A hot, humid morning but at least the sun is out burning off the wildfire haze and the word on air quality for today is that it's in the 'fair' range, harmful only to health-vulnerable groups. A lovely day, actually, both the sun and a cooling breeze despite the humidity, persuading Jackie and Jillie that yes, they could break with their usual reluctance to be outside, and spend a few minutes playing about in the backyard while we were out with them. 

 

 

There's a little more discipline to be seen now that we've trimmed some of the shrubs and fastened the rose canes, among other things. It seems that we can never quite catch up with the grass, though cutting it once a week should be anyone for both the lawn and for us. Weeds -- forever weeds, they can be found in places that should be weed-free since only a few days earlier an eagle eye and plucking fingers disposed of them -- or so we thought.

 

 

It took until late into the afternoon before all the interior house-cleaning was finished today. But off we finally trotted with Jackie and Jillie, heading for the ravine. On the way stopping to chat briefly with one neighbour or another and Jackie and Jillie to give them the credit they deserve, waited patiently on each such occasion. Too hot actually to stand in the sun, so just as well by that time the sun was muted behind a light layer of clouds. 

 

In any event, as soon as we entered the forest, the atmosphere cooled down as the forest canopy absorbed the direct sun rays and the breeze managed to penetrate nicely. The trails are still drenched but downhill the footing is fine, regardless. The circulating additional carbon from the wildfires, along with copious rainfall has made for a perfect growing combination for all the forest vegetation. Black-eyed Susans are quick to get to the flowering stage this year and Queen Anne's Lace is on the cusp of blooming, as is Pilotweed.

 

There was a warning on the local news that Lyme disease is making a comeback this summer, so henceforth there will be no bare legs going through the ravine, with grasses and wildflowers already reaching impressive crowded heights. Jackie and Jillie get monthly anti-tick medication so they're accounted for in that department. 

 

There were more bees in busy circulation this afternoon in the pollinating meadow than we've ever encountered before. Looks as though it's a good year for all growing things. Including the plants in our garden, where the latest tiny carpet rose addition is surpassing expectations. Like its older white-rose cousin, it has been putting out an impressive number of blossoms. And the pestiferous ants nearby don't seem to be bothering them.

 

When we spoke with our son from his home in Vancouver last night he mentioned that boric acid powder mixed with sugar can rid us of our ant colonies in the garden beds. Or Borax; slightly liquefied, placed on several pieces of paper; the combination is irresistible to ants that come across these treated pieces of paper with drops of the sweetened Borax, and once they share it with other ants and the colony's Queens, frustration with their destruction of garden plants should be a distant memory. Memory to self: get Borax.