Tag: rain

Writing on a rainy day.

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It’s raining today. And I’m off from work. So I’ve been sitting at my computer wrestling with words.

I believe I’ve now finished another short story.  At least, it seems complete.  This story concerns youth, magic, innocence, dreams, the passage of years and what might happen in life. If you’d like to read it, click the following link: Final Real Magic is the title of the story.

Dreamlike visions on a wet, drizzly morning.

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It was drizzling very lightly this morning when I stepped out my door. I walked from Cortez Hill down to Broadway, then over to Santa Fe Depot. My camera was under my umbrella.

The light was dim and uncertain, causing many photographs to come out unfocused. A few strange photographs seem to contain mysterious phantoms from some half-remembered dream.  Haunting visions on a wet, drizzly morning.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Photos of San Diego River, after three storms.

The swollen San Diego River after three winter storms in six days. A gauge beside the water shows the river has subsided to about the 8 foot mark, after reaching a high level--I believe--of around 11 feet.
The swollen San Diego River after three winter storms in six days. A gauge beside the water shows the river has subsided to about the 8 foot mark, after reaching a high level–I believe–of around 11 feet.

I did some walking in a drizzle this morning before work.

I got off the trolley at the Fashion Valley station and proceeded to investigate the San Diego River in a section of Mission Valley that is often hit with flooding. Three very rainy winter storms were finally coming to an end. What did I see?

Palm trees surrounded by river water. Photo taken between the Fashion Valley Transit Center and the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.
Palm trees surrounded by flowing river water. Photo taken from the pedestrian bridge between the Fashion Valley Transit Center and the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.
A tall eucalyptus tree knocked over by the gusty winter storms. A common sight around San Diego.
A tall, shallow-rooted eucalyptus tree knocked over by the gusty winter storms. A common sight around San Diego.
Fashion Valley Road this morning was still blocked off from traffic, even though the San Diego River's water had subsided to street level.
Fashion Valley Road this morning was still blocked off from traffic, even though the San Diego River’s water had subsided to street level.
A friendly San Diego Lifeguard makes the rounds to make sure nobody needs a swift water rescue. My photo just missed his wave!
A friendly San Diego Lifeguard makes the rounds to make sure nobody needs a swift water rescue. My photo just missed his wave!
The parking structures at Fashion Valley Mall that are susceptible to flooding were definitely well underwater. Thank goodness, I saw no submerged cars.
The parking structures at Fashion Valley Mall that are susceptible to flooding were definitely well underwater. Thank goodness, I saw no submerged cars.
Bright green grass and dark clouds. I was sheltered from raindrops by the trolley tracks overhead.
Bright green grass and dark clouds. I was sheltered from raindrops by the trolley tracks overhead.
As usual, the San Diego River was flooding Avenida del Rio south of the mall. The short street is appropriately named!
As usual, the San Diego River was flooding Avenida del Rio just south of the mall. The short, dipping street is appropriately named!
Yesterday someone foolishly trying to walk through this powerful moving water had to be rescued. They got washed away. A helicopter was even brought in.
Yesterday someone foolishly trying to walk through this powerful moving water had to be rescued. They got washed away. A helicopter was even brought in.
No worries about flooding for the trolley--at least right here!
No worries about flooding for the trolley–at least right here!
The Highway 163 underpass was flooded and muddy. I had to walk another way around to work. Good thing I got an early start!
The Highway 163 underpass was flooded and muddy. I had to walk another way around to reach work. Good thing I got an early start!
Sign by the San Diego River. The low rainfall and the geologic composition historically allowed the river to run below ground much of the year, hence the nickname--the Upside Down River.
Sign by the San Diego River. The low rainfall and the geologic composition historically allowed the river to run below ground much of the year, hence the nickname: the Upside Down River.
The beautiful river this morning through leaves.
The beautiful river this morning through leaves.
Morning sky and clouds through bare winter river trees.
Morning sky and clouds through bare winter trees.
The San Diego River is unusually wide in its swollen state after the storms. It looks like an honest-to-goodness actual river!
The San Diego River is unusually wide in its swollen state after the storms. It looks like an honest-to-goodness actual river!
Walking along Mission Center Road in the rain by the San Diego River.
Walking along Mission Center Road in the rain by the San Diego River.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Balboa Park, beautiful after the rain.

Girls in ponchos take photos with Will the bronze-gold Bard near the Balboa Park reflecting pool after the rain.
After the rain, girls in plastic ponchos take photos with Will the friendly Bard near the Balboa Park reflecting pool.

A major storm hit San Diego yesterday, causing flooding and uprooting trees.

I went for a walk through Balboa Park this morning. As I started across the Cabrillo Bridge, my hat protected my face from a few lingering very light showers. But they didn’t last long. My camera was out.

Rain has painted the arching west entrance to Balboa Park.
Rain has painted the arching west entrance to Balboa Park.
Leaves, puddles and a few early visitors entering Balboa Park after the latest San Diego storm.
Leaves, puddles, and a few early visitors entering Balboa Park after the latest San Diego storm.
Leaves blown by a very windy storm on a wet tile bench in the Alcazar Garden.
Leaves blown by a very windy storm on a wet tile bench in the Alcazar Garden.
The aftermath.
The aftermath.
The Plaza de Panama might be wet, but people find tranquility and many wonders in the park.
The Plaza de Panama might be wet, but people find tranquility and many wonders in the park.
Dripping branches and leaves seem to overhang The Watchers. This outdoor sculpture is by artist Lynn Chadwick.
Dripping branches and leaves seem to overhang The Watchers. This outdoor sculpture is by artist Lynn Chadwick.
Rainwater has collected in this beautiful flower.
Rainwater has collected in this beautiful flower.
Walkways glisten and the air is clean and cool.
Walkways glisten and the air is clean and cool.
The colors of the tiles in Spanish Village's patio are made bold and cheerful with the lingering moisture.
The colors of the tiles in Spanish Village’s patio are made bold and cheerful with the lingering moisture.
A magical passageway.
A magical passageway.
Magical life. A squirrel on the damp green grass feasts.
Magical life. A squirrel on the damp green grass feasts.
Walking toward the Casa del Prado, between the huge Moreton Bay Fig and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Walking toward the Casa del Prado, between the huge Moreton Bay Fig and the San Diego Natural History Museum.  Everything is so green.
A photographer gets his subjects to pose. Hopefully nobody slips!
A photographer gets his subjects to pose. Hopefully nobody slips!
An iconic sculpture in the rain-wet courtyard of the House of Hospitality. Aztec Woman of Tehuantepec by Donal Hord, 1935.
An iconic sculpture in the rain-wet courtyard of the House of Hospitality. Aztec Woman of Tehuantepec by famed San Diego artist Donal Hord, 1935.
Beads of water on bright jewel-like flowers.
Beads of water on bright jewel-like flowers.
Cleaning up after the muddy, messy storm with a smile.
Cleaning up after the muddy, messy storm with a smile.
Gazing down at the Japanese Friendship Garden's canyon from an overlook by the koi pond.
Gazing down at the Japanese Friendship Garden’s canyon from an overlook by the koi pond.
The strong storm yesterday knocked over a towering eucalyptus tree at the Japanese Friendship Garden canyon's edge. Guys with chainsaws cut it up.
The strong storm yesterday knocked over a towering eucalyptus tree at the Japanese Friendship Garden canyon’s edge. Guys with chainsaws cut it up.
That long puddle almost looks impassable!
That long puddle almost looks impassable!
Rain or not, it seems an umbrella and cell phone simply can't be put aside.
Rain or not, it seems an umbrella and cell phone simply can’t be put aside.
Patches of dampness add character to the side of the Balboa Park Club.
Patches of dampness add even more character to the side of the Balboa Park Club.
A seldom used path to the old cactus garden is lined with bright rain-loving moss.
A seldom used path to the old cactus garden is lined with bright rain-loving moss.
Just a beautiful photo.
Just a beautiful photo.
The picnic benches behind the Balboa Park Club are empty as usual. Grass has turned bright green in collected pools of water.
The picnic benches behind the Balboa Park Club are empty as usual. Grass has turned bright green in collected pools of water.
The clouds are clearing. I hear a cry above. Paired Red-tailed Hawks whirl and dance in the sky together above Balboa Park.
The clouds are clearing. I hear a cry above. Paired Red-tailed Hawks whirl and dance in the sky together above Balboa Park.
This is Engineer Joe. He was blowing a train whistle to attract an audience. He is performing at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre! The super nice guy told me that this puppet theater has been in continuous operation since 1948! He also said Marie Hitchcock created the puppets used by the San Diego Zoo to feed California Condor chicks, saving the species from extinction!
This is Engineer Joe. He was blowing a train whistle outside to attract an audience! He is presently performing at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre.

Engineer Joe is a super nice guy. He told me that the Balboa Park puppet theater has been in continuous operation since 1948.  That’s a long time for a puppet theater! He also said Marie Hitchcock created the hand puppets used by the San Diego Zoo to feed endangered California Condor chicks in the early 1980s, saving the species from extinction!

The sun is out after the storm. A Balboa Park ranger opens the colorful table umbrellas in the Plaza de Panama.
The sun is out after the storm. A Balboa Park ranger opens the colorful table umbrellas in the Plaza de Panama.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around taking photographs!  Just for fun! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

A very strange San Diego sight!

A strange liquid falls from the sky in San Diego. What is it?
A strange liquid falls from the sky in San Diego. What is it?

Umbrellas! In San Diego! My eyes must be deceiving me!

Who said it never rains in Southern California? Whoever that was, they must not have been downtown this morning!

It's only water. Perhaps we can cope. Most of these smart convention center visitors brought umbrellas!
It’s only water. Perhaps those of us who live in sunny San Diego can cope. Most of these smart convention center visitors brought umbrellas!
Honest-to-goodness rain has returned this winter, hopefully putting an end to our ongoing drought.
Honest-to-goodness rain has returned this winter, hopefully putting an end to our ongoing drought.
Umbrellas have sprouted like colorful flowers in the rain!
Umbrellas have sprouted like colorful flowers in the rain!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Even the gray clouds above are beautiful.

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I was going to post these beautiful photographs on one of my other blogs, A Small World Full of Beauty, but decided to feature them here! As I walked to the trolley station after work, the ominous, complex, wind-sculpted gray clouds above Mission Valley were so unusual and eye-catching that I had to pull out my camera. A few drops of sporadic rain couldn’t bow my head. There was so much beauty above in every direction!

Here are some photos.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you enjoy beautiful things? Visit my photography blog which I call A Small World Full of Beauty.

Spring rain and flowers in Little Italy!

A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.
A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.

Early this morning I headed through Little Italy. The streets were still wet after a slight rain in the night. I was admiring all the brightly damp flowers up and down one sidewalk, when it occurred to me I should pull out my camera. So I did!

I love springtime in San Diego. Lots of walking and photos ahead!

Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego's beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego’s beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy's friendly streets.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy’s friendly streets.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It's about a month away.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It’s about a month away.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego's streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego’s streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Photos of Mission Valley flooding from El Niño storm.

Car deep in the water. The flooded lower level of a Fashion Valley parking garage in San Diego's Mission Valley.
Car deep in the water. The flooded lower level of a Fashion Valley mall parking garage in San Diego’s Mission Valley.

Occasionally I post not-so-cool photos on my blog. Here are some that are noteworthy. I took these this morning while walking through a section of Mission Valley on my way to work. Because it lies right next to the San Diego River, the area is notorious for catastrophic flooding.

Yesterday we had a storm that brought intense rain to our region. It was the second winter storm of this El Nino year. Today we’re having our third storm, and it looks to be fairly rainy for many days to come.

Of course, after California’s long drought, we need the water. Unfortunately, the rain that falls in Mission Valley and many other parts of San Diego isn’t captured–it simply runs off into the ocean. I hope there isn’t too much damage caused this winter by El Nino. To my blog’s followers who are affected, take care!

The morning after an early winter storm during an El Nino year. The sun is out as people cross the San Diego River near the Fashion Valley Transit Center.
The morning after an early winter storm during an El Nino year. The sun is out as people cross the San Diego River near the Fashion Valley Transit Center.
Areas along the San Diego River are notorious for flooding. Yesterday a long deluge raised the water to an unusually high level.
Areas along the San Diego River are notorious for flooding. Yesterday a long deluge raised the water to an unusually high level.
A couple dozen cars were spotted flooded at the Fashion Valley shopping mall. This one was stranded not far from Macy's, which also suffered some flooding inside the store.
A couple dozen cars were spotted flooded at the Fashion Valley shopping mall. This one was stranded not far from Macy’s, which also suffered some flooding inside the store.
More cars abandoned in the flood. Many storms are in line to strike San Diego in the coming days during this El Nino year.
More cars abandoned in the flood. Many storms are in line to strike San Diego in the coming days during this El Nino year.
The bike and pedestrian pathway beneath Highway 163 flooded and was impassable. The nearby river was swollen with the recent rain.
The bike and pedestrian pathway beneath Highway 163 flooded and was impassable. The nearby river was swollen with the recent rain.
A beautiful morning photo of the San Diego River taken from Mission Center Road. This spot often floods and traffic must be diverted.
A beautiful morning photo of the San Diego River taken from Mission Center Road. This spot floods during severe storms and traffic must be diverted.
A barrier stands ready for the next storm. It looks to be a long, watery winter!
A barrier stands ready for the next storm. It looks to be a long, watery winter!

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Art exhibit: water, drought, and San Diego’s rainmaker.

The 9th floor gallery at San Diego's Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.
The 9th floor gallery at San Diego’s Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.

RAINMAKER is a fascinating, thought-provoking art exhibition at downtown San Diego’s Central Library. Because it will be coming to a close this weekend, I recently headed to the library’s 9th floor gallery to check it out.

Charles Hatfield was hired by the city of San Diego a hundred years ago to produce much-needed precipitation in order to fill Lake Morena. He might or might not have created the torrential rains and catastrophic flooding that followed his efforts at “moisture acceleration”. Was Hatfield an actual scientist or a charlatan? The question remains open.

This art exhibition focuses on the importance of water in our arid region, and how people affect and are influenced by the environment. Twelve local artists have contributed pieces which touch upon this theme. RAINMAKER is especially relevant today, considering San Diego’s current long drought, and the threat of coming winter storms caused by a strong El Niño that has developed in the Pacific Ocean.

Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena Reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by over 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic?
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth's ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth’s ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn's Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective...
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective…
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego's Central Library, continues through November 29.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego’s Central Library, continues through November 29.

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More welcome rain has begun on Cortez Hill!

More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!
More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!

A large storm cell is passing through downtown this morning!

Rain is such a rare and beautiful thing in San Diego I had to jump outside with my camera for a couple quick pics! At the time, a few drops had just begun to fall.

Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on sidewalk in Tweet Street park.
Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on the sidewalk in Tweet Street park.

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