Labour Day

It’s a beautiful Labour Day here in Saskatchewan, and by beautiful, I mean wet. It’s the rainiest day we’ve had all summer, and it’s glorious. Sadly, it’s smoky too. Even more sad, this seems to have become the norm. For the time being, I’m focusing solely on the gift of rain that we need so desperately, and gratitude for every drop that falls.

Labour Day is one of my favourites; it is akin to the fresh start feel of January 1. New beginnings. New routines. A change of season. Hope.

I had intended to do some garden cleanup today but am glad to forego that plan in favour of indoor activities: catching up on things for Story Circle Network (we’re running a LifeWriting competition right now and there’s still time to enter if you’re inclined), reading, playing with Molly, and tapping out this blog post.

I toyed with the idea of baking something, because rainy days in September seem perfect for that, but no. Not today. Hopefully there will be another wet, autumn-like day soon when I’ll turn on the oven in the middle of the day and conjure something sweet.

I made a pot of African Sweet Potato Stew for dinner last night and there’s plenty of leftovers so no need to have to think about what to make. The afternoon is mine. This meal always makes me think of my friend, Maureen, back in Kamloops because she brought a container of it for our dinner one day when I was recovering from surgery (along with hand-knit socks and a few other treats).

Do you remember when I kept an ongoing “simple happy” list? It’s been a while since I added to it; today I feel inclined. (In fact, I’m going to add a tab to the menu to keep an ongoing list.)

For today, I take note of a few simple things:

• The young man who provided music at church yesterday, playing the grand piano and singing so beautifully. His name is Tim. He’s a true gift.
• Rain, glorious rain.
• Flocks of birds undulating across the sky.
• Tomato sandwiches on white bread.
• Puppy perfume. It’s a thing and Molly is wearing some. (Thanks to our breeder who sent some home with us when we brought Murphy home in 2020.)

That’s enough for now. I leave you with a couple of photos: one of sweet Molly, the other captured yesterday afternoon when we went for a drive on the prairie. Oh, wait. The prairie. That belongs on the list too. In fact, let me add a few more.

• The prairie.
• Combines and grain trucks.
• Dirt roads.
• Old-fashioned granaries.
• Tractors.
• The raised one-or-two-finger greeting drivers give one another when they meet on prairie roads.

Okay. Here’s those photos now. Hope you’re enjoying your Labour Day.