Flash, bang, clash, a heart-stopping ear-splitting crack, and a not very humble loud, grumbling rumble, the eclectic electrical storm raged in from the lakes just west, darkening the sky that only a few moments before was a white cloud-spattered azure blue.
But I’m not complaining; we need the rain no matter what cranky mood the storm so seems to muster.
The rain, the first in three weeks, came down in buckets for only a matter of minutes. Then the ricocheting bolts of lightning angled angrily to the east, and the storm settled down to a steady, off-and-on drizzle that lasted most of the morning. The immediate downpour didn’t get a chance to run off, as the thirsty soil sucked it up like a sponge sipping soft rainwater. You could almost hear the ground give a huge sigh of “releaf” the rains have finally come.
I’m looking forward to watching the grass green-up here in the rural route pastures of Markdale. It sure is going to beat watching bumpers rust on the passing cars at my former urban dwelling. I guess that dates me, doesn’t it? Bumpers are no longer made of steel.
Little did I realize the pollution I was sucking into my lungs each morning until I got away from the backed-up dioxide-spewing line impatiently awaiting entry at the nearby drive-through coffee shop? It’s now a real pleasure to wake in the morning and suck in a huge breath of fresh air that greets you at the window. I, too, get to watch the rising sun as it first streaks over the eastern tree-lined horizon each morning.
There is still a lot of action here on the home front. Seldom is there a day that someone doesn’t drop in. We often chat with the bee man, diligently checking his bee yard of 30 or more hives, which we host just over the back lane hill. This is a great benefit to our garden, as they pollinate our beans, tomatoes, berries and cucumbers, allowing each of them to crop evenly and heavily.
Often, too, we see the self-appointed, enthusiastic coyote controller as he dutifully goes back by our pond to check the movement action camera that he has placed strategically to monitor their coming and going and when. As well, a couple of groundhog hunters have been given permission to try their luck. Not too often do we have a dull moment, as courteous neighbours often drop by just to say, “Hi.”
Speaking of not-so-dull moments, I feel honoured in being asked to speak once again at the Maryborough Fall Flower Show on the evening of Aug. 28. The Little Lady and I had been there before, and we, our Greenspaces environmental group, once assisted a back-to-back-to-back birdhouse- building workshop at their school. Over 60 bluebird, tree swallow and bat houses were put together at that time by proud and smiling youngsters.
They have asked me to yak about “Good Bugs and Bad Bugs” (and I hope they’re not talking about taste). They tell me also that each and every one of my readers is certainly welcome. I’m looking forward to seeing y’all there.
Take care, ‘cause we care.
barrie@barriehopkins.ca
519-986-4105