Right Here, Right Now

I have reaped an early harvest this summer. I have spent hours silking corn, slicing cucumbers, squash and tomatoes. I have searched for the perfect peaches to freeze, and I found them at a roadside stand in Candor. Winblo’s.

We spent the evening in the water, cooling down from the hottest July, and we made it out just before the storms came. The banter was easy and the laughter was light.

are you sure you want to get out right now?

oh yes, but you can stay in and find out what lightning feels like if you want.

oh, i think i already know.

There were peaches to prepare, and when we made it home, the power was back on, and we started peeling and slicing. They were soft and blush and sweet, and for every one we peeled, we ate one fourth. Three for the freezer, one for me.

And the lightning was flashing and sky was rumbling, and we were sticky from the peach juice and laughing while we licked our fingers.

I was a mess, my hair still damp from the water, my arms wet from the juice dripping from my hands to my elbows, and I knew (and know) that I have never been happier than I am right here, right now, and the harvest hasn’t ended yet.