July is for celebrating!

 Summer is here!  Hot and Humid weather begins our July.  Lots of youngsters hanging around, cranes, deer, turkeys and a variety of birds. 

getting ready for our annual July 4th neighborhood gathering on Mud Lake.

the day began sunny, warm with a little breeze

56 Hot dogs on the grill!

the party began at 1:00, A very heavy rain storm began at 12:58!  People showed up in the rain, hung in the woodshed, garage and under tents for about an hour and a half.  the rain stopped, the games, food and more mingling began.  Turned out to be a very fun day. About 36 people showed up!  

July 5: I have been telling Eric about a squirrel that comes on the deck with holes in his ears.  Of course he thinks I am seeing things or telling him a story...  Well I have the receipt!  Not sure is this is a birth defect, eagle talons, rumble with another squirrel, or if someone shot at him and hit the ears!  He also has a bad right hand...  He does like his vitamin C...

We are trying to keep the grass growing by watering almost everyday.  We sure could use a bit more rain. Our gardens are producing blueberries, lettuce and peas have all been harvested.

Wild blueberries are scarce but we are finding enough to make delicious Blueberry Pancakes!

June 14-16. Guys camping/kayaking weekend.

this was an overnight trip, Eric went on Friday night the guys came on Saturday

A bit of music by the campfire

dinner on the campfire.  looks good!

July 19: Pink Ribbon Golf Fundraiser and a visit from Brother Ray!   Golf was fun and the rain held off!

Ray arrived at about 4:00.  We were just getting ready for dinner around 6 when the sky turned black.  The rain and hail came down, knocking our the electricity, luckily our generator kicked in.  Dinner was delicious.  Eric made his mom's meatloaf.  The rain continued until about 7, the electricity came back on by 8.  About 2 inches of rain fell. 

finished out the month with a few pontoon rides on Mud Lake and Long Lake.  A good fish fry at Chit Chat, which had been closed for a few years, perch and bluegill on the menu!  It was a pretty hot July, a few storms and power outages. 

tomatoes and green peppers are really beginning to ripen.  Wild raspberries and blackberries are abundant.