Quote Originally Posted by DebW View Post
That's ozone, and it's not good for you to breath it for very long. But you can still enjoy the smell if you want to.
Actually, I read that the smell was caused by the low pressure that moves in before it rains. The lower pressure in the air draws up the higher pressure air in the ground, creating an "earthy" smell. I can't remember where I read this, so I'm not sure if its true, but it makes a lot of sense.

Anyway, my favorite smell that always makes me smile is fallen leaves in autumn. I also love: pine trees, especially ponderosa, in the summer the trunks smell like butterscotch; onions and garlic sauteed in olive oil, fresh basil, a newly opened bag of coffee, the bouquet of a fine red wine swirled in my glass.