“A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.” —Leo Tolstoy. Thanks, Kathy, for sending that.

I don’t want to spend time complaining or whining, so I’ve become a Good Activist. I will do what Tolstoy suggested and try to be helpful to people not accustomed to having it done to them.

Our world needs some assistance; fretting and complaining do little or no good.

Come along and share this beautiful morning with us.  Maria is very happy out there tossing firewood. We are told that the temperature here will be 100 degrees on Tuesday and beyond. We’re getting things ready. There will be lots of fresh, clean, cold water for the animals and nighttime grazing. Our air conditioners are in and working.

Hot weather is the only weather Zip hates. Me too.

Bud is in his pasture, watching us and waiting for Zinnia to come and play.

The most beautiful thing I see every morning.

Lulu, meditating. Donkeys are stoics.

The hens know where to go to get relaxed.

Maria is never happier than making art and doing something physical around the farm—lots of energy.

The sheep love to graze under the shade of an apple tree. They most love to graze at night.

The landscape changes. St. Thomas stands alone.

The North pasture in the Spring.