Stranger in a strange land

I ventured out tonight to take photos of the parched earth. I’ve seen worse, but not this early in the summer.

We’re really hoping for some promised rain tonight. Our grass is a lovely shade of taupe.

I’ve never really liked the shade of taupe on its own. I do like it paired with white or with some rich color.

But back to the earth.

As I walked under the hickory tree, I noticed that it was laden with nuts.

Come autumn, if I was a real hardy country girl, I’d be picking them off the ground and then shelling them to use in a pie. Or to mix with wild rice. Or any of [these recipes]. Can you imagine how much work that would be?

I think I’d have to be really hungry to do all that.

Continuing the walk, I see George, in a Gaussian blur, framed by the branches.

But wait, is that Blackie back there that I see?

What is that cat doing?

Oh, I want to be a Gaussian blur, mom! Take a picture of me. Here, I’ll pose.

*Snort*. You can’t be a Gaussian blur, you silly cat. You have to POSE PROPERLY for the camera.

Yer doin’ it all wrong!

I am bored with this now. Please go away.

(Note: She always does this when the camera comes out.)

Mom, can I show her how it’s done? Can I? Can I please?

Sure, George. Go ahead. But please don’t gloat.

I’m showing you how to pose here, cat. So listen, ok?

There.

Yeah.

I’m a celebrity.

I’ll pose however you want, just say the word.

Either this really happened just now or the extreme heat is giving me the vapors.

Until tomorrow, I hope . . .