Euless Weather 8/25/11

I know this is not much of a big deal for those of you who have a hurricane on the way up the East Coast, and those of you who have been getting a great deal of heavy rain in the North Central, and for those of you in the North East who have rarely so far this year made it out of the 70's, but for us down here in Euless Texas this is a huge deal. I mostly post this just for my own records.

- We have had one day below 100+ in 60 days (that was two weeks ago).
- One day with some rain in the last 60+ days and it did not last long.
- Last night due to a storm in Dallas County we did get some gusts of wind (you will see a shot of a limb down from one of my trees, and temps dropped to under 90 before 845 PM. We had three visitors to my deck last night as we all wanted to rejoice in the cool temps of 86+.
- This morning I was awaken by thunder. We only got .05 inches of rain or less but it was fantastic. We did not get above 79 until about 9:30 AM on the deck about 9:10 AM near house. This is a 60+ day first temps were so low.
- They are predicting 107 degrees today, but I kind of question that. We will need some super heating and man with the humidity at 70% right now, it will really feel very hot. I hope the clouds are more then less.

Tree limb shots below.

Rat Snake in Yard

Here are a few shots of a young Rat Snake I found in my back yard. We have a 5 foot guy running around someplace as I found him last fall in my back sun room going after a mouse that was becoming a pain. The mouse either was dinner or left the room after that day. Anyway maybe this guy is an off spring.

Peacock in Back Yard - August 7 2011

I let my dog out this morning while I was sitting in the rocker and I heard her barking in one of her "gee I found a snake or other unknown creature bark". As I went over to investigate she kept backing up very unsure of herself so I gave what ever it was a wide berth as I rounded the barn. And sure enough was a fairly large male peacock. Once he saw me he flew to the top of our mini barn.







I put Rickie (the dog) in the house so the bird flew back to the ground. Since he spent a lot of time in my back yard I then let the dog out again. When Rickie approached him the kind of walked around a small tree kind of like a dance. Unfortunately with the vegetation I have in my back yard getting a picture was not easy of the both of them.



After a short time he had enough of Rickie and went back up to the barn roof.





He spent quite a bit of time up there eating the leaves off the trees hitting the roof.



The squires did not think much of him being in the area. They the squires will play with my dogs but when it comes to large birds they get nervous. This guy here came by to try to get some food. But his tail was doing that warning flip and the rest of the squires were barking.






After awhile he flew back down to the ground and started walking around and getting quite unafraid, I was within 4 feet of him at one point, but then the dang cat from down the street came along and so long peacock. He flew off and so far I have not seen him since. But tomorrow is another day.







Pat

Brickyard 400 2011

Wow a hot muggy day for outdoor Nascar watching. But the green flag did drop.



I did have my mister, portable AC, fans, and TV's going.







Then the squirrels stopped by.







Then Philip showed up for a very short time. So Lucy had to come out.



Now time to eat.



Then Menard won. End of race.

Heat Wave Even Hurting Palms

While I keep watering the plants the heat itself is just too much for a lot of them. Even this palm tree is having a tough year.

Rickie cooling off

After running around the yard with Lucy our little dog Rickie likes to take a jump in the fountain. Again pictures by Valerie.

Draggon Fly

My wife has quite the eye for pictures. This draggon fly stayed with us for a few days and after awhile did not move when we got close to it. Have not seen it since but he sure became part of the yard family.

Young Owl

My dog was barking in an unusual way so when I investigated I found this little Owl. I am grateful I put the gloves on as he grabbed the gloves with beak and talons to the point I almost could not shed the gloves with him/her on it. He/she stayed with us for a few hours then flew off after I put it in the woods. Then he/she came back the next day and landed on my deck within a few feet of me and a buddy and watched TV for a few minutes. Not sure if it was the same one or a kin stopping by to say thanks.

As an FYI these are welding gloves that I use for the grill moving hot coals. Do not ever pick up a bird such as this or larger with just plane gloves. These are so thick I can hold burning wood or coals for several seconds to minutes without even knowing I have it in my hands. I have heard of birds like hawks and such ripping skin apart like it was butter. .

We often have these Owls in my yard and they have got quite used to us. Valerie took the photo.

My office and Staff Assistant

She is relaxing as normal.



Next shot of morning office.



Next shot of mid day office.



After noon office in house, not impressive.

Our Back Yard

Here are some shots of our back yard. While still under construction this is 21 years of evolution.