September 17, 2007 – Paula is here, and she loves the goats. They are bright, affectionate, fun creatures and I have become quite fond of them. So has she. They came running from the top of the pasture when they saw her enter the gate and she spent 15 minutes talking to them and scratching them and giving them grain. She is partial to Ruth (named after her late Mother), naturally. Paula’s other favorite farm chore is brushing the donkeys. That’s about it, really, when it comes to her favorite farm chores.
 We have to dig a ditch to the dairy barn so Don Cavna can bring water to the cows for the winter, and Robbin Slater will dig out the dirt behind the pole barn to try and keep the water out. We had a testosterone moment when Don and Robbin started talking about guns and hunting. The testosterone moment comes from my realizing I don’t have enough. I am glad to have a rifle here, especially when the coyotes come around, but I am not good at hunting palaver. Paula and I are going today to see the gravesite of James Patterson, who built this house. I hope to talk with my editors about my next book. Otherwise, it is a great day for picture-taking.