It was an especially beautiful day. It seems that dangerous days are surprises, and gorgeous days are unexpected. Today started out misty and a bit gloomy, it has turned into a perfect day; once I post some words and photos, I’ll take a book and sit outside, hopefully with Maria, who is holed up in her studio making magic and dealing lovingly and bravely with her mother’s death. I love the photo above; it captures the flower bed in the early morning mist.

I hope you are all having as pleasant a day as I am.

Zip has gone to work driving the pigeons away from the upper barn floor; the pigeons are still hanging around, waiting for two newborn squabs to fly. I doubt they will all be back. Zip is serious about his work, and the barn is no longer safe for them. My pal Fred showed up this morning (far right is his usual spot) and brought some friends with him. I said hello. I don’t want to be a hypocrite; they need to go. Our upstairs barn, where we often store hay, is turning into a mess. We’ve closed up and fixed the windows, and I’ve ordered two plastic horned owls to make them uncomfortable. There are lots of places around here for them to live safely, except for hawks and owls.

Lately, I’m drawn to St. Joseph at sunrise.

Maria goes into the pasture with the sheep, Zinnia, and Fate every morning. I love the image of them coming out. I am so grateful to have gotten serious about photography, it is such a good companion of words. And it is so credible. Photos don’t lie. I can’t wait to sit outside in the sun.