The Benefits of Going Slow

It has rained today!  This afternoon just after three o'clock we heard rumbles of thunder, then the sound of large heavy rain drops falling on the ground.  I walked down the corridor at work and went outside so I could smell that lovely scent of the freshly wet vegetation after a period of dry weather and to feel the rain drops on my skin!  Other colleagues that passed me noted 'its raining'!  So, our long period (nearly two months) without rain has come to an end - albeit briefly so far.  It will be interesting to see how long it takes for the grass and other plants to begin to grow again.

At lunchtime today I went for my usual walk.  I am fortunate to have these beautiful Giant Sequoia trees within a short distance of my office.  They stand tall and proud, historic beasts of the woodland.  At that point it was still very warm and dry and I could smell the scent of the terpenes in the air - they are stronger when the air is warmer.  I love the smell - it is quite intoxicating.  I stopped and looked up and this is what I saw.  I felt quite humbled by the stature of the trees.  In them I could see gold crests, coal tits, and great tits, all gently calling as they fed off the pine cone seeds.  Usually I walk past in a rush but today I slowed down and it was so much better!