The Second Spring

Still overcast, alas, and it has just started raining again. It was supposed to be clearing by now but this weather system is moving much more slowly than anticipated and we have had a whole week of unseasonably inclement weather. My courgettes have collapsed in a heap of despondency and mildew but the cucumbers, clinging to their trellises have managed to avoid the scourge so far. I’m not too depressed by this, however, as someone has just brought me an amazing collection of seeds for different kinds of salad greens and fancy lettuces which I am looking forward to planting. The snails are rallying in expectation. It is still quite warm, with temperatures in the mid twenties, expected to rise to nudging 30 next week, although the breeze will be cooler as it will be from the north. It is extremely humid at the moment and doors and shutters are starting to swell in the damp.

Down in the harbour this morning it was obvious which yachts have leaking hatches or had rough trips – in the case of the former, berth cushions and sleeping bags were draped over the boom to dry. In the case of the latter, oil skins and life jackets! There are lots of people strolling around, picking their way through the puddles, and the coffee shops are busy.

The goats have caught the whiff of the ‘second spring’ and the big billy goat in the picture was clamouring at the fence of my neighbour’s goat pen this morning, trying to get in to make his acquaintance with a dainty white nanny goat inside. She was far more interested in the white billy goat who is her usual consort. If he succeeds in his quest the future of the island’s goat population looks promising!

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana