Rain Coming daily painting by Everglade artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Rain coming!  2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

It's summer on Marco Island, and the afternoon rains come with regularity.  Just what our wet season is all about.  Water!  Sprinkles and downpours!  That's how it should be, to refresh our reservoirs.  The summer rains help sustain life in the dry season and they are a welcome part of the environment we've chosen to live in. 

You can see the thunderheads building over the Everglades starting early in the day, and by late afternoon can expect to be caught in a downpour if you are out and about.  By evening it's mostly cleared, leaving the dinner crowd dry. 

Boaters need to watch the sky, and cell phone radar to watch for storms.  Summer thunderstorms can be quite strong, even though they usually pass quickly.  Being in a sail boat during a thunderstorm storm is a memorable experience--and not necessarily a good one.

The boaters in the above painting have it all under control, and will be safely in port before the rain comes their way! 

Safe Journey, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

April 1 is no joke (April Fools Day) on Marco Island.  April 1 signals a slowly growing peace as the frenetic activity of season comes to a close and our snowbirds begin their yearly migration north.  

Traffic, activities and attendance will begin to slow as the heat of our sub-tropical climate increases and about two-thirds of our population begin to leave the island.  Today's daily painting is symbolic of starting out on a new journey. 

When I was sailing I always superstitiously tossed any change in my pocket into the sea to appease the Sea Gods.  I've done that this morning for you.  To those who may be making a journey, I wish you light winds and calm waters until your return.