Rain in Texas

I grew up in Abilene. If you don't know much about Abilene that is ok, but one thing you ought to know is that it can be very, very dry. For a majority (read that most) of the time I lived there we were in a "severe drought" i.e. a desert. So for us, rain storms were the greatest thing in the world.

We had big booming thunderstorms that would roll in across the plains, sending fresh, beautiful wind out in front to announce their approach. You never forget what those storms smell like. They would come in with big towering clouds, and flashes of lighting that would steal all of the air for the split second before the thunder would hit. We would sit out on the front porch with our blankets and watch the storms at night, or run around in the rain and build dams in the gutter. Dad would load us up in the truck and we would drive around town checking the levels on the creeks (as an aside it is no wonder I get so fascinated with flooded creeks and kayaking as an adult.) Rain meant change, clean air, clean streets, and fresh starts. The world always seems happy after a big storm.

Today I am sitting at my favorite coffee shop, doing some some life-study, and watching the rain fall outside. We ate dinner with the doors open and the rain coming down. Last night while I was at blues on the green I saw these huge clouds piling up with the sunset tinting them orange. We have had a lot of rain and it is great. All of the creeks have some water in them, the lakes are up and the plants are eating it up. True, unlike Abilene, the air has been heavy with moisture, and there is lots of sweating, but it has been great and the cloudy days make everyone appreciate the sunshine that much more.

I hope you are well, eating good food, and sharing time with friends.

Peace and Love,

Mike