Today was a wildly mixed-up day. I’m working hard with the Mansion to get the residents to the Washington County Fair. It’s a bit chaotic. We thought we found a bus for $300 (that never sounded believable to me), but it was a bait-and-switch.

The website promised $300 for five hours, but when we called, they said that was a mistake; it was $3,000. We said goodbye.

We are working on alternative plans now – van rentals, school busses, and if all else fails, a caravan of aides and me taking residents to the fair and back on June 24.

I’m in for the count. I love the idea of the caravan; it sounds dramatic and exciting.

This will happen; it will just take some strong and innovative thinking. Thanks to those of who are contributing and have contributed. However we get there, everyone will eat well, see what they wish to see, go on some rides, and get back and forth safely.

They deserve this and they will get what they deserve.

I decided to do a short portrait series at dusk, one of the most beautiful times on the farm. It is soothing, peaceful, and uplifting. We had beautiful clouds and relieved animals (it was only 82 degrees.

A hen snuck up behind me and pecked at my locked, and reflexively, my leg shot out and kicked her across the lawn.

Chicken and leg are acceptable, although the hen was quite indignant.

The sky was riotous and beautiful; the clouds were outdoing themselves.

It was nice doing Maria’s chores; it’s been a while – opening gates, cleaning out the barns, checking the sheep, making sure the fences are up and strong.

Hanging out with the donkeys is just about the sweeting thing I ever do. We were glad to see each other.

 

The shadows at dusk are a photographer’s delight. I’ve been so distracted by the beauty of the flowers I almost forgot the beauty of the farm, especially at dawn.

I hope you enjoyed them as well. I feel as if I’ve shifted into a good grove. I wish Maria were better; she’s having a hard time of it, but stoic and groggy and vulnerable.

I’m happy to be able to care for her. This caretaking stuff can wear one down in a hurry.

Tomorrow, back to the county fear and the challenge of getting the residents there.