Tag: weather

Here we go again

annebower

This is the view from my north-facing kitchen window with a photo of a previous year’s great fall colors. The trees this year have not reached their peak, but each day brings a new layer of color. Our weather has been so perfect–cool, dry, sunny. Once again I experience the sensation of wishing I could send the weather, the trees, all the benefits of Vermont to others whose lives are troubled by strife. It’s a big ol’ bad ol’ world out there.

One feels so helpless in the face of climate change, anti-democratic actions, wars, earthquakes and floods. I guess we have to believe that our little contributions make some kind of differencc–whether writing postcards to encourage folks to vote or donating money to causes in which we believe, taking part in protest movements, writing notes to our senators and representatives, or volunteering with area nonprofits. Being well-informed and sharing ideas with friends and family members makes a difference too.

One drop at a time fills the glass.

A vibrant autumn landscape showcasing trees with bright orange, red, and yellow foliage under a clear blue sky, with a grassy foreground and utility poles in the distance.

Rain

annebower

Many years ago, I lived in Ireland for close to three years, so people–I know rain.

When my mother came to visit us, her response to the weather was, “If I lived here, I’d grow moss on my north side”! ( By the by–that idea that moss grows on the north side of trees isn’t true–moss is opportunistic and will grow most anywhere it finds the damp conditions it prefers.)

In Dublin where we first lived, and out in Corofin, County Clare, where we eventually spent our last 9 months overseas, there were “soft days” when the rain was just a mist and your heavy woolen sweater and a hat kept you dry enough. Other days were “spitting”–not awful, but annoying. When the rain got heavier it was “punishing,” “pissing,” “hammering,” and of course, folks talked of “buckets” of rain as well. Rain was simply a condition of life.

So as we’ve had this series of Vermont rainy days, I’ve tried to take on an Irish attitude and not let a bit of rain keep me indoors all the time. And look at how green the landscape has grown with all the moisture. Why, you might think you were in the Emerald Isle itself!