Dry

Sadly the drought has reached these mountains.  The few short sprinkles seem to sizzle and dry as they hit the rocky ground.  The heat makes outdoor activities impossible unless one is sitting in the water.  Little water is being released at the dam, which makes the beautiful White River more like the lazy river.

The dog and I still enjoy our morning walks. The hike has been moved to an ever earlier hour.  Our outings at daybreak would have been a lonely sojourn only a month ago.  This week, the eight o'clock walkers seem to have all come out by six lately.  Dogpatch streets are crowded with walkers and even a few runners.  In a community crowded with retirees, it's refreshing to see a man in his seventh decade jogging along as though he's not even tired.  I am grateful my knees will function well enough to take me up and down the hills.

I do love the summer heat.  Unfortunately the naked ladies do not.  The usual displays of tall stalks of glorious pink blooms have chosen to remain underground this year.  I read an article a few years ago that mentioned "tantrums" by this species of flora.  Disturbing them at the wrong time will cause them not to bloom for a year or two.  It would seem the lack of rainfall has the same effect.

Naked Ladies--Memories of Years Past!

These will be the only blooms I'll see in the flower bed under the oak trees this year.  The dear little deer munched on the day lilies as they sprouted earlier and the lilies of the valley never bloomed.  Sigh, maybe the spring rains will come next year.