I’m in a journaling mood this morning, I started the Bedlam Farm Journal after reading a dozen very old farm journals from the past 200 years. I was inspired by the way the farmers kept a faithful and authentic account of their lives. So I decided to do the same thing.

It is peaceful here this morning. Maria is off to have breakfast with her sister in Saratoga, they get together once or twice a year to stay connected. Family is not an easy issue for her, or for me. I think family is the great insoluble drama. She’ll be back around lunchtime.

I miss her when she is gone, but there is a deep and spiritual quiet about the farm when I’m alone, and I like that also. We’re going to make picture frames today.

I defied the many warmings I’ve been getting about the heat and went out to water our new trees and our gardens. I am the waterer around here, and if I don’t help out today, what good am I? The heat and humidity hang over the farm like a soggy blanket, I’ve already turned the AC on in my study.

Still, it’s bad out there and in just a few minutes I was soaked in sweat and feeling light-headed. I retreated inside, the flowers and new trees are all watered.

I am heading out shortly to buy some glass for the picture frames for Sue Silverstein’s paintings for the Mansion’s new Memory Care Unit. And also to the Moses (as in Grandma) family farm stand for some blueberries and sweet corn, now on sale around here.

Lots of things are happening, as always, in my life.

There was no angry, righteous, snarky or nasty mail yesterday or today, a first for this week. I think the messages I got are related to the news from Washington. On days where there are outraged tweets, I get edgy, even outraged mail. When the politicians go to play golf and shut up for a while, I don’t. Nastiness is contagious.

This isn’t a scientific study, but I think there’s something to it. It makes sense, angry politics upsets and provokes people.

I want to thank everyone for clearing out the very short Amazon Mansion Wish List, six DVD’s that will be so appreciated by the Mansion residents. They didn’t watch many movies before the Army Of Good, many are enthusiastic movie watchers now.

This has made a significant difference in their lives. Some light summer clothing for the residents is arriving today. It is very quiet there.

The Bishop Maginn High School Wish List has also nearly sold out, there is only one thing left up –  a request for 7 classroom calendars to go up in front of the class and help the students keep track of holidays and assignments. The Jumbo whiteboard calendars (24″ x 38″)  cost $21 apiece.

School officials say they can’t wait for the student body to return in September and see all the changes – a music room, art and school supplies,  a new choir, laptop computers, and microscopes.

The two gift cards on the wishlist – $10 and $25 – will be permanent.

Oh, this will make some people happy. I’ve got a jazzy proofreading program, it is attached to my browser and is simple to use, especially for Dyslexics.  It’s already caught a lot of misspellings and typos.

Maria and I are going to record a podcast later. We’re going to talk about Maria’s ascension, her growing popularity and success and how it does or doesn’t affect our relationship.

Grow, learn, change. Later.

(Photo: When I come out of the shower in the morning, there is usually a committee of two waiting for me, especially on days as hot as this (Bud and Red don’t get to run today, Fate does). I had to take a photo of these patient creatures.)