Another Rainy Day

Okay, it’s been rainy, cold, and… not sunny and warm.  I’ve heard people complain that we haven’t experienced summer yet at all this year in Montreal.  While I understand their pain, sort of, I can’t help being thankful that it’s not blistering hot and there’s no snow on the ground.  For these two things I’m extremely grateful. Also, I love it when it rains because then I don’t have to water the garden.  I love it when it rains because it lends a certain pathetic ennui to everything, and you don’t have to feel guilty about staying inside and knitting; and/or drinking wine as you gaze out onto the wet landscape, or cityscape.  Also, there are all kinds of things you can do inside on a rainy day.  You wouldn’t feel like cleaning out a closet on a beautiful day would you?  So take advantage! Get your life organized.  Get rid of some crap!  As I mentioned in my last post, slimming down my pile of possessions is becoming a priority with me, and the rainy days will help me in my mission. I’m sorry to sound like a Pollyanna here, but it’s true.  (Young folks, this is for you: Pollyanna)

So, in the brief period  between rain showers today, I went out and hacked away some lilac suckers that have been threatening to take over my shade bed.  I love my shade bed and I don’t intend for the lilac to have its way with it.  Meanwhile, I managed to cut a swath through the ferns, day lilies and hostas, but I’m confident they will fill that alley in shortly.  I’m just glad I got a small amount of exercise today and got a job done that’s been hanging over my head.

My lilac tree is mammoth, and it extends over two properties.  I’ve been reading that one should do a severe pruning of a common lilac every few years, cutting it back to the main trunks in order to keep the shrub (tree?) contained and in good health.  That I haven’t done, but it’s on the list. My sister, Nora, did a pretty good job of pruning our lilac a few years ago, but it’s due for another.

I’m heading to Spain on Friday night, where I’m pretty sure I’ll be experiencing more than enough heat for one summer.  Envy me if you like, but I hate the heat, and I’m a little afraid, frankly.  Dave and I will be in Barcelona for four nights, then in Valencia for four nights, where we will be participating in the International Trombone Festival, geeking out like some real geeks!  I hope it will be fun.  I’ve been to both cities on tour with the OSM, but it’ll be nice to have a little time to actually visit and enjoy.

Here is the legendary (at least in trombone circles) Urbie Green with his group, 21 Trombones, on Stardust, by Hoagy Carmichael.