Point of View

Rainy Day Smiles

It’s nice to take advantage of a rainy day. In Phoenix a rainy day is like a sunny day in some other states and I think it is met with similar bravado. We Phoenicians feel a certain sense of guilt if we “waste” a sunny day on indoor activities such as lazing about in slippers and robe, but a rainy day gives us permission to hide and do nothing at all. From my third place I watch as people skip over puddles, huddled in small masses as they move from their cars to the warm shelter of Starbucks. A colorful collection of umbrella’s gathers near the front entrance while their owners belly up to order a warming cup of coffee.
Rainy days in Phoenix carry the soothing smell of the desert landscape; orange blossom, eucalyptus, along with a wide range of cactus and creates a natural aroma therapy which, unlike typical rainy states, seems to put people in a friendlier mood. The streets are another story as we seem to loose all sense of driving ability, but then we don’t have much practice in poor weather driving. Sun glare might be one obstacle or the summer dust storm, but that’s about all.
Off to visit with some friends. Enjoy your “rainy” Sunday.