Yikes, that is a lot of rain! The airport had less, but our new rain gauge read that number in a mere 24 hours. It came straight down in sheets! Sunflower stalks all over the neighborhood have been knocked down. Not certain if that is due to rain or rain and wind. Sunflowers do get top heavy when the seeds are formed. The ones on the right are the ones that were so lovely a few weeks ago with the goldfinch all over them!

On August 7 I noticed the tippy-top of the tallest maple trees were beginning to change colors. Then the locust trees dropped most of their leaves. The other trees in our yard are changing in earnest now, September 10. The Gingko and Yellow Poplar are not quite changing yet, but many others are turning yellow, or brown on the edges.

So autumn is under way! We actually needed sweatshirts yesterday. The house is insulated enough we still do not need blankets, but the change has begun. And not a moment too soon! The whole city is exhausted from the relentless heat and humidity the last couple months. Finally, for at least a few days we can have the windows open and enjoy the birds and crickets. Perhaps tonight I will hear the neighborhood owl?