It’s like machines in the sky have been moving the rain sideways instead of letting it drop. This is what’s known as drifts, or swathes. A swathe is a committee of raindrops that have been caught on the wind and blown sideways. Sometimes they form interesting shapes such as gentlemen’s beards or coconuts. I’ve spent days looking out of closed windows, pondering the prospects of adulthood, but there is nothing in the paddock but a slick of water and Cameo’s dear old horse. If the rain continues the sharp fragrance will be rinsed from the tulips and the wisteria will remain a shrill green, sodden and gasping for light.You can imagine our intense joy at the break in the weather this afternoon, when we were able to sit out on the terrace with Brown Bettys, restored by the sun’s faint heat, with distant rain fresh on the air and water gushing through all the ditches. Such a sensuous moment punctuated an otherwise dully repetitive day.BROWN BETTYSWaterBrownSugarLemonCinnamon and cloves1 Boil in a pot2 Add contents into warming pan with:Four bottles of strong aleSix tots of brandy (per family of 4, or to taste)Half a dozen pieces of toast spiced with ginger nutmeg ’n’ cloves3 Float ‘en crouton’And Mother had an inspired serving suggestion.
