March Rains

The rain has fallen relentlessly today and though it’s not really cold outside, the chill is there and magnified as it partners with the dampness. A good day to be inside with a good book and a steaming pot of tea.

Ralph and Chelsea put off their business as long as they can on these types of days, knowing that the light incessant mist will drench them before they can finish and run back to the porch or, if the drops are bigger, they will bear the humiliation of the dreaded yellow slickers. Either way – they lose. I noticed Chelsea left her little package right in the middle of the front walk this morning – no wading into the spring-high wet grass for her. How nice it must be to have a human following you around with a scoop.

I stood under the eaves this morning with my cup of coffee cradled in my hands for warmth, wrapped tightly in my old grey cotton sweatshirt-type jacket as I watched them both parade around looking for today’s prime spot. No raincoats this morning as there was just the very gentle but solid mist we enjoy in this part of the world. I found myself smiling as I listened to the birdcalls – I don’t know if the birds sing in the rain anywhere else, but they certainly do here on Puget Sound. This mornings tunes were happy ones – they were happy that mating season is here and the bird feeders were full. Happy the evil feline from next door hasn’t been around lately and it’s been several weeks since we’ve experienced a hawk attack. They made me smile.

I checked the Bleeding Heart and yes, it is under direct and severe attack from the Mighty Pacific Northwest Slug! Somehow it survives and flourishes in spite of the forces of nature. The maple trees are budding out and other little green heads are pushing up through the soil to be washed clean by gentle raindrops.

I made many mental notes of yardwork which needs to be accomplished in the upcoming weeks. I’ve never been one to dive into gardening in February and early March as I really should. It’s the sun and warmth that draw me outside and neither is in evidence right now. I’ll get into fast gear in a few weeks.

Walking back into the house I was greeted by the heady smell of chicken stock which has been simmering on the back burner since early morning and where it will continue to do so until early evening. Then it will be strained and put in the fridge to solidify in order to be defatted tomorrow and then transformed into a wonderful minestrone for dinner. The aroma of the simmering pot is almost as enjoyable as the dinner will be.

Today I am thankful for many things…among them are two little dogs, some happy birds, a yawning garden and a simmering pot of chicken stock.