Wednesday, August 8, 2012

A Day's Beginning and End

A mystery hibiscus along the driveway has leapt into bloom. It called me back into the house to get my camera and take photos before leaving for work. The blooms are as big as my hand. The red is spectacular - deep and clear and happy.


At the end of the day, a wicked thunderstorm moved through, assaulting the earth with wind and rain. I was trapped at the exit of the gym for 15 minutes with a small crowd, watching the angry torrents and thinking of extreme weather, global warming and apocalypse. 

By the time I reached home, a magical yellow light infused the sky. Hummingbirds flew at the level of treetops in the golden light.


Grace.

7 comments :

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

We got lots of thunder but the promised rain never arrived yesterday. The sky is beautiful and eerie at the same time. That looks like it could be a swamp hibiscus. I love those dinner plate hibiscus varieties; they are so stunning!

Donna@Gardens Eye View said...

That native hardy hibiscus is wonderful and a lovely native here too. We have not had much rain and certainly not but one bad storm with some lightning. This has been a most unusual summer...I love your last picture of the light in the sky coming through..indeed Grace.

I hope you are well and that dark clouds are lifting.

Sheila said...

Karin and Donna, thanks for the tips on the hibiscus... I have several other mystery plants, one of which is taking over the sidewalk... I seem to be on a theme with photos of light in the sky...

Indie said...

Beautiful post! We have had such bizarre storms this summer. Your hibiscus is gorgeous!

Beth at PlantPostings said...

You know how sometimes a post just sums it all up for the day? And you want to end on that note before you rest for the night? Thanks for the send-off to sweet dreams, Sheila. I will have pleasant thoughts of beautiful dramatic Hibiscus and colorful, brilliant night skies.

linniew said...

What a treasure, that hibiscus. I've only ever grown them as houseplants. I love summer storms.

I hope you are settling into that beautiful new place, in every way.

ZielonaMila said...

Beautiful photographs, I like to admire such views. I am greeting