a collection of days

With house guests due to arrive for the weekend, I splurged at the co-op.
Their scent still lingers, even as the blooms begin to fade.
Lilies from the von Trapp Greenhouses.
Yes, those von Trapps.

Corn at the crest of the ridge,
with Green Mountains in the distance.
Soon it will be harvested and tucked into storage
for winter feed.

An "honest cord" of wood, mauled by my brother Doug, 

and "bucket brigaded" into the woodshed

by Ra, Carolyn, Lindsey, Batman and I, in just a few hours.
Many hands did indeed make light work.

Reward for said firewood stacking?

A field trip to see the teens at Fat Toad Farm.

Late summer evening on the Northfield Green,

listening to the Starline Rhythm Boys.

Toddlers drunk with the freedom to roam, kids in sparkly face paint, 

teens almost too cool, farmers in suspenders, 

and spry elders danced the night away under the stars.

Blueberry scones and sauce, tomatoes, potatoes, beets and onions
came up from the kitchens and gardens of Massachusetts,
and a cooler full of Vermont crabapples went back down.
There may be jelly...

Is there anything better than a weekend filled
with friends and family, great food and love and laughter
shared around the table?

Last evening, as I got used to the quiet again,
I watched this amazing rain come from the west.

And when we find ourselves

In the place just right,

We will be in the valley

Of Love and Delight.

-Shaker Hymn