You are probably as aware of the weather the past few weeks as is the rest of us. We’ve incurred a fairly warm stretch early this summer. That in itself wouldn’t seem so severe had it been a bit more moist. It has really been trying to rain on us earlier in the week, but San Saba seems to have missed on any of the measurable moisture. It’s a pretty good bet that we’ll get some sometime, but we never know just when that might be. Elton Faught said that he measured up to a half inch out on one side of his ranch, but the gauge on the other side was dry. Pretty typical of some summer showers.

Son, Will was in last weekend visiting with Grandparents, Harkey & Ellis, and helping them tend to a few chores. We had a fish-fry for Daddy on Sat. evening frying a big Bluecat we had caught earlier in the year along with fried taters, hushpuppies, and a batch of squash, okra, and onions. All went pretty well. I think he fixed a big pot of Shrimp Etoufee for Nana on Sunday and Cheryl was in as well, so I know they really enjoyed that. Will is a pretty accomplished Chef.

Shaw & yrs. truly have been catching Perch for bait and running the drop lines somewhat intermittently as of late, but between the Gars and the hot weather, we’ve had little luck. Maybe we might get some time for a bit of rod & reel fishing down below the shoal this weekend as I’ve heard reports from Sr. Verette that Channel Cat are coming to hellgrammites fairly well. Anyhow, guess we’ll have to see just how that turns out. I think Will is planning on coming back in so that might just change our luck.

We would imagine that most of you have some sort of family plans for cooking, picnicking, fireworks, or just plain ol’ celebrating for the up-coming Holiday weekend. We’ll probably barbecue some sort of Pork on Saturday, but Lady Z ordered hot dogs for the 4th. The Harkey House usually takes it pretty easy on that day and wind up watching the Boston Pops Celebration and Concert in the Harbor that evening. I’m not quite sure when and if the San Saba fireworks display will go off, as we’ve already been experiencing some grass fires around our area this past week. It’s a pretty sure bet that the Stars & Stripes Celebration will be a fun activity to attend as they always put on a pretty good show up at Richland. We also got word that Fredericksburg is having their Independence Day Parade at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, and that is usually a fine affair. Tommy Allen & yrs. truly got an invitation to go down and ride in the Parade on the Fbg. Tea Party float as they were wanting some Veterans to be on deck. Maybe we can talk the Mayor into going down with us and leave the rest of the stuff up to all yall out around——————Harkeyville!!!!!!!!!!!