The Rainy Season That Wasn’t

A topsy-turvy year

Spring has come and gone, with the first few rains loosening the hard-packed earth for farmers to start tilling the hungry soil, then planting seeds, then praying the summer rains would arrive soon. I too looked forward to the rainy season, the transformation of the dry, pale brown countryside into a vibrant green, bringing the first corn plants springing up in the fields, watering both wildflowers and city gardens. Time to have a bit of a break from watering my little patch of grass and the surrounding collection of geraniums, roses, lavender, and more.

Rain equals life! I felt relieved as I thought of the afternoon downpours, almost daily, that arrive to cool the heat, usually highest in April and early May. Time to buy an umbrella or two; one always manages to get lost somewhere.

A handful of thunderstorms eventually bring relief, lowering the temperatures a bit. My garden no longer needs the regular attention of my hose.

Suddenly, the rains cease. The weather probs on my phone show sun, sun, only sun, only occasionally clouds, nary a drop of rain. Temperatures soar, in an area known to have a moderate climate. Friends elsewhere tell us we have no reason to complain, as thermometers soar much higher in their regions.

One week. We’ll survive. Two weeks. Impossible! When will it end? It’s rainy season, for goodness’ sake! Three weeks now.

Instead of umbrellas, the stores are running out of fans. They order new ones and they disappear quickly.

Farmers shake their heads. All that effort in vain? Some may consider a repeat of spring’s ceremonies calling for rain.

I worry about the tiny lizard trapped in my little “inside” patio. He could die of dehydration. I put out water and melon rinds. They show signs of being consumed.

As the hot wave seems unending, I decide it’s time to look at the good side:

Fewer fights with the leaks in my living room.

I’m learning to get things done early in the day, before I wilt.

More excuses to dig out my seldom-used sleeveless tops and beach dresses.

I can offer life to a tiny lizard, even if he’s too fast for me to catch and release.

I can go out to a mall, café, or store with AC to cool off, if I so desire.

Time to get my fan fixed.

Scratch that! Time to get a new fan (and hopefully get used to its whirring when I try to sleep).

Time to laugh at more of the memes that are helping us all to greet (if not beat) the heat with humor.

Time to grow in faith. The rains must come… albeit very late!