We made another big step in getting the pool ready. Mr. FixIt put the ladder in for me so I could get in with the broom and brush down the sides and bottom to loosen up all the dirt, dead algae, and debris. The first dip in the pool is always a little shocking. Even though the water temperature was 80°, it still felt chilly when I got in. However, after a few minutes, it was comfortable and I didn’t even notice it. I trapped three little green tree frogs yesterday and put them back in the trees where they belong. If they keep getting in the pool, I’ll start taking them down to the creek where there’s a good water supply.

I spent at least three hours in the pool cleaning it. Talk about an upper body workout! My upper arms and shoulders were telling me to quit about an hour before I finally did. I’m sure I’ll feel it today. Mr. FixIt cut the last two boards and put them in place then cleaned up all the tools because it’s supposed to rain today.

I’m kind of excited about having a rainy day. I need to make a few phone calls, schedule some appointments, and really start working on the curtains for the camper. We run from the time we get up till we fall in bed at night at this time of year. We need a little break. Of course, the rain will make the grass grow so we’ll soon be out there working again, so it’s not much of a break.

I go out every day and survey the grounds for pollinators. I’ve seen a few more honey bees the last couple of days and that’s been encouraging. If I were younger and financially better off, I’d seriously look into keeping bees myself. But we are gone too much and it’s necessary to travel to Colorado every summer to see my family. I’ve found a nursery here in West Virginia that sells native plants and seeds for wildflower gardens for pollinators. I’m going to take a field trip to interview the owner and pick up a few things that will contribute to “bee food.” Our most frequent pollinator this year has been the Common Eastern Bumblebee. They’re rather small and dainty and I love them. 

I need to start making a list of what we need to get done before our trip. The 27th is sneaking up on us! Yikes!

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“The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.”

Psalm 115:16 ESV