July has been a very busy month for visits by friends and family. Insurance woes can't stop us from seeing them even though the companies have stopped all other tours and visits. I guess one way around that is everyone who wants to see us is our friend. :) Which really is true. As Maureen says "A friend is a stranger you haven't yet met". Nobody leaves here a stranger!!
Jeff came back to see us for only a day. He was visiting many of his friends in a very tight few days. Thanks Jeff, for including us in your tight schedule. Hope all goes well for you.
Alyson came to see us for a day as well with dad, John. Dad John had a tight schedule for Alyson as well since she was only in the area for two weeks, with much to see and do.
Also, we were graced with a visit from Grace adding us to her few days off from her job in Edmonds. Always great to see her and how much she loves the animals.
Then there was a real surprise. As the expression goes what a "blast from the past". Dawn Bouchard Castaneda and her family paid us a visit along with her sister Terry and husband Jerry and granddaughter Briella. I (Greg) had not seen Dawn in probably about 30 years. Wow... It was so good to see her and her husband Julio and sons Michael and Charlie. It was great  to introduce Maureen to Dawn and her family and see Terry and Jerry again.  The kids just loved the animals. All of the animals were in great friendly form as usual. Then out came the homemade rhubarb wine/racket fuel for a bit of cool refreshment. It was lovely to see everyone.
Well time to go wash eggs and then bed time. Take care and stay safe as Maureen says. Greg and Maureen.

It all started on Sunday late in the afternoon. Horses and other animals were given second fiddle to the task facing us. Temperature was rising (hot) and the baler was in action. We got the call early in the morning that baling MIGHT start later in the day and possibly get about 150 bales done. No problem. That would be OK for one load Sunday. Well, 1/3 of the field later there were over 350 bales on the ground. After the second load we decided it was time to call it an evening. There was always tomorrow since there was no rain in the forecast (I was ignoring the temperature forecast!). Monday our crew (Patrick, Kelly and William) arrived about 11 am and we unloaded the trailer from the night before. Then it was off to the furnace. Mid afternoon Denise showed up for a friendly visit! Well... During hay time there is no real visiting. Denise was put to work making sure the stack was well salted. By the third load we were exhausted and HOT!! The temperature reached 97 at around 4pm. WATER!!!!
Just as we were coming back with the third load, Heidi was driving out to the field. Too late for the day but thankfully she offered to help. It was still hot when we finished for the day. We figured there were two loads left for Tuesday and Patrick had to work (Monday he had off) and Kelly would make it if there wasn't much work needing to be done at the shop.
Tuesday arrived and the trailer and truck were empty ready to go. William was still asleep when I called at 11:15 am (teenager!). By noon the three of us were in the truck and off to the furnace, again. The sun was relentless. Sweat dripping everywhere. At least the driver (Maureen) had the advantage of the air conditioner. William and I unloaded the trailer on the stack while Maureen was making her gourmet sandwiches for which she is noted. After the break and not really wanting to get back to it, We all unloaded the truck. Just as we were ready to take off, Kelly arrived to our surprise. Now there were four of us again headed back into the furnace. At least this time there was a slight breeze and even though it was 93, we did not feel as hot as we did on the first load. Then we could see it! THE LAST BALE!!!! Number 912. When you start and first drive out to the field, especially when temperatures are in the 90's, you look around and see all the bales and realize how big the task is. What is gratifying though, is the fact your friends are there to help, even under these extreme conditions. Once again, Maureen and I extend our thanks to Patrick, William and Kelly. Job well done. Time to take and deep breath and get ready for our friends that will start arriving on Thursday for a Rendezvous weekend. Last year we had loads of fun and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Take care stay safe, G&M