Maria and I are pleased with ourselves. We’re heading to Massachusetts to see two back-to-back movies and get some Mexican food. Maria thinks she will be struck down for this, but we have had a couple of intense weeks and are aching for some fun. We’ve never seen two movies on the same day before; I wonder if Maria can handle it. She always thinks she should be doing chores or working.

(photo, two brothers eating hay off of one another)

I talked her into it; it was not easy for her, and she is never quick to do anything for herself. I will see Alice, an animated version of Alice in Wonderland, and Problimasta, a funny and very innovative film about a Salvadoran toy designer trying to get work in New York City to keep his visa from expiring.

In between, we’re getting some Mexican food at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Williamstown, Mass. As promised, I’ll be back in time for the color and light photos. We need to get away for a few hours and have fun. We’re both a bit frayed at the edges and worn down. Here are some pictures I like of the day so far. I got up early.

Kim is our only animal terrified of Zinnia; she runs and hides when she sees her.

Lulu’s eye.

Bud weathered a nasty rainstorm last night in his barn. He was trying to entice me to scratch and hang out with him, and I might do it before we go out.