Relative Something

*this* John W. Hays' take on things and experiences

Posts Tagged ‘rain shower

Temporary Relief

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In the predawn hours yesterday morning, I emerged from a deep sleep to notice the sound of raindrops landing on surfaces. I then dropped back into the best of early-morning snoozing, hearing the blessed chorus of a prolonged shower of life-giving water in the back of my mind.

This morning, it was nice to see two raincoats hanging on the coat rack inside the front door.

One of our rain gauges collected a half-inch; the other, less so. Certainly better than nothing, but really only a tease of what is needed for the health of everything growing outdoors.

It’s not often that I find myself drawn to taking a picture of water flowing out of the downspout. It made me a really happy guy in the moment.

Elysa came for a sleepover yesterday and captured a shot of Asher and me showing our joy over the refreshing rain has carried into this morning.

I’m not asking for much. Just a rain shower every so often to lighten the mood. A little comic relief from the ongoing struggles of enduring all the catastrophic events happening on a cooking planet.

It’s important to smile while you can.

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Written by johnwhays

August 30, 2026 at 9:35 am

Posted in Chronicle

Tagged with , , , , , ,

Unexpected Shower

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Since the threat of rain had passed yesterday afternoon, Cyndie and her mom invited all the Wildwood members up to our place for a little cocktail hour gettogether on the deck. Before company showed up, Cyndie and I enjoyed a swim in the lake that felt a bit like it might be our last soak of the summer.

Soon after, chips, dips, veggies, and heated appetizers were set out along with plates, napkins, chairs, and seat cushions for the ultimate social gathering. Everyone arrived and conversation flowed delightfully for over half the anticipated duration of the visit.

Then, the sky darkened considerably and a sprinkle of drops fell from the cloud. Plenty of comments were made about the unanticipated probability of precipitation. This wasn’t what we expected for the evening.

Maybe it would pass without significance.

Nope. Suddenly the shower nozzle opened up and watered everything in an instant. Everyone grabbed something in each hand and scampered back and forth to the protection of the porch until all the food and gear were brought inside.

Like any good social gathering, conversations picked up right where they left off. Of course, then the sunshine reappeared and, though wet, the great outdoors was simply gorgeous once again.

Mid-sentence of someone’s interesting story, there was an interruption with the alert: “Rainbow!”

Yes. Yes, there was a rainbow out there now. The widest and most brilliantly vivid rainbow I had ever witnessed.

Most everyone dashed out for a view beyond the trees and phone cameras came out en masse. Cyndie provided this shot for my use.

I stayed on the deck to watch with confidence there were enough cameras capturing the spectacle that I would be able to borrow a shot from someone. Thank you, Cyndie.

After most folks decided the rainbow excitement created a convenient opportunity to head back to all of their respective evening meal plans, we started putting things away. I went down the deck stairs to return a table and chairs to storage and discovered the rainbow was still visible.

Now it was reflecting off the water, too. I took some pictures of my own. A different version of a “double rainbow.”

So, our little party got washed out early, but at least the woodshed shingles project was completed well in advance of the surprise rain shower and no firewood was dampened by the minor deluge.

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Written by johnwhays

September 5, 2021 at 9:11 am