in the summer

each day since i have been home, i have vigilantly checked the thermostat on the kitchen window when i come downstairs in the morning.
the computerized weather readings often show monday through friday with the promise of happy clouds with the sun peeking out.
when i check back in the afternoon, the entire week is filled with angry clouds and lighting strikes down the middle.
how wonderful.

i love summer thunderstorms.











i love the way i can smell one coming long before i see the churning black and gray clouds take over the sky.
the air smells warm and full of life.
the leaves start to shake a bit, showing their white underbellies.
then in the distance, the rumble. i count until i see the first lightning strike. 1 ... 2 ... 3 ...
then the electric flash of white. 4 ... its close.
then the heavy drops of water. falling. falling. falling.
until the entire yard is drenched and eager for the happy sun and clouds the next morning will inevitably bring.

i miss having thunderstorms in california.
this summer in maryland seems full of them.