# Customize the plot
ax.grid(1, ls='--', color='#777777', alpha=0.5, lw=1)
ax.tick_params(labelsize=12, length=0)
ax.set_axis_bgcolor('w')
# add a legend
leg = plt.legend( ['text'], loc=1 )
fr = leg.get_frame()
fr.set_facecolor('w')
fr.set_alpha(.7)
plt.draw()