Standing under the eaves with tea in hand, I noticed how the rain played every part of the garden like an instrument—the tap-tap of the watering can, the plink of the downpipe, the soft hiss over leaves. I thought, why not make a little “rain concert” for the next village fair? Just a collection of everyday objects that sing when it rains. It would be free, entertaining, and utterly unpredictable—much like August weather. Plus, it gives me a good excuse to actually go to the fair.