What does the phrase "make hay while the sun shines", really mean? Here, for Elena, it all begins with a break in the rain.
Elena has been inside all day. At one point, she sits down at the table to draw. At the same time, she watches the rain outside, hoping that it would clear up soon to sunshine. She’d been waiting for a dry day to go outside and explore for some time, but there were a few signs that the weather was going to change
A little later, it stops raining. And before long, the sun shone through the thinning clouds. However, the garden was soaked.
Her Aunt Mo cheerfully calls Elena, “Elena! Quick! Let’s make hay while the sun shines!”
Elena stares. “But we don't have any hay,” replied Elena, confused. We're not on a farm, and the nearest farm is some distance away.”
Mo laughs kindly, quickly realising the misunderstanding. She gently explains, “It’s a phrase that just means, let’s take this opportunity to enjoy this sunny moment now, just in case it starts to rain again. We can go outside while it's brightened up a bit, even if it’s not perfect, like clear blue sky.”
Elena thinks about it. She liked dry weather, but felt unsure at first. Mo, however, doesn’t rush her into making a decision. She simply says, “We won’t be long. Even five minutes in the sun is five more than we had for a few days.”
Elena puts on her wellies, and outside in the garden they went. There, they felt the sun’s warmth. The birds were out again from the trees, and louder than the quiet inside. Elena and Mo don’t do anything big, except simply pick a few flowers, breathe in the fresh air, and laugh at a worm slowly moving along on the garden path.
Not long later, it started to rain again. Elena looks at the sky, then at Mo. “I think I understand it now," she said with confidence. "You’re not actually making hay. We took advantage of the sunny moment to go outside.”
"That's right Elena. You've got it," Mo praised her.
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