Hot and Dry

Trees line three sides of my backyard.

I hang bird feeders in them.

Each day grateful diners serenade their thanks.

Most mornings I sit on the deck sipping a good cup of coffee.
The low hum of cars from the nearby highway is as soothing as listening to waves on the beach.

The problem lately...it's been too hot.

So, I've sat in my air conditioned kitchen sipping that coffee.

It has been a hot and dry summer here in the midwest.

My lawn, although low cut and well trimmed, is both crunchy and the color of hay.
The crabgrass, which manages to stay green through drought, is blonde as well.
Fortunately, I've maintained flower beds of blooming perennials that are hardy and find their way in arid weather, plus I water them no matter what.

This morning I awoke at 6:17 to the slightest pitter-patter of rain.

Rain!

I opened my bedroom window and was welcomed by a cool breeze.
The weatherman made it clear that this reprieve would be short-lived.
I'll take it!
Now to brew that coffee and get out on the deck.

Diva Love!

I ring the bell while peering through a glass door.

"Hey Gi-r-l!", coos our hostess as she opens the door and embraces me in a hug. 

 "So glad you could make it!" 

She leads me through the foyer to her spacious living room.

This is my reentry into the Divas Book Club.  

The ladies take turns standing and extending their arms to me.

Their hugs are honest and strong.

I feel as if I've never been away.

We bring ourselves up-to-date over Grapefruit Margaritas 

and then make our way to the dining room 

for dinner and politics.

Oh, I've missed this!

Finally, we discuss possible books for the September meeting.

Seven books 

and a field-trip to the local Barnes and Noble later, 

we decide on one.

The next meeting place?

 My house!