Today

Pine forest, Cumiana, Italy

I spent the entire day in the microcosm of my back yard. Sweeping and cleaning, finishing the reclamation of the slate circle. Bundling my potted trees together for the winter in a sheltered place where they will stay warm enough to survive. Brushing sand between the patio bricks where the ants had removed it all. Trimming twankers off the shrubs. Putting mulch down like a thick brown blanket in anticipation of the coming frosty nights.

In neighbor Edoardo's garden, Cumiana, Italy

After all the chores were done, I sat on the almost indecently clean patio and watched the birds and the squirrels enjoy all my hard work. The sun was shining, the breeze was gentle and cool, and the wind chimes were singing a lazy, cheerful tune.

Some of Edoardo's prize fuschias

As the sun went down, I put on a heavy hooded sweatshirt. Bear came outside and we lit a fire in the brazier, and celebrated the arrival of the stars.

My hair still smells like wood smoke.