Sunday, December 30th, stormy:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 8:50 this morning and foggy.  Clouds and rain are in the offing for us today, especially this afternoon.  The radar shows lots of precipitation at present west of I-95 and a thunderstorm or two is likely to develop later.  Highs around 70.  Cooler, drier air should begin to work in tonight and we will see falling temps through Wednesday--but the sun returns as well.

Saturday, December 29th, mild:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 1:15 this morning, a remarkably balmy evening.  Mild temps will continue tomorrow with an increased chance of showers.  High again around 70.

He Who Must Play Tennis' mother died after a long decline and then a fall, fracture, and pneumonia.  Margaret L. C. M. was a remarkable woman.  It was certainly from her, in part, that He Who got his love of sports and the outdoors.  She earned two degrees in physical education and was a pioneer in the sport we know as synchronized swimming.  She taught physical education and health and, later, science. More important, she was a devoted wife and mother and raised two wonderful sons, both of whom were here yesterday before she died.  Godspeed and fare ye well.

Friday, December 28th, mild:  It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning and cloudy.  Partly to mostly cloudy today with mild temperatures, around 70 degrees.  Showers should hold off until tomorrow.

It will be a family weekend, but two very different visits.  One brother and his family will come to celebrate Christmas with Grandma.  Another brother comes to visit a rapidly failing mother.  A leavened, bittersweet weekend.

Thursday, December 27th, cloudy:  It's 46 degrees on my back porch at 8:10 this morning and cloudy.  The clouds are promised to clear later today and the winds will be light and from a more southerly direction.  High today in the low 60's.

Those of us who look at certain plant, animal and other natural clues to weather are perplexed this season:  global warming or the profuse load of berries on all of the hollies and pyracantha?

Tuesday, December 25th, cloudy:  It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 8:10 this morning and cloudy.  Clouds will be the order of things for much of the day and there's a chance of showers as well.  High around 60.

We are a small gathering this Christmas--He Who and myself and the Brave Mom with assorted cats.  It's nice to have a few moments to sit, drink some coffee, and admire the tree that finally has all the presents wrapped and under it (except one which I have just remembered!)  There's nice music playing and a nice sense of calm.  Ahhh.

There are lots of gifts that I wish we could all have under the tree this morning.  Good health and well-being.  The love of friends and family, including the furry ones.  A ready smile.  A forgiving heart.  And a world so tired of war and strife that it gives itself up to peace.

Merry Christmas to all of you from the back porch.

Monday, December 24th, cooler:  It's 37 (that is NOT a typo) degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, clear and breezy.  The weather has changed once again and we are nearly 25 degrees cooler this morning than we were yesterday at this time.  It's hard to keep up.  Mostly sunny today with afternoon highs in the lower 60's.

Dawn was remarkable.  The eastern sky was lit with fiery orange and pink while the western sky flaunted a full moon, still high in the sky and brightly shining.  It's not an everyday sight and certainly not on Christmas Eve.  It reminded me of the Christmas Eve several years ago when we went to the beach to watch the sun set off to our right as the full moon rose on our left.  Those two events, years apart, scribe a nice circularity.

Christmas Eve.  No snow here to ease Santa's way, but he's magic and will find a way.  We will have a quiet Christmas this year, but no less a celebration.  But right now, there's one more day before the reindeer fly.

Sunday, December 23rd, warm:  It's 60 (that is NOT a typo) degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and cloudy/  The clouds should clear, the breeze will pick up, and the the temperature will climb to around 70 this afternoon.

Thus far, the island seems remarkably uncrowded.   Perhaps where Christmas falls in the week this year is a factor.  Perhaps increased travel costs and hassle are factors.  In any case, it seems very quiet.

We do have abundant visiting robins, however.

Saturday, December 22nd, mostly sunny:  It's 50 degrees on my back porch at 8:10 this morning.  The sun is shining and the breeze is blowing.  Mostly sunny and breezy conditions through the day with a slight chance of a shower.  High in the low 60's.

We are now at the "marking off the list" day--not necessarily because things have been completed, just that they are being marked off for this year.

Friday, December 21st, rain:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  Rain began early this morning and continues to fall steadily now as the wind begins to pick up.  The rain will persist through the day as will the blustery conditions.  If you are traveling over open roads or bridges this afternoon, be alert for strong gusts.  The temperature will not rise (nor fall very far) from where it is right now--the mid- 50's.

This may be a modern era record:  My tree is up and (mostly) decorated.  Sophie is the cat who claimed the tree as her own this year.  We set the tree upright and she lay down beneath it and did not budge.  It remains to be seen if she will share.

Thursday, December 20th, sunny:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 8:20 this morning, clear and sunny.  We should see sunshine for most of the day with some clouds possible this afternoon.  Highs around 60.

It's my last day off before the Big Day so it's time to get serious about hunting and gathering.  Now this is the day when I could use a few of those daylight hours we have been saving for decades.

Wednesday, December 19th, a wee bit warmer:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  It's cloudy this morning but we should have the sunshine back later in the day.  It will also be a bit warmer--in the low 60's.

This MAY the night of pfeffernusse and moldy mice.  The local denizens are beginning to feel the quickening approach of the holiday and are beginning to demand confections.

Tuesday, December 18th, cold sunshine:  It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  If the pumpkins aren't frosted, they are definitely chilled as our brush with winter continues.  The winds have subsided--a definite plus.  Once the sun begins to shine brightly, the temps will rise into the mid-50's.

The squirrels must still be in their nests this morning as our usual quartet aren't performing their morning acrobatics on the roof and in the branches outside my window.  I must admit there's a certain appeal to remaining in a cozy nest on a chilly morning like this.

Please note that I have not mentioned the obvious.

Monday, December 17th, cold sunshine:  It's 33 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and breezy.  The season has definitely changed again and we have whipped right through sweater weather to coat season.  The continuing windy conditions will make you doubt that the temp has really reached into the low 50's.  Seems a bit more like the season--without the shoveling of course.

We may not have to shovel, but there are limbs, fronds, and pine needles to drag, rake or blow away as Sunday's brisk and gusty breeze did some natural pruning.

Saturday, December 15th, showers later:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  The skies are brightening at present but are likely to cloud over with showers this afternoon and tonight, perhaps even thunderstorms.  The warm weather begins to fade and will be completely blown out of here on Sunday as temperatures more suited to the season return the first part of next week.

I'm off to the airport later this morning, but happily, not to board a plane to attempt traveling on this unsettled weekend.  If YOU are traveling, go safely and with great patience and humor

Friday, December 14th, beginning to cool:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning with lingering fog.  Even though it will be in the low to mid-70's today, that's the beginning of a cool down.  Rain is likely to move in on Saturday and Sunday and with it some cooler weather--a bit more befitting the season.

Belying the current warm temperatures, the holly trees are heavily laden with berries this year--so heavily laden that the red shines through the green even from a distance.  Acorns have been profuse also.  Someone thinks winter's coming.

Wednesday, December 12th, warm:  It's 57 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with lingering fog.  Warm again today with temperatures in the 70's and low 80's.

Retail merchant's nightmare week:  Two weeks before Christmas with gift selection and wrapping in full frenzy; five boxes of Valentine's Day merchandise arrive; and a rep calling for your Mother's/Father's Day order.  Forget the elves--bring on the eggnog!  And you can skip the eggs...

Tuesday, December 11th, warm:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and very foggy.  The warm spell continues, especially a bit inland from the coast.  Temperatures in town will be in the low 80's today while the ocean will temper our coastal conditions to something around 70 degrees.  Mostly sunny once the fog burns off.

Did you ever try to get organized by making a list and marking completed items off?  That works well for me in, say, February...even July.  However, that doesn't work in December.  I seem to be adding more than scratching off.  Unnamed ones seem to think that if it's on the list, it's done.  And the list is getting bulky to carry around.  Those aren't toys and presents in Santa's pack; it's a list!

Monday, December 10th, quite warm:  It's 54 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  We are in the midst of a December warm spell.  Temperatures today through at least Wednesday will be pushing 80 degrees with no rain in sight.  Ah!  the buzz of no-seeums in December!

Here's a phrase I'm not enjoying at the present:  "That's the last of the gifts I need to but and wrap."

Thursday, December 6th, chilly:  It's 46 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear with a light to moderate breeze.  We will have abundant sunshine today and will be happy for it since the north wind will be a chilling one.  Highs in the low to mid-50's.

The furry girls have each selected their preferred warm, cozy spot near a vent or in the sunshine.

Tuesday, December 4th, sunny:  It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and overcast.  We should have a bright, sunny day with diminished breeze and highs in the lower 60's.

Even though the sky is a bit gray at the moment, this morning's dawn suffused the sky with color, and for a brief couple of minutes, the world glowed pink.  A sailor's warning?  It hardly seems likely.  A portent?  Only the day will tell.  A beautiful dawn?  Absolutely!

Monday, December 3rd, breezy:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and overcast.  There's a slight chance of showers this morning, clearing this afternoon.  Even though we will be in the low 70's today, do not be deceived as the temperature will fall into the 30's tonight.  Falling temps and strong, gusty breezes will remind us that we have our own little brushes with "winter" occasionally--but we rarely have to shovel anything!

The gallop has begun.  Three weeks until Christmas Eve.  Send in the elves!

Saturday, December 1st, sunny, breezy:  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and sunny.  We should have another bright and sunny day for the most part with highs in the 60's.  Clouds may move in this afternoon but there's evidently no chance for rain.

It has been an extremely busy week.  Beyond shop and family responsibilities, we have had many rehearsals for the concert noted below.  One more rehearsal this morning and then the concert tonight.  If you have ever been to our Christmas concert, then you know it is a particularly energetic and boisterous one--with interludes of quiet beauty too.  With all the swaying clapping and projecting, I'm sure it rates as an aerobic activity.  And by the way, tickets are still available.

December 1st and counting!

Wednesday, November 28th, sunny, breezy:  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  We should have another bright and sunny day for the most part with highs in the 60's.  The breeze continues to be a factor and could be quite gusty at times.

The really nice thing about an early Thanksgiving is that that we have had a chance to recover from the holiday and the tryptophans and it's still November.  But we know December is just around the corner, don't we?

Monday, November 26th, warm, unsettled:  It's 544 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and overcast.  It will be cloudy, more humid but warmer today with a high in the 70's.  There is also the possibility of showers through tonight.  The breeze will pick up this afternoon.

We cam home on Saturday evening and slowly followed a nicely antlered deer up our driveway and then sat quietly as we watched him leisurely drink from one of the birdbaths.  We try to keep them cleaned and filled not only for the birds but also for the deer, hoping they would find it during dry times.  We have often seen hoof prints in the area but this was the first time we really had proof that any deer were drinking from the basin.  A nice moment.

Saturday, November 24th, cool and breezy:  It's 41 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and sunny.  Clouds ma build over the course of the day as the possibility of showers increased tomorrow.  High today will be in the upper 50's and the breeze will be persistent.

Thanksgiving Day, showers possible:  It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning and overcast.  Showers, even thunderstorms are possible today as our delightful Indian Summer weather fades.  The temperature will climb into the mid-70's before it starts to fall later today and tonight and it will be much cooler on Friday (but sunny!)

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends.  I hope you have friends and family and the luxury of time to enjoy them.  How extraordinarily lucky we are.  In the midst of this holiday season, I hope we can be mindful of others not so fortunate.

So...is the turkey thawed???

Wednesday, November 21st, sunny early:  It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, a bit grey yet, and still.  Sunshine early today that will yield to clouds later.  Mild temps continue as we reach back into the upper 70's again today.

The pace of holiday arrivals picked up noticeably yesterday and will continue throughout today.  Holidays bring kids and lots more activity on the roads and bike paths.  After the quiet fall, it's a bit of a surprise.  Be alert, especially at intersections and road crossings.

Special hugs and thoughts for furry friends past and present today.

Tuesday, November 20th, sunny:  It's 53 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and the sun is beginning to shine.  It will be sunny and quite warm today with highs approaching 80 degrees.  Watch out for Thanksgiving no-seeums!

There are two contingents of shoppers those days: those who are pressing us to have all the Christmas stock out in full display now (and who are befuddled that we don't) and those who, like us, think of Thanksgiving as a holiday, too, and who remember the Christmas season starting after Thanksgiving.  Our decision to wait is due to some extent to lack of space, but mainly to our own memories of great Thanksgiving gatherings and then the month-long anticipation of Christmas.  There has already been a whole lot of Christmas around us this year--decorations, music, catalogs, and more sales than ever.  I kind of enjoy having a bit of a respite from all that.  However, on Friday, we will be in full swing too--but it's Turkey Time until then!

Monday, November 19th, warm:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and overcast.  Showers are quite possible this morning, less so this afternoon.  Highs in the low to mid-70's.

The middle of the week, especially will be very pleasant and I am hoping to get the pansies planted in the the deck planters.  They are maturing quite rapidly in their flats.

Sunday, November 18th, warming  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  It's overcast at the moment but we have been promised a mostly sunny day, decreased breeziness, and highs in the upper 60's.  The sun and warm-up continue for the early part of the week.

The Virginia creeper is red, the muscadine vines are yellow, and the smell of turkeys baking wafts from the Pig.  Thanksgiving is getting close!  A lot of people will be on the move this week.  Go carefully.

Friday, November 16th, sunny:  It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  Sunny and cool today with a high in the upper 50's with a steady breeze from the northwest.  There's a freeze warning tonight for inland areas.  We are likely to stay just above freezing (but if you have a favorite tender plant, you might pull it closer to the house, bring it in, or cover it.  Feels like fall!

Shameless promotion:  The CSO Gospel Choir's Christmas concert with the symphony will be Saturday, December 1st, 8pm.  Tickets are available at the Symphony box office, Ticketmaster, or from Choir members (at a reduced price.)

Thursday, November 15th, cooling:  It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and overcast.  There's a chance of morning showers as a front passes through bring falling temperatures.  The high will reach into the mid- to upper 80's early and then start falling into the low 40's out here tonight.  Yes, we do have all four seasons here in the Lowcountry--sometimes all in the same week!

Tuesday, November 13th, warming:  It's 51 degrees on my back porch at 5:45 this morning.  We will see a few clouds today as we warm to nearly 70 out here along the coast and into the low 70's in town.  There will still be enough sunshine for this to qualify as a "bright" day.

Monday, November 12th, sunny:  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 and clear. We will have another delightful day with sunshine, light breeze and temps in the upper 60's.  Very nice.  And it should be even warmer on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The cats search for the sunshine spots during the days now and each has laid claim to a specific one, which leads to some on-the-spot renegotiation upon occasion.

Saturday, November 10th, sunny:  It's 51 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 and clear. Crisp autumn weather continues today with lots of sunshine,  a light breeze, and highs in the upper 60's.  Down into the lower 40's out here tonight.  Fireplace time.

As if the cool breeze were not enough, here's a chiller:  Thanksgiving is 12 days away.

Friday, November 9th, sunny:  It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 and sunny. Our cooler weather continues with highs in the mid-60's but a decreased breeze.  Should be right pleasant!

There is likely some frost inland this morning, away from the coast.  It would have pleased my Grandma Evans and I can hear her declaring that the collards would be sweet now.    She would have a pot of them cooked by noontime, along with corn griddle cakes and baked sweet potatoes  Yum.

Tuesday, November 6th, sunny:  It's 57 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 and sunny. Sunny though most of the day then a few clouds will drift in.  High of 75 today then much cooler overnight and we may not see 60 degrees on Wednesday.

The river birch leaves are yellowing and steadily drifting down.  The cooler weather on the way will no doubt hasten their departure.

Monday, November 5th, sunny:  It's 49 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 (EST) and sunny.  Very pleasant again today with lots of sunshine and temps around 70.

It's Guy Fawkes Day in England ("penny for the old Guy") and for kids of a certain age, it's Roy Rogers' birthday.  Happy trails!

Sunday, November 4th, sunny:  It's 49 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 (EST) and sunny.  More sunshine today and a pleasant 72 degrees this afternoon as cool and dry conditions continue.

I have a suggestion for the ruling timekeepers.  You know how March has about 47 days?  Let's take a few of them, break them into hours, add an extra hour or two at needed spots throughout the year.  Each week there would be a bonus sleep hour.  Who wouldn't like an extra hour during vacations weeks?  And a few extra hours just before (and after) the holidays would be great!  I'm sure they can legislate all of this.  How would YOU use a few bonus hours?

Saturday, November 3rd, sunny:  It's 48 really fall degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a light breeze.  Get ready for some beautiful weather as over the next week we should she lots of sunshine and temperatures clustered around 70.  Very nice.

The house is cool this morning and a cat (or two) slept snuggled close.  They are lap cats when they want to be--except for Sophie who is still skittish of actual contact, except for the occasional arm's length head rub.

Friday, November 2nd, cool:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  Good news!  There's cooler, drier air today.  Bad news!  It's moving at 20-30 mph, sometimes faster.  High around 70 with lows dropping below 50 tonight.

Thursday, November 1st, warmer:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 8:10 this morning with mixed sun and clouds.  We warm up a bit today and it will be a bit more humid as well--highs approaching 80 degrees.  There's a slight chance of showers.

The moderate weather has been terrific for us these past few days as one of the heat pump units has not been functioning.  At first, they thought it was something electrical and a panel needed to be replaced.  However, it appears the compressor is blown and other switches as well.  A really big electrical zap at some point is the diagnosis.  It could have happened at a much more inconvenient time--but we are grateful it didn't!

Miss Spider has dropped from her web.

Tuesday, October 30th, sunny early:  It's 54 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  While it will remain breezy today (with accompanying high surf and rip currents), we should be treated to a sunny morning, at least, with a few clouds arriving in the afternoon.  The sun will feel good as the cool northerly breeze will keep our high temp in the 60's.

Monday, October 29th, cooler:  It's 52 wine-chilling degrees on my back porch at 6:50 this morning, dark and breezy.  It will be quite breezy this morning with strong gusts likely along the coast.  It won't feel much like beach weather (aside from the sand-blasting breeze), as the temperature will reach only into the upper 60's today.

The sweetgrass is beautiful just now, pink blooms floating like clouds above the plant, and the salt myrtle is blooming right on schedule.  I like living where we have blooms to look forward to in November!

Thursday, October 25th, showers:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  Showers are in the forecast throughout today-and through the weekend--with more moderate temperatures.  The Property Owners' Tennis Tournament is scheduled to start today, so He Who Must Play Tennis has very mixed emotions about these showers.  The players will enjoy the temps in the 70's, however.

I'm ready to fall back to standard time.  It's still dark outside and not at all conducive to being happily up and moving this morning.

Wednesday, October 24th, showers:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 6:50 this morning.  We had an early morning thunderstorm and it continues to rain.  What a wonderful sound!  This band of storms is likely to blow through by 9, but the threat of showers continues through today and tonight.  High to day near 80.

We have certainly needed these showers and are thankful for them, but I would share them in a minute with the folks in southern California.

Monday, October 22nd, cloudy:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  Periods of cloudiness today with highs in the lower 80's.  After threats and promises of rain, there have been a dozen drops at most, so we are not even going there!

Amazing what a long weekend can do for you.  I was up early enough this morning to bake sweet potato biscuits.  The smell of baking cinnamon should have He Who Must Play Tennis up in short order also., My Grandma would be proud.

Friday, October 19th, showers:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 9:00 this morning, cloudy with a moderate breeze.  The showers that we were threatened with (but never materialized) yesterday, are more or less promised this afternoon and evening.  High around 80.

It's noisy and busy here this morning.  Workmen are here to begin the process of replacing the driveway (what a nice morning sound--asphalt being sawn) and Michael is here to see what caused one of the heat pumps to take an extended nap yesterday.  Home ownership is just peachy some days.

Thursday, October 18th, showers:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 8:15 this morning.  We have had a couple of light showers this morning and while I see some blue and white in the sky at the moment, localized and scattered showers are possible throughout the day, maybe even some thunder.  Highs in the mid-80's.

I am still trying to get used to the view outside my window now that the low limb of the river birch has been removed.  It's brighter and I am sure it was good for the tree and the house, but I miss my direct sightline into the leafy braches and the birds that frequented them.  Even though they are further removed from me view, I can still see that the leaves are just beginning to turn a bit yellow.

Wednesday, October 17th, cloudy:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning with a bit of morning overcast.  Clouds will develop over the Lowcountry today and there's a real chance of rain for Thursday and Friday.  The temperatures are rising a bit also, as is the humidity.  High today in the mid-80's.

The sweetgrass is coming into bloom now, adding another pink/purple splash of color to the landscape.

Monday, October 15th, beautiful:  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning with a bit of morning overcast.  That should clear away quickly to leave us with a very nice sunny day with highs in the mid- to upper 70's.

I am in holiday purgatory at the moment.  The shop is awash in Halloween regalia with turkeys and autumn's bounty awaiting its turn.  We put out Christmas cards yesterday, then I finished my orders for the Valentine's through Fathers Day cycle.  I am sure that next year's Christmas catalogs will be in the mail soon!

Saturday, October 13th, sunny:  It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning, sunny and clear.  Our delightful weather continues with lots of sunshine, mild temps in the mid-70's, and reduced humidity.  More of the same tomorrow.

Miss Spider is slowly working to repair one quadrant of her web, her long legs moving in her building ballet as pull the web filament and attaches it to the webs main structure.  She is working hard in the cool morning, moving slowly but with purpose.  That could describe a number of US on these cooler mornings.

Friday, October 12th, sunny:  It's 54 deliciously cool degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  Sunny and in the mid-70's today and cool again tonight.  The cats retired to snug places last night to sleep and are sure to return there tonight as well.  This weather makes me want to travel.

Thursday, October 11th, sunny:  It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning and sunny.  Indian summer is here!  It will be pleasantly warm today (upper 70's) and cool tonight (upper 50's) and decidedly less humid.  Ahhhhhhhh!  This is Lowcountry autumn.

Wednesday, October 10th, mostly sunny:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  We are not foggy this morning (and neither is the weather--rim shot!) and there is some beautiful dawn color playing on the few clouds in the sky.  It will remain mostly sunny today with highs in the upper 80's, bumping 90 once again.

There are a lot of fall wildflowers in bloom along the roadside now, yellow, gold and purple.

Tuesday, October 9th, hot:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and we once again have a foggy start to the day.  By midday we are going to think the calendar is on the wrong month as the temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 80's, 90 in town, with more humidity than we like for this time of the year.

We had a lot of tree-trimming done yesterday, all necessary, but I miss some of the tree cover.  Especially missed is the branch of the river birch that was right outside this window and afforded me close views of birds and squirrels.  It wasn't good for the house, but I miss it.  So will Miz Bitz, who frequently sat and observed.

Monday, October 8th, warm:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and a bit foggy.  Partly to mostly cloudy today with highs in the mid- to upper 80's.  If you are out early, be mindful of the fog which is dense in some areas.  Summer returns tomorrow.

We will have some tree-trimming done this morning.  Zoë will NOT be pleased as she is not fond of any landscaping noise.  Bitz will be on the porch supervising, no doubt.

Sunday, October 7th, showers possible:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and a bit foggy.  The fog should burn off early and will be see some clouds and sunshine with a chance of a scattered shower, especially this morning.  Hopefully, showers will clear out and leave a dry afternoon for the music fest at Freshfields.  Highs in the 80's.  A touch of summer pushes in for the first part of the coming week, with temps reaching 90 inland.

Saturday, October 6th, rain possible:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and a bit overcast.  Unsettled weather today as there's a chance of some scattered showers  With any luck, they will blow right by us as they did yesterday and we will be treated to another mostly sunny day in the 80's.

Yesterday's sunshine mean that the Fleming Tournament was able to get underway.  He Who Must Play Tennis had three matches yesterday and is not quite as anxious to go right out there and play again today, I don't think.  This may be Ben-Gay Day at the courts.

Thursday, October 4th, rain:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  Rain is in the forecast throughout today and that is not good news for the Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament set to begin this morning at Seabrook.  He Who Must Play Tennis is garbed and ready to go, but it is dark and damp at the moment.  Highs in the mid-80's.

Wednesday, October 3rd, raining:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and raining.  It's a very nice, gentle rain at the moment but are are warned that there could be some heavy showers or thunderstorms along the way for the next couple of days.  We need the rain and it's lovely to hear on the deck, but this could make for a soggy Fall Festival and concerts this weekend.

Tuesday, October 2nd,unsettled:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning and a bit  overcast.  There's a bit of unsettled weather around that will bring showers our way, possibly some light ones this morning.  Highs in the mid-80's.

I watched Miss Spider do some heavy housework last evening.  A leaf from the diver birch was blown into her corner and snagged in her web.  When the wind blew, the leaf fluttered, alerting Miss Spider of an intruder on her web.  She apparently had had enough of inedible visitors, scurried across the web, and then spent a couple minutes disengaging the leaf (larger than the spider) from the web and tossed it to the ground.  There was a definite flick of the legs to send it off.  She then hurried back to her central command post, no longer bothered by false alarms.

Monday, October 1st, pleasant:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 6:40 this morning.  It's still dark but the moon shadows are fading so daybreak must be close.  Sunny and breezy again today with highs in the mid-80's.

October again--a wonderful month.  The marsh grasses are yellowing, the goldenrod is blooming, and the intensely purple berries are back on the beautyberry bushes.

Saturday, September 29th, pleasant:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning.  The long-awaited cool front has pushed through and we are in for some fine, drier weather for a couple of days.  Sunny today with highs in the low 80's.  Delightful, and He Who Must Play Tennis will take full advantage this morning.

The Symphony Opening Night is upon us and I think we are weary of rehearsing and ready to perform.  I know our voices are.  Space is at such a premium for the players and singers that some of us are standing on the orchestra floor.  My new seat has me between and only slightly behind two trombones.  By now, we are close, personal friends.  But, it should be an enjoyable concert and since it starts early (7 pm) and the Carmina is the only work to be performed, it should be an early evening.  Tickets are available.

It looks as though Miss Spider is at work assuring future arachnid generations this morning.

Wednesday, September 26th, warm:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  I can see lightening sky through the trees and the birds are certainly chirping and singing as though morning has come.  There's a slight chance of showers today with highs in the low to mid-80's.

The Symphony season starts this Saturday night with a mass choir of 200+ voices in stage for Carmina Burana.  If you know the Gaillard Auditorium, you know that the stage is not huge.  If you know the Carmina Burana, you know that it calls for lots of extra brass and percussion. Singers have to give up any notions of personal space  and be ready to sing, sometimes very loud and fast, while being packed on risers so tightly that it seems as though there's not room for all of us to inhale at the same time.  But it should be fun, for us and the audience.

Tuesday, September 25th, warm:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  It's just becoming light here under the trees and it looks as though there may be a little fog again this morning.  It should clear pretty quickly , leaving us with a sunny day and highs in the mid-80's.  A light northerly breeze should be pleasant.

The darker mornings fool the cats a bit.  They are not always up and waiting at various points along the path to the kitchen when I get up.  The sound of kibble hitting crockery brings them running, however, squinting in the light.

Monday, September 24th, warm:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  After a bit of morning fog clears, we should have a mostly sunny day with highs in the mid-80's.  A very nice start to the week.

Saturday, September 22nd, warm:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 8:20 this morning with bright sunshine.  Showers are in the forecast again today but they should be scattered and light.  The chance increases by evening, but still no threat of heavy rain.  Highs in themid-80's and humid.

We have a concert tonight in Mt. Pleasant and we were there on Thursday evening for rehearsal.  I don't go across the Cooper very often and am always struck by the different world over there,  I have become accustomed to Johns Island, West Ashley and downtown Charlestown, so much so that the plethora of strip malls and housing developments looks nearly foreign.  I guess I've grown accustomed to trees and bramble, the occasional cow, goat or horse, the 1950's-60's look of W.A. and the
old world look of downtown.

Friday, September 21st, showers possible:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and overcast.  The showers are likely to continue today mixed with some peeks of sunshine.  The temperature will climb into the mid-80's and it wil be a bit muggier as well.

The cooler temps and yesterday's rainy morning really signaled the turn of the season, didn't it.  We will still have warm weather for several weeks but there's a different feel to the air.  My favorite time of the year.

Wednesday, September 19th, mostly sunny:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  The morning overcast should dissipate  and leave us with another sunny day (although there's a slight chance of scattered showers this afternoon.)  The breeze will continue as we warm into the upper 70's.  Rain is likely on Thursday and Friday, so enjoy the fine weather today.

Tuesday, September 18th, pleasant:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 6:20 this morning.  We are promised another beautiful day, much like yesterday, lower humidity, mild temperature, and breezy.  High around 80.  There are high surf advisories through Wednesday morning with the concurrent warning about riptides, so be careful if you swim in the ocean.

We have the doors and windows open and the fresh air is wonderful.  We will have to close up again in a couple of days as the humidity is set to increase and the temperature rise--but it's a nice glimpse of the fine weather to come.

Monday, September 17th, pleasant:  It's 65 (!) degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and the sun is about to shine.  Sunny and relatively mild today with highs in the lower 80's and lower humidity.  Like yesterday, there will be a noticeable breeze.  Some of the stronger gusts yesterday did a bit of palmetto pruning and I came home to find dead fronds scattered about the neighborhood.

The cats, even Zoë, have taken renewed interest in the back porch as the heavy, muggy mid-summer weather has abated.  For the past couple of months, Zoë (she of the long, thick fur) has walked away from the opened door, making her thoughts clearly known.  Yesterday, she was happy to go out, even asked at the door--that would be the big door, of course, as she still doesn't deign to use the pet door.  We know she CAN use it since she came through it while He Who Must Play Tennis held it open for her.  But, that's the point, isn't it?  She has "people" to open doors for her, thank you.

Saturday, September 15th, cloudy:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning.  Partly to mostly cloudy today with a continuing chance for showers and thunderstorms.  We should see some clearing by tomorrow. Highs in the mid-80's.

This last bit of unsettled weather today heralds some cooler, drier weather set to move in tomorrow for a refreshing hint of weather to come..  A chance for open windows would be terrific.  We'll have to see.

With all the showers we have had this week, the resurrection fern has remained vibrant for several days making the canopy over Bohicket Road that much greener.

Thursday, September 13th, cloudy:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning.  Partly to mostly cloudy today with a continuing chance for showers and thunderstorms.  Highs in the mid- to upper 80's.

Last evening's showers mean I won't have to water the deck plants this morning.  I am pleased to see that the showers did not drive the remaining Miss Spider away and that she is at work reconstructing her web, shifting its position a bit to move into some of the space formerly occupied by another spider's web.  That web was washed away by a heavy downpour, so this might not be the wisest move for her.

Wednesday, September 12th, cloudy:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  The birds are singing and the sun is shining.  Expect clouds to gather during the day with an increasing chance of showers or thunderstorms.  Highs in the mid- to upper 80's.

Chickadees are visiting me today through my window.  A pair of them are hopping up and down the deck rail, in and out of the window boxes and planters, generally have a good look around.

Monday, September 10th, sunny:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 5:40 this morning.  More sunshine and mostly clear conditions are in order for today with a touch more humidity as the winds (light as they are) shift around to the southwest.  Highs around 90.

From recent experience, it appears a reminder is due.  "One way" around the roundabout is NOT optional and neither is the "one way" you choose.  This also applies to backing around the circle.   If the front of the car is headed in the correct direction but the car is moving in reverse, that still counts as "wrong way."

Sunday, September 9th, sunny:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  More sunshine and mostly clear conditions continue today and tomorrow with highs today around 90.  A gentle northerly breeze will keep the less humid air moving.

Late summer flowers are lining the roadways, mainly vibrant yellow goldenrod.  I've also noticed a profusion of morning glories this year, some lovely sprays of them in spots I don't recall having them previously.

Thursday, September 6th, sunny:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 8:10 this morning, clear and sunny with only a slight breeze.  It will be sunny throughout the day with highs again in the mid-80's to lower 90's.

And then there was one.  The weekend downpours washed away one of the spiders outside my window.  Even the remnants of her web are gone now.  One golden silk remains and she is busy at work repairing her web.  This spider was not the most assiduous web tender, but she chose a spot that is a bit more protected.

Wednesday, September 5th, sunny:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  It will be sunny today with highs in the mid-80's to lower 90's.  A NE breeze will help keep things less muggy.  Should be a very pleasant day.

Tuesday, September 4th, sunny:  It's 69 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, very pleasant.  We had a beautiful day yesterday and it looks like another one today.  Beach weather, but not steamy. Mostly sunny with a high near 90.

Everything was refreshed by the rains.  The trees and plants are perky and the golf courses are like carpets again.  I'm sure the rain refreshed the lagoons and ponds as well, cooling the water and adding some oxygen.  The prolonged hot weather had produced some fish kills earlier last week (reportedly quite gleefully to me by a young visitor who evidently enjoyed watching the dead fish being collected and removed.)

Monday, September 3rd, NOT raining:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 5:15 this morning.  After a very wet weekend, we haven't had a shower for several hours now and the radar shows the persistent rainmaker still in the picture but offshore now.  That should give us a mostly cloudy Labor Day but with a decreased chance of rain.  High in the mid-80's.  Perhaps the soggy vacationers can get a quick beach visit in before they depart.

Sad to say, the weekend sogginess has not been excluded from the inside of the shop as two new and pretty noticeable leaks have "sprung" to life.

Saturday, September 1st, raining:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and a bit drippy.  Yesterday's scattered showers turned into a mostly cloudy day with some noticeable rain, especially just inland.  In the late afternoon, I drove to the Big Pig.  It wasn't raining here at the time, but just beyond the Island Center, it was raining steadily and continued so al the way to Maybank and back--until I got to the Island Center.  Eventually the rain slipped to the coast and we have had showers ( and a little thunder) all night.  Those showers are likely to continue through the day enough to disrupt beach fun.  High in the low to mid-80's.

Friday, August 31st, raining:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a light but steady rain falling.  The chance of rain will persist throughout the day interspersed with a bit of sunshine now and then.  High in the upper 80's.

The rain is not so heavy as to disturb the birds who are calling from tree to tree this morning.  Yesterday afternoon I finally saw blue jays in the yard, two of them in a mixed congregation of birds who were loudly insisting that something--snake? bobcat?--vacate their area.  Their target was definitely down below them and was moving none too quickly away.

If you are traveling this holiday weekend, go carefully.

Thursday, August 30th, mostly sunny:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 9:15 this morning and hazy with a light breeze.. Mostly sunny today with a high around 90 degrees.  It shows how acclimated we are to August by now that yesterday's mere 88 degrees seemed "comfortable."

The season winds down.  We certainly have seen fewer visitors this week, although there are still many enjoying the beach weather, but very few school age children.  Plants, natural as well as landscaped, are at their fullness and some have already moved towards "harvest' with seed heads appearing on grasses and  some herbs and flowering plants showing "stalkiness." The river birch just outside my window dangles one yellow leaf right at my eye level.  Even in the heat of full summer, there's notice of change to come.

Tuesday, August 28th, mostly sunny:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and hazy. Mostly sunny today with a chance of a scattered shower.  Highs around 90 degrees.  Of course, it will be humid.

If you were out in the early evening, you were treated to the sight of a beautiful full moonrise.  Native Americans  of the Northern and Eastern United States traditionally called the full moons by various names.  August's moon was called the Sturgeon Moon by the fishing tribes, especially those near the Great Lakes, but many called it the Red Moon as the humid haze prevalent in August makes the moon appear reddish as it rises.  That's the name that works for us.  Check it out tonight if you get a chance.

Monday, August 27th, mostly cloudy:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and overcast. We had just a little bit of rain last night but not enough to still be dripping from leaves or eaves.  There's a chance of some showers today with highs near 90.

The marshes are at their late summer fullness with tall grasses that bend and blow in the breeze, green with just the beginning golden hint of seed heads and the color change to come.  The angle of light has changed enough now and interesting shadows and details reemerge.

Sunday, August 26th, partly sunny:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 6:20 this morning, still early morning dark.  We are promised a partly cloudy day with little chance for showers but muggy heat assured, a reminder that it is still August.  highs in the lower 90's.

The traffic has slowed just a bit here in the last week of August. Few vacationing families are arriving and summer visitors are returning to home areas for impending school dates.  There is still plenty of summer left, just a bit less frantic.

Bitz is a bit perplexed at today's early start.  She pulled herself out of her night nest and is curled up on a stool next to me, her slow, deep breathing a sure sign that she thinks it's still night.  Nice company, though.

Friday, August 24th, partly sunny:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and hazy.  There's a slight chance of showers throughout the day (although if yesterday is the pattern, we will hear lots of thunder but not a splash of rain.)  Highs will cluster around 90 degrees.

The remains of two dragonflies remain in the spiders webs this morning, husks of bodies still attached to iridescent wings.  There must have been a mini-swarm of mosquitoes near the webs that drew them in--and I can only hope some of the mosquitoes were trapped as well.

Wednesday, August 22nd, the heat advisory is back:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and hazy.  Temps in the mid-90's, bumping 100 inland, will make today another sticky, uncomfortable one.  I can't think that even beachgoers like days like this.  But we show moderate to around 90 for the rest of the week.

Tuesday, August 21st, mostly sunny:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and clear.  Mostly sunny today with slightly higher temps, mid- to upper 90's.  Warm weather will return on Wednesday.

The threat level of this site has evidently been lowered as we are once again accessible on government computers.

Monday, August 20th, mostly sunny:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 and clear.  Mostly sunny today with a few clouds possible this afternoon.  Highs around 90.

How do we get from Monday to Monday so quickly?

Sunday, August 19th, more comfortable:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 and overcast.  Today's high in the upper 80's, while not "refreshing," will feel a bit more comfortable than the weather we have had for the past several days.  Lots of sunshine, little chance for rain.

I admit to being a weather junkie, especially during hurricane season, a natural result, I think, from living along the coast for so m any years of my life.  (I have to admit I read weather maps quite frequently, but nationally and internationally.  It's a fascinating science.  During periods of tropical activity, I especially like the National Hurricane Center's website.  The maps, charts, and advisories are all there, but of most interest are the forecast discussions which present the guidance, reasoning and cautions behind the forecasts.  I've read the discussions for several years now and I have particular forecasters I prefer--Pasch and Avila.  It's a great site if you are concerned about approaching tropical weather or, like me, just interested in the science.  Google National Hurricane Center.

Friday, August 17th, hot (what's new?)  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning with a bit more hazy overcast than usual. And as I typed, there was a rumble of thunder.  Radar shows some very widely scattered shower activity so it's anybody's guess if the thunder will develop into anything (there's another rumble.)  Rain now would be OK (except for He Who Must Play Tennis), but I would prefer no rain this evening as Shrimp City Slim and Wanda Johnson are scheduled on the Freshfields Green.  It will be hot in any case, zooming up to nearly 100 inland today, 90's out here, and well into the 100's for heat index.

Thursday, August 16th, hot:  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with hazy overcast and a slight breeze.  Heat advisories are in effect again today with highs in the 90's everywhere.  There is a chance of cloudiness this afternoon and a slight chance of showers.  Mainly, it will be hot.

Our attentions is drawn to the tropics as we begin to hear news of depressions, storms, and hurricane.  We are all too familiar with the words "Cape Verde storm," even after all of the years that have passed since Hugo.  The newly formed hurricane, Dean< seems on a track to the Gulf, though--not that those storm-weary folks have expressed a need for any named storm either.    But we all watch.

Heat warning, storm warning--here's another warning.  It has just come to my attention that reading this site may be a bit dangerous.  One of our longtime, faithful back porch visitors happens to have us marked as a favorite site on her computer at her workplace in an unnamed DC-area government facility.  After reading the "memo" on European terror alerts posted on the HUMOR page, her access to this site had been blocked.  So. look around:  you never know who might be out here on the porch with us!  The HUMOR page........REALLY!!!!

Tuesday, August 14th, hot:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 6:50 with hazy overcast and little breeze.  It will be August-hot again today with slightly higher temperatures as well as humidity.  While we have heat advisories for afternoon and early evening, we shouldn't reach the miserable levels of last week.  Maybe tomorrow.  Highs in the mid- to upper 90's.

 This isn't "going back to school weather." I feel for the kids who are putting on the uniforms and headed back this week and next.  I know that schools are air-conditioned and the kids are needed on the farms anymore but "August" is summer and, at least around the northern hemisphere, it's a month synonymous with vacation and beach and standing down a bit.  And do these extra two to three weeks have any "bottom line" results?  Hard to find, I'd say.

Monday, August 13th, normal August:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:15.  We are back to more normal August weather which means hot and humid but not extremely so.  High today in the low to mid-90's, but no excessive heat warnings.  I'm glad to see that the bothersome little cactus icon doesn't return until Wednesday.

Saturday, August 11th, storms possible:  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:15.  It's cloudy ad a bit gusty at present as there are some thunderstorms along the coast north of us.  Radar doesn't show a threat to us here at the moment, but the storms chance for storms exists for later in the day.  Otherwise, it's going to be hot once again, very hot with uncomfortable humidity.  Temperatures around 100 with heat index values several degrees higher than that (possibly 125 inland--whew!)  It's looking as though we will get a bit of relief (relative) on Sunday and then back to the 90's nest week.

The islands have been busy these past two weeks and I expect will remain busy this coming week before the crowds begin to lessen as schools begin to beckon.

Friday, August 10th, continued dangerously hot:  It's 82 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning with a light breeze that at least moves the hot air around.  That's a bit of relief and about all we can grab at today.  Highs today around 100 with heat index values of 120 or higher at times.  Even into the evening the heat index will easily top 100 degrees.  No real promise of rain today, although there may be a chance for tomorrow.  temps should "moderate" by Sunday--down to the low 90's.

Miz Bitz spent a couple of hours out on the porch yesterday for an afternoon nap.  When she came in, she marched into the kitchen, sprawled out on the cool flooring not far from the air vent, no doubt deliberately.  Right now, she's curled up catnapping on the stool beside me as I type.  It's a very calming thing to watch a content cat doze--slow, deep breaths, an occasional ear twitch, and the tiniest little buzz of a snore.

Thursday, August 9th, dangerously hot:  It's 82 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and a bit overcast (altho' most of that "overcast" is likely heat haze.)  It will be stunningly hot again today, bumping 90 again with high humidity and a heat index that you don't even want to think about.

A memory of this heat wave:  a young guy running past me chanting this mantra:  It's too hot; it's too hot!"  Was he running to get home more quickly? to create a breeze?  I didn't look--maybe he was barefooted.  the lesson:  don't run today.  It's too hot!

Wednesday, August 8th, dangerously hot:  It's 83 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  It's never a real good sign when that little cactus appears in front of a bright sun on the weather icon.  Actually, for us it should be a sweating cactus because our heat is anything but desert-like.  We have had a couple of very warm today, but today will be the HOT one, the weather folks say.  Highs will cluster around 100 and that's the absolute temperature.  Heat indices will be more like 120, cooling to a mere 110 this evening.  Do not hurry to do anything today--or tomorrow either!

Tuesday, August 7th, dangerously hot:  It's 79 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  With very hot and humid conditions persisting--upper 90's today and high humidity--we face another very uncomfortable day.  Even the beachgoers are wilting in these conditions and the warm ocean water (mid-80's now) doesn't help a lot.  We won't even mention the jellyfish.

On a brighter note, the green vegetation is holding up nicely in the heat, due in large part to the rains we have had recently.  River birches are among the first trees to show heat distress and there's not a yellowing leaf to be seen on the one outside my window.

Monday, August 6th, really hot:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  Heat advisories for today--might as well say this week--as the temperature and humidity will combine to may it pretty unpleasant.  Highs in the mid- to upper 90's today.  Might I suggest that if you have friends in cooler, drier locales, this week would be a great time to visit them.

Saturday, August 4th, clearing:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and the sun is shining.  After yesterday's persistent rain, today should be mostly clear, maybe a slight chance of an afternoon shower, and hot--around 90 inland and mid- to upper 80's here.  We are headed into a very warm week also.  Think 90's and steamy.

It started raining early yesterday and didn't stop until late last night.  A very stubborn rain system parked itself over our coast and did not budge for hours.  The radar of the Southeast coast showed clear conditions everywhere except Hilton Head/Beaufort to McClellanville.

two of the spiders are diligently working to repair their webs which were weakened by the rain.  The third spider sits quietly in her parlor.  Either her repair work is already done or she's waiting to see if the showers really are over.

Friday, August 3rd, cloudy:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and overcast.  It will be mostly cloudy today with a fair chance of showers, especially this evening.  High in the mid-80's.

Recently, some of the large oaks along Bohicket Road were trimmed and limbs of various sizes were removed. Some were taken down because they were hanging low over the road, too low to allow trucks to pass while remaining in their lane.  Others were deemed unsound.

There is a good example of why such pruning (as painful as it is to see any of the canopy removed) is necessary.  Just this (the island) side of Chez Fish, on the right, is a beautiful old oak tree.  It has had room to grow and spread so it has the classic shape.  It has been there for well over a hundred years, no doubt, and looked ready for many more.  However, one entire main branch of the tree has recently split from the trunk and dropped to the ground.  The interior of the branch is hollow, dead for some time.  The weight of the limbs and leaves was finally too much.  Thankfully, that tree sits away from the roadway and while its demise is a loss to all of us who admire such grand oaks, imagine the loss had the huge limb fallen across the roadway, just in front of or onto passing cars.

It takes those grand trees a long time to grow--and a long time to die completely.  The State crews have to monitor the trees along the roadways to try to assess their internal health as a safety precaution for all of us.  That doesn't mean that we, as concerned citizens, shouldn't keep a wary eye for chainsaw abuses--or that finding a way to limit some traffic along canopied roadways isn't a good idea.

Thursday, August 2nd, steamy:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning and the sun is shining though some light, hazy clouds.  The weather will definitely let us know it's August today--hot and humid, high around 90 (even hotter inland).

It's the right time of year for cold watermelon (hard to imagine it as a winter treat, isn't it?)  Watermelon was a staple at backyard gatherings and family dinners.  A big melon (none of those dainty personal size melons were in evidence) would be chilled in ice in a a large galvanized tub, covered with a layer of burlap bags to insulate.  It would be cut open with a loud crack! and then divided into slices or chunks and always eaten outside.  Seeds were inevitable and a part of the treat.  I used to marvel at their shiny perfection.  If the melon had been chunked rather than sliced, Grandma would saves the rinds for pickling.  (Those pickles would appear on the Christmas table--colored bri