That’s like progress, but with more mud. I took half a vacation day yesterday for two reasons: first because I was working toward a migraine, and the way to head one off at the pass is not sitting at a desk, staring at a computer screen; and second, to work on the edges of the pond because it wasn’t hot at all, and stretching out muscles with physical labour actually does work to head off a migraine  (sometimes…it’s still trying). It’s muddy as hell and slippery in the pond, but I got a fair bit done. Just part of the back left to edge, then mash down the stuff I can’t reach from inside. P said he’ll run over the edges as close as he can get with the big ride-on.

The north side. This is the low side that really needs to be built up.

My entry point will be left for last. This doesn’t need building up; just some shaping.

Only the north side left to go. Goddamn, what a lot of dirt I’ve moved in this yard!

Non-pond related, my Spicebush Doot-doots are growing well. Still look like bird poop, but another moult or two and they’ll look like tiny, green snakes.

I counted nine Monarchs last night, in varying sizes from 1/2″ to nearly ready to pupate.

Milkweed bugs are kind of a pest, but the nymphs are so cute.

Again, I know they’re weeds, but I still love oak leaf morning glory.