Saturday, July 19th, showers likely:  It's 75 on my back porch at 8:30 this morning and cloudy.  A tropical depression just off our coast is likely to drive bands of showers through our area today.  While we are under a tropical storm watch, it appears that the Myrtle Beach area and the North Carolina beaches are more likely to feel heavy rain and breeze effects from the system, especially if it develops into a tropical storm.  Higher tides and the increased possibility of rip currents should be taken into consideration if you plan to be in the water.  Highs today in the mid- to upper 80's.

Friday, July 18th, unsettled weather continues:  It's 74 very muggy degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  The unsettled weather pattern we have had for the past several days will continue for another couple of days.  We will continue to see a rapidly changing mix of sun and clouds and brief, scattered showers.  Highs will continue to be in the mid-80's, actually cooler than further up the Atlantic coast.

A couple of heavier, more extended showers last night and early this morning will make tennis an iffy proposition today I fear--or, actually, He Who Must Play Tennis fears so. Zoë is out on the deck happily licking rainfall from the plants and I hear a hairball being presented by Bitz.  Gotta go.

Thursday, July 17th, mixed:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and bright.  We will have another day of mixed sun and clouds with a slightly increased chance of showers.  High in the mid-80's.

Wednesday, July 16th, mixed:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning with hazy skies.  Mostly sunny today with a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms--the usual summer mix.  Highs in the mid-80's.

The recent rains have helped to keep things green around here, even the moss and mold on some north-facing surfaces.  We will gladly deal with that inconvenience as a small price for having rainwater instead of public water to keep a few plants alive.

Monday, July 14th, mixed:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and the morning overcast is burning off to yield some blue sky.  Partly to mostly cloudy today with a fair chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.  High in the mid- to upper 89;s.

The mockingbird I had first noticed at Freshfields earlier this spring is now a constant fixture.  I see him most mornings, perched on a roof edge or in one of the trees; but even if I don't see him, O always hear him.  It's quiet in the Village when I gat there, well ahead of most other openings and before the shoppers.  Hearing the mockingbird's morning program starts the day off right.  We should all have a mockingbird just outside our window.

Saturday, July 11th, mostly sunny:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning.  There are a few clouds but no serious contenders at the moment.  Our week of unsettled weather has actually brought some some much needed rain, but the weekend forecast is basically dry.  Highs today will approach 90.

I do not have a Miss Spider this year to observe and I have to admit I miss having a Golden Silk to watch.  However, I have a very saucy hummingbird who is a regular visitor at the window, darting from tree to flower boxes to window, hovering and dancing just at my eye level as I look out from this desk.

Wednesday, July 9th, unsettled:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and a bit overcast.  The unsettled weather pattern remains with us--intermittent clouds with a chance of scattered showers.  And "scattered" is the watchword.  Only a matter of a couple of blocks can men the difference in a few sprinkles or a downpour.  He Who Must Play Tennis would offer that the heavier showers are always centered around the tennis courts!  They certainly were yesterday morning.  Highs today in the mid- to upper 80's.

Monday, July 7th, not quite so hot:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning and a bit overcast.  There's a better than even chance of showers today and the intermittent clouds will help keep the temperatures in the mid-80's.

Saturday, July 5th, muggy:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, sunny and still.  It will be an unsettled day as there's a chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms throughout the day.  Highs once again around 90 degrees.

What?!?  Bertha??  Who?  It's much too early to start watching the tropical weather reports.  I admit to being a weather addict and I read the National Hurricane Center site reports with such frequency that I know all the posting forecasters and have my "favorites."  For most, a report citing millibars and shears and vectors and analyzing models would not be a riveting read.  But I also admit to being so susceptible to baseball that I can't start watching or reading about it until well into September (sometimes late August) or I will spend a much too long season focused on the games.  And I can't start hurricane tracking in early July either!

Friday, July 4th, Independence Day:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, a sultry beginning to a midsummer's day.  Highs again around 90 with the slightest chance of evening showers.  On THIS evening we hope not as showers and fireworks do not mix well.

"When in the course of human events..."  I daresay that many Americans recognize or remember those as the opening words of the Declaration of Independence.  I also imagine that many Americans recall the inalienable rights: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  I also bet that it has been a long, long time since most Americans have actually read the document that formed the basis of our nationhood.  It's an interesting treatise.  Today would be a good day to find a copy and see what the founders agreed, after much debate, that our country was all about--and what we were NOT about.  In this prolonged season of campaign rhetoric, it also would do us well to remember that the strength of the document the process of ratifying it was that it WAS a process.  Not every person agreed with every word as it was presented, but common goals and considered compromise prevailed over personal, regional, and sectarian opinions. We can only hope that our governmental leaders know their history and this document in particular.

Thursday, July 3rd, sunny:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning headed back up to 90.  It's clear and sunny with little breeze but not altogether uncomfortable as we are being spared the ultra high humidity.

The birds seem to have gotten accustomed to the small bubbler in the new birdbath and have started visiting it regularly.  For a while they would just sit on nearby limbs and watch.

Wednesday, July 2nd, summery:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, clear and still.  Up to around 90 degrees today, but so far the humidity hasn't pumped back up to laundry room levels yet.  No rain is in the forecast.

Tuesday, July 1st, very nice:  It's 69 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, clear with a gentle breeze.  It's very pleasant out this morning and will continue pleasant through the day.  Highs will again be in the mid- to upper 80's with less humidity.  A pretty nice day to be outside.

The whistling sound you hear in the background is June hurtling past!

Monday, June 30th, unsettled:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, breezy with a hazy overcast.  There's chance of scattered thundershowers throughout the day and evening, much like Sunday afternoon.  The high will be in the upper 80's.

As I drove off the island Saturday afternoon and into town, there was a moderately long line of cars waiting to get trough the front gate and a steady stream of cars heading down Bohicket towards the islands, many with luggage carriers on top and bikes on the back.  Yes, the island population has grown but it doesn't seem as busy yet as it has been in previous years.  I suspect that more visitors will arrive midweek. This will be an indication of something, I am sure!

In the meantime, go carefully and allow a bit extra time to get on, off, and around the island.

Friday, June 27th, sultry:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, bright and breezy.  It's a warm, moist breeze, however, and we will feel everyone of the 90 or so degrees of heat in store again today.  There is an increased chance of showers later.

The big summer holiday season approaches and we are likely to have a big bump in the island population beginning this weekend.  It's already evident, though, isn't it?  Many more cars on the road, fewer parking spaces at FFV, and lots more people.  It's summer.

Thursday, June 26th, sultry:  It's already 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, bright and still.  A few clouds this afternoon will do little to ameliorate temps in the 90's and high humidity.  Only a slight chance of a shower later.  Already the "magic" of summer is beginning to fade...melt.

We were remarking yesterday that in this weather, the birds are not quite as vociferous in the mornings.  An occasional tweet, chirp, whatever.  I do hear a far-off cardinal call this morning but that's about it.

Tuesday, June 24th, mostly sunny:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, bright and still.  We are headed into the low 90's today--perhaps a tad cooler along the beach--with little chance of showers.  We had another prolonged thunderstorm last evening and lots of good rainfall.  Some pretty impressive lightning as well.

Monday, June 23rd, partly cloudy:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, a bit cloudy with little breeze.  Partly cloudy today with highs in the mid- to upper 80's and a chance of showers.  Finally, last evening we had some very nice rain here.  The recent deluges have brought much rain and flooding mostly to areas to the north and west of us.  There have been some showers here on Kiawah but further up island.  But this morning, even here in the Historic District, everything looks washed and freshened.

Don't forget that today is the first Kiawah Reads presentation.  Two sisters and their cousin who write as Caroline Cousins will be at the Sandcastle at 2 pm. They are a delightful trio and you will enjoy their talk about how they collaboratively write their Southern mysteries.

Saturday, June 21st, breezy:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning, a bit cloudy with a moderate breeze.  Clouds and breeze will continue today and there is a very good chance of showers and storms later.  Yesterday evening areas just to our west and north (as close as Johns Island) had some very intense storms with lots of wind, rain and hail (waterspouts and tornadic winds also).  We heard the thunder and had just enough rain to spatter the open deck boards.  Those under any sort of overhang or furniture stayed dry.  It's strange to see the TV coverage of downpours and intense storms and be sitting under the edge of the clouds wishing for just a little shower or two.

I am watching a big, beautiful Swallowtail butterfly enjoying the deck flowers this morning.

Thursday, June 19th, sunny:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 6:50 this morning, clear and still.  After the wind shifts back around to the south later today, the moist air will be back.  Until then we can enjoy the slightly drier air as the temperature climbs into the upper 80's, even 90.  No rain in sight until maybe this weekend.

Wednesday, June 18th, very hot:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 6:10 this morning.  We didn't get any rain last evening out here, just some promising thunder that accompanied showers elsewhere but close by.  The temperatures are a bit cooler this morning, however, 72 at present and we will be in the mid-80's along the shore today, a nice break from the mid-90's.

There is a chickadee nest just under the deck outside my window.  I often see one of the parents fly to the deck rail with a morsel in its beak, drop to the deck floor, have a quick look around, and then quickly disappear under the edge.  This morning the nestlings are in good voice calling for breakfast.

Tuesday, June 17th, very hot:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and sunny.  It will be uncomfortably hot and humid today with highs inland nearing 100 and in the low 90's out here.  We will get noticeable relief from the heat and humidity after the wind shifts later tonight.  Chance of showers late.

Activity has picked up noticeably on the islands with many more visitors.  That means more vehicular traffic as well as bike traffic.  Attention and patience are both required.

Monday, June 16th, clouds later:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:25 this morning with a light overcast.  High of 90 today with a chance of afternoon showers.

Yesterday's late showers brought some very nice relief--moisture and a bit of coolness.  It also brought us a gorgeous sunset.  Just as the sun was setting, a very light rain was falling and combined with steamy mist rising from the sun-baked earth to fill the air with vapor.  There were hints of a rainbow for brief moments and then, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, the vaporous air was suffused in salmon pink light.  Not only could you see a beautiful sunset, you were IN a beautiful sunset.

Sunday, June 15th, clouds later:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at725 this morning with a light breeze.  Clouds are predicted to move into our area during this day, bringing a chance of a shower or two.  We would welcome both.  Highs in the upper 80's.

In spite of those who "complain" that Father's Day is a "made-up holiday (and Mother's Day isn't?), today IS the day to acknowledge Dads.  My own Dad wasn't a sentimental "Hallmark" type, but he always took our cards in good humor (most of them handmade and corny--evidently we weren't sentimental "Hallmark" kids either!)  I found two of those cards in a dresser drawer after he died.  So, if you can, go hug a Dad today.

Friday, June 13th, sunny:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 6:40 this morning, a few high clouds and little breeze.  Those have are visiting the beach this week have had their early shot of summer and it continues today.  Highs near 90 again.  There's chance for a morning shower, although nothing is showing on the radar at the moment.

I know that we have some back porch visitors who are in the Upper Midwest areas now being drenched, soaked and flooded.  We are sending good thoughts your way and hope that you are safe and dry and that the rain and flooding subside very soon.  What a tough summer some folks will face there.

If you are on the way into town and you happen to be stopped at the light at the "five points" intersection on Maybank (James Island), look left to see some beautiful white crape myrtles (var. Natchez?) in full bloom and showing why those trees have long been favorite ornamentals in the South.

Thursday, June 12th, sunny:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 8:40 this morning, sunny with a light breeze.  It will be cooler--it's all relative!--today with highs in the mid- to upper 80's.  No hint of rain in the forecast, however, and a liitle falling moisture would be nice.

Gardenias are just past their peak bring to a close the season of extravagant Southern blossoms.  Jasmine, magnolias, and gardenias are all "over-the-top" flowers.  Magnolias and gardenias shine brilliantly against their dark foliage.  Jasmine blooms so profusely that the foliage fades well into the background.  All three blooms are remarkable for structure (stellate jasmine flowers and bowl-shaped magnolias) or substance (smooth, leathery magnolia and velvety gardenia.)  And of course the fragrance.  Those three aromas--jasmine, magnolia, and gardenia--are prototypical of the sultry South.

Wednesday, June 11th, still hot:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, sunny and still.  We will be a wee bit cooler today, in the upper 80's out here.  There is still the false hope of a chance (20%) for an afternoon shower.

Tuesday, June 10th, hot:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and headed into the 90's yet again.  There may be  some  clouds later in the day and a very slight chance of showers or storms.  It's tropical --without the "semi-"

I have a few freshly cut gardenias in the house and their fragrance lightly fills the air this morning.  My Mom for years followed the old tradition of having a bush planted just outside of windows, which were always open in the summer, and I can remember the summer morning smell of gardenias quite clearly.

Monday, June 9th, hot:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 6:20 this morning with morning haze still and little breeze.  Hot and humid once again today with afternoon temps ranging from around 90 into the mid-90's.  With the humidity, it will feel much warmer.  The bright note is that with the increased humidity the evaporation from the bubbling birdbath has slowed. Silk purse/sow's ear?

Activity on the island has visibly increased over the weekend--more people out and about on foot, by bike and by car.  And we are beginning to see the early summer sunburns.  Usually by Tuesday the sun becomes a painful adversary for many, in spite of all the warnings about skin damage and the need for UV ray protection.

Sunday, June 8th, hot:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning bright with only a wisp of a breeze now and again.  Our hot weather continues (seems like it's here to stay this time) as we headed for 90 out here again today, mid-90's inland, with no showers and few clouds forecast.

Mimosas are in bloom throughout Johns Island now, and you know how I love them.  Lacy, ferny foliage with yellow-pink feathery blooms on top.  They are considered "trash" trees, weeds, so I can't go to a nursery and but on for the yard.  They do grow well from seedlings.  Hmmmmmm.

Friday, June 6th, hot:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning with a slight breeze.  Highs around 90 this afternoon with lots of sunshine and humid air.  It will be even warmer on Saturday.

 The few winter residents who had not already departed headed out this weekend, convinced by this week's weather of the wisdom of having a house in the mountains, the much less humid Southwest, the Northeast, or the Upper Midwest.  Travel carefully, y'all, and come back soon.

Thursday, June 5th, summer:  It's 78 degrees on my back porch at 8:45 this morning. We have moved right to mid-summer with a heat advisory issued for this afternoon.  The increased humidity will make us feel even hotter than the 90 to 95 degrees the thermometers will register.  But the 80-degree ocean is still refreshingly "cool" and a continuing breeze, albeit warm and damp, will at least stir the air.

Tuesday, June 3rd, continued warm:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, sunny with a light breeze. Our warm up continues today, up into the mid- to upper 80's.

We have had to close the windows and doors as the temperatures and humidity have risen and I miss hearing the morning birdsong.  Even so, I can usually hear the cardinals calling and the Carolina wren singing when they are in the trees just outside this window.  This morning, though, it is strangely quiet, nor do I see any birds moving in the branches--a bit unusual.

Sunday, June 1st, hot:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, warm already.  Bright sunshine will heat the area up into the 90's today with a slight chance of thunderstorms later.  Good beach day.

I now seem to have a pair of blue jays and this morning I see the woodpecker I have been hearing for the past several days but have been unable to spot.  The usual chickadees and cardinals are present, but no contingent of crows this morning.

Saturday, May 31st, hot:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, already considerably warmer than it has been at this hour.  Bright sunshine will heat the area up into the mid-80's to low 90's today with a slight chance of a shower later.  I will do some garden work early.

May--a month fraught with birthdays and anniversaries of significant days in my family--is nearly past and so quickly this year.

Friday, May 30th, warmer:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning, cloudy with a very slight breeze.  Clouds this morning will yield somewhat this afternoon as we begin to warm-up.  The wind will switch back around to the south bringing more humid air and our temps will be in the lower to mid-80's.  We will bump up against 90 over the weekend.

Thursday, May 29th, cloudy:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning, cloudy with a moderate breeze.  As one Back Porch denizen put it, we finally had a "rain storm with manners" last night.  No drama, booming and banging, or sharp flashes of lightning.  Just a nice rain.  We could get some more today as we rise into the mid-70's.  The impatiens look very happy.

Wednesday, May 28th, warmer:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 6:50 this morning, clear, sunny with little breeze.  The has switched around to a southerly direction and the air is definitely heavier with moisture.  Sunny most of the day with highs ranging from low 80's here to upper 80's in town.  There's a slight chance of a shower late.

The crows have found something worrisome this morning and are loudly proclaiming their dissatisfaction.  In the brief lulls in their cacophony I can hear a cardinal calling, sounding not nearly so distressed.

Tuesday, May 27th, sunny:  It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning, clear, sunny with a slight breeze.  The birds are singing and the squirrels are racing along the branches.  High today around 80, warmer in town.  The breeze will shift around to the south later in the day and intensify.

Mornings like this are very reminiscent of when we lived in southern Italy, where air conditioning in private homes was practically unheard.  In the mid-1990's, even the majority of hotels and restaurants were not air-conditioned either.  Everyone depended on high ceilings and cooling breezes for comfort.  The early mornings were precious times.  The dark of the night would have allowed the stone houses and the very land to have cooled a bit and hopefully the breeze would have shifted in the very early hours to be coming off the water.  The busy, busy city would be still at that hour and a quick forty winks before arising was bliss.

There were, however, no morning songbirds.

Monday, May 26th, Memorial Day, sunny:  It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 6:33 this morning, clear, sunny with a slight breeze.  Today will be a wonderful day to be outside, warm sun, a cooling breeze, and blue skies up above.  High around 80 degrees.

After a weekend of three concerts, I am still filled with music.  What a wonderful boon to have music in our lives, in our world.

The island is busy.  I can't quite judge it against other Memorial Day weekends, but we have definitely had an increase in families.  It will be interesting to note as the summer progresses what effect economic and political uncertainties will have on us.

Enjoy the day.  Salute a flag.  Thank a soldier.  Remember.

Sunday, May 25th, sunny:  It's 60 wonderfully cool degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, clear, sunny with a slight breeze.  We have a beautiful day ahead with a high temperature around 80 and a drier, northerly breeze.  Already I am relishing these cooler, less humid spells.

If you attended the Saturday concert of the CSO Gospel Choir (yes, another shameless mention!), then you were a part of something very special.

Friday, May 23rd, sunny:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear, sunny with a slight breeze.  It will be in the low to mid-80's again today but with a bit more humidity.  A breeze will  feel good.

We have a new birdbath, one with a bubbler fountain in the center, just enough to create a little burble but now enough to scare the birds.  And the first bird to come investigate was a blue jay!  I haven't seen him this morning, but I hope he returns!

Thursday, May 22nd, sunny:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, clear, sunny with a slight breeze.  We have a pleasant day in store with lots of sunshine, light northerly breeze and highs in the low to mid-80's.

Zoë, the cat with the long hair, knows the season has changed.  During the cool weather, she grows a significant "mane"--an Elizabethan ruff of long white fur that reaches to paw-tops when she walks.  Now she's getting rid of all that winter fur.  This is the time of year that she is more demanding of attention than other times as well, coming to us, plopping down, and waiting for a comb-out.

Tuesday, May 20th, sunny:  It's71 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear, sunny with a moderate breeze.  Highs in the mid- to upper 80's Maybe 90 in town) today with a moderate to strong breeze and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

There's a bit more activity on the island this week and that will continue to build as we near the holiday weekend.  The warm weather should persist and the water temperature is nearing the mid-70's, so all the beachgoers should be happy.

Monday, May 19th, sunny:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear, sunny with a light breeze.  Highs in the mid-80's today with a breeze and lots of sunshine.

Happy Birthday to my little brother!  I still think of him as the class clown, the lead guitar in a garage band, and the wannabe surfer dude.  Well, we are still reduced to tears of laughter five minutes into any phone call.  We still know most of the words to an amazing number of '60's songs and he still plays in a band.  I live at the beach and he comes to visit as often as he can (altho' he no longer has board racks on his car.)  But what still surprises is that my little brother is a mechanical/safety engineer at a nuclear power site!  Many more, bro'!

Sunday, May 18th, sunny:  It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear, sunny with a light breeze.  The breeze will become a factor by afternoon as we are to expect a steadily increasing southerly breeze with gusts up to 30-35 mph. Sandblast time on the beach again. The afternoon high should be around 80.

Yesterday's weather was just about perfect--warm sunshine, low humidity, light breeze (enough to keep the bugs away.  A keeper.

I feel lucky to have spotted a few coral bean plants still lightly sprinkled around our neighborhood.  Here and there are one or two stalks of the wildflower, but no substantial stands and you have to be looking.  There's one stalk right at the end of our cul de sac, reduced from four last year.

Saturday, May 17th, sunny:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear, sunny with a light northerly breeze.  We should have very pleasant conditions today even as the breeze moves around to the south.  Highs around 80.

Cool, dry mornings--we treasure each one of them this time of the year.  The birds seem to as well and are singing the praises this morning, especially a troupe of cardinals that are scattered across several lots and calling back and forth.  The cheeky squirrel who has been digging in the window boxes is off elsewhere this morning, finding new treasures to bury, no doubt!

Friday, May 16th, warm:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear, sunny and breezy.  Clouds are likely this afternoon and a few thunderstorms are possible.  Highs in the 80's.

We seem to be hurtling through May and now I feel a bit of pressure to finish getting gravel around pavers before it is no longer pleasant to spend a few ours outside working.  The breezy days are nice because the flying bugs are deterred..

Wednesday, May 14th, continued pleasant:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear and sunny.  A few clouds may appear by afternoon as the wind shifts to the south bringing a touch more moisture into the area along with some slightly higher temps.  Highs in the mid- to upper 70's.

The jasmine is just past prime now, still loaded with blossoms but a maturing fragrance.  It's a bit like jasmine straw, if you can imagine that--not at all unpleasant, but not the heady floral that has surrounded us for the past week or so.

Tuesday, May 13th, mighty pleasant:  It's 57 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear and sunny.  High today will be in the mid-70's with continued low humidity and a light northerly breeze.  This is a very uncommon May day and one to fix fast in your memory to hark back to in mid-August.

The birds are singing quite cheerily this morning and the crows are squawking about something.  But then, the crows are usually going on about something somewhere, announcing to all within earshot that even in the midst of this "perfect" morning, there's something worthy of alarm.

Spoleto announcement--and a shameless promotion.  The CSO Gospel Choir will once again present two concerts as a part of Piccolo Spoleto.  Homecoming: Rediscovering Roots will be presented on Friday, May 23rd, and Saturday, May 24th, 5 pm at Citadel Square Baptist Church (corner of Meeting and Calhoun Streets.)  This is a different concert from the one at Holy Spirit in April and has three new songs added to its Palm Sunday debut.  Tickets are $10 and available at all Spoleto ticket outlets and at the door.

Monday, May 12th, sunny:  It's 59 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, sunny and breezy.  A breezy, sunny, warm day is in store for us today with highs nearing 80 and winds around 20-25 with higher gusts.

The weather was much different yesterday, especially just inland from us on Wadmalaw.  A late afternoon line of storms produced a probable tornado that damaged homes and trees on the Bears Bluff area (as well as others).  Thankfully, the storm moved quickly and along a line that kept it away from us, but Johns and James Islands had some anxious moments and lots of rain.  One back porch observer reports a half-inch fell mid-island and we certainly didn't have more that that here,  The east end, closer to the storm's track, may have fared better as far as some needed rain.

Another Mother's Day tradition was observed here yesterday: the first two turtle nests were found.

Saturday, May 10th, hot:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning, overcast and breezy.  The dread H&H twins are back--hot & humid.  High today around 90 degrees.  The twins will retreat for a bit on Sunday, but we know they are just about to take up summer residence again.

Happy Birthday to He Who Must Play Tennis.  The weather doesn't look great for tennis today so he may have to give it a miss.  But the weather's ALWAYS good for pancakes!

Friday, May 9th, blustery:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning, overcast and breezy.  Highs in the mid-80's today with a much increased chance of showers or thunderstorms.  The winds will continue strong and gusty.

Thursday, May 8th, continued warm:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 this morning and breezy.  The wind is out of the south which means another warm day with some slightly noticeable humidity but not extreme.  There's a slight chance of afternoon showers as we reach into the 80's.

I am happy to report we saw one blue jay in our yard, but just one, and it appears to have just been an intermediate stopover for him.

Wednesday, May 7th, warm:  It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with little breeze.  We will be around 80 degrees today as we begin a bit of a warming trend for the next couple of days.  Southerly breezes will bring increased humidity as well.  Slowly, we hope!

Driving home down Bohicket Road last evening, I enjoyed once again the now fully leafed-out oaks and their gray moss drapery.  I could not help but remember a very different scene when I drove that same route for weeks after Hugo.  The oak trees still stood, having survived storms for many, many years.  However, every single leaf and all of the moss had been stripped away, leaving only the largest branches and limbs, stark as skeletons.  We despaired that it would ever be so lush again.  Nineteen years later and the oaks and moss marvel again.  Those old oaks have withstood and prevailed through Mother Nature's fury.  Now, will they survive Man's "improvement?"

I hope you found your way to the back porch today, Bike Guy!  We all agree we miss seeing you at the shop.

Tuesday, May 6th, warm:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a bit of fog aloft.  Mostly sunny today with highs around 80.  Actually, with the northerly breeze, we are not feeling as much cooling effect from the ocean and we have been warmer out here than forecasters have predicted, well into the 80's for the past couple of days.

Monday, May 5th, warm:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and clear with little breeze.  It will be warm again (in the low 80's out here) but with a chance of showers or thunderstorms.  The humidity is definitely on the rise, noticeable now but not uncomfortable.

I spent a good part of my weekend playing in the dirt.  Nearly everything is planted now--at least all of the easy stuff--but I have really fallen for some large leaf, nearly white caladiums and every time I look around outside, I find another shady spot that would really be a great place for them!  And I still have an army of small plants to set between tiles.  That's not going to be a lot of fun, but it will be the last of it for this spring (unless I find another spot needing caladiums!)

Bitz is finally over her head cold and is back "in charge," bossing all of us around.

Friday, May 2nd, sunny:  It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 7:16 this morning and hazy.  Actually that's probably fog.  But we should see clear, sunny weather most of the day with an increasing breeze, highs around 80.

I saw many deer--well, six--in the neighborhood yesterday afternoon.  That's the most I have seen for a while.  Either I am not around when they are or some of the herd have moved on.  In any case, one group of four were nibbling new growth on some shrubbery--small price to pay for the visit.

Wednesday, April 30th, sunny:  It's 51 degrees on my back porch at 7:16 this morning and clear.  The wind is still out of the north but the breeze has subsided considerably so that we should be able to feel all 72 of the degrees today.  Another cool night and we begin another warm up.

The magnolias along Maybank Highway on James Island are sporting beautiful white blossoms now.

Tuesday, April 29th, cooler, drier:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, clear and breezy.  The cool front that moved through with showers last evening brought a wind shift as well.  More northerly breezes will blow steadily today and keep the weather Spring-like.  Highs in the lower 70's with noticeably lower humidity.

Monday, April 28th, chance of showers:  It's 69 degrees on my back porch at 5:00 this morning, still dark with a light breeze.  There's a chance of showers or thunderstorms today with highs near 80.

It has been a long, anxious night.  Miz Bitz is missing, apparently having exited through an unhooked screen door while HWMPT was working in the yard Sunday afternoon. When I came home at 7pm, she didn't appear for dinner--a most unusual absence. I've searched everywhere inside and out as did HWMPT when he returned.  Not a sign.  Perhaps with morning light she will appear.  I sure hope so.

Sunday, April 27th, sunny later:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:30. light clouds, little breeze and a lot of bird chatter.  Morning clouds should lead to mostly sunny conditions and highs around 80.

I first smelled it late Friday night, a slight hint of a sweetness in the air that would occasionally curl though the dark.  Could it be?  The time was just about right but we had had cooler weather for a while.  Was I just having some sort of sensory memory?  So I checked yesterday morning and there it was just at the very beginning of its flowering, a very few blooms announcing the thousands to come, enough to scent the air already.  Jasmine!

yielding to clouds later, maybe a shower or two.  Highs will range from the mid-70's to lower 80's.

Bob S., a frequent back porch denizen, wrote to remind us of studies that documented the heavy toll of West Nile virus on urban bird populations--robins, crows and the crows' close relatives, blue jays (who knew?)  I remember reading that but had forgotten; thanks for the reminder!  It remains to be seen if and how quickly the population recovers, but we've got some prime nesting area here for a couple families.

The squirrels are active in the trees this morning, one of them performing daring acrobatics to get the tender growing bits at the very ends of the river birch limbs.  The others are mostly engaged in their usual high speed treetop races.

Friday, April 25th, partly cloudy:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:00. cloudy with little breeze.  Expect partly cloudy, mixed conditions today with highs around 80.  Ever so slightly, the humidity is slowly building.

The birds have been chirping, calling an singing this morning and I cannot help but notice that again this year I just do not see or hear blue jays.  We used to--and only a couple of years ago--have jays in abundance.  I could hear them squawking in the trees, three or four of them together in a tree.  They would land on the deck railing outside the window or land with a thud on the roof eave just above.  Where are they?

Tuesday, April 22nd, a bit cooler:  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, sunny with a light breeze.  Expect some clouds as the day progresses and slightly lower temps, in the low 70's.  Still very nice.

The weather is just grand for tennis--of course, that would be ANY day as long as there's not ice on the courts or near gale force winds, if you ask He Who Must Play Tennis. I hear him packing his tennis bag in preparation for today's battle.  There may be a moan or groan about this joint or that, but that's what neoprene and elastic bandages were made for!

Monday, April 21st, pleasant:  It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, sunny with little breeze.  Our mild weather continues today perhaps a few clouds mixed in with the sunshine.  Highs in the mid-70's.

The last week's warm weather has triggered an explosion of leaves.  Driving down Maybank (past Fenwick), River, and Bohicket Roads with the afternoon light slanting through the trees was an immersion in green, so much so that to have filmed it or painted it in the exact hues and tones would have elicited comments of disbelief.  That's part of the magic, though, isn't it?  Moments and vistas that can't be captured and stored anyplace other than personal memory of a specific moment.

Sunday, April 20th, sunny:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, sunny with little breeze.  We should have sunshine most of the day with highs around 80.

This is porch weather at its best.

Saturday, April 19th, sunny:  It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and it's noisy with birdsong.  Mostly sunny today with a slight chance of an afternoon shower.  Highs in the 70's.  Nice!

This has been a week of "gottas"--gotta be at work, gotta go to tennis, gotta write a newsletter, gotta do chores--gotta, gotta, gotta!  Almost done, though--at least for this week.  Now, I'm hoping for a week of "wannas."

Tuesday, April 15th, clouds:  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, a bit cloudy and breezy.  Partly cloudy and breezy may describe much of our day, with a slight chance of a light shower or two.  High in the low 60's.

It's tax day.  I often remember my Dad's remark many years ago after listening to my brother and me talking about some sort of deductions or tax matter.  With a smile he opined that he could feel he had gotten us well on our way when he heard heard his children bemoaning their own taxes.

Monday, April 14th, cool:  It's 46 mild degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with a light breeze.  Sunny this morning with clouds building later and a chance of showers,  High in the low 60's.

The cool air is dry and very refreshing and the birds do not seem to mind the chilly morning at all.  The same may not be true of the Family Circle tennis players.

Saturday, April 12th, nice early:  It's 66 mild degrees on my back porch at 8:20 this morning with a moderate breeze.  This is one of those mornings that brings back all the pleasant memories of Kiawah--mild air, soft breeze, blue sky, lots of morning birdsong, and no bugs.  Get out and enjoy it early as conditions are likely to begin changing later in the day.  Clouds and showers will move in and we should expect cooler temps on Sunday and much cooler on Monday and Tuesday before we begin another gradual warming towards next weekend.  But for a while today, enjoy the sun and temps in the 70's.

Kudos to the Island Choraliers (including He Who Must Play Tennis--and Sometimes Sing), who put on a very credible and enjoyable concert last night. Congrats, Guys!  All your hard work shows!

Friday, April 11th, nice:  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and foggy. The fog should burn off rapidly leaving us with a mostly sunny day.  The effect of the ocean temperature will be quite evident in the air temperature spread today, near 70 along the beach yet low 80's in town.

Thursday, April 10th, warmer:  It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning and sunny. Mostly sunny today with temperatures warming into the 70's--lower along the beaches, upper inland.

The month is hastening by.  The Spring flowers--dogwoods, azaleas, and wisteria--have blown past their prime now as the blossoms brown and litter the ground.  The deciduous trees are now splashing shades of green across the landscape and ground-covering wildflowers are livening the fields and roadsides.  I've seen and heard bluebirds this past week also and suppose they are on their search for a nest box

Monday, April 7th, cooler:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, cloudy with a light breeze.  A front finally pushed through early this morning.  The winds shifted to the northeast and brought some cooler air.  It will remain mostly cloudy today with temps remaining in the sixties.  Slight chance of some early morning drizzle.

The voice of the Chuck-Will's-widow has been heard in the neighborhood.  For two evenings, a lone, pleading voice has made just a few strident calls.  I expect a full nightly barrage to commence any time now.

Saturday, April 5th, warm:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning.  Warm weather continues with highs expected to be in the mid-70's to lower 80's.  There's a pretty good chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

Flowers and bushes are in full bloom this weekend, the dogwoods as full and brilliantly white as I have seen.  All of a sudden this past week, new leaves have begun to appear on the trees, even the river birch.  Spring in the Lowcountry!

Friday, April 4th, muggy:  It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and foggy.  Partly cloudy today with rising temps--up to mid-70's to mid-80's--with a breeze and a slight chance of showers.

If you are attending tonight's CSO Gospel Choir concert,  be reminded that the audience fills early and quickly and so does the parking lot.  Those with tickets will be allowed to enter as they arrive, but as concert time nears, walk-ups will be allowed entrance as long as there is sufficient seating/standing room.  Plan your arrival accordingly.  Take a book; I know where you can get one!  (Yeah, another shameless promotion!)

Thursday, April 3rd, showers:  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 9:00 this morning with little breeze and dripping.  It is not actively raining at the moment but showers are still likely especially this morning.  This will be a cool day (high in the mid-60's) sandwiched between two warm days (mid- to upper 70's).

Another Shameless Promotion:  The CSO Gospel Choir will present a free concert at Holy Spirit Church on Johns Island on Friday, April 4th, 7:00 pm.  The program, African-American Sacred Songs, offers a mixed selection of old--and new--favorites.  Entry tickets are free; donations gratefully accepted at the concert.  If you are attending, be reminded that the audience fills early and quickly and so does the parking lot.  Those with tickets will be allowed to enter as they arrive, but as concert time nears, walk-ups will be allowed entrance as long as there is sufficient seating/standing room.

Tuesday, April 1st, warm:  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a light breeze.  The chance of showers persists through the day and the temperatures will be in the 70's--lower or higher depending upon your proximity to the 60-degree ocean.

Monday, March 31st, cloudy:  It's 47 breezy degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning under gray skies.  This will be a week of "possible" weather--possible sunshine, possible showers.  Today's possibilities include a better than even chance of showers and a high near 60.

This must have been the shortest March on record.  The month that typically stretches for at least 5 1/2 or 6 weeks has sped by this year.  Funny how that happens.

Sunday, March 30th, cool & breezy:  It's 47 breezy degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning under gray skies.  Cool and breezy it will remain throughout the day with temps reaching only into the upper 50's.  We will have a couple of cool days with chances for showers before we rebound into warmer weather.

The annual population shift has begun as large numbers of our long-term winter visitors left this weekend to had back to their homes north and west of us.  We have seen some of the "visitors" for more than a decade and it is always a bit of a letdown to have them drop by the shop to say goodbye.  All have assured us they have made reservations already for next winter, but as much as it happens here, we are still reluctant to see them leave.  So, if you are one who has "left" us over the past several years, come back...soon.

Saturday, March 29th, cooler:  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, a few clouds with a light breeze.  A cold front will push through our area today bringing increased breezes (gusts up to 35 mph later) falling temps (high of 65) , building surf and rip currents (in case you are thinking of a brisk dip in the ocean.)  There's even a chance of showers this afternoon.

The birds are in fine voice this morning and with today's early mild temperatures, it feels and sounds like Spring.  All that's missing are the persistent night time calls of the Chuck-will's-widow--and we think we heard one tuning up last night (not in our thicket, however!)

Thursday, March 27th, nice:  It's 59 degrees on my back porch at 9:00 this morning, clear sky with a light breeze.  We have a few very nice days in store for us, lots of sunshine and light breezes.  Today we should reach 70 out here along the beach.

Flowering bushes and trees are coloring our world.  Azaleas and fruit trees splash pink and white.  The wisteria drapes purple and the jessamine sprinkles yellow dots through the trees.  It's the azaleas that catch the eye as you drive, and just a couple of them a garden makes of even the humblest yards.  What a wonderful idea flowers were!

Tuesday, March 25th, one more cool day:  It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, clear sky with a light breeze.  There may be some patches of frost this morning as clear skies overnight allowed heat generated by yesterday's sun radiate away.  Cool today with highs around 60 then warming to 70 tomorrow and upper seventies by the weekend.

I do miss the lower branches of the trees that we had trimmed away in the fall as I don't see as many of the birds close outside my window.  I know they are out there, higher in the trees as I can hear them, even on a cool morning like today.

Monday, March 24th, cooler:  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, gray and breezy.  It will be much cooler today and overcast much of it.  High in the 50's, down into the 30's tonight.  this will be a disappointing day for the Spring Breakers.

Sunday, March 23rd,  Easter:  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, just beginning to lighten with the dawn.  We should be mostly sunny early and then with some clouds later in the day.  Highs in the mid-60's.

The island is busy, hosting many Easter and Spring Break visitors.  Parking lots and grocery stores are swarming and road traffic has noticeably increased.  People are trying to get early Spring tans but the cool temps and persistent breeze has thwarted many.  Those who complain a bit about the cool weather are quickly reminded to savor this memory for July and August are not that far away.

Thursday, March 20th, windy:  It's 54 degrees on my back porch at 8:00 this morning.  It still looks rather stormy out there and the breeze is very strong.  Clearer and quieter weather should build during the morning, however, with sunshine promised for the afternoon and highs in the 60's.

The strong wind has hopefully cleared a lot of pollen from the pines--and it has certainly stripped many of the old leaves from the live oaks.  It is quite slippery underfoot with so many leaves on the ground, so go carefully.

Wednesday, March 19th, windy:  It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, cloudy with a moderate breeze.  A strong cold front will push through the area late tonight.  The front is pushing warm air ahead of it and we will be in the 70's today.  However, the winds will begin  to increase during mid-morning and persist through the evening, 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40mph.  Be careful on the bridges.

A measure of how regularly we have been having rain showers of late:  the resurrection fern on the oak branches along Bohicket were still green and vital yesterday afternoon.  For Spring, that's a good sign.

Another Shameless Promotion:  The CSO Gospel Choir will present a free concert at Holy Spirit Church on Johns Island, April 4th, 7:00 pm.  The program, African-American Sacred Songs, offers a mixed selection of old--and new--favorites.  (Yes, we will sing Amazing Grace.)  In anticipation of popular demand, first-come entry tickets (up to four per person) may be picked up at Indigo Books,  KI Town Hall, the Church, or the JI Library.  Tickets are free; donations graciously accepted at the concert.

Tuesday, March 18th, increasing clouds:  It's 57 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, cloudy with a moderate breeze.  We should see some scattered sunshine, especially early in the day, but the forecast is for mostly cloudy this afternoon with highs in the mid- to upper 60's.  The breeze will be much less than yesterday afternoon.

Another Shameless Promotion:  Coming soon!

Monday, March 17th, sunny:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this St. Patrick's Day morning.  Bright sunshine al day with slightly cooler temps, up to 65.

The Carolina jessamine is blooming now, its yellow flowers trailing through the trees and understory.  I have seen only a couple of dogwoods so far--and those planted in open yards where they get full sun.  I'm watching now to catch sight of wild trees blooming in the woods.  There are not a lot of them in the area, but when they bloom, they are easy to spot.

Saturday, March 15th, stormy later:  It's 59 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  Morning sunshine is likely to yield to clouds and showers this afternoon and evening.  Thunderstorms are possible; some may be severe.  Highs around 70.

A great horned owl has been in our close proximity for a couple of days, its who-who-whos quite close by last evening.  The crows and other birds haven't been especially happy about this new resident and created quite a ruckus yesterday morning and last evening with much squawking and swooping and wing flapping.  The songbirds are vocal this morning and thus far no alarms from the crows.

Friday, March 14th, sunny:  It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  Early overcast would clear to leave us another sunny, pleasant day.  Highs around 70.

Spring breakers are here and are valiantly trying to get a tan to sport when they return to classes elsewhere.  They look a little chilled in their sandals and beach cover-ups though.

Thursday, March 13th, sunny:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 8:00 this morning.  It is going to be another bright and sunny day with more moderate temperatures, upper 60's out here, mid-70's in town.

Yep!  It's Spring.  The pine trees are heavy with pollen and the love oaks are starting to shed their leaves.  Let the wheezing, sneezing, and tearing begin!

Wednesday, March 12th, sunny:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  It is going to be a bright and sunny day with more moderate temperatures, upper 60's out here, lower 70's in town.

The cooler weather we have had of late and the light rain we had last evening should help to prolong the azalea blossoms.  Usually, by Easter here in Charleston the azaleas have pretty much bloomed out.

Monday, March 10th, sunny:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  The is beginning to brighten and there's a cardinal calling in the early light.  Sunny today with highs around 60.

Sunday, March 9th, sunny:  It's 37 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning--although it is still dark night.  I don't like changing to Daylight time so early in the year.  All of the strong winds yesterday blew in a cold front and while we will have lots of sunshine, we will be cooler than we have been for  a few days.  Highs today in the upper 50's.

I attended a wonderful musical event yesterday--the concert that was held in connection with the just completed Jonathan Green Week  There were three "acts," all focusing on expressions of Gullah music.  The first was a premiere of an orchestral piece commissioned for this concert and written by Trevor Weston, music composer and faculty member at the College of Charleston.  It was in the modern idiom to be sure, but so evocative and reflective of the rhythms and harmonies of traditional Gullah singing.

One of his inspirations was the early recordings of the Moving Star Hall Singers, a group that originated in one of the Johns Island praise houses in the 1950's.  The Smithsonian has recorded and archived their music and the Singers traveled around the world.  They rarely perform publicly so to have a chance to hear them was an incredible gift--five women (including the one surviving member of the original singers) who with voices, claps and stomps filled the sanctuary.

The final act was the Charlton Singleton Quartet, well known here in jazz circles.  They played music that combined the sounds of blues, gospel, and cool jazz and couldn't help but set feet tapping and bodies swaying.  Live music is one of the true delights of this area and Sunday's concert was a special one.

Friday, March 7th, rain:  It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning with a slight breeze.  We have had only a few sprinkles thus far, but heavier, more steady rain is forecast today into tomorrow.  That's good for all that new spring growth we are just beginning to see.

A hawk was busy in our neighborhood yesterday.  I saw it several times, swooping low or gliding past above.  It was a nice-sized redtail and certainly caught the cats' attention as well.  They watched from the protective cover of the screened porch.

Thursday, March 6th, lovely:  It's 56 sunny degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning with little breeze.  We will be on the sunny end of the weather seesaw today with temperatures around 70 degrees.  It's looking like showers tomorrow and then cooler this weekend. 

The Sea Marsh lagoon was a beautiful sight as I came home last evening.  The sun was lowering in the sky but still above the treetops and cast bright, clear light directly on the three dozen or so egrets that perched in the trees.  They shone brilliantly white through the air that was so recently washed and blown dry.

Another of our furry back porch friends has left us.  But while Mocha has departed this life, he leaves his family with memories of love and companionship and the comfort those lasting memories will bring.

Tuesday, March 4th, stormy:  It's 60 sunny degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, becoming cloudy and breezy.  A front will move through today bringing strong winds with gusts up to 45 mph and the possibility of some strong thunderstorms.  Highs around 70.  Drive carefully today, especially over bridges and overpasses.

Monday, March 3rd, pleasant:  It's 53 sunny degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning with a slight breeze.  We have another lovely Spring day ahead with lots of sunshine and highs around 70.  I hope you find a chance to be outside.

This is blossom-spotting time--and it's becoming as easy sport.  Azaleas, redbuds, and flowering fruit trees are all beginning to sport yellow, pink, and purple blooms just as the white narcissus are dying away.

Sunday, March 2nd, pleasant:  It's 48 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, clear and sunny.  The birds outside the window are proclaiming a beautiful morning.  Lots of sunshine today with highs around 70.  Nice!

Friday, February 29th, cloudy:  It's 41 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, high overcast and decreased breeze.  The clouds should clear somewhat and while we won't be balmy, we should be in the upper 50's by afternoon.

The cardinals are cheery this morning, calling to each other.  The Carolina wren is outcalling all of the other birds of course.  Diva!

Thursday, February 28th, sunny:  It's 31 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear and cold.  There's ice in the birdbath this morning and the pansies are a but limp.  Sunshine will make it look warm but the temp will rise only to around 50.

The cats will be searching for sunny spots today for certain.

Wednesday, February 27th, much cooler:  It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear and breezy.  The breeze will stay with and, indeed, increase this afternoon which will make the 50 degree afternoon temp seem cooler.  Overnight lows will be in the 20's in town and in the lower 30's along the beach and that's wintry for us in the Lowcountry.

Tuesday, February 26th, showers possible:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, clear with a moderate breeze.  We should see clouds later with an increasing chance of showers.  Breezy with highs in the upper 60's.

I am watching our local herd of six deer munching contentedly on my neighbor's photinia.  It's good to see them and we gladly yield a few leaves and plants t them now and then.

Monday, February 25th, foggy early:  It's 50 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning with a bit of fog.  Sunshine later in the day with highs in the mid- to upper 60's.

Wow! it's nearly time to plant again.  Thanks goodness it's only window boxes and planters for me.  I see the the fields on Johns Island all turned and ready for their planting, too.  What a job as so much of that work is still done manually.

Sunday, February 24th, cloudy:  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and cloudy.  Partly cloudy throughout the day with highs around 60, 10 degrees cooler than yesterday.

I am convinced that Johns Island calico cats have an "accent"--at least observation of my small study sample of  two would certainly suggest that.  They are very chatty, but almost never in a more expected "meow."  Instead, they communicate between themselves and with us in a collection of whirrs, chirps, rattles, trills, and chatters.  Zoë, on the other hand, has a very sweet meow (and a daunting yowl)--but she's from off island.

Saturday, February 23rd, sunny:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  After a day and a half of rainy, gray weather, it is a mostly clear morning.  The forecast still calls for a couple of thunderstorms this morning but that doesn't look likely just now--but we all know how quickly the weather changes here along the coast.  The afternoon looks fairly certain for sunshine and highs around 70.  Very nice.  It would be a good time to take a walk in downtown Charleston.  Early azaleas are starting to bloom now.

There's lots of bird song and chatter in my yard this morning.

Thursday, February 21st, showers later:  It's 57 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning.  The current clear, blue sky belies the forecast for showers later with rain off and on through Saturday.  High near 60 (we are just about there!)

As I look out my window, the sun is highlighting the blooms on the pine trees.  They have lightened in color which means the pollen showers are not far away.

Wednesday, February 20th, sunny:  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning with clear blue skies.  It's a bit chilly but seasonably so.  Sunny again today with a high around 60 here along the coast.

Full moon tonight with moonrise and sunset in opposing skies.  Bundle up and wander down to the beach for a good view.

Monday, February 18th, rainy:  It's 58 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and a light, steady rain is falling.  Showers, with the possibility of thunderstorms, will continue through the morning and perhaps into the early afternoon.  Winds may become gusty as a cold front moves through.  High in the mid-60's.

While it looks a bit dreary outside this morning, this is great weather for us (unless you are of the tennis persuasion with play scheduled for this morning!)  Getting a little moisture in the ground can only help the growth spurt that will soon be upon us.

Saturday, February 16th, partly sunny:  It's 53 degrees on my back porch at 8:45 this morning with partly cloudy skies.  There will be sunshine in varying strengths throughout the day and the temps will range from the low to upper 60's.

Friday, February 15th, sunny:  It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.