USNY

We missed a week of fine fall weather in southern Utah because we wanted to visit the other grandparents.  It is difficult to do because, even with the help of a commercial jet, it takes 12 hours to reach their house in upstate New York.  We were, nevertheless, able to help Poppop with some fall garden clean-up, carve pumpkins with the cousins, and do the chicken dance on Uncle Glen's farm.

It was time well spent.  But.  As our return flight touched down at McCarren in the clear, sharp light of a Nevada sunset, EDO said, "It is good to be home."

October's Best Qualities

Last week, it was raining.  In fact, during the first week of October 2018, we received more rain than had accumulated since April.  (In other words, the first week of October was wetter than the previous five months combined.)  But.  October is generally known for its very fine Indian summer weather.  It is, in my opinion, usually the best month of the year for being outdoors.  Yesterday's conditions proved my point:  Sixties and sunny.  Spectacular fall weather.

An Unusual Day

Rain is rare in southern Utah, especially in 2018.  Before October began, in fact, it had been more than 40 days since the last wetting rain.  Even when it does come, rain normally arrives in brief, violent showers.  It is, therefore, extremely unusual to have several hours of steady rain.  It is even more unusual to have a steady rain that continues for 24, or even 36, hours.  It is currently raining at The Homestead, as it has done since I got up yesterday—a long, steady, 40-degree drizzle.  Very unusual.