Baby in the grass

At the height of summer we had an estimated 500 swallows around the house and yard... now we're down to 10 or 20 at most. There are two nests with late August babies. One of those nests is just over the kitchen window and we found this little swallow in the grass the other day. David gently placed her back in her nest and she hovered on the edge of it for about an hour and finally snuggled back in with her siblings. Success!! The other nest is inside the tiny old log shack that serves as winter quarters for the sheep. It's amazing to watch the swallow parents swoop in and out of the little shack ~ navigating the wire, the doorways and the low roof.

We had a visit from an owl last night. In the moonlight we could only make out his profile as he perched on the fence post just outside the kitchen. We heard him for hours as he 'bless his need for feed' took out some of the rodents who are in ample supply this time of year.

August days

... and August nights. Two very different worlds on this high plateau. Our days are hot and sunny, our nights and mornings cool and even frosty! We're stockpiling firewood and already thinking about winter. The sheep are happily ensconced in their fall pasture courtesy of David's new fence. They are in seventh heaven ~ a heaven full of willows and shade and lots of space. We're keeping very busy. There is always much work to do ~ managing fifty acres, our off the grid lifestyle and our animals through 4 seasons is a constant challange. That being said, there is little time to write but I will take a few minutes to post some August pics from around the place. Till next time.