Petrichor

 

"Petrichor" is that fresh, earthy scent when rain falls on dry ground. Seattle might finally get wet this morning. 

We've only had a trace of rain (0.06 to be exact) so far this month. I water the flower beds by hand almost daily, which is a chore. The grass went brown and dormant weeks ago. Very few people irrigate lawns in this neighborhood, mostly because of the expense. 

Seattle Public Utilities charges homeowners on both ends for water: what comes in through the street meter and then out the sewer (which of course is not metered.) That means you pay the sewer charge for drinking water dumped on the ground. What a racket. 

We see more of those plastic lawns now in West Seattle, especially with the new construction. I get it, but just give me brown in the summer. In the winter, the grass turns green as Ireland again.

I'm happy to report the family is safely back on the Carlton farm.

They were met by one ecstatic dog and two indifferent cats. The house-sitters took good care of their place, although Amanda said the poultry flock looks slightly diminished. A mystery, but eagles in the area sometimes help themselves to a nice chicken dinner. 

A peaceful morning on the farm. All is well.