Picture day - Rain Puddles

With a full week of heavy rains and cool temperatures there seems to be an awful lot of water everywhere I go. The forest path on which I walk each morning has become a series of interconnected puddles.  The ground is soggy and the trees are still dripping wet. The rain has finally stopped and today the puddles reflect back the morning sun and the surrounding trees and I find myself singing "Here Comes The Sun".

A Winter Rain

It rained last night and it is raining today. As the temperatures hover a few degrees below zero the rain falls and instantly adds to the layer of ice which covers every glittering surface like glass. The trees bow down the air itself has a gleam and even dirt has a shimmer and shine to it.  Light glints off a million precious diamonds as the sun struggles to make an appearance through the swirling rain and snow laden clouds.   From the safe haven of a warm house it is nothing but sheer beauty.  

Stepping outside however is another matter entirely.

Summer Storm

I forgot how much I love a good storm.  It’s been an unusually dry summer so far and besides a few sprinkles there hasn’t been one all summer.  I’m certainly not complaining as it’s been fabulous, and the mosquitoes haven’t been around much.  They started coming out for a short while but quickly disappeared again in the endless heat. 

It was not that big of a storm compared to the window shaking wind whipping all night kind of storm seen in past years but it was enjoyed all the same.  In the late evening the sky suddenly went dark and big black clouds started rolling in. 

My husband and I went outside as the darkness moved in from the west and the wind started to pick up. We both started going around the yard lowering hanging plants, picking up the cushions from the patio furniture and throwing light weight things into the garage.

Then we stood arm in arm and just watched. The fresh somewhat sweet smell of damp air carried on the wind.  We listened to the great and constant roll of thunder echoing around us.  Watching as the lightning lit up the layers of clouds making intricate patterns in the evening sky as the clouds moved and ebbed along.  

There is a spell-binding quality to a stormy evening sky that pulls me in, makes me want to be quiet and watchful.  There is something to be said for standing in nature’s path knowing safety and warmth is a step behind you should it get to be too much.