Usually, it is a robin that decides to attack the window. I think this is a Junco. Anyway, he is A.N.G.R.Y. and noisy and I’m guessing has had a headache for the 3 days he was upset with his reflection.

Today is the first full day of Summer 2020. I am guessing this Summer will be one that we will all remember for some time. The good, the bad and the ugly ….

But, I always (mostly) choose to focus on the good and the beautiful :)

And the peace and love that I have sharing my life with Auggie and Emmett

Part of the reason for a delay in posting here is that I needed to update to use SSL and thus https:// which does all to give browsers the lock icon indicating a safe site. As I don’t do eCommerce or collect user data, this is not a big deal except that without all of that in place, most browsers give a warning about the site being insecure.

As of this afternoon, after a bit of fiddling, I have my SSL certs in place and all pages compliant. HOO … I say HOO RAH!!!

So, a bit of catch up.

Late May, we had a horrific, but short (10 minute) wind storm. It took down a LOT of trees and most of the power (not mine) in the valley. I had 1 tree come partway down, leaning on another tree. Never-wracking as we walked under it. Thankfully, I was able to call a tree service and despite how busy they were, when the owner stopped by to take a look and give me an estimate, he said: “I can bring that down in 5 minutes, right now.” It was nearly 9:00 p.m., but I said “go” and he did, plus cut the downed tree in lengths so I could clear our walk way. I felt an expert was needed because of the weight of 2 trees and also a hope to spare 2 gorgeous Ponderosa Pines that were potentially in the drop zone. He had a very large saw … looked at all, picked his cut and both trees dropped to the east of the Ponderosa’s. I was so very grateful.

I still need to get someone(s) to help with some additional cleanup, but our walking paths (game trails) are now safe for us.

Shortly, at the end of a walk on the state land, just ready to return to my property …

That is a newly born fawn. The doe will “stash” the fawn in a place that seems safe while she goes to get food. The fawns have no scent. I was walking on a game trail and Emmett was snuffling a bit off the trail. Suddenly he stopped and then looked at me like “What’s this?”. I think he almost stepped on it and then was baffled as it had no scent and didn’t move. He came to me when I called and we went on. It was gone by our next walk.

About the skunk. Emmett had a close, but NOT a stinky encounter with a skunk. Luckily, skunks do not run so there was no enticement to chase and Emmett tends to be cautious. AND, I saw the skunk as Emmett approached so called and Emmett responded. I do think we will have a stinky experience at some point and that one experience will be all Emmett needs to understand, but I was thrilled that I was able to call him off this time.

I cannot believe that it is June 21! We are making our stuttering way into Summer … as typical, June has been rainy and cool with a few hot days in between showery days.

Morning baking continues … many of the usual bread favorites, but on the new and learning front:

These are Fat Rascals! I think … I read a lot of books set in U.K. villages and one had a baker making Fat Rascals. I LOVED the name so made a recipe. They are kind of scone like with a lot of dried fruit, citrus zest, spice and not too sweet. I LOVE them.

Then…

That is puff pastry. Or rather a quick version called “rough puff”.

VERY flaky and delicious! I used the first batch I made for a turkey pot pie. I made a second batch for ham and cheese puff things. YUM and so much fun!

It is later than usual, but due to COVID and work schedule … it was just this past week that I got the front porch looking colorful: flower wise. No fuschia this year, but the nursery had begonia shade baskets so I went that way and I love them.

I added impatiens and lobelia to my walk way bits, and coleus plus mint to some corner pots. So, the front porch is full of green and color and just feels beautiful.

Speaking of color … a red sunrise in the woods …

And some lupins!

The last bit of tech: I upgraded my iPad to a 12.9 inch with an Apple Magic keyboard and am very happy with the outcome.

And yes, pastry cream is in the refrigerator, with cream puffs on deck.

Meanwhile …

We work, we play, we bake, we cook, we live happily.

There is always “stuff”. Admittedly, at the current time there is a LOT of stuff. I continue to read and educate myself on all of it and hope to always be the best I can be as a person in society. Fortunately, I have great examples in love and kindness: Emmett and Auggie.

Cheers!! I hope and plan to post here, often.

So. About 2 months in to hunkering down for COVID-19.

How are you doing?

Here, at the Fambly Summers, we are doing very well! That is probably not a huge surprise since I’ve worked from home for nearly 35 years, love my house and property, love living with Auggie and Emmett and life is pretty much “as usual”.

Montana is theoretically at Stage 1 reopening, but on my brief and infrequent forays off my property, it looks like most are behaving as if there is/was no COVID-19. I hope it works out for them. For me and mine, we are enjoying life at home and when out and about I respect others and protect myself, by wearing a mask and paying attention to distance.

But, this post is about our … Auggie, Emmett and my… Sunday … a day in the life!

6:00 a.m. ish. Sunrise is currently 5:50 something, so dark o’clock walks are now light dawn walks and morning coffee is enjoyed in the light.

The boy Emmett … he is my shadow, my companion and nearly always by my side.

A belly rub is never rejected!

The woods in the morning … this morning was dewy and some sun, but whatever the weather or skies look like, morning in the woods is to be always enjoyed!

I breathe and look and am immensely grateful for where I call home.

We play every single day, but now, to Emmett’s delight, it is warm enough for play with the hose :)

Play!

Beware, Auggie … incoming!

Sunday: Mid May.

Life is good.

The more I take photographs, the more I observe light’s nuances.

I love the light through the woods especially early morning and early evening.

I love the light in my home as it reflects on the warm wood, the walls of my living room (golden yellow) and kitchen (barn red) … I am sure that I am NOT in the current fashion re my color scheme, but I love an Autumn palette and it feels warm and cozy to me … especially with the light filtered through the trees around the house.

Right now, mid-late Spring, the light is very similar to Autumn.

And we have had a lot of sunny days: blue sky, fluffy white clouds, Crayola colors of sky blue and grass green.

I always enjoy the changing light, but this year … in the time of COVID-19, I appreciate it even more. I am so very grateful that I live on my bit of woods with some state land (public, but landlocked by about 8 properties and I rarely see another human!) adjacent. Auggie, Emmett and I can talk our long walks, run, play, stand and enjoy … I do not take that privilege lightly at all. I am grateful every single day that my legs work and my eyes and my head and heart and that I can breath in the fresh air as I am out with my dear companions.

I pray. I give thanks to my Heavenly Father. I say Deepak Chopra’s daily intention:

Joyful, Energetic Body

Loving, Compassionate heart

Reflective, alert mind

Lightness of Being

I move through my day, lighthearted and carefree, knowing all is well

I reflect on the hymn: It is well with my soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot

Thou has taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul”

If you think those are “just words”, I invite you to hear the history of the man who wrote those words.

And then, reflect on lovely light … on the light of the moon and the sun and all things beautiful, even in the midst of fear and sorrow of current circumstance.

It is well …. it is well with my soul!

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated:

Earth Day 2020: in the time of COVID-19.

“the biggest test the world has faced since the Second World War”

We, those of us alive now, in the time of COVID-19, have an opportunity to do great things … to be stoic and responsible and educated regarding the science of both COVID-19 and Climate Change.

We, those of us alive now, in the time of COVID-19, have NEVER had our lives or our livelihoods threatened in the way that generations were tested during WWII.

Will WE be up to the challenge? Will we “make do and mend”? Will we be responsible, i.e. STAY HOME, wear masks when we must go out … irrespective of regulations … WILL WE look to the science and make responsible decisions for ourselves and for others?

I hope so. For tomorrow and for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of today’s humans.

At my house, I’ve been up … down … normal-ish and everything in between. I have work and food and the ability to get outside in the sunshine and fresh air, but sometimes, the heartbreak of health care workers and sick people and out of work people and people suffering food insecurity … it can be overwhelming.

I do what I am able to support others.

It is NOT just COVID-19 … climate change, global warming, carbon emissions… We MUST listen to Earth if we hope to have her as home.

Earth Day 2020: in the time of COVID-19.

I am usually a glass half full kind of person.

I had a much better week last week: work, frame of mind, sleep, general well being.

It all fell apart at the end of the week with sad news from friends and numbers and … RATS … heartbreaking stuff.

The good news: my local organic farm had a “no contact” distribution of fresh vegetables and I was fortunate to snag 1 of 75 orders!

But, it was sad to approach the farm, to don a mask and to have a sterile exchange of money for veg. Contrasting to happy visits to this farm to see Jay, Mandy, their 3 boys and the farm cat: Baby Boy (a LARGE wonderful cat).

It brought me to tears.

BUT, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to get nutrient dense vegetables sans grocery store.

This past week was mostly sunny and spring-like.

And a full moon…

I try to keep my focus on good things, on the many, many thoughtful, generous, giving things that so many people are doing.

AND, I focus on Auggie and Emmett and their innate joy …

And this beautiful place that is my home.

Easter Sunday. I am trying but at the moment … I am not really feeling it.