an orchard oriole - never seen them here before!
We were still having trouble with the barn swallows. Al said they should find a barn. 
After we made this contraption (which has worked - albeit ugly), I heard from Laura that she washes the wall with dish soap, then rinses it and that it keeps them away. Hmmm. We may need to try that sometime!
Approaching storms had us go inside....
.....where the kids wrestled with Papa.
* * * * * *
We grieve for those who have seen the wrath of the storms in Joplin. Thankful for the safety of a few people we know, but so sad to see those who have lost everything. Our daughter used to work in Joplin at the hospital. One of the nurses she knows lost her husband and 2 small boys.
This morning, I read Job 38-42. Job's own children were killed by a strong wind, or cyclone.
"Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,
my Saviour and my God." Psalm 42:11