Which arrived in force today, though for how long no one can say. But today was glorious. Big, fluffy white clouds way over there on the horizon (instead of right overhead tipping down rain), spacious blue skies, a warm breeze and the sun soaking everything. It was the kind of day when everyone – EVERYONE – is outside. Boats were zooming along the river, people were out walking with dogs and children, anyone silly enough (or lucky enough) to have a convertible had the top down and was out for a drive, bikes were being ridden in abundance about the place.
There is something about a sunny day here. It is hard not to smile. It is hard to be anything but upbeat and happy. The sun is back. Finally. Days like this I understand the fervor of ancient religions and the sun. Growing up in the desert as I did, the sun was something I took for granted. It was the rain that brought me out, the rain that propelled me, fascinated, to stand just out of it’s reach and watch as water fell from the sky. Living in San Diego, sun was a given. Even on the gray days of June Gloom, you were pretty sure that by late afternoon you were going to see blue and gold if you looked upward. But here? We don’t take it for granted. Here I find myself drawn out of my abode and into the outside.
This brings some of its own problems along for the ride. Because everyone wants to be outside, any venue that is outside is going to be swarmed. Even well after the lunch hour any place with outdoor seating will be full. Hosts look fearfully at you as they ask “inside or patio?” cringing to tell you that outside will be a 40 minute wait. The Zoo will be crammed with families, the parks will be full of picnickers and sun worshipers, the outdoor malls will be crowded and bustling. Traffic to and from these places will be frustrating and slow. It is a given.
And yet, as mentioned above, it is hard not to smile even in the midst of the traffic jams, the people, the bustle. Because the sun is out. Who knows how long it will be here, so get out and enjoy – who knows, it might just to rain tomorrow.