A day of contrasts.

This morning we went on a nature walk - today A's focus was trees, ponds, and birds. We looked at trees - leaves, bark, and propagation (seeds/nuts/flowers) and he brought home some lovely found birch bark. We also sat and visited a pond, and watched tadpoles and pond snails. And of course we watched for birds so that we could look them up in our bird book when we got home. It was such a hot and humid morning, but with all the wind we were mosquito free and really enjoyed the long hike in the woods.

This afternoon, however, was filled with intense storms and tornado sirens. After looking at the radar, we ventured out to pick up a few things at a local store since it looked clear for a bit. While at the store the sirens started, so we filed in with everyone else to the stairwell. The boys sat, visited, and chatted with everyone until we were told we were clear. We raced home, watching ominous black clouds, and driving through pelting rain. We moved plants in, tried to secure the gazebo and deck stuff, and watched the radar. Sure enough, more storms, and more sirens. The boys love visiting the basement during these storms, and sat on the floor under the stairs watching on our emergency weather radio/tv to see what was happening.

Somehow, even with very strong winds, Dover is still secure. Over the past few days I have been slowly working on tying down the planter, as it was not very secure for the strong storms we've been having (I usually set the plants on the ground during storms or they fall...). I have wound yarn and twine around the plant baskets, and Dover, who was blowing all over at first, is now tied fairly securely against the metal framework of the gazebo. I also secured a towel along one side so that there is a somewhat sheltered spot from the insane winds - and the nest is still there, amazingly, although attended by a very wet bird.

Here are some of my photos of the day. This morning/This afternoon.

This morning.

This afternoon.

They say we have about 30 more hours of this weather...whew!