It's constant work, trying to keep this place as beautiful as it was meant to be.
I can never keep up with grass and weeds, but I do my best.
This year I've been using hand shears to cut away some of the tall grass around edges and trees.
For some reason, too much time spent on the weed eater irritates my bad knee.
So, I go at it slowly with the shears whenever time allows.
I was doing just that around our small kennel yesterday when it suddenly felt like a bee had stung me on the inside of my elbow.
While responding with an unchoreographed dance to escape and react to the bee, I saw that the attacker was not a bee.
Twas an ant, a mean ant that wasn't gonna let go. In fact, it took me a couple of attempts to remove it from my skin.
During that time several other ants had climbed aboard my body, probably thinking they'd go along for the ride while the crazy woman jumped around and screamed.
Immediately, I began brushing off my pant legs, trying to remove the ants.
It took a trip into the bathroom, removal of some clothes and a change into new clothes to make me feel safe from any more ant attacks.
This was the second ant attack I've endured over the years while working around the edges of flower beds here at the Lovestead. We seem to have a healthy supply of ants all round this place.
That first attack a few years ago was much more extensive, and I had to run clear across the yard screaming at the ants crawling all over me to get to the house.
Completely disrobing, I shook off the invaders, changed all my clothing and then had to go get the vacuum cleaner to suck 'em all up.
Neither of these attacks have been fun, so I'm putting out a reminder for those who spend time bent over working in flower beds to remain vigilant.
Ants use the surprise attack and they attack fast AND their bites hurt.
I know I'll be on the look out from now on.
In other, better news, I'm excited for my brother and his wife. They're headed out today for Spain where they'll spend the next month. They'll be visiting some areas where Annie walked on her Camino.
Wishing them safe travels and much fun.
Now, back to the attack mode. The dogs started barking vociferously yesterday, so I walked over to see what had them upset.
Not far from their run, which is on the edge of the woods, I saw two ears and then a face looking back at me.
This deer was not the least bit afraid so that's when I surmised that it was maybe a doe and possibly she might have a fawn in a large clump of really tall grass not far from where she stood.
This could mean some threatened attacks because we've had very aggressive, protective does in the past. They've chased dogs and they've even chased the 4-wheeler.
I may be completely wrong in my assumption but probably not, so we'll be careful while walking in the woods because it IS FAWN SEASON and the does are watching us.
I have yet to see one on our place, but my former student Chad has. He even sent me a photo taken this weekend when he almost stepped on the little one hidden in the grass where he and his family live.
So, there's a tiny Bambi included in the pictures this morning. Thank you, Chad Bailey, for sharing.
I see from a story written for the Bonner County Daily Bee but not appearing in the print edition that the folks in Priest River are dealing with some disarray after hiring their new superintendent.
I sincerely hope for the West Bonner staff and students' sake that the decision-makers figure this one out in a way that is amenable to all facets of the community, not just one ideological faction.
--Chad Bailey Photo
My friend Becky gave me this plant.
She thought I might like its Irish theme.
I do.
We have another hot day ahead and then a welcome cool down.
So, I'm off to do some more yard work, hopefully without insect or deer attacks.
Happy Tuesday.
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