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Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Henry’s company during the winter of 2018

First there were little paw prints in a dusting of snow, at my front door and then at my back door.  I began seeing a small black cat lingering around the house.  He started hanging out under the porch.  I fed him from time to time and we became friends.  He talked a LOT and was a character so I named him Henry. 

I’m an animal lover so before I knew it, I was buying a heated small cat house which I put in my mud room, and used a bungee cord to prop the door open so he could get in and out.  He wasn’t neutered so I didn’t allow him in the house.  The picture of his head amidst the snow is after a storm, when I was shoveling a path for my dog Sonny (sweet hearted big eyed big eared Corgi). 

Which is another story – Sonny was mildly afraid of Henry.  When we went on dog walks, Henry always wanted to come along.  Which subsequently meant Sonny did NOT want to go for the walk.  I ended up picking up Henry and carrying him during our walks to the river – he was perfectly happy hanging out in my arms and looking around while I walked!

Henry hung out from Fall to late Spring, but got fed up when one of the great pyrenees dogs that watches the sheep kept chasing him.  I think he now lives down the road where I’ve seen many black cats at one house.  Henry did come visit once during the summer, talking away as usual, I believe letting me know he is okay.  He was a good companion during the long Montana winter, that Henry cat.

Hope can neither be affirmed nor denied. Hope is like a path in the countryside: Originally there was no path – yet, as people are walking all the time in the same spot, a way appears.

–Lu Xun

I mean really!  Last year the deer ate not some, but ALL of the tops of my 14 lilac bushes last Spring (it was still winter in Montana) meaning no blooms at all. But I can’t hold a grudge.  This doe with the snow on her forehead, looking longingly up at the bird feeder on a sub-zero degree day.  This was last week, and it was work for all animals to get through the two feet of snow.  Eventually trails appeared that could be shared and make the going easier.  All life struggles with such severe weather.  Everyone is aware of the hardships of the many animals outside, both ones in the wild and in our care. 

This storm came at an extra troubling time, with many ranchers in the midst of calving or lambing.  Young ones can’t survive in such cold temps (several sub zero nights in a row, including -27 one night), requiring many adaptations to caring for the animals.  A hard job already becomes even more challenging.  You become quickly thankful for any warmth you enjoy, and any animals in your care that are safe and protected.

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.

–Albert Camus

You just want to soak up a moment like this, don’t you? The flower immersed in the sunshine and the warmth coming through the window at sunset.  Deep bright snow outside, warm vibrant blooms inside.  The long light of sunset, such a favorite time of day!  I stood there taking photos and looking at the glowing petals, not wanting to step away because I knew it would only last a flicker of time.  What a gift to be given that moment! Breathe it in –

We had a week long storm last week, resulting in two feet of snow on the ground, and REALLY cold temps (it was -27 degrees last night).  On my walk (or hike through snow) to the river I saw the bulls sheltering from the storm.  It was dusk, so these pics are somewhat dark.  Those guys are so BIG.  They always just look at me calmly, like, “I wonder what she’s up to?.”

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.

—Robert Louis Stevenson