Sun

You don't realize how much sunshine improves your attitude until you've been deprived of it. Of course, this is an on-going conversation in the Pacific Nortwest, but usually not in the summer.

We live in a rainforest. According to the meteorological definition. Interestingly, in the microclimate that is our homestead, we get several more inches of rain and snow each year then they do 3 miles away in town. So, we are used to rain, and we appreciate it deeply, but not in the summer.

Our summers are usually dry and warm. No rain for 2 months. Our grass goes brown and dormant, I have to water the veggie garden diligently, and even the established fruit trees appreciate a long drink from the hose by early August -- just like everywhere else.

Not this summer. Our summer was a lot of rain, interspersed with days in the 90-100s. We went from chaulky white to sunburnt, then back to putting on our warm clothes and considering a fire in the woodstove. Usually our resevoirs are full in the spring and early summer from snow melt in the mountains, then low at the end of summer and early fall. This year they were low through spring and summer, because it didn't warm up enough in the mountains to melt the snow. Now the resevoirs are full when they should be empty, and it's snowing again in the mountains.

Meanwhile, we are having a couple of weeks that feel like summer in the heart of the day (still 48 at night and early morning), with sun, occassional puffy clouds, and 75-80 degree days. I can't tell you how lovely it is.

The rain is expected to start in 2 weeks ... and end in about June.

Today I am grateful for:
* working from home on a sunny day.
* my property, which with a lot of hard work, could allow us to live self-sufficiently.

What I am doing today to take care of myself:
* I have scheduled myself to work until 3, then will finish up my day outside, relaxing in the garden, and maybe doing some yardwork (for fun, not obligation).