Extreme Rain Extreme Drought

The ebb and flow of South Florida weather varies from extreme rains to extreme drought. Within just several months our water index level has surpassed the drought reading and continues to rise. South Florida Water Management, our local government agency, recorded Lake Okeechobee at 14.93 feet. I am not surprised at the rising levels as the rains continue to keep us inside. Still the Osprey gently waiting out the rains. Gracefully with a bowed head, the raptor awaits for a weather break or even the morning when the fishing will be best.

As a young girl I can remember listening to the same pounding drops hit the roof, the grass, the asphalt, the car. The rains cometh and sometimes not. Climate change has prevented the normal storms through a rainy season. Thunder storms, tropical weather warnings-all are normal summertime memories. Ironically enough, all the efforts put forth to drain the Everglades for man dominating over nature is now the continual focus of reversal in hopes of preserving the endangered wetlands. 10,000 Islands of wetlands that tourists flock to, scientists study, and politicians avoid. My home is among all these islands. I simply hope to understand this place I call my home before the opportunity passes. 

Determination

This afternoon my son and I played outside. The close of September brings a welcome relief of cooler weather in South Florida, and I was happy to be able to enjoy playtime. We were fortunate enough to have a family of Osprey's visiting the scrub area (just over our fence) this week. So, I admit I had my camera out and this made playtime a little more exciting.  As the juveniles flew to the beach, one of the adults always watched and waited for their return. I have not witnessed an entire family in action and wished I had a digi-scope to see their dives for fish in the Atlantic. Then, the rains came. Hard, large drops. For hours now, the adult Osprey has not left the spot on the dead tree limb that he has occupied since before dinner. I am in awe of his position of family first, but truly his determination to remain on the exposed limb unencumbered by the happenings of the evening. During my saddest time (missing my mother who passed away years ago) or when I have the flu (recovering still), mother nature seems to send me these wonderful messages. I continue to believe my mother speaks to me in many different ways. The Osprey has been the messenger. As I look out my window squinting to see if the Osprey is still there, I can make out his silhouette with a tucked head as if in prayer. I only hope tomorrow brings as much enlightenment.