The Rainy Season

Thursday evening, after a late afternoon shower.

Recently every day has brought us some amount of rain--usually accompanied by the rumble of thunder. Clouds come rolling in and the sky darkens, usually late in the afternoon.

Pounding night time rain has battered my bedraggled flower border, soaking the base of lavender, achillea and dianthus plants, some of which are looking very poorly. the thought of losing cherished plants is very frustrating.

I look at the weeds which have poked up through the layer of mulch and I despair of ever controlling the unwanted invaders.

Four o'clocks are spreading and flourishing in the cloudy weather.

We had company from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning, Jim's older sister and her husband who have purchased a motor home for the purpose of having their own space while making some family visits.

On Monday we took them on a tour of winding country roads in the next county. 

Tuesday I commandeered the car so that Joyce and I could make a leisurely rummage at the Goodwill shop and also pick up a few grocery items while the men dealt with a small repair on the motor home.

We talked endlessly and shared simple but delicious meals.

Several of our cats do not enjoy having guests in the house, creeping warily downstairs only when they are sure that Jim and I are the only ones present.

The three 'boy cats' who usually like to pop in and out of the house during the daytime, have been content to spend more time inside sprawling in air-conditioned comfort rather than braving the outside heat and humidity. 

I have realized that attempting to work outside in such weather is not a healthy undertaking.

I  peg out laundry on the back porch, walk slowly down the lane to the mail box or to offer the goats slices of cantaloupe rind, then return to the cool shelter of dim farmhouse rooms.

I have puttered at the usual housekeeping tasks, done a bit of utility sewing.

I have sat at my desk reading way too many news articles regarding the current astonishing and disheartening political stunts of the day.

I need to restrict this habit before it becomes a serious time waster!

Last evening, working quietly at my desk after Jim had gone to bed I suddenly realized that several cats had lined up behind my chair and were staring intently upward.

This little winged creature was clinging to the wall.

Note the delicate pink shading on the wing tips.

I don't know where it went, but I'm quite sure it didn't fall victim to curious felines.

In these weeks of recuperating from the flu, of staying indoors to avoid the heat, there has been a sense of marking time--desultory pursuits, lack of visible accomplishments.

As I contemplate the changes of weather and seasons which will come about as the month of August progresses, I find that my mind is turning toward projects to be completed. 

I had nearly despaired, wondering if creativity had deserted me.

I suspect I need to shake myself into better order, concentrate on the quiet joy of making and doing rather than setting myself unreasonable goals.

Anticipation of returning energy is inspiring!