changing seasons

It was autumn. It was my very first autumn in Maine. It was in fact, the very first autumn in my entire life. I woke up to a nice cloudless sky with the sun peeking out from the almost leafless maple trees in the backyard. I supposed to be happy because that was an indication of a nice day where I could go out and enjoy the breath-taking scenery around me. I supposed to be happy until I heard the weather newscaster announced on TV – foggy morning… scattered rains and showers in the afternoon… possible thunderstorm. Then my positive outlook went down south because I know what it means. I wonder – “what the heck is he talking about?” the sun is already up and bright. Then Hubby said, “you’ll see.” Then, I sulked.

I sulked because I know Hubby has a point. I sulked because I know Hubby was right. I sulked because I know Hubby trusts the weather but not the weatherman [because I thought he is cute and Hubby is jealous. *wink*]. Hubby trusts the weather so much because his work depends on it. He watches the news everyday just for one particular reason… to know the weather. And 98% of the time, the meteorologist is right. And so I have no choice but to wait and take note and hope that the weatherman will fail this time.

After a few minutes fog started to loom outback. It was foggy alright but it did not last that long. Soon enough it cleared up and I was able to see and enjoy again the beautiful autumn landscape. The rest of the morning was really a fine day. It was still sunny until noontime. And it did not rain as I expected because the sun was still bright and up till 3 pm. I went inside the house to get something to drink but when I got out again with my cold cranberry juice in hand, the blue cloudless sky was already clothed in dark, thick and heavy black cloud. It instantly turned that one fine day into seemingly cold night at 4 o’ clock in the afternoon. Soon enough thunder and lightning dominated the black sky and at that instant I know that it was smarter to stay inside.

For a solid hour of thunder and lightning and heavy rains I remained inside and calm. I remained calm because I know the thunderstorm will soon be over after an hour. I remained calm because I know that thunderstorm in Maine is surprisingly predictable. I know that soon enough the thunderstorm will be over and I will be enjoying the rest of the day watching the sun sets behind that monochromatic red hue backdrop. Soon enough the rain stopped. Thunder ceased sounding. And lightning stopped striking.

Almost instantly, the sky cleared up. The sun started to show up again. The thick black clouds vanished into thin cold air. The thunderstorm was over. And I was able to go out again and have a drink.