It’s headed for a humid 90°, before a week+ of forecasted t-storms.  The only thing predictable about TN weather is a rollercoaster of extremes.  As long as it’s not the arctic, tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, or tsunamis, I’m happy, because my plants are happy.

Speaking of which, here are some annuals, perennials, wildflowers, and herbs blooming.  Also Misu lurking in her cool place under the deck, and a summery Jam Band berry ale by Boulevard, Missouri.

We hung out with the kids (older and younger) up on the hill, while Avdi went shopping yesterday.  I had a great time with the “littles”, mostly outdoors, while E got to talk to D&V.  Poor old Tia tried to lounge on the deck, while native butterflyweed bloomed below.

I believe I’ve earned my grandparent creds by allowing some very naughty grandkid behavior to go down while Dad was out.  Not intentionally, of course, but kids will be kids!  Dad was not amused.  I hope he will forgive us and allow us back.

Later, V made this pizza completely from scratch, and D opened her home-brewed European lemony drink.  Both were delicious.

After all the raining (at least twice the average for this time of year), now we have cool, sunny, perfect spring days.  It was actually cold this morning.

Yesterday my older Gdaughter D. and friend V. spent a pleasant afternoon hanging out with us.  It was great spending some quality time with D., while E. and V. got to talk.

Today it feels a little sad without Avdi here as usual, as he’s home with the kids.  But tomorrow we’ll spend the day over there, almost like old times, but not quite.

Meanwhile, lots of butterflies and pollinators are busy in the coneflowers and other flowers, and veggies are finally appearing.

Well, that was a pleasant one-day interlude between rains…except for the coyote incident.  Still no sign of “Joey”.  I expect the worst.  I reluctantly let Misu out for a brief run this morning, then let her back in for the day.  It’s a jungle out there.

Here are flowers from yesterday, including some yarrow blooming out in the meadow.

I realize nobody wants to see a zillion photos of someone else’s grandkids, but please indulge a grandmother; I don’t get to do it very often.  My Gkids are in town for the summer.  I had a blast with them up on the foothill yesterday.  It alternated raining and sunning, but we played out in it regardless.  I also got to plant my older GDaughter’s herb garden that I’ve been growing for her.  E got to hang out and talk with D&V.  Hopefully my son was able to get some work done while the kids were distracted by me.  I have some pretty cool Gkids–all of them.  I had arrived feeling under the weather, but it’s hard to feel bad when surrounded by the family you care about, and nature.

On a sadder side note–it seems the much-loved “Joey” the cat disappeared and didn’t come home last night as he always does, and this morning in broad daylight a pack of mangy coyotes was sighted.  The neighbors and we were searching all over, and they took other measures, but it’s not looking good.  I feel pretty sad about it, but at least we finally got to have a civil conversation with the neighbors over mutual concerns and interests.

So many new flowers are blooming in all this rain.  Even the “prairie” is starting to flower.  Another hollyhock from last year just bloomed, and the veg garden is full of coreopsis (?) that came up from compost seeds.  And yay, finally my nasturtiums are budding out.

Yesterday, my son observed the first hummingbirds to visit the feeders I just put up for the season.  Always a big event for us.  Of course Misu camps out right beneath, but I doubt even the ferocious hunter can match their speed.  She settles for terrorizing a family of wrens out back.

Today it’s Shavuot, the festival between Pesach and Sukkot.  I’m trying to feel festive, but my 99-year-old Aunt Bernice just died, so there’s that.  On the other hand, my grandkids just came to town for the summer, one of the rare chances I’ll get to see them.  Lots of mixed emotions.  As with all things in life, you grab it while you can, before the next transition.

Here’s a young squirrel in the rain at the watering hole, and somebody who partied hard last night at the watering hole.

Our monsoon continues, and the garden is thriving.  My son spent the day and night, so that’s always a bonus, one which I do not take for granted.  As with gardens and meadows, which are always dynamic, evolving, and ephemeral, I treasure each brief moment while it lasts.

Speaking of meadows, yesterday Misu guided Avdi and me on several turns around the property, including my makeshift boardwalk through the “prairie”, which is finally starting to take off with all the rain.

Early this morning, out of the corner of my eye, I think I saw several ravens on the deck, where I have bird food and water.  They flew off like silent ghosts, but I believe it’s our resident family group moving in closer.  My evil plan is working!

Soon after, “Joey” the cat reclaimed “his” deck, while Misu lounged on her porch, keeping a wary eye out.  Then she discovered him on Her Majesty’s turf, and they set about their typical growly standoff.  It’s obvious they like each other.

Meanwhile, other life forms enjoyed the wet world, including all these mushrooms. A good sign.

The rains continue…the relief is palpable.  Water-kitty loves it as much as I do.  Best of all, my son is expected, after all these weeks away.

Honestly, I have no clue when the rainy season here is supposed to be, as we seem to alternate between weeks of hot drought and weeks of cool rain.  Works for me, as long as the plant world is happy.  Which, as you can see, it is.  My hollyhocks from last year are finally budding out for the first time.  I threw in a homemade strawberry cake just for laughs.