A sigh of relief was let out across the land by both human and plants, as we finally received the rainfall we have been needing this spring. After two plus weeks of steady go, go, go, I don’t think too many agriculture workers were complaining about the settled dust and much-needed break from the fields. A chance to recharge before the next big rush.
As the rain began to fall, moisture filled the air. It’s hard to describe in words the difference between dry, dusty versus moist, fresh, humid air. Knowing I wouldn’t get lungs full of dust and sand was enough to make me pause and inhale the thicker air full of fresh smells. No more dust flying in through the windows as you drive down the driveway; windows you wish you could close but don’t because the air conditioning doesn’t work in the good old van. Getting drenched in a warm downpour while feeding calves is a welcome shower after so many long hot, dry days.
If you were sitting at your kitchen table, looking outside during that first downpour, you probably saw everything instantly turning green! Watched the grass grow inches right before your eyes. The leaves and blossoms appeared on the trees almost magically overnight. All plants eager to open up and soak in as much rainwater as possible. A Sunday drive through the countryside with windows or tops down fills your nostrils with the sweet smell of lilac bushes, a warm breeze blowing through your hair. A beautiful way to spend a damp Sunday afternoon.
Greenhouses are full of customers, eager to buy flowers and vegetables to plant. Hours are spent outside, preparing yards, flowerbeds and gardens. The corn peeked out of the ground practically overnight and before we know it it’ll be time for the first cut of hay. A couple of really good rainfalls won’t slow our agriculture workers down for very long, but it certainly makes everything a little more relaxed for a few days.
We may complain about too much humidity during the summer, but at this time of year it is usually welcomed with smiling faces and maybe a few thankful rain dances. What we didn’t anticipate was another tornado type storm tearing across the county. A tragic turn of events for many who hoped to be enjoying the long weekend with family and friends – not picking up fallen trees, branches, and fixing damaged property. Many were extremely fortunate to have minimal damage and power outages for only a few hours. Others were not so lucky.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost animals, silos, equipment, barns, sheds and so forth during Saturdays’ storms. It was one of those instances where you see it happen to others but never expect it to happen to you. I hope everyone is able to make the repairs needed, find enough fuel and power to keep things running as smoothly as possible, and I hope we all have found, or will find, a way to lend a helping hand to any family, neighbours or even strangers who may need it.
The phrase “A million-dollar rain” can be interpreted as a positive instance, where we get the rain needed to grow our crops, gardens, and flowers, but it also can be a costly phrase. Millions of dollars can also be caused in damage. Our region has experienced both scenarios this
week.
