Rachel had an errand to run in Portland today, (about a 2 hour drive,) and I went with her. Since opening my business at home, I find I don't leave the house very often. This is fine with me, but sometimes it's good to get out. The day was cold but clear, and I watched the scenery whip by as she drove. Tall granite walls, where rock was blasted to make highway, boasted ice formations 20 feet or more tall. We had a dusting of snow yesterday, and the trees were covered with light, pretty, powder. A search on Google found us "the best salad in Portland," so we drove until we found Daily Greens. Huge, fresh, beautiful salads were soon ours. We ate until we could eat no more, and brought home the rest. A treat. While were in town we stopped at Trader Joe's. I was captivated by the huge display of plants and fresh flowers. Calla lilies, roses in every imaginable shade, a table full of orchids, one of wee succulents. It was a feast for my eyes. Rachel picked up a few necessities, I poked around to see the things one does not find in a regulation grocery store, and then we were on our way for the last stop. That completed, we headed home.
The dogs were delighted to see us. I gathered up some old bread, a handful of spinach that was getting past it's prime, and a little bowl of leftovers, and headed out to yard. I gave the little silkie chickens a portion of each, they were non committal. Then I headed over to the big coop. I put most of the spinach in the ducks water bowl, and they had a happy little party, gobbling down the greens. I am sure they get sick of their winter ration of pellets, corn and sunflower seeds. The laying flock went insane over the bread and leftovers. One chicken will grab a treat and run like heck, the others all chasing it. Usually one will snatch the treat from the beak of the original runner, and the chase is back on. Eventually all the goodies are gone and peace resumes.
The donkeys sang the song of their people when they saw me. I brought a flake of hay out for them to share.
Clearly they had been starving in my absence.
A light snow began to fall, but at the same time, the sun shone through some low clouds in the western sky. It gave the world a slightly rosy glow.
The flakes landed on the donkeys thick coats and stayed right there, testament to how well insulated their long, winter fuzz keeps them. Their body heat is trapped in,and the flakes don't melt.
It was nice to get out in the world a bit, but it's even better to come home.
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