It has been raining since early last night and according to the forecast will continue to rain for days. We need the rain, certainly, but knowing it’s going to be here for a while has made me realize some things:
- I’ve truly become spoiled after living in this temperate climate for thirty-two years. I grew up on the East Coast, proud of its very defined four seasons, and spent plenty of time sweating through humid summers and digging cars out of snow and ice-filled winters. I can honestly say I don’t miss them.
- Still, I take for granted sometimes just how much of the year our weather here makes this lifestyle–one I really do love–possible. For the large majority of days, we have sun and moderate temps that make doing regular activities possible without a lot of fuss. Walks, grocery shopping, taking the car into the shop–nothing creates a “Crap, I gotta go out into that mess” type of reaction. Love it.
- Saturday I did some ‘rain-disaster’ planning! I knew the rain and wind would start today, so I did all my “Sunday” chores yesterday–trash, recycling, and compost bins filled and taken outside the garage for pickup Monday, for example. I even did some grocery shopping to ensure I had my favorites before the ‘deluge’ started. (Seriously?)
This morning I got up, put on really comfy clothes, and realized I was looking forward to the cloudy, rainy day. With the rain prescribing different types of possibilities from the usual, I began constructing my day in my mind with a smile. The rain would keep me from going on long walks as I usually do. (All of you Seattle readers, don’t laugh!) I could snuggle up on the sofa with Simba and a hot cup of cappuccino to watch some recorded show and NOT think about how I should be doing something outside to celebrate the great weather. I could catch up on some writing projects I’ve either put off or have been struggling with because of an elusive muse.
I could deep clean the house.
Wait! Where the hell did THAT come from? DELETE!
So as I sit here at my desk, listening to the rain, watching the squirrels and birds continue their daily routine regardless of the weather, and watching Simba’s go upstairs to assume the position under the fluffy blanket on my bed, I’m smiling. Rain or shine, I love where I live!
I think I’ll make another small cappuccino before I check out some recorded shows. Or maybe I’ll write a short story. I might get more painting done in the bathroom. OMG! I might sit for a focused while and READ a book!
Yeah! That’s what I’ll do!
So please excuse me, but I need to go now. I’m really busy.