Fireworks

The fourth of July came and went, and with it untold dollars burnt up in fireworks.

Sadly, some of our neighbours spent a lot of money on fireworks, and while we don't begrudge them some holiday pleasure, a lot of time was spent soothing geese and sheep. The geese huddled together in a body, running hither and yon in search of shelter. The sheep, which were already confined in their paddock, wanted to run around as well. Fortunately, a farmer standing calmly by them and speaking in a calm tone of voice went a long way to reassuring them.

The war on thistles continues. We make no pretence of annihilation (a hopeless goal) but use the scythe (or whatever is handy) to take off the flowering heads. It has been observed that there are a lot of aphids on the thistle stalks, and anything which keeps that pest under control is a good thing. We may well end up spending quite a bit on ladybirds.