Postcard from the Pond

Dear Diary,

Late in the day I visited the pond down the street from my house and it was a bit distressing.  Usually, by this time, the water lilies are blooming but only this one was even starting to open.  Also, the water level looked more like late August than the beginning of July, a testament to the drought we are in.

We did get a fast moving and violent thunder storm last night with high winds and heavy rain for a time but probably not near enough to fill up the pond.  Things are a lot cooler this morning so that is something and the plants look refreshed from their nighttime rain.

It is looking like a very nice weekend for all the 4th of July celebrations.  It is such a major holiday here in the states that I was amazed to learn yesterday that it didn't become an official federal holiday until 1941!  I will probably watch the fireworks on TV; the display in Washington, DC is always amazing.  My friends are hosting a cookout and fireworks event at their farm tonight and I might go for a time...we'll see.