Rain!

So welcome! Things were getting dry around here.

John  and I sat on the porch, breathing in the delicious cool , moist air and listening to the clatter of the rain on the metal roof. Bliss!

The creeks and the pastures will be revived and a good wetting helps dispel the always present threat of forest fires. 

A blessing!

 

It Rained Like One Thing

. . . as Miss Birdie might say. 

Hard rain for about a half an hour. 1.7 inches

We were thrilled, even though our power and internet were knocked out for a while.

This towhee is dealing with wet feathers.

Hard to get things just right.

                                                                            

And more rain later in the day--with a bonus rainbow!

 

Thankful for Rain

 

After smelling smoke all day Saturday from several wildfires in western North Carolina, it was a relief to have a bit of rain Sunday morning. We had a wildfire threatening the farm years ago and I remember how scary it was and how local residents and members of the Forest Service worked to contain and at last put out the fire.

Remember when the orange guy blamed California for their wildfires because they didn't do the proper maintenance, like raking leaves? Well, that same orange guy and his Department of Governmental Efficiency (what a joke that name is) have fired thousands of Forest Service personnel and enacted a hiring freeze. (Good article HERE.) And in this hottest and driest of times,wildfires are burning nationwide more than ever with fewer resources to fight them.

Dear Sen./Rep. __________,

As wildfires fill the air with smoke, I wonder if you are on board with the administration's hiring freeze and firing of over three thousand Forest Service employees--those same folks who work to control wildfires. 

The willful blindness of many politicians and the so-called DOGE to the problems of those of us who aren't millionaires or billionaires is on display everywhere--cutting staff at the Social Security offices and saying that only a fraudster would complain if her SS check were late is one egregious example.

So, where do you stand?

 

Forest Bathing

                                                       

After more than a week of temperatures hitting the low nineties and no rain, yesterday's cooler temps and soaking rain washed over us like a blessing as we sat on the porch. The smell of rain on the dry earth, the patter of drops on the metal roof, the damp coolness on our skin, along with the always entrancing view of mist rising amid the wooded hills brings a feeling of deep contentment.

I'd heard about 'forest bathing' as a type of therapy. (Go HERE for a piece from NPR,) and realized that we are fortunate to be able to take advantage of a version of this every day--whether from the porch or among the trees on the mountain behind the house, or just sitting on the bench in our entryway and feeling the embrace of the Kousa dogwood.

Back in the nursing home/rehab center seven years ago, back when an accident broke my ankle and dislocated my shoulder, I was so thankful to be in a bed near a window. Of course, the primary view was brick walls and a concrete floored smoking area but above this, ah! I could see some sky and treetops. I'm pretty sure this sight kept me from biting anyone.

I am so spoiled by where we live--with trees all around and a good long view. 

And now rain! Life is good.

                                                                             

                                                                                  

The Blessing of Rain

Over three days, we were blessed with more than three inches of rain--a great relief to our parched pastures and sweating selves.

Such a delight to sit on the porch after the rain and watch the mists rise and a rainbow form.

Simple pleasures.

 

Rainy Spring Day

 

And It Rained

Not much. Not near enough.

But oh, so welcome. A lovely smell of petrichor in the air and the accumulation of dust damped down. We are thankful for small favors.

It arrived punctually in the late afternoon of Friday, just as 'they' had forecast. (They're giving rain, my neighbors used to say. Alas, they're not giving any more till next Friday.)

Frog took shelter--not wanting to get wet? 

 

Watching and Waiting

A pleasant and meditative occupation is sitting on the front porch and watching the rain dance across the landscape.  Sometimes it reaches us; this time it didn't.

I waited, hoping for a rainbow.  A rainblob formed over the property where the Copper Beech I wrote about is and I waited some more.

At last it came, arching across the sky. 

Perhaps there's a pot of gold under that Copper Beech . . ,

Raining Like One Thing (as Miss Birdie would say)

Thankful for Petrichor

After a few of the hottest days of the summer, I am immensely happy for some blessed rain . . . and for the wonderful smell (petrichor) it makes as it hits the dry earth.

The Joy of Rain on a Hot Day

The air so thick that

Every breath is a struggle

And then the clouds burst

And glorious rain 

Bespatters the goldfish pool,

Lures a sunflower

To lean out and bathe,

Refreshing its dusty face

In the cooling shower.

Virtue Rewarded

Yesterday the temps hit 80 -- ten degrees hotter than normal. And it was dry -- but it was time to plant the tomatoes -- about 48 of them -- one tier of San Marzanoa for sauce and another tier of Beefsteaks, Cherokee Purples, Brandywines, Cherry, German Striped, and Yellow Pear.

Tomatoes set out and watered and the first run of baling twine in place (to deter the dogs from running over the little plants.)

And then, though the skies were darkening and thunder was rumbling is the distance, I went on to water the rest of the beds --  too often it looks like rain but doesn't deliver.

Back to the house at 6 to shove a turkey breast in the oven to roast for supper. 

Then came the rain -- the glorious rain! John and I sat on the porch, enjoying the sound and smell and lovely coolness. 

Such a blessing -- to have the garden really well watered, and to know that the pastures will be growing . . .

Every drop is appreciated. . .

.

And celebrated'

It went on for a good long time -- and we got over three-quarters of an inch.

And there was a rainbow . . .

It's a fine feeling, to sit in a rocking chair on the porch, sweaty and dirty and tired . . .

 And  be treated to such a show.