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Raining on a Sunday Afternoon

It's Sunday, and it has been raining all day. In fact, it has been raining a lot this summer. I'm not complaining. I welcome the rain. That being said, all the summer activities require for you to be outdoors, and there isn't much you can do when it's pouring outside. So, what can you do on a rainy Sunday afternoon?

I read an article today in the Swedish news outlet, Sydsvenskan, titled "Saker att göra när det regnar - Sticka eller virka en disktrasa" (or, "Things to do  when it's raining - to knit or crochet a dishrag). Sure, knitting is one thing you can do on a rainy day. For instance, I've been knitting a winter skirt, while listening to Stephen King's It on Audible (now there's a book to set the mood for a rainy day!). But if you're not a knitter, there's so much more you can do to not only pass the time, but to make the most of your day indoors.


Listening

I've mentioned audiobooks. And you don't even have to get a subscription on Audible to find a good story to listen to. There are some many audiobooks that you can listen to for free on Youtube and on Open Culture. Take, for instance, one of my favourite short stories, The Veldt by Ray Bradbury, narrated by none other than Leonard Nimoy. It has everything you want on a cold rainy afternoon - hot blazing sun, bloodthirsty lions, psychotic children, and tea.




 Reading

Audiobooks are nice and all, but if you rather listen to the beat of the rain on your window, that's fine too. That's why printed books were invented. I don't think there is a specific genre that is reserved for rainy days. Any book will do, as long as you're enjoying it.

But, if you want your mind to take you some place warm and sunny, again, you can't go wrong with Ray Bradbury. Dandelion Wine, and The Golden Apples of the Sun are the perfect means to escape the dull and wet reality. The first is the story of two brothers, and their many adventures during their summer vacation. The second is a collection of short stories that will make you feel warm inside.

Of course, if you're totally down with the rainy, chilly July, you'd want to read something that fits the mood. Creepypasta by Jack Werner is an obvious choice, but any Gothic mystery will do just fine. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson have had their fair share of Gothic adventures, like The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventure of the Speckled Band.  






Crafting 

I've already mentioned knitting. You can also crochet, scrapbook, or do anything that gives you a sense of accomplishment. I, for one, am an expert watch repairman.. woman? Person? Okay, I may not be an expert, but I'm pretty good at it. Today, for instance I worked on a couple of wristwatches of mine. It's delicate work that requires a lot of precision, and patience, and it's definitely something that will keep you occupied for an hour or so.




What do you do when it's too cold and too wet to go outside? What are your hobbies guaranteed to keep your spirits up on a dull Sunday afternoon?




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