The Froggy Symphony

Earlier this evening, a thunderstorm rolled in from the Gulf with lots of lightning and some gusty winds. That is the norm this time of summer here in Mississippi. These storms are not wholly unwelcome, they bring the life-giving rain to the garden. Today was a hot one with temps reaching into the high 90's, the beans wilted flat onto the fence and the purple basil crinkled its leaves in tight wads. Then the rains came, filling the rows of plants with the sweet coolness that can only come with nighttime showers. Tomorrow, the garden will be refreshed. The leaves will be reaching for the sky once again.

After nearly an hour of window-rattling thunder, all is still. It is far from quiet though. The tree frogs are still calling for more rain, a lone bullfrog is croaking in the creek and the toad frogs are singing their love songs in the ponds. Such different sounds from each one, a regular "Froggy Symphony"! My lovely grandmother labeled it as such when she came to visit my parents long before I was born. One evening as she sat on their front porch listening to the frogs in their fish pond, she penned a poem with that phrase. The poem hangs framed on the wall of my dining room..I think it is the perfect description of their song. The last verse states:

" And we welcome the lone tree frog who starts one more piping,

To bring in the swell of the froggy symphony,

We like it..it soothes us..it brings sweet reposing,

Like rain on a roof, lullaby composing."

Harriet Carter Chapman

Usually when it rains, I bake. This evening was no different..I baked! Sourdough Carrot Cake! This particular cake turned out extremely well using fresh grated carrots and some home-canned pineapple. I will post the recipe tomorrow.