here comes the rain again

I've always been intrigued by the thought of there being greater forces at work.  I don't mean this in an awkwardly philosophical sense, but just that life seems to work itself out one way or another.  Maybe I'm just really lucky... or maybe I'm just too delicate to not try and see the bright side of things.  Either way, the spring has brought with it a sense of renewal, as it usually does, and I'm finding it a lot easier to breathe these days.

I've hiked up Kent's Ledge (the small "mountain" I live at the bottom of) a few times since the nicer weather came back.  It's about a 30-45 minute hike, depending on how fast you're trying to go.  Yesterday was the first day I made it up since the leaves came back though, and the early morning light over the mountains and sugar maples made me feel a little sappy... no pun intended.  My hiking partner Zooey came along too, and while I think she was far more interested in how she could catch a squirrel, she really seemed to enjoy the view from the top as well.

I'm worried that someday she'll charge off a cliff, but I hold out hope that she's smart enough to know when to slow down.  I also can't bear to stop her from chasing things she'll never catch... it's really entertaining.

There was a mist over the valley below that I was a little agitated about at first, but upon further observation I realized that the mist was bringing in that fresh, wet leaves smell.  I wouldn't have wanted that to go away, so the mist and I made peace.

I forgot my actual camera, although the image quality on my cell phone is surprisingly good.  

And another shot through the trees on the other side of the rock.  It was a beautiful, clear day once the mist cleared.

So today, as is generally the case after a long period of hot, humid days, we're anxiously awaiting the requisite thunder shower.  The sky has been teasing me all day, and the anticipation is starting to get to me.  After a gorgeous weekend,  I can't think of a better way to wash off the stickiness than with a nice loud thunderstorm.  How refreshing.

I wonder if thunderstorms give others this same feeling.  I can't explain their effect on me, but it's almost like being on a carnival ride where they lift you up really high and then drop you into a free fall.  Not quite that dramatic, but along those same lines.  There's nothing like breathing in the cooler air that always follows a good storm.  

Another Vermont summer in store, and I can hardly wait.  

Listen to "Brand New Colony" by The Postal Service