Insane rains the past two days. One deluge after another rolling through in waves, lightning and thunder, branches blown down, a large dead piñon toppled, and that’s just what I can see within and from the yard. Poor Wren’s heart may give out before the monsoons are through. But we are all so very grateful for the water, even though much of it is just running off the hardpan ground. Some of it’s penetrating. It will be interesting to see what kinds of flash floods emerge in this region with this unusual storm cycle.

I have been gathering a post about 9/11 which I started on the 25th anniversary last Friday, and I just can’t seem to give it the time it needs. My attention touches then glances off it, but I’ll persist. Obviously, like so many, the day brought up a lot of emotions, primarily fear, dread, and grief. I was grateful for many thoughtful reflections and commemorations around the world that came to my screen, and I want to share some of them.

But mostly, in this moment, I want to offer thanks for the insane rain, and reflect on how unsettling it is after what seems like decades since I’ve experienced anything like it. A lot of these thunders have made me jump. It’s enervating enough for me: I can only imagine how unnerving it is for little Wren. I worry for her bladder as well as her heart, as I have to coax her out between storm bouts, with more forecast through the next week. Topaz was out in a thunderous gale for awhile tonight and I was so happy when she finally came bedraggled and mewing to the window.

Gathered at the strawberry patch in sunnier days, like Saturday. We’ve been getting two or three ripe berries a day, which naturally I have to share. I get one good bite, and one of them gets the stem end with a generous bit of berry left on.

A few more modest harvests from home, and some treats from the farmers’ market. It took awhile but I finally made bread and butter pickles with the cucumbers from the farmers’ market last time. Just two pints, so I didn’t bother canning them, just put them in the fridge. They won’t last long.