How Hot is it????

After almost 2 weeks of 100+degree days and about 2 months without rain, Texas was looking pretty dry! Fire bans are in force. Unless you water, lawns are brown and burnt up! If you do choose to water, there are rules .... properties north of SR114 water on odd days and south of SR114 on even days. I only water the garden, potted plants and the decorative vinca vine to keep it alive. Otherwise, we could have a huge water bill while we don't yet have our well functional.

So, you know it's HOT in Texas when ---

- the front porch looks like this [even the animals seek the cool] (click to enlarge) > >

- and you break into a sweat when you walk out the door...

- when called in for dinner, the horses lumber in and suck up half the tub of water...

- and when you refill the tub, the hose water is HOT and you have to float off the algae so the horses can find the water...!

- when the garden plants are wilted every evening and totally stop growing (thought I was a failure at gardening for a while there)...

- when the okra and squash are already cooked when I pick them...

- when the corn kernals become popcorn before picking ....

- and the trees and shrubs whistle for Sam...

- when you singe your fingers without a steering wheel cover

- when the wind brings in a steady supply of dust in the house and blows my plants around:

Melons are rearranged on the north side of the hills ----

- and when the skinks and spiders seek refuge IN the house.

Why... one day last week, we saw Sam out chasing a rabbit .... and they were both walking!!!

All that's changed now and the kittens can come out and play while I work in the garden.

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Finally the high pressure moved away and this week we've had rain (ALWAYS includes lightening, thunder and 70 mph winds) THREE times for a total of about 2" of welcome rain. The horses (and donkey) have muddied up their yard and corral and it doesn't stop them from rolling in their favorite dirt spots -- now mud!!! The fields are happy! The vinca vine is no longer wilted, the lawn is showing some green blades of grass, and my garden is going nuts!!! Plants are growing and blooming, fruit is setting, the veggies are maturing right before my eyes, and life is good!! We're just waiting on our grandbabies!!!

Doc can even stop and smell the flowers!