In which some things are different, but some important things are the same

Some parts of 2020 look like parts of every other year.

The sunflowers are growing especially well this year, stealing attention
from the bean vines growing up their sturdy stems

Blackberry picking is never a solo sport

We got some rain a few days ago, so grateful to the sky gods for that: our woods are still green.

The "reclining plum" tree fell over about 5 years ago, but still bears fruit--
and now it's easier to reach!

 

The corn is wa-a-a-a-ay past "knee-high by 4th of July" (and it is delicious)
Note the invading bean flowers, which delight the hummingbirds.

Home-grown plate: corn, beans, broccoli, salad greens + flowers, potato/egg salad, and smoked tuna

Santa on the rooftop, washin' off the moss

But some things are very different from usual

Joan has been travelling the state, taking photos with equestrians to promote the new
"Leafline Trail System" which connects long trails together.  Even on the trail, we are far apart.

I shot this with the telephoto lens so I wouldn't get too close.
The pro photographer and I were the witnesses and only guests at this wedding.
Santa looks dignified, even in his "dinosaurs rock!" mask.

I don't see my library patron's faces unless we are out in the parking lot,
standing far apart.  I miss seeing them!

The library crows (whom we call Patience and Fortitude) have learned a new routine.
The same crow pair has been bringing their children to the library every summer for years.

Some blessings:

We are still making art, reading books, staying in touch with people, and improving things around the farm.  

Monica's art grant for "Suddenly Dragons" had to be completely re-whomped
during the pandemic, but there are dragons all over town now!

Mom's garden is doing fine.  My parents are driving to Arlington today to meet us
for lunch and tour the new art.

Will is still working in Seattle, and he goes hiking and camping almost every weekend.
When he's in the neighborhood, he stops by to lend a hand with farm projects.

We finally decided on colors to paint the house and barn.  The new colors are so cheerful!

The little bog-lake down the road is cool and refreshing after a hot day of painting--
and it's usually deserted on weekdays.

The back porch is getting new planks, with the help of a few dogs!

Food gifts for my parents, delivered in a big purple bucket

Around here, we say "nothing's on fire, nobody is bleeding, and it isn't sn*wing."

This year, that is especially important.