The back deck, 5:38 p.m. Hot.

Have been getting up at the crack of dawn to make sure all the plants are well watered. The lawn, what there is of it, is toast. Not a big deal.

Watched a sparrow sitting in the birdbath for ages this afternoon, it was very content. I've been refilling the birdbath twice a day, it's a busy little watering spot. I've noticed several neighborhood cats stopping by needing a drink, they either stand on their hind legs and drink daintily from the edge or jump up and drink while standing with all four paws immersed in the water.