Rain Falls Softly on Vines

Something about rainfall in California in May that stops the clock. Having awoken decadently later than usual (it being Saturday morning and there being not one single sporting commitment for once), I wasn't expecting the gentle patter of raindrops which were slowly dripping down my bedroom window as the cat lay curled at the foot of the bed and the house stayed oddly quiet as we all slept in.

It's Memorial Day Weekend after all, isn't this supposed to be the start of the sizzling season here in Sonoma County - three days of becoming re-acquainted with the bbq, pottering around the backyard with heavy cast iron umbrella stands and sorting out the summer outdoor seating scenarios?

If rain stops play it also stops a lot of the perpetual activity we sign ourselves up for. One, unexpected rainy morning in May and time stands still for a few more minutes than usual. Just long enough to hear the birds singing in the bushes out back and time to linger a little later over breakfast with my boys.

I 'd a baby shower to attend this afternoon, out by a West Side Petaluma country pool, with the promise of ponies frolicking around a pasture on the property amidst panoramic views of the Sonoma Mountains. Had my summer frock picked out. Oh well. Best laid plans and all. The shower proceeded most delightfully (indoors) despite a guest list of what looked to be at least fifty and a mountainous pile of prezzies. A fabulous three layer cake of  chocolate, cheesecake and mousse, was hand-served by cheesecake maker to the stars, and Petaluma culinary institution Jan Rosen herself (wholesale production - 74 E.Washington St, Petaluma, CA 94952 - 707 773 6655). That in itself, was enough to wake anyone up from their rainy day slumber! And still it rained. Softly on the vines.

My kind of Saturday.