SUMMER

It is only 10:06AM and it is already 82F! It was over ninety for a brief time yesterday. It didn't feel that hot; the air was dry. It reminded me of the times I spent in Western Montana. If it was muggy it would be awful.

Yesterday morning I completed tasks that I originally scheduled for last Autumn. We had a lot of blow down towards the end of the Summer. One of my older Apple trees [Whitney Crab] had a major branch break off, which comprised about a third of the tree. I harvested the wood to be used for smoking meat or other such uses. Burning apple wood gives off a wonderful aroma.

I, also, needed to work in my small orchard of young trees; four apples and two pears. We have had to protect trees, when young, from deer. This is just a recent development. I had fence post supporting netting around the trees; because I couldn't keep the weeds and grass down around the trees, it was a mess. The trees were growing through the netting; it wasn't a pretty sight. Pulling up eighteen metal fence post and cleaning up around the trees was quite a job for this old codger and very rewarding.

Speaking of protecting things from wild life; the coyotes were really putting on a party about 9:30 last night. They sounded so close to the house I thought they must be in the yard or adjacent pasture. I never heard them sound so eerie. They sounded more like hyenas than coyotes. They were laughing up a storm. It didn't last more than a few minutes but was really amazing. I love hearing them and I wish them well, but I was happy to see my lambs were okay this Morning.

 Do you feel things getting better? I know many people are struggling. It is easy to get seduced by fear; especially, the fear that other people don't get it. I know, although, I do have faith in humanity, I am familiar with this fear. Last night Bill Moyers had Tom Morello on. I knew nothing of the group RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. I don't know if I would like the music, but the lyrics are great and you can hear them! I was impressed by Tom's intelligence, his knowledge, and, especially by his commitment to create a better world. I don't agree that anger is helpful, but I didn't detect anger in him. And, some people need to go through an angry stage in the waking up process; after all the system, as it now exist, is horrible. It was reassuring that there are people, like Tom, out there doing their best to bring in a new world.

I see the raising up of consciousness every where. That is, when my mind isn't in the gutter; it happens. Fortunately, I am making progress towards seeing a more and more beautiful world. I know that the greatest thing we can do is to see ourselves as great purveyors of love. Imagine yourself brimming with love, that you spill over on people, where ever you go. Watch people light up when you talk to them. That is how we will create a better world; always give love away in our immediate surroundings.

Love and Peace,  Gregg