No wonder. . . . . . . . .

We arrived in rain and it hasn't really stopped yet - perhaps not constant pouring

 rain, but enough to dodge umbrellas and puddle hop throughout the day.  

Yesterday we took an all day coach trip to The Giant's Causeway and other

well known places. . . . . it rained most of the time but the countryside was

gorgeous and green.

We're in Belfast, Northern Ireland for a few days which, though full of history, 

is damp and dreary under a leaden sky. We now know why the pubs are crammed

 with people still in winter clothes and rain wear, boots, and warm scarves

 wound round cold necks, those dripping umbrellas everywhere. . . . . . it's cold

 and everyone is soaked!

So let's lift a pint, sip a glass, and chat to whoever is nearby, after all it's Ireland,

 the locals are happy, very friendly, talking is the national pastime. . . . . . .and if

 you're lucky enough to find a seat by the fireplace, you will be warm and it's

wonderful to come in from the rain. . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . there are also loads of coffee shops everywhere if it's too early

 for the pub, we saw an intersection with well known ones on each corner, 

all full of damp cheerful people!

Thankfully I'm prepared - boots, rain jacket etc. and of course my umbrella.

Tomorrow the train to Londonderry where of course it will be raining!

This is May?

Subtropical storm Alberto pushing north disrupted outdoor Memorial Day plans for

 many in the south and southeast US yesterday. It continues on its way bringing

 rain and dreary conditions here in our area with the possibility of more flash flooding

 when the rain bands intensify. . . . . . . all one can do is wait, hope and pray all

will improve as the week moves on.

Our fig tree doesn't seem to mind the rain. . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . neither do the nibbling rabbits!

Blooming now: roses, gardenia (newly planted and doing well), 

favorite blue hydrangeas, and the row of leaves along the brick wall are

 my beloved sunflowers growing from the seeds I saved from last year's 

huge flower heads (I'm hoping they will be as beautiful this summer).

Already have a bird nesting in the new birdhouse - a bluebird I think -

there are twigs sticking out of one of the entrances!

Stay safe all dear friends in the path of the storm - brighter days

are ahead.

Let it rain. . . . . .

. . . . . . . because we need it sometimes to wash away the dust and grime 

of everyday living, to refresh the gardens and grow the crops.

No sign of Christmas snow around here but we did have some heavy rain

 a day or so ago. It bounced in the bird baths making them

 overflow - robins seemed to love that, washed the leaves off the parked cars and sent

 them floating down the driveway to join the small mountains we'd already raked

to the curb. The camellias sparkled after their much-loved shower, and I even 

noticed a little growth spurt of the lawn.

Growing up in an often rainy country I've had my share of umbrellas, most were 

dowdy and dreary black until those clear vinyl domes became popular - what ever

 happened to them anyway? 

When visiting Claude Monet's beautiful house and gardens in France this year

I saw these - I should have purchased at least one - who would mind

paddling about in the rain under the waterlilies!

Go here to 'visit' Giverny

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2015/09/claude-monets-giverny.html

Claude Monet's beautiful paintings available on umbrellas - Giverny, France
 September 2015 

This being the last shopping weekend before Christmas, I hope
you have lovely weather to venture out with no need of an 
umbrella. We have lovely sunshine today but it has turned cooler
which is fine with me.
Have a wonderful weekend.