Peonies

These are from Conshohocken so we thank Grandma Sue/GG, but we also think of Grandma Gloria as these were one of her favorite flowers.  Peonies always remind me of Memorial Day; these had perfect timing this year.
We spent Memorial Day afternoon at the Boalsburg event and the Military Museum.  At 93 degrees, even if the exhibits hadn't been interesting, the AC was worth the entrance fee.

We tried to work in the meadow making some more crop circles (weed-whack and spray with Round-up) for more DCNR trees.  We lasted until 10:30 before we were spent.  The meadow really collects the moisture.

We are planting a white pine grove to help block R/D's bear light from our bedroom.  The DCNR trees are only 12" tall so we may supplement with bigger trees from Mussers.
Even the dogs don't beg to run.  When given the opportunity to go out, they don't turn it down, but they are much more forgiving of indoor rests.
Reading With Trapper Jim in the North Woods (1913) Lawrence J. Leslie  Five boys spend the early fall learning how to hunt and trap. Over simplified and prettied up a lot but a cute read.

Happy Birthday Gambol

1 year old today; a spoonful of "Peachy Paterno" to celebrate. We took him to the Boalsburg Memorial Day celebration. He actually does better off leash than on; he really tugs even with the collar up around his ears, but off leash we can walk at a good heel for a long time. He didn't mind being hugged by a little girl who just snuck up on us and didn't ask for permission. And he didn't pay much attention to all the other dogs also out for a stroll.
Rain all day today but not until after our sunrise walk. The forest canopy is thick and makes the paths very dark now, so with the dark clouds and some fog it was kind of eerie stepping into the Dark. Hopefully cutting some of the grapes off at the roots will help the light supply more than it hurts the food supply. Gypsy moths seem to have collapsed; I've killed a few but unless they are really late (spraying has already ended in other parts of the county) I think we are safe for now. That's one invasive checked off for the year.