Welcome to May, the flowering season. This is an excellent time on the farm, with everything from trees to hills to gardens to pastures returning steadily to life. I go outside every morning in my bathrobe to catch the morning sun as it rises over the mountain.

I wouldn’t have time to dress and shower if I didn’t run out; the sun has about four minutes of beauty. That special light is essential to me and my Leica.

Those are precious minutes for me, and seeing the joy and pleasure in Maria’s face is wonderful.

Going to work after letting the sheep out in the pasture.

Photo above. Zip didn’t show up all yesterday and last night. He does that every month or so. He finds special hunting spots and lives his independent life. This will make some animal rights people agitated (which makes me happy, no one deserves it more), but I relish Zip’s independence and fearlessness.

It can be dangerous if he goes too far and into a place with predators.

I admit there is a risk, but barn cats are notorious for their savvy, caution, and alertness. Zip can take care of himself and deserves the opportunity to try. He is the happiest creature ever to live on the farm. He loves to roam and explore his kingdom, and never goes far. I did miss him when it came time to take photos of the flowers; I had no assistant.

Zip is chockingly bright; he’s figured out that I love to take photos of him when he hops up on a fence post and poses. He’s right. This is his way of letting us know he’s home safely.

Heaing out to pasture. No more hay, it’s pasture and grass,and  always,  manure.

No matter where they eat, there is manure.

Maria has come to love her sheep, and they are returning the favor.

Beautiful every day, the pasture apple tree.

Zip likes to drink his water here. He has a fresh bowl in the barb every day.

Landscape.