Overcast Skies & Low Pressure Systems

We’ve been going through a meteorological stretch in NoCo this past month where sunshine is a novelty.

I try and look at the bright side. A regular London mist keeps the wildfires at bay and I would rather feel a little glum than the abject terror that comes from seeing thick black plumes rising over nearby foothills.

The constant mist with a daily thunderstorm also makes everything so lush and green, and keeps the wild flowers blooming. It also recharges the earth for my regular grounding.

Nonetheless, there is always a cost and you have to take the bitter with the sweet. I’ve mentioned that I’m sensitive to barometric pressure. Low pressure systems that are associated with overcast skies play havoc with my nasal passages, creating a mild headache that just hangs around.

It also drains my energy.

It’s not enough to slow me down. There is no option other than to carry out my daily chores at Casa Claire, but when I’m forced to wear muck boots, I don’t go looking for projects to fill my free time. Try pushing a fully loaded wheelbarrow through a field of mud. Mañana always offers firmer, drier ground and another opportunity for productivity.

The worst effect of low pressure systems is that it shortens my patience with things and people. I hate that part most of all.

There are moments during these low pressure episodes when I really have to bite my tongue with my ever patient and lovely bride. When I forget that lesson, and toss out a clever bon mot, it never ends well – for me.

And thunderstorms bring out the clinginess of the Beagle brothers. It’s like when Scooby Doo wraps his body around Shaggy when he’s frightened, times two. Think Scooby-Dum added to the pile on.

Most times I understand. But by the tenth time in one hour you can hear me bellowing, “Get the fuck off me!” It doesn’t work, Bandit and Smokey don’t give a shit and wrap themselves even tighter. Like anacondas. But the emotional vocal explosion relieves the pressure valve, and allows me to appreciate the ridiculousness of the situation.

Well, I overheard the lovely retiree paralegal, Claudia, tell Dick, her physical and retired IT giant of a husband, as we were all doing our post swim soak in the hot tub early yesterday morning, that today was going to offer a sunny one-day respite to our recent stretch of Seattle weather. She was especially pleased because today is the Berthoud Day parade and town celebration.

And that cheered me up.

So, I’m off to do my chores. I have to clean the troughs today. But I hope to swing over to town and catch the revelry of the townsfolk enjoying their own sunny respite on this most memorable of local days.

I hope there is sunshine this Saturday wherever my five followers are located, and that you get to enjoy some outdoor time, maybe walk barefoot through a field and hug a tree before sitting down and reading a wonderful series of books.

But whatever else you may have on your respective weekend plates, let’s all make today a great one.