Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Monsoon in June


These photos of one enchanting sunset from the first week of June are evidence of the amazing weather we have enjoyed this year...


Unusual weather as well as the rains are usually gentler and fewer in May, and June is typically quite dry, and usually May and June are quite hot.


This year the rains came early...


...and have stayed...





Toads are abounding around SunStar... our population has increased well these last few years..
This year the first toad was spotted months early hanging around the front of the house.. 
a good sign for a wet year




Many evenings this summer we have driven home from GoatScaping somewhere to watch incredible electric storms and black-wet micro-storms trending across the sky, trailing water as they go...



The weather has been wonderful, may it continue! 


The goats are busy working in weedy yards and in invaded fields and under overgrown solar arrays... 
Any time spent at home on the range is an opportunity to jump for joy, kicking up their heels in frolic as they head to their tumbleweed field to fill up full of tumbleweed and grasses and clover and saltbush...



GoatScaping Solar Installations in New Mexico


This solar array at the San Marcos Cafe and Feedstore south of Santa Fe on Hwy 14 (well known for their fabulous food) is the second large solar installment that our goats have worked. 
In both cases they have proven to be very safe and effective in reducing the vegetation which will otherwise grow tall and interfere with accessing the panels for both maintenance people and importantly: sunlight... 


Many installations across our nation are currently maintained either by hand pulling the weeds or with the all too common herbicide, Rodeo. 
One being very labor intensive and the other being at odds with the "green" nature of solar, and with balanced life on earth. 


Managed Goats and Sheep are a perfect match for photovoltaic arrays...


Mowers and weed whackers can be used but they must not throw rocks. 
Also, much of the biggest and thickest vegetation often grows right up against the panels and the frame making mechanical removal there difficult to impossible...


...Goats enjoy working photovoltaic arrays...