No doubt about it - it's been Hot! Humid too, with the dew points into the high 70's. All that pushed the heat index over 105 for the last few days & today was no exception. Last evening we had big plans though! Kay set out chairs & fans, cold ice tea & snacks. We watched a super fireworks display at the LeFever's, with Seth as our
ignition tech!
 |
| Early evening on the 3rd. The marigolds are now in full bloom! |
Linus's seeds have made a wonderful hedge of beautiful marigolds & the original orange daylily's are in bloom behind them. I've been watering a couple times a day & they seem to be handling the heat better than most of the flowers. Those in pots bake, even getting watered three times a day.
Today, Grandma's ice cream maker took center stage! It had been among Mom's things in her garage in Boulder. I had to wonder what Grandma would think? Her ice cream maker had made ice cream on so many Fourth-of-July days here in IA, when I was a kid. Then, at Mom & Dad's in Boulder, it was used a few more times. Now, here it is back in Iowa & back to doing what it does best! I used Grandma's recipe for the mix. We didn't have the farm fresh cream, but we did have eggs off the farm!
 |
| Linus & Butch in the laundry room~ |
With the record breaking heat, there was no way the guys could set up outside, even in the shade & expect the ice cream to freeze. The laundry room in the basement worked. Farah's feed tub acted as a drainage basin. Gary pitched in too & the three men took turns cranking. It didn't take long & soon the cream froze! It was packed in fresh ice & covered with towels to season.
 |
| Finished product! |
After dinner, out the can came. When we opened it up - well - it was perfect! To say that it was good - isn't saying enough!
 |
| Home~ |
Our second
Fourth in IA & the time has flown. The date of the Blue's & Brews Festival at the park has been changed to August. This in the hope that more people will be in town to boost attendance. The weather man is promising us a couple cooler days & we're ready! The firefly's are lighting up the dark, humid nights & the cicadas' are just starting to chirp. A sure sign that our summer is here!
