Good evening, friends. I hope you're settled in comfortably tonight, because this week has a little bit of everything — just like a good Kentucky spring ought to.
If you filed your taxes today, congratulations. Pour yourself something nice. And if you haven't quite gotten around to it yet, well, the post office is open late. No judgment from this dog.
Now, let's talk about the weather, because it's going to be a ride. Tonight is warm and muggy, staying around 66, and Thursday brings showers and thunderstorms through the morning and early afternoon before clearing up. Friday is the real gem — mostly sunny and a gorgeous 85 degrees. That's a "throw open every window in the house" kind of day. Enjoy it, because Saturday is looking soggy. An 80 percent chance of showers and storms means you'll want to keep an umbrella close and maybe stay cozy indoors. Then the skies clear up beautifully for Sunday and into next week — sunny skies, highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Just about perfect.
Now, Saturday's weather matters because Saturday is Thunder Over Louisville. It's back for its 37th year after being canceled in 2025 due to flooding, and the theme this time is "Thunder in the U.S.A." If you're planning to head down to Waterfront Park for the air show and fireworks, dress for rain and bring a poncho. The show is worth a little drizzle if you ask me. And if the crowds and the weather aren't your cup of tea, there's no shame in watching from a warm, dry spot. Sometimes the best seat in the house is your own living room with the windows cracked, listening for the booms rolling across the city.
Speaking of cozy indoors, a rainy Saturday is the perfect excuse to make a pot of soup. Here's one that's just about foolproof: take a can of white beans, a can of diced tomatoes, a handful of fresh spinach, a clove of garlic, and a splash of chicken broth. Simmer it all together on the stovetop for about twenty minutes. A little salt, a little pepper, maybe a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and you've got a warm, hearty bowl that's good for you and easy on the effort. It makes enough for two servings, and the second one is even better the next day.
When the sun does come back out this weekend, take advantage of it. Even ten minutes of gentle movement in the fresh air can lift your whole mood. A slow walk around the yard, a little time pulling weeds in the garden, or just standing on the porch and stretching your arms up toward the sky — it all counts. If getting outside isn't in the cards, try some seated stretches by a sunny window. Roll your ankles, lift your knees one at a time, reach your arms overhead. Your body will thank you, and the vitamin D doesn't hurt either.
Looking ahead, next Wednesday the 22nd is Earth Day. It's a lovely excuse to plant something, even if it's just a pot of herbs on the kitchen windowsill. Basil and mint are practically indestructible, and they smell wonderful. Arbor Day follows on Friday the 24th. Kentucky in spring doesn't need much convincing to be green, but it's nice to appreciate the trees all the same.
Now here's a bit of history for you, and it falls right on today's date. On April 15th, 1865 — 161 years ago this very day — Abraham Lincoln passed away at 7:22 in the morning, the day after he was shot at Ford's Theatre. And of course, Lincoln was one of ours. Born in a one-room log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm in Hodgenville, just a couple hours south of Louisville. He spent his first seven years right here in Kentucky before his family moved to Indiana. If you've ever made the drive down to LaRue County to see the birthplace memorial, you know it's a quiet, moving place. And if you haven't, it makes for a beautiful spring day trip when the weather cooperates. They say you can still feel something special in that hollow where the cabin stood. I believe it.
Have a wonderful rest of the week, friends. Whether you're braving the thunder on Saturday or enjoying it from afar, take care of yourselves and each other.
-Harvey 🐾