heavy air

Yes, we can have humid days in Indiana in August. Despite weeks of no air conditioning, and the early emergence of plant activity normally associated with autumn, it is now quite humid and warm. Not hot. We have yet to reach 90 degrees (F) this entire summer. And I think it is supposed to cool off in a few days.

We've had an every-other-day heavy thunderstorm, keeping the ground moist. Our clay soil does have a bit of sand in it -- or so potterers - potters (people who throw pots, not poor people who are buried in unmarked lots) tell me -- giving it a particular light brown color as it dries out from heat, becoming very brick like. A big tree sucking out moisture also makes our soils dry out.

But when the rain comes (and yes, it does rain in Indianapolis in the summertime), it turns a dark, inviting brown. You really want to get in there and work in it.

The other day I passively staked the hollyhooks, putting stakes next to them for something more than moral support, but I did not tie the stalks to the stakes. The thunderstorms have knocked a couple over. I must tie them.

Asters are starting to put on flower buds. Pink (brilliant) sedums are about half-way toward full bloom. And it is not even September.