Celebration

The flowers, trees, grasses and the parched earth have all welcomed the much needed rain. The silent ground and struggling plants are greening darker with each rainfall. Several late winter snowstorms brought some relief to our drought, but the past few rains, especially the soaker last night and through today have turned the tide for our area ranchers, gardeners and worriers about the possibilities of devastating wildfires.

I am of the worrier group. The Alabaugh Fire of 2007 has left some permanent scars on many of us who went through that ordeal. For us, rain brings relief and hope, much as it does for those whose livelihood depends on  the fickleness of the weather. We watch the skies, hoping the clouds will open up for us and deliver respite from lengthy dryness.

As I step out the door I smell those sweet smells of clean, fresh and renewal. At last it is time for thanks, hope and welcoming a rush of summer.