We’ve had a hot, dry beginning to summer here in this little part of Iowa. Hot and dry enough that I’ve been watering all of my outdoor potted plants at least once a day. Hot and dry enough that large sections of grass in my lawn were starting to turn completely brown and crunch when I walked on them. I’m not one who cares about keeping a perfect lawn–I don’t love dandelions because they look so scraggly for a few weeks, but I welcome the clover and violets, and I’ve always looked at dry spells as an opportunity to not mow for a week or two, so I’ve never watered my lawn. But this drought was getting to the point that I thought even the corn and soybeans in the fields surrounding where I live were going to shrivel up and die.
But last night and today we finally got some rain. Luckily, it didn’t come with any severe weather here. Just a little thunder and a warm, nourishing rain. I don’t have my rain gauge out yet (I hadn’t thought about it because it hasn’t been raining), but my dad said we got 3/10 of an inch last night. And then this evening we had a deluge that lasted for several minutes–I’m not sure how much we got then, but I’m sure it was also a significant, measurable amount. And just like that, it feels like a new day.
I got to take a day off from watering everything outside, and it came at a good time because today was a busy one filled with my run, going to the store, preparing food, and spending the afternoon with a group of about 20 family members celebrating Father’s Day, all of whom (except one, who is too young) are fully vaccinated. Last night, The Bearded One and I volunteered at a Juneteenth event and then got food with a couple of (also vaccinated) people afterwards. This felt like another new day.
I know we still have a long way to go with this virus, and the positivity rate in our county has been rising again, but we’re getting glimpses of life outside of our house again. And hopefully we’re moving toward a time when this virus is no longer the same kind of threat that it has been. I have so missed exploring and experiencing new places, and a new adventure feels long overdue. I’m not sure we’re quite ready for any interstate traveling yet, but we’ll get there. And when we do, I’m sure the freedom and excitement that come with it will feel like a warm, nourishing rain. Another new day.
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