Friday, December 31st, pleasant.  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear and sunny.  New Year's Eve should be a vary pleasant sunny day with highs out here in the mid-60' and near 70 further inland.  This will be great weather for all the First Night activities in town.

How quickly another year has flown by.  End of the year means inventory, at the shop and personally also.  The balance has always settled to the good, and in a world so filled with human misery and strife, especially this year-end, that's no small miracle.

Have a very safe and Happy New Year.

Thursday, December 30th, warmer still.  It's 44 degrees on my back porch at 8:30 this morning, clear and sunny.  Our warm-up continues with afternoon highs expected in the mid-60's.  Now that's nice winter weather.

The birds are active and vocal this morning and I am especially delighted by the congregation of robins that are outside my window as I type.  They are in the tree and on the roof, soaking up some morning warmth.  One is on the deck railing just outside my window, watching as I type.  How nice to have them visit!

Late word from Freshfields Village is that soft opening has been delayed until March 23rd with grand opening now scheduled for Memorial Day.

Wednesday, December 29th, warmer.  It's 34 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, and it looks like it's going to be another nice day, clear and sunny.  Temperatures in the low 60's will be highly welcomed, I am sure.  Warmer weather to come.

Sophie and Miz Bitz have enjoyed a couple of Christmas boxes.  A good portion of their enjoyment has included play, but a large part has been rivalry, who "owns" the box at any given moment.  It has been fun to watch and Sophie has settled in to her surrounding even more.

Tuesday, December 28th, sunny.  It's 32 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear and sunny.  Enjoy another sunny if cool day with the highs along the coast approaching 50.

There has been a flurry of birds around our house the past several days.  Yellow-rumped warblers have been busy in the trees and along the deck rails, fluttering and hovering and all the while chattering.

Monday, December 27th, sunshine returns.  It's 28 degrees on my back porch at 6:30 this morning.  The moon had been shining brightly overnight, it's light crisp in the clear, cold air.  After all yesterday's rain and drear, we should have a sunny day today as the temperatures begin to moderate--all the way up to 50 this afternoon.

The week between Christmas and New Year's is never quite "normal" but it's back to that unique normalcy today for many of us.  Some of you are still shoveling your white Christmas and some of you are no doubt still awaiting delivery of your suitcases.  It hasn't been the easiest of Christmases, has it?

Sunday, December 26th, dreary.  It's just above freezing on my back porch at 6:20 this morning.  We are lucky we aren't a few degrees cooler as it has been raining steadily since last night.  Inland may be a different story.  Exacerbating the wind and rain is the strong breeze that will blow right through you.  High today around 40, but the sun should appear sometime in the afternoon.  We are promised moderating weather as the coming week passes...but that won't help walking the dog this morning.

If you must be out, go carefully.  If you are headed for an airplane, think one more time about it!.

Saturday, Christmas Day, cloudy.  It's 36 degrees on my back porch at 8:50 this morning.  it's a gray, overcast Christmas morning here on Kiawah.  Even though we had no snow, the northerly wind reminds us it is winter.  Clouds will persist throughout much of the day and we won't move out of the 40's, tough going on those new bikes!  There may be some showers later tonight, perhaps even a bit of sleet.

A beautiful hawk just soared by, riding the breeze along the nearby marsh edge, no doubt, just one of the gifts of the day--a beautiful place to live.  We saw many of our other gifts yesterday, friends and neighbors stopping by the shop to say hello and have a nibble and a sip.  So many gifts and we haven't even started with the tree yet.

Keep a good thought for one of our furry Kiawahchats, Peeps, who is not feeling at all well this week. 

Merry Christmas from He Who Must Play Tennis, Zoë, Miz Bitz, Sophie, The Techie Who Keeps Us Running, and me.

Friday, Christmas Eve, cloudy.  It's 42 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning, cloudy with a north-northeasterly breeze.  The spring weather has fled and we are left with something a bit more seasonal.  We will have some clouds throughout the day and the high will be around 50.

The weather predictors have dropped the possibility of light snow from our forecast for Christmas.  I think the storm left all the snow in the middle states.  The pictures from Indianapolis are incredible.  That's just a bit too much snow, especially just before Christmas.

Packages are wrapped, at last, and the cats are enjoying them as a distraction from the tree.  They may save us the task of opening them!  It's Christmas Eve.  Cue the carolers!

Merry Christmas from He Who Must Play Tennis, Zoë, Miz Bitz, Sophie, The Techie Who Keeps Us Running, and me.

Thursday, December 23rd, cloudy.  It's 65 degrees (that is not a misprint) on my back porch at 7:23 AM.  The southerly breeze is moist and warm and has already brought a few light showers our way.  there may be some more light rain this morning and a high today nearing 70.  The temps will begin to fall as the storm currently chilling the Midwest sends more cold air our way.

I arrived home last night to find three tree ornaments on the floor, proving the wisdom of using unbreakable items this year.  Even Bitz and Zoë seem to into kitty ticks with the tree, very unusual for Zoë.  But I watched her deliberately pull a Santa from the branches. I have a feeling this tree will come down early--one way or another.

I have finish baking but presents remain unwrapped and there are a few cards still to send and more food to gather and prepare.  I'd really rather sit and watch Mr. Squirrel as he scampers across the roof and leaps from branch to branch outside my window, but I must be up and away.

    The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep.

Wednesday, December 22nd, warmer.  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7, breezy and partly cloudy.  Rain is likely late this afternoon and evening, but the mid-60's temperature will be today's surprise. Positively balmy!  The slight chance of Christmas snow remains in the official forecast, however.

people. at their own rates, are beginning to reach that magic point at which what's done is done and it's just about too late to do anything more.  You can almost hear the sighs of contentment.

We have a tree decorated and it has remained upright overnight.  We had to pull Sophie out of the mid-branches only once so far, but have loaded the tree with mostly unbreakable ornaments, just in case.  Zoë and Miz Bitz recognized the tree right away and neither made it into the bedroom last night.  I am sure they have set up camp already for the holidays.

Tuesday, December 21st, a bit warmer.  It's 26 degrees on my back porch at 6:20 this morning but the air is still and without the cold breeze, it's not so back outside.  The ground and birdbath are frozen but with a predicted high around 50 this afternoon, He Who Must Play Tennis may even have a chance to.  Amazingly, today's extended forecast suggests a chance for light snow after midnight on Christmas Eve and on into Christmas morning.  Wouldn't that be a surprise!

Cold weather like this has me humming one of my favorite Christmas carols, set to words by Christina Rossetti:

     In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan.
     Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.
     Snow had fallen, snow on snow.
     In the bleak midwinter, long, long ago.

Crossing the winter marsh last evening was anything but bleak.  The river's surface was perfectly still and in a receding tide so that it was full but well-contained within its banks.  The clear sky still held some light and a hint of blush in the west.  The smooth river surface reflected the dusky twilight and softly illuminated the winter-brown marsh grasses, not exactly sunlit, but not quite dark, either.  Melancholy, perhaps, but definitely not bleak.

Monday, December 20th, brrrrrrrrrrr!  It's 26 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and the brisk NW breeze will make you snap to attention!  The sunshine will be welcome today but the temperature will rise to only about 40.  It is likely to be just as cold or even a bit cooler this evening.  Bundle up. For coastal South Carolina, this is a deep freeze!

Miz Bitz was anxious to go out on the porch this morning but wheeled around quickly to come back in.  Zoë hasn't even asked.

Sunday, December 19th, sunny early.  It's 42 degrees on my back porch at 8:45 this morning, the sky is blue and the breeze is light to moderate.  The sunny weather will dim a bit as we move through the afternoon and we have a chance of showers this afternoon and evening.  Most noticeable, however, will be the increasing winds (gale warnings along the coast) and falling temperatures, down into the 20's tonight with much lower wind chills.  Several predictors have even uttered the s*** word, but that would no doubt apply farther inland.  Won't keep me from checking outside the door now and again tonight.

He Who Must Play Tennis hopes the more clement weather holds so that he can pay a couple sets this afternoon.  I hope it holds because I have a multitude of errands to run.

Holiday travel has begun.  If you are traveling here or away, go safely.

Saturday, December 18th, sunny.  It's 42 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and the just-lightening sky looks to be clear.  We look forward to a mostly sunny day with the afternoon temp soaring into the low to mid-60's.

The novelty of the new cat may be wearing thin.  Zoë and Bitz, who had for all intents ceased their spats, were back at it yesterday morning with their accustomed yowls and hisses and a few flat-pawed smacks.  Sophie was nowhere to be seen in that altercation, but she was center stage in the evening.  We had received a small box in the mail and it was at the top of the steps awaiting transport downstairs.  Miz Bitz has always loved boxes and even though she has outgrown this particular shipment's boxes, she always investigates the,. stands in them, turns around and then leaves.  Well, Sophie is small enough to get in the box and just manage to curl up and lie down.  She did and Bitz spied her.  There were long minutes of looks that defined a "glower."  "I can't can't believe she's in my box!  I can't believe she can't fit into my box!"   Then, Bitz ran over to Sophie and smacked her on top of the head.  Sophie didn't move and Bitz retreated, but it doesn't bode well for ensuing weeks.

Friday, December 17th, cloudy.  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and cloudy.  There's a slight chance of some very light rain this morning, but mainly we can expect cloudy conditions and highs in the upper 50's.

Several missions have been accomplished, the main one being that the Mom has been successfully retrieved from the airport.  Along the way, I was able to tick a number of errands off the list so that I can actually say preparations for the holiday are underway.  Whew!  Tonight we will introduce Sophie to the wonder of giftwrap and ribbons.

Sophie didn't run and hide with the addition of another human to her new world.  She peered around corners cautiously for a few minutes, then resumed normal patrol.  Zoë, of course, scooted away to here nook for a a little while, but soon relented.  Mix Bitz, the most gregarious one, took about 30 seconds to investigate the new arrival from afar and then walked over to allow her head to be scratched.  Mom is convinced ONE of them is going to be a lap cat by the end of her visit.  Bets are placed on Bitz.

Thursday, December 16th, crisp sunshine.  It's 34 degrees on my back porch at 8:45 and the water in the birdbath is still a solid icy chunk but the sun is shining clear and bright.  High today near 50 so jackets and sweaters are still appropriate.

Cue the reindeer!!  I have a list and a day off and I could use their magic to whisk me to the appropriate venues in magical time.  Somewhere in the midst of the frenzy, I'll pick up my Mom from the airport and then carry her along as a hostage shopper as I try to check items off the "to do" list.  On second thought, skip the reindeer--send in the elves!

Wednesday, December 15th, very cool but sunny.  It's 34 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 but the thin crust of ice on the birdbath bespeaks at least a couple hours of sub-freezing temps last night even out here at the beach.  Inland, the ice is apt to be well beyond "thin crust."  Wrap up warmly today as the sun will have a tough time battling the cold air and northwesterly wind and we are not likely to make it out of the 40's.  A week ago it was nearly 80 and muggy.

He Who Must Play Tennis reports that he was able to hold Sophie for a couple of minutes yesterday and that she purred--before it registered that she was being held by a human.  She has come a long way in a few weeks, but the next challenge will be the Christmas tree.

Tuesday, December 14th, cooler.  It's 38 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning and there may be ice on the birdbaths further inland.  A light breeze out of the NNW reminds us that winter is approaching.  It will definitely be a day for sweaters and jackets as we won't make it out of the 50's today and it will may dip into the 20's inland tonight.  The good news:  the sun should be bright.

We went out late last night to see if we could see any of the Geminid sky show.  The sky was clear.  In fact, the Milky Way was obvious and even a few "naked eye" galaxies and star clusters.  However, the several minutes we were outside were NOT the peak of the show.  We did see a few shooting stars, including one very bright, relatively long-lived one that burned a bright, wide streak quite a distance across the sky.  Aside from the brilliant light and the "oooh" quality of its sudden appearance and then disappearance, what always amazes me most about meteor showers and comets is the utter silence.  You would think there would be a "whoosh" or a "brrrng" to accompany the rapidly traveling light, but nothing.  Just the sounds from us, "There's one! Wow!!"

We will go out again tonight to have a look, although the peak was last night and there may not be another shooting star left to be seen, but I'll look anyway.  If you are interested in having a look yourself, find Orion and look diagonally above his left shoulder toward three bright lights in the sky, Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini, and the planet Saturn.  The shooting stars will appear to originate from that part of the sky.

Monday, December 13th, clearing later.  It's 46 degrees on my back porch at 7:10 this morning and it is cloudy at the moment.  The moderate breeze makes it a bit uncomfortable to be out there for very long--but Zoë doesn't seem to mind.  The clouds show slowly clear so that we will have a sunny afternoon and temps in the comfortable low to mid-60's.

Our long drift through autumn continues here.  Most of the reds and purple are faded but there are still splashes of yellow here and there and the scarcity of other bright color now makes their bright hue that much more a welcome surprise.

There is also an amazing array of brown in the landscape.  Just the edge of the road near the KI bridge presents a selection of beiges and browns ranging from light, nearly wheat-colored grasses, through golden and toasty shades, and even a purply brown shown by some of the denuded bramble.  Just as the spring's greens are impossible to describe, even with a giant box of Crayola names, autumn's brown also defy numeration and name.

Sunday, December 12th, sunny, crisp.  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:50 this morning and the sun is shining brightly out of a very blue sky.  Haul out the sweaters and jackets because it is going to make it only into the upper 50's today, nice in the sunshine, chilly in the shade.

I am running just a bit late this morning (not to mention this month!) so I won't tarry.  The furry girls are milling about in the kitchen anticipating morning provisions and the day's tasks beckon.  Hope you have a chance to enjoy this beautiful late fall day.

Saturday, December 11th, windy, cooler.  It's 48 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and there is a high early morning overcast that is already beginning to clear.  The wind will get your attention this morning, 15 to 20 mph.  The treetops are gyrating and the one leaf left on the river birch is twirling, but stubbornly hanging on.  Highs today will be in the mid- to upper 50's and there will likely be frost away from the beaches tonight.

Less than two weeks until Christmas.  Santa's elves are busy with last minute gifts and the reindeer are getting extra rations--and I'm once again wondering how to squeeze extra hours out of the day and wishing for elves of my own.  I need a Christmas Savings Plan by which I can donate and bank an hour each week throughout the year and then recover them at Christmas.

Friday, December 10th, stormy early.  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning and it looks very stormy out here.  A front has been trying to push through our area for nearly an entire day and is only now really approaching us.  We have a tornado watch until 9 AM and the radar shows heavy showers and thunderstorms just inland.  It will take a while for the weather to clear but we should see temps in the lower 70's before things begin to cool off and dry out for the weekend.

As nice as warm weather in December is, the past coupe of days have been uncomfortable also.  Dampness made everything clammy and you would feel cool at times, but it was two warm for a sweater or jacket.  Even as I type this message, I have seen lightning and heard the distant rumble of thunder.  The trees are beginning to rock in the rising wind.  there's a weather change on its way.

Thursday, December 9th, continued warm and cloudy.  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  We had light rain overnight and the air is still heavy with moisture such that it condenses on the river birch twigs, forms a translucent pearl, and then drips to the ground.  Clouds will persist and there's a chance of further rain with a high in the unsettling upper 70's.

I learned at a meeting yesterday that one of the parking lots at Freshfields is about to be poured and the main avenue is ready for paving.  Work on the roundabout has begun and is expected to be completed by Memorial Day.  Exterior color and finish is on some scattered walls.  the work progresses apace.

Wednesday, December 8th, partly cloudy.  It's 62 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 and cloudy.  Partly cloudy today with a comfortable high in the low 70's.

As an Election Commissioner, I was at the fire station well before dawn yesterday and remained there into mid-afternoon and enjoyed getting to see so many of our fellow residents as they voted for Mayor and Town Council. I have to send kudos to the County Voter Registration office who gave us great service.  The voting machines were a bit balky to set up and we needed some technical advice to get both of them up and running smoothly, but the tech assistant was on the phone with us before 7 AM and traveled out here to complete the job.  We often hear complaints about our civil servants, but the office and technical support staff could not have been more helpful.

Sophie slowly settles into being "our" cat.  She lets us touch her now and again--mainly if she doesn't see it coming--and she rarely runs away to hide.  She has found all of the favorite cat spots in the house--and a few new ones of her own.  She's a long way from being a lap cat yet, but there's still hope.

Monday, December 6th, partly cloudy.  It's 56 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 and cloudy.  Clouds will be will us throughout much of the day and there's a 20 percent chance of showers.  High in the upper 60's.

Alright!  Enough with the seasonal Muzak!!  Already I am beginning to see dangerous warning signs in some of the retail staff, especially at the large stores.  A persistently clenched jaw.  Squint lines at the corners of the eyes.  Apparent loss or suspension of hearing.  Upper body and facial tics at the first jingle of bells.  I love Christmas music but eight weeks is a looooong time.

Saturday, December 4th, mostly sunny.  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning with a slight overcast.  While there may be a few clouds, the day will be mostly sunny with a high in the mid-60's.

The local cold virus is visiting our house, which is not good news at any time but especially not right now as we are singing tonight.  This morning it sounds as though I would be better placed in the tenor section.  I'm putting a lot of hope in hot lemonade and chemicals!

Friday, December 3rd, mostly sunny.  It's 45 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, another blue sky day with a bit of a cool breeze.  Sunshine nearly all day but a bit cooler with the high only in the low 60's.

I actually got started on some holiday preparations yesterday.  Is that a record for me?  I was a bit surprised at how few people were actually in the stores.

Turkey is the answer to taming Sophie.  As long as she is at her bowl searching for the tiny bits of turkey I've scattered amongst her kibble, I am able to rub her back and head and she very unconcernedly arches up to meet my hand.  The minute the turkey is gone, she figures out what's going on and she dashes.  It's another step.

Tree lighting is this weekend, a very posh affair this year.  My how we have grown from a small gathering of neighbors to watch the tree lights come on, sing a few carols, and listen to "The Night Before Christmas on Kiawah."  I understand that "The Night before..." (a local paraphrase written by a longtime and "pioneer" resident) won't be read this year, first time in many, many years.  That's a shame.

Wednesday, December 1st, cloudy and breezy.  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  Dawn was another burst of color this morning, but the old adage, "Red sky at morning, sailors take warning," may apply today.  We are looking at mostly cloudy skies and possibly some showers this morning with decreased chance of showers later.  All the while we should feel the effects of a blustery westerly wind.  High near 70.

Tuesday, November 30th, mostly sunny.  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  Dawn filled the air with blush pink light for a few minutes this morning just before the sun has really risen.  Now I can see mostly blue sky with a bit of hazy overcast which will no doubt clear in  a few minutes.  It will remain mostly clear today and a bit warmer--mid- to upper 60's.

Sophie, the skittish new arrival, continues to become  a bit more sure of her surroundings, including cats and people.  She has a bowl with Zoë and Bitz now and eats with the "big girls."  We are using her love of turkey to lure her closer to us.  She took turkey from from hand--after much coaxing with bits of turkey closer and closer to me.  Of course, not being used to hands being near food bits, she also sank one of her mouth needles into my finger.  Oh well, she also let me stroke her back for an extended period, too!

It's the last day of November.  That means that December starts tomorrow and I am officially late for everything!

Monday, November 29th, mostly sunny.  It's 46 degrees on my back porch at 6:45 this morning.  The sun isn't full yup yet so it's hard to tell if what I am seeing is really clouds or just the early morning sky.  Since the moon was shining so brightly just a few minutes ago, I suspect we will eventually see sunlight and blue sky.  High today in the mid-60's.

Even though the bulk of yesterday was sunny, the skies were gray as I crossed the marsh early on my way off the island.  In fact there were some damp, heavy clouds to the southwest and the marsh and river looking across to the Cassique club house on the far side looked a lot like the Scottish landscape the links course and club house are patterned after.

Sophie becomes a bit braver each day and was very close to taking bits of turkey from hand, but not quite.  As she has become a bit bolder, Bitz has become a bit more insistent that SHE is in charge--no real fights, just some reminding scolds.  Zoë remains somewhat unconcerned.

Saturday, November 27th, sunny now.  It's 46 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, clear with a light to moderate breeze.  The official forecast calls for a 50% chance of showers today, but the blue sky and presently quiet radar would speak otherwise.  But we know how quickly the weather can change so if you have reasons to be outside, this morning might be the best time.  High in the mid-60's.

For much of the past two weeks, I have felt as though we have adopted a cat of the Cheshire variety.  Most of the time all we would see of her would be a face peering at us from beneath the bed or from behind furniture.  Gradually we have seen ALL of the cat and this morning she was downstairs encouraging me to hurry up with the breakfast kibble.  She still wants to eat a ways apart from the other cats and from our activity--but we are making progress.

The island has been busy this week and the roads have reflected that.  In fact there was a two-car tête-à-tête at the Little Pig turnoff yesterday afternoon.  The traffic light works to improve safety only if one is paying attention

Friday, November 26th, crisp and cool.  It's 40 degrees on my back porch at 7:30 this morning, bright sunshine with a light to moderate breeze.  It is definitely much cooler that it has been over the past week or so but it seems a bit more seasonable.  The high today will be around 60.

It's hard to believe that people have already been shopping for over two hours this morning.  It seems madness on the part of retailers to create this early morning fracas and even more mad to fall into it, but "Day After" sales are well-entrenched.  "Over the river and through the woods to the shopping mall we go..."

Thursday, November 25th, sunny and breezy.    It's 68 degrees on my back porch at 8:40 this morning and it is very windy today.  The breeze results from a pretty strong front moving our way which will bring not only the breeze but some cooler temperatures.  We are probably as warm as we are going to be for the day as we move towards a frosty night, at least inland.

We will have a small Thanksgiving gathering here, but even if you are cooking for three, you still have all the dishes to fix--can't leave out any one of them just because you're not cooking for eight!  Besides I like the leftovers!  So the cranberry conserve is made, the butternut squash is steaming and the turkey broth is about to be brewed.  The good smells are mounting.

Even amidst all the strife and turmoil we san see around us, from real combat and unrest in Asia and Africa to the petty, senseless fracases on "sporting" fields, there is much to be thankful for today and I hope that we all have a chance to bask in the warm glow of those thoughts.

We wish you and your families a happy Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 23rd, sunny early.  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning and the sun is shining.  There may be clouds later and a few showers, but at the moment, it is really lovely outside--and Zoë is taking full advantage.  Afternoon highs around 70.

The great migration switcheroo has begun.  Some full (or mostly) residents are headed away from the island, off to visit family for the holidays and other families are beginning to arrive to spend the holidays here.  By this afternoon, the interstates should be a lot of fun.  Go carefully!

The three cats continue to coexist very nicely and Sophie continues to flee from our presence.  She did hang around a bit longer this morning as I doled out kibble, then retreated to an upstairs landing.  I hear her back in the kitchen now, though.  Slowly, slowly.

Monday, November 22nd, light rain.  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  it is raining lightly, not enough to chase Zoë in from the deck however.  Rain is a good possibility this morning and again this afternoon and evening--maybe with thunder accompaniment.  Highs approaching 70.

As I was leaving yesterday, I came upon a hawk standing in a slight puddle in our cul-de-sac.  I stopped the car, it didn't move.  I called Hew Who Must Play Tennis on the phone and he came out for this up close view.  as he neared, the hawk flew, but only to a tree at the end of the street.  I'm pretty sure it was a female or juvenile marsh hawk and I did enjoy having such an extended, up-close view.

Sophie's door is open and she has run of the house and occasionally the porch.  Surprisingly, Bitz and Zoë haven't retreated OR become aggressive.  Instead, they quietly watch her.  Bitz will occasionally walk up to her slowly and sniff--few hisses now--and at one point last night, Sophie and Bitz were placidly lying within three feet of each other.  Sophie is more alarmed by our presence than that of the other two cats--understandably so--but we can open the food canister!

Sunday, November 21st, variable.  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 8:15 this morning and there is a light mist falling.  Clouds and maybe even some sunshine today with a possibility of showers mainly early and late.  High around 70.

The ground, deck, and gutters, too, are heavily littered with river birch leaves.  They are still mostly yellow as they fall from the trees, but are aging through a soft caramel color on the ground..  I don't think it has rained so much yet that they won't still rustle and I plan to kick through them a bit today!

Sophie is still very shy, of course, and spends most of her time behind or beneath something, ut she did venture out into her new world just a bit yesterday.  Bitz is cautious with her, apt to hiss a bit, but not at all aggressive.  Zoë still avows no knowledge of a new cat.

Today is the one-year anniversary of our dear Molly's death.  I still miss her, but I figure she's with me everywhere now, especially as I sit in the mornings and type.  Bitz and even Zoë will occasionally come in while I am at the desk, but neither so faithfully as Molly did.  Perhaps Sophie will find the tapping keys and the blinking cursor attractive.

Saturday, November 20th, mostly cloudy, warm.  It's 64 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning, heavily overcast and humid.  The clouds that didn't appear yesterday rolled in last night with a very few sprinkles.  They will remain most of today, with a slight chance of a shower.  Afternoon highs will be in the mid-70's.

The first flush of fall has passed and the purple blooms of the sweetgrass have faded and the magenta beautyberries have dulled to a deeper purple.  Despite this warm spell, later signs of fall are beginning to appear--dogwoods on Johns Island turning maroon, muscadine vines spotting trees with yellow, and the slight hint of color on a few gum trees.  On the other hand, my geraniums have a new crop of blooms.

Sophie watch:  We were actually able to hold Sophie for a brief time yesterday and she spent lots of time not wedged into the small space between the wall and a chest.  She even swatted at a ball a couple of times, and she definitely knows where the food bowl is!  Miz Bitz spent a few minutes in Sophie's domain also, safely corralled by He Who Must Play Tennis.  So far, Zoë is quite content in studied ignorance.

Friday, November 19th, a few clouds.  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:20 this morning, a bit of yesterday's warmth hanging on.  There will be cloudy periods today, although they are of the scattered, white variety this morning, and continued mild with highs around 70.

The UBS Golf tournament got underway yesterday and what a lovely day it was for it.  With luck, decent weather will extend through Sunday.

Our new Sophie is a, not unexpectedly, shy kitty.  She remains in a room of her own and spends most of her time under or behind something, but did spend a little time "out" while I was in the room with her.  Bitz has investigated the room and spied Sophie in one of her safe nooks and greeted her with a few hisses--no growls, no yowls.  Sophie, bless her, is pretty gentle.  There have been no hisses or growls, just some "vocalizations" when she ventures out to explore.  It's about time to open the door and see if she will come out of hiding. We will put Bitz and the porch and Zoë on the deck first or her first trip out might be her last attempt!

Thursday, November 18th, a bit warmer.  It's once again in the lower 40's on my back porch at 7:20 this morning.  The sky is clear at present but we should see clouds later today.  The afternoon temperature will rise to nearly 70, nice weather for the opening day of the UBS Cup at Cassique.

We have a new feline resident, Sophie.  She is a formerly feral cat from near the shop, undoubtedly one of Miz Bitz' granddaughters.  She is nine months old and comes inside after a bout with a very sore, abscessed paw.  She's a calico like Bitz but with even more white fur, and like both of my calicoes, Bits and Molly before her, she seems to be a chatty one.

Bitz and Zoë are aware that something is up--upstairs, to be exact.  We have Sophie in her own room for a couple of days as she is quite timid and the world has undergone some drastic changes in the past couple of weeks.  Bitz is anxious to get into the room and spent much of the evening stretching her forelegs about three quarters of the way under the closed door.  Zoë is aware, but ignoring the whole development--so far.  I brought the carrier downstairs this morning and both cats spent time sniffing and investigating.

Wednesday, November 17th, sunny.  It's in the lower 40's on my back porch at 7:15 this morning, blue sky and sunshine.  There's very little breeze at the moment, just enough now and then to life a small branch.  River birch leaves slowly drift to the ground.

The evening light has been remarkable the last few evenings.  We have traveled in to town just before dusk and the low light has shone nearly golden across the marsh and rivers and the trip across the new Stono Bridge, in particular, has been a "Kodachrome" moment.

I've seen lots of migrating waterfowl this week.

Tuesday, November 16th, mostly sunny.  It's in the lower 40's on my back porch at 7:15 this morning but not far above freezing inland.  We will continue mostly sunny again today with a light northerly wind and afternoon highs in the mid-60's.

It's quiet outside this morning, no birdsong or chatter and I don't hear the ocean above the sound of the heat pumps.  Zoë is out on the deck and her ordinarily fluffy self is extraordinarily so in the cooler temperature.  The pansies I planted last week are loving this cool weather and are standing straight in their pots.

Monday, November 15th, sunny.  It's in the lower 40's on my back porch at 7:25 this morning and sunny.  The breeze has subsided a bit but it will still be a factor today as the temperature climbs in to the low 60's.  Scattered frost is likely inland this evening.  Those of you to our north who have already experienced your first snowfall in the past few days will have to understand that for us down here in the Lowcountry, "first frost" is as noted as "first snowfall."

No new kitty yet, but soon!

Sunday, November 14th, a beautiful autumn day.  It's in the upper 40's on my back porch at 7:25 this morning and around 40 inland, a brisk start tot he day.  A strong northeast wind is blowing and even though the sun is already shining brightly, it's definitely fall outside.  High near 60 this afternoon and breezy all day.

The cats find their own warm spots this time of year, pools of sunshine or cozy corners.  Neither Bitz nor Zoë are regular occupants of the sheepskin lined cat baskets the way that Molly was, which surprises me since they would seem an obvious choice in cool weather.  But, then, cats are seldom obvious.  I've plumped and fluffed the sheepskins just in case.

Saturday, November 13th, partly cloudy, cooler.  It's 60 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning.  We didn't have continuing showers yesterday as threatened, but the possibility of some sprinkles lingers through this morning before the clouds lighten some this afternoon.  A moderate northwest breeze will keep temperatures in the lower to mid-60's.

Cooler weather has yellowed the bulk of the leaves remaining on the river birch and in a day or so we should see a second significant leaf cascade.  I am also seeing more frequent flocks of waterfowl overhead  also.

Once again we have to bid farewell to one of our extended critter family.  Hoover, a gentle feline, will be greatly missed.

Friday, November 12th, warmer but wet.  It's 65 degrees on my back porch at 7:00 this morning.  We have had showers overnight and they will continue today, maybe mixed with thunder this afternoon.  High temps will be in the lower 70's.

The showers are needed as we have been dry and breezy for a while now.  The moisture will also help yesterday's plantings.  It's November and time to plant pansies in the pots and boxes on the deck and I used that task to be outside in yesterday's beautiful weather.  Memories of planting pansies last year were unavoidable, since pansy-planting day was the last one Molly was with us.  It was a bittersweet day, but mostly sweet, as Molly was certainly very much with me as I dug and planted, fed and watered.  As usual, there were butterflies and warm sunshine and the smell of pine straw and fallen leaves.  The pansies are bright and standing straight this morning and I look forward to their perky, smiling faces throughout the winter.

Wednesday, November 10th, continued sunny.  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:08 this morning, sunny and breezy.  We will enjoy another cool, crisp delightful fall day today with mostly sunny conditions and a high in the mid-60's.  Clouds are on the way, however.

He Who Must Play Tennis is warm-up-suited this morning, first time in a long time those togs have been needed.  The weather should be perfect for playing, although in this house any weather short of a hurricane, ice, or flood is "perfect for tennis!"

Zoë and Miz Bitz have reached enough of a stasis in their volatile relationship to surrender to the cooler weather and allow each other to be on the bed at the same time.  All of this near-harmony is about to cease, however, as we are soon to adopt another kitty.

Tuesday, November 9th, cool sunshine.  It's 52 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning, bright and sunny with a light to moderate breeze.  It will really feel like Lowcountry autumn today, crisp, dry, and highs only in the low 60's.  Even so, the green leaves persist on the river birch.

Construction at the Freshfields site continues at a rapid pace.  It has reached a stage at which from at least one vantage point it resembles a deserted ghost town, especially with the breeze blowing dust down the main street.  But the buildings are definitely in building form now and the streets begin to emerge between them.  It's definitely a surprise to those who have not been here for several months.

Monday, November 8th, another fine day.  It's 55 degrees on my back porch at 7:15 this morning, bright and sunny with a light breeze.  We have another beautiful day in store for us, that is, if sunny, dry, mild with a cool edge kind of days are to your liking!  It will remain sunny but be a a bit cooler tomorrow.  It's a great day to be outside.

After last week's sudden and profuse leaf drop, the river birch is resolutely clinging to its remaining leaves.  About half of the leaves remain on the tree and they are still quite green.  I know they are just waiting for me to clear all the leaves off of the side deck before they brown and drop too.  I think I can outwait the tree on this one

Friday, November 5th, much cooler.  It's 52 wine-perfect degrees on my back porch this morning.  The cool front arrived and brought clear, crisp weather to us for a sunny fall weekend.  We will have lots of sunshine and highs today only around 70 degrees.  Definitely sweater weather!

Since some of the river birch leaves have fallen, I have a clearer view of the small warblers that often perch there.  There are three of them this morning, twittering and hopping from branch to branch, not much larger than the birch leaves.  Oops, there they go, zipping away to another spot.  They haven't gone far because I can still hear the twittering.

It's Roy Rogers' birthday.  He was born in Cincinnati in 1911, which even in that year was not THAT far west!