The Summer Has Ended

October 1, 2024

Now that summer is finally over, I can report what I remember. It was sweltering and dry.  The lack of rain made us worry about the pasture's lack of growth.  I had spoken to a man who said he sold his flock in our area when we had had a similar summer.  The panic was developing.  Surprisingly, we still had enough pasture for the flock.  We leave one field with a no-cut look, and the other is cut when the livestock leaves.  The growth may have been from our rainy spring and saved us from feeding with hay.

I noticed a lack of insects in the pastures and yard. I did not notice grasshoppers, praying mantis, or other flying creatures, which concerned me because these creatures feed the birds. I can report this when I mow the lawn; my chickens surround me to catch insects flying out of the mower's way. Some chickens run close to the mower, but none would appreciate a haircut.

Sadly, I must report that Annie, the star of the flock, has died. She was thirteen and the queen of the flock.  I could call her name, and she would come running.  She loved corn and would eat every kernel in my hand.  She was an original.  Her very early life was unsavory as she was abandoned, and I was there four times a day to feed her for several months.  The barnyard misses the queen.