Looks like monsoon is here! We've had intermittent showers all day. Great. The earth is wet, but still not soft enough to plough. But the farmers are looking hopeful. They may get a crop this year if this continues. But it's too early to start celebrating.

Paddy requires a lot of water, especially during the nursery stage. For that one needs torrential rain so that there's standing water in the fields. Right now that kind of rain seems elusive. But, as I said, there's hope yet. There are clouds in the sky and the fact that it is drizzling off and on will at least allow the farmers to prepare the field for planting. They are three weeks late already.

Suman is back. He doesn't look ill at all. In fact, he looks more sheepish than sick. I told him he need not lie if he needs leave. And that he should ask for leave before he leaves. As to why he was rude to me and Bhola on the phone, he had no answer.

There's a mason at work. We made a small enclosure for the coal. We repaired a few things here and there. And from tomorrow he will build a wall near the staff room. Unfortunately, the new well-digger who was to start work from Monday has not showed up. I wonder if the second well will ever get completed!

I also got some bad news today. The volunteer who was expected to come in August is not coming! Hmmm....