“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Conflict broke out last night when Hamas attacked Israel. Live updates report possible Israeli soldiers captured, multiple dead and 545 people are being treated in Israeli hospitals.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Morning - a few thoughts have been swirling around by head this week.

First up traditional values. If only we could turn back the hands of time to "The Good Old Days" when life was better.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

A little of this and a little of that. Issues effecting everyday life.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Farm update - its been a while. Lots of changes, yet very much the same - a dance with natural cycles.

Officially calling the property a farm not a ranch since the last of the cattle left in January. Only have a couple of old sheep, donkeys and too many roosters for the hens. The last 3 years been focusing effort on a transition to more vegetative production and less winter responsibility of livestock.

Several of the fruit and nut trees planted 5 years ago yielded their small first crop; apricots, peaches, almonds and pears. The older trees are keeping by busy processing fruit; transparent apple, asian pears and 2 varieties of plums. The greenhouse fig, lemon and lime trees also did well.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Morning. Farm is keeping me busy and distracted. Harvesting and processing the various fruits, herbs and vegetables has been taking up all spare time the last few weeks. Unusually successful season.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

In 5 weeks irrigation season will be over. I can tuck all the equipment away until next spring. Then take a bit of a break.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

A few bits of news this week which I anticipate effecting my future years. Time to start planning.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Harvested my first crop of peaches today. About a year after starting to write at C99 started planting trees requiring a little warmer growing season than typical in Central Oregon. The summer temps have been moderate and only a handful of nights the temp stayed above 60 (F). The news has been loud about extreme heat, but it really depends upon where the thermometer is located.

Tuesday was hot. Weather channel predicted 101, it is August hot, dry weather is to be expected. A few chickens were panting even with the shade cloth. Stepping out onto the front porch was comfortable, thermometer read 84. Set a thermometer in the middle of the drive 120 degrees. Five minutes later set by the back porch in the sun only 100.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

Some odd bits of information crossing my path this week.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso

The wide variety of personal knowledge and experience shared in the diaries and comments at C99 has enriched my understanding of events shaping our present. Seven years ago if asked if Kennedy assassination or Vietnam had much direct influence on my life - would have said no.