Rainy Days and Sundays

 Even though we had rain on May 3rd this year, it was not "officially" the rainy season as yet.  Usually that starts around the second week of June. 

What is so funny about this is that when I lived in hot, humid and tropical Houston, rain was ever present.  The only thing we thought about it was "Gosh I hope it doesn't flood!"  Which it did often since Houston is on flat land with drainage issues since as long as I can remember.  Last year Hurricane Harvey was a slam dunk for the whole city. It was horrible.

Luckily here in San Miguel, since we are definitely in a hilly and mountainous area, when it rains, it goes downhill in a torrent.  Well, it always did in the past, but now since I've moved off the top of the hill overlooking the canyon, it will be interesting to see if the gently sloping streets in Los Frailes slope enough to carry the water to the huge reservoir at the bottom of this area. 

So far so good!  Once it starts raining, we typically get rain about 5:15 every night and it either rains for a couple of hours, or sometimes all night.  It is lovely. It is lovely because as in this year, we had
not had rain since September 26th of last year!  Hard to believe, isn't it? 

The above photo was taken around the 10th of June or so.  Since then we have had numerous rains.

More then amazing is the fact that none of that rain has entered this house.  Holy moly, up on the hill, the amount of rain was determined by the number of towels that went on windowsills, doorways and anywhere else that sprung a leak.  It is a joy now.  Believe me, at the beginning of the first few rains, I automatically walked around checking windows, doors, skylights.  Nothing, nada.  A great relief to put it mildly.

 With the rain come the blossoms.  The flamboyant tree is aptly named.  This clump of blooms is a joy to behold.  In the morning I have seen as many as seven hummingbirds going from bloom to bloom.  Then around 2PM in the afternoon, all kinds of butterflies come and go bloom to bloom.
I find that fascinating........

Inbetween the rain storms, friends and I ventured to El Vergel last weekend to hear jazz and have delicious food.  With a slight French flair, nothing I have ever had at this place in the campo has not
been superb. 

 Dining outside, sometimes under cover, if necessary is lovely as the big old trees give off a delicious feeling of permanence and beauty.   The trees remind me of all the big Texas oaks that are a joy to behold when I'm in Texas.  These particular trees are old growth for sure.

I like to arrive a little before the music begins as it gives me time to get to a table and be out of the way when everyone starts arriving.  I'm moving much slower nowadays, so I don't want to be rushed
or be in someone's way.  Even though everyone is so so gracious here in San Miguel.  It is not unusual for someone to walk up and offer their arm to assist me up a curb or stairs or whatever.

Anyway, the food and the delightful jazz of Azande Drummin Cummings trio, makes it a memorable evening each and every time.  This time I had the trout almondine with fresh vegetables and my friends split a very large steak with a beet salad and other vegetables.  No meal is complete without dessert........mine, creme brulee. 

Last night the thunder began at 5:15 and went on and on and then a major downpour
for about an hour or so.  The sky from my bedroom window took on a lovely mauve
shade.

 It became more intense and then............

THIS was the final photo at about 8:30PM.  The surrounding environment had this amazing hue of pink.  What a lovely end to a perfect day and weekend.

Viva Mexico!