This is all I could see outside my RV window at 7 a.m. this morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean
“If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.” — Frank Lane
Travels With Maggie
I’m writing my blog this morning as pelting rain drums a tune on the roof of my RV, which is rocking and rolling with the wind. A clash of distance thunder sounds the cymbals.
There’s something in me that loves an enthusiastic storm, especially when I’m all snug and cozy in warm flannel pajamas with a good book to read. A cracking fireplace blaze would be nice, but when living in a 22-foot home on wheels, one has to make sacrifices.
My canine traveling companion, Maggie, since it is only 7 a.m., is still sleeping. If left undisturbed – and thunder and lightning don’t normally wake her – she’ll sleep until about 9:30 a.m., when she’ll wake up and give me that “I’m ready for my morning walk RIGHT NOW” look.
This scarlet cheer was tucked beneath a hedge. -- Photo by Pat Bean
If it’s still raining, we’ll use my large umbrella. Maggie knows the drill. And she won’t dawdle, as she normally does.
I usually dawdle, too, another reason why Maggie and I are the perfect traveling companions. I carry binoculars around my neck and frequently stop to search out any bird sounds I hear. Yesterday a knock-know drumming alerted me to a cute little downy woodpecker in the tree above my head. A soft whistling then refocused my binoculars to a tufted titmouse in the same tree.
I also take time to snap a picture or two with my small digital camera. Remembering to stick it in my pocket for our walks took me a long time, but these days I feel naked without it.
The first bloom on the Japanese magnolia tree in my son's yard. This tree blooms before it puts on leaves and is always a winter treat. -- Photo by Pat Bean
A few minutes ago, on a whim, I shot a view of the storm outside through the inside of
my RV window. Looking at it, I thought about the photos I took yesterday of winter color around my son’s Texas Gulf Coast home, where winter never fully settles in for the duration.
The contrast between the images speak to me of the silver lining behind every storm.
Do they say something to you?
Pat Bean's blog 
I love your quote. Thanks for the happiness.
Love this post Pat! that picture is great!! the signs of life in the dark of winter send a message of hope to me- thanks as always
Chery
P.S. I adore energetic storms too!!!
The magnolia bloom is beautiful and speaks to me of spring.
I enjoy a good storm, too. That wasn’t always the case. After experiencing a tornado up close and personal, I was frightened of storms for several years. I’ve gradually come back around to enjoyment.
“There’s something in me that loves an enthusiastic storm, especially when I’m all snug and cozy in warm flannel pajamas with a good book to read.”
Me, too.