The river was low in the marsh as I crossed it this evening headed home, the surface smooth like glass--reflective as it should be on this evening of all the rest of the year. Midnight, the change from one year to the next, is but one minute moving into another--and much more. For centuries, as long as people could note cycles, this ending/beginning has been noted, and each year, I find myself, like many, many others, reflecting on what has passed and musing upon what is to come.
It has been a year, hasn't it? It's impossible not to think about what has happened in our global world this year. So many lives have been affected in so many ways and we are a different place from that which we were twelve months ago. War, incursions, disasters, retribution. It is yet to be seen what it all will mean.
Our life comes in measures of sweet and sour, joy and pain, arrivals and departures. At the end of a year, it would be very hard not to remember the sad times as well as the glad ones. In fact, I think it's important to remember both and to place the year into the context of one's life. There have been losses this year, friends and family who have moved away or have died, and we remember them tonight. We have also been extraordinarily blessed with wonderful friends and family, good health, and work we love. We have many more days of sunshine than rain and we live in a place that is beautiful no matter the weather.
Of course, the loss of our dear Molly is still a fresh hurt as this year closes, but she remains close in our thoughts and we are happy for those memories.
End of year reflections, beginning of year projections. Where will we go next? What unexpected turn awaits us? What surprise will delight? What occurrence will sadden? The truth is that our happy lot is to live this life as it is meted out, to make of it what we can and will--sunshine/showers, weeds/flowers.
I wish you peace.
Tuesday, December 30th, cloudy early: It's 58 surprisingly mild degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. Morning clouds portend rain, but we are told that whatever showers we do have should end by afternoon and we should have sunshine and upper 60's then.
It's quiet this morning. I don't see any birds outside my window today and Mr. Squirrel hasn't appeared on the roof eave to peer in for several days now. There's even a dearth of birdsong at the moment. A quiet morning, indeed.
Monday, December 29th, continued mild: It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. Scattered clouds and haze obscure the blue sky I can see in the breaks and which should be in evidence through good part of the day. High once again in the mid- to upper 60's.
Even though it has been pleasantly mild over the past two days, the mornings have been very frosty. Each morning, the golf courses have been glazed white even as I drove to work. The trees outside the shop have likewise been rimed and the melt dripped like a rain shower as the sun's warmth took hold.
I saw one eagle at the nest yesterday, presumably the female, as only the head and shoulders were extending above the edge of the nest.
I will tell you the clear definition of "not well." He Who Must Play Tennis has not for a week now because of a bad sinus infection and cough. But he's getting better.
Saturday, December 27th, mostly sunny: It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning. Once again the sky is still in the pre-sunrise haze, but we are expecting lots of sunshine and highs in the lower 60's. Very little breeze, but what there is will be out of the northeast.
I saw both eagles sitting on the limb beside the nest early yesterday afternoon as I was returning to the island. I saw them first and best as I rounded the curve this side of the bridge, both of their silhouettes quite clear. It was harder to see them from in front of the real estate office as you are looking at them against the background of the nest, but the sun highlighted those white heads.
Family arrives this afternoon as Christmas continues.
Friday,
December 26th, partly cloudy:
It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.
The sun is not up yet but the sky is beginning to lighten.
So far, it is overcast, but that is likely to changes as the sun
shines. High in the upper 50's.
Here we are in the second day of Christmas and expecting a pair of turtle doves. We actually have a couple of nearly docile cats who for some reason became very quiet last night. Too much Christmas? The aroma of all those tryptophans in the air? Whatever the cause, it was a nice cessation of hostilities.
There's a bit of frost glazing the wooden handrail on the porch this morning, but there was no ice on the birdbath, so at least out here we didn't have sub-freezing temps overnight. It was chilly enough, however, to enjoy a fire and so we did, a gentle end to a quiet Christmas.
Thursday, December 25th, mostly sunny: It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. We should have a mostly sunny day, albeit a little cooler. High in the mid-50's.
Merry Christmas! I hope Santa made it all the ways to your house in the magic midnight. We spent Christmas Eve with Friends, a very merry event, indeed. Today it's family and a continuing parade of food! Sounds like a holiday to me!
Our herald angel this morning was Miz Bitz who announced the coming of breakfast time. I hear her and Zoë in the living room now discussing the merits of coexistence. Neither one of them seems to be for it.
Wednesday, December 24th, showers early: It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning. Christmas Eve begins with light showers which will hopefully end with the morning. Clouds this afternoon with temps falling into the 30's tonight.
Christmas Eve is, I think, my favorite day of Christmas. It's all about anticipation in both the secular world as well as the religious. Advent candles are almost all lit now. Almost all the Advent calendar windows have been opened. Packages have been given and received and it's almost time to open them. Christmas is almost here and we can almost sit and enjoy it.
I'm up to get an early start at the shop. I hope you have a lovely Christmas Eve, that family and friends are gathering, and that Santa is good to you. He's almost here, you know!
Tuesday, December 23rd, showers possible: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The sky was originally overcast this morning, but I am beginning to see a bit more blue out there as the sun burns off some of the mist. There remains a threat of clouds and showers today with a high in the mid-60's.
The island seems very quiet. We certainly have noticed that more people are traveling away from the island this year than we have noted in the past couple of years. But the wildlife has been active, at least in our area. A bobcat was spotted strolling up our driveway at the end of last week and Mom saw three deer in the front yard yesterday morning. I saw a brown rabbit as I left for work yesterday. The fox is the only one that hasn't checked in with us recently.
Monday, December 22nd, warmer: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, the sun is shining and the wind is calm. Mostly sunny today with a high in the low 60's--much more moderate.
My Mom has arrived for the holidays and will be happy for the warmer weather. I am happy to have someone in the house to watch the Christmas tree...or the cats and the Christmas tree...really Bitz and the Christmas tree. After her initial aggressive attention, she has settled down and doesn't stare wide-eyed at the bubbling lights now. We put the skirt around the bottom and so far, so god. Bitz has even managed to find a small corner of the table the tree is on that's nearly large enough for her to curl up in (she does anyway, and Zoë is happy under the table, partially secluded by the hanging skirt). Molly's angel hangs on the tree, and maybe she's helping to keep the peace there.
Saturday, December 20th, bright: It's 35 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, but 30 inland. The bright sunshine belies that chilled air. No rain and few clouds all day with temps dropping into the low 20's inland and below freezing out here. Helloooooooo, Winter! It's a night to protect tender plants.
I decorated the tree last night and it miraculously is still standing this morning. Miz Bitz has shown great interest in the decorations and I didn't know what to expect. This year's tree is smaller than our usual (6 feet vice 9 1/2) and it's on a small table. Zoë recognizes it as a tree but after several attempts decided that this just wasn't a tree conducive to sleeping under--not enough room and not nearly the branch spread. But she has adapted and I saw her twice curled up under the table the tree is on. We all make accommodations this year...except Bitz, who is busily untying packages.
Bundle up!
Friday, December 19th, gusty: It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The gusty breeze makes it feel a bit cooler, however. The breeze will continue to blow steadily out of the NNW today with lots of sunshine. High this afternoon will be in the mid-50's. We are advised that even the beach areas are likely to have sub-freezing temperatures on Saturday night. You might give some thought to what plants might need to be protected.
Pre-holiday colds continue to plague us, but not the flu, thank goodness, and we can only hope that whatever this virus is will fight off others! He Who Must Play tennis has had the worst of it, but it hasn't stopped him from playing tennis or trying to sing.
Thursday, December 18th, bright: It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning. Yesterday's breeze ushered in a cold front, but also some bright sunshine and clear skies. High today in the mid-50's
Wednesday, December 17th, declining: It's 62 breezy degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, no doubt the high for the day. We are overcast and expecting showers and temperatures falling into the mid-30's out here by night.
It's the centennial of the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk. Routes, seating, and flight duration have all improved since that flight, but it's still not my favorite way to travel. I like car trips and train trips, modes by which there is a real sense of progression. You pass through places, not over them, and you know just how far point A is from point B.
It's midweek and still much to do before the weekend, so I must be about it.
Tuesday, December 16th, nice: It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. There's a slight haze dulling the sky, but it could still be called "blue," and there is very little breeze. Mostly sunny today with a high in the mid-60's. There's a chance of showers beginning this evening.
The recycling truck is arriving even as I write. It seems to be here earlier every week. The good news, I guess, is that they are so reliable, but you can't pause for a cup of coffee before wheeling everything to the street.
I shopped a bit yesterday afternoon. Either I have chosen my two shopping times wisely or there really have not been large crowds of people shopping this season.
He Who Must Play Tennis continues to suffer with a nasty cough, one of many in this area. His singing this weekend is very questionable, I would say.
If you can be outside for part of today, make a point to do so. It should be a lovely afternoon for a walk on the winter beach.
Monday, December 15th, sunshine: It's 36 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning. The sky is mostly clear and blue and there's a light breeze in the treetops. Mostly sunny today with a high in the upper 50's. Despite a continuing cough and cold, He Who Must Play Tennis will be out on the courts this morning.
We actually got our Christmas cards addressed last night, pretty early for us these past few years. When we lived overseas, everything had to be completed early in December, but I haven't been able to keep that discipline since we returned.
I'm hesitating a bit with a tree, however. I don't think I'll do the usual grand tree this year--too many associations with Molly, who will not fill her accustomed place under it. A smaller tree with a different look, I think, just for this year. And there's a special ornament to add this year, a cat angel with a halo slightly askew.
Some of you in the Northeast have another opportunity to take perfect Christmas card photos again. Is that lemonade from lemons, or maybe snow cream from another snowstorm?
Sunday, December 14th, raining: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 10:40 this morning. After overnight rain, then some gray, but not rainy, hours, it is raining once again, not hard, but steadily. Rain is likely to persist until early afternoon, then a slow clearing. High in the mid-50's. Looks like another tennis washout for You Know Who.
It's a somber sort of day, although I did have a couple of cat-cuddle moments with Miz Bitz as I read the paper this morning. Both she and Zoë are now in their daytime retreats and the house is quiet. It will be a good afternoon for inside chores, of which there are many, and maybe some holiday preparations.
Our friends in the north are soldiering through another bout of cold weather with some ice and snow as well. Go safely up there!
Saturday, December 13th, cool and damp: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning, cloudy and breezy. I'm not sure that the overcast will clear away today as nicely as it did yesterday. In fact, it looks as though we are in for a couple of days of gray, showery weather. The high today should be in the lower 50's.
Zoë and Bitz continue to figure out their coexistence. With Molly around, Zoë was the cat who most often backed away from confrontation with Miz Bitz, growling and grumbling and spitting in good measure to express her displeasure, to be sure, but Bitz was the one that instigated most of the contretemps. Of late, Zoë has begun to overtly stand her ground and to exert her seniority. They had a loud discussion about such matters last night and I am sure there are more to come.
Friday, December 12th, a few clouds: It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning with a gray overcast at present. Partly cloudy is the forecast with highs in the upper 50's.
I met a new kitty yesterday, not ours, but in the kiawahchats family. What a beauty she is and a real cuddler. She allowed me to hold her and play with her for a long time, even took a quick little kitty snooze as I held her. Best of all, she has a very robust purr which she shares generously.
I must be off and away as there is always much to be done this time of year. I wonder if Santa's elves hire out?
Thursday, December 11th, mostly sunny: It's 42 degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning as we continue to swing back and forth between warm and cool this season. After yesterday's rain, some of it very heavy, the front has moved through and we are back to clear blue skies and sunshine for the next couple of days anyway. High today in the mid- to upper 50's with some breeze.
The fall colors are about at their peak now with the Bradford pear trees sporting garnet and maroon coats and the grape vine scattering yellow splashes of color along the roadside. It's not dramatic, but 'tis enough.
Wednesday, December 10th, warmer but wet: It's 62 very surprising degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning. There are gray, wet-looking clouds being pushed across the sky by a brisk breeze and we will no doubt have showers today, perhaps even some thunder, as this front moves through. High in the mid- to upper 60's, though. He Who Must Play Tennis will try to do so, even with the showers and wind to contend with.
Tuesday, December 9th, a bit warmer: It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning. Blue skies portend a generally nice day with highs in the low 60's, nearly balmy!
The County Park Light Show is in mid-run on James Island now, but there are also a number we pass between here and town that are shining brightly this year also. There are several on Bohicket Road. On James Island, two in particular, stand out. There's one you can see from Maybank, across the golf fairway to the left past the Stono Bridge. Then there's the brand new house on Riverland Terrace and Central Park Road. They outshine the moonlight!
In town, we are beginning to see white lights and greenery, red bows and candles in the windows. Face it...the holidays are upon us.
Monday, December 8th, continued cool: It's 39 degrees on my back porch at 1:45 this very early morning. The temp will continue to fall to just above freezing out here by the coast and around 30 inland. When the sun rises, it should be in a clear sky and provide some warmth during the day, at least into the mid-50's.
The sky is clear tonight and the moon is very bright. The bare branches of the river birches cast a sharp, clear tracery of moonshadows over the yard, From the window, I can easily see the stone cat in Molly's Garden surrounded by the moonlight-reflecting alyssum. Bright moonlight always makes me wakeful and it is not unusual that I am up and about in the silvery light. What is unusual is that Molly isn't up with me, blinking a bit sleepily, but tagging along to see what I might be up to. There were some good head scratches and tummy rubs to be had and even, sometimes, a midnight treat or two, when the two of us stood the moonlight watch.
I know that to some here it is cool comfort indeed to say we may have some nippy weather at present, but at least we don't have snow. One of our northern readers reports that the birds are cross-country skiing there and sent us photos to show us why!
Sunday, December 7th, bright: It's 34 degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning. There's a very light skim of ice on the birdbath this morning and the air is filled with the sound of heat pumps. But the sky is blue, the sun is bright, and the air is crisp--all in all a beautiful morning. High this afternoon in th emid-50's.
The number of egrets around our pond has increased dramatically over the last couple of days. Last evening by 5:30 there were few empty branches , at least in the prime seating areas. When we returned very late after the CSO concert, the white birds shone in the dark night like stars in the night sky.
Saturday, December 6th, chilled sunshine: It's 39 breezy degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning. While we will see sunshine today, it is going to be chilly with the afternoon high in the low 50's. The occasionally gusty winds will add to the discomfort.
Courage to those of you in the Northeast who are looking out on a load of the white stuff today. December is becoming quite the snowy month for some of you.. Stay in if you can and go carefully if you must go at all!
He Who Must Play Tennis played in the chilly gloom yesterday and has a match scheduled in the brisk sunshine this morning, so the weather here certainly is not extreme!. I can hear him in the kitchen now, fortifying himself with some granola and talking to Zoë and Miz Bitz who are hanging around awaiting any leftover milk that might come their way!
Friday, December 5th, continued gloom: It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning. It is not raining at the moment and with any luck, the bulk of the rain ins behind us. We are likely to have drizzly showers throughout he day and a high in the mid-50's.
What a messy day yesterday turned out to be! I did go into West Ashley and suffered through driving in some of the most persistent rain I have seen in some time. This wasn't the heavy, driving, big-drop rain, but millions of small drops in a constant sheet. Coming over the Limehouse bridge and descending toward Johns Island, the landscape in front of me looked for all the world like hill country in mountain mist.
He Who Must Play Tennis thinks he has a 10AM match. At the moment, that looks doubtful, although I have just now heard a lone bird chirping somewhere off in the distance.
Thursday, December 4th, dreary: It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 8:00 this morning. It has been raining since the early hours of the morning and doesn't look as though it is going to stop in the very near future. High today near 50.
This is not a pouring, driving rain, but a soaking one. It is steady but gentle enough that water droplets form at the twig ends of the river birch and hang there like beads until they reach a critical weight or there's a gust of wind to send them down in a shower of their own.. It's a process an observer could lose herself in observing from the comfort of warm shelter.
Zoë begged to go outside as usual this morning, hesitated a bit as she she her paws on the wet deck, and went out anyway, keeping to the deck edges under the eaves, then under the grill cover and the chairs. Within minutes, though, she was more than ready to come back in. Her memory is short, however, and I see her at the door now and again, asking.
I will have to be out in this messy weather today. If you are out and about also, drive carefully.
Wednesday, December 3rd, a few clouds: It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning. The sky is blue but not as brilliant as it was the past couple of days. What is now just a slight hazy scrim is likely to thicken into actual clouds as the day progresses. High in the mid-50's.
Winter light, especially on clear days, has a crystalline quality. The slant of the light is long and there's usually less moisture in the air to "soften" the light. It was just so yesterday afternoon around 4:30 as I headed across the marsh. The long light out of the west snapped everything as I looked eastward into sharp focus with unusual clarity. By the time we crossed the marsh just 35 minutes later, on our way into town, the sun was setting and the western sky was a mixed palette of coral, salmon, and yellow--and several other colors as yet unnamed. It was a lovely end to a late autumn day.
Tuesday, December 2nd, bright: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:25 this morning. Sunshine lights the top of the trees this morning, but this time of year the sub stays so low that it takes a while for the ground underneath to receive some of that light. It will we a bit cooler than yesterday (wasn't it beautiful!), with the high pushing to get near 60.
Zoë was a happy, smug cat last evening when she came inside to find that Bitz was under the couch. Now, Bitz is of a size that while she can get under the couch, it takes some effort. The same is true with getting out. Aha! Zoë had her trapped! They hissed and spat at each other, paws darting furiously back and forth. After the short battle, Zoë just backed off and sat and watched. Bitz would cautiously stick her nose out or twist her head around so that she could see better. Zoë was right there, waiting. Eventually, Zoë tired of the game and walked away and Bitz quickly squirmed her way into the open. It will be interesting to see if she goes there again.
Mr. Squirrel has just peered in the window at me but has quickly run away.
Monday, December 1st, a bit warmer: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:25 this morning, sunny with only an occasional light breeze. Sunshine through most of the day and a high around 65. We can't complain.
The fairways and greens were lightly frosted yesterday morning and I would imagine that the cool temperatures will start the verges to lose their green now. There was a substantial layer of ice on the shop's birdbath, and I am told that further up on John's Island the birdbaths were completely frozen. It was a chilly day for certain and people are discovering if their heat pumps need a bit of attention on the heating side.
I can see about a half dozen leaves stubbornly clinging to the river birch outside my window. The pines and oaks, palmettos and myrtles belie the season by remaining green. I can see a squirrel running along on of the main oak branches, up to his nest, but there's no other movement in the trees this morning. Everyone must still be in a warm nest waiting a little longer for the sun to warm the air.
Sunday, November 30th, chilly: It's 36 brisk degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning, but the sky is very blue and the sun is shining. With the temperature reaching the lower 60's later and the calmed breeze, we should have a very nice day.
There's actually frost on the roof shingles this morning where the sun has not yet struck the house. I would bet that inland there was indeed a freeze overnight. This should at least quell the mosquitoes for a while.
Both Zoë and Miz Bitz were on the bed with us at some time overnight, but not at the same time. We continue to work towards coexistence in Molly's absence and the cooler weather may work in our favor.
Have you noticed the abundant holly berries shining on the trees this year?
Saturday, November 29th, cool sunshine? It's 44 very crisp degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning. The sky is blue after the very rainy afternoon and there's a moderate to strong breeze. We will warm only into the upper 50's today and may even have a freeze tonight away from the coast. Hold on, though, we will warm up a little on Sunday.
I saw the bald eagle soaring in the breeze yesterday morning as I left he island. He canted slightly in the air and the sun lit the brilliant white on his head, legs and tail and it was quite obvious who I was seeing. Was he fishing or was he out for a morning jaunt?
Don't forget: This year's POPS/Resort Tree Lighting and Caroling ceremony will be on Tuesday, December 2, in front of the Inn from 5:30~6:30 PM. Come and enjoy seasonal refreshments and caroling led by the Kiawah-Seabrook Choraliers.
Friday, November 28th, rain? It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning. The sky is mostly blue at the moment and there's a moderate breeze. However, the forecast is for rain today with a high of only 70 and falling temperatures this afternoon. I do see a few high cirrus clouds that portend an incoming front.
Last Friday was the last morning Molly attended me as I wrote the morning report and a week marks a passage of some kind. This morning when I came in to the office to write, Zoë was waiting patiently on the floor next to my chair and Molly's stool. She welcomed the caresses and good morning talk and then left. Who knows? Maybe she will eventually sit on the stool beside me and keep tabs on Mr. Squirrel.
Thursday, November 27th, a few clouds: It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:55 this morning. The blue sky is lightly covered at present with a high overcast, but it is still a bright morning. Partly cloudy today with a high in the low 70's.
It's Thanksgiving Day, a day to be with family and friends and I hope that's exactly where you will be at least during of part of today. Sometime amid the cooking and feasting, I hope there will also be a chance to pause and reflect and to count our many blessings. I am so thankful for family and friends this year--human and furry. I am blessed to live on a beautiful island, where the moon and stars brightly light the night and where I can see the sun rise and set in a daily Technicolor display. Surfsong and birdsong fill the morning air and the sweet, salty seabreeze fills my lungs and refreshes my soul. I work doing something I love with staff and customers who are like family. How blessed I am!
Of course, this is Turkey Day and this is a picture of a wild Turkey taken recently on Kiawah. We think she is the female turkey, dubbed Tess, who has been seen in the Flyway/Glen Abbey area for the last couple of years. Sadly, she was recently the victim of a hit and run at that intersection. We are lucky our photographer was alert and grabbed a camera in time.
There are a lot of
animals who make there home on Kiawah and they often have to cross
our roads. Go carefully out there! And have a
wonderful holiday!
Wednesday, November 26th, cool: It's 54 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. We are overcast at the moment and it hardly looks like the bright, sunny day we have been promised ... but we hold out much hope! Even with the sun, the air will be cool, in the mid-60's.
Did you see the early evening sky last night? It wasn't totally dark yet as we left to go in for a rehearsal in town, so the sky was that dark, dark blue. Low in the western sky was the slim crescent of the moon and a very bright Venus just to the right and at the about the same level. What a striking sight, especially over the river and marsh as we left Kiawah.
By the time we got to the Stono River, it was truly dark and we were not able to appreciate fully the view from the new bridge. Yes! It is open! At least, two lanes are open while they work to complete the rest of the bridge and the approaches over the next 3 to 4 months. I am sure it will offer a lovely view of the river, although I think we will no longer be able to see the ducks along the river's edge.
He Who Must Play Tennis spotted the male eagle (we assume the female is in the nest on the eggs) sitting on the pine tree adjacent to the nest tree. I guess sometimes he just has to get out of the house!
I see a break in the overcast and here and there a patch of blue. It's on to another day. The four of us continue to adapt to what is still a hole in our little family, but slowly and surely ...
Tuesday, November 25th, brisk: It's 45 brisk, breezy degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The sun is shining but there is a definite chill in the air. High today in the mid- to upper 60's--just a touch of holiday weather.
I am told that the female eagle is in the nest on eggs again this year. This is terrific news for all of us.
The roadsides are dressed in a bit of maroon and yellow appropriate for the season. As usual, the wild grape vines have yellow leaves now that polka-dot the trees and brush. Here and there one can see stands of maroon sumac. There's a nice bunch on the right side of the KI Parkway between the Cassique and Freshfields.
Mr. Squirrel has appeared this morning. At first he ran back and forth on the deck railing outside the two rooms that Molly was most likely to be in at this time of the day, back and forth, back and forth. Then he assumed his usual position on the low eave and peered in at me for several moments. He has scampered away now. I am evidently not as much fun to taunt as Molly was!
I planted Molly's Garden yesterday and cultivated a bit of peace along with the soil. I think I chose plants that will attract some of the few remaining butterflies (although much more cool weather like this morning and butterflies will be very scarce!) but not deer.
Monday, November 24th, Indian summer: It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:15. The sky is bright blue and the sun is bright. In the occasional light puff of breeze, one of the few remaining river birch leaves will twirl to the ground. Sunshine all day today with a high in the mid-70's.
Heartfelt thanks to all of you who have sent such kind messages about Molly. Your support humbles and comforts at the same time. Life without her, of course, moves on and while I have to run hard at times to keep up with it, I move on also. I continue to write about her because it comforts me. If you are interested in a tale of a true Princess Cat, you can read about her at the link beneath her picture below.
Out in the world--the Holidays are upon us. This is Thanksgiving week, a time for family and friends. If you are traveling, go safely!
And if it is Thanksgiving, then you know that Christmas is very close at hand. Tree-lighting has become a tradition on Kiawah. This year's POPS/Resort Tree Lighting and Caroling ceremony will be on Tuesday, December 2, in front of the Inn from 5:30~6:30 PM. Come and enjoy seasonal refreshments and caroling led by the Kiawah-Seabrook Choraliers.
Saturday, November 22nd, warm: It's 54 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 with blue sky and sunshine with little breeze. We are once again to be treated to Indian summer with highs in the upper 70's this afternoon and no sign of rain.
We are a saddened, subdued household this morning, coping in our own ways with Molly's absence. Mostly we step around the grief when we can and embrace it when we must. There are also smiles and good memories to share and Zoë and Miz Bitz to love. Bitz stayed on the bed most of the night, snuggled close.
The empty stool beside me is somehow comforting. How many mornings did dear Molly lie on the stool, snugged up next to me as I typed, or took a more active role in writing the morning's report, pulling on my arm, sitting in front of the monitor screen, or randomly tapping a key or two. This was one of "our times" when we spent a few morning moments together. Sometimes Mr. Squirrel would taunt her from the deck or the blue jays would chatter at her through the glass, but neither are present this morning and I am left with my memories of our beautiful scugnizza per la strada da Napoli, who had the most wonderful purr in the whole world (part of her Italian heritage, I am sure!) I think she will still be here with me for many mornings to come.
I quote this from memory, so please forgive any mistakes. A poem by Emily Dickinson:
The bustle in a house / The morning after death / Is the saddest of industries / Enacted on this earth. // The sweeping up of heart / And putting love away / We shall not wish to use again / Until Eternity.
Friday, November 21st, sunshine again: It's 50 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 with blue sky and sunshine with little breeze. The dawn was surprisingly gray, but the morning is spectacular. The day will be lovely again with a high in the lower 70's.
Molly attends me patiently on the stool beside me as I type. She's going to the vet this morning for a couple of tests and has no idea what an adventure awaits her. This is NOT a cat who likes being in a carrier, much less in a car. And when Molly's not happy, she lets all of us know it.
The Stono River was absolutely calm as we drove into town last evening, a perfect reflecting pond for soft evening light. One thing I will miss when the Stono bridge is replaced is being close to the water's surface as we cross the bridge. It's a different sense to cross high above it.
A sad postscript: Our dear Molly died this noontime on the way home from having an echocardiogram. It was very swift and she was with Nat when she died, probably from a blood clot. We have buried her in a very nice spot and sent her along her journey with our love and wishes. We are bereft.
Thursday, November 20th, sunshine: It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 with blue sky and sunshine. A light brow continues to move the treetops a bit. Along with the blue sky we have some cooler weather. High today in the upper 60's.
He Who Must Play Tennis missed it yesterday as the rain and wind started early and blustered until late afternoon. Now with work looming in his way, there will probably be no tennis until the weekend. He soldiers on!
We are saddened this morning by the passing of Jeannie Bangs, a long time winter resident. Her deep chuckle and easy manner will be missed.
Wednesday, November 19th, blustery: It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 with mixed clouds and blue sky. Thunderstorms are possible as a front moves through bring some cooler weather. We are probably at the high for the day now, falling into the 40's perhaps by night.
He Who Must Play Tennis is eyeing the weather and wind closely as he is hoping for a match sometime this morning. He may be luck with the rain holding off but the breeze this morning may definitely be a factor.
The World Cup flagpoles have been harvested, disappeared without a trace, and there's dirt-moving activity at Freshfields--all kinds of activity at that end of the KI Parkway.
Tuesday, November 18th, a few clouds: It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a bit of overcast. I don't hear the birds very much today but the sound of the ocean is very present. Expect clouds off and on throughout the day with a high around 75 this afternoon.
The eastern sky this morning was painted not with the bright pinks and corals we get used to seeing at dawn, but with violet and yellow with only a faint orange blush. With the river birches nearly bare of leaves now and the smell of fallen leaves heavy in the damp morning air, it was definitely a fall morning, the warm temperature notwithstanding.
A few weeks ago a large Yaupon holly was removed from the parking lot near the shop. I hated to see the plant removed, not only because it was a lovely, healthy plant, but mainly because for the last several years, it has been the home of our mockingbirds. When the holly was taken away, so was their nest. Their songs cheered us on many days and filled the little plaza with music. For the next few weeks, it was quiet. However, at the end of last week, I heard the mockingbirds singing again and yesterday I saw him in another tree. I couldn't spot a nest, but I hope it is nearby.
Mr. Squirrel is once again on the roof outside my window watching me type. He's becoming a fairly regular morning visitor.
Monday, November 17th, summer again: It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear, bright and sunny. The birds are singing, the workers are hammering, all's right with the world. After an amazingly warm yesterday, we are in for more of the same today. The afternoon high will be in the upper 70's, maybe 80, even out here on the beach. The World Cup attendees and players were treated to wide variances in weather and conditions as we continue through a very changeable autumn.
What doesn't change is the fact that it's now past the middle of November and heading fast towards Christmas. Yikes!!
Saturday, November 15th, a bit warmer: It's 50 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, another bright and sunny beginning. We have begun a slow warming trend and should see the mid-60's today and not quite so cold tonight. We have had some cool weather this week, but we mustn't complain--we had no snow or hail!
Along with the cooler weather in the fall, the soft brown sweep of the autumn marsh, and the snowy white of the salt myrtle, come beautiful sunsets. Last night was a terrific example. The color started in the eastern sky actually--a pink wash as the sun lowered. By sunset, the color was in the west, fiery coral fading to a soft salmon, with just enough light left to light the low-tide river. It was a winner.
The egrets are back around our lagoon in increased numbers after what seemed a diminished summer population this year.
Friday, November 14th, ch-ch-chilly: It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, bright and sunny with only an occasional slight breeze at the moment. High today will be around 60. The front moved in!
The early World Cup rounds are likely to be pretty chilly this morning but not quite so breezy as yesterday. The wind was a tough competitor yesterday. The players and spectators are likely to come away from this year's event with windburn and chilblains!
No matter the morning chill, the construction crew is already busy at work on a house on the cul-de-sac behind us. I think they have a foreman with a very accurate watch because at the stroke of 7:30, the first hammer falls. However, there are also a few birds singing a sunshine tune and Mr. Squirrel is perched on the roof just outside this window staring in at Molly and me as we type. Molly does not believe he has any right to be within her sightlines and alternately complains to me and chatters at Mr. Squirrel.
Dig out the woolies and enjoy a brisk, beautiful day!
Thursday, November 13th, changed: It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, sunny and breezy. At the moment, we have lots of sunshine, but the breeze will bring with it much cooler air and some clouds. The temperature will not get much higher than it is right now, maybe up a few degrees, and then falling into the 40's tonight.
The marsh is lovely in the evening light as we return home these mid-November days. There's usually enough light to easily see the water, wide or narrow as the tide predicts, and the marsh grasses are a softened smear of umber. A swell of Rachmaninoff would complete the scene.
There will be increased traffic for the next several days as visitors gather to watch the World Cup matches. The weather, unfortunately, will not be kind to players or galleries either.
Tuesday, November 11th, very nice: It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. We have a bright overcast this morning, maybe an overglaze would be more exact a description. The sun should shine on the World Cup today and we should be in the low 70's by afternoon.
Today is Veteran's Day. Spare a thought for the military men and women who have served our country, no matter our thoughts or opinions about the battles they have fought or continue to fight.
Monday, November 10th, chilly, but sunny: It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The sun has once again appeared and we have clear skies, a light breeze, and a little bird of bird chatter this morning. Yesterday was, indeed, a November day, one that Herman Melville's Ishmael had in mind when he thought, "It was a bleak November in my soul." Still, the cooler air was invigorating and made fuzzy slippers and sweatshirts make sense again. High to in the lower 60's.
There has been some new planting along the KI Parkway between the BK and the Freshfields site. Sometime on Saturday, flagpoles appeared, just bare boned poles like new saplings. By late Sunday afternoon, multi-colored flags has "bloomed," just in time for the World Cup activities. They should display nicely today with a breeze to unfurl them against a blue sky. The golfers and volunteers may wish for earmuffs!
Sunday, November 9th, chilly: It's 50 mild degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The front arrived and our temperatures have fallen. There's also a moderate to strong northeasterly breeze also, especially along the river. We haven't had any of the predicted rain yet, but the threat remains in the forecast for today. High in the mid-50's.
Once again the birds are silent this morning although I can understand why this morning. Given the opportunity, I'd be tucked down in a cozy nest myself! Instead of morning birdsong, we have been hearing more owls in the evening lately, hoots and whinnies drifting eerily down from the trees. A Great horned owl flared up in flight just in the car's headlights one early evening this week also. That's always a bit of a shock as they are large birds and have just dramatic wing action when they lift off the ground.
Saturday, November 8th, changing: It's 65 mild degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning. We continue to be cloudy, but no significant rain as yet. The wind has shifted around to the north and the temperature will slowly fall throughout the day as the chance of showers lingers. We are probably at the high for today right now.
The cooler weather should slow down the mosquitoes, who have had a very good spate of warm fall weather. It's still warm enough this morning that I encountered a couple of them on my way out to pick up the paper. Birds, however, are another story. For the second morning I neither see birds in the trees outside the window nor do I hear any birdsong or chatter.
There will be a full lunar eclipse in prime time viewing hours tonight. If you are in a non-cloudy area, find a clear viewing area and enjoy a free celestial show. While we have great viewing opportunities here, our weather may not cooperate.
Friday, November 7th, foggy: It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning. There's some fog aloft this morning, so not much sunshine is getting through. There will be some sunny periods today, but also increasing clouds as we head toward the weekend and the cool down begins. High today in the mid-70's.
The Man in the Moon has been quite clearly visible these past couple of nights as the moon grows full. Unfortunately, it looks as though clouds could obscure this weekend's eclipse.
I had cause to drive up to the Northwoods area yesterday and I can tell you I am quite happy I don't have similar cause very often. Living out here it is easy to forget what "real" traffic and congestion are, and as Martha would say, "It's a good thing!"
Thursday, November 6th, more summer: It's 74 humid degrees on my back porch at 8:15 this morning, clear and still. The humid, unseasonable hot weather continues for at least another day. We will be well into the 80's by afternoon,
This is not weather that puts one in mind of the winter holidays. I, for one, am having difficulty conjuring up the sound of sleigh bells!! But the KICA maintenance workers were out wrapping the palmettos in strings of lights earlier this well, so I guess the snowflakes around the Inn will be the next the go up. I assume there will still be decorations in the West beach area even thought he Inn is cutting back operations in anticipation of the opening of the new hotel. I know the current Inn will become the villas registration area, in fact, I think it already has, but what's to become of the pools there?
Molly has just arrived for her morning attention. She has nearly forgiven me for the two-week medicating bout (although she still ducks under the bed if I move towards her with any clear intent!). She likes to have her head scratched and ears rubbed, and a little back massage is not wasted, but she rewards the effort with the loveliest purr, payment enough.
Wednesday, November 5th, more like summer: It's 72 humid degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning, mainly clear and still. We are expecting more near-summer weather today, warm sunshine, increased humidity, and a high near 80. And just like summer, there's a chance for a thunderstorm or two. Hmmmmm...let me check that calendar again.
Do you like good choral music? Will you be in town this weekend? If so, you might want to hear the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus' concert on Sunday afternoon at 4 pm. It will include a variety of religious and secular music, ranging from Buxtehude to settings of American folk hymns and will last just over an hour. The concert will be at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul on Coming Street (just north of Calhoun) and tickets are available through the CSO box office or at the door. File this under Unabashed Self-Promotion!
It's Guy Fawkes Day and Roy Rogers' birthday.
Tuesday, November 4th, shower possible: It's 66 mild degrees on my back porch at 7:25 this morning with just a little bit more blue sky showing than we had yesterday morning. But we will still have mixed clouds and sun today with a chance for a shower, perhaps not the steady light rain we had yesterday afternoon and early evening. High in the upper 70's.
We have seen many of the winter residents return to the island in the past couple of weeks. Sadly, this summer we have also seen the exodus of an increased number of full-time residents and a large number of some-time residents. These islands see turnover just by their being resort/retirement communities, and there are always new folks arriving to meet and enjoy, but we miss our old friends, too. Perhaps it's the fall landscape that makes us reflective. Perhaps it's seeing a community tapestry lacking a few of its threads. Maybe it was the small flock of geese I saw over the marsh, headed south. No matter the cause, if you are out there, we miss you!!
I may be jinxing the whole effort, but Zoë and Miz Bitz, arch feline enemies, have been spotted lying within four or five feet of each other on a couple of occasions now. I wouldn't call it "cozy" by any means, but after 18 months, there appears to be a modicum of acceptance.
Monday, November 3rd, mixed: It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning. We have some scattered clouds this morning and a light breeze. Mixed sun and clouds today with a chance of an afternoon shower. High around 80.
He Who Must Play Tennis is walking a little les spryly today after a weekend of tennis. But he claims to have had lots of fun and has added two pelicans to his growing flock.
Mr. Squirrel is aware of the calendar, it would appear. As I have been here at the window I have seen him make several trips from one of the oak trees on this side of the house, along the oak and birch branches and across the house to a hickory tree on the other side, then back again to the corner of the roof, nut in mouth, to make a leap into the oak tree.
Friday, October 31st, delightful: It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:45 this morning, sunny again with low humidity. The breeze is light, but cool and will be welcome this afternoon as the temperature climbs into the upper 70's.
This is nearly perfect weather as far as I am concerned and any excuse to be outside is valid. He Who Must Play Tennis already has his excuse, but it's the same one he uses whether the weather is like it is today or it's drizzly or grey or sultry. Can you guess? He has fortified himself with waffles and maple syrup and is ready to face a grueling day on the the Har-Tru.
Best wishes to the witches among us. May all your tricks be treats!
Thursday, October 30th, beautiful: It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 8:45 this morning. The breeze is cool but there's lots of sunshine to warm things up, and from the look of the brilliant blue sky, it's going to stay that way. High in the low 70's.
The end of October is approaching at incredible speed. It's one of my favorite months and I hate to see it pass, more quickly each year it seems.
I am enjoying watching a warbler in the river birch. The leaves have been much thinned by the cooler weather and the heavy rain and I can easily watch the little bird as he hops from twig to twig, inspecting each one carefully, then on to the next one. He's quite the busy being, pausing now and again to warble a bit of a tune. The cats pay scant attention to the abundant warblers, but are fascinated/irritated by the hummingbirds, jays, and cardinals.
Wednesday, October 29th, clearing: It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The front has passed through and we should have a patch of very nice weather beginning. Mostly sunny today with a high in the mid-70's, low tonight in the upper 50's out here at the beach.
The incoming front pushed a lot of rain through here in front of itself. Driving home from town last night was a real exercise. Not only was the rain very heavy for long stretches, there was also a lot of water standing on the roads. Not a comfortable ride at all.
The weather is clearing in time for a very busy weekend. There's the Property Owners' Tennis Tournament, Halloween, the Coastal Carolina fair, and the Kiawah seminar. There are lots of people eyeing the growing patches of blue sky with great relief.
Tuesday, October 28th, rain: It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. There's a lull in the rain that has been gently but steadily falling for the last several hours. There are likely to be more showers today and tonight with a high in the low 70's.
Return to standard time means that it's light in the morning which is a good thing. However, it's well into dusk as I return home, especially on an overcast, rainy evening like yesterday. The up side is that the sea myrtle stands out beautifully in the dim light, its white blossoms making the bush look as though it is rimed with hoarfrost. However, the active mosquitoes and 70-degree temps would belie that!
Monday, October 27th, clouds: It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 EST this morning and a bit close and sticky, especially after the cool, dry weather we have enjoyed. We will have clouds today as a front moves east and even a chance of a shower later. High in the mid- to upper 70's.
It looks a proper autumn morning outside my window. It's overcast and cloudy and a few yellowed leaves are drifting down from the river birch. There's not much of a breeze this morning so the leaves float a bit and spin. It reminds me a bit of being a child and watching a few scatted snowflakes fall, all the more delightful for their scarcity.
Sunday, October 26th, warmer: It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 EST this morning. We have bright sunshine with little is any breeze at the moment. It's warmer and a bit more humid than we have had recently, but that's a short-lived thing, just for this weekend. High today in the upper 70's.
we had some clouds yesterday afternoon and when I returned to the island, the sky was overcast and the marsh was a melancholy place indeed. Without the crisp outlining of sun shadows, everything looked softer. The marsh grasses seemed to be loosely piled with higher mounds of wildflowers and brush along the edges. The water was placid in the still air and could have been inches or fathoms deep. Muted umber and gold painted the scene and there was a very slight haziness to the air. Imagine how an 18th century northern European have painted the Kiawah River marsh and that's pretty much how it looked yesterday afternoon. Some may have called it drab, but it looked pretty good to me.
Friday, October 24th, cool: It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning. This morning looks much like yesterday morning and the day will do the same--sunny, cool with a high near 70.
Molly, our elder cat, is beside me purring as I type this morning. She had a very nice several hours on the deck yesterday afternoon. She followed the sun from deck rail to chair to several spots on the floor, soaking up its warmth. That's in her Neapolitan blood and is how I remember seeing most of the cats while we were in Italy--in a sunny spot against a warm stone wall.. She also "chased" and "pounced" at a few butterflies that happened by. They are definitely safe from her these days, but it was good to see Molly obviously enjoying a beautiful afternoon..
Thursday, October 23rd, crisp: It's 53 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning. The air is clear and the sky is blue and the breeze of the river is chilly! The high today won't get much above 70 and we will be around 50 again tonight, cooler inland. Makes me start thinking about the fireplace!
The marsh is in its full autumn garb at present, lots of golden grasses, borders of yellow wildflowers and bright blue sky above reflected in the water below. It's the time of year that the Cassique club house looks at home, a Scottish seaside hall.
Tuesday, October 21st, warmer: It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning. The sky is blue now that a bit of high fog has evaporated. It's going to be warm and sunny today, high in the mid-80's. Enjoy!
There's some construction or maintenance work going on somewhere nearby this morning and that has pretty well silenced the birds around our porch for the time being. I have seen my group of Blue jays hopping about in the trees, though, and Mr. Squirrel is chattering away at them from a nearby branch. It is usually so quiet here that these few noisy interruptions just remind us how nice it is not to have them as the constant background noise.
Monday, October 20th, beautiful: It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and there's a cool breeze out of the NW. We will have a few days of Indian summer weather, cool nights with warm days and lots of sunshine. High today near 80--near perfect!
The yellow wildflowers--goldenrod and others--have blossomed so that they form a low hedge along the KI Parkway as you near the bridge from the KI side. On overcast mornings, the flowers glow against the browning foliage, our version of the yellow brick road?
We saw a young buck along Bufflehead just after dusk yesterday. He was proudly sporting some very small antlers, probably his first, and he was king--well, prince at least--of his corner. We saw more deer along Governors Drive later as we returned home, a reminder that we should always be alert along that stretch, particularly in the early hours of darkness.
Saturday, October 18th, cloudy morning: It's 60 damp degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, overcast with a very light breeze. The clouds are supposed to lift and we should have a partly sunny day, high in the mid-70's.
Wasn't it earlier this season that we heard dire predictions for a poor shrimp harvest. Evidently the shrimp didn't get that memo! We got shrimp from the Cherry Point shrimp boats and they are beautiful, large ones this year and they must be plentiful because the price is less than we have paid in several years. The freezers are now packed and I don't expect we will be at a loss for what's for dinner for a while!
I have also noticed a lot of shrimpers at low tide at the Haulover and they seem to be bringing shrimp in with their cast nets too.
He Who Must Play Tennis will be watching tennis mostly this weekend as he monitors the Junior Clay Court Tournament. But I'm sure he will find some time to hit a few balls himself as long as we have sunshine.
Friday, October 17th, a bit warmer: It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a bit of light cloud or high fog dulling the blue sky. It's very still and I can hear the drone of a small plane out over Johns Island, but no birds a the moment. High today in the upper 70's with a chance of scattered thundershowers.
Well, it won't be Cubs-Red Sox Series after all. I think that they were the sentimental favorites to win the pennants, except in parts of New York and Florida! For both of those teams, and especially Chicago, just getting to the World Series would have been a victory.
I have been giving Molly liquid medicine morning and evening for the past 10 days. Like most cats, she is not easily coerced, and I have been the recipient of some pretty severe scolding. We have to catch her unawares or she quickly retreats to her "safe" areas, her box, under the bed or under the table. Usually she gets over the huff pretty quickly, but this morning she's refusing to sit at the computer as I type. Too bad, because right now she's missing an up close encounter with a blue jay just out side the window.
Hope you have a beautiful fall weekend. It must be lovely in the northern areas and higher elevations right now!
Wednesday, October 15th, fall again! It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, a very surprising change after yesterday's muggy, hot weather. But the front moved through, we had some rain (much needed), the winds kicked up and shifted from south to north and voila! we are set for a few very nice fall days. It will be cool overnight and sweater-appropriate during the days. How nice! High today in the low 70's.
The sweetgrass is lush this season and pink clouds of seed heads are hovering close to the ground all over the island. Now THAT'S a worthy planting!
Tuesday, October 14th, mostly cloudy: It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. We have a heavy overcast this morning and there's a chance of showers today. But the birds sound happy, at least the bevy of them that's chirping in the trees outside my window. Right now they are competing with the roar of the recycling truck, however. It DOES come early!!
Had dinner with friends at the new Chez Fish restaurant last evening--good food and lots of laughs. It's a nice, cozy restaurant drawing from the islands here as well as from downtown, so reservations are a must.
Monday, October 13th, mostly sunny: It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear and pleasant. Mostly sunshine today with a high near 80 degrees this afternoon. That's a nice day!
More fall flowers are in bloom, especially the black-eyed susans--or some such yellow flower. You can see many of them standing tall and bright along Main Road especially.
Miz Bitz tried her flying act again last evening. He Who Must Play Tennis was sitting on the deck with her at the time. She's very quick and before he could stop her, she launched herself right from underneath the chair he was sitting in, off the deck, onto the pine tree. She literally ran down the pine tree. Fortunately, we know the routine now, and HWMPT went downstairs, opened the side door to the garage, and urged her in that direction. She's quick and she's stubborn, but so far, she likes the garage!
Saturday, October 11th, cloudy: It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. It's overcast and dark outside this morning, not at all a great inducement to get up. Showers are in the forecast, but it's still anybody's guess as to whether we get any rain out here. It's plenty damp, though, and I think I am going to have to close the house just to let everything dry out. High in the mid-70's.
The goldenrod is in full bloom and all of a sudden, the grounsel buds have appeared. Groundsel (salt myrtle) is that bushy plant along the marsh edge that is just now sporting million of creamy or very pale green buds, thousands of them on a single bush. In a couple of weeks those buds will be small white blooms, a gift of floes in November. Look for several nice bushes at the Kiawah River bridge.
Friday, October 10th, clear: It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The sky isn't bright blue, but blue enough , just a slight milky glaze to it. The threat of showers later lingers but it should be mostly clear today with a high near 80. He Who Must Play Tennis is pleased since the Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament at Seabrook starts today.
Good news! The goldenrod I mentioned yesterday was not weeded out and still shines beside the overpass! Hooray!
The river birch in the last two days has begun showing signs of autumn. Leaves are yellowing and quickly browning, then drifting down, landing mainly on the deck it would appear! Molly managed to have a little shuffle through them while she was out there yesterday afternoon, I am even able to smell that wonderful fallen leaf smell now and again.
Thursday, October 9th, cloudy: It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning and overcast. Thunderstorms are in the forecast again, but if the history of the past two days holds true, we will see only a few scattered sprinkles out here. We heard and saw a thundershower across Johns Island yesterday evening, but heard only the rumbles here and just enough rain to slightly mark the deck boards. It will be humid, however and a high near 80.
If you checked here yesterday, I am sure you noticed that the gremlins continue to wreak their own kind of web magic with us. When I signed on yesterday morning, I was surprised to see the report for 9/30 had been magically reinstated. Figuring I was either in a Bill Murray movie or that the first week of October had been recalled in the CA election, I just backed off the porch! We will try again today!
The cloudiness of the past couple of days has highlighted the patches of goldenrod now in full bloom. Not having the sunlight to compete with, the yellow flowers glow along the roadside and in the fields, striking against the browning summer grasses. There is even a patch on the north side of the "Casablanca" overpass on the KI Parkway, a nice little natural surprise behind the replantings there. I did see that area being weeded, however, and hope the goldenrod wasn't removed. I'll check.
Tuesday, October 7th, light rain: It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and a light rain has just begun to fall. Showers are in the forecast for the next couple of days, sometimes accompanied by thunder just to remind us that it's still summery out there. High in the mid-70's.
Egret daycare was fully attended yesterday afternoon. At the far end of a nearby lagoon, where the afternoon sun plays full on the trees, a dozen or so juvenile egrets perched together on the low branches. On the branches immediately above were two or three adult egrets, the "aunties" minding the children while the Moms were out on their own for a bit of time. I always enjoy seeing them because it's such a classic picture of daycare!
Monday, October 6th, a few clouds: It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning and there's a light overcast. Clouds are forecast today with a high in the mid- to upper 70's. We could be in for some showers tomorrow.
It looks as though you are doubly welcome to our back porch today, another visible gift of our web gremlins. Late Saturday night, the Welcome banner disappeared from both the browser as well as the editing view. Banner was replaced. This morning, how we do not know, BOTH banners are displayed in the browser view, although on the editing page there is just one. Lest you think you are NOT welcome, I have left the editing view with a single banner and if you see two.... By the way, if you begin reading weather reports from some back porch in Neverland, let us know!
In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy one of the most pleasant Kiawah autumns I have known!
Sunday, October 5th, more seasonal: It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning, 10 degrees warmer than this time yesterday. The wind shift brought warmer weather as expected and we should enjoy the same for another day at least. High in the low 80's.
I was treated to an eagle sighting yesterday afternoon. I checked the nest as I rounded the big curve this side of the bridge and sure enough, there was one of the adults perched on a branch next to the nest, white head shining in the afternoon sun.
Saturday, October 4th, a bit warmer: It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning. Once again we are clear and dry and likely to remain so throughout the day. We should see a wind shift, however, and slightly warmer temperatures, in the low 80's. No complaints here!
We attended a chamber concert at the Sottile last night. I like that theater. It's the right size, appropriately Charleston old, and comfortable. The stage is small and the acoustics are not appropriate for all occasions, but I still like it. The concert was enjoyable, flying baton and missing music notwithstanding!
I understand the eagles are back and have been seen in and around the nest near the entry gate. I watch eagerly each I pass, especially as I round the curve returning in the evening. With any luck we will see them soaring along the marsh edge also, always a thrill.
Friday, October 3rd, continued cool: It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning. A light pink dawn portends another beautiful autumn day. High this afternoon in the mid-80's, slightly warmer on Saturday.
As I look out the window, I can see a very few of the river birch leaves turning yellow. This is an unusual sight. River birches are now known for spectacular fall color, but in the past several years of dry weather, the leaves have gone from green to dusky green to crispy brown with little autumn color.
This weather puts me in the mood for the mountains, speaking of autumn color. I can almost smell the leaves and taste the fresh apples. Our sourwood honey supply has run out and I think a short trip to the hills just might be in order!
Wednesday, October 1st, another fine day: It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and our early taste of fall continues. Expect another gorgeous day to be outside again today with warm sunshine tempered by a cool breeze. High in the mid-70's.
There was a quarter-moon last night as we returned from town. It was low in the sky and loomed large over the Stono as we crossed. Its light had a golden touch and gave a hint of the coming harvest moon this month. And are there more comforting, beautiful sights than moonlight on water? Oh, of course, there are! But that's the one that will linger with me today.
Four blue jays have just flown in and are perched on a low eave looking in at me as I sit at the computer. They are unusually quiet, just watching. Hmmmm.
Tuesday, September 30th, crisp and sunny! It's 61 cool degrees on my back porch at 8:00 this morning. We had a delightful day yesterday and are in line for another one just about like it today. Sunny with a high around 75. We saw sweaters yesterday!
He Who Must Play Tennis fretted most of yesterday over the lack of a tennis match on such a gorgeous day. He will finally get to play this noontime, to everyone's relief!
Golden marshes, cool weather--I'm starting to watch for ducks and geese headed south--and those robins, too!
We are happy to report that the Chats Tech Department is recovering well. However, we cannot say the same about the server tech department. we continue to play hide and seek with our home page and have heard not a peep from the tech assistance folks. In the meantime, we are now trying to remember to put each day's report in the archive file on the given day. If you sign on and a report from several days previous has mysteriously migrated to the front page, check the back porch files. So far, they seem to be behaving!
Monday, September 29th, fall! It's 62 cool degrees on my back porch at 8:00 this morning. The weather front has obviously arrived and we have clear, crisp fall weather in store for the week. High today in the mid-70's and so much drier!
If you looked quickly enough on Saturday or Sunday, you were able to read a weekend report. In the continuing saga of unexplained web behavior, Saturday's report disappeared to be replaced by Wednesday's report. Sometimes we begin to feel a bit like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day! There has, of course, been no response from the crack server assistance team. Grrrrr!
A sure way to lighten the spirits, however, will be to cross the marsh in the early morning light and to look at the stretches of golden marsh grass. If you are crossing in the morning or afternoon, look in the direction away from the sun and be amazed at the beautiful color!
This is good traveling weather, and if you are, go safely!
Friday, September 26th, a few more clouds: It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 8:00 this morning. It's a bit overcast at present and we are likely to have more clouds throughout the day with a high in the low to mid-80's.
I'm running a bit behind schedule today and have just enough time to wish you a fine fall weekend. Looks like ours will be a bit wet at times. Not to worry, there's always lots to do inside and a few hundred books begging to be read!
Thursday, September 25th, mostly sunny: It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 9:00 this morning. It's another bee-yoo-ti-ful day here, clear, sunny with a nice breeze. It will remain sunny throughout most of the day and we will reach the mid-80's by afternoon.
The birds are especially active this morning, lots of chatter and song and hopping about among the tree branches. The hopping about part gets the cats' attentions.
We had some seasonal bird news from one of our back porch visitors yesterday: "I have been seeing a few American redstarts in the last week or so. They flit very quickly thru the trees, and mostly one only catches a glimpse. When I looked in my bird book, it didn't look as though they even populated in this area, but then there was an article in the paper which mentioned that they might be passing thru and some appear to be nesting along the Santee River. Very dramatic-looking birds and fun to see - another wonderful thing about being here." I'll have to start watching for them.
Lots of good thoughts go out to our web-page technical department who has single-handedly been waging the wars to find our where our home page disappears to everyday. That's a good thing, since she will truly be working single-handedly for a while as she recovers from some surgical repair!
Wednesday, September 24th, lovely: It's 69 bright and sunny degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning. The air is crystal clear today and there's a light breeze now and again. Looks like it's going to be a good one with afternoon highs in the low 80's.
Even with the slightly cooler temperature this morning, I can see several mosquitoes floating just outside my window as I type. This is the batch hatched from the most recent spate of rainy weather we had. I also see Miss Spider poised on her web just a short distance away. Hopefully, a few of the mosquitoes will drift a bit further to the left.
Hummingbirds have been noticeably more present at our feeder of late. I wonder if some of them will stay around for the winter this year. More people report each year that they have hummers coming to feeders throughout the year..
Tuesday, September 23, a few showers: It's 74 on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, cloudy, and wet in the aftermath of a few overnight showers. Showers will continue off and on throughout the early part of the day anyway with some clearing toward evening, we are told. It will be uncomfortably warm, high in the mid-80's once again and humid.
Dolly Deerest, our "over-dressed," much tagged and collared neighborhood deer, has a friend. She and another doe watched He Who Must Play Tennis as he filled the birdbath yesterday morning, pausing only slightly to take note of him from the next lot. He Who reports that she looks healthy. Our holly trees must agree with her.
Thee are a few birds singing this morning, undeterred by the sprinkles of rain. I haven't seen the robins going through on their way south yet--something to look forward to!
The server wars continue, although it's difficult to wage effective war when the opposing side ignores you or refuses to acknowledge any sort of disagreement.
Monday, September 22, mostly sunny: It's 75 on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, more like a summer morning that we have had of late. It's a bit humid and still and a wren is quite pleased with the whole morning, judging by the song I'm hearing. Mostly sun is promised today with a chance of a scattered storm this afternoon.