Spotting Water Birds

I'm learning that it is after all pretty good to remain part submerged in the rains. Know why? Because apart from the croaking cacophony of a froggy colony, you also get to witness some unexpected avian arrivals.

An area of land ahead of our house that has a largish expanse of stagnant rainwater has turned into an unlikely lake-of-sorts. Egrets, herons, ducks and mallards are seen aplenty floating around or pecking at the insects and froggies.

And of course, yours truly is forever angling on the balcony with a dangling digicam, trying to capture the water birds! :)

Hope you enjoy the results.

Garden, Interrupted

While I was away from home for two months during summer, the intense heat and the sparse watering did most of my plants in. I came back to a browned, burnt, and ruined garden that left me totally depressed.

Of all my pots, only some varieties showed some signs of life, and have since revived. I thought it would be good to share with you all the names of all those toughies who pulled through the summer despite adverse circumstances. For the record, the survivors are: Jade, Portulaca varieties, Lily varieties, and Aloe Vera. One big hurrah for them! :)

While the rains brought on fresh blooms all around, my distressed plants were still languishing... and I was losing all hope of seeing any blooms this season. Till this past weekend, when my day lilies sprout forth! And now the portulaca is budding. :)

Hope floats now, once again!! :D

Monsoon Visitor

Spotted this rainy day visitor crawling up the pipes behind our master bedroom.

My first reaction: "EEEKS!!!"

My second reaction: "Quick, get the camera." Never seen such a colourful crawly fella before!

Anyone knows what exactly his name is?

Submerged Comeback

After being away from my home (and this blog) for the summers, I returned last week bringing the rains along. Ever since we got home it has rained every single day.

Not that we are complaining (were fed up of the unbearable heat anyway) but it isn't too convenient to remain submerged.

The pictures are from last year but the situation is pretty much the same this year as well (maybe worse!). Are the authorities listening or is it too much to expect?