It was a perfect day. I started with farm fresh eggs. Had coffee with Phinias T. Barnum in the barn. Brushed Boone. Trimmed some sheep feet. And then, I got down to business...on the tractor in the lavender field. I have been given the field master's blessing to till, and till I did. I got on the Kubota and tilled from noon to 7 pm. Martyn insisted I get the camera and take pictures of my dusted body. I had on my favorite overalls- flattering, heh? I just don't care, they are Dutch, with the words 'rodeo - yippy-i-oh"" printed on the inside bib. They make me happy. I'd like to point out the front pocket is full of stuff, I'm not quite as pie filled as the picture lets on.Riding on the mower made me think of being young when we lived on a small 5 acre spread and my job was to mow the field with our little John Deere. I loved to mow the field, I was about 10. I would sing, and sing, and sing. My parents were always amused when they looked out and saw me singing. I used to get my brother to give up his lawn mowing duties for the week so I could mow for him. There's a freedom in being on a little tractor. Today I could see nearby farms with their horses, our sheep were in the lower fields, all that I cared for was near by. The lavender is just starting to get stem, and smells nice. I thought of my father, and how he might be visiting me over my shoulder, while I tilled today, and he might also remember how I used to sing out in the fields, way back when.
There are many stories from the week I want to share, but they will have to wait....the most memorable was yesterday, when I held a wild, 3 day old fawn for about 10 seconds...the story needs my attention to be told properly. And then there is Mlle. Thelma - now there is a charming story you will like...Stay tuned. And as for my Billy Baker - he had some issues come up in his surgery. He has an enlarged heart, but there is not anything to do at the moment. We will pay attention to any signs of distress. When I asked how many teeth they took, the doctor said, "A pile"... He is fine though, eating, passing gas, just like normal. So, I must go drink now. One of the best things about a dusty day in the field is coming back to the house, cleaning up, and breaking out that cold beer and a lime. Then some good Pinot. Then a good nap on the couch before I go to bed. A chocolate chip cookie awaits me too. And Martyn will make us grilled lamb chops, Apifera's finest.
