My farm has been in “extreme” drought.   Because there was almost no rainfall for months, the grass started to turn crunchy and brown, the flowering bushes did not bloom and I even heard my favorite hay was getting hard to find.

Florida is known for humidity so experiencing the driest weather in a century might seem like a challenge for some, but not to me. To me, a drought means the weather will be perfect for my upcoming birthday party! Not a cloud in the sky.

Last year, I celebrated my first birthday with many small parties at different children’s hospitals. This year there was going to be one huge outdoor celebration. I could hardly wait… a day all about Scout!  As I counted down to my birthday, the weather continued to be dry and clear. The water in the local rivers and lakes were low but my spirits were high.

When the big day arrived I was so excited that I jumped up and down in a wild happy birthday dance. I ran outside to see if the decorations for my party were set up, but to my surprise there were no decorations at all. At first I thought my brother Anthem and my bodyguard Guardenia had stolen them because they are the usual suspects when something doesn’t go my way. Then I noticed the sky was dark with rain clouds.

Before I had time to think, a big raindrop popped on my nose. Then another and another. Soon rain was pouring down. Months of dry conditions ended on my birthday. Rainfall and flooding on par with the impact of a tropical storm continued for days. The drought was over… and so was my party.

Update: The farm driveway washed out but the grass is turning green. Everyone says we really needed the rain and that my Happy Birthday dance was a rain dance instead.  My party has been postponed twice so far due to rainy weather. When I do have a party you will be the first to know. Until then, this is Scout, over and out.