Drove the tractor today, tilled, tried to make straight lines. went to Eleanor's end of camp play. Charlotte filmed it and Eleanor accidentally deleted it. there was a lot of moaning. was going to meet Liz with all kids at art opening but the kids were dirty/hungry/exhausted/crabby/fighting and ended up driving half way there, sitting in the Target parking lot trying to decide if I should buy a hairbrush and some fresh shirts or just go home. ended up at dad's, had a nice visit with Pa. he was so social today, he came out in his robe and slippers in the back yard to hang out with us kids and feel the weather. Also hung out with Ray and Nicole today. They came to see the play and it was their anniversary. I enjoyed. Yesterday was also so beautiful. Drove a different old tractor, a 1950 ford. fun. Bill's a great teacher - gives minimal instruction, then walks away - no over explaining or nagging or criticizing. empowering. Charlotte and Gracie played for four hours while I fertilized raspberry bushes. They are so amazing. the girls. gracie drew pictures of the raspberry bushes and Charlotte photographed the farm with my phone. I love working outside. The day before that we went to a nature museum. Gracie photo-ed some great shots - I love seeing her perspective. Will def. go back to draw the specimens there. Really enjoyed the home school group. Didn't like being held to a tight schedule and 2 hours of driving every day for Eleanor's camp. In Joel Salatin's book, You Can Farm, he talks a bit about not spending money on these sort of suburban activities for your kids and I think back to it for permission to opt out of this part of the culture without feeling guilty.

This is the week that everything came to life, buds, then blooms - I relished the first days. I gasped audibly, driving past a yard covered in tiny purple flowers (vinca?) and today, there was some hay laying over logs in a wooded valley along the road that looked exactly like afghan hounds.