It has been a strange season weather-wise. On the plus side, all this rain has produced a bountiful corn crop. From Colorado to Indiana, it appears to be a record year. From the looks of things, soybeans will be bulging the bins, too. With temperatures mostly peaking in the moderate range throughout the summer and with rain coming frequently and in ample measure, the crops have been well-blessed.

On the other side, it’s been quite a challenge to get hay harvested and housed. Ideally, you want at least three days in a row with bright sunshine and no rain so that it is properly cured before baling and storing. Rain can cause the hay to degrade and hay that is housed with too high a moisture level is at risk of spontaneous combustion due to heat generated by biological decomposition.

It’s also been a bit aggravating trying to keep the lawn looking well-tended. Two years ago, I only had to mow five or six times the entire season. This year, it’s been quite the opposite. Warm temperatures and lots of rain keep fescue, clover and other warm season grasses growing like crazy. Two days after mowing, the yard looks like it needs mowing again. And, with rain predicted for every day this week, it’s going to be a challenge to find a good time for the mowing.

Back to the plus side, there are those spectacular moments when the first bit of sun catches a gap in the clouds. Beyond the thick of those dark blue bulges of a passing thunderstorm, the sun catches the edges and they gleam silver and white in that rising light. Soft curls take a pink glow and there is a few-minute show of shapes and colors above the dark line of trees on the ridge. Given the just-right angle of light, there is more than enough beauty in these few minutes to last clear through till night.

I believe that he who has given the glory of the sun will keep me safe through the storm.

H. Arnett
8/25/14