Down The Lane

Today's Joy: Risking The Rain.

Definitely a galoshes sort of day, Reader. This afternoon, I tagged along with the family & cronies on a trail ride (and drive) through the beautiful grounds at St. James Farm. The weather threatened all morning and eventually opened up to drenched us completely. But despite the literal wet blanket, it was a lovely afternoon and a great opportunity to see the property's preserved horse & dairy barns--freshly-painted in their trademark golden mustard color--as well as the ponds, woods and statuary scattered about. Everything had a deep green, misty quality about it. Driving down the lane I felt, for just a moment, what it must have been like in its heyday. Can't wait to go back and tour the rest when the sun is shining. Here are the highlights of our adventure:

Aunt has a new navigator.

The Foot Bridge at St. James Farm

Ginger, Portrait

First ride in the cart and she's a natural!

Fred & Ginger, Belgian Drafts

Aunt, Silver Poodle & Super Charge.

Grace & Smoke

Aunt Chef & Ginger

Breezy & Julie

Fred & Uncle

Wild Turkey

But I Don't Want to Wear Fly Roll-on!

My Viewpoint

Wild Turkey

Today's Joy: What the Rain Brings.
It's been gray and cold and rainy for two days now, Reader. In an effort not to mope about the lack of sunshine, I've been extra perky and wearing brightly-colored scarves. Then I noticed this afternoon that Aunt's irises are beginning to pop. So lovely! Isn't it funny how fresh, living things lift your mood? Like a little present from God. So here are a few of those just open, rain-kissed flowers in case you need a little pick-me-up too, Reader!

Photos: Aunt's Pink & Yellow Irises, Aunt's Herb Garden, May, 2010.

Today's Joy: Storm Front Coming Through.

Reader, tomorrow is the first day of May and it definitely feels like there's a change in the air. For the past few days, it's been warm and windy. The air is full of pollen and the scent of every green thing. Tonight, the last of the winter debris is blowing across the garden and there's a tornado watch for our area in northern IL. The smell of fresh rain is wafting in through the screens.

I don't care for storms. They make me nervous. I wait and watch for that green tint in the sky when things are about to get nasty. But I love the way the world is right after all the lightning, thunder and torrents of rain--soaked and scoured clean. I love the way new life explodes after a rainstorm.

Good night, Reader. Just heard the first low rumble of thunder. Can't wait to see the world tomorrow.

Photo: Skydog During A Storm Front, 2008.