This year it was two days late, leaving the big rodeo performances in Prescott dry as dust.
And hot.
But now the skies are darkening in the late afternoon and the sound of thunder can be heard.
Some menfolk used to say thunder was the sound of God bowling and lightning was when he scored a strike.
At least that was what they said when we were impressionable kids.
But yesterday the first drops of rain in this monsoon season began to fall here in Arizona.
Today at about the same time, it is happening again.
I've told this story before many times so forgive me if you've read it before.
When we moved from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Phoenix in 1972, we arrived at a KOA Campgrounds on the north side of the city at just about exactly this time of year.
It was hot.
Very, very hot.
That evening I was in the small store when suddenly everyone ran outside.
Customers and employees alike.
I asked someone what was happening.
"It's raining!", he or she shrieked.
I then learned that it had been over 100 days since the last rainfall in Phoenix.
Since that day 56* years ago I have been known to dance in the rain on more than one occasion myself.
And to repeat the mantra of my fellow desert residents.
"Bring it on!"
*Okay, okay, so my math skills have gone to hell. Make that 46 years ago.
*Okay, okay, so my math skills have gone to hell. Make that 46 years ago.
Good rain for all.
ReplyDeleteSteve
Even without a drought, a nice rainy day is sometimes a welcome change.
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ReplyDeleteWhat do the womenfolk say about thunder? Or are they they lightening specialists?
My parents used to tell me about the angels bowling! I still didn't like it and still don't!
ReplyDeleteYou all need that moisture. Hope you get a soaking.
ReplyDeleteAt the sound of thunder, Hick used to tell our boys, "Tater wagon just turned over!" I have no idea where he heard that one. He didn't have any saying for the lightning.
ReplyDeleteIt seems you need it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I remember those monsoons sweeping through Phoenix-Scottsdale area — powerful loud thunder and lightning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief it must be when the rain starts to fall. It's starting to feel a bit like Arizona around here! We haven't had rain in many, many weeks.
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