Earlier this week the first rains created a mess. Discards, trash, detritus, mud, leaves, oil, all in a noxious mix, rushed down the streets into the storm drains. The city added chlorine (or one of its relatives from the family) to the water to deal with pathogens. When water flowed from the tap, the air was pungent with its smell and the sediment visible in the glass.

Several days later, it's still raining, but the aspects are much different. The draining waters run clear, with just a bit of mud at the bottom, like miniature rivers. No doubt they are still teeming with unhealthful wildlife, but the clearness of the water lifts my spirits.

The oil is pretty much washed off the roadways and there's better traction for the tires. Rain, pit-a-pat on the windows, greets me in the morning. The air is fresh and sweet, especially after last night's thunderstorm.

It's good to be alive.