I Woke Up in Portland

Rain. Lots of it.

Apparently there is a storm after all, with enough power to make it over the Crest and bring us rain here in the Rainshadow. It's been noisily raining since 5 a.m. and since the ground is frozen, the runoff is beginning to be exciting. Storm drains here and there are getting a little clogged and allowing large puddles to extend onto the roadway. It's cool to drive by and watch the dedicated maintenance men hermetically sealed into their storm gear trying to use their shovels to coax the runoff into the drains. The Truckee is commencing to roar. The Ditch is already half full just from local rain. It had better stop raining and start snowing or I have the feeling that another flood might be on the horizon. We just don't do rain well here.

There's no need for the intermittent setting on the windshield wipers. Just turn them on "fast" and drive. We have the choice of driving the safe yet scenic route in the left lane which avoids the little mini-lakes or using the right lane and spraying glorious rooster tails of water sideways. The wind is blowing so hard that sometimes the splash ends up right on your windshield and you feel like you're driving (or should that be piloting?) a submarine. It's less fun on the freeway because hydroplaning just sort of sneaks up on you even when everyone is driving about 15 mph slower than usual. Just think how much fun we'll have when the temps drop, our wet roads become solid ice and we have one big skating rink in town.

I've discovered that the Forester rear hatch makes a great roof when loading and unloading groceries. Well thought out, Suburu designers. (We now pause while I stop and think about how much I lovelovelove my little red Forester.)

I totally believe in Global Warming. It basically does not rain here. Well, maybe a welcome thundershower in August, but winter rain...no. It snows. That's why I love it here. Snow is beautiful and dry and makes you want to go outside and play. Those were the good old days BGW. Rain is wet and messy and makes mud and makes me want to stay inside and eat fattening foods. If there is any holiday weight gain, I am blaming it ALL on the rain.


p.s. Kharma doesn't like the rain either.