Rain on Leaves – Tracey Capone Photography ©2012

It has been a rough summer here in the Midwest, with numerous counties reporting dangerous drought situations, corn and soy crops suffering the worst, and farmers battling to save their livelihoods.
To overcome the deficiency, and get back to normal, we would need to get about 7+ inches of rain in back to back storms. Unfortunately, while we have had some serious storms here and there, that hasn’t happened yet.

The Cherokees – Tracey Capone Photography ©2012

While it’s nowhere near what we need, storms like the one we had last night provide at least a bit of relief from the bone dry conditions we have been experiencing. Those of you who have been following the blog know that I have been growing a number of vegetables and herbs on my deck as well as caring for a plot at a community garden. To say it’s been a battle is putting it mildly as the heat never seems to wane, despite the rains. I am thankful that I only have two small areas to take care of, I can’t imagine what the farmers must be feeling, looking at acre upon acre of land crying out for rain.

Bud – Tracey Capone Photography ©2012

While we definitely need more than the couple of inches of rain we got last night, I will say, the rain does provide wonderful photo opportunities, especially when it comes to shooting rain drops and practicing to get the dreamy, creamy bokeh that photographers aim for. So, of course, during a break in the rain, I grabbed my camera and took a few shots of the tomato and pepper plants growing on my deck.

Drops on Tomato – Tracey Capone Photography ©2012

My jalapeños, baby yellow peppers and multiple tomatoes including my Cherokee cherries, would like to thank Mother Nature for the bit of relief last night. It looks like this will be continuing off and on all day so here’s hoping we stock up a little more on the rain to tide us over until next time.

Enjoy!
*tracey*