Me too Meadowlark!! I was born in Alabama, zone 8, and have always lived here, but I have traveled throughout the US with my husband working. I have never lived anywhere that was as wonderful as Alabama. :) I also walk through my gardens several times a day, just to see if I have any new blooms, etc. And it is so peaceful to just sit out there on a bench by one of my ponds or under a tree with everything blooming around me. Ooops, didn't mean to go on and on, but I just wanted you to know that I know, exactly what you're feeling! Have a great weekend.

Even with the heat and the humidity I would not live anywhere else. My flowers have been slow to bloom this year but at last I think things are about to get into full swing. Can't stay inside. Everytime I walk around my yard I see something new growing. Love the late afternoon.

Do any of you see lighting bugs at dark? One of favorite summer things to share with my grandchildren.

Meadowlark, yes, I love Alabama. Sylvia and I both say we are moving to the Gulf when I retire (only 8 more years).
We love to walk through the yard each evening. I have to walk the cat after Jeopary goes off at 7 p.m. and we all enjoy early evening. We have daylilies, clematis, brugmansias, gardenias and hydrangeas in bloom. After all of the rain, the potted tropical hibiscuses have been full of blooms. Not only does the yard look good, it smells good as well.
Mimidi, I saw my first lightning bugs over a week ago, here in Hueytown. My granddaughter (4 y/o) is spending the night and she said she wanted catch lightning bugs, that was before we went to Krispy Kreme. After she ate doughnuts she went to her room. I don't guess we will catch lightning bugs tonight.

Mimidi,

We have "tons" of lightening bugs! We are in a rural area (10 acres at the base of Berry Mountain).

Early this morning while I was out walking my dogs, Dulcey and Guinness, the trees looked like they were strung with tiny flashing lights.

At 46, I still chase the lightening bugs in the backyard, and peak into my cupped hands as they light up! LOL...

Yep - I LOVE Alabama!

Welcome to 'Bama', Meadow Lark. I've lived in No. Alabama all my life, and like TweetyPye, have traveled many places but wouldn't live anywhere else. The daylilies have been a little slow to bloom, but have now started. I got a late start with my zinnias and cosmos seeds, but they are growing & we have lots of tomatoes, peppers & squash coming along. I think our cool weather in Apr-May slowed things down a bit.
Mimidi, I saw our first lightning bugs this weekend. My closest grand-daughter (age 5) went to "Bug Camp" last week, and my daughter thinks we've created a bug monster now. We bought her a bug house and she's already digging for worms and collecting things. So funny.

Speaking of fireflies... it's not Alabama, but look at the article I just found! Must be fantastic!

http://www.wbir.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=26236

Meadow Lark