They're starting to count....

[LovelyLadyLux]

So far this summer we've had 26 straight days without rain. Not nearly a record yet but this morning the weatherman on the TV News started the count.

Here on the Island it has been more than lovely and even right now as I type I'm on a 15 min timer to get out and move my hose about my new gardens. I haven't opted to use the big sprinkler yet as right now for some of my plants as they've been recently planted I need to make sure they're getting enough water so I have a stationary sprinkler I can move from place to place making sure the water soaks right in.

On the downside of 26 days no rain we now have fire warnings as here there is a real danger of forest fire. It takes only a cigarette butt thrown out a car window to cause major destruction.

[Horus]

We are currently experiencing a very hot and dry period, although it is now starting to create some thunderstorms. We had a really heavy one the other night and it was hammering it down and pounding on the conservatory roof with lightning flashes and loud thunder claps all around. I was woken up by the rain beating down on the roof as I had the bedroom patio door open to the conservatory due to the nightime heat so the noise was really loud. It did wake little Annie up so I sat with her for a few minutes to reassure her it was OK and she went back to sleep again, I must say though that I love to hear the rain beating down on the roof which is acrylic to allow in extra light so magnifies the sound and I can happily lie in bed and listen to it, very soothing in many ways.

[Jayway]

I HATE the rain, when I hear it on the roof I am always waiting for leaks, so far, this old house (touch wood) hasnt let me down. So many of the newer houses in Portugal leak, grow mould, and have huge rooms impossible to heat, several of my friends seem to live in the kitchens !

[Horus]

I have often wondered just how weather proof those sort of roofs you have in Spain and Portugal actually are. Those half cylinder type tiles always look pretty, but never look so good from an architectural standpoint and they always look to have been put on a bit slap dash.

[LovelyLadyLux]

27 days and counting here and no rain projected in the near future. Shouldn't complain cause we also get PLENTY of rain over the winter months. Usually July is pretty dry but usually the odd rainy day. August is usually REALLY dry and sometimes well into September too. Biggest problem here is fire and the fires can be huge and take out entire towns.

After fires here a plant known as 'fireweed' grows. Tall, lanky with a purple flower. Beekeepers arrive by the hundreds bringing their beehives as the honey produced from fireweed is clear. Tastes lovely too - very light taste.