The rain fell steadily like a salve–soothing, calming, unpretentious, and just seasonal. The thought of April showers that bring May flowers crosses the mind.

Gratitude is a quick, close second when it comes to experiential feelings.

What we learn and take for granted when we are young is what brings the mind of a mature person to remember to be thankful for all that is in their lives. We enjoy the good and hopefully learn from the not-so-good things.

While it is raining here, I look forward to being able to watch sports indoors and out of the rain.

I used to take frequent walks when it was raining out. Somehow, I’ve gotten away from that. I think it could be because there is not a boardwalk close by.

During winters in Long Island, I’d choose a particularly cold, snowy day and make my way over the Atlantic Beach bridge and walk the boardwalk out in the elements. It was great for clearing my head. I’m thinking it’s been since I was in the Navy on leave that I’ve done that.

Yankees or Cardinals?

So, even without a boardwalk, today might be a good day to walk in the rain as while it’s steady, it’s not a torrential downpour. We’ll see what happens after I finish this piece.

Don’t see any ducks around.

Don’t see any rabbits around.

Some squirrels are lurking here and there.

One of the carpenter bee traps is working its magic.

The other is eerily vacant. But it is early. They’ve only been up a couple of weeks.

I’ve been more into the St. Louis Cardinals than the Yankees this year. My problem with the Yankees is a lack of starting pitching, or, shall I say quality starting pitching. They’ve got more than enough offense on paper, but the starters on the mound in my view are suspect. That doesn’t mean there can’t be someone who breaks out, but I can’t help shaking the gnawing feeling these are the same old Yankees.

They may make the playoffs, but will they have a deep run? I guess we’ll see.

The Cardinals on the other hand are more compelling to me. Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright bring the veteran guile and savvy ability, still, in this late stage of their respective careers. Their steadying influence will positively impact all the Cards’ youngsters. Plus, they’ve just been really fun to watch so far this year.

My better half reminded me the Masters is on, too. I will watch some of it no doubt. I’m not much of a golfer, but it’s definitely something I can pick up again whenever I feel the urge.

Rainy and cold days growing up were made for playing pool or ping pong in the basement. I was not into writing as a child, but I liked a game of 8-ball. Go figure. Ping pong was something to alternate games of pool with, as the ping pong table was just a cover on the pool table when it was not in use.

Rain may not be as welcoming as the sun to most people but it’s all in how you view it. You can get intermittent periods of sun breaking through while it’s raining. I like to think this is evidence that at least minimally supports the notion that rainy days can occasionally be just what the doctor ordered.

Now time for that walk in the rain.