Rain, rain, go away...

Last weekend we had some nice weather, and my husband was kind enough to build a raised bed for me to plant my herb seedlings. The townhouse condo where we live provides dirt for us all to use every spring, and he had some pieces of pine left over from a homemade storage unit we recently dismantled, so it didn't cost a penny.

I meant to get it planted the next day, but I didn't...and then the rain started. The past two days it rained almost constantly. Yesterday afternoon, our back yard looked like a swamp, and my raised bed was just one big box of mud.

Even the common areas in our neighbourhood were flooded...

The rain stopped by this morning, but the gigantic puddles are still everywhere. Needless to say, I have not gotten anything planted! It will be June in less than a week and nothing is growing in my back yard but the chives, spearmint and lemon balm which has come up from last year. I am getting impatient to see my herb garden started.

Heavy rain is not all bad, however. My children went out this morning with rubber boots on to have some serious fun splashing around. My 12 year old was leading the pack, and when they returned she told me that a few neighbours were shaking their heads at them and giving them dirty looks. I'm not sure why. Is it somehow not correct these days to let children splash in deep puddles after a rain storm? It's not like the water had been standing there for a week or anything. It seems to me that splashing in puddles is one of the simplest joys of childhood, no? In fact, I'd probably be out there myself if I wasn't afraid of looking ridiculous...

Anyhow, it looks like I will have to wait for a little while longer to get my garden started. The forecast for tomorrow says...more rain. That's what I get for hesitating!

Comments

[Leah]

Wow, that's a lot of water! Splashing in puddles is a favourite here too. Maybe your neighbours are sufferring from 'nature deficit disorder' ;)

-Hope you're able to get to your gardening soon!

[angie]

I've always enjoyed sending my kiddos out to play in all sorts of weather. It's unfortunate that so few kids do now...too hot, cold, dry, wet you name it. Good luck with your "mudbox", we are finally getting some sun here in Maine so I've been pretty busy in our beds! Yay to summer gardening.

[Laura Jeanne]

'Nature deficit disorder' - you made me chuckle, because you're probably right! :)

[Laura Jeanne]

I've noticed the same thing around here, Angie--the weather has to be beautiful or no kids go outside. My kids are often outside even when it is raining, or quite cold. I know the neighbours think I'm disgracefully neglectful. (I do make sure the kids stay inside when it's super hot though, because I'm afraid of them getting heat stroke.)

[Erin @ Embracing the Now]

We are struggling to get the garden planted too as I'm still weeding the tall grass from the beds. Yesterday I got lots done while the children played outdoors, but then today...more rain. I can't say we've got puddles quite as deep as you though! All the rain has got to be good for something though, and puddle jumping is just the best. Mine little people are begging to get outside this afternoon and be wet (and dirty!). My husband tells me that the little boys look like Tide commercials when they are finally called in for supper!

Enjoying your blog Laura!

[molly w.]

I feel your pain, same thing here!

[Stephanie]

I can understand why you want it to go away but I'd sure love to have some of it! I've given you a blogger award. Please stop by my space and check it out!

Stephanie :)

[Brenda]

Nothing wrong with it at all! I'm guessing they thought the kids should have been at school and probably thought they were skipping school instead. People can be very judgemental

[henny]

Just pop in from your Etsy 'Quit Your Job' story.
Lovely....
I like your blog too :)

[Joanne James]

Oh, you could be my neighbor Laura Jeanne...I'm a 54 year old Grandma who lives next door to our two lovely granddaughters and two summers ago during a big downpour, I went outside with them and jumped in puddles at the end of our driveway. I had a friend from out of town visiting at the time and when she saw us out there, she put on her swimsuit and came out and joined in the fun. I have no idea what our neighbors thought, but I don't care. We had a blast, and I'll bet you some of them wished they were out there having fun too!
Good for you for letting your kids enjoy something wholesome and natural! (Better than TV, and electronic devices that are so popular today!)