First Rain

I awoke to the patter of raindrops outside my bedroom window. Slowly at first, still drowsy with sleep, I tried unsuccessfully to identify the soft, steady music of it.

Almost drifting off again to the pleasant sound, it finally registered and I uttered a surprised and happy, “Oh! Rain!”

Of course, that was all it took to have blankets stirring and a sleek, black and tan face popping out from under them. Mom was up!

Rhonda’s morning ritual, as soon as she knows I’m awake (even if barely) is to throw her 13 lb self joyfully across my neck, bathing my face in morning kisses. It’s hard to believe she’s been doing this for nearly six years already.

Rhonda’s March 31st birthday has become my own personal start of spring, even though we will invariably have a few more short bursts of winter, defiantly declaring its unwillingness to quit the field.

But winter will give way. In the meantime, back to our wonderful morning rain …

Those of you who don’t live where winter blankets the world around you in stark, silent white snow for months at a time, might not understand how precious the sound of the very first rain shower of the year is. 💦☔️💦

Even the wildlife seem to appreciate the light rain. This pair of yearling moose were contentedly browsing newly uncovered twigs along the still icy driveway. The snow level had dropped by easily a foot since the rain began.

I will, of course, periodically lose my enjoyment of wet, cloudy days later in the year, but right now – it’s heavenly!! It rained off and on nearly all day. Not a heavy rain, but a gentle, continuous fall.

I cracked windows open in spite of the chill, the better to hear the welcome drips from roof to window’s ledge. I could literally see snow disappearing under the gentle pressure and [relatively] balmy 40° temperature.

Raindrops glistened like diamonds and clung to the branches of the small spruce tree next to my bird feeders, only to fall and scatter in a sparkling display of light as happy chickadees landed, causing the branches to quiver.

The first spring rain is a joyous occasion. My heart swells to bursting over the promise of spring. It’s a good day.