This really is a marvelous time of the year.

Today was one of those rare days where I was able to cook and bake to my heart’s content, write for the Hill City Prevailer, and work cows with my husband and father-in-law. The best of all the things! This photo just tickled me—Dave and Brad and Josie, discussing the rest of the cow work for the day.

Sarge was around to give good hugs, which is always appreciated.

The kittens have gotten cuter and cuter. Yellow Cat has entirely given up her motherly duties. The kittens aren’t suffering, however. Grey Cat is a wonderful little mother. I could listen to tiny kitten purrs all day long.

I baked a traditional kneaded sourdough boule and a loaf of French bread today, something I don’t often do, since I prefer the low-maintenance batter bread recipe I have. But it was so pleasant to knead the dough and proof it and score it, and (imperfect as the boule was, since I’m still learning the technique) it was a joy to take it to our Gideons supper this evening, with a jar of homemade plum butter. I was delighted to see the loaf disappear, as folks went back for seconds and thirds of the bread, exclaiming over how delicious it was!

It was a poignant reminder that if I am failing to be thankful and joyful, it truly is a matter of the heart, a matter of taking for granted the good things I have been given, the good things I enjoy without even noticing.