Rambling between Rains

Last week, close to 9 inches of rain washed in to our consciousness why insurance companies are hesitant to cover second homes. If you aren't at home, you are less likely to be able to correct any systems before they fail.

We didn't flood. But it was startling to look up and see water lapping across the brick patio. So much rain pounded with so much intensity for so long that debris clogged recently checked drains.

So out in his raincoat, my husband, aka my hero, went out with hoe and turned the tide back away from us.




Mr. Muddy isn't in my tub. He was found at the end of Oregon Sue's morning missive, which led to the discovery of a site filled with darling pet images ready to caption.

When it rains, California functions differently than most of the nation. We are more likely to stay at home. But friends sending images keep us from being locked down. Sandy in Beaumont, courtesy of Oregon Sue, sent this image of mountains thickly frosted with snow.

Trisha Bowler shares the glorious winter sky. It is just as majestic as when fire swept the hillsides, but the leap the heart makes at the site is from a different direction.

Mark Twain opined

“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.”

Last week, it was good to have laughter. In her hospital room, my husband shared with his mother this darling little You Tube clip Pigeon Impossible http://pigeonimpossible.com/.

Her giggling took me back to when dear friend Sharon Shepherd, who as cancer was stealing her from us, recommended Patch Adams: the Robin Williams movie about the healing properties of laughter.

All prayers go out to the people of Haiti- to the first responders and the families who support the efforts of the good people called to help in disaster. Until they can all laugh again, please consider a donation to Direct Relief International, Project Hope, Feed the Children or your favorite charity there. May God grant that from the unstable ground, Haiti may rise like Lazarus from the dead.

http://ihasahotdog.com/ will link you to pet pictures to caption.

The relief agencies are easily found on the web. Just copy and paste the name which
interests you. Prepared to be awed by what individuals in this greatest of nations are capable of organizing and donating.