This has been one of those days that just couldn’t make up its mind. Beautiful spring morning … sure thing! Sudden thunder and hailstorm with pounding down rain … why not? My husband called mid morning to say batten down the hatches (well, he didn’t really say that … but now I wonder if there’s a similar expression in Italian?) since he was on the boat to Capri that sailed through that big black storm. I did fix the outside shutters in place, unplugged all the electronics and took in the newly planted basil, parsley and herbs from the terrace. In the sunshine.
Sure enough … not long after I heard the thunder rumbling in the mountains and looked out to see dark clouds up above. The rain and grandine (small hail) weren’t far behind. As the cats slept (they miss just about everything that happens…) I peered out from the dark house (always a good idea to unplug things, see?) at the rain pounding down. Perfect for the garden, but I was glad I heeded my husband’s warning and brought the delicate new herbs in. Some fat snail has already sat on enough of the new basil plants, and they certainly didn’t need a hailstorm!
Now the sun is shining and, besides the shimmer of raindrops on the plants, there’s no sign of the sudden storm. Spring brings with it so many remarkable moments – just sharing one of them on the Amalfi Coast!
“Batten down the hatches” sounds like he is a Brit .. LOL .. I know he is not.. I would not like to be on a boat in a storm .. I remember being in Italy at my cousins ,, on holiday .. and I had shut the shutters properly , but what I had forgotten to do , was bring in the awning .. in the middle of the night everything was banging about, and I could do nothing about it … 🙁 .. and yes woke up the next morning and the sun was shining LOL ..
Hi Anne, yeah, I’m not sure what would be an Italian equivalent! 🙂 The outdoor shutters have saved us so many times from water just coming in under the window during wind storms. When it decides to storm here it can really storm!
I have experienced those storms so know just what you mean. 🙂
They sure can be sudden and fierce! This one came with no wind, so it was great for the garden. 🙂
Ciao Laura,
Love the newsletter, bravo. I so enjoyed the recent postings. Hoping to spend time on “your” beautiful Amalfi coast in May. looking forward to seeing Ravello again, as it has been sixteen years since our honeymoon in this beautiful region. I think we will explore some of the other lovely small towns this trip as we went to Positano and Capri previously. Can hardly wait! Oh, such fun to research all the wonderful choices. On a different budget certainly now, than when on our honeymoon, but will be delightful we know. Spring brings sudden weather changes it appears…glad you saved the delicate herbs in time. Bon weekend. Grazie. All the best.:)
Ciao Sandy,
Thanks for your kind words and enthusiasm about my upcoming newsletter! I’m getting ready to send out a good one at the beginning of May. Stay tuned! 🙂 May is such a beautiful month on the Amalfi Coast … and usually with gorgeous weather! I wish you the most marvelous time exploring the beauty of the coastline, remembering your honeymoon and seeing so much more!
Warm wishes,
Laura
Such a neat picture with the clouds and the sun fighting.
We are gearing up for our Amalfi Coast trip. We will be in Minori for a week in mid June.Hoping to have more sun than rain. We have a balcony overlooking the sea with deck chairs that are, even now, calling my name.
Thanks, Andrew! Have a marvelous time during your stay on the Amalfi Coast. June is usually so very lovely here … wishing you a lot of sunshine!