Rainy Days and Signs of an Early Winter

Rainy Days and Signs of an Early Winter

• 8.06.2014

The rain has felt strangely comforting today.  It's not very often we get rain storms like this--the kind that last for days--here in Idaho.  I opened the window just so I could hear the pitter-patter turn into a roar and back into a soft drizzle again.  It was wonderful.  We're all cozied up today, reading books and eating warm cookies.  But when we're not doing those things, the boys insist on wearing their boots and playing in the rain.  They really enjoy splashing through the puddles on their bikes!  Yesterday, they stole pot lids and wooden spoons from my kitchen and had a joyful march.  It was cute.

I sure love living with little boys.  I can't help it; the combination of the fresh rainy smell and the happy sounds of my children make me feel content.

Speaking of weather... last week while I was visiting with the manager of the old Stricker Homestead, he mentioned that Gary the Beaver--whose dam Jed admires--was cutting trees two months earlier than usual.  "It's a sign that winter is coming early this year," the manager explained.  And I believe him.  Those animals seem to know what's up; they're better predictors of the weather than any meteorologist.  My neighbor relayed the same message from seasoned farmers he works with.  They're reading all the natural signs: winter is indeed supposed to make an early entrance.

News like this makes me feel a little bummed, of course.  I'm just hoping that if Fall has to be short, it will be spectacularly colorful.  And winter?  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be extra wet.  Ski season!

But for now, it's summer.  Sweet summertime!  There's warm sunshine just around the corner.  And you better bet your bottom dollar we'll be soaking in every last minute of it. 

^^It's raining.  It's pouring.^^

 ^^I think I want a macro lens next.  The better to see those tiny raindrops!^^