Seasonal readying...

 I think it's pretty cool that I have a friend with a dump truck.  Brenda came last week with yards of mulch and mounded a fragrant pile of it in the side yard. She came back later and edged the gardens, then spread mulch in them, leaving them looking neat and fresh. Meanwhile, the daffodils were pushing out of the ground, hallmarks of spring. 

Mulch never goes as far as one thinks it will, so she and her truck came rumbling back yesterday with more, and tidied up the backyard flower bed, and around the sweet little Silky coop. I joined her, potted some pansies in old buckets, and in the wee coops window box. 

I cleaned up some messy things left in the yard all winter, dug a funky watering can out of the garage and watching in awe as Brenda deftly dug up perenial plants and divided them, then tucked them into pockets of earth she created and patted them in, looking happy in their new spot.  More mulch was hauled and spread, and much progress was made making the yard spring and summer ready. 

Meanwhile, the firewood for next winter was delivered. 

An enormous pile of oak, maple, birch, and ash. "An artisanal stack of firewood," the woman I bought it from quipped.  Now it needs stacking so it can dry and age. It seems odd to be planning for cold weather as the spring season is creeping in, but that is what one must do here. It pays to plan ahead, and it makes me feel rich to see that pile of good wood, waiting. 

Little Flirt had an appointment with the canine cardiac specialist in Portland last week. Her regular vet sent us there when she heard a heart murmur during her annual exam. Of course, she had a fresh bath and haircut before she went in, and wore a little pink feather boa collar, just because. The veterinary technician said, "I showed her all around to the staff, and we 'oohed and ahhed.' She is adorable!" 

The specialist agreed that Flirt's heart is enlarged, and prescribed two medications to help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.  Flirt does not seem to be bothered by her condition, she rules the other dogs with her typical regal attitude, plays "tug and fetch" with her favorite toys, and insists on being tucked into my jacket if we sit outside in cool weather.  Close to me is her preferred place to be, for all the seasons of her life. Her diagnosis helps me remember to treasure the days I have with this sweet little spirit, and perhaps, indulge her wishes even more than I normally do as it comes into focus that we are entering her final season. I hope it's a long one.