Scott invited me into his sugar house this afternoon, a cold and cloudy day, mud and ice everywhere – the frost in the ground has not yet melted, more mud to come. It was warm in the sugar house, the sap was flowing into the pans, Scott was pouring it into the jars, it is good stuff, we had a toddy together and talked easily and openly, as we do. Friendships ripen, I think if you stay with them there comes a point of comfort and trust, the friendship is a given, it is nourishing and soothing and affirming. I liked this portrait of him, it works in so many ways.

Scott works hard, every day, all the time, the most relaxed I have ever seen  him is in the sugar house. I worry about him sometimes, but then I realize this is the way he is, and that is his decision, not mine. The friendship is very gratifying, I appreciate it. It was quiet and warm and lovely in there, Red got so close to the fire I thought his coat might flame up, but he seems to love it in there as well.