The plan was for the rain to fall in minimal spurts to ensure a lower temperature come dinnertime. Of course, being a de-facto disciple of Murphy, not only did it rain, it poured. It rained cows. It was a cute little detail that the showers came around the time when all my friends were on their merry way to my place, simply confirming their initial complaints that I live in a less accessible but much warmer Siberia. They brought their ordeals onto themselves, I think, having probably whined the entire week about the trip they were expecting. Still, for them to traverse submerged areas in bumper-to-bumper traffic for double (or more) the estimated traveling time, I should say that their feats alone are worth a flood of thanks. Many sopping thanks to all the conspirators!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -