the good and bad of summer heat

May 14, 2024

In southern Indiana, there are so many wonderful things that only happen in late spring and summertime. Pools open, trees regain their leaves, and all vegetation wakes up for the warming sun. One good point that’s a personal favorite is that it’s the time gardens are planted.

Mr. Pesky hard at work.

Mr. Pesky even makes sure to plant some of my favorites including German tomatoes and banana peppers…

tiny peppers on the pepper plant

My worst complaint of summertime at the barndo…

The worst part of late spring and summer here at the barndo isn’t mowing or the never ending yard work required to keep up. It’s painted decks. And I’m not even complaining because they have to be repainted soon. I’m saving that for later once I get started.

Painted decks are too hot for puppy paws.

Yesterday, I sat outside for a bit and had coffee and a snack at the table on the deck. Merida and Dharma joined me, of course, waiting for a bite of whatever I had. Once Dharma stood up, she immediately sat back down holding up one paw like it was injured. Painted deck is HOT!

Back inside, I began searching for what would be the best option to allow my hounds access to the yard without walking on a scorching hot deck. The best option is a retractable awning, but price checking I found that’s just more than I want to invest.

What to do?

That leaves shade sails, deck tiles or outdoor rugs. I’ll make a decision later today and let ya know. In the meantime, I’ll be inside today enjoying the sound of rain and blades of grass growing. (Yes, I mowed the dog’s yard AGAIN yesterday. ARG!!)

Now you know: Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, an astrophysicist who discovered pulsars in 1972, had her boss not only take credit for the discovery, but also win a Nobel prize for it.