The Work In Progress

   Wandering about the Small Gardens today, I had to wonder if they would even be intact after the weekend.  Torrential rains and strong winds wreak havoc on our sweet little gardens.  For the past year, I have spent countless hours trying to make the winding garden paths and "rooms" a place that I could enjoy.  Being confined there for about six months gave me inspiration but the body being weakened did not give me the action needed to complete my vision.  Then, I was given the "all clear" to do what I wanted and the work was stepped up into high gear.  Things are coming together nicely.  There is still much work to be done but I am in pure bliss while spending time in the gardens.  Like I said, the storm season may destroy all I have done but the ideas will not be so easily squelched!  If I have to start anew, I shall.

  Just before the rains settled in for the afternoon, I was able to slip outside for a bit.  To my surprise, the Stoke's Asters were in bloom!  These beautiful flowers are actually wildflowers that grow down in the back of the Bayou where it meets the creek.  The asters flourish in their shadowy realm under the tree canopy.  Years ago, Son helped me dig a few of the plants and bring them to the Small Gardens.  Knowing they need the shade, the plants were rehomed under the jasmine hedge.  Each year since then, I am pleasantly surprised to find the 3inch diameter blooms spreading their purple cheeriness in the shade.  

  Finding the asters in bloom made me realize just how far the gardens and I have come in the past year.  We both are healing and growing.  Personally, I cannot think of a better place to be rejuvenated.

Double Trouble?

   Things are a bit up in the air around the Coast.  I am sitting here listening to the drone of the huge engines of our Hurricane Hunters as they are preparing to fly over the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding area.  These folks are true heroes that go above and beyond to keep us safe.  The uncertainty of whether we are to be in the path of the two hurricanes that are threatening back to back visits has folks not knowing just how to prepare.  Do we stockpile enough supplies to carry us through two storms or do we wait and hope the storms change their directions.  Those a bit inland can get by with minimal effort and laugh at our quandary but those living near the water have a different set of rules about facing hurricanes.  We do not have the buffer zone that others have.  If a hurricane takes aim at us, we catch the brunt of it.  The winds die quickly once the eye comes ashore.  Of course, those inland do not have to be concerned about the tidal surge either.  With back to back storms, the effects are of course doubled as is the time span of the overall battering.  Even back to back tropical storms can do major damage to those of us with waterfront homes.  So, we prepare as only we know how to do!  We have learned from experience what works and what does not.  "Prepare for the worst and pray for the best" is always a good mantra.  In other words, take the ultimate of precautions then leave the rest to the Good Lord.

  Today, as I was heading to the pier, a thought struck me.  Son just this past week finished the repairs on the pier.  The damage from Tropical Storm Cristobal was extensive.  The entire structure of the pier was in shambles.  Now, we face the possibility of more damage.  When I questioned him on his thoughts, his statement was "Hurricanes are not something we can control.  Pier repairs are."  That made a lot of sense.  We won't worry about what "might" happen but will focus on the job at hand..whatever that may be.  If any readers are in the path of either storm or both storms, as the case may be, be careful.  Prepare for what may come and think safety first. 

The Littlest Frog

   During the recent tropical storm, I had to escape the confines of the Little Bayou House.  While it is not normally my nature to traipse about in hurricanes, tropical storms are a different story.  They sort of beg to be explored.  The winds were whipping pretty heavily on the east and south sides of the house but the north side was blocked and relatively calm.  Occasionally, a huge gust would find its way between the shed and house and wobble things about a bit but those gusts were scarce.  I did have to watch for torrential downpours that came unannounced and suddenly.  My short hikes were interesting with lots of "finds". 

  At one point, I hunkered down under the orange trees to escape the rain.  The thick leaves served well as a makeshift umbrella for a few moments.  It was there that I had a perfect view of the Frog Pond and its inhabitants.  It was also there that I got the gut-wrenching feeling that a cottonmouth might be lurking in the same thicket.  That ended that!  Once the rain stopped, I eased closer to the little pond to watch the frogs.  It was morphing time for the tadpoles!  Dozens of tiny green tree frogs were gaining the legs and were learning to swim using them instead of a tail.  One tiny froglet was having the most fun scooting itself across the water.  It got adventurous and decided to swim all the way across the pond to the lily pads.  With just inches to go, it tired.  Poor tiny tot was exhausted!

  Just in the nick of time, a wispy, hair-thin fiber floated out from the lilies and offered assistance.  Yeah, I made that up.  The fiber just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.  The little froglet grasp hold to the fiber and held tight. It had a resting spot!  The thread was sturdy enough to hold the frog and allow it to regain its strength.  Soon, the tiny froglet was able to climb up in the lily pads and hide from any predators.  Hopefully, the ribbon snake that was in the garden will not venture into the pond.  Last spring, that rascal ate dozens upon dozens of the baby tree frogs.  My little guy sure better watch its step!  It is far too tiny to do much exploring at this stage.

Cristobal, you can leave now!

  Well, Tropical Storm Cristobal came to visit the Bayou and is stirring up a tad bit of trouble before he makes his exit.  Yes, I do know that the storm "officially" made landfall in Louisiana but, like I said before, that put us on that right side...the side you do not want to be on during any tropical system.  Why?  Because in any typical storm, that upper right quadrant (our side in this case just like in Hurricane Katrina) is the side that catches the brunt of the wind, tidal surge and rain.  The area that is impacted by the right side of a tropical system in the Atlantic Basin, is in for trouble.  We got trouble by the buckets!  Rain...lots and lots of rain fell on the area and that created flooding and wind..sometimes gusting nigh on to hurricane force, pushed even more water into our area.  In fact, as of this writing, the rain gauge reads a little over 8 inches. This flooding is not going to go away for a while.  Here on the Bayou, we are lucky.  We live on a hill that overlooks the Bay and Bayou.  While the tidal surge came and is slowly receding at this time, the rain filling the creek that empties into the back of the Bayou is causing trouble for those behind us.  Here, the rain slides off into the Bay.  Others are not so fortunate.  The water from rivers, creeks, ponds and any low spots just pools and then floods into houses.  Not good.  

  The pier seems to have taken a beating and planks have wandered off to parts unknown.  Those will have to be replaced.  Hopefully, (I cannot tell yet as water is still covering it) the base structure of the pier is still intact.  Planks can be replaced with a little hard work.  The gardens look a whole lot worse for wear.  The wind has pretty much tattered the plants.  Again, with a little hard work, those can be replaced.  Son and I worked throughout the storm to keep things together.  Several times, we had to brave the pelting rains and high winds to hoist the skiffs a bit further up the hill until we finally just chained the boats to a sturdy oak tree.  Enough of that!  

  Tomorrow will find us with more rain and occasional fierce winds but hopefully the storm surge will be down.  Cleaning up the debris line across the front and side yards will have to wait until Cristobal decides to make a full exit.  As I am writing, the winds are still rapping at the windows and rain is continually pelting the rooftop.   Some of these storms just refuse to leave!

I am here to help with my eight legs!

  The day consisted of a bit more preparations for the tropical storm that is supposed to visit the Bayou during the middle of the night.  We ran the tie-downs for the dormer windows, latched gates to prevent them from banging and secured the last pieces of lawn furniture.  Since there was not much left to do, I busied myself cleaning up a few odds and ends in the yard.  We have one of those hose reels that is supposed to make life easier but, for me, it is a nuisance.  Quality workmanship is obviously a thing of the past as the reel is shoddily made.  It is far too light to be of much use as it wobbles around like a drunk sailor whenever you wind the hose.  Yes, I do put my foot on the hold but that does little good.  The crank is weak, as well, making it feel as if it will break with the least bit of stress.  So...I pull the hose with my hands, turn the crank for a few rounds, pull more hose, turn again and so on until the hose is at least somewhat neater.  Then as soon as I let go, the reel turns freely releasing about six feet of hose!  Alas!  All that work was for naught!

  It was while I was struggling with the hose that I met a new friend!  I guess I startled the poor soul by fighting an inanimate object (the reel) so a nice sized garden spider ventured onto my shoulder.  Perhaps the kind critter was offering help!  Not wanting to squish the beauty, work was halted while I let her crawl onto my hand.  Yes, ma'am!  I appreciate the offer but you need to stay up here on the wall so I will not hurt you by accident!  The spider left my hand and crawled back to her web.  (Yes, I really did talk with a spider.  No, she did not respond verbally.)

  I am one of these weird people who try to avoid harming any creature.  I figure this is their world just as much as it is mine.  Like this spider today, a bit of gentle encouragement to scoot out of the way is met with cooperation.  Hopefully, she will make it through the storm ok.  I am assuming she will take refuge under the edge of the roof and then rebuild her web in the morning.  She is definitely a  beauty!

Storms, Gardens and Birds

  It is THAT time of year again and every eye around this area is watching the Gulf of Mexico.  While the storm, Cristobal, is supposed to not strengthen too much, it is still threatening to dump copious amounts of rain on us.  Yes, the landfall is supposed to be in Louisiana but that puts us on that east side.  Anyone who knows anything about hurricanes knows that is NOT where you want to be.  Of course, like other storms, our little area will cope even without the media attention.  Always have...always will.  We prepare.  We ride out the storm.  We carry on. 

  My one big beef with this storm is that it is coming so early in the season.  Why is that a problem?  Well, my garden is at its peak right now and any high winds, torrential downpours or flying debris will wreak havoc on the plants.  Seriously, I may as well call it a season and not worry about any more fresh veggies.  Thankfully, I was able to home can plenty for our winter stock already so we are good to go.  

  Today, as I was wandering about making a few minor storm preparations, I stopped to admire the healthy plants and thought how fortunate we are to be able to "uproot" ourselves and hunker down inside the Little Bayou House.  The plants and critters do not have that luxury.  They take the brunt of  the storm.  In fact, just outside the front door (south side), a little wren is sitting on five eggs in the hanging fern.  The tiny bird will not give up her nest if at all possible even if that old basket gets to banging around uncontrollably.  This fretted me something fierce so I secured her little home along with ours.  Armed with some strong wire, I reinforced the hanging chains and ran guy wires from the sides of the basket to the main posts.  The basket barely wiggled now so hopefully, my little friend will be safe.  Son and I have a difference in opinions about my efforts.  He says I am interfering with the course of nature.  I say I am trying to help a friend.  Either way, what is done..is done.  Stay safe, folks, stay safe. (Stay safe, Little Wren, stay safe!)

It Came...It Went

  It had been the perfect night for sleeping.  The old dog was snoring on his bed, the cat was snoozing near my feet and it was raining.  The soft thunder in the distance and the pelting of raindrops on the rooftop helped me to drift off into a deep slumber.  A good storm can always relax me so I got some much needed rest.

  Then along about 4am, a loud crash woke me.  Something had smacked the side of the house!  It was then that I realized that the wind was literally howling at the french doors.  Whoa!  The tropical system that was stirring about in the Gulf had decided to move ashore.  Even though, Olga went in to our west, we got a bit of the high tides and strong winds. 

  The storm did some slight damage to the pier but, other than the limb hitting the house, everything is good.  This one just sort of caught us off guard.  Son and I had pulled up the small skiff and had hauled the fishing gear up from the pier so there were no worries.  At daybreak, he and I headed down to retrieve the pier boards that were being ripped off.  Some we found.  Others floated off to parts unknown.  

  Storms like these keep us on our toes and make us realize just how small and insignificant we really are.  Things can change in a heartbeat with no warning,  It is best to use time wisely.

Its a Start!

  Years ago when Hurricane Katrina whipped through the area, she left little behind that was recognizable.  Things around here were pretty much obliterated.  We were among the fortunate as the Little Bayou House withstood the ravages of the storm.  It had major damage but was still home.  We tore down what was needed, repaired and rebuilt.  The land, however, was in total destruction.  Huge ruts were washed in the hillside, over a hundred large trees were down and there was nary a bit of green left anywhere.  The house has been mostly restored and Mother Nature has done a remarkable job of mending her wounds.  Things are different but the place is pretty much back to normal. Whatever that is.

  One thing that Katrina took was the Spanish Moss that draped each old oak tree.  The moss gave character the the Live Oaks that dot the hillside.  Where and how, the storm took the moss is beyond me.  It was just gone...never to be seen again.  I so missed this icon of the Deep South.  I yearned to have it wafting in the Bay breezes, so much so, that I envied places that still had it and threatened to swipe a bit!  

  I tried draping the moss from a florist shop in the trees but, obviously, that was a moot point.  Their Spanish Moss is treated and is not still living.  I bemoaned the fact that my trees were bare!  Then, the same waters that were churned by the hurricane, brought in a replacement.   Being just a tropical storm, the surge was not nearly as intense as Katrina's but gave just enough high tide to throw a few things into the yard.  As I was cleaning the mess, a bit of tangled moss caught my eye.  Spanish Moss!  A small clump had been flung from a tree across the Bay and rode the waves to the front yard!  

  I was not sure if being dunked in salt water would kill the moss or not but I had to try.  I rinsed the moss and tossed it into the low-lying limbs of my favorite Live Oak tree!!  For months, the tendrils seemed to be drying out which saddened me.  Today, however, a bit of life could be seen returning to the clump!  Oh, my goodness!  It almost felt like I was finally coming home!  

  Hopefully, the Spanish Moss will continue to grow and actually thrive in the oak tree.  It would be grand to have the trees all dripping with the long tendrils of greenish-gray moss once again.  I know it is a small thing but it means the world to me!

Living on the Bayou

  The tropical system that went inland west of us did not do considerable damage to our place.  We did, however, wind up with a mess in the front yard.  As with any rough weather, debris from the marsh is washed ashore and our pier takes a beating.  Most of the time, the pier withstands the winds fine but, if you throw in a bit of high tide, the boards just cannot take the pounding.  Planks will lift off and go floating into the marsh.  Some can be retrieved and reused but others will never be seen again,  The marsh claims the boards and they soon become part of the "fill" as marsh shoots penetrate the boards and anchor them.  Birds use these boards as resting spots, otters will find them handy as "tables" to crack shells, snakes soak up a bit of sunshine while basking on them and fiddler crabs burrow deep beneath them.  This is our loss and we have to replace those missing planks but, in an odd way, is the marsh denizens gain.

  Although the pier only lost a small number of planks, the work involved in replacing them is a bit labor intensive.  It is not a problem as it come with living on the water in a place where hurricanes are a way of life.  In a way, this could be considered a blessing in disguise as we have been meaning to replace a good bit of the structural parts beneath the planking for some time now.  The wear and tear of waves requires a constant upkeep.  Replacing planking is the easy part.

  This afternoon as the waters receded, a number of planks could be seen lodged in the marsh.  These are just a reminder of what storms can do and how blessed we are that this one was not worse.  The next one?  Who knows?  We do know there will always be the "next" one and will always prepare accordingly.  It comes with the territory.  Its part of living on the Bayou.  I would not trade it for anything.

Not A Dragonfly!

  The threat of a tropical storm hitting the Bayou has come and gone.  Things got a bit squally but that was about it which was good for us.  Others to our west are not faring so well.  Our damage was nothing more than losing a few boards off the pier and sustaining a bad case of cabin fever.  I took advantage of every break in the torrential rains to slip outside to "breathe" and poke around a bit.  All of this staying inside has my brain in a constant state of perplexity.  I needed to roam...so I did.  I, also, got soaking wet and had to change clothes six times today but it was well worth all of the laundry! 

  Down along the marsh edge, the waters flooded in and kept things interesting.  Critters of all sorts kept surprising me by scurrying out of my way.  At one point, what appeared to be a small dragonfly of some sort landed on my arm.  It fluttered haplessly against the wind so I figured the poor thing needed the resting spot.  It is in my nature to help critters of all kinds so I  tried to shelter it from the rain and wind.  Once we (the critter and I) made it to the greenhouse, things were a bit calmer and I actually had a chance to look at my hitchhiker.  This was not a dragonfly nor a damselfly!  I had picked up the adult version of an antlion!

  Antlions spend most of their time in the larvae state.  Around here, they can be found in sandy areas.  It is easy to recognize their presence as they make "funnel" traps to catch prey.  The larva creates a funnel-shaped divot in the sand and when an ant wanders in, the antlion flicks sand up the side to create an avalanche.  The sliding sand sends the ant right into the jaws of the antlion!  Once the larva turns into an adult, it is rarely seen since it is a nocturnal creature.  I happened upon this one in the late evening.  

  After admiring the critter, I released it under the edge of the Little Bayou House where it could be sheltered until its wings gained strength and the weather settled down a bit.  Tonight, the antlion adult will take flight in search of a mate.  

 

Storm Critters!

  With Tropical Storm Barry moving inland west of us, we are getting some bumpy weather occasionally.  The Bayou is "rockin' and rollin' " at times.  This wind pushes the tide up a bit further in the yard than usual so critters also move up further in the yard.  Those that normally hide out in the marsh have to go somewhere so that "somewhere" is here.  I keep the old dog on the leash and I watch my step.  Snakes slip out of the water seeking dry land so each clump of palmettos is a refuge for them.  The nutria rats are disoriented as their dens are becoming flooded.  They are scurrying about the lower in search of their young.  And frogs!  I did not realize we have so many frogs in the marsh but, obviously, we do as they are bouncing about the lawn!  At least, I have not come across the alligators, as of yet.

  Then there are the fiddler crabs.  These little rascals are scampering about the hillside like a bunch of rabid land spiders!  Thousands of the small crabs are everywhere!  When out walking the old dog, I was afraid that each step was going to end with a big crunch!  Mr. PJ paid no attention to the crabs but, thankfully, his soft paws did not harm them.  I was a bit more careful and avoided the crabs which made it look like I was playing a game of old fashioned "Hopscotch"!   Hop, hop, hop...whoa! sidestep, hop!  The crabs were fleeing the big-footed monster!

  The is an old saying around here that the fiddler crabs will swarm the land when a storm is imminent.  After seeing the thousands upon thousands crawling the hillside, I tend to believe this "old wives' tale" may be somewhat truthful!

Oh, This Weather!

  As of late, we have been having a lot of weird weather here on the Bayou.  By "as of late", I mean this whole past year.  Things have just not been right.  By the first of August, we had already received as much rainfall as our yearly total should be and it just keeps on coming. Things are soggy, to say the least.  Instead of our usual late afternoon thunderstorms, we are having deluges.  Inches of water pour from the sky almost daily.  The rain gauge is in constant need of emptying as are any other receptacles about the place.  Everything is filled with water and that only encourages mosquitoes to lay more eggs.  They are not the only ones, though.  I even found tadpoles in the folds of a tarp covering lumber!  Tadpoles, mind you, in little pockets of water.  Geez!

 This evening was not unlike any other day.  Our clouds came.  The rains poured.  Thunder pounded.  Lightning blasted.  It was another rough storm.  It does seem like we should get used to the things eventually but, since each one comes from a different direction, they all exhilarate.  This evening after the particularly severe storm, I noticed that the sky looked a bit different.  Hmmm?  Time to brave the elements and take a look.  Sure enough, the sky had an orange glow about it and the yard seemed extremely bright even though dark clouds were still gathering and thunder threatened.  

  Now with several tropical systems moving across the ocean, I have to ponder if all of the aforementioned rains will have ill effects on the place.  Since the ground is already mush from so much water, will our trees withstand gale force winds?  Can the rivers, inlets, bayous, lakes hold any more water?  Will the already flooded neighborhoods survive more rain?  It is all something to think about, folks.  Best to prepare now since the next two months present a good chance of a hurricane whipping into the area....a soggy, water-soaked area that probably cannot endure much more of this.  I am so thankful that we live on a high hill above the Bayou.  Now if our trees can dig their roots a bit deeper into this mushy ground, things may be ok.  Mark and I were joking about needing pontoons under the Little Bayou House!  Hang tight, folks, and keep a weather eye on the horizon!

Do I want to know?

  I have been thinking a lot about the fortitude and physical strength of the critters that live in and around the Bayou.  It is not an easy life and you have to be tough to even survive, much less flourish.  I guess it all goes back to that "survival of the fittest" since hardships are faced daily. Even finding a meal for one requires adeptness and wiliness but when that task is multiplied due to a nest of little ones, one had better be downright intelligent.  A parent (more oft than not, only the mother) works tirelessly to feed the hungry mouths of her growing brood even to the point of starving herself.  

  Besides the never-ending struggle for food, there is always the harshness of the elements that tests the grit of the critters.  A few years ago, I watched as a Great Blue Heron stood steadfast in the middle of a tropical storm.  The bird's perch on a bit a shrub soon became completely surrounded by the flood waters but it refused to budge.  That dauntless bird was not about to let some silly storm deter it from catching breakfast.  Where the bird usually waded the waters near the marsh to catch its fish, it was now in the middle of the yard!  The flood waters rose causing fish to come inland.  I am thinking that the green grass beneath the water might have made it easier for the bird to spy the fish.  The bird was taking advantage of the opportunity.  Smart bird.

  Still watching that bird make the most of what could have been a devastating dilemma made me realize the amount of spunk it takes to survive.  Without ingenuity, perseverance and bravery, most would never make it.  I wonder....would I be able to survive?  I am not sure I want to ever have to find out the answer to that question.  Best leave well enough alone.

Once Again...

Once again, we wait for this fickle storm name Karen.  Now barely hanging onto its tropical storm status, it has become stationary.  Stationary storms tend to make me a tad nervous.  I would much rather them move on their merry way than linger around with the outside chance of strengthening. Under better circumstances, a stalled storm means trouble. Hopefully, this one will decide to zip on out of here or at least come on in to shore.  This storm is also hampering my everyday business!  Michael and I went out today and cleared the garden of all old plants.  It now sits bare..raked clean and smooth.  We opted to wait before sowing any seeds just in case Karen moved in with lots of torrential rains.  Our seeds would have wound up in the Bayou instead of the garden patch!  Another day will pass before our cabbages, turnips and beets ever get planted.  The sun beamed down, the slight breeze cooled us and there was nary a hint of a storm ripping the Bayou.  We wait..once again.

My sister-in-law, Cynthia, came late this evening and she and I headed to the pier.  We scanned the horizon for any sign of incoming bad weather but other than a few clouds all was quiet.  There were not even the usual splashes of pelicans diving for mullet.  Either all of the seabirds had already eaten supper or they had "evacuated" the area!  One lone loon paddled about the Bay.  We stood there for a good twenty minutes or so watching the clouds and enjoying the breeze..and watching that loon. I told Cynthia that I thought the bird was early.  The Common Loons do not usually visit the Bayou until cooler then they hang around until spring.  As soon as the weather warms, they fly off northward to nest.  Just as we were heading back to the house, about thirty ducks flew southward from my cousin, Michelle's, house. She feeds most any critter that begs at her door and the ducks come from all parts to get their share.  I pointed toward the sunset so Cynthia could see the ducks.  At the same time, our friendly loon decided to let out a loud call.  "Oh, my gosh!  What was that?"  To her question, I smiled and pointed.  Mr. Loon was flapping his wings feeling quite spunky with himself!  Loons have the eeriest of calls.  Their call resonates throughout the Bayou with a crisp clearness that sounds not unlike some imaginary Bayou Critter!  I do believe I could actually convince some visitors that a banshee was strolling along the marshes if this bird would call at the opportune moment!

After our interesting visit with the loon, we just managed to scoot back inside before a bit of rain started pelting the rooftop.  Perhaps this is the beginning the long-awaited Karen..the storm that forgot to come.

Oh, so calm..quiet..

Once again..we wait.  Tropical Storm Karen has decided to do a bit of waiting herself and has become stationary in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.  The storm is due south of us and seems to be a tad disorganized at the moment, but as we all know..that means nothing.  A storm can make up in a matter of hours to become quite the fiend.  This one seems to be a bit on the fickle side and keeps us all guessing.  We ponder just where she is going and if she deems any preparation.  The C-130s or Hurricane Hunters have been busy over at Keesler Air Base. The roar of their engines could be heard throughout the day as they prepared to make their runs through the storm to gather data.  What would we ever do without these brave folks? As for us,  we have done most of the minor stuff and are ready if Karen decides to visit the Bayou.  And..as I always seem to do before any storm..tomorrow, I will bake!  I am not sure why that has become a tradition but it just seems to be the thing to do! 

This morning, the water was calm and the skies were clear.  One or two puffy clouds made their way across the horizon but none that resembled storm clouds were anywhere in sight.  It was just another peaceful morn on the Bayou. 

This evening was much the same.  Some gorgeous clouds caught the redness of the setting sun making the sky a bit interesting but, once again, very calm water.  This could all change in a moment's notice, though, and Karen could become an entity to endure come this weekend. Hopefully not.  Hopefully, she will dissipate and become nothing more than a rainmaker.

While we were out walking, we did notice a number of mushrooms that have popped up around the yard.  It was a never-ending job to keep Ms. Ez, the Bayou Dog, from eating these things.  I should think this old dog would have learned her lesson several years ago when a few bites nearly killed her.  My son, Michael, and I spent all one night doctoring a very sick dog with various herbs and a healthy helping of pumpkin.  Now, she is back sniffing, licking and attempting to munch the very same mushrooms that made her ill before.  I have no clue as to the type of mushrooms as I am not educated at all in the Field of Fungi!  (Now doesn't that sound professional..Field of Fungi!  This is the study of mushrooms and related growths and not a big field of mushrooms.  AND...I just made it up..Field of Fungi!  Ok..ok..)  For all I know, these fleshy blobs might be fully edible but, well, I just as soon pass since I might very well find the one toxic mushroom.  Anyway, we cajoled, pulled, threatened and otherwise attempted to keep the dog from ingesting any potentially harmful fungi.  We hope we succeeded.  I do not need another episode of a sick animal in my house!

I also want to wish my husband, Mark, a very, very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  

Waiting...

We are sitting here wondering just where this tropical storm (or hurricane!) is going to make landfall.  It is one of those things that require a lot of waiting since there is not a lot one can do without clear knowledge of a track.  We should know sometime tomorrow if any preparations are necessary.  We do know that we will most likely have some change in the tides and a bit of wind regardless of where it hits.  If, perchance, a direct hit on the Bayou occurs, there will be a lot that needs doing but, for now, we wait.  Mark and I took our waiting to the pier this morning.  The sunrise was gorgeous and the fish were biting.  A few trout and a nice redfish make for a tasty supper.

While we were fishing, a Snowy Egret came to visit.  These birds always make me smile!  I love how graceful they appear until they start to scurry after a minnow.  Then they take on the appearance of some awkward teenager that suddenly has to deal with a growth spurt!  Their legs seem to go in every direction except where the bird wants!  I was showing Mark how I feed these friends of mine.  When I am on the pier alone, the birds will actually take food from my hand but, today, the egret was a bit skittish.   Mark's presence was enough to make the bird leery but it was Ms. Ez, the Bayou Dog, that made things hugely scary!  I had to reprimand Ez several times to make her understand that I wanted the bird there!  After a few menhaden were tossed down the pier a ways, the bird soon came to realize that it was safe.  Closer and closer it came until it was just a few feet away.  Had we stayed longer, I am sure my friend would have come to take the minnow from my hand as it usually does. Sometimes waiting does have its rewards but we were ready to head back to the Little Bayou House.

The Snowy Egret is a beautiful bird that is the epitome of the Bayou.  Old oak trees laden with Spanish Moss, Snowy Egrets and alligators..what better description of a bayou is needed?  It seems a shame that people were..as usual..the factor that almost caused these fine birds to fall into extinction.  The fashion industry coveted their snow white plumes.  Each plume became an overpriced decoration for a hat or other fashion accessory.  The poor birds were hunted almost until there were no more.  I am glad that the birds have become protected so that once again, the marshes can be graced by their beauty.

Weather Confusion!

There is an old rhyme that was supposed to have been repeated by mariners from long ago...

Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.

Red sky at night, sailors delight.

I have often wondered about this as I remember my grandmother and my mother always reciting this whenever there was a pretty, colorful sunset or an equally beautiful sunrise. Not that either of them were sailors but I figured perhaps they had learned it from my grandfather who was in the Navy! I never knew if there was any scientific findings behind it or if it was merely a cute little ditty. Today, again I pondered this fact. If it holds true..the sailors would have been in a panic this morning! With the impending storm in the Gulf of Mexico, I just knew there would be an incredibly beautiful sunrise..I was not disappointed. It was absolutely breathtaking! I arose early..long before daybreak so I would be able to fully enjoy the entire show. Ezzy, the dog, was well enough to take the hike to the pier with me which made it even more enjoyable. It is always nice to have someone with whom to share my sunrises! Yesterday's storm clouds had lingered through the night making the horizon just covered enough to reflect the brilliance of the rising sun. I took picture after picture hoping at least one would show the true colors..the true magnificence of this sunrise. I pondered "Is this an omen of what is to come?"..meaning Tropical Storm Lee.

Then this evening..the saying held true. The sailors would not have delighted..there was no red sky in sight. The sky was gray..with maybe even a touch of green. The "feeder bands" from Tropical Storm Lee were moving in on the Coast making the sky dark and drab. This was a far cry from the spectacular show from earlier in the day. Not a hint of color brightened the horizon. There would be no oohs and ahhs during this show. The pier felt bleak. There was a drizzly rain and a light breeze..something that was sure to change once Lee decided to pull into shore. We wait..and wait. Tomorrow most likely will see torrential rains and high winds.

As I waited for the onset of Lee, I did a bit of research. There does seem to be some scientific basis to the adage. It seems reddish glow at dawn is the light reflecting on the water droplets in clouds that are impending weather systems. These clouds will pass over during the day creating rough weather. A red glow in the evening supposedly is the light reflecting on clouds that have already passed overhead and are no longer a threat. According to the source, all weather systems move west to east. Well! That fully explains everything! ... I DON'T THINK SO! ... If that is the case then what is up with these hurricanes! It is a rare thing to get a tropical system that moves in from the west! That would mean that Texas is sending them to us and that is just a bunch of malarkey! I am quite sure that Texas would never send a storm to anyone and besides..they could use this rain. (That is another thought altogether..I wish I could send these clouds their way. Hopefully, Lee will send a few clouds westward and give them a good soaking to ease their drought.) Anyone tracking these storms can see that the movement is ..west..got it?..west! Or at least west and north. It is a rare storm that moves south or east. Most hurricanes that come into the Gulf of Mexico start as a tropical wave out there in the Caribbean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean somewhere and scoot across..westward..to come into the Gulf. So if the idea that weather moves west to east holds true..we should be shooting these entities to them..not them to us. Hmmm..maybe hurricanes are obstinate. Maybe they do not like to be told where they should travel. I have always said that these storms have a mind of their own and will pretty well do as they please.Oh..this weather stuff is just too confusing! Anyway, at least this once..the rhyme held true. The fiery red sky this morning did portend of bad weather today and the mariners (boat owners) took heed. The Bay is filled with large boats seeking safe harbor...and to think, this is supposed to last for the next three to five days. (I wonder if there will be a red sky in the morning?? I wonder if I dare make the trek to the pier in the middle of the storm?? I wonder if the mariners of old really did dance around singing some jaunty little ditty about the weather???)

Keeping a weather-eye on the horizon!

So far this season, there has been little action in the Gulf of Mexico in the form of tropical weather. It has been quiet..almost too quiet for the past few years. It makes one wonder if a "big one" is brewing..just waiting to slip in and stir up things a bit. Now, there is a system sitting slap in the middle of the Gulf that could become "Lee" shortly. The system is a vast amount of clouds that appears to be gaining a bit of circulation. Our Labor Day Weekend could just possibly be spent watching a hurricane spin about. Batten down the hatches and keep a weather-eye on the horizon..a storm is brewing!

After cutting the grass, the rest of today was spent gathering up the fishing gear from the pier and odds and ends from around the yard. Even if this comes in as just a tropical storm, there is no need to have things flying about and smacking the house. Better safe than sorry. Again my motto for storm preparation..(Prepare for the worst and pray for the best.)..comes into action. With the tides expected to run a good bit above normal, we not only gathered the fishing gear but tied down the wooden benches on the pier. These are a tad heavy to drag the two hundred or so feet up the length of the pier and then up the steep hill toward the house. Tying them will have to suffice. Tomorrow, depending on the hurricane forecast, will be spent cooking a few meals, making ice, gathering water..all just in case the power lines are knocked down and we are out of electricity for any length of time. Then..it is just a matter of sitting out the storm. This one, at the moment, does not have me overly concerned although this could change in just a few hours if the storm strengthens above a category 2. As for now..it seems to be a major rainmaker with gusty winds..more of a break in the monotony of a hot summer.

Just a few tips from someone that has been through a fair share of hurricanes....

1. Don't panic. A hurricane is just another weather phenomenon. It does, however, need to be treated with a fair amount of respect. If it scares you to ride one out..get out..evacuate well ahead of the landfall time. And do get out if you live in a less than durable home, in a low lying area or have medical needs.
2. Do let someone know what your plans are..give them a phone number or address where you will be..whether you evacuate or stay and ride out the storm. Don't forget to pack any important papers to take if you do evacuate.
3. Well before the storm, secure any loose items in the yard..such as lawn furniture, bird feeders/houses, windchimes and toys, etc. These can become airborne projectiles that can do serious damage to the home or to your body!
4. If need be, board up the windows. This will protect the inside of your house from getting wet if the window breaks because you forgot to secure everything outside..or from tree limbs.
5. Keep check on the weather reports. Enough said.....
6. Gas up the car..this is important. If the storm is bad, you may not be able to get gas for weeks. Make sure to get enough for generators, chainsaws or any other gas operated machinery.Also, make sure you have enough oil for the machinery.
7. Stock enough food for at least a few days..and enough water for at least a week. If the storm is a bad one..this should be doubled or tripled. Also..make sure the food is shelf stable and have some on hand that does not need to be cooked. Do not forget that you will need drinking water, wash water and water for cooking. *Also, stock up on prescription medications that you will need.* You may not be able to get meds for several weeks.
8. If you have enough room in the freezer, make ice. Trust me..you can never have too much ice. Not only will this help protect what is in the freezer/refrigerator for a few days, it will also give you more water when it thaws. (Not to mention, it is usually unbearably hot after a storm and the ice will be appreciated!)
9. If you have a tight fitting plug in the bathtub, fill it with water to use in flushing the toilet. Chances are..no electricity..no water for flushing the toilet..not a nice situation.
10. If you do not have a barbeque grill..get one..this could be a lifesaver indeed! I cooked on my grill for about twenty or more people a day for weeks following Hurricane Katrina. If it is a gas grill, make sure you have sufficient propane. (To go with this, paper plates and cups are nice as you will have no water to wash dishes!)
11. Check on your neighbors, the elderly or the disabled to see if they need help. You would want someone to do the same for you if you needed help.
12. Make sure your pets are safe! And do not forget to stock up on their food, too. Plus, make sure to have fresh water on hand for them. If you have a cat..get cat litter! (And get any pet medications that are needed.)
13. Make sure you have working flashlights and extra batteries. Here, we have invested in several solar shop lights. These can be used for quite a few hours before needing to be recharged.
14. Get some cash to keep on hand. After a storm, most places are cash only and your credit cards, debit cards and checks will not be accepted.
15. Don't panic.

While these are all good pieces of advice, there are many, many more things that should probably be attended before a hurricane. Most of these are only for a more severe storm and do not apply to just a tropical storm. Tropical storms usually come in and stir things up a bit but unless they are accompanied by tornadoes, don't cause a lot of damage other than flooding. If the storm is quite strong or you are nervous about riding it out at home..do evacuate. I have never felt the need to leave..the Little Bayou House has served me well..it has given my family shelter through many storms. I will ride out this one..and the next..and so on. Prepare for the worst and pray for the best. Be safe, my friends!