Canicula

Could the canicula be over? This morning we woke up minutes before 7am, unable to sleep anymore. There was definitely something different in the air. The sun was not even out yet. The cats were happy racing all over the house. William went outside to start the sprinkler. We let out the chickens and sat outside. It was blissful. Mornings are usually cool but this morning did feel a bit unusual. The breezes and the lack of humidity made it so enjoyable.

We ventured out to the farmer's market and got a few seasonal veggies, breakfast and lunch. At home we dined on the patio, still able to enjoy the cooler temperature. I broke out the Diane and took some photos. We looked for things to do outside until it did finally warm up. But when it finally did, the heat was missing it's bite. We took in one of the last Paramount films, had something to eat and then watched a documentary on Paul Bowles. We rented it when we felt we could relate to the weather in Tangiers. So much for the to-do lists and the errands and construction workers showing up mid-week. It was a relaxing day and nothing got done.

This afternoon I was able to sit outside and look at my new book on Fernando Caruncho's gardens. He is my new du jour, I love his work and philosophy on gardening, history and life. In admiring his grid patterned gardens my eyes turned to the amateur landscape in front of me. I noticed that my feathered babies were really, really happy. They were all out of their coop, even Pee Wee and Fuzztop, who had been so broody lately. For the first time in several months they were all cooing and invested in the yard. During the high temperatures they would not venture out for long in the afternoons. When they did it was only for a quick dust bath, some bugs and blades of curled grass. They would retreat to their cooled coop where frozen mango and other treats could be found.

Ducky even came up to me asking for a hug, in her chicken way. She looks up and coos and just walks around the chair, looking up at me. When picked up, she'll nestle her head into my elbow as I pet her featherfur. Silkies feel more like rabbit than bird. She is the only one out of the flock who does this. Like a cat, when she has had enough she'll wiggle away and take off. Maybe the dog days are winding down. There is something different in the breeze, the chickens are saying it too, teehee.