Day Sixty-Seven, Eight, Nine and Seventy

It's been a few days as you can see but I do have a good excuse. On Saturday we began laying the driveway in pavers and have been working little by little each day, despite the rain which actually made it more enjoyable. At least we weren't sweating in the hot sun which has been rather relentless for the past month or so. I guess someone finally told the weather gods that the Fall season is upon us, so, with a flurry of trying to make up for their neglect, it's now raining cats and dogs. I can't complain though, I love the rain and the temperatures are supposed to climb again so the vegetables still have time to mature (I have loads of tomatoes still on the vines).

I don't know what it is about the rain but it sure lends itself to contemplation. It's as if ideas and thoughts become visual. A backdrop of grey must present itself as a nice canvas for profundity. Or maybe it's similar to dreaming while awake. Everything is in a state of darkness and yet light enough for guided thoughts that may be the basis for the dreams we have while asleep. For me, the rain magnifies the ancient nature of the world. After all, I do believe everything sprang from the water. Maybe it's a reminder of our origins and the power of nature to give and take away life. Mother Nature at her powerful best.

Definitely a day to spend in the kitchen. I've got a loaf of bread started and I just diced up some Aidele's habanero sausage to brown in the pan with some onion, diced tomatoes from the garden, diced green chili peppers, chopped carrots from the garden, and a bit of fresh cilantro. Once that's browned and leaves those nice browned bits on the bottom of the pan, I'll pour in some beef broth and a little seasoning to taste. Once the carrots start to soften, I'll add some fresh corn and a can of pinto beans. With a few pieces of corn bread I made the other night and froze, it'll be lunch! I also like to put some grated queso fresco and broken tortilla chips on top (you know, the ones that are always at the bottom of the bag that most people throw out).

Bring on more rain - I'm prepared!