No, there's not a filter over the lens ... it clouded up from the humidity as soon as I walked outside. It's summer in Texas, my friends.
Even though I wiped the lens before taking the picture above, it still has something of the same misty quality.
An hour later, this was the view down the alley as a storm system from the Gulf approached. It looked much more threatening just moments before I took this picture ... the storm moved in quickly. By the time I'd stepped inside and hooked up the camera to upload the pictures, the rain had begun and the wind was howling around the corners of the house. I shut down the computer shortly thereafter and settled into my corner of the sofa to keep my anxious Annie company. She starts shaking at the first rumble of thunder. Although she's happier now that the storms have passed, she wasn't all that thrilled about having her picture taken. 
No gardening for me today unless I pull a few of the countless weeds that have popped up since the rain stopped an hour ago. The Head Gardener can tell me all she wants that it doesn't happen that quickly ... I remain unconvinced!
Comments
Think the thunderstorms are gone from here for a change.
I love the picture of the clouds forming. I love dramatic weather. Sure hope we get rain tonight. Just not too much for you!
Annie looks like Chester the cocker spaniel when a storm is threatening. Hates the noise, too. That's why they have us as moms!
Linda, I hear that Austin got some pretty heavy duty storms at 3:30 AM. Hope nothing was harmed! Annie was a rescue pup from Austin and I think she must have been out in storms before she was rescued. I have a pillow for her in my closet, which is one of her spots to hide.
Rose, I know you're probably ready for some sunshine!
I can see the humidity in your photos! And tell the Head Gardener I agree--I think those little weeds grow a foot each time it rains:)