Hot Weather

The days have been steadily hot for at least a couple of weeks now. Temperatures in the nineties are the daytime norm and low 100's are not unusual. The humidity provides the greatest challenge, though, because one can hardly stand outside and breathe without working up a healthy sweat.

We are thankful to have three automatic waterers installed and three more nearly completed. Now the animals are not dependent upon our trudging up the hill with a hose or buckets to get fresh water. Most of them can get to a fresher water source in their general travels. This is important as they all suffer under the stress of hot weather.

Staying hydrated is a challenge for people, too. I seem to be forever stopping to chug down glasses of water or sports drinks, only to have to stop again in just a few minutes. So long as the sweat runs heavily, I know that I'm okay. The cessation of sweating is a danger sign that one is already dehydrated. Feeling chilled when the thermometer reads 102 degrees Fahrenheit is another.

Miss Mary, her caprine companions, and the canines, equines, and camelids of the farm all hang out in shady areas when they can find them. The photo shows little Miss Mary--all of five months old now--lording it over the rest of us from the top of a woodpile beneath the tree canopy. No flies on that gal, she knows how to take care of herself.