We have had a substantial amount of rain over the last two weeks. Last weekend and into Monday saw about three inches. Serious delays occurred in yard work and gardening. A set of eight newly planted container tomatoes were carefully watched as they got water logged (total cost of these store-bought and germinated plants was $5 – there is quite a discount if one waits two plus weeks after Memorial Day – that is the day that absolutely means there is no more chance of frost in Maine for the season). My plan is to keep these units well watered, strategically placed in good sunny locations, and fertilized regularly – photos will soon be released showing this part of the operation. Today I outfitted five more containers for marigolds, which are natural pest control complements with tomato plants.

Also planted in the ground are zucchini squash and yellow bush beans.

Note the lucky early evening image of a local bluejay who was shadowing a couple of the cats. We are not sure what is up with the dark spot in front of the bird’s eye – it looks like a second eye? For once I was able to hold the camera steady at the right time to get this one.

Last weekend, a large, dead birch tree measuring about 47 feet and ten inches (see last image) crashed to the ground behind the garage. While nothing but my flat-rock pile and my production compost pile was at risk, this was an interesting event. We did not hear any large crash at any time. We had spent most of the day puttering around the yard; what would have happened if it decided to fall while we were nearby: we will never know.