I haven't kept up the blog this summer. It's hard to commit to a couple hours of sitting in front of the 'puter when animals need to be fed, mowing needs to be done, the sun is still up. Autumn means slow. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, nature settling down for a long winters nap. That also means I can spend more time in front of the 'puter without the "guilt" sign flashing in my mind.

We drove from Kansas to Cape Coral, Fla. this summer. Visited Hubsters' parents in Cape Coral Fla., then Key West and back to Kansas. I love Key West. Love the gardens, homes, beaches, watering holes, museums. Enjoyed a sunset cruise. I also like the drive down the Keys, even though it's a 4 hour drive. Love all the little places called "Captain ____" or "___ of the sea". Such a different world than anywhere near the "lane".

While we were in Fla. our poor garden suffered. Weeds were so thick and tall we couldn't tell where the good stuff was planted. Grasshoppers had eaten all the tomatoes and corn. Cinch bugs got the cucumbers, squash, zucchini. So we mowed the whole thing under and vowed to do better next year. We had help to feed the animals and I think they liked them better than us. When we got home they were all nervous and jumpy, (I think they were pretending to have hurt feelings).

Our third annual alpaca farm day was yesterday. Hubster was in Florida assisting his parents, so I was trying to do all the things before alpaca day that we both usually do. I spent several days mowing, trimming, and digging weeds. We invite the public to see the animals and get up close with them. Alpacas don't come running when you call their names, but when they hear the rattle of the feed bucket their people skills kick in. They are curious when children are around. They push each other in order to see children and take treats from children. They let children touch their noses and they don't spit at them!!! I guarantee if I tried to touch their noses I would get a hand full of foul spit!