44 days, 17

RAIN!!! The first rainy day in months. And Cheeta's birthday! Since he's at such a crossroads in his life, and it's SO hard to sit and wait, I'm looking around for omens. Naturally, when I open my eyes and hear the rain patter on the windows, I think 'Oh no, clouds, dark skies, rain!' Then I go out and the smell, the sight, the sigh (!), of moist earth and plenty, happy plants, trembling little trees stretching up and up, all this makes me think 'Of course! A rainy day in a drought is the best sign possible!'

The sun toyed with us, peeking from the clouds, dashing and dazzling. And just before sunset, this:

Happy birthday, Cheeta!