Sunday, December 31st, showers: It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and gray.  The drops hanging from the river birch twigs are evidence of the showers we have already had and those yet to come today.  It will still be mild--near 70--nut not as much fun being outside.

The holidays as well as the year are winding down.  Holiday decorations are beginning to brown and fade.  The holiday treats are tending towards crumbs and rinds.  Simple foods begin to hold great appeal.  Enjoy 2006's last offerings and look forward to a brand new year.

Saturday, December 30th, continued mild: It's 60 sunny degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  the sky is just beginning to lighten and it looks a bit gray, but that is probably just morning overcast.  We should have sunshine today, at least for a good portion of the time, with an increasing chance of showers as the day wears on.  Highs will once again be in the 60's, near 70.

Friday, December 29th, mostly sunny: It's 53 sunny degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  We will enjoy another pleasant day  as we head into the 60's, nearly 70 range with some sunshine.

Thursday, December 28th, sunny: It's 42 sunny degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning and clear.  It will be pleasant again today with lots of sunshine and highs in the mid-60's.  Nice winter weather, indeed.

We had robins--lots of them--in the yard this week.  Whether they were coming, going, or staying, I don't know, but it was a treat to see them.  I've looked for them since, but haven't spotted them yet.

Wednesday, December 27th, sunny: It's 39 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and clear.  While there will be lots of sunshine today, it will not be warm and mild as the temperature will rise only in to the upper 50's.  The good news is that the winds have subsided from yesterday and will diminish even more by afternoon.

After "working" since July to get four windows replaced, the builders are coming this brisk morning to replace the second of the four.  I can say for sure that it would have been better to have had the window out while the temperatures were just a bit milder!

Tuesday, December 26th, cooler: It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, cloudy and breezy.  Partly cloudy today with highs near 60.  we will see some sunshine however!  Even cooler tonight.

It was Christmas for the cats yesterday when after hours of tantalizing smells, they were treated to turkey bits in their bowls for dinner.  They have almost forgiven us for removing most of the boxes from under the tree.

Monday, December 25th, Christmas Day: It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and raining steadily.  It's also very breezy and there is a high surf advisory--all in all, not a day at the beach.  Rain is likely throughout the day with some thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.  We should see clearing overnight and some sunshine for the remainder of the week.

Christmas Day.  The retailer side of me is relieved it's finally here.  The personal side of me is just waking up to the reality that it's here and I never did get the mantle decorated  The kid part of me still believes that reindeer really could possibly fly and to see that would be the biggest Christmas treat ever!  It's a big enough day for all those sides of me and more.

Enjoy yours!

Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Eve: It's 52 wine-chilling degrees on my back porch at 6:50 this morning.  We should see some sunshine and clouds today and then showers as the evening comes.  Santa will definitely need some rainwear in our area.  The temperatures will be mild again, in the lower 70's.  No frosty winds making moan here.

A few more hours of zipping about and then Christmas will finally be here, time for a long exhale and an evening with friends.  There's still some grocery gathering and cooking to be done, but the list shortens by the hour. 

We send you our best Christmas greetings.  May Santa bring you the continued gifts of good health, friends, and family--and may we all find a bit of Christmas peace in our stockings.

Merry Christmas from the Back Porch Lady, He Who Must Play Tennis, Zoë, Miz Bitz,  Sophie, Molly Angel, and the Technical Department.

Saturday, December 23rd, showers possible early: It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  Light showers may continue through the morning with some clearing later in the day.  The mild temperatures persist with highs today in the low to mid-70's again--pleasant if you have to be out and about, but certainly not seasonal.

Most of the moldy mice are cooked, just a couple batches to do tonight.  Most of the packages are wrapped--just a few to finish up tonight.  I am headed out early this morning to gather a few necessities from the grocer--and I am scouring my schedule for time for a long winter's night.

Zoë has made her spot under the tree.  She has pushed packages around so that she has just the room she needs to curl up, back to the trunk and head pillowed on a soft bundle.  I saw Bitz headed over to investigate Zoë and then suddenly veer away, knowing that to disturb Zoë under the tree could be the start of something unpleasant.

Friday, December 22nd, showers likely: It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning, cloudy with a moderate breeze.  the clouds went away and we were treated to a mostly sunny day again yesterday with mild temperatures in the low 70's.  The overcast looks a bit more serious today and the predictions for rain a bit more definite. Showers this morning, possible thunderstorms this afternoon with a high around 70.  It may not be sunshine, but it doesn't have to be shoveled, either!

 Many, many cookies were baked yesterday and there are sill moldy mice to go.  As I mixed and dropped and baked, I was reminded of what a treat some of the confections and foods we take for granted--not only at holidays but everyday--were to people in the past.  The profligate use of nuts and sugar.  The concentrated essence of the past year's fruit or even the peel, candied and preserved for the holiday, used in the once desired, now ridiculed fruit cake.  And especially the extravagant gift of oranges and tangerines, fresh and full of sweet juice, an exotic species to much of the world.  Did you use to have one orange in the toe of your stocking?

Thursday, December 21st, cloudy: It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning, cloudy with a light breeze.  Our spate of beautiful weather  is diminishing and we are looking ahead to clouds, shower, and rain.  Drizzle is likely today, becoming more persistent, perhaps by evening.  Mild temperatures will remain for a couple days, near 70 today--but not the weather we have boasted of for the past couple of weeks.

It's baking day and a little more shopping and wrapping--and a swipe of a dust cloth wouldn't be amiss either.  But I can feel the calm of "it's almost too late" beginning to settle.

Wednesday, December 20, breezy: It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning, a few clouds and breezy--very breezy at times.  High today will be about 10 degrees cooler than yesterday, in the mid-60's, with lots of sunshine early giving over to cloudiness later in the day.  He Who Must Play Tennis is not elated by this turn of events as he is geared up for tennis this morning and it's not a terrific day for that.  (It's not a great day for biking, either, Steve!)

Stand in amazement--the tree is decorated!  Well, there are always a few tweaks to be accomplished, but we have put away the boxes.  The cats take turns being in residence under the branches.  Once the boxes are placed, they will each find a barricaded spot to claim, I am sure.

Now, it's on to wrapping (tonight) and moldy mice (Thursday).  And I do still have two gifts to buy.  I could still use those elves.

Tuesday, December 19, continued pleasant: It's 53 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  There's a bit of fog here-more inland I presume--but it should burn off early, leaving behind a very nice day again.  Lots of sunshine and mid-70's.  If you have been thinking just how nice a December walk on the beach would be, this is the day to take that walk as there is a weather change ahead--noticeably cooler tomorrow and windy (sandy beach, wind--not a good mix) and showery weather is predicted for several days following that.

More (most) ornaments have made it to the tree.  Another couple of hours and it should be complete.  The cats, surprisingly, have paid scant attention to the tree, partly because they have all the decoration tubs and boxes to play in and around.  Once the tree skirt is down and packages are placed, they will claim their spots under the tree also.  Of course, this presumes I will actually get the presents wrapped.  Cue the elves!!

Monday, December 18, Pleasant: It's 53 degrees on my back porch at 6:40 this morning.  It's still dark outside as we approach the first day of winter but you can sense the fog that continues to shroud our early mornings during this warm spell.  Sounds are a bit muffled and direction is slightly distorted.  If you are traveling inland this morning, go carefully as the fog could be very dense in spots.  We should be clear by mid-morning and the sun will be bright for the remainder of the day.  Once again into the lower to mid-70's for us.

Well, 'tis the season of miracles--and believe me, if you are reading this, you have proof.  Without any prior notification, our web host took down the site to move it to a newer, "better" server.  If you do anything with computers or the internet then you know the icy terror those words strike!    Once we determined what was going on, we were repeatedly told that all would be back up and running in 24 to 48 hours.  We were told this just about every 24 to 48 hours.  Not everything is back to normal--much less new and improved--but we are at least back online.  And for our Technical Department--who now either cowers whimpering in a dark room or engages in battle with the host's technical disservice department--this is miracle enough!

So, here is what you've missed.  We have had some sunshine and some rain, but mostly sunshine with a light shower here and there.  The temperatures have been mild, especially the last several days.  December marches steadfastly ahead with many of us running along to catch up with it, but imagine this!  We have our tree up and all the lights tested and strung and there are about six ornaments hung.  That's eons ahead of where I usually am right now.  Here's a holiday tip:  Do not fall prey to the notion that it would be a wonderful thing to do for a young couple to start a holiday tradition by giving them a dated sterling bell on their first Christmas.  The young couple will foolishly believe that this is such a terrific idea that they will add to the tradition themselves by collecting annual issues of sterling snowflakes and crosses for the tree.  This will, in turn, encourage others to assist the young couple in their tradition by adding to the collection.  So, by the time they are about to receive their fortieth dated bell, they will require an eleven-foot tree and their hands will become slick with all the silver polish.  Sigh....I am growing to like the look of six ornaments.

It's good to be back!  Thanks for the calls and messages.  I'm sure the Technical Department will appreciate them all--just as soon as I can pry the hammer out of the hand.

Monday, November 27th, pleasant:  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and the sun is beginning to shine.  We expect another in a string of very nice days with lots of sunshine and 70 degrees.  There's a possibility of showers later in the week.

The kingfisher was perched on the "No fishing from the bridge" sign yesterday.  That always gives me a chuckle.  Is he trying to limit his competition?

Sunday, November 26th, mostly sunny:  It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and the sun is beginning to shine.  We should have sunny weather throughout the day with highs in the mid- to upper 60's.  Very nice again.

It has been a very busy week and it will be nice to have the frenzy die down a bit this week as visitors begin to head home today.  We spoke with a number of grandparents who stopped by the shop on the way back from the airport who were headed home to put their feet up and NOT COOK.  But all agreed it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Now, eyes forward to December.

Friday, November 24th, sunny:  It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and the sun is shining.  We should have sunny weather throughout the day with highs in the low to mid-60's.  Very nice. We were all very happy to see the sun break through yesterday afternoon.

And so we are off and running the mad Holiday Dash.  Work hard on those leftovers because you will be creating more soon.

Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Day:  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and cloudy.  The moderate breeze is out of the north and will remain so throughout the day.  With any luck, though, the clouds will begin to clear during the day and I think the rain is over.  Highs in the upper 50's.

Thanksgiving again and I hope you find much for which to give thanks--family and friends; shelter from the cold; food, air, and water (not to mention a sumptuous feast); a government that allows us to vote and to complain about the outcome if we choose.  Simple, but incredible, facts of our lives.  Inventory these gifts, be thankful for and good stewards of all of them, and be mindful of all those in the world who do not share our good fortune.

You might also be thankful you are not a duck today--I hear gunshots across the marsh this morning.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 22nd, rain likely:  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, breezy and gray.  It isn't raining at the moment and while the breeze continues to blow, it has subsided considerably and has shifted from the north to the south.  Rain is still likely today but will seem hardly anything at all after yesterday's cold, wind-driven rain--ameliorated only slightly by the snow that mixed with it for over an hour.

Many who have enjoyed talking with friends and family back "home" in northern and Midwestern areas took calls yesterday reporting how much milder the weather was in Chicago or New Jersey.  Paybacks.

Tuesday, November 21st, stormy:  It's 41 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, windy with a steady rain.  What you see right now may be the best of the day's weather.  We will get up to the upper 40's, perhaps, but the rain will persist and the winds will increase.  And we can expect this weather to last well into Wednesday.  A coastal storm is bringing us the blustery conditions and also kicking up some large surf.  Tennis is definitely out today.  If you driving today, especially in a larger higher vehicle--station wagon, SUV, etc.--be especially careful in open areas like bridges.

We put up a few of the holiday decorations at the shop yesterday, but not all, fearing the effects of strong gusty winds.  This should test them all pretty well.

Molly, la scugnizza per le strade di Napoli--three years gone and sweetly remembered.

Sunday, November 19th, crisp:  It's 43 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning with blue sky and little breeze.  We will be in the low 60's today as the temperatures begin to match the season.  Cold and damp tomorrow, so make good use of the sunshine today.

I have sweet potato biscuits in the oven so I must be quick about my visit.  The island yesterday looked as close to autumn as we get.  The sky was clear and blue, the marsh is soft gold, and there are touches of color everywhere.  The recent wind and rain brought down a new carpet of coppery pine needles and the wild muscadine vines are dotting the natural landscape everywhere.  There's a particularly nice display across the trees just at the far edge of the Sales Center as you leave the island.

Friday, November 17th, crisp:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, 20 degrees cooler than yesterday.  We will warm only to about 60 today with a cooling breeze out of the NW, but the sky will be clear and the sun will be bright.

This is the weekend before Thanksgiving and several people will be on the road traveling to be with family and friends for the holidays.  Travel carefully, friends, and come back soon.

Wednesday, November 16th, blustery:  It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning, grey and gusty.  Pounding rain overnight, with a bit of thunder and lightning, announced the imminent arrival of a strong cold front.  We are probably already past the high for the day as temperatures will fall to the lower 60's this afternoon and into the 40's tonight.  The major concern today will be the wind and the possibility of storms.

I had thought to plant pansies on the deck today but that will have to wait for another time.  Instead, if the wind drops later, perhaps I'll ty to get rid of the leaves and pine straw.

Tuesday, November 14th, very nice:  It's 51 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, sunny with a light breeze.  If you enjoyed yesterday, then you will be happy with repeats today and Wednesday.  Sunny and mild with highs in the mid-70's. 

I hadn't seen fox in the neighborhood for several months (although I had reports of others spotting one.)  Last evening however, as I was returning home, I saw two.  It's good to know they are still in our vicinity.

Monday, November 13th, very nice:  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, sunny with a light breeze.  We are in for some very nice Indian summer weather over the next several days, with lots of sunshine, highs in the 70's and lows in the upper 40's.  You know you have lived here for a certain period of time when this weather feels "chilly" during the day and it "turns cold" at night.

I don't want to startle anyone, but Thanksgiving is next week and it brings other holidays with it.

There's a lovely tiny warbler in my river birch--two of them in fact--flittering from branch to branch.  They are quite visible bow as almost all the leaves have fallen--and need to be removed from the deck once again.

Sunday, November 12th, cooler:  It's 47 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, sunny and breezy.  An overnight shower accompanied a wind shift and our latest summer redux is blown away.  Highs today will be in the upper 60's and back down into the 40's tonight.  Lots of sunshine, though.

Saturday, November 11th, warm:  It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and the sun is beginning to shine out here even though there are reports of heavy fog inland.  Partly sunny is the forecast today with highs near 80.

It's Veterans Day--or Armistice Day as it was first known.  Beyond all the sale flyers, we should take notice of those who have and are serving our country, standing in our stead--no matter our political views or druthers.

Friday, November 9th, warm:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  It will be sunny and warm today with highs in the upper 70's.  Looks like a very nice weekend ahead for us also.  I am certain there will be some tennis played.

Wednesday, November 8th, cloudy:  It's 57 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  We will see clouds through most of the day and there is a chance for a scattered shower or two but nothing like yesterday's downpour.  High around 70.

Today's the day for recounts, analyses, parties, and reflections--the day after Election Day.  It was a truly win-some-lose-some kind of day.  Just the fact that we can vote is the good news.  The expensive, sometimes tawdry, sometimes vicious campaigns, though, are bad news.  And for me, who feels that with very few exceptions, the choices presented were not representative of my views, it was always going to be an unsatisfying day.  The good news is that the campaigns are over--at least for a week or so.

some much needed rain and it will be with us for most of the day, tonight and into early tomorrow--if the front holds.  There's even the possibility for some thunderstorms this afternoon.  Drive carefully as you go out to vote.

Monday, November 6th, a bit warmer:  It's 50 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  Mostly sunny skies will give way to partly cloudy as the day progresses and there's a chance for rain this evening.  We will be a bit warmer. though, with an afternoon high near 70.

It was a cool, brisk weekend that tumbled some leaves, colored some others, and brought out the sweaters and sweatshirts.  We initiated the fireplace for the season last night and the cats have found their warm nap places.

Saturday, November 4th, cool:  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning.  the sky will continue to clear so that we have a sunny but cool day.  The breeze will be diminished from yesterday, but still noticeable.  High MAY reach 60/  On the up side, the ocean would feel warm today.

Friday, November 3rd, much cooler:  It's 48 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning, clear and breezy.  The northerly breeze will be strong today, especially early, and the afternoon temperature may not reach 60.  A weather change for certain that will be with us for a couple of days.

The cats found their warm sleeping spots overnight--and Miz Bitz was clearly concerned that there was no warm air wafting from the vent she likes to sleep beside in the cooler weather.

Thursday, November 2nd, one more warm day:  It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning, clear and still.  It will be warm and sunny today with highs in the mid-70;s.  However, the breeze will begin to shift around to the NW and then N and will will be cooler tonight and decidedly cooler tomorrow.  Still sunny, though.

I think the yellow leaves on the river birch now outnumber the green ones.  With the increased breeze tomorrow I expect all of the yellow leaves will be stripped.  The look of autumn is everywhere now:  groundsel, sweetgrass  and Confederate roses in bloom, red dogwood leaves, and yellow grape vines dotting the trees.

Another shameless promotion:  Ann Ipock, a Pawleys Island resident who writes humorous essays and articles, will be at Indigo Books TODAY from 2 til 4 to sign copies of her latest book, "Life Is Short, So Read This Fast!"

Wednesday, November 1st, warm again:  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning with a bit of fog.  It will be warm again today with a high in the upper 70's.

It's November and I can already hear the Holidays galloping towards us.

Tuesday, October 31st, very nice:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and the sun is just beginning to light the treetops.  We should have another beautiful day with highs in themid-70's, near 80 in town.

There have been more departures.  A longtime friend has moved to Aiken, and while that's not as far away as some friends have moved, it will make a quick lunch away from the shop a bit more difficult.

Another longtime friend, Al Lifton, lost a long battle with cancer.  Al was one of the first people He Who Must Play Tennis met when we came here, on the tennis courts naturally.  They played regularly until Al had to give up tennis and took up golf, but we continued to see Al often, mostly at the shop where he would drift in looking for a good detective story.  We would always share the latest jokes and a few laughs.  He had been out and about over the last month or so and when he was last in the store, we swapped jokes--and he left chuckling.

Goodbye friends, and fare thee well.

Monday, October 30th, very nice:  It's 51 degrees on my back porch at 6:40 this morning and already the sky is clear.  We should have perfect fall weather today--highs in the mid-70's and lots of sunshine.

The trip back "home" was nice.  It's always a nostalgic ramble once I leave the interstate (as quickly as I can!) and travel the local roads through eastern North Carolina on into Tidewater Virginia.  There wasn't as much fall color as I had expected on  the way up, but just the few days later on my return, the trees were putting on quite a show.  By the time I got to Rocky Mount, I was back to mainly green foliage with just a touch of color now and then, but I had had my treat of maroons, golds, oranges, and yellows.

Them most striking aspect of the landscape is how much acreage in NE North Carolina is being used to cultivate cotton.  I am accustomed to seeing fields of corn and soy peas, but saw very little corn and no peas at all, at least along my route.  The eradication and control of the boll weevil has certainly changed farming there.

So, I am back on the back porch at Kiawah, back to the beautiful marshes--which presented their own autumn display as they glowed golden in the late afternoon sun as I returned.  It's a beautiful world.

Thursday, October 25th, sunny:  It's 48 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and a little overcast.  We should have another bright, sunny fall day with highs in the 60's, just a touch warmer.

I am heading north for a couple of days to visit my Mom on her 85th birthday.  It will be a short trip up and back and I will be back on the porch on Monday.  I am looking forward to seeing a little bit of fall color as I travel to SE Virginia.

Wednesday, October 25th, sunny:  It's 42 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and a little overcast.  Clouds should clear early and sunshine should be the mark of the day with highs in the low 80's.  Very refreshing.

Miss Spider was moving around her web last night but is inert just now.  We will check her later.

The cooler temperatures have increased the activity among the squirrels as they run from the hickory tree, across the roof, to nest in the oak tree.  I can't tell that they have missed many of the hickory nuts so they should be ready for winter.

Tuesday, October 24th, cool:  It's 41 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  The sun will feel good today as the temperatures will rise only into the low to mid-60's and the wind will be out of the northwest.  It's more than 5 degrees cooler inland and I suspect there is frost on the open fields.  I do fear for Miss Spider.

The dark morning, cool temperature and a persistent virus all conspired to make it very difficult to crawl out from under the covers this morning. (Zoë opted to stay.)

Sunday, October 22nd, showers:  It's 63 damp degrees on my back porch at 8:10 this morning.  Gray clouds and damp air promise it will likely be even damper later today.  Afternoon temperatures will be in the  70's and I hope the damp weather will not keep people away from this afternoon's CSO Gospel Choir's concert in conjunction with the opening of the Crowns exhibit at the Gibbes (from the shameless promotion department!)  As I sit here, I can hear a few scattered raindrops falling now. Oh well.  tomorrow promises to be a sunny but cooler day.

On Main Road, above Maybank and beyond, there are just now some bright, beautiful stands of yellow flowers, rudbekia, I think.  Carefully look to the right as you head towards US17.

River birch leaves have been falling in earnest this week. Whenever even the slightest warbler (and there are many of them) lands on a limb, there's a cascade of yellow leaves that drifts to the ground.  A squirrel landing precipitates a virtual blizzard.

Friday, October 20th, sunny later:  It's 72 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  An advantage to writing from the porch a bit later in the day, as I did yesterday, is that I can actually see what the day is like.  Right now it is just beginning to lighten but here under the trees, the light is still pretty dim.  We should have sunshine later in the day and a high in the low to mid-80's.  The wind shifts to the north later tonight and we should be in the 70's over the weekend.

The rejuvenated Miss Spider works on her web this morning.  Only the central portion is kept in good repair now and large open spaces surround her central parlor.

Thursday, October 19th, warm:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 10:00 this morning.  It was very foggy this morning, but it is beginning to life now, even over the marsh, although it remains gray outside.  In the subdued light, the yellowing leaves on the river birch seem that much brighter and they are beginning to lay a brown and gold carpet on the ground beneath.  High today in the low to mid-80's with a chance of a shower later.

Miss Spider lives!  I went out to take down her web and she would not hear of it!!  Evidently she was just cold-stunned and slow to revive.  So, I still have her company for a few more days.

I ran an errand into town yesterday afternoon and upon returning across the Limehouse bridge and looking left, back towards Charleston, I was treated to another wonderful vista.  Yesterday was partly cloudy so the sunlight was softened and the humid air softened the light even more.  The scene down the Stono along the curve of Johns island was a landscape that could have been painted by Constable or his colleagues--the same soft colors, shine of still water, and bucolic beauty.  If I were an artist, it's a picture I would want to paint.  I will, instead, be happy with viewing and enjoying the continually changing gallery that this area is.

Wednesday, October 18th, warm:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and a light rain is falling.  Mostly cloudy today with a chance of showers and high in the mid-80's.  It will be warm again tomorrow and then cooler weather will return.

He Who Must Play tennis is not so pleased with the rain this morning, but most of the rest of us are.  He will have to content himself this morning with talking with the lovely people at software support.  Better him than me!!

Monday, October 16th, cloudy:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and the light overcast is glowing pink in the dawn.  We will have clouds on and off during the day and highs in the mid-70's.  The cloud cover will keep us a bit warmer overnight, in the 60's.

Miss Spider is still on her web, still beautiful in the sunlight, but now only a perfect specimen of a Golden silk spider.  I'll take the web down, put her in the leaf litter, and look forward to next year's resident.

Sunday, October 15th, cool:  It's 49 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, down to nearly 40 in town.  It will be bright and sunny and cool again today with a high in the low 70's.

It was a beautiful day for the KI house tour yesterday and for the buffet lunch on the Freshfields Green.  It was a real community event and looked and felt like it.

Unless she revives in the warmth today, I believe it's curtains for this year's Miss Spider.  She is still on her web but inert and doesn't respond to a plucked strand.

Saturday, October 14th, cool:  It's 49 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, definitely a fall morning.  We will have lots of sunshine today and will make it into the mid-70's for a beautiful day.  Cool again tonight.

It was 19 years ago today that we first saw Kiawah.  We stopped here for a few hours working our way back up the coast towards DC from a short stay at Hilton Head.  It was probably a little bit warmer during the midday while we were here but as crystal clear and sunny as today promises to be.  Kiawah 19 years ago was a much different place.  The road ended where Osprey Point is today--jeeps only beyond that.  there were only two playable golf courses.  The second gate was in place but there wasn't a lot of development beyond it.  We loved the island then and still do today even though it has changed so much.

Friday, October 13th, a nice day:  It's 59 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  It will be cooler today with highs in the  mid-70's and pleasantly cool tonight.  It's definitely not a beach weekend, except for a lovely walk or bike ride.

It's one of those "special" Fridays--if you are a superstitious sort--so go carefully out into the world, avoiding ladders, sidewalk cracks, mirrors, black cats...  On second thought, take that walk on the beach!

Thursday, October 12th, a nice day:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 9:00 this morning.  We have bright sunshine this morning and are likely to see much more of it over the next several days.  Highs today once again around 80 out here on the beach and mid-80's in town.  Cooler tonight and tomorrow.

Miss Spider's web is showing its age with several holes interrupting its texture.  She is working hard this morning to repair the central portions.

Wednesday, October 11th,  warm:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  Our warmer weather continues today with a westerly breeze and a high around 80 here along the coast, mid-80's in town.

The warmer weather has made the no-see-ums active again and one can see the Lowcountry salute from folks who stand still a bit too long.

Monday, October 9th, cloudy but warmer:  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning.  The rain has stopped for now although a chance of showers continues through the day and it will be mostly cloudy.  It will, however, be slightly warmer with highs in the mid-70's.

At the moment, at least a part of the sky is clear because the deck is dappled with sharp moon shadows.

It has been a very busy weekend here with many visitors enjoying a fall beach weekend.  The Fall Festival at Freshfields drew many more people to enjoy the oyster roast and shagfest, art walk, and antique car show.

Sunday, October 8th, showers likely:  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:3 with a light breeze and a high overcast.  We escaped the rain yesterday but are more likely to see showers today as the coastal storm drifts south.  High in the lower 70's.

And all of a sudden, it seems, it is fall.  Enough river birch leaves have fallen that I crunched through them on the driveway yesterday afternoon and they are drifted in the corner of the deck.  Strips of yellow and gold flowers have appeared along the roadsides, particularly the Parkway outside the gate since that is not landscaped and is allowed to remain natural.  In yesterday morning's cloudy, subdued light the bright flowers glowed like echoes of the previous day's sunshine.  Also among the natural plants, the salt myrtle (groundsel) has begun to display swelling buds and we should see white flowers there in a couple of weeks.  Yep, early fall.

Saturday, October 7th, cooler:  It's 59 degrees on my back porch at 7:40 and a bit overcast.  It will seem like fall today as the temperature will barely make it up to 70.  We are promised a sunny day with a chance of showers tonight, but I don't see any sign of the sun at present.

We had a beautiful full tide yesterday morning and the marsh looked like a broad river.

Friday, October 6th, chance of showers:  It's 69 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 and it looks to be a bit overcast.  We should have sun early in the day, becoming cloudy this afternoon with a chance of showers through the evening.  Tomorrow will be sunny but markedly cooler.  Highs today in the low to mid-80's and tomorrow around 70.

I know of three cats who will not welcome the cooler weather as it will put a crimp i their porch lolling for a day or so.

It's a long weekend, Columbus Day--one of those holidays that has lost its celebratory relevance for us.  Even as a child growing up in a Middle Atlantic state school, there was never a real "holiday" feel about October 9th.  We knew who Columbus was, of course, made construction paper models of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, but celebrate?  Not really.  We celebrated, instead, my friend Rita's birthday--also on the same day.

Thursday, October 5th, warm:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  We will be warmer and a bit more humid today with highs in the mid- to upper 80's.  Cooler weather is due for the weekend.  In any case, this is beach, bicycle, golf course, convertible-with-the-top-down weather.

I am glad that the KICA Board has ruled against private ownership and use of mosquito misting systems.  There is one in our neighborhood and I have wondered if its use accounts for the decreased number of birds I have seen around us this year.  There may be no correlation, but it will be interested to note and see if the numbers go up.  I am sure the number of mosquitoes will!

Wednesday, October 4th, nice:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with a slight breeze.  Our pleasant Indian Summer weather continues and we should be around 80 degrees again today.  Tomorrow and Friday will be just a touch warmer and then we will drop back to mild weather for the weekend.  Highs today again around 80 out here on the beach--about the same as the water temperature.

There's a bit more humidity this morning so that the morning air feels damp in the house.  That probably means fog in places, especially on Johns Island.  Go carefully if you are out early.

Tuesday, October 3rd, nice:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with a slight breeze.  We should be around 80 out here today and perhaps not as humid today--although compared with summer levels, the humidity has been quite moderate these past few days.

We have begun to see our winter residents, old friends rolling back into town after time away with family and travel.  We settle back into our "normal" routine now.

Monday, October 2nd, nice:  It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, another beautiful day.  High in the lower 80's today and mostly sunny.  Everyone's smiling!

It's time for wash the mildew from wooden surfaces again.  at least these days the wood has a chance to dry before nightfall, unlike midsummer.  I will still have to avoid the deck just outside this window because Miss Spider is still in residence.  In fact, she's doing a bit of house maintenance herself this morning.

From this window on the world I just saw a yellow river birch leaf flutter to the ground--fall.

Saturday, September 30th, nice:  It's 61 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, another beautiful day.  High around 80 today and still pleasantly fresh and dry.  Find a reason to be outside.  It's a great day for a walk on the beach (or even a swim as the water is still in the 80's) or for a bike ride--or even just to sit on the porch and rock.

Friday, September 29th, cool:  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, the first morning that really feels as though the seasons have changed.  Sunny with highs in the upper 70's and cool again tonight.  Delightful.

Both of the calicoes were up and very vocal this morning as usual, reminding me that they hadn't had any direct attention for several hours and that, by the way, it was high time they were fed.  Zoë, however, hasn't appeared, still curled up in a warm spot and enjoying her comfort.

Thursday, September 28th, raining:  It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning.  A light rain is falling and is likely to be with us most of the morning.  It's a very pleasant rain and much needed.  We should be dryer, although cloudy, this afternoon with a high around 80.  Right now it looks as though we will be in the mid-70's into the weekend.

It's a day off for me, a chance to get the house back in order and to catch up on a few errands, too.  The cats will be happy because there will be someone around to attend to their desires, should they deign to rouse themselves from their naps.  Maintaining that feline superiority is tiring work!

Wednesday, September 27th, pleasant:  It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  It's pearly pink in the east as we begin what should be another nice day.  Sunny early, perhaps a few clouds later and high around 80.

Tuesday, September 26th, ahhhhh!  It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning, a bit overcast but very pleasant.  We should see the sun over most of the day and the northeast breeze should keep us around 80.  Lovely!

The marsh looks ever more golden as the seasons change, especially in the late afternoon light.  The Red-winged blackbirds are in evident abundance along the marsh edges, often perched on the tall stalks of marsh grass.  Even though they are here all year, I think of them more often as an autumn bird.

Monday, September 25th, cloudy:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, not quite as cool as we had hoped it might be this morning.  Evidently the front didn't drop as far south as had been expected.  Cloudy this morning with a slight chance of a shower this afternoon with highs in the mid-80's--a little better.

I drove home mid-afternoon yesterday and was traveling a non- tree-covered section of road when a hawk flew overhead.  I didn't actually see the hawk, but his shadow was clear across the pavement and unmistakably a hawk--a moving replication of those black silhouettes you see in bird spotting books.  Sometimes you don't have to look up to see the birds.-

Sunday, September 24th, hot and humid:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  Another hot and humid day before we go back to a bit cooler temperatures.  Sunny early, then a few clouds moving in and highs around 90.  Plenty muggy.

We were putting out holiday stock in the shop yesterday and would have loved just a hint of coolness in the air.  It reminded me of how strange it seemed to be in Australia and hearing Mom's friends talk about their big traditional Christmas barbecue,  All those bleak midwinter, snow on the hillsides songs and scenes are not really relevant there--and sometimes when I am putting out stock, they don't seem very relevant here either!

Saturday, September 23rd, warm:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 6:00 this morning.  We will revisit summer for a couple of days with hot humid weather, highs around 90.

In spite of the summery weather, I have seen brown and falling leaves as some trees know that fall started this morning.  These are not hardwood trees, however, so there's no show of color.  The three trees in front of the Island Express, especially, have turned quickly, but I am also noticing some yellowing on some of the crape myrtles, but these are very early days yet and there's lots of Indian summer left.

Friday, September 22nd, partly cloudy:  It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 7:35 this morning and cloudy.  Slight chance of showers this morning then clearing with highs in the low to mid-80's.

I saw two Monarchs within close proximity yesterday, the closest I have come to seeing a "flurry" of them this year.

Thursday, September 21st, very nice:  It's 63 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning, cool with a light breeze.  The birds, especially the grackles, seem quite elated about the weather change--or perhaps they are alarmed about something.  In any case they are very vocal this morning.  Sunny today with highs in the upper 70's.

Based on the number of trips the squirrel has made across our roof, there shouldn't be any nuts left on the hickory tree and one squirrel should be quite well-fed over the winter.

I am seeing more beautyberry fruit, not magenta yet but soon.

Wednesday, September 20th, nice:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  The clouds appear to be moving out and we should have a mostly sunny day with a high near 80.  With the back around out of the north, we should be less humid also.  Mice.

Last night's sunset was a beautiful sight, beautiful bands of clouds and color in the west, purple, pink, orange, and gold.  We had a ringside seat crossing the Stono Bridge at just the right time.

Tuesday, September 19th, showers likely:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and cloudy.  Showers and thunderstorms are likely throughout the day but especially this afternoon and evening.  Highs in the id- to upper 80's/

I have seen several beautiful butterflies over the past few days, but not the profusion of Monarchs that I have seen in the past. Perhaps I just wasn't out and about when they were or perhaps their migration numbers have dwindled.

Monday, September 18th, sunny early:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  Our fine weather may slip a bit as a few clouds move in later today and certainly tomorrow as we will have an increased chance of rain.  High today in the mid- to upper 80's.

Here's a puzzle.  We have all no doubt seen golden silk spider webs slung between tree limbs and separate trees, stretches of open space covered by the web's anchors.  Yesterday as I was walking, I happened to see a spider seemingly suspended in mid-air over the middle of the street.  This was not a street with overhanging limbs closed together high above the roadway.  There was about thirty feet (roughly paced) between the closest branches and one web slung between those branches.  How?

Sunday, September 17th, sunny:  It's 66 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  We will de slightly warmer today, perhaps upper 80's, but the breeze will still be out of the northeast, so the humidity will remain very tolerable.

Outside my window, beyond Miss Spider's web, two window boxes adorn the deck rail with perhaps ten inches of space between them.  They are planted with impatiens that have bloomed throughout the summer.  Both were bought from Lowe's, the plants in one box in the typical 6-pack of bedding plants, the other in a landscaper's flat.  While they were indistinguishable over the summer, the difference between the town is striking now.  The landscaper's flat plants are still fully leaved and lush green with a profusion of pink blossoms.  The usual consumer 6-pack plants are pale green and there are few leaves on the leggy stalks and maybe a dozen blossoms.  Same soil, same light, same water.  I know what stock I will look for from new on!

Miss Spider is breakfasting on a moth this morning.

Saturday, September 16th, nice:  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear with a slight breeze.  Sunny today with highs in the mid-80's, much like yesterday.

Running late this morning and I can't stop for long.  However, I am enjoying watching the squirrel who has gathered a hickory nut from a tree on the other side of the house, scampering across the roof to his tree nest on this side of the house.  He has made many trips over the past two days..

Friday, September 15th, Indian summer:  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear with a slight breeze.  Sunny today with highs in the mid-80's and down into the mid-60's at night.

There's a heavy dew on the golf course this morning and a cool freshness in the air I haven't felt for a while.  Even the sunrise has lost its summer fire, spreading a pearly pink and dove gray light over the early morning sky instead.  I do love this time of year

Wednesday, September 13th, showers likely:  It's 70 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, cloudy with a light breeze.  Showers are likely this afternoon, evening and tomorrow as the wind shifts back around to a more southerly fetch and the humidity builds.  High today in the low 80's.

Yesterday was a beaut--mild, dry, and breezy.  It was a real top down, bike ride kind of day that leaves us begging for more Indian summer.  The marsh was glorious in the sunshine.  The seed heads of the marsh grasses are at full height now and are maturing, softening summer's vivid green with a slightly golden haze.  Add blue sky and sparkling water and you have a picture of Kiawah.

Tuesday, September 12th, nice:  It's 67 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, another beautiful  morning.  Partly cloudy today with highs in the low 80's.  Listen closely and you can hear the contented sighs.

He Who Must Play Tennis will certainly take advantage of this gorgeous weather and will be on the courts early, and the Three Misses will spend the day out here on the porch, I suspect.  I hope you have lots of reasons to be outside today also as we may see some showers on Wednesday into Thursday.

Monday, September 11th, nice:  It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning--68!  I think we have turned the corner and are headed towards Indian summer.  Mostly sunny today with a high in the mid-80's.  Careful in the ocean today and tomorrow as we have high surf advisories and rip current warnings because of Florence, way, way off our shore.

It's good to be back.  The conference was good but it's always nice to get back to the routine you took a break from.  Miss Spider A is still at her web, tidying a few of the inner strands today.

At what point will writing or saying today's date become routine?  Years from now, perhaps when the last person dies who was aware of  what was happening five years ago?  Perhaps it will become a part of collective memory that even many years from now will be a singular day.  Perhaps the specific date will fade, like November 22nd, another stark date from my youth, to be remembered by decreasing numbers....but not yet, not today.

Wednesday, September 6th, chance of showers:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at midnight Tuesday/Wednesday.  There are some rumbles of thunder off to the west but nothing threatening at the moment.  We should be mostly sunny later today with a high around 85 and a continued chance of showers.

I'm out on the porch at such an odd hour because we will be leaving tomorrow to go to a trade conference and I don't know how much time I will have in the morning to linger out here.  We should be back Sunday night and I will be back on the porch soon after.  Until then, enjoy the view.

Tuesday, September 5th, chance of showers:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  I think just after I typed that we were in for some sunshine yesterday, the clouds started building because we ended up having a lot of rain--more than with Ernesto.  At least parts of the island did.  Some of the showers were VERY localized.  We are set for a few more showers today and a high in the mid-80's.

Monday, September 4th, nice:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning.  We have the promise of a beautiful day ahead of us with sunshine and highs in the m id-80's.  The possibility of rain moves in tomorrow for a couple of days.

There's a grand celebration at Mepkin Abbey this afternoon if you have the chance to go.  Music, a new Philip Simmons gate and a new Jonathan Green painting.  Besides that, it would just a nice afternoon for a picnic on the Abbey grounds.

Sunday, September 3rd, partly cloudy:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, cloudy and still.  After two beautiful days--warm but not muggy--we can expect a bit more humidity today with mainly clear skies but a very slight chance of a shower.  Highs around 90.

For the first time in a while I saw our local bobcat yesterday afternoon.  As I was coming home, he trotted across the street in front of me.  We have heard him at night around the house.  In fact, one night we heard two bobcats in the brushy area beyond the porch ardently discussing the points of ownership rights to this particular plot of land.  Our name wasn't mentioned.

Friday, September 1st, partly cloudy:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, cloudy and I can see some blue sky this morning.  Partly cloudy today with highs in the mid- to upper 80's and some sunshine. 

We are at the beginning of the "last weekend of summer."  Elsewhere, perhaps, but not here as, with the exception of a storm now and again, we are headed into some of the nicest weather.  Hot and humid will be with us for a while, but dryer air is not far away.

If you are traveling this holiday weekend, go carefully.

Thursday, August 31st, showers:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, cloudy with a little light rain rain and a light to moderate breeze.  By all rights, the weather should deteriorate to a more definitely rainy, windy mess as Ernesto chugs up the coast.  It still looks as though the center of the storm will pass to the east if us and go inland to our north later this afternoon.

Schools were dismissed for this "event" yesterday at noon and a number of local shops closed early yesterday and will not open today.  Scratching my head over that one.

If you see He Who Must Play Tennis, congratulate him for making it through 38 years with She Who.  It takes a strong person...

Evening Update:  It's 74 degrees at 6:20 and the storm that really wasn't  is leaving town.  Ernesto passed our area well to the east at sea.  we had some rain--but nothing Noah-like--and we had some breeze, but we have had fair weather breezes of greater intensity all through the spring and winter.  People to our north, even up into the DC and Pennsylvania area, are likely to have more rain than we had here.  The only wind debris I have seen has been pine needles.  Now there are a lot of pine needles down and I would not be surprised to see them featured in the Weather Channel any moment now.  (Sorry, Guys, but it really is a slow weather news day here.)

Freshfields Village was hopping, lots of people out looking and nowhere to shop as most of the stores were closed.

All in all, it's good to report a "boring" storm non-event.

Wednesday, August 30th, sunny now:  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning, already hot enough for me.  It is sunny, clear and calm at the moment but indications are that we we see some wet and windy weather beginning later this afternoon.  Highs in the upper 80's to mid-90's.

Que pasa, Ernesto?  Even though voluntary evacuation was announced for the barrier islands beginning a noon today, I don't think you will see a stream of traffic headed out. It is still not clear what intensity Ernesto may regain but it still looks as though we are talking about a tropical storm, not a hurricane.  The latest track advisories have shifted a bit also and the current guess is that instead of going inland at Edisto, it is more likely to go inland farther north.  That would spare us of much of whatever wind punch the storm carries.  I will still lay the umbrella flat and stow a few loose items on the porch, but I don't think we will need to lash the outside furniture together this time.  I'll keep a watchful eye on the National Hurricane Center's website, but I think I've heard just about enough from the TV guys.

Miss Spider B is back!!  She is busy constructing a new web, not directly my window but stretching across the deck banisters, still in clear view from my desk.  She had better hurry!

Tuesday, August 29th, very hot:  It's already 79 close, humid degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  The sky is a bit hazy but there's still a nice rosy gold wash over the eastern end of the island.  Hot today--heat advisories again--as we will be well into the 90's and humid.

Miss Spider is very busy stringing new long strands radiating out from the center of her large web.  Perhaps this is the arachnid version of battening down for a storm.  Ernesto appears to be a certain visitor late Wednesday and mainly Thursday, but probably as a tropical storm rather than a hurricane.  Strong wind, heavy rain, and heavy surf are the likely effects we will see, miserable day to be outside, for sure.  But he bears watching just to make sure he doesn't bring along some other baggage.

There may be a new visitor out here on the back porch with us this morning.  A friend--another one--who has sold KI property but can't leave Kiawah behind totally.  Kiawah is a transitory place.  Some people stay longer than others, but most people come from someplace else and spend a while here before they move on to another place.  We meet a lot of people that way but it seems we are always saying goodbye as well.

Monday, August 28th, hot:  It's 75 humid, overcast degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  Partly cloudy today with highs back up in the 90's.  Still August.

We are watching Ernesto to our south to see  what kind of northern swing he might take.  Best guess at the moment is that we will get some rain and some blustery wind.  So Much depends upon what Ernesto spends during his trip across Florida.

Sunday, August 27th, partly cloudy:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  There's a chance of a few coastal showers this morning, but generally we we have a partly cloudy day with highs in the mid- to upper 80's.

Zoë, Miz Bitz, and Sophie are all enjoying the porch these days.  The fan ensures there's a light breeze and the heat is not quite as stifling.  each cat has staked claim to her own spot and they don't seem to be interchangeable.

Saturday, August 26th, partly cloudy:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  We should see the sun shine this morning and then a few clouds this afternoon, but a reduced chance of showers.  Highs in the upper 80's.  We seem to have gotten beyond the midsummer groove of dry 90's.  There's still lots of summer left, but it should be a bit more comfortable.

Miss Spider B is definitely among the missing.  Perhaps the heavy rains knocked her from the web and she's busy working on a web elsewhere (like below the deck.)  Miss Spider A has diligently expanded the strands of her web to intersect with B's web, so maybe it's more a case of "the queen is dead; long live the queen."

Friday, August 25th, cloudy:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and overcast.  Partly to mostly cloudy today with high in the mid- to upper 80's and a chance of showers, especially this morning (although the radar shows them mainly to our north.

Heavy, prolonged showers last night have replenished ground moisture for a few days.  Everything looks washed this morning.  I do notice that Miss Spider B is missing from her post.  Washed away by the heavy rains or just away working o one of the edges of the web"  I shall have to check.  Miss A is firmly ensconced in her parlor.

Thursday, August 24th, cloudy:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and the overcast is serious today.  Mostly cloudy today with an increased chance of showers.  Highs in the upper 80's.

He Who Must Play Tennis was very unsettled by the early morning dimness today.  "Is it raining?"  As you might expect, there's a match afoot.  I think it's a treat to have a bit of relief from the hot August sun and a September gray morning.

Wednesday, August 23rd, showers possible:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and slightly overcast.  Mostly sunny and hot again today with the usual teasing possibility of showers.  We had some loud thunder last night but no significant rain.  Highs today again around 90.

Tuesday, August 22nd, showers possible:  It's 78 degrees at 7:20 am on my back porch with just a bit of high overcast that is quickly burning off.  High near 90 again today with a chance of showers later.

As much as I enjoy watching Miss Spider, I will have to take down some of her handiwork--the large egg case she is working so hard to construct.  We have plenty of golden silks without actually breeding them right here on the clapboards.

Monday, August 21st, showers possible:  It's 78 degrees already at 7:00 am on my back porch and the sun hasn't yet begun to shine.  Hot today with highs in the low 90's, but with a fair chance of afternoon showers.

I guess the host server was having a little August break of its own this weekend, or perhaps this was upgrade weekend.  The site we use at the shop was unavailable for 15 hours as a "system upgrade" was completed.  Now, those are words that will strike fear into one's heart!  It's always nice to be able to do more--just as long as we continue to be able to do what we have in the past been able to do.

(written at 7:15 AM, posted at 8:30 PM when the server finally began functioning again)

Friday, August 18th, mostly sunny:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:20  this morning.  Mostly sunny today with a high in the mid- to upper 80's and a slightly increased chance of afternoon or evening showers.

We do not see deer in our neighborhood as much anymore, but last evening we were visited by two does and a still-spotted fawn.  I like having the deer around and willingly share any vegetation in the yard, remembering to keep flowers like impatiens and pansies on the decks.  True, the hollies and azaleas are sometimes haphazardly groomed, but that just makes it all look that much more "natural."  My story and I'm sticking with it!

Tonight at 6, E. B. Lewis ( fine artist and an award-winning children's book illustrator) will be at Indigo Books for a book signing.  Wanda Jackson will be singing the blues out on the Green.

Thursday, August 17th, mostly sunny:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:20  this morning.  We have a bit more breeze this morning than we have had for a few days and it helps to move the heavy, humid air.  Highs today with be in the upper 80's with a slight chance of a shower.

Reminder:  Earl Lewis, a very fine artist, opens an exhibit of Lowcountry paintings at the Wells Gallery (Sanctuary) on Thursday evening.  Then on Friday at 6, Lewis (an award-winning children's book illustrator under the name E. B. Lewis) will be at Indigo Books for a book signing.

Wednesday, August 16th, mostly sunny:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:10  this morning.  Mostly sunny and hot today with highs around 90.  There's only a slight chance of a shower this afternoon.

There are some good activities here on the island over the next three days.  Walter Edgar will be at the Sandcastle this afternoon to talk about his book, "Partisans and Redcoats." one of the Kiawah Reads books this summer.  Earl Lewis, a very fine artist, opens an exhibit of Lowcountry paintings at the Wells Gallery (Sanctuary) on Thursday evening.  Then on Friday at 6, Lewis (an award-winning children's book illustrator under the name E. B. Lewis) will be at Indigo Books for a book signing.  A mini arts festival this week.

Tuesday, August 15th, sunny:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:00, another beautiful morning.  Mostly sunny today with highs around 90.  By Wednesday we will be fully arrived back in August.

While I have focused on Miss Spider A and Miss Spider B (both of whom are busy at their weaving this morning), they are but two of my arachnid friends that I am able to observe closely and easily this year.  Miss C is positioned over the slider door adjacent to Misses A & B's showcase and there has been some sort of coup there as the now dried husk of Miss D swings from C's web.  The Misses E and F are on show over two windows on the opposite side of the house.  Both of them seem to be the industrious sort.  Miss G, who approached Miss A in bulk, holds court on a web slung between a lemon tree and sliding window frame.  While we have always had Golden silk spiders around the property, this is the first year I have had so many to easily observe.  Of course, the down side to this is that for anyone not intrigued by these summer visitors, we have a pretty creepy house!

Monday, August 14th, sunny:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning.  We should have a sunny day with temps in the mid- to upper 80's, still pleasant for mid-August.  Our slightly drier northeast breeze will shift to the southeast later and we will feel a bit of a change in the humidity and, tomorrow, in the heat.

I am happy to report that after drenching rain, the impatiens in the planters and the resurrection fern along the live oak branches look refreshed and revived.

Sunday, August 13th, cooler:  It's 71 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and overcast.  The rains came yesterday, heavy, soaking rains, and a break in the stifling heat.  Not the sunny, dry break, but a break from the heat in any case.  We continue cloudy this morning with a chance for more showers before clearing somewhat this afternoon,  Highs in the mid-80's today before we head back to the 90's on Monday.

If I am not mistaken, neither heat pump is on at the moment.  Now THAT's a break!

Saturday, August 12th, cooler:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning and overcast.  Cloudy conditions are likely throughout the day and showers are a good possibility also (although the current radar shows most activity in the St George area and moving north of us now,)  The temperature will be only in the mid-80's, however.  Not quite the dry, refreshing August break, but we will take it!

Friday, August 11th, hot:  It's 75 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and overcast at the moment.  After much raucous thunder last evening, we finally had a bit of a shower , enough to leave the deck boards still wet this morning.  Of course, in this humidity, stuff doesn't dry quickly.  Hot again this afternoon and still very humid with highs in the low to mid-90's and heat indices at least 10 degrees above that.  There's a chance for more showers later in the day.

We have lived on Kiawah since the late '80's and I recognize that I have aged since then and with aging comes a sometimes curmudgeonly resistance to change.  However, I have to say that not all of the changes on the Island brighten my life.  I am saddened that the discussions over a Development Agreement between the Town and the Resort have been terminated.

Miss Spiders A & B returned to their own webs sometime during the day yesterday.  Miss A is busy at work maintaining her web, which was evidently left wanting while Miss B was in residence.  Perhaps A evicted B for not living up to a Maintenance Agreement.

Thursday, August 10th, hot:  It's 74 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and overcast at the moment.  Afternoon temperatures will hover around the 90-degree mark and we will be taunted by the prospect of a shower this afternoon.  If past performance holds true, most of the rain will fall elsewhere and we will be left to hope for another day--although we did have a nice light shower last evening.

There are a lot of children on the islands these past two weeks, a population that has been much reduced this year.  We certainly noticed it at the shop and several have remarked about the reduced bike traffic on the leisure trails.  Even the Wednesday night movies at Freshfields, while well-attended, have been older audiences this year.  Don't know what it means, but it's interesting.

Wednesday, August 9th, hot:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and we are headed into the low 90's today, that would be the humid low 90's.  There's a slight chance of a shower, but this time of the year, our "showers" are mainly seeing the dark clouds over Johns Island and Charleston, hearing a lot of rolling thunder, and then wondering how only 27 drops could fall in our vicinity.

Tuesday, August 8th, hot:  It's  79 degrees on my back porch at 7:00, already a hot and sticky morning.  Highs in the mid-90's with southwest winds means more of the same hot and humid weather.

By the end of the day the impatiens in the window boxes and the basil in the deck planters look so wilted and spent.  But with a flood of water and the shade of night they spring back to life.  The parsley, however, gave up completely in one pot and is struggling in another.  Only the hardy and pampered make it through July and August here.  We are speaking of plants, aren't we?

Monday, August 7th, reasonably hot:  It's  76 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and humid.  It will be a bit cooler today, high around 90, not quite shivery weather but better than what we have had recently.

Rain is the issue now--or the lack of it.  Even though there were heavy rains in Charleston at the end of last week, we saw not a drop.  A couple of rainy days would be welcomed by all but the visitors.  And will we be treated with an August break" this year, that two or three day stretch of weather in the dry 80's?  We can hope.

Saturday, August 5th,  hot:  It's cooler this morning, 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:10.  It is still going to be hot and humid with heat advisories for at least one more day.  High in the low to mid-90's with a chance of afternoon showers.

The spiders are still relocated on each other's web.  I find this very interesting and would have liked to have seen how the switch occurred.  Was there a confrontation between the two?  Did one just move in behind the other while she was tending to her web?  How instigated the switch?  I really need to get out more!

Friday, August 4th, very hot:  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning with a hazy overcast.  Hot again today, much like the preceding days, but with a chance for showers this afternoon.  don't expect a major cool down, however.  It would be nice to cool the pavement for a short while though.  Highs in the mid- to upper 90's.

Both Miss Spider A and B are at work on their webs this morning.  Not only is that unusual, but they have switched webs.  Did industrious Miss A finally have enough of Miss B's lax approach to web maintenance?  Did Miss A want the web closer to the hummingbird feeder?  Which is more perplexing--that Miss A & Miss B have switched webs or that I know these spiders so well that I could tell at a glance that they had changed webs?

Thursday, August 3rd, very hot:  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with a hazy overcast.  The heat wave continues here as elsewhere and we are well-advised to be mindful of the midday temperatures.  High in the mid- to upper 90's once again, high humidity, and heat index values well above 100.

Miss Spider A is at work this morning, building a connecting web from her current abode connecting to the side of the house perpendicular to her current location.  Stability, I suppose, or she's moving away from Miss B.

Wednesday, August 2nd, very hot:  It's 80 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with a hazy overcast.  Yesterday's cautions about the heat also apply today.  It will be well into the 90's and will feel 10 to 15 degrees hotter than that.

He Who Must Play Tennis will be out on the courts this morning.  At some point, beneficial exercise slips into madness.

Tuesday, August 1st, very hot:  It's 77 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and the sun is shining.  It will be dangerously hot today as the absolute temperature reach into the upper 90's, even 100+ a bit inland, and the heat indices will be 105 to 115, even out here along the coast.  I am NOT looking forward to a midday errand I must run in town.  If you must be out today, try to make it early.

The best thing to be said about August weather is that it can last only 31 days.  Of course, there's July and September to contend with also.

Monday, July 31st, continued hot:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, not so bad for a midsummer morning (or is that mid-simmer?)  We are headed into the 90's once again with only a slight chance of a shower.

Miss Spider B is working her web this morning and Miss A is resting quietly.  Other than that, the island world looks much the same as it did when we left on Friday.  On the way to Charlotte we ran (crept actually) through a line of pretty heavy thunderstorms.  Lots of wind a tree down across one lane of westbound I-26.  You know what that can do to Friday afternoon traffic.

Friday, July 28th, very hot:  It's 81 degrees on my back porch and it's only 6.20, already a steamy morning.  The heat and high humidity will combine to make it very uncomfortable this afternoon, absolute temperatures in the 90's, but feeling another 10 degrees hotter.

We are headed inland today, away from whatever cooling effect the breeze off the very warm ocean has.  The CSOGC has a concert in Charlotte and we will take the opportunity to visit with some cousins will we are there.  I think I am pretty safe in saying it's going to be a hot and muggy weekend here.

Miss Spider B is busy of necessity today.  When we put out the refilled hummingbird feeder, one of the strands of her web was dislodged, so she is busy weaving this morning.

Thursday, July 27th, steamy:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and sunny.  We will have lots of sunshine today and increasing heat to go with it.  Highs in the mid- to upper 90's so be careful out there today.

Both spiders are busy doing web repair this morning, a dual aerial ballet in full view outside my window.  Surprisingly, the small male spider lives.

Wednesday, July 26th, partly cloudy:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:30  AM.  It's partly cloudy again this morning but there will be sunshine through much of the day with highs in the lower 90's.  Hard to imagine that this would be a "cool" day for many places in the country this week.

It's Miss Spider B who is working on the web this morning while Miss A sits quietly.  I do notice a small male spider on Miss A. web.  I expect there will be another silk-wrapped package on the web before long.

Tuesday, July 25th, showers possible:  It's 73 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  It's partly cloudy this morning and will remain so throughout much of the day.  A chance of showers and thunderstorms remains for today and tonight with highs around 90.

Miss Spider A is clutching the recently captured body of what looks like a damsel fly and enjoying a sizeable breakfast,  Up close and personal with the food chain once again.  Miss Spider B sits quietly in her parlor.  Sharing is NOT an option.

The drive down the KI Parkway from the gate to Freshfields has been an excursion into the natural work over the past few days.  I have had great views of a perched anhinga and a beautiful red-tailed hawk.  A bald eagle flew over magnificently and I have seen several skimmers after noting their absence a few days back.  Blackbirds, gulls, and pelicans are ubiquitous and herons have been frequent fishers.  Yesterday morning I spotted a deer standing at the marsh edge.  Forty-five is much too fast to go to be able to see all the attractions!

Another Shameless Promotion:  Beth Webb Hart, Charleston author of Grace at Low Tide and Adelaide Piper, will be at Indigo Books on Tuesday, July 25th, 5 ~ 7 pm.

Monday, July 24th, showers possible:  It's 75 muggy degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning and sunny.  We finally got some rain last evening after a long thunderous prelude.  It was much needed and we would welcome any showers that might develop today also.  High in the upper 80's.

Now this might smack of heresy (especially here), but watching golf is a bit like watching grass grow as fat as I am concerned.  But who could not be moved by the personal story surrounding the British Open, not to mention that spectacular long, blind eagle.  Both Woods at the Open and Landis at the Tour de France showed us something about gritty determination this past week.

Both spiders, but mainly Miss A, are at work on their webs after the rain last night.

Another Shameless Promotion:  Beth Webb Hart, Charleston author of Grace at Low Tide and Adelaide Piper, will be at Indigo Books on Tuesday, July 25th, 5 ~ 7 pm.

Sunday, July 23rd, showers possible:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning with a light overcast.  Partly cloudy today with a continued chance for showers (which never materialized yesterday.)  The cloud cover will help to keep the temperature down a couple of degrees, in the upper 80's.

Miss Spider A is gaining in bulk, no doubt a payback for her assiduous attention to her web.  I can see several silk-wrapped insect hanging on her web for future attention.  Miss Spider B is more of the "eat it when you catch it" kind of spider and right now has no back stock.  Both Misses are resting quietly in their parlors at the moment.

Saturday, July 22nd, showers possible:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning.  They are some clouds in the sky and the wind has picked up a bit as a few showers are forming along the coastline.  We haven't seen any rain from them yet and it's really anybody's guess if we will.  The increased chance of showers will stay with us throughout the weekend and into early next week and the temperatures will remain sultry.  The ocean has warmed into the mi-d to upper 80's so there's little "cool" sea breeze now.

Friday, July 21st, continued hot:  It's 76 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning with only an occasional stirring of breeze.  Mostly sunny early with some clouds possible this afternoon but a slight chance of rain.  High around 90.

For all the visitors now out here, we are seeing fewer kids this year.  Perhaps they have all gotten older?  Perhaps younger families are going elsewhe