Saturday, July 11, 2009

One of the Locals

As the dark clouds rolled in and the thunder echoed off the mountains, I scurried outside to bring in the clothes drying on the line. The approaching storms don't always make it over the mountains -- sometimes we get the visual and auditory show without the rain -- but I get ready just in case.

I'm sometimes amazed at how much I've adapted to this environment, despite my constant grumblings about how everyone treats me like an outsider. I still panic when I hear thunder and quickly save whatever I'm working on, but now I also revert to Susie Homemaker and prepare the house for a tropical rainstorm (very different from those in the Midwest).

While out on the patio, I looked down at my neighbors and saw three different women doing the same thing. I guess I'm one of the locals whether they like it or not.

11 comments:

Spy Scribbler said...

LOL! As I was reading this, I was listening to a thunderstorm rolling in, and thinking that I have to hurry and get dressed and get the top on the Jeep. :-)

Nadine said...

Loved this post! It's funny the things that become second nature after a while without us even realizing it.

Travis Erwin said...

I wish we could get some rain. been a 106 here the last few days.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Natasha, after raining half the day yesterday, it's hot again.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, that's very true!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Travis, our heat index gets into the 100s, but so far not the actual temp. I hope you get some relief soon!

Robin said...

That's very cool. It sounds sort of homey. At least you're not fitting in with the locals by shooting up the local police station.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, you aren't kidding! Yesterday (Saturday) there were attacks on the police in seven cities in Michoacan, the state next to us where Ibis' family lives. We have family in three of those cities. Plus there was a grenade attack in Acapulco -- all in retaliation to them arresting a drug lord.

JLC said...

Something similar happened to me during our last wind storm. I went out to secure the umbrella and patio furniture, and saw my neighbor down the hill behind us, doing the same thing. I felt like we had a common bond. Glad you got your clothes inside in time!

"Ugh" about the shootings and stuff.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Isn't that funny when that happens? You can feel so isolated in your house then you step outside and see others living right in step with you. :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

'Bout time, eh? ;)