The Dog Days of Summer Are Over

Thank the Lord.  The dog days of summer are over.  While it still got to 72 degrees today, there's a coolness in the morning and the leaves of all the pecan trees are falling, blanketing the ground.  We've had a few cool nights, enabling us to burn fires in the fireplace and out in the firepit.  During the summertime, the heat and humidity zaps the energy out of you, but with the influx of fall weather, you get a renewed sense of vitality - a new pep in your step.

That goes for both man AND beast.  Belle is so frisky and playful.  No more laying around (except for tonight as there's a thunderstorm rolling through and she's laying scared underneath my work bench).  The cool weather has prompted her to be so playful, jumping around and chasing you.  Benjamin and Russ were out near the pecan trees giving her a bunch of attention.

Ol' Belle wanted to dance with Benjamin, putting her huge feet up on his shoulder!

Then she jumped up in his arms, the big galoot!

Not only that.  Belle has really stepped up her game as livestock guardian dog.  She watches over all the animals very closely now, barking when any strange dog or person comes around.  Belle's a good ol' girl.  She seems to be very happy on the homestead.  She loves her people.

Belle's not fond of fires, but we are.  I had to take a photo of Tricia and her boys warming up by the fire pit.

We're so pleased that fall is here!