Ah, what a summer we’ve had. Hot, stinking hot! But then also wet occationally. Which is a good thing around here. A full 2 inches in August. Unheard of and what a blessing for us, the trees, plants and critters. The grasses including the pesky and invasive King Ranch Bleustem (which I just don’t know how to control in my field), were growing like gangbusters. It gave me a wonderful reprieve from the weekly watering of my  newly planted 11 trees. A little vacation of sorts.

Speaking of vacation, we went on a short visit to Galveston Island right after school started. Found a cute little house right on the ocean. Ahhhhhh, long evening walks on the beach with a nice glass of red wine, dog playing in the surf and sniffing all the crab holes. Lazy mornings listening to the waves in bed.It was absolute bliss! No crowds, lots of sun, surf, boogie boarding and relaxation. I actually almost cried when we had to leave.

Most days we had a little rain, which helped to keep some wildflowers blooming for our stay. One day there was this dramatic storm just off the coast. It was extremely intriguing to watch…with a little red wine of course.

Once back at home, Sadie had her best pal Kali visiting while her humans were away. What a wonderful playtime they had. They’re like doggie bookends here. Although Sadie hates her picture taken – always managing to pull a face or turn away – I was able to catch a relatively nice one of her next to Kali who really should have been a doggie supermodel!

Back in the garden, the wildlife certainly did not take a vacation. Giant swallowtail caterpillar noshing on my grapefruit tree. I saw two actually. I don’t mind the minor damage they do. They only eat a couple of leaves and the plant doesn’t seem to care. Look at that giant grapefruit growing on the bottom right. Soon it will be nom, nom, gone – by us!

Really does look like birdie poop doesn’t it? Great camouflage!

Their adult cousin – the Black Swallowtail – was nectaring on a nearby Pride of Barbados. It’s a family affair around here.

It was hot though, and my bees found my little water planter to bring some moisture back to their hive. What a bunch of cute butts! Why do bees always find the stinkiest looking water so delicious? I wasn’t about to taste it to find out!

Moving right along to the rock garden out front, the Rock Rose and Yellow Bells are just lovely together.

And out back, a thirsty fox family came to visit too. Mama was very thirsty, taking some laps from the bird bath while junior checked out the yard. I was wondering why that birdbath kept getting so low every morning…

A quick glance at the pond reveals some sunshine from its cool depths.

And on the patio I just had to stop to admire the ornamental oregano in its delicate beauty. Hello my lovely.

The morning glories next to it were so vibrant this year.

Wandering to the front of the house the Texas sage was just too pleased with all the rain and simply exploded with glee. The bees were delighted with their new found bounty.

On a final note, lets leave with a glowing warm shot. Summer may be over, but the memories are sweet. Critters love the Pride of Barbados. See the little green lynx spider hanging out in the center of this Pride of Barbados bloom?

And a Sulfur butterfly nectaring below.Although I’m enjoying the cool autumn air, I will miss these critters soon as they migrate southward. How was your summer this year?