Relief in Pleasures Great and Small

Enduring two weeks of 100+ degrees of temperature, everything including us either began to wilt or turn crisp. With only a couple of fans to work with bodily sweat as a coolant in mid-day, the energy levels were sagging. Fortunately for Clark, the opportunity for his most pressing task, to bale the oats, still managed to present itself in the middle of the night when the temperature dipped down to near 60 dgrees; dewpoint not attained but cool enough to toughen the hay. Then home for breakfast and a siesta.


Last night we had a wonderful deluge as the thunderstorms in the north blew back on us with plenty of thunder and lightning and, after about an hour, ending in a fury of rain and wind which momentarily resembled tornado velosity. I had begun to think rains like that were fictional Hollywood special effects or fairytales the weathermen told about the fabled East or West Coasts. Well at least I won't have to spend 2-3 hours watering my poor tortured gardens today.

The greatest joy of the day is the new deck!







The original wooden deck was getting so rotten as to be a disaster area. Thanks to a generous offer from a revered benefactor, the task was completed when we could least afford it. Great pleasure can be derived from relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, watching the passage of the sun, moon and stars and listening to the birds and creatures of the night. Looking over one's domain, can create a sense of belonging and oneness to a world weary mind.




Photos & Text © 2004 Mona E. Dunn