Today was one of the most beautiful days I can recall. It was fantastic, and in the 50s, the sky was clear and blue, and there was a soft but touching breeze. I decided to spend my quiet hour with Zinnia and the sheep. I was alone, and we went out into the pasture to toss the ball.

The sheep were lying down near us, and we went over them. In a while, they moved into the other pasture and I moved with them.

There are no better animals to meditate with when the sheep are settled; they know how to be quiet and still. They have no fear of Zinnia, and she considers all of them to be friends. I always imagine them to be deep in contemplation.

Zinnia and I sat down next to the sheep and looked out over the hills, just as they were doing. Their bellies were complete, the bugs were gone today, and they seemed to be doing just what I wanted – meditating, thinking, seeking calm and peacefulness.

There is much tension and gloom in the world and nastiness in the world, but not here, not today.

I put it all aside. This was so beautiful a day I forgot the heat and dryness of the summer. I couldn’t recall it on so gorgeous and perfect a day.

Zinnia is a  sweet and generous dog, and she seems to grasp meditation. She is always willing to be where I am.

We sat for 40 minutes with the sheep, and then, as promised, I took Zinnia out into the pasture to chase some balls. I thanked her for being patient and accommodating; I knew she was dying to get out.

This was the kind of day and afternoon that makes me so grateful to be alive; every day I have left is precious, and I intend to use it well to live my life to love Maria, to do good when I can and where I can. Once in a while, the sheep got up to graze; the grass was so green from the rain. Soon, they’ll be eating hay. Tonight, it will be in the ’30s.

Tonight, the first frost alert, I’m covering my flowers, but it will be the last night for many of them. Maria and I are setting out to go to “a little Paris” to get some crepes and bring them home for dinner.”

It was beautiful to share my quiet hour with the sheep and Zinnia. They are lovely companions.

I am happy to share this beautiful time with you and in my photographs. I am so blessed to have these tools and animals to share. I wish everyone as lovely a day as this was for me. Thanks for sharing it.