Many years ago, they used to have a public service announcement on what was then called television, it was: “It’s 11:00 p.m., do you know where your children are?” I don’t know if parents paid attention to this. I did. My mother was usually asleep by 11: p.m., and I was up, watching television.

I ventured further afield as a teenager. I don’t know if even then my mother paid any attention to this. Amazingly, though she ought not, she trusted my sister Eleanor and me to behave. We didn’t. But we knew where we were.

Rainbow

It is 8:00 p.m. here, and yes, I know where our animals are. The goats are in their shed. The chickens are in their coop. The horses are in their enclosure. The dogs are in the house. Lucky dogs. Actually, Sastrugi, the goat, has figured out how to push the kitchen addition door open, and if she was not shooed outside, she would gladly come inside and make herself at home.

I would have no problem with this. If she was lactating, I’d milk her inside. But Pete would not hear of this. If he were to die (and I hope not), I would have the chickens and goats in the house. I am not sure why I feel this way – I think that maybe I am attempting to reduce the distance between me and them.

The two new chickens, Black Tail and Speckles, are gradually becoming friendlier. In the next few days I am going to let them out of lockdown and let them roam around the yard a bit. I’ll bet this will bring back memories.

What to remember about today – we interviewed a potential BLBP board member. It went very well – this would be two new recruits that will come to our next meeting. Both seem like NICE people. This is the most important thing. And secondly, they seem hard working.

It is almost a common refrain – I had no idea picking up and distributing a handful of books would lead to all this. Enjoy the ride, indeed – some days I do.

Today I drove to Sutton, which is always a nice drive; went to Sutton Elementary and stocked their bookcases. On the way in, I could see the Talkeetna Range at the distance. Very peaceful inside and outside. This gave me an idea – there is Title One funding for those wishing to give students an assist, so I will schedule a meeting with the principal and see if the BLBP can’t come up with a program. Focusing exclusively on one school, and one that isn’t too far from home, this seems like a good idea.

Tonight I took Tyra first and then Hrimmi for a walk about the loop. Not much going on – we have a neighbor who after I pass with a horse now fires off his gun.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is going to be a very busy day. Another one in which I wonder now how I am going to get through it.

Next: 270. 10/7/25: Cha cha cha