“Welcome to Seattle!” “Rain, rain, go away…” “Will it ever stop?” The questions, comments and frustrations have echoed through our state and community for over a week. Most outdoor activity has come to a halt and rain boots and slickers are selling off the racks. Local weather forecasters promise that by the time you read this article the sky will be sunny and the temperatures in the high 60’s to low 70’s. Let’s hope they’re correct.
As flooding continues in much of our state, there will be ample opportunities to support our fellow Montanans. Just take a quick walk around town and you will find someone talking about the flood of ’64. The memories, while devastating, always end with stories of neighbors helping each other out through that tough time. Similar opportunities to aid those in need this year will spring up and create new stories to share with the next generation.
Closer to home and much less dire, these days of rain have caused normally manicured yards to more closely resemble that of vacant lots devoid of even the least bit of care. Side roads are flooded and rural driveways are thick with muddy gumbo.
The constant drizzle has forced my over-grown potted vegetables to remain nestled against the house gingerly protected from the driving wind and wetness. And, of course, the white linoleum in the kitchen has been a constant shade of mud boot gray.
The kids have enjoyed puddle hopping in parking lots and testing the depth protection of their latest rain boots. While I feel for the teachers who have to entertain during indoor recess and reschedule outdoor field trips, these cloudy days sure make us appreciate even a few hours of sunshine.
And, while too much rain can certainly damage infrastructure and ruin one’s plans for abundant crops, there is always a silver lining behind those ominous clouds. Winter wheat is well on its way swaying in thick green waves. The well soaked earth makes for messy, yet thorough and efficient, weeding.. The cold weather veggies will have record growth once the sunshine returns and maybe, just maybe, the effects of a long drought will be quelled.
People joke about our Montana weather, but in truth, it’s no joke. We never know what will be coming our way. All we can do is accept it and learn from it. I have certainly learned that Seattle will never be on my relocation list. I have also learned that constantly mopping up muddy floors is not my highest priority.
As English writer, John Ruskin puts it, “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” Now that’s a Montana perspective.
