118 degrees...

well that's what our thermometer said this afternoon, in the sun with no breeze. But physically standing in that atmosphere certainly felt like 118 and dogs wouldn't touch it today. The sun tea jar needs potholders to bring it in, but I'm thinking we'll let it cool overnight. The sun comes and goes as the day moves along, clouds scatter the blue sky and the curvature of the earth is showing a little darker cloud coming from the south. We sure could use something, even something to settle the dust.

The trees had green, that turned to brown that have dropped curled up leaves to the ground. Others hang on and when we water to tap their thirst you can almost hear them sigh with some relief. Babe, our seedless cottonwood stands tall on our prairie and has tapped some moisture down deep. He is handsome and seems to have grown several more arms this year! He'll be fun to climb someday.

The dogs have stayed in the office, coolest spot all year round, especially when the oven runs on hot weekend days. Carlee brings her toy duck and drops at my feet waiting for a little fetch and Buster lays under the table getting some air from the vent under the sink, even in the hot kitchen, they choose to remind me they are near. I throw the duck down the hall several times, scratch ears and share treats that have cooled enough from the oven. They know it's the weekend and I miss their charm when we play and stretch on the floor. We still have a list to do yet this weekend, but we'll push off until tomorrow, it's family time!
Stay cool and help watch over those that need extra attention, shade and water.
Enjoy your week friends!

Happy Birthday to you!



Carlee is 7!



Seems like yesterday when the staff was watering and leaving treats for a little white dog that was running from something terrible. We couldn't see it, but she could and our main goal was for her to trust us. Yesterday, 5 years later, she turned 7. She still has fears from her past, but my how she has grown and her trust we have most days. Her environment is quiet and slow moving. She loves rides and walks, like most other dogs and treats. She's a wonderful vacuum, though she doesn't ever seem full, she has surprisingly loud burps which makes Buster turn his head and me to smile each time.

We've had several days off from the working world and it's been wonderful, we await our lottery numbers to be drawn tonite so we can bake dog treats at any given moment other than weekends and some nights. Again with humidity outside, tongues hang to the ground and slow moving for all of us. We come into AC and turn on our oven and bake small treats which sell quicker than our medium treats and take longer to make. However, my dogs are worth it and we think yours are too! Homemade sounds old-fashioned, but it's what we grew up on and look how we turned out, why wouldn't we want that extra for our animal friends. That is our gift to you! So, on this birthday weekend of gifts, we ask that you hug your animals, keep watch over those that need our help and keep cool. Take care friends.

Local farmer's market...



Tent top shade.



Bab's Bites 'n Bones was invited to the local farmer's market four years ago, requested that I bring something for shade, perhaps a tent top. I didn't know what a tent top was, but quickly learned shade was a necessity especially with dog treats that didn't have preservatives! My niece offered her tent. I accepted, however, it didn't come with instructions. I do like a challenge. I was a mess and so was the tent, the dogs must've thought a comedy unfolding in front of them, my neighbors were coming out of their homes sitting on porches with popcorn. I can do it! I waved, smiled and speaking softly, let the entertainment begin.



They look easy. I took it to market and was offered help...I took it! The second season I was able to put the whole thing up and take down by myself in the same package it came in. Quite an accomplishment!  Did I grunt pushing buttons into place? You bet, I can provide references. As I arrived early on Saturday morning, I unloaded my vehicle and went to it, still impressed with myself. There is always room for growth no matter what we take on, but with a little help or not from our friends, we can do it! "Don't interrupt someone who is making progress, no matter how slow." I often offer my help, because it often comes back.



I'm bored! Me too!



Life has become a race, people drive faster, walk faster, talk faster and often get no further ahead getting caught at a red light and me coming up five seconds behind you. At our home we make a point of slowing down and enjoying the moment. Watches come off, gloves go on and out we go. We walk in the cool of the night and wind down before bedtime sitting on the deck watching the day turn into night. The kids wait while we are mowing and find them like this, but they are also thankful for their freedom to run, roll, fetch and jump in their yard, unlike the neighbor dogs. It is the little things and the big, they bless us!



Have a safe and Happy 4th of July friends!