It is a rainy day today. Wales is having a wash! God is doing the laundry.
And I love it!
For some reason I have really grown to love rainy days. When I was at school rainy days were murder as lunch times were spend trying my best to find somewhere outside that I could stand in the rain to be alone. I mean... The teachers of the school would order me to go to the hall which was overcrowded with exciting screamy and shouty kids letting off steam. For me it was absolutly the very last place I wanted to be. All the voices at volume. I just wanted to crawl into some quiet sound proof hole! And I am not one who really likes confined places. So my school days in rain I would get soked but I disn't care. The whole time I would be spending in fear of being caught outside. It wasn't a deep fear as I think some teachers may have known I preferred to be outside so pretended not to notice.. But just incase a stricter one came along I would hide... I wouldn't want to go too far. Only the smokers would do that and some of them were bullies (Even though they didn't mean to be or think they were), though if I had to pass them they would normally leave me pass, as they were in the same boat. They didn't want to get caught either despite nearly every teacher knowing their hiding places! I was much more cunning... I would move around to avoid detection as teachers had made rhemselves walking routines... And the ones who were a little more strict I would know their routes. We had a good headmaster. He was strict but kind, and easy to spot as he wore a black cloak. I think if he saw me out he would advise to go to the hall but if I headed that way and became "Distracted" he wouldn't say much. It was as if he knew?
After leaving school and then college, I learnt that I loved the rain. I would enjoy cycling in it as once I was wet through I would be fine as long as it wasn't too cold. The getting wet bit was the worst bit. Once wet I found that cycling in the rain is quite an adventure, and I usually seem to have energy. I have been miles cycling in rainy weather!
Other aspects I have learnt. Usually in bicycle shops rainy days are quiet or if they are busy customers seem happier to be inside and less likely to complain. Usually rhey are droppinh off or collecting bicycles or they are happily browsing without needing to be served. They are happy just looking by themselves.
And leaving them explore usually means a sale or two and they are happy "Feel good" sales for customers and the staff enjoy these. We are happy and stress free.
When I worked the trains it was the same. People would be glad to be there and me going through saying the same jokes again would make them smile. And when they smiled I was happy as well. They were glad to be out the rainy weather and were greatful for the train.
I have always associated rain like today as "Hornby weather" as in the 1978 Hornby catalogue there was a picture of a model railway shop with trainsets in the window and it was a pleasant rainy day. It made me feel good, as in my mind rain means that people go to model railway shops and I love trains! The image of the kid looking at the shop window... Or rater the shop window in the rain whith slightly misty bits at the edges... Yes. Hornby weather! Makes me smile.
And today. Even though I am now a 47 year old man, when there is rain and it is not too cold and wintery gives me a real sense of adventure. Rainy days are exploring days. Days where holiday places and touristy spots are open but no one much is around... I really like such days. Days where I have the beach to myself. Days where I can be myself in a carefree way.
I like rain. I love it! God bless the rain! 
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