3. Thunderstorms


We rarely get a really good thunderstorm in the UK, and last night we had a five hour long light show that brought me such joy! It started during daylight hours, but when the sun set in the late evening, wow, it was incredible!


I understand a lot of people are frightened or just don't like them (especially pet owners), but for me, they are awe inspiring. Seeing the flashes of light arc across the sky or down to the ground is thrilling, each time you are watching waiting, but yet taken by surprise each time as you just don't know what it's going to look like or where it's going to be.


I even love the crack or rumble of thunder, the sheer power of the lightning creating a shockwave that carries for miles. There's also that distinct smell in the air (which I Googled and is apparently a combination of ozone, peteichor and geosmin).


The rain is a lot heavier and sometimes brings hail, again, I love to hear it pounding the ground. Maybe I'm odd, but maybe there are others who love thunderstorms like I do. Having said all this I wouldn't like to be caught in one out at sea...

1. Bird watching

As I gazed out of the kitchen window, washing the dishes, I realised that watching birds visit my garden brings me a lot of joy.

My garden isn't very big, and is just a patchy lawn with a path running down the middle and a slightly unruly apple tree half way down. It's not the worst garden I've ever seen but it needs a lot of work.

Anyway, as I stared out of the window, I saw two birds that I think were mistle thrushes hopping about the lawn picking out worms and insects. Then I saw a couple of smaller birds - a robin and I think a coal tit which was feeding from my bird feeder. And to finish off, a blackbird which was also digging around looking for insects in the lawn.

It was so mesmerising watching them go about their business that I think I'm going to have to work at making my garden into a haven for the birds!