If there is a mirror of our lives, it is our back porch, a focal point and gathering place for the people and some of the animals on the farm. A month or so ago, it was five-foot deep in snow and ice, I was raking snow off of the roof every day. Today, it is making it’s way towards Summer. Maria is hauling out the stonework in my study, filling it with some pansies and spring flowers. The wood is migrating back to the woodshed, the chicken’s are at their water bowl, various boxes and statuary are re-appearing. Most days, the clothesline is filled with socks or fabric being tea-stained for Maria’s studio.

The garden is ready for flowers, and we got rid of the tombstone to “Wiggles” a farm dog, it didn’t seem to fit in, he was not our dog, and it seemed a bit grim. Soon, the summer rocking chairs will be out and the barn cats will be sitting on them for much of the day.Our mirror speaks of loss, gain and change. The nature of life.