Tractors, Sheep, Hay and Celebratory Parades

The bright orange Allis, with Steve at the wheel, proudly makes its annual trip to Red Hook for the Memorial Day parade, sputtering to a halt twice along the way but smoothly making it through the most important part, the roll down Broadway in front of the cheering onlookers. Olivia and friend Lois are the first to climb aboard the hay wagon, later joined by Deborah, Caitlin, Nicholas and Mr. Chris, all madly waving to the crowds. The fire trucks, town officials, kiddie hay wagons, vintage cars and school marching bands follow. What a wonderful reaffirmation of small town culture – Red Hook strutting its stuff, everyone friendly and appreciative.

Another event in late May – the giant catalpa bursts into full bloom. Its fragrance catches us by surprise as we walk the grounds, prompting us to suck in deep breaths and sigh. The sheep, dwarfed by the magnificent tree, are oblivious to its beauty and intent only on grazing but they add serenity to the picture.

Later in June, as the summer heat dries out the pastures and the first crop of hay is cut, it’s time to store bales in the barn, ready to be pulled down when the grass is sparse or disappears altogether. But for now, we revel in the fullness of early summer.