weather

Rainy Respite

Rae Spencer5 Comments

This moth took shelter on our porch as a morning thunderstorm growled through the area. After the storm calmed, a steady rain settled over the yard, lasting all afternoon. It was a pleasant, sleepy kind of rain, gradually washing away the weekend’s heat and dust. Washing away the weekend’s bees and dragonflies, too, for the moment.

I believe the first dragonfly is an Eastern Pondhawk, and the second a Great Blue Skimmer. I haven’t found a possible match for the first moth, but the second seems to be a Grape Leaffolder moth. (I’m gaining confidence with dragonflies, but I’m a complete beginner with moths. Please comment with confirmations or corrections!)

Setting the Thermostat (and Publication Note)

Rae Spencer4 Comments

The weather forecast calls for a break in the heat (accompanied by thunderstorms, of course.) I’m looking forward to a few days of relief.

It seems the cats are eager for a change, as well. Perhaps I have been a bit too aggressive with the thermostat, these last few days.

Publication note:  My poem “Custody” appears in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Melusine, or Woman in the 21st Century.

Lightning

Rae Spencer13 Comments

Here in the mid-Atlantic, the heat wave has spawned severe thunderstorms two nights in a row. Last night, the lightning was so spectacular that I couldn’t resist trying to catch a few frames.

(This last one convinced me that I had taken more than enough pictures…)

Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly

Rae SpencerLeave a comment

This little Eastern Amberwing dragonfly doesn’t seem to mind the heat, which has me cowering in my air-conditioned office.

I tend to procrastinate, so today is the kind of day I dread. I’m trapped indoors, face to face with a heap of unfinished manuscript submissions and bookkeeping chores. Of course, I could always read a book. Or take a nap. Or both…

The Lotus Garden

Rae Spencer8 Comments

The lotus garden near Sandbridge Beach is beginning to bloom. Today I stopped for a few minutes, trying to ignore the ridiculous heat and harsh midday glare.