{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

:: Inspired by Soule Mama ::

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments, for all to find and see.

A Colorful September

Colors
September
And smiles
Blessings
Summer waning
Autumn
Peeking in


The colors, right now, are so beautiful, it makes me want to do something significant. I don't know what this means, but I am writing it down, because it is true. Also, I feel a bittersweet swell of emotion, longing, devotion. I'm blessed, and it humbles me.

Bird House & Barn

...a Farm Report

I think I've mentioned how friendly everyone has become... the feathered ones with the hooved ones? It's nothing like it was in the early days, when the chickens practically flew from the sight, or sound, of Ada and Tasha Goat. Eventually the chicas would watch, carefully from a safe distance, standing askance, and clucking disapprovingly. But these days, there is an understanding, an awkward, yet sincere attempt to appreciate each farm residents' unique qualities, and food.

Especially, food.

Right, Betty?

Kamen knows: Goats got good grinds.

So, it's all about the banquet, the buffet, and when I feed the goats, the chicas come running. All of their aversions and opinions seem to evaporate, and they get in there with their goat sisters and share in the bounty.

Risking life and limb, because the lady goats are not exactly lady-like, the chicas rush in to to see what's on the menu.

Penny and Little Debbie are on the wrong side of the fence, but Zoe, Minibot, Kamen, and Puff are cleaning up!

Living dangerously, Zoe weaves in and out, looking for the best position. As long as Ada and Tasha are absorbed in their lunch, the chicas are relatively safe, but watch those hooves, Zoe!

Photobomb Betty. She's a classy chica, and not sure what to make of this feeding frenzy.

Mehhhhhhhh!

"Time for night-night," I say to my goats, with a handful of timothy hay to seal the deal, but tonight their only reply was...

Mehhhh!


They ran.
They frolicked.

We brushed them, chased them, played hide'n'seek 'em.

They jumped, jostled, and jammed, but...
they would not,
could not
go to bed!

It's the first time I've had to plead, then insist, then put them on leads and bring them to their yard, and finally shove them into their pen. They have never-ever resisted, ever. With bobcats and coyotes lurking, they cannot camp-out al fresco... so I hope they aren't entering a phase of disobedience or non-cooperation.

Goats!

Looking Around With Thanks

August 28 was Tasha Tudor's birthday. Maria and I love her illustrations, her stories, the way she lived resolute in her heart to do what she loved, how she loved it.

Maria set the table, with pretty cloths and dishes. We made pumpkin-carrot-oat muffins and sipped chai tea from pretty cups, with Alex and Max. We read some of Tasha Tudor's books, and then we talked about plans for fall, plans for our own Pumpkin Moonshines.

I met Ruth, Holly, and Izzie, in town. Ruth treated us to lunch, then we explored shops. Izzie starts first grade, soon. Ruth and Holly will be traveling to Madison, and Chicago for David and Ola's wedding. Maria, already back in school, would have loved this ladies luncheon... the pretty sights, and lemon water, visiting, and catching up.

Late summer means thunderheads, and mountain storms, and these breathtaking back country views. The Blue Moon, nearly full, appears dwarfed by this rising cloud, a castle in the sky. It put on a show for us, that we all enjoyed, then once more at night, when it lit up again and again with lightning. The whole family sat together in our bed, looking east, and watching the display. Ooooh! Aaaaah!

Aloha nui loa, Michael, for this beautiful plumeria lei.

Michael came by to share his gift with Maria... a gift for each of us, really. It recalls fond memories of our days in Hawaii. It's been too long, and the sweet fragrance of plumeria makes us nostalgic. I miss our visits to the Islands, but I am reminded that there is a lot of aloha from friends and family, closer to home, too.