Presence

Grace like Rain

November 15, 2025

This week, we had rain like this. Photo by Khamkéo on Unsplash

It is raining hard today—another atmospheric river making its way through our part of the state. We don’t complain about rain in California; we’ve lived through too many droughts to ever do that. But this rain? It’s intense. The forecast is promising nearly another week of showers, but not much snow, yet, as these storms are warm ones.

I don’t think that Biscuit has even gone outside to take care of his business. That’s how fierce the rain is. I somehow made it to town for a little work and then, afterwards, bravely trekked down to Costco. It wasn’t the best day for a Costco trip, but sometimes, you just have to take advantage of a free afternoon, especially when you are running low on kitty litter. So you slow down on the freeway since water was pooling, and think good thoughts for the cars who race past. The CalTrans highway signs warned that the speed limit was 55 mph, because of the wooly weather, and that the highway patrol would be ticketing people who ignored it, which was just about everybody. The only patrol cars I saw, though, were those that had pulled off to the side of the freeway to help drivers who had gotten into an accident.

So I was extra happy to finally get home today. It’s always nice to get home after a day out and about, but on a day when the rain is pouring and the roads are dicey—it’s even more welcome. It takes a few extra trips from the car to the house after a Costco run, to bring in the groceries, so I was dripping by the time everything was safely settled inside. That feeling, though? Of shedding my rain coat and rain boots, of taking the big towel that was by the front door to wipe down Biscuit’s wet paws, and finally getting inside, making a cup of tea, and sitting here, to write? Just lovely. Continue Reading…

Daily Grace, Presence

My Annoying Cold

November 1, 2025

We had some rain this week and ventured out for a walk; the clouds cleared for a moment, just as the sun was setting. Felt lucky to get this photo, a bright spot of the week.

I’m not even that sick, but I am feeling very grumpy about it.

It’s just a cold. It’s a cold, but I’m coughing at night and headachy during the day and also very tired. All of these things are normal with colds. It’s not even the worst cold I’ve ever had. Still. An annoying, minor-ish cold can change the trajectory of your week. I am treasuring these last few days with my daughter before she embarks on her next adventure. I am annoyed that this cold and my sore knee have affected what we have been able to do during her time here, especially these final few days. She’s heading to Thailand next Thursday and then around Asia for a few months.

Almost without exception, people ask the same question when they learn this: “Does it make you nervous? Are you worried that she’ll be alone out there?” Here’s the thing. She’s not really alone. I can see her location on my phone anytime. She also has a cell phone with internet access. She has already booked her hostel stays for the first weeks of her trip. She’ll travel from Bangkok to Chang Mai on a day train, stay in a hostel there, and then move on to an elephant sanctuary, where she’ll help feed and care for elephants. That’s the first two weeks of her trip already figured out.

What is not to love about an itinerary like this? And that is only the beginning.

(Okay. Honestly? I am a little concerned about her safety when she is out and about, but that is always true, even in the USA, even when she is home with me. She went for a hike this week, up by Spaulding Reservoir, and I was happy when she was finally back at the car and driving home again, after being on the trail alone.)

The truth is that there is only so much she can do when she is home with me. We have gone on walks (but no hikes, because, you know, my knee and trying to let it heal) and have had a lovely time together, but this little town that I love is not the end all place for her. It can’t be. She needs to move on. She is applying for jobs that will start in the spring. Who knows where she will end up, but I am excited about the possibilities of visiting her wherever it is. Her job on Catalina Island this last summer spoiled me, I guess. Maybe it will be in Moab as a raft guide? Or the San Juan Islands as a naturalist on a whale watching boat? Or Ketchikan as a tour guide for cruise ship guests on a Duck Boat, the kind that drives on land and floats in the water? (Her interview for that one is Monday morning). Those are only some of the possibilities that she’s applying for. It’s a good thing, to be in your early 20’s, and have opportunities like these.

Continue Reading…