It is July, right? I'm looking at the 10-day forecast, and am so EXCITED!! Not a 100 degree day to be SEEN! And look at the chance of precipitation numbers! This Pacific Northwest girl thinks it's time to do the dance of joy! But I won't get too excited... I don't want to jinx things. That's just my luck. *grin*
We didn't get rain the entire day, just sprinkles now and then, but the cooler temps were nice. At about 6:30pm I was out doing chores. A bit of sun peeked through the clouds just before the big storm for the night moved into the area. I took some time to snap some random photos just to document the day.
The ducks LOVE the rain. It's QUACK QUACK QUACK all day long, while they splash around in the puddles, and chomp at the rain drops. The chickens don't really like getting wet, but I think they're enjoying the much cooler temperatures we're having. They don't tolerate heat well, and neither do I!
I sure get a lot of attention when I bring the camera into the chicken yard. I'm pretty sure they all think it's a container full of treats for them to snack on. Keeping the duck bills away from my lens is sometimes a challenge. Keeping the duck bills away from my pants and pockets ... impossible.
The little feeder dish hanging in the garden collected rain water. I'll leave it for the dragonflies.
The echinacea blooms are pretty, and the butterflies sure like them! Today I watched the FATTEST bumblebee enjoying the flowers on one of the cucumber plants. Yay for bees!
The squash pit is growing like mad! I never got around to thinning the plants -- maybe I'll have time this weekend to snip out some of the stragglers. If I can find any stragglers.
This one just opened in the past day or so.
It's a good thing I strung some twine for the pole beans. They're climbing like crazy!
They move up the twine several inches each day. Maybe even more!
The cucumber plants (I found extra seeds in my pocket) I tucked into the corn patch have really taken off. ...and it's evident that I haven't thinned the corn yet, either.
The frizzle chicks are growing... we've got three boys, and this CUTE little pullet (female). I love her crazy little topknot and her big, dark eyes.
Dandy (our only male duck, thankfully!) doesn't have time for baby chickens. He is growing into such a handsome fella. And I noticed he's finally getting his little drake tail curl (no photos yet). He's off to find a puddle.

Wow, things sure do grow fast where you are. Your ducks sure are photogenic and the pictures of your flowers are awesome. Just love looking at your posts. You are such a wonderful photographer and your captions are always informative and hilarious. Thanks so much for taking the time to share the beauty of your farm with this city girl.
Posted by: Rose Kerry | July 04, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Precious photos! Glad you're getting some relief from the awful heat down there.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | July 04, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Oh Anna I'm so glad you are getting nicer weather then the scorching hot temps. Hope you get just the right amount of rain.
Loved all your photo's!
Happy 4th to you, Alan and all the farm critters!
Posted by: Ida | July 02, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Anna - you had me at the very first duck photo in this post. What a wonderful photo. I adore the regal golden hues as much as the duck's quirky tilt of its head.
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | July 02, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Your veggies and flowers look so healthy! Love the pictures of the critters :)
Posted by: Jennifer K. | July 02, 2010 at 08:03 AM
I'm so happy you are going to get some good weather the next few days! It's been cooler here in the mornings and evenings, and it's SO refreshing...sure makes a difference! I know you will LOVE getting some rain, I do hope you get a good amount!
The ducks are just TOO cute...there's something about a duck that is SO endearing. I think it's just their adorable little faces, with the cute bills...yours are just PRECIOUS! I can't believe how BIG they are now!!!
Have a safe and fun 4th, and PLEASE take some time to relax and enjoy some time OFF!
You deserve a vacation! (I know, hahaha). Farmers NEVER get a vacation, do they??!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | July 02, 2010 at 07:56 AM
I sure have enjoyed your posts regarding all the goings on at your farm. I'm glad you have ducks they are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Mari
Posted by: Mari Pearson | July 02, 2010 at 07:42 AM
Good morning, I have really missed you the last few days *grin* After weeks of nearly endless rain. Something like 10 inches in 2 1/2 weeks. We are having a PERFECT week. No warmer than the lower 80's for the days, sunshine and soft breeze. Plus 50 degree nights! So nice to sleep with windows open and no airconditioner running.
The garden looks good. I noticed you have a chair sitting among the squash plants. Your green beans are going quick. Ours should be setting pods soon if those darn beetles don't eat all the folaige 1st. What a battle.
Enjoy the July 4th weekend, Big Hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | July 02, 2010 at 06:10 AM
Maybe we should all wash out cars to insure that the rain does keep coming. lol
The photos are beautiful and fun.
Posted by: jeanette | July 02, 2010 at 04:18 AM