Day 341
As the days slip away and we slide into the middle of January … I keep wondering when WINTER will make an appearance?
Not that I want it, mind you … I’m just wondering.
If the season decides to skip us completely – you will not hear one complaint from these lips. That would be fine by me! I don’t mind the occasional snow flake … but a Midwestern winter? Um, no thanks! And yet, I’m here!
Today I heard from a friend in Naples (FL not Italy) that it was 88 degrees. It’s always warm down there in January – but this was hot, even for them. Record breaking, actually.
And, here in the Chicago area it was 44 today with 55 forecast for tomorrow. And right now? It’s raining cats and dogs!
Actually, I’m glad it’s not really raining cats and dogs because then I’d have to rescue them! But it is pouring … and the sound is music to my ears. A bit of light rain was in the forecast for tonight. This isn’t exactly light but I’ll certainly take it … it’s fabulous.
It looks like Spring. It smells like Spring. It feels like Spring. And though I know it’s not and I know that it’ll fall down to the 20’s again come early next week … I’ll take this because I’ve had Spring Fever since right after Christmas!
And though we’ve got 70 some days until Spring actually arrives … I’ll take what I can get. When I can get it.
Yesterday I raked the yard. It felt good to be outside – doing something in the yard. It made me yearn for tulips and that damp terrarium smell of springtime. My lawn was looking a bit haggard (the dogs have done a number on it) but is now getting a good soaking – maybe that will help make it look better as this rain was needed. The news casts were calling for people to water their properties this weekend as it’s been so dry and warm. No need to now. Thanks Mom Nature!
I love rain. Always have. I sit here listening to it pound the roofs and hardened ground and beat against the neighbor’s car. It’s lovely. A symphony of wonderful wetness. And I can almost convince myself that the not-so-distant rumble is thunder … and not actually the planes coming in for landing. Like I’ve said before, the airport is too close!
Anyway … I’m a rain baby. Part mermaid – that’s me. So, living in Denver (aka … a high desert) for 33 years was not my ideal location. I needed more water. More water around me. More water in the form of rain.
So, here I am. Not my ideal location either – but at least I’ve seen more rain in the last 8 months than I did in the last few years in Denver. And it’s been nice. Really, really, really nice.
Tonight is a good night. And not just because it’s raining.
I met my dear old friend for dinner. She is in town for a bit and though we haven’t lived in the same city or state for the past 38 years … we pick up every time we see each other like we had lunch last week. We are sisters of the heart.
I came home with a face ache. I haven’t laughed that much since I moved here! So, besides Spring-like rain in January, a yummy dinner and laughter with a great friend … this has been the best night!
And yet I seem to remember seeing a brownie mix in the pantry … so, I’m off to bake a batch of brownies. Hmm … the best just got better!