We got up early and headed for the new Ace Hardware store nearby and got a caulking gun, primer and a gallon of the yellow paint Maria wants to paint her Schoolhouse Studio. It was a beautiful day here, and we were soon surrounded by animals – curious donkeys, dogs, chickens, the barn cat – all gathered around us. It was the Peaceable Kingdom today. Simon leaned over the fence and observed the proceedings and Frieda was calm as a cow, sitting and sunning herself right next to the sheep.

We worked all day long – I am happy and very sore – but we both loved the new yellow color of the studio and will finish it when the weather permits again – cold weather coming the rest of the week, looks like. Then Red got the sheep into the Pole Barn and Maria got some coats on them – to protect the wool from hair and dirt – and Red was astounding. I got some nice video of his great day I think, and I’ll post it later tonight. I love days like this, hard and meaningful work, doing it with someone you love. The farm and the house is becoming ours.