Friday, August 31, 2007

A long time coming....

But I'm back!
We're just emerging from a loooong stretch of 100 degree-plus weather. It's been brutal! And there's been no relief from this drought--it's the worst in Alabama history. But it's rained off and on for a few days now, the temps have dropped and it's finally bearable outside. I'm sooo ready for fall.

It's been difficult to keep enough water in the birdbath. I have to check it several times a day to make sure that the water hasn't all been splashed out by overheated doves, cardinals, American goldfinches, blue jays and assorted other feathered creatures. On the days when the temperatures soared to more than 100 degrees, I had to add water several times a day to make up for the evaporation. I couldn't stand the thought of any of the birds going thirsty or being unable to enjoy refreshing baths. They showed their appreciation by gathering at the freshly filled birdbath, drinking deeply, bathing, and sometimes just sitting there with their feet in the water.

The bluebirds abandoned their third (or was it their fourth?) nest. I believe it was just too hot for them. But I did get to see several of the youngsters from the earlier go-rounds and that was wonderful. The male was all for starting a new nest in the house at the end of the porch but the female was having none of that! Can't say that I blame her. It was just too dang hot to sit inside a stuffy birdhouse all the time.

Family News
My grandson Bailey started kindergarten! I can't believe my little blond haired, blue eyed boy is that big. He's so thrilled and excited; he sings his newly learned school songs to me over the telephone and tells me all about what he does at school, right down to what he had for lunch. The animation and happiness in his voice is so sweet to hear. I'm so relieved that he is enjoying school so much. (His mother sure didn't. LOL)

Upcoming News
There'll be some writing news coming up soon so stay tuned! Until then, take good care of yourselves and be well. :)

12 comments:

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Anne!

Oh, it's been hot in the Ozarks as well. And dry. And we still haven't had any rain. Well, except for a 10 minute shower last week. But it has cooled off. Today was mild and sunny and so pleasant, that I didn't want to go inside, once I got home, that is.

I'm so glad to hear how well Bailey is doing in school. I loved his school pictures!

Your blog is great! I am enjoying it so much. Can't wait to read about the new writing news. And thanks for visiting my newbie blog.

I'll be back! :)

Rnie

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Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Hi Anne,

Thanks for stopping by my blog (Writing the Cyber Highway)! I appreciate it.

You have a great blog going here, yourself!

I'm looking forward to your post about your writing news :)

Smiles,
Michele

Tina Coruth said...

Hi Anne!

It's Tina, one of your old suite buddies (New Hampshire).

You had a terrible summer. I thought heat waves in the 90's was bad, but that was nothing compared to your weather. And the poor birds!

Bailey is in kindergarten? Where has the time gone. He was an infant when we were at the suite!

I hope you are having a nice cool fall. Take care.

Tina

Joanne said...

I always love hearing about the bluebirds in your yard, Anne. Can't wait to read the updates you have planned. ((HUGS))

Frank Baron said...

*cough*

:)

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Yoo hoooo, anybody home?

Smiles,
Michele
www.michele-tune.com
"Writing the Cyber Highway"
http://writingthecyberhighway.
blogspot.com/

Joanne said...

Miss you, Anne. Hope all is going well with you and yours.

Joanne said...

And to get you back into your blog, I've tagged you. :D

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Anne,

I hope you're still alive. Seriously. Maybe your computer crashed? Perhaps you've bought your own island and are preoccupied drinking coconut milk?

Anonymous said...

One of the nicest things you can do for your backyard birds is install a birdbath. That tiny circle of cool, clean water in your backyard will be real asset to birds. It will provide them with fresh drinking water and - that all important - place to clean and preen their feathers. In addition a birdbath will be an asset to you and your family because it will bring a wide variety of birds to your yard for your enjoyment. Research has shown that a birdbath is one of the easiest ways to bring birds up close, where you can get a really good look at them. It has also shown that you can attract even more species of birds with water than with a bird feeder. Bird feeders usually attract just the various seed-eaters in your region, such as chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, and sparrows. But the birdbath will entice all kinds of birds, from robins to warblers.

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Anne!

YooHoo!

Just wanted to say Hi. Hope you're feeling better.

Love Ya!

Renie