When it rains, you can spot the native California children in any group. They’re the ones watching in shock and awe.
Any kids in the class from back east or another country will shrug nonchalantly as the rain pelts down, but the natives are bouncing off the walls.
It’s been so rare to experience weather in these parts for the past decade or more, that the appearance of that strange wet stuff coming down and those dark, stormy skies, are worse than a sugar high.
They get so excited over this odd twist of environment; they’d really rather run outside and feel it firsthand. They’d rather jump into those puddles. They might even get to use a raincoat and umbrella, which are also rare creatures in our world.
This past week or two or three has had the kindergarteners in serious distraction mode. The teachers are rolling their eyes. Not only is there water everywhere but the entire schedule changes, with indoor lunch and recess.
The kids are already abuzz, so adding wild wind and downpours just kicks the lid off. The teachers are a bit weary, and nasty weather will be the icing on the tired cake.
I can’t be too hard on the little guys, though. When it rains around here, even I am fascinated. When it rains hard and long and loudly, I, too, want to run outside (or at least look out the door) to watch it.
It’s the price of living in near-paradise. Unlike our northern neighbors, it is unlikely we’ll ever be nonchalant about rain or wind or super high tides that slosh across the road.
This ongoing set of storms, however, has me very close to being up to here with the wet and mud. It was fun, it was interesting, it was good for the drought. It can go away now, thanks so much.
Jean Gillette is a freelance writer eager for dry skies and dry ground. Contact her at [email protected].
