Home {right now}

The weather has been wet the last few days.  I, for some reason, pictured in my head sunny, garden tilling weather going into this week, but Tuesday night an awesome storm with nonstop thunder and lightning, high winds and rain came through and since then the weather has been misty and drizzly.  I love it.  Don't get me wrong, I love those sunny days too, but the rain is very welcome and maybe even still a novelty in my mind.  I appreciate how it makes the green in the forest stand out, can almost hear the grass growing and the wildflowers getting ready to wake up, and you can't beat seeing the songbirds play in the puddles.  Last night I tried to capture, somewhat unsuccessfully, how beautiful the rain, the evening light, and dark grey storm clouds hovering over the trees appeared.  When I took the picture frogs were singing at an unbelievable volume and intermediately a trumpeter swan let out a honk or a loon sang its trill call.

I've been thinking a lot about home lately.  Overall, I am glad that I went this route--living out here on at my parents' place.  I'm a very independent person, and there is a stigma in Western culture about living with one's parents.  Letting it all go, being thankful for a safe spot to regroup, and simply enjoying where I am has been a process since last September or so.  Being around my parents also took some getting use to, but we both kind of march to our own drum and are able to do our own thing for the most part.  It is beautiful out here, I enjoy walking through or just simply watching my home's surroundings.  Honestly, I have felt kind of "homeless" to a certain extent, but have recently begun to be thankful for where I am now and embrace it as home.  Home has changed several times over the years, but this is home right now, and I'm at peace and embracing it as late spring unfolds and summer begins.

I'm ready to have a permanent spot, but it will be here soon.  This place is a good "prepping" spot for it all the way around.

Welcome Rainy Sunday

Rain started late last evening.  I was watching Ken Burn's The Roosevelts while designing the new garden and enjoying one of my last mugs of lemon balm tea before I collect a new stash this season when the tap-tap began on the roof.  It continued through the night and into the early morning.  By the time I poured my first cup of coffee the wild ducks were splashing on ponds and Canadian geese were frisking around in the field out front of the house and the peaceful tapping made all right with the world.  Steady, misty showers persisted through the day and gunmetal gray filled the landscape except in a few spots.  Walking out in the soft showers with Jewel felt wonderful--Spring seems so sweet this year for some reason, and any sign of it is very appreciated.  The moss on the oak tree on the property I put an offer on stood out in vivid orange green splendor after soaking in a fresh batch of moisture.

Then the grass, although short and stubby still, fills my eyes with green.  It's no longer just growing in the sunniest places, but everywhere.  I'm hopeful that it will continue to rain through the night, because selfishly I just like it, but more importantly the moisture is very needed.  The clouds are sagging towards the ground, so the likelihood is promising.  I'm looking forward to the first true thunderstorm.  I have my fingers crossed for another rainy morning.

Cold Front Blowing In

Low of 46* tonight--it's not going to get below 90* overnight down in The Valley where I was not so long ago and where school will be starting in another week...I love Northern Minnesota.

All of a Sudden

A little more sun goes a long ways...is it really almost spring?  Suddenly it seems so!

Granted, spring does mean something different up here than some other places.  Before there are bees buzzing and lilacs blooming, snow has to melt and then mud has to form.  All very essential steps in the whole process I remind myself.  It was not very long ago that I was actually envious of other's winters. As they mourned another snowstorm or another grey day I secretly wished I was there instead of my 70* flip-flop weather desert climate.  And, even though Spring is eagerly anticipated, I find myself still loving the grey wash to the sky and the fact that I need a heavy coat and gloves.  Will I find myself even loving the mud and slush?  Time will tell...

Fall Any Way I Can Get It

Went up to Flag to experience a taste of fall...is always a bit fascinating going from the desert to the mountain in such a short span of time.  It never gets old!

No Rain, Just Dust

Substantial winds yesterday afternoon with lightning and a promising dark sky, but it delivered mostly just dust.  Have some picking up and rinsing off to do.

Battening Down

Wind tonight at a constant 35-45 mph.  I put the rabbits to bed with some extra hay and their tarp covering secured down.  I will be waking up around 1:00 to make sure all is well and they aren't being blown to bits and getting wet.  We don't get weather much, but when it comes it does, but I do believe they'll be fine.  Maybe some rain drops tonight as well, maybe.  This here is Cupid, who has gotten quite friendly.  Watering the garden was exhilarating with the gust.  A lot of water blew back during the process so that my jeans were thoroughly soaked by the time it was all dampened down.