In the Cévennes region, we usually have scorching heat starting in June. Not this year! Temperate weather and intermittent downpours have resulted in lush growth. Floral fragrance fills the air as trees and bushes flower, then sprinkle their tiny petals and pollen into the atmosphere. I'm reminded to breathe deeply, to savor the abundant beauty.
A neighbor's home up the road from us. I love this little valley with the vista of Cevenol mountains
Once the temperatures reach 22-24°C or 72 - 75°F, the cicadas burst into song. Apparently, some people, mostly tourists, find their singing annoying. Not me. I love this summer soundtrack, which reminds me of southern California afternoons on my grandparents' patio.
Due to a practical joke played on our village of St. Hippolyte du Fort decades ago, we are now called the "Cigalois" or "Cigaloise." You can read more about it here: https://www.janetjoanouweiner.com/post/les-cigalois-of-st-hippolyte-du-fort
Plums are one of the first fruits of our garden in early summer. So many plums this year: 75 kilos or 165 lbs! We ate as many as possible, then gave them away to everyone we knew, and even to strangers. My enterprising husband, Dudley, stopped passersby while we sat on the terrace at our ministry's café and offered bags of plums. Most said yes, and we now have a slew of new acquaintances. Abundance all around.
After all that, Dudley spent two days slaving (well, not quite!) over our large round copper jam pot, picked up years ago here in a secondhand shop. There's work involved in pitting the fruit, adding sugar, pectin, and stirring often to avoid burning, but mostly it just needs to simmer for hours. A couple dozen jars of delicious plum jam as well as "compote" for eating as is or for tarts, now sit in our pantry, even after sharing with friends. The fruits of others' labors already line our shelves, as making jam and sharing it is a delightful practice here.
The fruit in the first crate above is from our two loquat trees. Normally, they grow well in our region. However, this is the first year we have fruit! Slightly exotic in taste, we now have a bag of the seeds in our fridge, waiting for our friend from the island of Reunion to help us turn them into a drink.
Lavender harvest is absolutely one of the best parts of summer. We tie them into 3 inch bundles then place them throughout the house and give them with friends. Not only is the scent magnificent, this incredible flower keeps away insects, especially scorpions. Win- WIN!
Before the harvest.
Do you hear those birds? They're tweeting and chirping louder than ever this year. Possibly, like me, they are happy with the mild weather. And do you see the little bee? There are many buzzing happily through the lavender, and I truly hope they are from our hive. Lavender honey is the best!
Last year's lavender becomes this year's sachets. The shucking process releases a heady perfume, saturating the air and the person involved. Lovely!
With our chilly spring, the vegetable garden got a late start. Seedlings took their time sprouting, even in the greenhouse. And then, thanks to our ongoing "boar wars," there was a delay getting them into the ground as our resident wild pigs dig up everything. Check it out here: https://www.janetjoanouweiner.com/post/bees-boars-boulders-and-b%C3%A9als
We're down to two boars (we think! we hope!) We resorted to putting up fencing so I could get the root bound seedlings into the ground. Thankfully, everything is now thriving. Here are the first fruits:
I love my new wire basket, bought recently at a flea market in nearby Anduze. Exactly what I was looking for and at a great price.
The zucchini are flourishing and, oh my goodness, they taste delicious. I say this every year, about each homegrown vegetable... but there's nothing like produce straight from the garden.
Fun fact: Did you know that in English English (as opposed to American English), zucchini is called courgette? And eggplant in England is aubergine. These are just a few of the French words that remain in England's culinary vocabulary thanks to French cooks in royal courts centuries ago.
I imagine American's use the Italian word, zucchini, thanks to immigrants and the delicious dishes they brought with them. Also, the name eggplant becomes obvious when you watch one grow, especially of the white or lightly striped varieties.
These are not my eggplants! I wish I had that kind of yield!
Our tomato plants have tiny fruit, growing daily. I can't wait to taste them. The green beans are thriving as well. I'm giving pumpkin and squash one more try this year. I'm hoping they take off, as I love them in soups and pies.
Summer beauty spills onto the tiny roads and walking paths near our home in with no effort on our part. A daily walk nourishes body and soul.
This morning at 3:00 on the dot, we awoke abruptly to crashing thunder, followed by pouring rain. A summer storm! It continued into the day. Enjoy another sound of summer:
I believe we find reassurance in the rhythmic regularity of the seasons and their dependable attributes. Yet, we also delight in the surprises and the differences in each season from one year to another. While discussing the weather can be considered a mundane topic, a conversation filler, I think we are fascinated by the world around us. Our loving Creator made it beautiful for us to enjoy. Breathe deep!
La vie est belle...
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