Apparently the heat has gotten to a lot of us. Our water bills will be above average. Usually this happens in August, but we can’t judge or guess the weather any better than our grandparents did.

Usually in August or around fair time I have to make that hard decision on what to water and what to let burn up in the heat. I know there are 4-H members who were hoping for produce or crops or flower entries who are also doing some hard math on this.

My problem is I really haven’t gotten to enjoy my flowers enough to let them burn up. Not yet. I was hop-ing to take some open class entries to the fair this year. I am still one day hoping for that all elusive purple ribbon to show up on one of my flowers. I spend quite a bit of time encouraging them to bloom. I keep the pests off of them. I have been taking water in watering cans instead of using the hose to keep better track of my water usage.

My flowers make m happy. They smell great, they don’t judge me when I am out deadheading in ratty, sweaty clothes. It is what I consider a small vice, but everyone has something or should have something that makes them smile.

So I water and prune in hopes of having some petunias or possibly a rose or something that is still alive and looking good in three weeks. Yes, the fair is three weeks away.

It will be here July 31 to August 6th. It will happen whether Main Street is under construction. Whether or not there is a parade on the last day of the event. It will go on no matter how hot or cold it has been.

4-H members, leaders and helpers. Moms and dads even those of us who enter under the open classes or just drop by to look around. The Johnson County Fair will happen.

It will happen no matter what. I hope I have some beautiful flowers to exhibit. I really hope the 4-H members have a great time. I hope they remember this for years to come.

Secretly I hope I have that elusive purple ribbon this year. But no matter what just growing my flowers and entering them make me happy.