Spring is here in all of her glory

In the name of Allah most gracious most merciful.

 

 2 September 2014.

It is officially spring although we brace ourselves for more cold and rain in between,  today, yesterday and tomorrow indicates that all is well. The weather is superb so its lunch outside again, firewood tossed on the braai, stretching out lekker on the couch outside and ja, so the sneezing begins, for some.

I know its spring when Abu wants to take a drive to the beach, when the nose starts tickling and one bush after the other magically produce blossoms. I know its spring because I have a yen to wash the windows, turn out winter from every corner and consider lighter, brighter clothing. I know its spring because all extra blankets are packed away, mosquito netting is hoisted to the ceiling and boots are banished. I know its spring when Abu reflects on the garden and takes out his canvasses and bright acrylics; when the cuttings of lavender stand majestically and the grapevines have new life. So welcome spring in all of her majesty.

Alas always the balance, the good and not so good.  Just as I gain control over soiled laundry, the washing machine throws a tantrum; the clutch of the bakkie is bust and everyone seems to be having some change of season sniffles. The seedlings have maintained their dignity through the drenching last week and more almonds have developed as the apricot tree bursts into bloom. The strawberries are fruiting and ripening more frequently and the birds it seems have eaten their fill.

It is delightful though all the visitors yesterday - birthday celebrations for my son's birthday; archers talking arrows while volunteers dig in compost and many little ones delighted to see strawberries grow on bushes and not on Woolworths selves. With weather warming up considerably I can’t wait for the bakkie to be fixed so we can take beach walks and warm up for a good hike. This will be our second summer so we are more prepared for mosquitos and shading up spaces outside. Here most of summer is spent outside, eating praying and working and enjoying the bounty of the land Alhamdulilaah.

So take out those sandals and beautiful hued skirts and if the hay fever gets the better of you rinse out with mild salt water but try not to stay out of the garden! Let me go and peep into the studio with some warm tea and see how far Abu is with his Cape Town series of abstracts! Later.

Grow food and enjoy the outdoors.

Yasmine