16 Days Later... 08-04-2022

Well, I picked up the camera for the first time since the couple's trip. Rachel and I both tested positive for Covid when we got home. We are both doing very well now. We really never had that bad of symptoms, but I have been overwhelmingly fatigued to the point that all I've done is eat, sleep, and sleep some more. I needed a nap earlier this morning, but so far, my energy is holding out. I have to get back to normal. I can not live a half life.

Today's pictures are nothing spectacular. However, I tried to focus on the plants that were showing signs of surviving the drought and even fighting back against it. I probably won't ID everything this time, but will come back later and do it. For now, just enjoy the photos.

This pitiful little rose is the only one we have had since the horrible record-breaking heat began in June. I have seen a lot of new growth on the rose bushes, but no buds.

Rachel planted two new Salvias in the spring. They have suffered in the heat just like the other four that have been here since we landscaped. They whither to nothing everyday, even if I water them twice a day. But, today, I noticed new buds on several of them.

The bulbine plant started putting out a lot of new stems, but they weren't blooming. We always play a game of "Am I overwatering or underwatering?" I started drowning it for about 5 days and the blooms are back.

This is another one that is hard to care for. I think I over water it, but then I start thinking it needs more water. I just don't know.

Look at all the buds on the Pride of Barbados! There are about 20 other sets of buds on the plant. It will bloom the rest of the summer.

These Angelonias (not sure which) are thriving right now. I literally flood the box every evening until it overflows.

There are three different colors in the box.

These purple ones are my favorite. They look just like Skullcap.

I don't know what this mystery bloom will be. It volunteered in Rachel's marigold pot, but she says she pulled the old plants out and does not think it is a marigold. I know it isn't anything that iNaturalist suggested.

Can I just say that I love this photo. I know it breaks several rules of composition, but I don't care. This is the first time that I was able to capture the true color of the Dianthus.

Jared's herb garden has three very successful plants this year: basil, rosemary, and oregano. The basil has taken over, and has several baby plants now.

This is one of the baby basil plants. You can see the oregano reaching toward it from the upper left corner.

This little mockingbird was very busy while I was outside. It seemed to be going back and forth from my Wildzone to a nest in the neighbor's yard.

There were lots of house sparrows out today.

This is a female house sparrow cooling off.

another male house sparrow

female house sparrow checking out the feeder...

Isn't she gorgeous? She is all painted up and ready to go to the white-winged dove ball.

Now, she's up in the tree lookin' for love.

Oh, poor baby. I know that feeling. Time for a nap.

Miss Olive hates to be outside without one of her humans. But, if one of us is outside, she hates to be inside. Vinny, on the other hand, was inside relaxing in the quiet of an empty house with the AC blowing.

She is as sweet as she looks.

Such a gentle little being.