Wet

I love the joy in this picture. The concentration on the child's face. He is completely absorbed in having fun. 

How do you feel about rain? Is it something that ruins your plans? Catches you unawares and soaks you through? Wets all that washing that was almost dry? Runs down the back of your neck?

Or is it a chance to jump in puddles? 

Dog days of (summer)

Here in the southern hemisphere the dog days of summer are both a distant memory and a future hope as we endure the winter months. 

I long for the time when I will exchange the wriggling of my toes in the sheepskin interior of my Ugg boots for the feeling of sand between my toes on a summer’s evening walk on the beach. 

For when the sound of rain on the tin roof will cause me to throw open all the doors and windows to allow the cool breeze to flow through the house and chase away the heat, bringing the temperature down to a balmy 35℃, rather than have me running to the back garden to bring in all the washing. Again.

For the time when I will be able to do four loads of washing and have them all dry before lunchtime and bring them in from the washing line smelling of sunshine and holding as much heat as if I had just ironed them.

For turning a corner and being greeted by an avenue of riotous purple jacaranda trees looking like something from a Dr. Seuss story.

For the time when I won’t have to mow the lawn.

For early morning walks before the heat of the day sets in.

For visits to the beach where I can stand on the jetty and watch the dolphins frolicking just feet away.

For the vast blue sky that remains unclouded for weeks at a time.

The same blue that it is today.

Maybe - just maybe - spring is on the way.