We went from this
(above pic by yours truly, Patti Diener)
TO THIS! (Above picture and next were provided at Lake County Awareness Group).
It’s amazing to me the cycles we go through living here in Lake County. I should be use to it. I’ve lived here since I was three, (those who know me know how many years THAT IS, without stating my age). But these last two fire seasons were so horrendous that I know we desperately needed the precipitation. I think we are good now folks!
If you are at all familiar with Nixle Notifications, I have to tell you, I’m really tired of hearing the chiming of my phone! Alarms are going off regularly telling me of more and more road closures, mud slides, and flooding conditions in ours and surrounding counties. Thanks to the rain gods, but I think we could use a little break now.
When the kiddos I work with at my school complain about being held in for yet another rainy day recess, I just say, “Well think of how great the lakes, rivers, and creeks will be this summer for swimming!” I don’t tell them that I am just as tired of dreary days as they are because I’m trying to practice gratitude.
Staying positive days on end without sunshine can be difficult but I’ve become more faithful in taking my vitamin D and tell myself it’s a good thing. We’ve needed this rain. But it DOES seem like here in Northern Cali, it’s been feast or famine!
What we need
is a better balance. When it comes to Mother Nature, it’s more about what we GET instead, that we have to deal with. So when I turn on the TV and see news of other states getting hammered with tornadoes and other extreme weather, I realize there probably isn’t anywhere truly beautifully weather balanced. There is always some kind of trade off, no matter where you live.
For us, living in Northern California, we get drought, flooding, life changing fires, and sometimes even earthquakes. We also get some of the most beautiful springtime wildflowers, memorable summer nights, and spectacular sunsets! We have the ocean, the valleys and the mountains. It’s a trade off, like I said, and for some like me, it’s still worth it.
(Above pics taken by me, Patti Diener)
I understand this flooding has been postponing some much needed ground work for those wishing to rebuild their lives and homes here in Lake County after both of the Valley and Clayton Fires. For them, my heart goes out to you! There will be light, like today. We are going to see a better time with hope, and peace. But if you are having trouble seeing your light, know I am praying for you.
Enjoy this weather break today, and walk out into the sunshine! Believe you can and you will find some peace. That is my hope for you all today.
