Yikes! Trash day Tuesday again already! Jane was scheduled for a cataract surgery, so it was an early start. I snuck out of the bedroom and dressed in the living room, so the dogs wouldn’t start thinking they could get up earlier. Then, out into the frosty darkness. It was beautiful, stars sparkling above, and grass sparkling underfoot, breath clouding as I woke the horses and turned them out into the dark. They were quite happy – all they care about is the hay, anyway. And, for those who don’t know horses, they have incredibly good night vision.
I had electric lights, no need of night vision, and got the barn chores done in good time, then drove over to pick up Jane. She didn’t come to the door right away, so I reached for my phone to text her. Aaargh! I had forgotten my phone! And of course, you must have a phone for the surgery center to call you, because you can’t go inside the building. So, I dashed back home, only to discover Harry leaving. And the frost on his car was so thick, he didn’t see me. My phone was gone – Harry was driving it over to me. Of course, now I was behind him. It was a crazy start, but I did get Jane to the surgery center on time, had a delightful rest in the parking lot for a while, then returned home with the patient.
A mess of birds 
Chickadee and flicker – for size comparison 
Yellow shafted flicker
I really wanted to get a picture of a red headed woodpecker, because I see and hear them in the woods when I go to the mailbox. I did see one, but no luck on the picture. It was a beautiful, warm day, after the cold start. I took some shots of the tree branches against blue sky. There are woodpecker holes, but no woodpeckers today.
A redheaded woodpecker was here a moment ago
The nice weather was appreciated by the cats.
Licorice, queen of the haystack 
Twizzler 
Rosie, the bowling ball cat 
Tom Morris 
Marmalade 
Marmalade and Rosie
After a delicious lunch, the chef rested in the sunshine with his faithful assistants. I thought about joining them, but there was no room on the bed.
The horses, too, enjoyed the warm afternoon.
Bart 
Oisin 
Stone
Jane can already see better. She will be resting and healing for a week, with Marianne’s help.
I am going to have a nice not bath and get some sleep after a long day. Roscoe loves to join me in the evening, and he always has a drink before jumping down and pulling towels off the rack. Last night I had my phone within reach.
Roscoe looks judgmental 
Roscoe’s preferred drinking bowl
Finally, out in Montana, Rainy is adjusting to life without Gracie.
Stay safe, stay well, stay hydrated. Peace.