An Albino Deer

 Our neighbor texted me a few days ago to tell me she just saw an albino deer hop our mutual fence and run into our culvert.  A couple days later, I saw the strange critter.  Most of the deer we have running around on our property are use to us and only slowly move away to hide.  This poor white doe is very afraid.  To see her, I have to be in the right place at the right time.  Honestly her coat so white, and it contrasts with the dark green of the foliage she's hiding in, making seeing her in theory easy.  We'll see if she makes it through hunting season...

Vet was here yesterday giving the babies their second round of baby shots.  We probably will keep a couple of this group of heifers to replace our old mamas.  For some reason I thought we would just keep all of our mamas when they went into retirement.  That's not the plan and they are destined for Waco...

Ben has a new showbiz heifer, Dawn.   She's a beef master.  We'll see how they do this year....

Everyone is going out of town this weekend so we'll be babysitting three dogs.  Our cleaning people are here today so "that money" is thrown into the wind!!!

The swallows threw caution to the wind and built nests every place available.  I have ordered the sonic deterrents for next season.  Also, the purple martins are finishing up raising their babies.  The babies are beginning test flights.  Everyday there are fewer hanging out around the condo.

Ah Summer...

 Yes, summer is officially with us.  The vacation schedules are set, summer sports leagues and camps have started, and the daily heat is intensifying.  We are once again babysitting grandkids, grand dogs, and whatever else gets dropped off at our doorstep.  The mosquitoes are big and hungry, as are the Chigers and tics.  Encounters with any of the above is unfortunate, leaving nasty itchy welts.  Throw in the fire ants, and an outdoor experience can become a nightmare!  AND now we have the really nasty flesh eating flies on our side of the border!!!  That's the bad news....  The good news is we have DEET in our bug spray which seems to be a pretty good deterrent.  The key is to apply it before our outdoor ventures.  Unfortunately, often we forget!!!

Three grandkids will be in high school this year.  One is even going to be a senior!!!!!  What happened to the idea that these are grandkids?  I thought they would be "kids" forever!!!  While it's interesting to see them grow and mature, I long for the simpler times....

The ranch notes include the cutting and baling of the first hay crop.  It was not a stellar crop.  We need a really good second cutting to be even halfway ready for winter feedings.  We may need to put down some more fertilizer.  But if we get little or no rain, it's wasted.  Hence the farmer's dilemma...

Had a skunk sighting the other morning!  The rascal was huge and close to the house.  We've had spray encounters involving the dogs in the past and do not want to have them repeated!!  Since its been several days since I last saw the critter, I'm hoping it's moved on.

Remember your bug spray and enjoy the heat!!!!