I woke this morning to steely grey sky and water. The weather forecaster promised temperatures only in the 50 and 60 range with recurring showers. That forecaster nailed it. Each time I got ready for a walk and exercise - it rained.

I used my vacuum cleaner instead.

This evening I donned my October clothes to sit on my balcony and watch the latest storm move over.

As the rain passed the clouds caught a kaleidoscope of colors and the setting sun played with the edges of the rain clouds. The color faded and a partial rainbow glowed on a jet black sky. Soon the clouds glowed golden again.

I poured myself a glass of Malbec wine, my latest favorite, introduced to me by a show on Minnesota a Public Radio. I find it among the Argentinian varieties in my local liquor store although it is an ancient French wine. Very deep purple in color, it’s called the Black Wine and was served at the wedding of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine on Whit Sunday in 1152. A wine the radio feature said was revered by Popes and Princes. And now - I add - me.

A millennium later, in a world and place they would never have imagined, I lift my glass to Henry and Eleanor! I would have never been of sufficient station for a place on the invitation list to that wedding, but I can share in this wine.

I pull the lap blanket closer around my legs and knees; knees feeling old enough to have carried me to that wedding. I watch the sky and consider the very cool, unsettled weather worth this evening’s show and a fine reason for glass of wine fit for a wedding or the colorful end of a stormy day.