“I am sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world of loveliness.” ~Adeline Knapp
Soft spring rains today, one of the joys of the season. These drops are so gentle the birds continue to sing right through them, and fly carefully between them, sometimes without getting their feathers wet.
The radishes, both last year’s overwintered plants and this year’s newly sown seeds, are responding with enthusiasm. Yesterday there were three seedlings, so tiny F. claimed he could not see them when I pointed; this morning whole rows are visible, new life being born in neat, green lines.
The cats are both asleep beside me as I work, and the sound of their deep breathing mingles beautifully with pitter-patter and birdsong just beyond the window panes. This gentle, grey light makes the colors glow.
I keep thinking if I look closely enough, I’ll be able to see the lettuces grow.
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There is beauty even when the skies are grey and you captured that brilliantly. I love how color sings when it rains.
Talon´s last blog ..Darn near perfect…
It does seem to be easier to capture color when it’s raining or nearly so outdoors. And for me, the green that pops when skies are grey is a thing of the fairies.
Almost-spring rain can be soothing, like an exhalation of relief. Winter’s almost past for many people (not so much for me) and it’s nice to see the spring welcome-mat put out. That’s a wonderfully soothing photo.
jodi (bloomingwriter)´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: "Orchids-come-lately, there’s new kids in town…"
I’m so sorry you’re still stuck in winter, Jodi. I can imagine it’s very trying (having gone through it long ago and in another country). I’m glad you like the photo and found it soothing, though.
I love a rainy day, especially in the spring. I often find myself outdoors when the rain is light, observing how my garden responds to the much needed moisture :^)
Noelle/azplantlady´s last blog ..Grape Bubblegum Flowers….
Noelle, I do think it has a different feel, this rain, and I’m glad to know someone else likes to get out in it. Of course, my favorite rain is a summer thunderstorm, a real dramatic “thunder boomer” as we used to say in my household — but that’s for quite a different season and another post.
It was a gentle rain here, too. I love the thought of the birds flying between the drops.
Lynn´s last blog ..Lured, not at all and treasures
I’d heard you were getting the same sweet spring rains, Lynn.
And on an unrelated note, I was astounded by how close together we used to live, based on the exchange of our old Midtown addresses. Very cool to discover that!
A wonderful picture you paint, Meredith. All the best to you at the start of this new gardening season.
Hank´s last blog ..Canada’s Garden Making Magazine
Thank you, Hank! Whenever someone enjoys my “word pictures,” I’m happy.
Yes…it is enchanting!!!
So true, gemma. Enchantment is all around us…
Lovely to hear that gentle spring rains have arrived to replace the winter deluge for you Meredith!
Heidi´s last blog ..Rose Diary – Week One
I appreciate your being happy for me, Heidi. I’m relieved, as well.
Dear Meredith, It is always lovely to have the ‘right’ kind of rain. I know just how you feel. Such times are to be treasured as much as those days of sun.
Edith Hope´s last blog ..Ladders, Loppers and Lawsuits
You’re so right, Edith. I suspect gardeners are perfectly placed to be able to see the whole picture, loving both rain and sun — and even wind and snow.
soft, gentle rain is a rarity here in ireland, if it’s going to rain, it does it whole heartedly, haha. I have always loved being out as soon as it’s over, the smells are lovely and now I have a new love – we have dorma windows living in mamma G’s roof space and what a sound the rain makes, makes me feel cosy tucked up inside. xx
Carrie´s last blog ..Not just as terrible now Andy is here
Carrie, it’s so funny you say that. My mental image of Ireland is very vague, and includes all those green, rolling hills, of course, but also contained the idea of lots of fog and drippy days. Maybe I figured that’s how it got so green? I guess now I’ll have to remake and refine that picture in the head. I’d love it if you’d share more about the landscape around you sometime so I could learn a bit.
I envy you the dormer windows. I slept beneath one for a year in college and found it so Gothic.
Both our cats have died, but I remember so clearly that sound when they were both asleep, the mixture of deep breaths and purring. Bliss.
LL Cool Joe´s last blog ..Wardrobe Wednesday – The Oscar rant
Joe, it is a blissful, contented sound, and especially welcome on days when the outside is keeping one in.
(I’m so sorry to hear your cats passed away. 
)
I know! I loved living in midtown – taking walks in the park. Walking to dinner. So much of my life revolves around Decatur/Tucker now, but I would love to live around there again.
Lynn´s last blog ..Lured, not at all and treasures
Lynn, you sound like me, especially when we first moved here. I almost didn’t use my car when I lived in Midtown. There would be times in the winter when I worried it wouldn’t crank because I couldn’t remember the last time I drove it.
Decatur is really no slouch, either.
The spring bloom in that area is spectacular!
Love a rainy day for the many reasons you sited, Meredith <3
joey´s last blog ..WINTER THAW (NATIVE AMERICAN WISDOM)
Joey, I always appreciate people who can enjoy the rain.
i had typed a very long comment about rain, then it disappeared. I cant post it, wonder why!
Andrea, I’m so sorry that happened. Next time, feel free to drop me a note via e-mail, and I’ll try and post it in the comments if you’d like (I have some extra control of this area, as you can imagine.) To e-mail me, go to the tab at the upper left that says “Basics” and choose “Contact.”
I thought I heard rain pitter pattering against the roof while lying in bed last night…but alas, woke to dry ground. Maybe critters running in the attic? Eeek! No, don’t think that’s the case, but we were expecting some rain which apparently never developed. But it IS looking much like a rainy day outside, as the sun has not shown it’s face today. I like spring rains. Our plants like them (and want them) too!
Jan (ThanksForToday)´s last blog ..Spring Buds and Bulbs
Jan, I suppose we can fool ourselves with wishing. I’ve done it before, especially with “auditory hallucinations,” as F. calls them. Although I suspect it’s just because my hearing is more acute than his — because I often turn out to be right, just some hours off.
Maybe you were having a premonition.
I saw these and immediately thought of you: http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisychestnut
alisha´s last blog ..Saying “no”: easier said than done
Oh, they’re lovely, Alisha. Garden collage plus antique, repurposed items is right up my alley.
Meredith, I love the reflection in the raindrop in the above photo. Awesome. I wish we had a little Spring rain to cool things off just a tad around here. It’s been approaching 80 (already!) and the broccoli decided it was going to start bolting We enjoyed some tasty broccoli, but I’m not ready for temperatures over 70 yet! It just goes to show that Texas winters race straight into Texas summers!
Joseph´s last blog ..Look what’s coming up!
Me, too, Joseph! I wondered if anyone would enlarge it twice to see the exquisite detail.
Your Texas temperatures are *way* too high already. Poor broccoli. I hope it made something for you before the bolt!
Oh, yes it did – and it was very tasty! I think there is still more to come – a few more crowns and many side-shoots …
Joseph´s last blog ..I heart herbs, and my kitchen herb garden
That’s great news! I have a feeling I’ll be dealing with my own bolt issues pretty soon… late May if we’re lucky.
Yes, the birds sing like crazy here too! Spring has certainly arrived!
Tatyana@MySecretGarden´s last blog ..Outdoor Sowing In March
Tatyana, I’m listening to them now… with the windows open.
Isn’t this season glorious?
Lovely Meredith! Enjoy your gentle spring rain… and watching your lettuces grow! ;>)
Carolflowerhillfarm´s last blog ..A Perennial Spring Ritual Maple Sugaring… A Story of a Gentle Steward
Thank you, Carol. I do hope you’re feeling better and able to enjoy it when spring rolls in at your place.
What a beautiful picture! I miss the comfort of a sleeping cat
Kyna Adams´s last blog ..Okame Chameleon
I’m glad you liked it, Kyna. I thought it was a fortuitous shot in the rain.
Why not get down to the shelter and give some deserving soul a home? You know that kitten season is right around the corner…
Meredith, so beautifully said. I love spring rains…gentle rains that make things grow…like your radishes and lettuce.
Well, thank you, Kimberly.