At the height of Irene, we opened the barn door and Simon stared out at the wind and the rain for the longest time. It was quiet, eerily touching, even against the backdrop of the torrential rains. He and Irene seemed familiar to one another.

Simon gave me a lusty greeting this morning, and so did the chickens. We brought them some peaches from yesterday and they had a good time. Alice was interested in my camera. We are heading to Vermont to check things out. For me, each day is a choice. The less fear I feel, the more I live, love and work.