Summer

I actually hate summer here - it is hot, humid and wet right now. There was even mold in the ice maker. How does the ice maker mold? The previous harvests of garlic and onions and potatoes are at risk of becoming mush. Watermelons and pumpkins are exploding in the fields!

Nonetheless, we are enjoying fresh tomatoes, basil and eggplant for a variety of Italian tasting dishes. The Japanese kabocha pumpkin tastes delicious in miso soup, a salty refreshing soup on a hot summer's eve. Vinegared salads of moyashi bean sprouts and garden fresh cucumber also hit the spot.

It is election week in the town, or as my husband says "erection" week....gotta work on those "l"s and "r"s. Little white vans and white cars with white glove waving occupants and a loudspeaker have been prowling the streets, trying to capture our votes. I don't care since I have no vote but I do find their noise annoying. My husband, as a city worker, is obligated to volunteer to count ballots. They actually count ballots by hand. Government workers are assigned to the task rather than ordinary citizens because government workers are more honest! Really - they have no interest in the outcome of the votes!

Husband went to a party last night and received a box of fruits - 3 white peaches and a perfect (but small) bunch of muscat grapes - value= $50! Luckily we have a lot of watermelon from the fields to satisfy our fruit needs.

Heavy rains and strong winds all night. I am exhausted from listening to it pounding on the roof and howling through the wires .It is like a sauna outdoors. A good day to sit next to the fan and daydream.