Wow, we are into the sixth month of the year. In this neck of the woods, that means we are three and a bit month's away from Spring. How is everyone doing? Same old routine, going through the motions? Now if it is the baby's first year, he or she would already be sitting up, saying a few words and sleeping through the night.

Since we are not babies I am almost sure that nothing in the development of our minds or abilities has changed. Except for students already preparing for mid- year exams here in the South, at least in the North that is year -end exams. It is amazing how fast the year can pass when one is busy. My daughter is writing her final two exams in November and thus will be finished with formal schooling by then. We are planning a short holiday to a game park as an end of school treat, and I am becoming anxious as we have not booked the accommodation yet. If we do not hurry up all the year end holiday destinations will be full. Indeed we live in a very special place where the outdoors beckons no matter what the season. We have not experienced freezing weather yet, but plenty of good solid rain which is always welcome in a mediterranean climate. We have a water shortage during the summer and all precipitation is welcome.

I am a teensy bit envious of the summer in the North, but hey I am actually a winter babe! I was born in the southern hemisphere in time for a full on winter, I believe my mother had three weeks of solid rain to contend with as a gift from my unexpected early arrival. I always enjoy the cold and rain. It leaves one with a good excuse to stays indoors and relax. It is perfectly acceptable to wear all kinds of fleesy clothing and blankets and eat huge carbo- loaded meals to keep warm. Hot soups and different kinds of local spicey cuisine together with red wine or muskadel around a roaring fire. On the clear days the sky is as blue and clear as ever and a thin sun can still have a warming effect. The horizon appears to be lower and the afternoon sun slants across the garden much earlier. We react like the animals in hibernation and turn up the heating and put on the lights earlier once the sun dips down beyond the skyline. My washing of course now takes longer to dry, but there is no pressure. After a long day at work it is absolutely divine to return home to a welcoming meal and settle in front of the telly early.

The baby is definitely well into the routine by now. After all these years the conditioning never fails. Winter is merely an extension of the summer, the time to take stock of all that we have worked hard for in the warm months, and whatever can withstand the winter storms is a true test of how we are doing. So far so good....

Wishing you golden days no matter the weather, love from Eve in "Paradise".