Friday, July 05, 2013

july - the first few days


 While we were at Storyland, little Debbie went and spent a couple of nights at Kelli and Rick's. Being too little to make a service dog outing to Storyland and obviously not being able to stay at home, it was the perfect spot for her to head. So, the next day, Abbie couldn't wait to go and pick her up and get to meet her.
Debbie is a very different pup from Rylie... and at first, Abbie was a bit surprise at her energy. I don't think Debbie is really a "huggy" dog... but Abbie was determined to try just the same....
Debbie was much happier when they worked out a compromise.... I asked Abbie what she thought of Debbie and I don't know if she has really made up her mind just yet.....
In the afternoon, we "moved" to camp... it's the fourth of July weekend, all the kids are coming to spend some time at the lake, and the weather is hot and "perfect" for July. We had a big cookout on the fourth... with everyone enjoying the water, and good food....
Debbie got a lesson in swimming....
Abbie kept a close eye on her new little friend. Debbie seemed to really enjoy the water.... and most of the other dogs got in as well.....
But Abbie got the prize for the longest time in the water.... she basically got to camp... into the water and after that only came out to grab something to eat and went right back into the water. She is not afraid and loves to be in the water....
Hunter had a small swim and then was happy to just snooze on the deck.... the life of our dogs...
Reagan was happy to use the jumper and enjoy everyone's coming and going's...
Abbie was so happy to get adults in the water because it means that she can "go in the deep part"... here she's hangin' out with Papa!!!!
"go out into the deeper parts Papa".....
Next year, Reagan will be swimming with the rest.. but this year... the kitchen sink gets to be "his" own private pool.....
Though playing with the running water is  kind of fun....
At the end of the day the promise of s'mores is what finally pulled Abbie from the water... I think she made two or three of them, sat quietly and in about 3 minutes she was out like a light........
Friday morning, my plan was to just hang out beside the lake... enjoy the water and the quiet time at camp... but DAVE had a different idea.... HAY!!!! and as you well know, one makes hay while the sunshines...
We tried to talk our guests into going to the hay field with us.. but we didn't have any takers, some how the lake was much more appealing than a hot hay field... (can't understand that one LOL)
Hat and gloves... not what I was thinking for a hot summer day... but it works.....
Pretty scene though, and again...that hay tucked up in the barn for next winter use will be a good feeling....
Oh dear, the field was soft in places from all the thunderstorms that we have gotten in the late afternoons...I thought I had avoided them... but as you can see... I didn't....
Fortunately, getting a tractor and a chain wasn't too much trouble, and Dave pulled us out without any troubles....
And just in case you were wondering "what" the temp was.... the truck proudly announced... "93"......
All in all, the time in the field went quick. Dave hopped off the tractor and gave us a hand loading.... and back at the farm, we had a crew of young folks waiting to help put in into the loft. Hey Snuggies... this is your first "getting the hay in" ......
(think he looks a little worried to learn that both sets of his crazy grandparents are into this "hay season" thing!!!!)
"Daddy.... will I really have to help with haying like you do????"
I'm not so sure that we have ever put hay away so fast before. I guess we should just "call the Marines in" every year for hay season.... 215 bales were tucked away in about 25 minutes!!!!! Then the elevator was pulled back into the loft and between the two loads that we picked up.. we have 400 bales for next winter. So thankful "that" job is all done....
After that, we all decided that ice cream was the best idea for supper......
Big day for Reagan... first experience "haying" and now a taste of ice cream.. that's a great way to end a very busy day....
and an amazing sunset closes out a very fun day....