Raindrops keep falling on my head
But that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turning red
Crying’s not for me, cause.
I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining
Because I’m free
Nothing’s worrying me
In 1969, when I was 5 years old, my cousins spent the week with us to enjoy summer fun. We had days at the Lake Cable beach building sandcastles, evenings at the park playing tag or kickball and late nights playing board games or cards. Life was bliss!
One day about mid-week, we were supposed to visit the now defunct Mother Goose Land. It was expected to be the highlight of our fun-filled week together. But then … the night before this adventure, my father issued a dire warning: “It might rain tomorrow.”
Oh no! My cousins and I sat sulking on the steps leading to my room. It couldn’t possibly rain on the crown jewel of our week together.
We took turns interrogating my father about what “might rain” really means.
My cousin, Christopher, age 8, went first, “Uncle Al, when you say ‘might rain’ does that mean more of a chance or less of a chance it will rain?”
“It means there is a fair chance of rain,” my dad said while reading his newspaper.
Next up, my cousin, Jennifer, age 7, inquired, “Uncle Al, do you think it will rain tomorrow?”
“It’s a possibility, Jenny.” my father said not looking up from the paper.
And now I completed the cross examination with, “Dad, what are we going to do if it rains tomorrow?”
“Ask your mother. She’s in charge,” said my dad.
And so we went to bed that night debating what the words “fair chance” actually meant and hoping for no rain come morning.
Alas, we woke up to a rainy day. But my mother seemed energized and said she had a plan B that we would enjoy just as much as Mother Goose Land. We looked at her in disbelief.
My mother proceeded to tell us that she was taking us to the McKinley National Monument and the Presidential Museum and Library near our house in the Canton, Ohio area. What?
A quick history lesson followed this announcement explaining President William McKinley, his life and presidency, why there was a monument in his honor and what historical artifacts we would see.
Rain, rain go away!
We put on our rain coats and took the short drive to our new destination. As we approached the museum, I asked my mom, “Mom, if it stops raining, can we please go to Mother Goose Land?” The door shut.
We were standing at the foot of the magnificent monument looking up at all the steps that lead to the memorial at the top. My mom told us to each count the number of steps and to report our number back to her. In the end, no one had the same number, but we delighted in climbing all the way to the top!
After looking at the President’s tomb and other historical references in the dome, we headed over to the library and museum. The first part of this new adventure had admittedly not been that bad!
We spent hours in the museum looking at turn of the century furniture, fashions, transportation modes, inventions. It was all there – and there was something that interested everyone. The day was topped off with an amazing show about the solar system in the museum’s planetarium. Thank you, rainy day!
We rushed home and barely beat my dad home from work. When he arrived we could not stop telling him about this new place we had discovered! I am sure my parents were breathing a sigh of relief – meltdown averted!
I have visited that site a kabillion times since that day and also recommend it to anyone traveling that way. You can also check out the National First Ladies Library and Museum, which is now also located nearby.
As a result of the trading in Mother Goose for President McKinley episode, I have always had a pretty good radar for preparing for Plan B on rainy days. This childhood experience always gets me thinking about other possibilities.
Allow me to share some suggestions for rainy day alternatives:
Stay Inside
- Indulge in reading or streaming a series that is on your rainy day list.
- Take on a “done in a day” project like reorganizing your office or closet.
- Make a recipe that you rarely tackle, but everyone loves!
- Work on an art project or craft that has been sitting in your closet waiting to engage.
Visit rain friendly sites
- My favorite rain adventure is visiting the Cleveland Zoo, There are many advantages to visiting during inclement weather:
- The animals are more energetic and perky.
- The crowds are smaller, and you can see the park better.
- The docents are not as busy and can answer your questions about the animals and conservation.
- Visit a person who is unable to get outside due to the weather; or,
- Visit a friend you have not seen in a while.
Chase the sun
One last option – and I recognize it’s not always possible: Chase the sun.
A few years ago I went to visit my sister who lives south of Los Angeles. When I arrived, it was cold. Temperature in the 60s and raining. We packed an overnight bag, hopped in the car and drove south for an hour or so to Palm Springs, where the temperature was in the 80s and the sun was shining brightly! You can do that in California – one of the golden state’s many attractions.
We checked into a Marriott for two nights and paid with points. During the morning there were hikes in the desert. In the afternoon we swam at the pool, and during the evening we watched college football at the outdoor night club. Nice little get away from the rain!
I’ve also heard stories from friends in which they drove from the West side to the East side of Florida to catch better weather during spring break!
Well, I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night
I love to hear the thunder
Watch the lightning when it lights up the sky
You know it makes me feel good
These days I am thankful for the rain and the water it brings to our trees. plants and animals. It cools us down on hot days and pitter patters on the roof during the nights. It restores our water supplies. Oh, I am grateful!
Let us know how you like to spend a good rainy day in the Comments section.
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