Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 71*F, 91% RH, 0744
Like smoke signals, steam rises in bursts from my blue coffee cup. Stops. Air quality “poor” perfumed by fire, other unpleasant odors. Sun, glowing ember seen moving through leaves toward singed sky.
Ruger yelped as a giant stepped on his foot, same foot one of them stepped on yesterday. He’s limping out the door, lies down on the deck. I shoo tenacious deer flies from his face. On my arm a round, red circle size of a dime, centered the dark red entry point. Still slightly swollen, not itching, not fading. Only female deer flies bite.
Yesterday, a doe standing in the stream. Zayne eventually noticed movement, jumped, barked. LEAVE! He looked at me puzzled. WATCH. He has not learned. He may not learn.
Instinct is stronger than teaching.
Photo: LJ Austin
