All windows open...

...and rain pouring down. Oh the sweet sounds of a common lower mainland day. Muddy paw prints on the carpet, Born to Run blaring out the speakers and shepherd's pie filling simmering in the slow cooker. I love the smell of the rain hitting the semi-warm pavement outside combined with the smell of fresh-cut grass.

Most people mourn the sun when it leaves us for long periods of time but I am quite indifferent. I love the weather where I live and in fact could not imagine a whole year drenched in bright light and heat. I prefer the clouds to filter the UV rays from the skin damaging sun and the musical element of the raindrops falling hard on my umbrella.

I often hear those around me complain of our limiting weather patterns and have to ask, "why do you live here?" If you are not happy here, leave the area to those that truly appreciate the beauty surrounding us; for without the rain, we would have less green space and lush vegetation. You need only look around when we are deprived of rain for three weeks to know that our ecosystem depends heavily on the waters brought forth by those pesky, fluffy grey things in the sky. Our grass dries out, our flowers wilt and we whine about it being too hot. Pick a climate people!

Don't misunderstand, I like the sun and am quite happy when it shines but I hate the heat. I like those 18-20 degree days of spring; warm enough to leave your sweater at home but not so hot as to stifle your breathing when you are attempting outdoor activities.

We are so lucky to live where we do and have access to almost any type of activity we could imagine. Surfing on the island, snowboarding at Whistler, trail riding the North Shore, swimming at White Pine beach, soaking in the hot springs of Harrison, hiking the abundance of trails in our provincial parks, sleeping under the stars at the peak of Golden Ears, outdoor concerts at Malkin Bowl and Deer Lake Park, dancing on the deck of a paddewheeler cruising the Fraser River, screaming your face off on the Coaster at Playland, swinging from trees at Capilano and bocce in your own backyard.

So next time it's raining, ask yourself this... What's wrong with a little water on my pants or in my hair? Does it matter if I get wet while swimming in a local lake? If it's not life threatening, who cares? Get out and enjoy yourself before you can't and learn to love the beauty of British Columbia as it's not always going to be this beautiful.

                                We're here for a good time, not a long time...