I went into town this morning to do the post office and banking chores and when I came in, there was a lovely sight in the driveway. Maria was sitting with her sketchpad (accompanied by her chicken companions), drawing our apple tree in preparation for a potholder.

This is a wonderful place to start the day, there is almost always something beautiful or loving or fascinating to look at and see. Maria’s sketch pad is always with her. I think she was drawn to one of the hens snoozing in the hole in the trunk. We’ll know soon enough.