We survived the preceeding month of wierd weather, the lazy days of winter, or spring – I couldn't tell.  I am very glad to have this new season upon us.  We had a wedding two weeks ago, Emily had her baby shower last weekend, the new groundhogs are toying with my patience, Doree the overactive pup has tried my patience many time (but I still have her in getting sympathy).

I miss the people around, especially the little ones who drop barbecue.  It seems so empty.  There are some raccoons, squirrels, and the occasional pheasant (burp) but not in great numbers (and they don’t tend to enjoy petting dogs). 

Last year was a very good market and wedding season; I counted legs and smelled boots : much diversity

We are well into the market season now. Lots of pumpkin and apples and stuff. I love laying on the cool floor watching to see how many people have to walk over me to get somewhere in a hurry. They think I don’t care: I do care, just not that much.

I hear that things are very successful with lots of stuff in the market.  On this one I care only if they bring kids.  Kids like me because I am short and cuddly and they can pet me without reaching down.  They also don’t mind dirt.

 

The last few weddings have been absolutely beautiful.  The different kinds of live bands have made it unpredictable and very enjoyable.  I found out that I really love Mariachi!  Especially on pasta!  Now that it is much less hot and humid everyone is enjoying themselves more.  The last time I even got to attend the wedding. So did the pup but she lost interest pretty quickly:  Much better to run and chase birds or sounds or leaves, or mariachi.  The brides look wonderful and oh so happy.  I like that.  I really do care about that.  Really.  My life is complete when people are happy.  A biscuit or two doesn’t hurt either.

I love being a dog most of the time, but this past Saturday night was not good.
We had a crowd out for Sarah and Jeff's reception, and I was shut in the cramped, junk-filled garage with the overactive pup.  Smell a few legs, beg a few treats, lie down in the pathway, bark at a few birds... what would it hurt?  Sarah liked me, Pam put up with me, I am quiet and unobtrusive (new word) and don't cause trouble.
It rained and stormed most of the time.  Perry had to pull out quite a few cars and trucks, most people got drenched - serves 'em right.  Despite the weather, I hear all had a wonderful time at the opening salvo for this new-look barn and venue with one exception (the overactive pup doesn't count)

Many weddings, receptions, and other events are happening very soon. This is an exciting time, but very, very busy.  We have been scraping, priming and painting non-stop now for 9 days (on the barn alone) and our skin shows what we are afraid is a permanent shade of Gripper white (best primer ever).  It will all be worth it when the brides and families (and, hopefully, the grooms) have the venue and day they have been looking forward to.  Now if it will only stop raining we can likely quit at around 11 straight days of scraping, priming  and painting...

Love. What is Love, exactly? In my opinion, if I may speak honestly, Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can make the hardest hearts soft again, and make the weak hearts strong. It can bring even the gods to their knees. Why else would God create this world? Out of hate for us? Didn’t think so.

So… what is Love, you ask? Well, to put it simply: Love is life. Love is power.

Love is hope.

Personally, when I think of the word Love, I simply look around. I see the bedroom I can’t imagine not waking up in every morning. I see the trees that I hated so much when planted – they demanded my attention all the time – and now Love, for their poetic beauty and breathtaking scenery. I look to my left and see the creek and barns that have become so much a part of my life.

And when I look to the right, the sight brings tears to my eyes. I see the dog I can’t fathom living without. I see the sister I have noticed all my life, and just now know, holding hands with the answer to all of our prayers. I see the mother I have clung to since I could walk, laughing in the shade. I see the father who Loves me just because I’m me, working hard in the sun. I know the sister – the role model – who has been so far away yet so much a part of my life, is somewhere, experiencing her own kind of Love, laughing with friends. My head tells me to freeze this moment, because we are all happy – all safe. And yet, my heart tells me to keep time as it is, because my heart knows that as long as I have my family, I have hope.

I have Love.

(guest post by MacKenzie)

Although some days it does not seem like it, the winter has truly come and gone, and with it, the way things used to look.

The barn renovations are coming along nicely! With each week passing by, I am continually amazed as to the work ethic of Kevin (the future son-in-law and Orchard hawk).

Buds are continuing to swell and show different colors.  The creek is up a bit, the beavers are getting more active (surprisingly), the deer and coyote are more apparent.  I love this time of year!

I know, I know, don't plant anything in Indiana until after Mother's day...

I know winter is not really gone, but the green meadows sure make it seem like a fading memory.  I can take it from here since the trees have budded, the grass is growing, and the sandhill cranes have made their melodic migration back north.  I love hearing the cranes fly over, usually so high that it takes quite a while to find them.  If they circle on the drafts they are easier to spot, but either way their pigeon-like coo'ing is a pleasant indicator that spring is on its way.

The apples have broken open the buds and are showing green and white. The peaches and nectarines are a bit behind, but some are green and pink.  Waiting to see if the freeze gets them...