SUSAN SAYS: July heat continues, but summer still offers much

— The July heat has intensified the last couple of weeks, and walking outdoors feels like walking into an oven. Triple-digit temperatures are killing the grass in the yard, so lawn mowing has been put on hold. We’re watering our tomato plants, strawberries, five peppers and a few flowers and so far are managing to keep them alive.

The extreme heat is hard on those working outdoors, but Jim and his helpers put a metal roof on a home in Pineville last week. The key is to start early, drink lots of water and come in to sit in the air conditioning at the end of the work day.

Torrid temperatures are detrimental to wildlife too. With drinking water difficult to find, our backyard fish pond attracted some critter who’s been munching on our water plants. We found the culprit last Sunday when Jim discovered a young doe eating from one of our bird feeders. She’s returned several times during the week, feeding on more of our plants and leaving her hoof prints near the pond. I startled her Friday when I drove around to put a few more fish in the pond. She bounded off toward our south fence.

We celebrated Aunt Leta’s 101st birthday on Saturday, the 14th, and had a good party despite the heat. Her brotherand sister-in-law came from Kansas City; and her sister, two nephews and their wives, from Tulsa. A second cousin and her husband flew in from California, and three nieces (my sisters and I) and a few friends dropped in from this area. She enjoyed two birthday cakes and received two lovely bouquets and several cards. Jack and Matt Reeves had stopped by on Tuesday and serenaded her with some pickin’ and singing.

This dear little lady continues to amaze us. Her caregiver, Joanie, caught her bicycling her legs a couple of weeks before her big day. When Joanie asked Leta what she was doing, she replied she was exercising so she’d be strong and could be up for her birthday. She was pretty as a picture theday of her party. With her hair curled and wearing a new dress and sweater, she greeted us with her sweet smile and obviously enjoyed being the center of attention. She’s quite an inspiration for all.

There was a sad note that Saturday afternoon when I slipped away from Leta’s birthday party to attend funeral services for Dr. Billy V. Hall. A large crowd was on hand to share memories and pay tribute to this man who spent his life treating and healing others.

Other activities thismonth were more pleasant. I joined friends at the Senior Center Friday, the 13th, to eat pizza and watch the hit movie “War Horse,” then returned last Wednesday for a delicious meal of pork roast, black-eyed peas, Brussels sprouts and corn bread.

At quilt class on Saturday, we received instructions for a “Colorado” quilt block and saw a demonstration on making small hats called fascinators from a necktie. I have a necktie and feather and plan to tackle that project soon. Then I’ve always got lots of reading material lined up. Now I’m reading the third in Jan Karon’s Mitford Years series and have “Grey Ghosts of the Confederacy” (a book of Civil War history), a Danielle Steele novel and a few biographies waiting in thewings.

We continue to enjoy summer’s abundance of fresh produce. I visited the farmers’ market Saturday morning and bought potatoes and small cucumbers. Thursday evening I cooked a head of cabbage with smoked sausage. Sister Nancy gave us a few tomatoes when I visited her Tuesday evening, and Saturday I sliced a couple. We combined them with crisp lettuce, peppered bacon and slices of cheese and dined on tasty BLCTs. Then we found a striped watermelon on the front porch when we returned home Sunday!

Susan Holland is longtime resident of Benton County and a staff member of the Westside Eagle Observer. She may be contacted by email at [email protected].

Opinion, Pages 6 on 07/25/2012