After taking our weather for granted, this storm is a quick reminder of the rainy season ahead.  It’s admittedly beautiful in some ways, as we’re watching the fog pour through the hills.  The rains are not torrential yet.

Here’s a virtual tour of how a Montclair rainy day looks and feels, up in the parks.  We begin with a snapshot of a local chihuahua, who’s clearly stressed by the muddy trail walk.  He (or she) is properly pampered and protected from the raindrops, but that doesn’t seem to help much.

Next, the earthworms emerge from even the slightest rain showers.  (Personally I prefer the banana slugs, but they have not yet arrived on the scene.)  In this photo, a lone earthworm has surfaced on top of the rocky soil, and will likely be joined by others soon.  Of course, they have nowhere to go and may get trampled.

Finally here’s an peaceful image of a foggy and rainy day taken in Redwood Park, which should be familiar to Montclarions.  To me, the rainy days actually tamp down the noise levels in the parks.  It’s very comfortable walking among the trees.  For Hollywood mavens, we’re about to see something evil unfold – Blair Witch Trial, anyone?

We haven’t had any rain in so long, and are still suffering from drought conditions.  This weekend provides just a taste of the rainy season we desparately need.  Yet we have to whine a little – it’s sometimes difficult to stay upbeat with the doom and gloom surrounding Montclair.