California Does Fall

Not for long, of course, but the few autumnal days we get sure are pretty. We just finished a very hot, six-month long summer. After 179 days of dry weather, heavy clouds laden with rain descended on our state. The air  sparkled, free of dust and smoke. Overnight, the leaves changed to fiery reds and golden oranges and yellows.

California's called the Golden State for a reason.

I had a very long last week that limited my barn visits to the predawn and early evenings. The only time I saw the sun's light was while at work.

Finally, a blue sky free of haze.

Afternoon rain was predicted on Saturday, so even though I was sluggish and unmotivated, I headed out to the barn in the early morning. My effort was rewarded with dazzling sunshine gleaming through the clean air and blue skies.

Free of mud.

Even though it was barely 50 degrees, I hosed the mud from Speedy's legs and hooves. He stood quietly, basking in the warmth of the California sun. Even in fall, its rays are warm.

Remnants of the rain.

I think both Speedy and Izzy are enjoying the cooler, wet weather. Speedy's been standing in the rain while Izzy's been hanging out beneath the trees in the shade. My vet joked recently that a horse's best weather day is 47 degrees. My horses seem to agree with him.

T-shirt weather in early December.

More rain is predicted this week. The skies will once again be cloudy and dull, but we won't complain. We need every drop of rain we can get since summer is right around the corner.