Walking out to my deck this morning, I got the sense that the birds and wildlife were sleeping in. I can imagine that the welcome rain overnight was at least refreshing, and at most, invigorating for the backyard habitat and inhabitants.

The drought (at least locally) continues, but now the pond bottom is darker and the hemlock deadfall doesn't look like its been laying in that spot for a generation.

I remember that safe, comfortable and relaxed feeling I'd get after a day in the sun at Nantasket/Paragon Park. All of that annoying sand and salt was washed away in the shower, and it would not be until later that night that the sunburn would keep me from sleeping. Those few hours in between the beach and the burn encapsulated all that was good and safe about childhood.