Anyone who has visited Sundog Ranch knows why we might want a large body of water near by.  Not just to keep humans cool…

What else it there to do besides try to keep cool on a hot summer day?  Since it is Saturday I think a little dip in the pool before we do gardening chores is in line.While I get out my camera I keep the pool toys hidden.  Everybody is mellow just cooling off.   Sasha has the favorite spot.The favorite spot is a little ledge in the deep end.  Perfect for sitting if you don’t want to go for a full swim.It gets the essentials wet.Meanwhile Maisie decides to wait in the shade.  Lassen and Nevada have elected to stay inside.  Too much competition.All of the sudden I hear a little MEOW.  Guess who have decided not be be JUST barn cats.Yes…. it is the Manx brothers hiding out in the shade of the Redbud bushes.   They can feel the energy.  They know that action is about to happen. Yolo has now moved in on the favorite spot with a toy.  “Thanks Mom, I’ll just sit here and fondle it with my mouth for awhile before we get started”Wet is good right now.The Manx brothers are up to something with some stiff looking partners.Crazed kitties take cover with the stiff ones.  What next?Pouncing in the grass, just like wild cats.All at once the action starts.Maisie is back to her true form.  After a pregnancy and puppies this spring and then “THE SURGERY” last week she is feeling good!Sasha gets competitive.  Duelling dogs.Poor Yolo looks on not knowing if he should get involved in this.But he does and now we have a threesome.Maisie is ready for more.Like mother like daughter.  “Throw it will ya?”Maisie is ahead but Sasha has the stretch and the leap down….what did I say like mother like daughter.   Watch out Maisie.  Nevada decides to get in on things and at least get her feet wet.  Yolo is practicing the come in from the side and steal the toy trickIt’s close.Sasha veered to the right, leaped out at the favorite spot and left Maisie and Yolo in the dust….I mean pool.And then a strange thing happened. Sasha got a little crazed like the kitties.  Suddenly the toy did not matter.A serious shake off was needed.And poof….ready for action.  Another kind of action.You see dragon flies where in the air.  It is Sasha’s mission in life to catch their shadows.  She’s having a really hard time catching one but she keeps a positive attitude.They move really fast.But if she stays still and……pounces.Just maybe she will get one.Meanwhile Yolo decides to stay wet and play on his own since play at the pool is coming to a end.  He just knows.Dogs cooled off and happy. Now it is time for the garden chores.  Which hat to wear?Where to start?  How about a little rest and cool water.  The garden can wait.The Crape Myrtle agrees.The grapes are fine too.  Pruning can wait.The new lotus soaking up the sun and water is as happy as can be.So are the Zinnia’s. And basil….pesto anyone?Beyond the garden, beyond the fence, is the “au naturale” terrain.  Here Rosie patrols the boundaries of the fence wondering if she can break in anywhere and eat that luscious deer grass.  The heat does not faze her.Unfortunately no such luck Rosie girl.  So back to hanging with the goats.  Just like she is suppose to do.The heat DOES get to the Manx brothers.  Mangus takes a little snooze. Peek a boo.  Don’t let the heat get to you.

Adios Amigos!  Until next time.