Lifestyle

It is time for the annual congratulations column.

I can't say that this summer has had unusual weather for Oklahoma because unusual is pretty much normal for Oklahoma no matter what season. We have had some super-hot days for weeks recently with no rain, and that is stressful for the plants as well as the gardeners who care for them. I am just trying to keep plants alive at this point and waiting for cooler September temperatures and rain.

This morning, I was out bright and early to be at Lincoln to get some photos and chat about the first day back to school. That got me to thinking about my own first days of school.

The Olympics have come to a close and what a glorious run it was.

If you want to try for a decent fall tomato crop, here are some things I've learned: There are two schools of thought — set out new plants you have started from seeds or purchased in July or carry over the spring plants into fall. If you decide to pull out the old plants, you will need to set out new plants that can stand up to the heat and still have time to produce a crop before the first freeze. The problem is that it's almost impossible to find tomato plants to replant in July, and it’s very stressful on new plantings when the temperature is so high. You would definitely want to provide some shade from the hot sun and drying wind.

In an old episode of Family Guy, Peter Griffin briefly gets a job on a local news station where he rants about things that annoy him in a segment called “You know what really grinds my gears.”

It is not easy coming out of retirement.

Have you ever put something down only to have it completely disappear from where you’re sure you put it? How about dropped something but find yourself unable to find it a split-second later? Did either of these hypothetical items later turn up in an unlikely spot?

Summer temperatures are here; and, thanks to Hurricane Beryl, some of us have gotten some rain the last few days. I have gotten enough rain that I haven’t had to water anything, not even container plants. The temperatures have been cooler, and the plants in my landscape look clean, refreshed, and rejuvenated. I hope it doesn’t get so hot in the next few days it is like a sauna. On the negative side, the wind has been blowing really hard and the grass has greened up and grown really fast. The main things that will need to be done in July are watering, deadheading, weeding, managing pests, and harvesting vegetables. Work early in the morning and late in the evening when it is cooler. That is also prime mosquito time so be sure to take precautions. Health departments in Oklahoma have reported the presence of West Nile Virus already which is dangerous for humans and horses so protect yourselves and your animals. Follow the shade, and drink lots of water. Make time to enjoy your yard instead of just working in it.

What an educational opportunity this year’s sheriff election provided to the county and surrounding areas.