Abundance

The acanthus in the garden is going berserk in this warm, humid weather. It loves the shade; when exposed to the midday sun, the leaves wilt dramatically, but then perk up as soon as the sun sinks behind the trees. No watering, no maintenance whatsoever -- that's how our garden works. Sitting near them you hear the constant buzz of massive black carpenter bees. Happily, these impressive looking beasts are completely pacifist; males don't even possess a sting, while females do but rarely use it. At some point I'll get a photo of one, but so far I've only managed their bums as they burrow into the spikes of white blossom. There are clouds of butterflies too, which have appeared over the last few days.

Other signs of abundance; 2 kilos of delicious cherries for 5 euros at the market. I have started a batch of jam with most of them, made some compote, and saved a few to eat just as they are. I bought a kilo of cherry tomatoes for a euro too; planning to semi-dry them and bottle in olive oil. Meanwhile S made a tart with some fine juicy apricots. And then we did our bi-annual furniture-moving routine! Sofas now by the windows instead of around the fire -- it must be summer.