Summer in Bath...

We have settled into the summer days and nights.


There wasn't a whole lot of rain in May ( 1.97") which has made for some fairly brown lawns.


So far this month we have had 1.51" of rain which is helping a bit.


Most of the days have been fairly sunny with wonderful cooling breezes.  We actually had two days in the 90's and seven in the 80's. 


It is funny to hear local folks complain about the humidity on the hot days.  It may get as high as65-70% for a short while.  They don't know what humidity is...compared to Florida standards.


Right now it is 64.2º with the humidity at 76% with a slight breeze and overcast.


We did see our bear finally.  He stepped out of the woods into our backyard for a few moments.  He is the BIGGEST bear we have ever seen up here!


There have been several complaints of a rather surly bear popping up around town (including our destroyed porch light).


It seems that a local family has been feeding the bears "because they are so much fun to watch".  The Fish and Game folks have talked to them about it and the family has been instructed to taper off the feeding until they are completely weaned off the food.


The one thing you don't want is a bear that feels it is entitled to whatever it wants from a house or garage.


Our church Sunday School supports  Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201480/?msource=TH1E100006&msource=kwg2401 ) by saving change and giving it to the group once a year.  On the Sunday that the money is given a local sponsor of Heifer International brings one or two llamas to the church and walks them down the aisle.  Once the llamas exit they are led around the building to the downstairs where everyone, young and old gets a chance to touch them.


Over the years the Sunday school has donated over $5000 to this group.


A few pictures...


The Tulip bed in its final days...

 Wild Violet

Lupine (lu'-pin)

Clematis

(left) Bearded Iris, (center) Ceasar's Brother Iris

Bearded German Iris

(see the yellow tinged "beard"?)

It is hard to believe that four years ago there was nothing here...

...more Lupine (these are all volunteers -- we didn't plant any of them)

Lupine are related to Texas Blubonnets

The wildflower bank...

These are wild Dianthus.  They are starting to pop up everywhere.  The flower is about the size of a dime.

Volunteer Lupine amongst the wild flowers

Boarders in one of the nest boxes.  Mama Black-capped Chickadee and three babies.  The nest has feathers, moss and some of our dog's (Cody) hair.

You can see the moss and dog hair more clearly here...

The Llamas...

In the basement...

That's it for now.

Karen and Linda

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