“Through the blackest night, morning gently tiptoes, feeling its way to dawn.”
The many cold cokes I drank last night were cause for me to get up at 3:30, just in time to hear and see the start of the thunderstorm. I remembered my car windows were open and raced outside to close them. By then, of course, the rain had begun in earnest, and I got quite wet. Once inside I had to stay up a while so I wouldn’t miss the thunder and lightning. I so love a good storm.
The day is humid, no different than the previous days, but a cold front is coming later in the week. One night is predicted to be in the high 50’s. I can hardly wait to be cold.
I love the early mornings, especially when I’m away. I remember the trip my mother and I took to Pennsylvania. I woke up about dawn and, while my mother was still sleeping, I made my way to Gettysburg National Park. We had toured the park the day before, but I got to be there all by myself just as the gates opened. Ground fog drifted slowly across the battlefields giving them a surreal look. I drove ever so slowly through the park imagining the sounds of the battles and the groaning of the wounded. It felt like a holy place, a shrine. That quiet ride is my favorite memory from that trip.
In Santa Fe, on a trip with my sisters, I woke up early, quietly left the room and made my way to the square. I bought coffee and a roll and sat and watched the Indians set up their wares for the day on the porch of the Governor’s Palace. They spread out colorful blankets and carefully placed their jewelry, art and handmade goods. The rest of the square was quiet. I was the only spectator to the start of that day in Santa Fe.
In Ghana, the mornings started early as the air was coolest just before the sun rose. Market ladies walked on the dirt path between the rows of millet on their way to town and carried their wares on their heads. I could hear them talking and laughing. Smoke rose in the air from morning fires in the family compounds, and I could smell the wood burning. I’d sit on my porch with my cup of coffee and watch the day unfold a piece at a time.
I always think the early mornings are a gift whether I’m in another place or on the deck with the papers and coffee.
Explore posts in the same categories: MusingsTags: mornings, thunderstorms
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keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
August 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I´ve been to Kvänum to get the breaks on my car fixed, lots of photos, and the sun shined almost all the time. I even got the chance to mowe my lawn when I came home too. My friendly neighbour had dome most of the area outside our gardens thankfully. The few flies still around found me and almost drove me mad 🙂
I don´t think anything is open especially early here in this county, but it´s a different thing in Gothenburg. I sometimes went in to the city and sat down at one of the café´s that was open. I loved to see al tired dog owners walking around with their dogs where it would have been impossible the night before. If it was summer it happened that many of them only were dressed in dressing-gowns 🙂 🙂
Have a great day now!
Christer.
August 11, 2010 at 9:49 am
Christer,
I love a trip into the “city” which is Hyannis for me. I save all my errands for one trip.
I laughed at the people in their dressing gowns but if a dog has to go, it has to go.
August 10, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Hi Kat,
Early morning is the best time, I think. It’s quiet except for the birds. Sometimes, if I’m out walking, I see other animals going about their business even in my suburban town. The other morning my dog and I spotted a large owl on its way home late and being ganged up on by the local jays and starlings.
When I worked I had to leave the house by 5:30 AM. There was no one else up except me and the cardinals. Once in a while there would be a neighborhood cat and, now and then, a coyote. Until I retired, I think I knew the neighborhood animals better than I did the people. Now, the mornings start a more reasonable hour.
August 11, 2010 at 9:51 am
Hi Caryn,
When I worked, I was up at 5:15 and out the door an hour later. Few cars on the road then. Like you, I sometimes saw a coyote on its way home and little else.
On the deck, I still see more birds than people. They show up in the late afternoon walking their dogs and driving Gracie crazy.
August 10, 2010 at 7:19 pm
I’m with you on thunder storms, love the light show too. We have had storms all week and I just love sitting on the enclosed porch and listening to the rain pelt the windows and metal gutters. It’s music to my ears and the fresh smell of cut grass makes it even better. We have tropical storms all week into the weekend so I’m making up for a drought in July. Send some of that cold weather down here Kat. PLEASE!
August 11, 2010 at 9:52 am
Z&Me,
When the cold comes, I’ll share! It’s been awfully hot here, far hotter than usual. I find the deck is the best spot most of the day. It always has a breeze.
Africa had the best storms. I saw a lightning bolt hit the ground in front of my house-magnificent!
August 10, 2010 at 11:51 pm
i agree kat
‘I can hardly wait to be cold.”
heat wave here in the ohio valley
looking forward to the Perseid meteor showers
the next 3 nights.
August 11, 2010 at 9:55 am
splendid,
I love watching the meteors showers though the moon might just be a bit too bright for the best views. One year there were so many I was oohing and aahing right out loud-it was in the wee hours. I always wondered if the neighbors heard.
August 11, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Right… No new music today. I forgot the plan. Silly me. I hope you’re having a fun day off!
August 12, 2010 at 12:06 am
sprite,
It’s a really busy day which is why I chose Wednesday. I had grocery shopping and making appetizers then over to friends’ house for dinner with said appetizers then to the theater for our Wednesday play. Tonight it was Much Ado About Nothing.
It was a fun evening.
PS I also read and had a small nap!!
August 12, 2010 at 1:34 pm
That does sound like a packed day!
We caught Much Ado about Nothing performed outdoors a few weeks ago. The actress who played Beatrice was particularly talented, which I think is the most important part given the witticisms she has to toss off so rapidly.
August 12, 2010 at 9:39 pm
sprite,
The play was excellent. It was oddly set during WWII but it worked wonderfully.