Relief from the sky
My garden was one of the lucky ones late last week to get a little rain. Between Wednesday and Thursday nights I recorded nearly three-quarters of an inch, which was the most rain my garden has seen in quite some time.
As that weren’t enough, on Friday night a cool front pushed south through Austin, and on Saturday we awoke to dry air, stripped of our typical humidity, and a slight breeze from the north. Southerners, you know what I’m talking about—that first heavenly taste of, not fall, but the promise of fall. Northerners, I suppose you could compare it to that first hint of warmth in the air after a long, cold winter.
I spent the entire day outdoors, swimming with the kids for a while and then getting out to shiver delightedly in the dry air, and then working in the garden, piddling around, really: moving some heavy pots with help from my DH, pruning a rosebush back, rearranging patio furniture, planning a new planting scheme, measuring for installing outdoor lighting.
In the shade it was delightful. In the sun it got hot. But not miserably hot. The high topped out at 95 degrees (35 C), but with the air so dry it felt much cooler to me.
If only every summer day could be like that. But then I suppose I’d miss the feeling of joy and relief when fall finally arrives.
All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Yesterday was nice, wasn’t it. Your pond is coming along so quickly. It’s beautiful.
I can feel your joy in a little rain and cooler weather. It is cool here today too. I am lovin it.
It’s amazing what humidity does to heat! Getting a break from it is wonderful~~glad you are having one~~It sure makes gardening enjoyable. You know I love your ‘steel pond’! gail
Your pond is looking good(-:
It does feel a little like Fall here too(-: Its been a long hot dry summer)-: We haven’t had rain in months. I can’t wait for that first real rain of Fall(-: We are still getting 100+ days here and when we have one under 100 degrees I really enjoy it(-:
I agree Pam–I love summer, but then yearn for fall. This morning was just a tease I know…but the weather folks are saying high 80’s, low 90’s for next week so I am getting excited. Wish we could just have spring for 2 more months, then slip right into fall. But, this in Texas!! 🙂
Hi Pam, I am so relieved that you got some rain, that is a good amount too. And some drier air to be able to enjoy the great outdoors and your wonderful pool and garden. Doing without always makes us appreciate anything more, but it is so hard on the plants sometimes. Better times ahead! 🙂
Frances
I feel just the hint of that here. And so looking forward to cooler temps! I love your stock tank pond!
Brenda
You’re right, yesterday was more pleasant- at least until 11 o’clock. We walked round the lake early and then went for breakfast at Whole Foods. Their breakfast tacos are the best value and taste so good. I can imagine that the trees in your garden do make it feel quite a bit cooler than it actually is. Have you noticed your pool getting cooler too? I went in after working outside this morning and it actually felt cold! I always think it’s amazing how quickly it cools down once the night time temperatures start to drop+ shorter days. I’m thinking we may note break that record after all. Your tank is quite amazing how quickly it has filled in and it looks so attractive with the shimmering water. Alas, we didn’t get any rain and some plants that have been hanging in have finally given up.
Yes, the pool temp has dropped below 80 degrees, and it feels like a pool should, in my opinion. My kids and husband, who prefer bath-water temps, disagree. 😉 —Pam
Hi Pam! I’m glad you had some rain. Your plants are looking good. I’m wondering what is on the pic before the last one, with pretty white flowers?
Those are softleaf yucca (Y. recurvifolia) flowers, Tatyana. Aren’t they beautiful? I’m so excited about them, as this is the first time my yucca has bloomed. —Pam
Gosh, Pam, I loved the mushroom picture, but then I saw the rest and loved them too! I’m so glad the rain is finally coming your way. We had some wonderful, humidity free days a few weeks ago and it was heaven. I told my sister that if it was that way all the time (and oh how I wish it was!) you couldn’t keep people out of NE Alabama. So, maybe it’s a good thing…
It’s amazing how much you can get done when the weather’s cooperative. If every summer was like that one day, you (and I too) would probably be living someplace else! 😉
Ah, it IS all relative, and the heat does make us appreciate the cool air. We WALKED this evening – it was an amazing 88 degrees and breezy and felt heavenly. I love the hint of Fall…
Thanks for your food for thought Pam.
ChrisG
That’s a nice amount of rain! And I completely know about the cool after hot experience. We had over 100 two days in a row, and everyone was going a little crazy. Today it was in the high 70s again, what a relief…
I am so glad you recieved a hint of rain, I hope you will get more soon. I forgot how pretty Yucca blooms can be and are until I saw your pictures.
Jake