In the midsummer

World Meteorological Organization says last July was the 2nd hottest month ever. In 2016, it was the hottest month of July by the record. It was due to a big El Nino phenomenon. This time, El Nino was not so remarkable as it could explain of this heat. I am afraid global warming is steadily going on in the world.

The rainy season has finally finished here several days ago. The fine weather is welcomed after a long wet days. But the sunshine is too intense for plants to grow. The leaves of pumpkin are half withered. It might be to avoid direct exposure to the heating sunshine. This heat wave may deteriorate crops later, though.

A pumpkin was harvested the other day. It has been dried and prepared for a dish;simmered pumpkin with japanese broth and minced pork.

Pumpkin was not so sweet as expected. But it still tasted fresh. When a fresh pumpkin is first cut, it orders like a fresh fruit. Maybe, it has produced aromatic compound when growing.

Corns have been finished. With long lasting rain, it has not grown so much as we expected. But still sweet and crisp. Each grain of corn was freshly vivid. We call it lively cell membrane in our family. As soon as harvested, they have been boiled in a pressure cooker.

My father, when he was alive, used to make this boiled corn for us everyday. Bringing one piece, he went to the window of our daughter's room and whisper to her to wake up and to get ready for school. During her high school days, father used to take her on his car to school quite often. We should remember how our parents or grandparents have done for us. Unfortunately, we scarcely remember of such a thing while they are alive.

In the midsummer going on right now, I feel signs telling fall is ready to come. Such as withered corn plants in the farm or a bit cool breeze going through while pulling weeds. Time goes by slowly but steadily whether or not we are conscious of that.

Accindentally looking up the Indian Lilac along the entrance, I found some flowers had already come out.