Life force in action

One day in July, we went shopping at one of the supermarkets in town. As we pushed our trolley out, we were greeted by a crowd of other trolley-pushers huddled under the roof over the supermarket’s entrance. It was raining, and heavily, as it often rains in July. And, as we know, when humans reach adulthood they become water-soluble, so nobody ventured outside.

We are usually oblivious to rain, especially in the summer. The women of the family actually enjoy getting soaked and why wouldn’t they when it’s hot and the rain provides such a nice refreshment.

Autumn rains are an entirely different matter. Sudden and torrential is not how one would call them. Gentle and persistent would be more accurate. Incessant, if you’re a summer-loving form of life. Depressing, even. Or are they?

Rain is the life force that makes everything grow. If you spend a few minutes watching the rain in autumn you could easily understand why our ancestors believed the sky and the sun were gods and the earth was a goddess.

Backward these ancestors may have been in some ways but not in their knowledge of how the world works. It involves sun, rain, and a fertile earth. Together, they make life. Especially in the autumn.

Here are a few snapshots from the first autumn rain for this year.

An appropriately grey sky is key to getting into that autumn mood that also features long sleeves, boots, and the anticipation of the first turning leaves.

Yes. There are still a lot of figs left. And, we suspect, a lot of intoxicated insects and birds because it smells like a brewery around the tree.

One happy, freshly washed mimosa tree.

And an even happier basil plant. These little guys hung on for dear life during the summer heat despite regular watering and now they’re reaping the benefits of endurance (as are we).

It looks like it will be a good year for quinces. If anyone has a recipe for them, do share. They are so underestimated.