Day out of time

In the Maya calendar

today is known as, "Day out of time."

I am thinking of the Mayans.
I am thinking about the ways they collected rain water
since they had no rivers or lakes.
I am thinking about how they managed in times of  drought.

I am thinking about those that came before.

I am thinking about cycles.

I am thinking about the circle of time.

I am thinking about climate change.

I am thinking about the crops that are burning up in
 the drought that is all across the midwest.
I am thinking as I do my daily watering.

We begin a new year.
We begin "Year of the Blue Resonant Storm"
 July 26, 2012 through July 25, 2013.
I hope it means the rains will return.

Buckeyes and tumbles

While watering the garden this morning 

I watched as a Buckeye came 

for breakfast.

This next generation Buckeye 

is much smaller than those that emerged

in the Spring.

There are other butterflies

out early in the day.

The Duskywings are

gorgeous on the Bright-eyed Cosmos.

We have finished our first batch
of tumbled rocks.
We will refill the tumbler with more rocks
 and begin again.
It takes lots of rocks to do a project.

We are tending the garden and reading project books.

With temperatures back into the 100's
we are keeping an eye on the birds.
We have cooling stations set up in the shade
 with lots of water and fresh oranges.

Vinegars and salts

We wait for rain.
I felt hopeful when I saw a few clouds.

They went on without leaving any moisture.

The figs are growing nicely.

I was able to spend some time outside with the birds.
It was cooler, only in the mid 90's.

A family of Orioles come for jelly and water.

I am having fun making infused vinegars, oils

and flavored salts.

These too hot and dry days are perfect for playing

with herbs in the kitchen.

One garlic braid is enough for now.
I have small baskets of cleaned garlic heads for gifting
and for winter use. I also set aside some to
plant in October.

We wait for rain.
I am finding ways to enjoy these July days.