Sunday, June 8, 2008

Oasis


High: 86° F
Low: 64° F
Conditions: Humid with a chance of thundershowers

It’s hot. Really hot—for Maine, anyway. Whenever possible, the animals have spent the day sprawled out over table tops and cool floors. For most of the afternoon, Ari has occupied herself begging for frozen blueberries (her favorite snack--especially this time of year). Even the carnivorous cats seem interested in these chilly little snacks--though Ari's having a hard time remembering how to share. Still, the two felines persist, albeit it that cavalier, I'm-a-cat-so-I'm-too-cool-to-really-care kind of way.

The unexpected hot weather might reasonably deter many a canine from stepping outside, but not a true caninaturarlist. As far as Ari is concerned, it’s perfect conditions for visiting our neighborhood watering hole.

This is one of the town’s five fire ponds. Dug fifty years ago, It’s still used by our volunteer fire department to refill its tankers after a blaze. Since that doesn’t happen very often, mostly it just serves as a great wildlife refuge in miniature. During the early spring, we can catch the salamanders and peepers here. By autumn, a single blue heron will have moved in for a brief layover before heading further south.

This time of year, the pond is a great place for Ari to get a slimy, free-range salad before her proper dinner. It’s also wonderful bullfrog and turtle watching, which is what she’s doing here.
When they’re on holiday, we make do with a little mucky wading or swimming: the only things that can possibly compete with frosty blueberries and a cool tile floor on a day like today!

21 comments:

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

You certainly know how to cool off.
We don't think that is hot though since it is in the upper 90's here. you guys are having wonderful weather..

Big Sloppy kisses
Gus and Louie

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathryn and Ari! Today was a great day for a swim (if you're a dog!) I hope you both enjoyed the excursion. Thanks for your kind words about Kyle and poor Fishy. We miss him heaps. And congrats about the book deal! That is splendid news, we''ll be looking forward to the collected musings of you and Ari. Give Ari an extra treat from us.

Ali

Eve said...

Well Daisy Lu says "Yummy" to the pond salad...I'm thinking not so much! I'm so glad it finally warmed up for you guys! Us too!!!

Lorenza said...

That place sure looks perfect for a little swim!
You have very nice weather there!
Today we had 106 degrees!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Kapp pack said...

That pond looks very refreshing!

Woo woo, Kelsey Ann

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

This eastern weather caught us all by surprise, we reached 101 today. We nearly melted!

Rhea said...

Beautiful oasis! I love it. Does Ari like to swim? Our sweet Annie would be in that pond quicker than you could say FETCH. She loves swimming for sticks. My boys love looking for frogs. :o)

John Theberge said...

The lupines are blooming in this area and I may go and photograph some later in the week. I photograped a huge patch of them last year in Greene.

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

hee hee, I like your comment about cat's attitudes in your first paragraph! Frozen blueberries is an odd thing for a dog to like, isn't it?
The ponds look great and is that a reflection of clouds in the first photo? Very nice!
--JB

Studio Evans said...

Ari that pond looks wonderful!
It's still so cold here in western Canada that I can see my breath in the morning when I go for a walk!
My ma is missing that California sunshine big time!

Down with squirrels!
Viva la resistance!

Gunner

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

These kinds of ponds can be little treasures for wildlife. Many of the places I go for my nature walks are like this.

Frozen blueberries sound good here, too. It's 92°F / 33°C now, and still rising here in Connecticut.

The Army of Four said...

I thought you were going to say you were snacking on the cats! Hee hee hee!
Love,
Ammy
PS: Those are gorgeous pictures!!!

Anonymous said...

I am sure Ari loved having you to take her to the pond on June 8th. I bet she was glad you were in Maine and not in Illinois or some other Midwestern state. Ari is so lucky to have you around!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

That Ammy soooo thinks like I do!

Chilled khytty would be good a hot day like we had here in PA!!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

The Daily Echo said...

Oh Ari it's so hot here too! Blech. That pond is quite the appetizer buffet. I wouldn't mind exploring that.
ECHO

Mary said...

We have been having a mini heatwave here too with temps in the 80s. Nothing quite like a bit of pond dipping to cool off!

Jan said...

Fire ponds...what a great idea. I have never heard of them, but it makes so much sense to maintain them.

Khady Lynn said...

Wow, sure looks beautiful, but I can sure understand the crappy hot and humid weather. We have been getting the same thing! Stay cool!!! The a/c vent is a great place to hang out!

holly

umekotyan said...

Good evening Ari.
It is a pond due to a fire.
In the place where I live, there is a pond used to engage in farming.

Only the collapse had the digit thing for about five years also in
the place because of the previous typhoon.
The weather disorder of the United States was televised.
There are a hot place and a place where the cold is intense.
It takes care.
The pond is the one that can be exactly called space with various ecosystems.
Be wonderful, and with the adventure of nature. :)

from loved ume tyan

-The Mullin Clan's Mommy- said...

Pretty pics! Cosi is not fond of water. I could just picture Juni jumping into the pond! He loves playing in his water bowl & rolling around on the wet floor after he overturns his bowl.

Marlene, Cosmos' & Juneau's Mommy

Charity, Katie, Louie & Natalie said...

I love those Oasis photos. The reflection in the water of the clouds and trees is so pretty...a very inviting scene.

I'm glad you reminded me of frozen blueberries. My huskies loved them. I need to try them out on the Newfs.