I’ve bitched and squawked an excellent deal about the nasty trolls and broken humans who stalk people online, but I must be honest. Some of the nicest people in the world have been following Maria and me and our blogs for a long time now, and they support us regularly and send us the most beautiful and thoughtful messages and sometimes, donations.

One this morning that came to our P.O. Box 205 was from Esther Dow of New Hampshire. It was a beautiful card with a gorgeous painting of a Raven,  a timely gift for us.  She is one of our favorite people.

And she sent a sweet note: “I am enclosing donations for your blogs. I very much enjoy reading them every day. The photos of the animals are my favorites,  especially Zip. He is becoming a pretty photographic cat. I hope you both stay well and that the remainder of the year stays peaceful.”

Best wishes, Esther…” You are a warrior for hope and kindness. Zip has become a Bedlam Farm Rock Star.

Thanks, Esther; people like you remind us repeatedly what it means to be human. The Zip photo is for you.

My Black Dog is getting bored, I think. I’ve invited him to leave and sit with another poor soul. Yesterday struck me for several reasons, but I have learned to accept adversity and see it as a gift that challenges me to be stronger and better. Fear and depression are not material things; they are geographic spaces to cross.

I accept them but don’t allow them to get too comfortable. They just look for another victim if I don’t suffer too much. There are many.

Today, I think the Black Dog is tired of hanging around here.

We are, in truth, a happy, dynamic place of good work, good people, and our own Peaceable Kingdom. It is a good place, but not suitable for an extended stay from the Black Dog. I suggested he return to his Hellmouth. It will take a day or two, but I can see the light. This is not the right place for a Black Dog.

I once had the most savage panic attacks, and yesterday reminded me of them, although it was as bad as before. This morning, I got this lovely note from Esther Dow. That was a light. Maria urged me to take it easy this morning, so I did. I meditated, rested, and read.

I have to thank Congress for a rare bit of sunshine. Even the lost souls of the Republican Congress couldn’t stomach making Mr. Jordan the Speaker Of The House and second in line to the Presidency.

Good things are about to happen; you heard it here first. Stay tuned.