We’re about to go into our collective California weather
funk.
”
Man, it’s been raining forever
”
…
”
The kids are going house crazy
”
…
”
I haven’t been able to play golf for weeks
”
…
”
Why can’t it rain during the week while I’m inside at work?
”
We’re about to go into our collective California weather funk. “Man, it’s been raining forever” … “The kids are going house crazy” … “I haven’t been able to play golf for weeks” … “Why can’t it rain during the week while I’m inside at work?”
OK, it’s time for an attitude adjustment. Let’s chill out (good term for winter) and consider the benefits of gray skies and stormy weather.
The creeks are making happy sounds. The hills are turning green. The trees are having a long drink after the sweltering end to autumn. The reservoirs are filling, and the groundwater table is rising again.
Gear up and go for a walk. The sounds of rushing water should be music to our ears … the ducks have taken refuge in Uvas Creek, and there will be no drought this summer when the car needs washing and the plants need watering.
There’s an economic benefit, too, just think of all the water you’re saving because the lawn and the landscaping haven’t needed irrigating for weeks.
And the rainy days over the holidays probably forced a bit more family time – either a long board game or shared laughter over a DVD like “Napoleon Dynamite.”
For farmers, the rain and the cold are blessings. Crops like cherries need both to produce an abundant harvest that will translate into sweet fruit for sale at the roadside stands this summer.
In the not-too-distant future, we will be lamenting the heat and the 100-degree days. Meanwhile, take it easy on the roads: it’s wet out there. Enjoy the sound of rain on the roof and remember that the sweet blossoms of spring are only a couple of months away.
