All the wonderful things I love about summer must be done in the unforgiving Arkansas heat. We are making it happen. This past week two of our children have been over in Oklahoma at church camp. After dropping them off, I am certain it was at least 10 degrees hotter over there. Coming home felt like a cool front had moved in.
We had some much-needed rain this week and it seemed to settle the dust on the farm for at least a few hours. Most of the first cutting hay has been moved in from fields. It was fun watching our sons work alongside their dad to keep things moving this month. They are learning valuable lessons by watching their dad.
One of our favorite summer traditions is going to the Rodeo of the Ozarks.
Our oldest daughter has been helping put helmets on all the little sheep riders this week during the mutton busting competition. There are more than 30 riders every night, so this is no small task. She stayed every night to enjoy all the festivities of the rodeo after.
We were able to attend the rodeo on opening night. We knew two of the three rodeo queen contestants – a niece, and a friend who is like-a-niece competing. Each of the girls had been through an interview, horsemanship, modeling and well thought out speeches in front of a panel of tough judges. This year, Carson Howle, a University of Arkansas student who is on the collegiate ranch horse team was crowned Rodeo of the Ozarks Queen. We had the pleasure of watching Carson grow up and we were all very proud of her. All the girls worked hard, dressed up and represented the sport of rodeo with a lot of class.
When we are not doing chores or helping with a task outside, you will probably find one or all of us cooling off in the pool. I was worried about our kids who were at camp this week staying hydrated. I picked the youngest one up on a Saturday and he looked tired, but he escaped without a sunburn. He had a wonderful experience.
The heat can be dangerous. We must look out for one another as we press on through the hottest days of summer. I have watched both elderly and young people get taken out by the merciless heat. One of our favorite tips is keeping cool rags in the cooler to drape over necks. Hats are non-negotiable around here and neither is sunscreen.
Our garden and flowers have required a little more water this week as the temperatures have escalated. The tomatoes were ripe and red even before Independence Day this year. They are so delicious. We have already dug up all our potatoes and onions. The worms have taken over the broccoli and what was left of our lettuce varieties has begun to bolt. It is one of my greatest joys picking and sharing our produce.
It is nearly July as I share what has been happening here in our home but there is still a lot of summer left to enjoy. We are looking forward to some 4th of July backyard barbecues, fireworks and cooling off in the lake, river or swimming pool. I hope you are soaking up summer and finding ways to beat the heat too, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
