7th June - Porch Jam

We are tired - holidays are hard work! - we sleep late - we show no inclination to want to do anything much. 

We chat and reminisce with Simon - we say hello to Parker and we rest some more - it is delightful - relaxing.

I sit in the garden and enjoy the sun - it is supposed to be raining but all the clouds are doing is to serve to ameliorate the worst effects of the sun. I watch the bird box for signs of occupation. 

The neighbourhood is quite - the backyard still save for the occasional movement of bird and squirrel and chipmunk.

"Lazy - lazy - lazy" says Bernie - "won't be like that when we get home" says she. 

Eventually the clouds overcome the sun and drops of rain appear - we resume our state of laziness inside. We look outside at the droplets - we wonder their effect on the Porch Jam event scheduled for today - an annual early spring event - neighbourhood roads closed - streets dedicated to those on foot! - every 100 yards or so a residential porch is turned into a mini stage and a band plays for locals and visitors alike - community!! - I like it! - but will we experience it? 

We head off - it is not raining but it is not not raining - to Jane and Pete's - through security - Jane's residence pass is all that is required - we sit in the Bowens lounge and reminence about the kids - the rain becomes real rain and then becomes no rain at all. 

We all wander out in to the private streets of this restricted community - the crowds significant but comfortable - we sit on the street in our comfortable chairs and watch and listen to the first of the bands - it is not sure if it a jazz band or not! - its music for me a nice combination of genres.

New families arrive - clearly affluent - their children in strollers - in beach carts - in the front of tricycles - not a tear - lots of smiles - lots of hellos - lots of "Hi - great to see you - have you met my partner?" - lots of "haven't seen you for ages" - community at work!

The rain stays away - locals talk and chat and listen and photograph each other and their collective children.

I photograph an osprey nesting on a very expensive chimney. 

I photograph a dog. 

A delightful afternoon in a delightful environment - an environment that would justify someone striving for a degree of affluence  that would allow them to acquire accommodations here.