Happy, Rainy Valentine's Day

"Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life." ~ John Updike






We have enjoyed so much sunshine over the past three weeks here in Tiburon that the rain on Valentine’s Day isn’t unwelcome. I like the rain. There is something very soothing about sitting in our warm home, watching and listening to the rain as it nourishes the trees and plants outside. Even through the rain, I can see the beauty of the nature surrounding this wonderful place. There is this tree right outside our back deck that has blossomed over the last few weeks with little pink buds and petals as I think it was tricked into thinking that spring had come early. It bloomed so quickly that I swear if I sat and watched it for a while, I would be able to see the flowers opening before my eyes like a high speed camera shot. It is so dainty and lovely.

There are woods right off our backyard with a path that runs from the Audubon Sanctuary all the way down to the beach. Parents pass by with their children and teachers with their students. Henry’s outside-bed has a perfect view of the woods and he is often out there for hours watching the birds, the cats and other critters that roam on the other side of the fence. He longs to be out there, too. I do take him for walks back there (even though I do not think dogs are supposed to be on that path) and I am not sure he even realizes it is the very same place he sees from his view off the deck.

The trees grow sideways in these woods. I love trees and so pleased that we are surrounded by so many. I took a photo (below) of some of the sideways trees. They are surrounded by other trees that have little white blossoms and ivy that seems to sprout from their trunks. I need to enlighten myself so I must buy a tree book and a bird book.

Today, Henry lay in his bed, staring out into the woods beyond the backyard fence with longing. He thinks he may not get his walk today because it is raining. But, he may be wrong today. After living in San Diego – where it rarely rains – I did not own a lot of rain gear. But, now that I am in the Bay Area – where the rain is a frequent event, I armored myself with a new umbrella, raincoat, rain hat and even rain boots! Lucky for Henry, I am ready to weather the storm! As for Walter, he does not like to go out in the rain as I think he expects wind and thunder and lightning to accompany it and that spooks him. Maybe if I get him a raincoat, too, he will take the plunge. We’ll see.

Henry - longing to go out in the rain

Walter - staying out of the rain

It also doesn’t hurt that the Academy Awards are coming up because there are plenty of former Oscar winning movies on TV and a rainy day is a perfect day for indulging.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my boys and to all of you, too!