Every morning, rain or shine, Maria and the donkeys have a meeting while I hover around with my camera. I always try and imagine the agenda. Simon is complaining about his sore legs, and inquiring about more of the pasta he loves. Lulu is complaining about Simon chasing after her when she is heat, and also about the foxes we are permitting to live right above the farm. She thinks it is foolish. Fanny wants more attention. She complains that Simon is an attention-hog getting more time and exposure than she is, even though she came before Simon or Lulu.

All of the donkeys are thrilled that the grass is so green and lush. When, asks Lulu, are those sheep coming? I hope Jon isn’t thinking of getting another crazy border collie. I will be honest with you, says Maria. She says Izzy is sick.

More brushing, she says. More quality time. Simon wonders what happened to Meg, and why there are no chickens riding around on  his back anymore. Maria gives him the sad news. He feels bad. She was pretty nice for a chicken, he says, but then, you know how they are. Then, Maria says, time for brushing. I have to get to work. You guys looked wretched. Good grazing, now that the grass is up. See you in the afternoon.