Good morning and Happy Saturday to everyone! It's a beautiful morning, the fresh smell of rain still in the air, we had some thunderstorms come through the area last evening. There was thunder, lightning and strong wind tossing those trees back and forth, but we really didn't get much rain from it. Perhaps other areas did. Most places, it seems, were reporting 1/4 to 1/3 inch (6 to 8mm) of rain. Right now the sun is shining, through thick smoke once more. Apparently this smoke will likely stay around for at least the rest of the summer. Probably not so thick all the time however.

This is my favorite spot along the river, I haven't been here since my accident 2 years ago, there's one hill I still can't climb to get here.

Summer mornings are so beautiful when the sun shines causing leaves to glow and droplets of dew or rain to sparkle like diamonds on the flowers and grass. Sitting on the deck in the morning with my coffee, the chipmunks running back and forth, stuffing themselves with peanuts, as much as they can carry. The older chipmunks have learned a trick from the younger chipmunks. Open the peanuts and just take the peanut inside the shell, thus leaving the shells for me to clean up, something I never had to do other summers. But that way they can carry more peanuts back home with less trips. A smart move really. You can teach an old chipmunk new tricks. And I'm constantly sweeping up peanut shells, plus they get tracked back into the apartment.

This is another beautiful spot that I enjoy, both of these are perfect solitude places.

Slim was here this morning getting peanuts, which was fine. Then he chased Skamper. So I told him to remember the rule, if he wants peanuts, no chasing the chipmunks. He just looked at me and grabbed another peanut. Then Coffee came and got a peanut and Slim came along and chased him. This time he caught Coffee, who yelped, and I stomped my foot which scared Slim and Coffee was able to get away. Slim and I had a "discussion". Slim ended up sliding down one of the raspberry canes, head first, all those prickles rubbing against his tummy. He scratched, and left. Perhaps he will learn some day, perhaps not. He's welcome to have peanuts, but not hurt my chipmunks. Coffee hasn't been back since that happened an hour ago. Hopefully he wasn't hurt too much. It's such a beautiful summer morning, even if it is smokey. Have a great weekend everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin. (The featured image is from the spot where I sit now)

©2021 Steve McLeod.