We are on the eastern edge of the much publicized “Heat Dome” that is the Weather Channel’s latest profit-making hysteria, and it is warm and oppressively humid, but nowhere near the 100 degree plus temperatures that are roasting parts of the country. Maybe that will come here tomorrow or Monday.

I can always tell when it is hot, the donkeys stand by the pasture gate, on the edge of shade from the apple tree. They stand still, conserving energy. Our pony, on the other hand, pays no attention to the elements – hot or cold, lightning or thunder, sun or pouring rain and wind – she is out there grazing.

Today, she grazed right through a several thunderstorm, the other animals ran for the Pole Barn, Chloe never moved. When it is warm, even Fate slows done a bit, she loves to sit next to the donkeys, watching the sheep or just hanging out near them. It is a quiet scene, the sheep repair to the shade of the Pole Barn on hot, sunny days. They come out at dusk and in hot weather, we let them out at 5 a.m. to graze before the flies and sun rise.

I have also learned to conserve my energy in the heat and humidity. Today, we went to the dump, hauled a ton of garbage out, Maria is out planting Marigolds in the front garden, we went to visit a friend who just had surgery for a torn tendon in his leg, I did some food shopping.

I sent my new book proposal off to my agent, it’s called “Lessons From Bedlam Farm,” and I am happy about it. More to come, hopefully if and when my publisher likes it. I have a good feeling about it.

Maria sold her striking Vulture Quilt, even before she put it up for sale. Good for her. Her liberation continues, she surprises me continuously with her art, her strength, her insights and her connections to people. She is very special, even more so than I quite grasped when I met her. And I thought she was quite special then.

It was almost as if she was trapped inside her own body, and then she freed herself, and the real Maria sprung out. A miraculous thing to see. Tomorrow, a hot day, a quiet day, a movie day I think. We’ll see. Maria is threatening to do more tidying up, which means throwing more of my stuff out.

I’m ready.