Here we are, finding ourselves pretty well in the same situation as last week, as far as the weather outlook is concerned. A good number of the stock ponds and dirt tanks have fairly well dried up, most of the creeks have stopped running, the River is barely trickling, and some of the wells are sucking wind. If you happen to be one of the number of folks that has had to resort to hauling water, whether for livestock or house use, you know that we get to visit with a good many folks in the same situation at the filling station down by the water works at the Mill Pond. Just about any kind of tank that will hold over two or three hundred gallons has been put into service. The good side to all of this trouble during drought is that we can count ourselves amongst the fortunate as to having such an abundance of water in San Saba and we are one week closer to the next rain.

Considering all the aspects of the hot dry weather doesn’t give us much encouragement regarding the farm & ranch scene. If you need to get a good indicator, drive out to Harkeyville on a Wednesday or Thursday and see

the number of cattle being unloaded at the Jordan’s Livestock Auction. Nearly every run the past few weeks have been at record levels for the regular auctions. I visited with Owen Parks at the fuel pumps earlier in the week and he related that he didn’t have to haul any water as he had hauled all his cattle off. He might be about the smartest Rancher in the County. We’ve been getting reports of most of the livestock producers cutting their numbers by significant amounts. Most of we natives must admit that though we are certainly not tourists, we probably still have not gotten used to prolonged drought.

Going back to the Fall Garden calendar we’ve been visiting on the past couple of weeks might help divert our attention to more pleasant subject matter. I’m sure you have begun activities concerning soil preparation , so we’ll share some secrets regarding "starting seed". It is definitely more difficult to start seed during hot dry weather. It might be advisable to soak larger seeds such as Okra, peas, beans, and cantaloupe overnight between two dampened paper towels. Smaller seeds such as carrots, radish, and leaf lettuce should be covered with a light application of mulch or compost to help them retain enough moisture to sprout. Some seeds, such as most of the Cole crops, will not germinate during hot weather and planting should be delayed until temperatures moderate such as following a

cool-front. Frequent watering such as several times daily can also improve germination. Once your seedlings are established, water deeper and less frequently. Now go out there and be a glad gardener.

Most of you Harkeys should have gotten a flyer from Cousin Barbara this past weekend reminding us of the upcoming dates and activities for the Harkey Family Reunion. By the time you might be reading this, you still have about a week or so to figure out what you might want to cook for the Sunday dinner or which item might be a big hit for the White Elephant sale, Sunday after lunch. Sat.-Sun., July 30-31, are the dates, and the Reunion will still be held at the American Legion Hall down by the Mill Pond. Eddie Ragsdale & yrs. truly have already set out lines out to try and catch enough Catfish for the Sat. evening Family Fish Fry. Maybe we can even get the Mayor to come down and visit with all of us out around——Harkeyville!!!!!!!!