This and That

Taking things slow and easy here on the farm. Not overdoing...in fact, not doing much of anything. A little writing, some reading and beginning to eat again. More than that? Nope.

Thank goodness, it's cooler here now. Finally, the heat wave has broken!

What have you been up to on these hot, hot, hot days of summer?

Me? Took a walk around the farm, just to see what's growing. Want a peek?

I'm nuts about this color. Snapdragons, looking oh-so lovely.

The first tomatoes have been picked. Not this variety, but Romas and cherry tomatoes are ripening nicely.

Can't you just smell this basil? Mmm...

Peppers by the truckload! I'm trying to figure out what to do with all the peppers. Salsa, anyone?

See those little green things? Look like tiny tomatoes, don't they?

They're actually growing on a potato plant. Have no idea what's going on there.

I can't pick raspberries quickly enough.

Sorry for the fuzzy photo.

The blueberries? I've been picking 1-2 pints a day!

Lots of blueberry jam coming soon!

Peaches are ripening.

They are beyond words fantastic.

Even in the midst of summer, winter is on my mind.

Another load of firewood arrived last night. It all needs to be stacked, but not this week.

Nope, this week is for resting. And harvesting. And eating.

Writing. Reading. Relaxing.

How about you? What's up in your neck of the woods?

Heat Stroke

It hits fast. Hard. And I know it will be an unforgettable experience.

By the time I realized I was feeling more than just hot and crappy, it was too late. I was in trouble. Big trouble.

Having said that, I know I'm beyond words fortunate. I'm still standing. Shaky, but still here.

So, a short lesson. Don't do what I did. Don't think that drinking water, even lots of water, covers your butt. It doesn't. Forget weeding. Forget mowing. Forget brush-clearing near the barn. Forget it all. It doesn't matter--not when weighed against your life. Just forget it.

And if you feel crappy, hot and miserable, don't just call those around you to make sure they're all okay. Yes, it's important to keep an eye on friends, family and neighbors but be smarter than I was. Keep an eye on you.

Believe me, heat cramps and the rest of it are things you'd rather not have in your memories.

So I'm still taking it slow and easy here. Thursday night put an end to my go-go-go plans for the week. Just hanging in front of a fan, resting, drinking lots of fluids, staying cool and napping. Reading when my eyes and head don't hurt too much. Beginning to eat soft foods. Lots of ice cream and pudding.

Other than that? Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Other than this, telling you what happened here this week at Villa Leone. Why share this info? So it doesn't happen at your house! Be smart in this blistering heat wave, please!