TOO DEAR TO LEAVE BEHIND

April 18. The morning is full of bird songs and drenched in sunlight bright as liquid gold. It was quite cold last night (27 F) and left a heavy coat of frost that is quickly disappearing. The crystal tree is stunning here before the Redd Shedd door. It was strategically placed to be enhanced by morning light. The birds often perch in the branches to check for the barn cat before going to the feeders. I saw a deer near the apple trees yesterday. I heard a phoebe. Cedar will be thrilled by that bit of news. I also heard a blackbird and saw a nuthatch and a grackle. I moved the 3 solar lights to the elevated log gardens. One for each island of flowers. The gardens are all ready so Wallis, Lamaya, Cedar and I planted 220 onion sets. It was fun to work with such an enthusiastic garden club.

I spent some time packing... what to take and what to leave behind. I wondered if that's how it is for refugees and other displaced persons. I remember an image I saw on TV several years ago. A long line of refugees were fleeing their homes. Some had horse drawn wagons bristling with things too dear to abandon. Others pushed smaller carts loaded with their treasures. Then a young family approached. The man pushing a wheel barrow covered with a blanket. The wife and children carried small bundles. When they reached the camera the blanket was pulled aside to reveal a very old woman. She smiled toothlessly and spoke energetically. She was the treasure of her family. Too dear to leave behind.

We finished the beautiful day with supper on the deck of the log house. The menu consisted of a delicious BBQ chicken and grilled veggies. I brought raspberry short cake. Cedar and I had picked the berries last summer.

April 19. The shaded patio has had a face lift and now boasts a low table and centerpiece with candles. Bill Miller's flute is trying to make me weep. He's the best, not Carlos Nakai. Bill is so versatile and multi-talented.

Taking a water break from laying out the garden plan. I know where most of the plants will go and have established Toad Abode Village among the strawberry leaves. I've set out my version of garden bells which are recycled milk jugs. I cut off the bottoms and hold them in place with long sticks. I'm thinking of how to make a cucumber trellis. Oh, how I wish I could get my green house moved from Oak Point. I could have plants growing and wouldn't have to purchase. It would save money and add to my gardening pleasure. We have the perfect southern exposure.

Today I carried my over the shoulder sling chair and a book to the bus stop and sat there reading and waiting for Cedar. We had a good lunch and watched the birds. She was enthralled by the busy little chipmunk. Then we laid on the picnic table, removed our shoes and walked barefoot across the deep blue sky.