Sunday, July 30, 2006

Lazy, Crazy, Hazy Days

The days of summer stretch on. We finally had rain this week, an all night, all day, soaking rain, totaling three and a half inches. I don't think I have ever slept so well or been so happy to be wet. The grass and flowers were dancing in joy and the birds were able to bathe without fighting over the bird bath. Everything is suddenly green again, a miracle to me after looking dead, or nearly so, in the 100+ heat of July. Of course, this means the yard needs mowing and little weeds are popping up here and there in the beds, but even that doesn't dampen my spirits.
On the other hand, with the lovely rain, the humidity returned with a vengeance. The air is absolutely liquid and even though the temperature is in the high 80's or low 90's, it only takes minutes outdoors to become soaked to the skin without any physical exertion at all. Another joy of living in the south.
So much for the flora on the swamp. The fauna are as active as ever. The cardinals are molting and really ratty looking now. There seem to be more doves feeding than usual and of course the raccoons are still nightly visitors. The hawks are still hunting around the house. I can always tell when one is coming over, the birds at the feeder do the vanishing act. Of course, the white cat has the same effect on them. All else is quiet, just the usual passing of time, enjoying the last few weeks of summer in the south and looking forward to the change of seasons and cooler temperatures.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Dog Days

The dog days of summer have arrived on Cypress Knee Swamp. The temperature and humidity rise as the day progresses and even the nights are warm and muggy. Thunder boomers can be heard in the afternoons, but they are hit or miss and so far we have been in the miss category. The water bill is another"dog days" indicator. If we had a dog, he would probably spend most of his time lying around in the coolest spot he could find.
The dog days don't seem to bother the squirrels. They are busier and more plentiful than ever. The raccoons are also active and brave little critters. We looked out the window and they were making their way toward the house looking for something to eat. David hadn't put corn in the feeder that evening and I guess they were letting us know it was supper time!
It would be nice to be able to slow down and take it easy while the weather is so hot, but alas, the grass still grows, the flowers have to be fed and watered, supper has to be cooked, clothes washed and life goes on. Sometimes a dogs life doesn't seem so bad.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Fourth of July


Althea, Crepe Myrtle, Magnolia, Kudzu, Gardenia, Sweet Tea, soft spoken words where terms of endearment like Honey, Sugah and Sweetie Pie are used to address one another (you don't actually have to know the person to call them these names either) and, most importantly, family.
All these words remind me of the Old South and the State of Mississippi where I spent the 4th of July weekend. We were fortunate to have an extended weekend so we took the opportunity to visit my family in Mississippi.
One of our nieces is expecting....TWINS.....a boy and a girl and I especially wanted to see her before the babies come later this summer. David always looks forward to a golf game with a nephew and the youngest niece and husband are always so fun to be around. We ate, visited on the patio, ate, shopped, ate, told funny stories and jokes, ate some more and ended the last night watching a video that had us all laughing. I ooohd and ahhhhed over the twins nursery and my heart was so thankful at all the wonderful gifts the babies have received. They are already blessed!

We crossed the Mississippi River at Vicksburg and stopped at the Visitor Center to stretch our legs. The flags flying and the history of the battle that occured there in July over a hundred years ago were fitting reminders that we truly have something to celebrate on this Independence Day. I am thankful for every man and woman that served our country to make our freedom possible.
Even though I have lived in Louisiana for over 30 years, I am still always a little sad when it is time to leave my family and come home. It was a good visit and a good holiday.