Summer Rainbows

Doesn’t it seem like you have a better chance of getting lucky in the summer? I know Christmas comes in winter, and my birthday is in that season too, but in summer the magic seems to be more just “in the air”. So, this week I thought I would share a few of my magical moments. I hope it can inspire you to remember a few and share them, or perhaps go looking for one…

One of the magical things of summer is a rainbow. The plethora of colours that is summer seems to be all wrapped up in that special package of light, and the uplifting sense that comes of seeing that colourful beam after the ominous clouds and thundering claps of a summer storm are a welcome beacon. We have seen our fair share of thunderstorms in the Okanagan this year; I know that some people suffered damage at the expense of Mother Nature, but at our house we were lucky enough to simply watch the evening show from our beautiful deck. That last big one which encircled the city from both sides of the lake was spectacular; we saw four different rainbows appear in the sky as we calmly drifted on our new porch swing. My favourite rainbow though, was the one that showed up at the end of the vineyard dinner I enjoyed at Quails’ Gate. We didn’t have to move inside for dinner, instead we marvelled at the shades of pink in the evening sky and then enjoyed the magical rays that streamed down from the hills as the sun finally set. We toasted our good fortune - it was a quintessential Okanagan summer moment.

Photo: Contributed

The other kind of rainbow I get to enjoy at Rabbit Hollow is my garden. Our veggie garden this year is a beautiful bounty of every colour. Last night I sauntered in between the rows and gathered all the goodies you see in the photo… Tiger Stripe and Lemon Drop and Brandywine tomatoes, Italian zucchini and papaya squash, German giant radishes and purple Trionfo beans. It inspired us to do a bulgur salad, grilling the squash and adding some herbs from the back garden and a simple vinaigrette. Again, we toasted our good fortune - with friends visiting from Calgary (who are, of course, threatening to move here).

When you think about it, the balance of having a rainbow after a storm is a great symbol of life. Remember Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz? The horrible hurricane that struck and could have ruined everything was followed by the rainbow that helped her find her destiny. We don’t all have wicked witches, but we all have our own stresses that get in the way. It’s a good reminder to look for the positive side of even a dark day. After all,

"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."

I am very grateful that I work at a place where they encourage everyone to make the most of their time; we are busy but I still have time to spend with family and friends, and in my garden. I am also spoiled having a husband who loves to cook and enjoy the food we make. I wish all of you as much good fortune. May there be a rainbow over your house too, as this summer continues.

 - Kristin

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.