Thunder

We woke up this morning to a day we knew would be hot. I had to wash our sheets and mattress cover because it was so hot last night it felt like a steambath. It wasn't so much hot today as it has just been sticky. Bugs seem to be attracted to our pale skin as tho' we were covered in honey. Those little black rings that you stick on a stand and light are our salvation outside. That and repellent.

Anyway, it's now afternoon and the clouds are rushing by and the thunder seems to be everywhere. It's all above the clouds right now so we haven't seen lightning. Usually the thunder is to the south of us, heading towards Guatemala. Today it's to the north, heading the same direction. The thunder sounds from horizon to horizon with huge, deep resounding rolls. First soft, then loud bouncing all around. This probably sounds crazy, but we both love it. Of course, we are concerned about a hit on or near us, but it makes me smile to feel that nature still has the upper hand. Makes me hope that we're not totally screwing up the environment. A project we must address soon is to put up a lightning rod to direct a lightning strike away from the solar. For the time being, if it seems close, we just throw the breakers from the array. That probably wouldn't stop all the damage, but might protect the inverter.

I used to be afraid of thunderstorms, like so many children. All the things you had to be aware of. Water, standing under a tree, don't touch the doorhandle of the car and many more worries. It seems like a hundred years ago that Art & I were backpacking in Montana with my brother and his wife, Jan and other friends. We were above timberline on huge rocks, with packs on our backs full of supplies to keep us for a couple of weeks. Fishing poles, tent stakes, pans, etc. The clouds boiled over our heads and the lightning was everywhere. There was no place to run so we piled our packs way to the side and huddled together and prayed that we'd be ok. The surprising thing was watching the lightning and listening to the thunder. When there's nothing you can do, it can relieve you of worry and allow you to appreciate the wonder of it all. Of course, we were all fine and continued on our way to a lovely time in the incredible Montana mountains. Since then, I actually enjoy the rumble and roar and appreciate the coolness that these storms bring.

Yes, it's starting to get cooler here with a little breeze. No rain so far, so will have to take my rinse water out to the garden to water my tomatoes. In a way, I do feel like a pioneer.