days. No mosquitoes, lots of delightfully comfortable mornings and a cheerful glow over the farmette lands -- who wouldn't want this in July and August!
All the hours of the morning were spent on typical Saturday summer tasks: the flowers, yes of course, the flowers.
Then a run to the farmers market for.... well, the flowers! (I bought two large bunches plus additional sunflowers. All together -- under $20.)
And I had a chat with Kay, the farmer from JenEhr Farms. I used to pick up produce and poultry from her in my restaurant days and I asked her why she no longer sells broilers.
Covid. It depleted the work force. They have nowhere to butcher them reliably. So they gave up on poultry and are concentrating on veggies.
Oh don't I know the tales of woe from those who want to butcher their chickens! Well, no matter. We no longer even talk about our Bresse hens as broilers. We expect that they'll start laying soon. In the meantime -- they're just part of the pack.
From the market, I move on to Madison Sourdough for the breads and breakfast pastries.
And finally home, for a very late morning meal. (Is it morning still? Just barely.)
Because it is hot outside, I concentrate on catching up with emails. I have two sets of Polish friends traveling soon and I do some research for both to help with their planning process. Both groups are experiencing horrendous flight cancellation problems. It seems unavoidable this year. Oh, the misery of getting from point A to point B. (Or the adventure of it! Maybe.)
Very late in the afternoon Ed and I take a hike in Lake Kegonsa State Park. He wants to see if the lake water there is swimmable. I have zero interest in that, but I go along for the walk.
Looks pretty soupy to both of us (even as the dog appears to like it!).
There are trails in the park that circle a prairie and we're curious about those too.
The prairie is nice, but our county park prairies are denser, with greater floral diversity. Still, there is a breeze and we enjoy the newness of a trail (and the fact that it is only 21 minutes away from the farmette, so reasonably close).
And here's something rare: afterwards, we veer toward the lakeside pub, Springer's, for an outdoor supper. It's pretty standard American pub grub, but in between the burgers, we do find a pizza on the menu which, again, is good enough, especially when accompanied with a cold Spotted Cow beer.
I noted to Ed that each component of the outing was good if not spectacular, but the sum total was utterly magnificent. Funny how that works! You throw together many small tidbits and you have yourself a feast. A splendid summer feast.
With love...
