The weather forecast called for high's in the upper 80's with high humidity, so we were up earlier than normal to get our walk in before it got too warm.  Once the sun was up, the temps rose pretty quickly, so we turned the AC on for only the second time this season.

When we got back to the house this morning, I grabbed my camera and walked around the garden taking some pics of its progress.  Due to the long hours of sunlight, rain showers, and hotter weather, the garden is further along than it usually is this time of year.  The raspberry bushes are just full of maturing berries, the cabbage plants are heading up, and we have a tomato and a few peppers on those plants. Question for brother, Gus--How is your garden doing?

First blossoms on potato plants

 

Raspberries waiting to ripen

 

 Cabbage plants

As you know, we have been constantly trying to keep the birds from getting into our strawberries before they ripen and we can pick them.  This morning as I was walking around the garden, I found the true culprit.  Here is his mug shot:

 

  Caught in the act of sneaking strawberries

The squirrel was so busy going back and forth under the strawberry plants and stuffing his mouth, he never noticed me slowly making my way toward him and taking his picture.  When he finished with the berries, he started toward the cabbage, that's when he spied me and darted away.  John and I have seen two gray squirrels running through the trees in our yard and now we know why they look so chubby and healthy.

Since the weather was on the warm side, John didn't do any work outside today--he spent the morning in the shop where it's nice and cool rebuilding a coffee table he had made a couple of years ago.

Sam had another appointment with his surgeon this afternoon.  Sara had salon appointments and Matt was working in Bemidji, so John and I picked him up and took him to his appointment.  Matt was running a little late, so I registered Sam and then the three of us sat in the waiting room until Matt arrived.  John and I took off to pick up the new tire for the lawn mower and then met up with the guys at Applebee's for some dinner.  We made a quick stop at Wal Mart for some milk and a few other items, and then hit the road home.

Sam had a good report from the doctor.    All bandages are now gone and he has no restrictions as far as using the hand.  His fingers are looking pretty good considering the trauma they suffered.  He will probably have a numb area around the tip of his ring finger, but considering he might have lost the tip, that's a small price to pay for having his finger intact.