Will it rain today? If so, how will rain affect your plans?
For most, we prefer a sunny warm day without a cloud in the sky. However, the forecast usually has other ideas, and that’s a fact.
At present, we are 3 weeks and one day into the soggy month of April.
Here on this renowned ‘National April Showers Day’ we have all come to remember this phrase – ‘April Showers bring May Flowers.’
This widely known phrase highlights the importance of April rain as it nurtures the vibrant blooms of May.
This day is when we embrace wet weather and recognize its importance in the natural cycle. In fact, it reminds us how the vital rain is for the life and growth of so much here on earth.
However, wet stuff from the skies usually is an uninvited guest in our lives unless we are in the middle of a drought and need the water for survival.
Rain can ruin picnics, your car wash, reunions, ball games, parades- you name it- during the month of April, rain runs the show.
Many times, those showers come to us with sound effects of thunder and high winds.
Nevertheless, April is all about rain. A little here, a little there.
By the way, let’s take a close look at today’s forecast which tells us what we can expect this Wednesday- No rain today, partly sunny with a high of 76.
If you dislike these soon to be showers, you probably are wondering – why we don’t celebrate a ‘National Sunshine Day.’
So, how can we celebrate April Showers Day?
The powers that be tells us that we can celebrate in various fun and creative ways such as hosting rain-themed parties with decorations like our loveable umbrellas
.
How about dancing in the rain? Just grab some waterproof gear and head outside for those spontaneous feelings of wet joy!
When is the last time you wore your GALOSHES?
It’s a good bet; you have no idea as to what they are.
For the record, they are high or low-cut rubber shoes or boots that fit over your regular shoes designed to keep your feet dry.
Your rain dance will provide raindrops on your face while jumping into a newly found puddle while giggling and dancing to your heart’s content.
Of course, there are those of us who simply despise wet weather and hate walking in it; let alone – dancing in it.
There are no doubts, these folks keep their beloved UMBRELLA handy at all times!
We would be remiss if we didn’t gather up the neighbors and friends and create our very own – ‘Rainy Day Fashion Parade.’
Call the neighbors and make plans and then we can grab our quirkiest and funkiest boots as well! We can then march with glee during our very own showers parade.
Sounds silly? Yeah, it does.
One thing for sure, the rain and showers certainly inspired the movie makers to create movies while accenting the rain within the theme of the story.
For instance, by far the most notable movie of all time came out 74 years ago in 1952 entitled ‘Singing in the Rain’ when the legendary Gene Kelley danced his way through a backdrop of rain while reflecting happiness and joy.
The movie producers of yesteryear obviously had a vision to film a story about wet stuff. This time it is not raining from the sky, but the water flowing freely from the shower while we bathe.
This giant hit entitled ‘PSYCHO’ hit the screens of America in 1960 and became a cultural icon showcasing a death that took place during a shower.
During these moist April skies, America’s pastime of Baseball rules supreme. However, those ever-present rain showers can pop up as fast as a homer hit out of the park.
Sometimes the showers are stubborn and intense while creating what fans hate to see – a rain delay and the call for the field tarp.
Immediately the call goes out to a small band of folks we have come to know as the – TARP TEAM.
They can unravel and spread a tarp over the infield in just a few minutes.
So, with April showers dominating the scene, baseball management moves into an investigating mode to determine how long the storm cell will remain in the area and make pertinent decisions pursuant to the 6 phases of protocol.
While April Showers continue, the vigilant crews keep monitoring the situation while the fans tend to head to the ballpark concourses and enjoy the many food choices and keep an eye on the Jumbotron for updates.
If the showers and/or storm persist, the game may be suspended for a future date.
So, those showers and storms can be deadly as you know per lightning and strong winds.
In just a few minutes, travel on the interstate can be very dangerous and requires extreme caution.
For those walkers out there trying to get some important exercise in amid a pending storm, be sure and check the forecast for advice and it might be a good time to take an umbrella if you are so inclined.
The calendar says there are eight days left here in wet April, so remember the revelation that April showers bring May flowers.
Those who love the showers, feel welcome to do what Gene Kelley did once upon a time – he danced in the rain while singing as loud as he could.
Today is all yours, have a fantastic, ‘National Showers Day’!
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.