Only an hour ago the sky was bright blue, and now as I write this, dark gray clouds are churning by. There’s thunder in the distance, the palm fronds are rustling, and a light pitter patter is just beginning on the roof. I love a good rainstorm. It takes the edge off the dreadful heat.
It also makes these zephyranthes (rain lilies) pop.
Evening storms also make for the best sunsets. I caught this intense hot pink sky from my front porch. It only lasted about 2 minutes, but it was breathtaking. 
A new frond from the Chambeyronia macrocarpa, or red flame thrower palm, shot up right outside my kitchen window.
The emergent fronds are vivid red, then they open and turn green over a few days. I documented this one on Instagram last week. 
Also found the name of the strand that connects each leaf on the frond and slowly releases as it opens… A rein, of course.
I took that last one today. There’s only the slightest hint of red left, and now it will get much darker green.
A sweet and colorful yard in St. Lucie Village.
I made mango watermelon gazpacho twice this month. 
Mango season is in full swing. We had a nice crop of Glenns that were so intensely sweet and smooth they reminded me of butterscotch. We gave away our Valencia Pride tree (it got way too big), so we no longer have that big mid-season crop. But come late August, we’ll be back in mango heaven. I also have a few on the Ice Cream tree our friend Lynne gave us last year. Yay!
I have such a good mango recipe coming up for you soon.
We’ll be watching the fireworks in Juneau, Alaska this week and then back to Port Alexander to fish, fish, fish. Follow along on Instagram to see our catch and lots of whales. I hope you all have a great Fourth of July!
p.s. Here’s the playlist I made for our trip.
Koki is so darn photographic! Love him with the mangos. That’s a nice bunch of rain lilies. Are they yours? Have a great trip!
Koki hates fruit but of course he has to inspect it for lizards. The rain lilies are actually a neighbor’s. They surround a big silk floss tree and they looked so lovely in that light. I have the same ones in my yard. I’d like even more.
Enjoy your trip to Alaska!
Thanks, Misti! I’m so ready for some cold air. I hope you take some good hikes soon!
Fantastic site, I love everything about it.
Thank you, Linda!!!
Beautiful pics!! Great play list!! Van The Man; have you ever gone over there??; its magical Emerald Isle l!! Esp if your heritage is from there!! I’m a solid 1/2 Irish 1/2 Prussian?? Ever heard “Blue Money” by Van?? We used to listen to it when working on VW’S and PORSCHE’S , LOTUS, MG, ETC. in Denver back in the late 1960’s/ early 70’s!!!
Have a GREAT TIME up north!!!
Capt. Frank Goody
Thanks, Capt. Frank! I love everything Van Morrison, but no, haven’t visited his homeland yet. Blue Money is so good!