Today I purchased a waterproof, breathable, ultra-lightweight, packable, windproof, washabl, and reusable jacket and pant set, with a hood. I am ready.

For what? Ready for the long walk to religious services tomorrow in the pouring rain. I don’t have to worry about an umbrella flying up, down, or inside out in the wind. I will be high and dry – with the exception of my shoes.

For shorter walks in the rain, an umbrella is fine. I like the kind with the push button. Wheeeep! It flies open like magic. It’s fun – like a toy. Picture me smiling in the rain, knowing that soon I will have the chance to close the umbrella, and push the fun button again.

I have good tires and good windshield wipers, so driving in the rain is not so bad. I learned my lessons about these important requirements the hard way. Years back, I let my tires get bald. I spun out on the freeway and was hit from behind. It was like a carnival ride – spinning a full 360 degrees, and then seeing the car from behind become ever more close in my rear view mirror – until BOOM!

And just over a year ago, I had let my windshield wipers get old. Making a left turn onto the freeway via a green left turn arrow was my task. However, in the pouring rain it was difficult to see whether or not the arrow was still there. An oncoming truck was telling me it was not there. BOOM again! Thank God, in both instances my seatbelt and deployed airbag saved me from serious harm. I think I have learned my lessons.

The rain makes my little red Hyundai gorgeous again. I suppose I don’t wash my car very often because I don’t o usually see it so clean as during and right after the rain.

Yes, rain, you can stay – for a while. That’s because I live in sunny California, and I want to see a lot more sun than rain.

But, when the rains come, I not only feel protected, but I feel good. I feel good for the flowers and the water supply, and I feel good for me.

I also feel good right now looking out the window of my computer room and seeing the rain, while remaining dry and comfortable inside. I guess it’s a win-win situation.

Rainy day thoughts? Email me at robertebsen@hotmail.com