A small break: morning storm

Before I go on any more about the drought, here's a joy and delight: dawn thunderstorm.

You learn not to believe forecasts that say "chance of storms." Summer storms are so scattered, if there's an 80 percent chance of rain, it seems that rain always falls somewhere else. Maybe just half a mile away they get a five-minute downpour and where you're standing, just dusty wind, rumbles, clouds and it stays bone dry.

So last night we didn't put much stock in the forecast. But this morning, just as the beasts were beginning to stir, there was thunder and a light patter. I went out in my pajamas, as one must, and let the rain fall on my face until I thought the lightning was just too dangerous. The rain really started pouring down, too, it was just gorgeous. Water gushing from the downspouts, splattering in puddles in the grass, the the thunder just cracking away.

It only rained for half an hour or so and we got 3/4 of an inch total. It's not even a drop in the bucket, so to speak, as far as breaking the drought, but it's the most significant rainfall the farm has gotten in at least two months, and anything that lays down the dust for awhile is appreciated.