Pull Out The Candles, Winter With a Bang

We've been waiting a long time for the rain. It's not even a matter of the chronic drought that has plagued the Land of Israel in recent years. Our neighborhood's sidewalks had been been dug up, replaced, recovered for "upgrading" which caused a definite deterioration in the air quality. For half a year, the entire dry season or longer, we've suffered from the resulting sand and dust. It has been so bad, that not only are our houses full of sandy dust, but I couldn't even eat my grapes straight from the vine.

Last night the blessed rains began, and electricity for miles around stopped. Periodically we had a much weaker version; only the new Led lights in the kitchen and the television worked well. Then it was black again, with the exception of the full moon. I lit candles and ended up sleeping in the living room.

This morning, after a couple of tries, bli eyin haraa, not to tempt the "evil eye," we're all lit up again. The flora, bricks, concrete and pavements are starting to shine. And now we'll discover whether or not the new white stone "covering" of the path is dangerously slippery or not.

Although the forecasts had been for daytime rain, we were blessed with a nighttime deluge. I say "blessed," because the first rain is a hazardous time to be on the roads here. The buildup of months of oil and sand combine dangerously with the rain contributing to serious car accidents. At least at night fewer people are on the roads.

Gd willing none of our or anyone else's electric appliances had been damaged/destroyed by the on/off power. As I write this I can see the clouds shrinking and the blue sky emerging. Tree branches are swaying like hyperactive dancers. Do you think I can do some laundry?