The Last May Friday

This morning, I woke before dawn, enjoying the quiet on the patio with a hot  cup of coffee. The morning air was warmer than a month ago - a gentle breeze rustling the outdoor drapery.

Two Ravens in the Redwood Trees of our neighbor's yard enjoy playing with Laydee. They cackle as Laydee tries to chase them, hovering above like they're laughing at her. We named them Heckle and Jeckle, despite knowing the cartoon H & J were actually magpies.

Did you watch Heckle and Jeckle as a child? 

ANYWAY...

We chatted over coffee, planning our day, but often we get sidetracked with yard projects we want to do.  As the sun rose and the air warmed, I decided to get out early. My husband planned to work on the brickwork in the rocky garden in front while it was in the shade - 

Yesterday, he finished painting the church steps and later noticed a bird had left blue droppings on the last step, likely from eating nearby wild berries on the property. 

So, I got up and out and went to the Deli and bought my...

freshly sliced garlic herb chicken breast for sandwiches and pastrami for our lunches. The woman behind the counter, I see all the time. So, as we talked about the heat, she shared that she and her husband live in a nice van on their property after their home was burned down by the Carr fire in 2018. Many people, with paid-off homes, couldn’t afford homeowners' insurance and chose to take the risk. She says she enjoys her simpler life, mentioning they don’t have air conditioning but do have a nice built-in swimming pool to cool off in, as well as quite a bit of property. The fire didn't destroy the pool.  At around my age (71) or older, she appeared happy and looked forward to swimming after work.

Oh, how I love to swim...

Source: Google Maps

I made my way to Happy Valley to Teen Challenge, a local organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. 

I stopped by the little farm stand that I enjoy. I love their country home.

The Farmer's wife is rarely there when I arrive—always busy with baking, sewing, or tending to animals. I sense she’s an introvert like me, appreciating solitude. When we do meet, she’s warm and friendly. This morning, I noticed her stand was stocked with delightful treats, but I couldn’t find the pay container. While the honor system is honored, I was hesitant to buy without it, I didn't want to overlook it and feel awful later. So I didn't make a purchase. 

At this moment, there is an abundance of freshly baked bread and aromatic goat's milk soaps.

I've bought these before - very good!

Her displays exude a warm and inviting atmosphere, filled with a charming sense of comfort and homey-ness.

Charming in its simplicity, yet undeniably adorable.

Throughout the winter months, she was crafting these bowl covers. With every stitch, she transforms simple pieces of cloth into charming, protective covers to sell.  

Observe the item she has nestled in the corner. 

I have one, do you?

UPDATE ON Laydee

I wish I could say that Laydee's hips and tail end are showing signs of improvement, but unfortunately, they are not. This was a difficult month for her - Yet, she remains a trooper, gracefully adapting to her circumstances. Her disability bothers me far more than it seems to affect her. At least the injection provides reassurance that she is not having pain. She's just stiff, and sometimes her back legs give out on her. Remarkably, at 12 years old, she shows no signs of greying; her bright, expressive eyes still sparkle with life, and she exhibits no visible distress. 

Trust me, I keep a vigilant watch over her well-being.

When we eventually settle into the cozy living room, Laydee strides over to her toy box with an unmistakable purpose. She doesn't simply grab the toy that happens to be on top; instead, she knows precisely what she wants. With an endearing determination, she digs through the jumble, nudging aside various toys until she unearths the cherished Christmas Hippo, which still emits a cheerful squeak. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It’s fascinating how each day brings a new treasure for her to discover. 

Animals never cease to amaze me.

I am embracing every moment with her - I have always adored her magnificent paws. And the way she crosses them, so elegantly "Laydee-like."

SO, what weekend plans do you have? We'll play it by ear. Supposed to be another hot one, so anything we do, we'll get up and out early and chill in the afternoon. 

Be Blessed

Debby