Beautiful day, sunny and crisp. 64 degrees. At 10 a.m., I notice, the farm settles. The sheep are under the new slate shade cover that Anthony built (it is beautiful). The donkeys are lying behind the dairy barn in the shade. The chickens have scratched holes under a maple tree and are, uncharacteristically, still. The cows are up on the hill lying down together, gazing out at the valley, chewing their cuds. Winston’s crowing sets off a beautiful and literally pastoral scene, and I feel especially fortunate to be here today. The only creature stirring and working is me. Even the border collies are becalmed, dozing around me as I work. In a few hours, everyone will be up and working and eating, but for now, it is very still and peaceful.