Rain

"Poor man's fertilize," our
neighbor Clifford used to call rain and snow, greeting with wise approval the same weather that city folks might deplore.

After last summer's near-drought, we are thirsty for gentle soaking rains -- the patter of drops on our metal roof today is as welcome as the sound of Santa's reindeer. Just beyond the dining room window, crystal beads deck the crabapple's bare branches and a male cardinal flashes scarlet thanks.