“25th of December br br It’s been raining for days, fine drizzle not caused by tempest but br by a mild depression, liquid silk that gives soil time to soak it up br before it runs into rivers and brooks and disappears back into br the sea. The rain falls on the old roof tiles and gives off a soothing br sound a promise, come spring the plants will be stronger and br flowers richer in colour and profusion than the year before. br br Grass grows quickly in the mizzle I stroke the mule’s flank it doesn’t br mind being wet but keeps on munching on succulent feed. It is when br the westerly blows it seeks shelter under a carob tree or comes up br to the houses to be stabled. The dog awakes she wants to go out, br I put a raincoat on, we follow the lane till she has had enough and br wants to go back to her place by the fire.