
A passing shower in summer leaves a sparkling display of water drops like diamonds on the leaves of a Japanese maple. How can these drops stay in place without falling off the leaf? It comes down to the surface tension on the leaf. Water adheres weakly to a waxy leaf surface and strongly to itself, so water clusters into drops. Surface tension gives them their near-spherical shape because a sphere has the smallest possible surface area to volume ratio. Forces such as wind or jolts to the leaf overwhelm the surface tension and cause the water drop to slide off the leaf.
Our recent social situation due to COVID-19 is undeniably one we have never faced before. All around are “new normals” with social distancing, self-quarantine, and working from home. Media outlets state that massive changes will develop out of this moment in time — how we relate with each other and function in our careers.

Wrapped up in these new norms is a strong desire to “just get out of the house” and experience the outdoors, which offers much needed tranquility and hope. There is no better way to move beyond these times than to experience the natural world around us.
Research proves absorbing more vitamin D (sunshine) helps build our immunity to sickness. It’s free and healthy! Let’s get out and enjoy what sunlight gives us in the Columbia area. Experience the rivers, lakes, gardens, and wildlife. Make it a daily routine to observe something new in nature; study what’s around you, and take note of a certain flower or animal’s uniqueness. You won’t be disappointed — you’ll learn something new, appreciate what you see, and sooth your soul in the process. You’ll forget about all the changes we are experiencing, but the best part is you won’t forget the beneficial sunlight.

