So far we have enjoyed a cooler summer than in recent years, and last week we even had two full days of constant, soaking rain … something we had rarely if ever seen in August. Our first ‘near-frost’ was actually two weeks ago — we woke up one morning and our LaCrosse weather station reported 32.8 degrees F (0.4 C).
[Yes, that .8 would suggest someone here at the ranch is a bit of a weather nerd, but let’s not reflect further on that.]
Our first real frosts are usually in late August, and always by the end of the first week in September, and though we haven’t had it yet, the past couple of days have been unusually cool and fall-like. Yesterday was just a raw day … cold and wet and windy. More like late October than August. With the temperature never getting above the 50s and the wind howling at 15 mph, the house had become uncomfortably cool by early evening — and that meant a cold night ahead. So for the first time Alayne or I could remember, I fired up the wood stove in August.
Never far from the warmth of a wood stove is blind-and-deaf Spinner, and I took her photo yesterday evening not long after I got the fire started. This morning when we got up the house was warm and toasty.
We’re supposed to return to the 70s Friday and Saturday, but be back into the 50s by Sunday … and with a high of only 53 degrees (11.6 C) forecast for Labor Day on Monday. I think I’d better get started splitting some more wood for the stove!
Rolling Dog Farm Blog 
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