Well, it turns out I do remember how to pull weeds. This is a good thing because the weeds did not take a vacation from growing while we were gone. Overall though, the garden looked great. It seems to have survived the week without us, and the lack of rain, just fine. The potatoes are starting to look kinda rough. I'm not sure if they're just finishing their cycle (early, it seems) or if the potato beetles are taking a toll. There don't seem to be a serious enough infestation to be causing the lack of vigor, but who knows. The strawberries have definitely finished their peak. They are "Everbearers", so hopefully we will continue to get a moderate amount through the summer.

When I was out picking the strawberries yesterday evening, I had a wonderful surprise! As usual, the whole group of chickens and guineas was hovering outside the garden fence waiting to snatch up the rotten berries I toss out, but this time Silver was there as well...and she brought along her new keets (that's the technical term for baby guinea)!! There are six babies in this batch, three of which are light colored like Silver. If you haven't seen one in person, it is hard to describe how adorable a baby guinea is. They are half the size of a baby chicken, like a fuzzy little golf ball with bright orange feet. Silver seems to be a very calm, confident, capable mother. Last night I woke up to the sound of at least two barred owls hooting very loudly and rapidly to each other. It sounded like they were on the front porch! I was very nervous for the new babies, but this morning there were still six. Whew!

I'll try to take some good keet pictures, but in the meantime, here are some beach photos, courtesy of Anne Elise and Olga.

Anne Elise and Kerry, two very pregnant beach babes!


Our gracious hosts.


Lots of gourmet cooking went on at this beach house. This was pizza night!


Wait a second....


She's walking!