So, So Wet

For those of you who closely monitor the weather in Syracuse, you may have noticed that we've had above-average warm temperatures here, which I regard as nature's ultimate betrayal. Nature must have heard me badmouthing it, because it decided to take an untimely revenge this afternoon. Clara and I ran up to the university to see Daddy and stop in for a quick errand at the bookstore. As we drove up to the school, we found ourselves in the midst of a classic eastern torrent, but as tends to be the case, the storm was short-lived. By the time we found a nice parking place near the student center, the rain had lightened to a mere drizzle.

Moving quickly, I fed the meter, plopped Clara in her stroller, and headed towards the bookstore. Just as I realized I had chosen the wrong entrance and was facing a long flight of stairs with a stroller, Nature gave me what was coming to me, and the downpour began again in earnest. Summoning my momma-strength from deep within, I picked up Clara in her stroller and sprinted up the steps (and yes, Mom, my back does hurt), but I was not nearly fast enough. By the time we got into the building, I was literally dripping from my hair and hands, my shoes were making that squnchy noise that saturated shoes make, and my shirt and pants were plastered to my body. Clara made off a slight bit better, as she was partially covered by her stroller's canopy. But believe me, we were quite a rag-tag sight. I wheeled her to the bathroom and held her under the hand dryer for a while, but she quickly tired of that game. I spent some time under the dryer myself, thanking my good foresight in changing out of the white shirt I had worn to work that morning. And of course, within about 15 minutes the rain had more or less stopped for good. Which is how I know nature is out to get me.

(Incidentally, I think gravity might have it out for Clara, as she somehow pulled the piano bench onto her face this evening. My heart has finally recovered, but she has quite a bruise on her forehead, and therefore we may not be out much in company for a few days...)