Outdoors & Nature Insider

Here in Florida we tend to get frequent afternoon showers in the summer months, which may put a damper on outings for most folks. Me? I love nothing more than a walk in the rain, especially in the woods. Now, don't take that to mean that I'm running out the door in a full-on downpour! I'm talking a nice, gentle rain (no lightning) with thunder off in the distance.

The woods come to life with less obvious things - mushrooms burst from underneath leafy matter, raindrops cling to palmettos and sparkle like diamonds, and the raspy croak of frogs rounds out a symphony of sights and sounds. It's amazing to watch and listen!

I've put together a video to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. You know what? The audio from this clip should be on one of those "relaxing sounds" CDs. Play it over and over and melt some stress away!