hot and cold

Olive flowers

So many things happening between the last post and today. Obviously the papal conclave is the main topic on everyone's lips. I don't believe we need to speculate. Whoever will be, will be. 

The weather once again is swinging in extremes. Today the heat hits 31 degrees ... but in the morning it was only 12 degrees. You're never quite sure what to wear, and if you do it's always easily removable add-ons whenever needed.

Pomegranate flowers

This crazy weather period between Easter and Pentecost - 50 days hence pentecost - is typical. There're desert sandstorms as well as the last rains from winter. And both phenomena are required by the trees and plants in this season. The olives, pomegranates, dates etc need the desert wind to pollinate. But the wheat and barley need the rains to make starch in the grains. However the desert winds are bad for the grain as it will dry up, and the rains will wash away the pollen of the flowering trees. So the crisis during this 50 days is real and tangible. It will determine food or famine for the rest of the year.

After lots of delays and complications, my heart procedure is finally scheduled for May 12. Not sure if Insurance will pay for everything. I'm busy discussing with Insurance this week. Hoping for the best.