Sometimes what we can offer one another is distraction by way of a window into each others' lives.

My 90-year-old mother has gotten through surgery, rehab, and the first couple of weeks at home, with daily and overnight visits from yours truly for the last six weeks. I chose not to post about her here for privacy reasons, but you should know your stories helped me deal with my own stress and worry. Thank you.

Now a fun sort of busy has commenced, with three different bantam hens hatching out broods starting one month ago, with the second batch starting hatching on Friday, and the third expected to begin tomorrow.

Our last house chicken, who can not stand, much less walk, has been in our care for nearly three years. I've been working with her on rehab (swimming in a sand box, learning to push herself upright, learning to tell us when she needs water, food, cleaning, a different position, etc.) . She has amazed us all by becoming so strong she can stand on one knuckle and a wing. She has given further cause for rejoicing at her restored health by laying her first two eggs this week.

Although our outside work days here on the farm begin by three or four in the morning and end somewhere around 7 in the evening, I keep all of you in mind- the seen and the unseen, ailing and healthy, those who raise high many reasons for joy and those struggling with sorrow.

I am happy right now, looking through the north window out into the young apple orchard, watching my dear husband teaching yet another young man how to plant and tend fruit trees. We've never met him before. He stopped by to ask about the giant pine cookie slabs we have for sale with the potted trees, and an hour later he's deep into the orchard tour.

Peace to you all,

Maeve