I want some solace at present (canine are high-quality!), earlier than I leap into motion. Whereas cuddling with Jim this morning, speaking about our day, I spotted I simply didn’t have it in me to put in writing a content-heavy submit proper now. Jim, bless him, figuring out I’d talked about earlier I wanted to chop down the 15,787 photographs on my laptop computer, mentioned “Why don’t you mix the 2 and submit a few of your favourite photographs, those that make you happiest?”As regular, good recommendation.
So I scrolled via and located what’s, out of all of the artistic-ish photographs I’ve taken, the one which makes me happiest. It’s from the Japanese gardens in Portland, OR.
Right here’s one other, taken in Port Douglas, Australia in ’03 or ‘o4, of my very personal George Clooney look-alike. (And, simply to be clear, I’m reminded of what one in all my associates mentioned when introducing her new beau to her girlfriends: “That is John. My John.” Simply saying.
Jim is joined by the opposite good-looking man in my life, taken only a few days after we acquired him. Some folks assume we have been fools to maintain him after we came upon he had a nasty coronary heart. I’ve nothing to say to them past what’s apparent on this {photograph}.
And, lest my dearest Maggie, my Maggie Mae, my Princess Margaret, my Sister Magdeline, who turned twelve not too long ago, feels disregarded: You’re the most gifted, funniest, and expressive canine I’ve ever had. I really like you to the moon, Humorous Woman.
To the flowers, bushes, and grasses of all descriptions that deliver me pleasure, and assist to maintain me sane (principally): Thank You.
To all of the wonderful journeys I’ve taken (thus far!), partly due to the alternatives I’ve needed to journey the world, right here’s to you (Africa and Alaska).
As a result of it isn’t possible to embrace even just a few of my favourite pictures of household and plenty of, pricey associates, I’ll embrace the one I took of the 2 Wendy’s in my life, my sister and my niece, taken in 2023, not lengthy earlier than my sister, Wendy Barker, died.
As a result of it makes me smile, right here’s a photograph I discovered from . . . 1965? Whereas visiting an aunt in Texas, my sister Liza and I let ourselves, naively, get picked up by two guys who took us scuba diving at a lake outdoors of Houston. Fortunate for us, they have been tremendous accountable younger males, who taught us effectively, took care of us, and acquired me up out of the deep once I went into honest-to-god rapture, face-to-face with a monstrous grouper. (I’m not positive I’d have gotten again to the floor in good time, it was AMAZING!) It was additionally a great reminder of what number of good males there are on the market. And, the circle of life. (Images of me in a showering go well with 60 years later are usually not presently accessible.)
MEANWHILE, again on the farm: Can’t write way more, apologies, my To Do record this week is ridiculous, however right here’s a “Save the Date” alert for on April 5, in Madison, WI. Dr Wydeven will speak about All Issues Wolf in Wisconsin, my speak is tentatively titled “Canines Are Wolves, Canines Are Not Wolves.” Each comparatively transient talks shall be adopted me doing my finest (or worst, however I assure amusing) impression of an auctioneer, auctioning off manner cool issues (go wolf howling with Adrian, work Skip and Maggie on sheep!), to profit Inexperienced Hearth and our state’s environmental well being.
One final thing. Should you’re studying this on February 3-5, and also you’re anyplace close to Milwaukee, come be part of me to take heed to Nickolas Butler speak about his latest guide, The Forty Yr Kiss, at 6:30 in Boswell Books, Milwaukee on Wednesday, April fifth. I do know it’s late discover, however in case you make it, come and say hello!
I hope your week is an efficient one, or ok, and that, maybe, an outdated {photograph} arises above the rapids of life to deliver you pleasure.
