It’s humid and a bit cooler. We had a taste of rain earlier; we need more but that does not appear imminent. The world is lush with green although the gardens remain thirsty.
We are in that moment in mid-summer when the gardens are lush with color and growth. Jennie has plucked peas and herbs and a first cuke. She has brought in a variety of early peppers, both spicy and cool, and a growing collection of fragrant and tasty garlic. We’ve had watermelon and peaches from local farm stands and the season’s fist corn and green beans. The fridge is overflowing with fruit and vegetables.
Speaking of the fridge, a couple of days ago we accidently left the freezer drawer slightly open. The heat and high humidity quickly set to work and before we noticed the problem much food had thawed. Some had to be tossed into the compost but we were able to save some as well, and what remains has joined the feasts to be in the fridge.
It’s a challenge to be creative these days, as dark and threatening as they are. Still, there are moments when the arts shine forth like a great beacon from a lonely lighthouse, searching for all who may be lost at sea. Back on July 5th we attended the 50th Anniversary Cape Verdean Day Parade in New Bedford. In spite of the threats to immigrants, the Cape Verdean community went all out in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal.
It was my kind of parade, very much a home grown event with virtually everything made from scratch and boldly original. The elders walked, rode, marched, and waved with pride. The kids were kids, and the young adults went full Carnival. Candy rained on the onlooking crowd from cars, trucks, floats, and drifting clouds of dancers and walkers.
It was a morning to remember, and doing so still fills me with warmth and glee. I hope some of that mid-summer warmth makes its way into your Sunday, no matter what season it may be wherever you are.
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