We knew it was coming, we were prepared for it psychologically, both of us (I am reasonably sure) thinking about what we’d do if the rain came down so hard that we might be forced to remain inside. We knew it was coming, but back then, it was in the future, and as we all know, things in the future aren’t real. And because they aren’t real, they are (har har) imaginary. It’s a lot easier to deal with that which is imaginary because it isn’t quite real.

I had planned on going outside no matter what. My plan went awry shortly after breakfast when the rain picked up. It was, you see, a cold, heavy, wet rain.

So, I remained inside most of the day, hoping the rain would abate. I first took care of some Bright Lights Book Project administrativa, sending out emails and writing an article for a local rag.

After, I ate lunch and took a nap, which is something I never do.

I roused myself and studied up on dog agility, then went outside and with Shadow, put theory to practice. She is a far better student than I am a teacher. Dogs, horses, and people, this has always been the case. By this time the rain was just a drizzle.

Some friends came by for goat milk. They didn’t linger. They came exclusively for the goods.

I next took Tinni for a walk around the loop, beforehand putting Shadow on her back. They both enjoyed the outing.

The high point of the day was in the evening. My friend Becky and her friend Tom came over. They brought a salad and wine. Pete made pizza. We had berries and home-made yogurt for dessert. Lots of good conversation, some about the book project, some about Becky’s being the head gardener at the Alaska State Fair.

I gave her a book, a plant key for Alaskan plants. It was, she said, a book she’d wanted to own for thirty years. She was so happy to have it that she started to cry. Pretty remarkable considering that this is one tough woman. After, I got to thinking, the Bright Lights Book Project is about giving and getting the books into the hands of appreciative readers. It was hard to part with that book because it is the definitive Alaskan plant guide. We may refer to it once in a great while; however, Becky will refer to it far more often. And perhaps another one will someday materialize. We’ll take our chances.

After dinner I did the animal chores. All have access to shelter areas – I am most concerned about the chickens who currently have a leaky roof. We’ll build them a new coop when it stops raining.

Next: 219. 8/9/21: Focusing on the Positive