It was a rainy June. And it looks like it’s going to be a rainy July. After so long being restricted to our homes, having our few months of sunshine replaced by soggy soil is a bit of a bummer. But, until weather systems respond to our feelings (I’m hopeful that someone is working on this!), we may as well find a way to enjoy it. Here are some things you can enjoy about all this precipitation.
The Skies
Yes, most of us would prefer a cloudless sky right now. However, there is extraordinary beauty in our big prairie skies when it rains. If you don’t follow Mike Sobel of Global News on Facebook, you might want to check out collection of viewer photos he posts. Awesome lightning, powerful clouds, and inspiring rainbows are enough to make you appreciate the wet grass.
The Smell
Did you know there is a word for the smell of rain? It’s called petrichor. And, truly, it is worth the price of admission. Find yourself in an area with lots of clover when it is humid and lightly sprinkling, and I swear – you will forget all about your dreams of the beach.
The Puddles
You know when you are walking on the sidewalk in your work clothes and a giant truck drives in the gutter puddles and splashes you? Those are bad puddles. But the ones where you grab a kid (preferably one you know) and a pair of galoshes and go on an adventure? Those are the good puddles. And really, no kid is necessarily required.
The Gardening
If you have a garden, weeding in these conditions is a dream. Everything easily slides out, right down to the root, which is incredibly satisfying. You also don’t have to remember to water your plants (and no need to waste any water on the lawn). And bonus – free pets. They may be slugs, but they still count if you put a collar on them.
The Breathing
Remember last year, when we had those few days in early summer where everything was dark and eerie during the day because the smoke from the forest fires was so bad? That was terrible. With all this rain across Alberta, there are exactly zero out-of-control fires burning, and that’s a good thing. I know some people are struggling with flooding, and I don’t mean to minimize that damage, but being able to breathe is wonderful.
Luckily, we have had small bursts of sunshine and warmth. So, go out and enjoy those days to the fullest. But when it rains, remember to enjoy that too.