A Cold July

Tonight's evening sky--beautiful clouds--a few sprinkles of rain, and 60 degree temps. July???

Yesterday evening, yes on July 17th, the temperatures were so cool that a flannel shirt and blanket were needed to sit on the deck comfortably. Here Leon is enjoying his lap desk and computer surrounded by the songs of our birds and the croaking frogs. It truly feels more like autumn than summer. After he came in the house the thunder began and we had another 2 inches of rain! Yes that brings us to a total of over 7 inches in the last 2 weeks. Everything is green and we are looking forward to sunshine.

If you are ever in Effingham, IL and looking for a great coffee house---here it is on Fourth St. Joe Sippers Cafe. They have good food--cookies too, wi-fi and a laid-back atmosphere.

The bull frogs love the rainy weather. More puddles for them to sing about, and they do serenade us most evenings. It is fun to listen to the difference in their tones, as the young ones have such high pitches compared to the full grown old bass frogs. They are cute and abundant around our pond. Many times when you approach them they rapidly jump into the water, but this little guy posed for a portrait. I found him to be very cute.

Yes, more frogs!!!! On the table on our deck I have this cute frog candle holder, which my sweet daughter gave me, and I found our little resident tree frog admiring the big green ceramic frog last evening. He seemed to be wondering if he would look like that when he grows up. The little tree frog has made his home up in our umbrella, and he, along with several of his family and friends, join with the bull frogs in harmony.

When the sun sinks low and the lightning bugs start to glow that is the time to listen for the songs of the frogs.

Look at all the male goldfinches~~~I guess the ladies are all setting on their nests, and the guys all went out to eat, and gathered around the table in our backyard. They have really been busy emptying our feeders, but they pay us for their meals by singing the prettiest songs you can imagine. Our trees are full of their music, and we thank the Lord for the joy and entertainment they provide. We are hoping for some summer days soon, and a reprieve from the rain. Guess the birds also need extra nourishment on our unseasonably cool days.