We didn't make it far

Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free

~ Leonard Cohen

Five days of rain are predicted. It rained most of the night. It will rain most of the day.

But so far we have only had light showers. It comes and goes a sprinkle to short downpour, but nothing to warrant concern over our low water crossings and no real "thunder boomers" to terrify the dog.

I checked the radar map this morning, spied a gap in the storms, "geared up," grabbed Paddy, and headed to the park.

We were walking around the Sunday morning church rush, but folks weren't in a hurry - we stopped some 5 patient/courteous drivers when we crossed our busiest intersection.

We had hoped to see other creatures out dodging raindrops. We hoped to see wildflowers.

Three birds, one squirrel, and one snail later it began to rain. "Do we turn around?" I wondered. "Yes," I answered, feeling it likely that storms had developed after we left the house and that we might otherwise be stuck in someone's garage or a less happy shelter when the lightning/thunder arrived.

It rained and stopped, rained and stopped. And we got home in time for the frog choker. I had left Paddy outside briefly, but then heard the thunder in the distance. She was resting in her dog house, but did not object to coming inside.

We made it inside just before the big rumblings and startling claps began. It is POURING down at this moment. And there is more thunder off to the east.

Paddy has settled at my feet [Hobbes, that menace, has left the room - satisfied he has adequately riled the dog.  Oops, more thunder...and Paddy is up and fretting (and then trying to climb into my lap).

The storm will clear us soon, if the radar is true. But more is to arrive before long. Pets can nap and I will finish my Sunday chores.*

One of the few birds we saw. We did hear them singing all around us.

Walked under one of the beautiful old neighborhood oak trees.

The sky was grey.

Dandelion leaves have caught some raindrops.

Paddy won't settle for a snap.

The snail saw us coming and took shelter.

Storms all around and due to torment us for days. [Yes, I know we need rain. But do we need 5 days of rain?]

NOTES:

*Laundry and dishes and sweeping and such.