Morning chores are a happy time around this farm, especially if Maria is around. Everyone gets a treat and a talking to in the morning, it is the sweetest part of the day. Maria has a great and loving heart, the animals respond to it. She and the donkeys have a long and deep connection, the big pony is new. When we unlatch the gate, we  hear a big whinny, like in the old cowboy movies, and then the thunder of hooves and Chloe comes rushing up to the gate for her carrot, her brushing and grooming. For much of my life, I could not have imagined a scene like this, now it is a cherished part of my day.