The Winter Pasture is beautiful in its own right, and I’m learning and working hard to capture it. These days have been cold, dark, and full of snow, ice, and rain. It was good training for me as I figured out which camera could do what in this weather. This morning, I saw a podiatrist working for Saratoga Hospital along with Dr. Daly. He examines my re-imagined food once every three months to ensure it is healthy and cared for. I will see Dr. Daly for a bi-yearly check in two weeks, assuming everything is OK.

Dr. Jones said my feet were great, they looked good, and he said it was time to get my brace checked; they do wear down. Maria came, and we were both delighted with his findings. The surgeries and two years of struggle were worth it. I put special cream on my feet every morning and night. He said my feet were in excellent condition; he congratulated me on all our work.

Zip seems to be moving happily and comfortable with his alleged abuse in the winter cold. He doesn’t seem to know if he is comfortable or unhappy.  He even goes into his heated cat house once in a while.

A few months ago, he was just another barn cat without a barn. Now, he’s an international cat figure and is controversial to boot. Life is a whole of crisis and mystery. As usual, we had our meeting this morning after I got back from Saratoga and Dr. Jones.

St. Joseph is tiring of cold and wet and snow. I asked him for better weather, and soon. Maria’s birthday is this Saturday. She will be 60.

I love the orchards that ring the highway on the way to Saratoga. I’ve also noticed how they are being infringed upon year after; the McMansions are now crowding the orchards and are sadly visible from the road. In the background is the desecrated Saratoga monument (below).

One day soon, there will be more McMansions and fewer apple trees. Our national religion is growth and profit, again and again and again, and no matter what is lost.  There are plenty of McMansions in America, but not so many beautiful orchards near a city or town.

We need a gentler and kinder world.

The Saratoga Monument (in the background) was built to honor the patriots who died fighting for the country. It wasn’t meant to be another monument to rich people. It’s hard to even find amidst the building of the new house built.