Miles into our Sunday stroll we come upon an area where most of the trees are moss covered. The sun rarely shines through all the trees so this was truly a sight to behold. Sun lighting up a small patch of this moss covered tree trunk. I love it.
Don’t you?
Last night I woke up several times during the night. Most of the time, I was awake just long enough to acknowledge the sound of the rain falling on the rooftop. It was a sweet sound given the dry winter we’ve had so far. There’s no mistaking the water shortage given the state of our local reservoirs. It’s a pretty frightening sight; they’re nearly bone dry.
In years past, rainfall such as this would mean that my rain gutter would be overflowing with water and buckling where sheets of water would fall in front of the window. However, this past summer I finally installed the rain chains that Roof Guy advised me to get several years ago. First thing this morning, I rushed outside to see how my roof and gutters were doing.
My roof and gutters were fine, of course. The rain falling vigorously from the sky was such lovely sight to behold, as was the water pouring from bowl to bowl of the chain.
The weather forecast calls for rain throughout the weekend. I have back-to-back long hikes planned but I don’t care. Let it RAIN! Lord knows, we need it.
My trip to the grand canyon is getting closer. Seventy-nine days, or 11 weeks, close to be exact. Thus far, my body is cooperating nicely with me — allowing for some hilly but rather scenic hikes in the nearby hills.
Of course my preparation would not be complete without loading up my pack with stuff to simulate the physical demand I will ask of it during the grand adventure. Although initially, the extra weight leaves me feeling tired and as if I have the weight of the world on my shoulders, before long that burdensome feeling has diminished. In no time, I have the strong sense that I am more than capable enough to shoulder the given load. Like in life, we are not fully aware of just how strong and capable we truly are until life asks us to step up and make it happen.
Of course, it is always easier when one has the company of a friend. Although I am a little bummed that my original plan did not pan out as I intended, I can feel blessed that that YaYa encouraged me to invite my friend, Cindy to come along. She nabbed the last spot. I am guessing that the fact that he knew I’d be in good company made it a whole lot easier for him to back down. Easier but still not exactly easy.
The plants in my front yard are growing in a new way these days. I’ve never seen them do this before so I’m not sure if it’s normal or not. It sure looks cool though.
A closer look at the tip of this new growth makes me wonder if it will branch out in several directions from here. Either way, it’s exciting to wait and see what happens.
It’s supposed to be winter. And in winter, even in California, it is supposed to rain…sometimes. But not this winter. At least not so far anyway.
On this morning, I notice the sun lighting up the water in this water fountain. A bird lands on the top to bathe and take sips of water. For a moment, both of us are fooled into thinking that it is summer.