This one came and went without a nod. Pete didn’t say anything, left town, oh well. So, a day just like any other here on the farm.

I was too sick to get much done. I did pay special attention to the plants, particularly a poinsettia that I found at a local restaurant, on the bench. There were three others – I should also have taken them. I didn’t, and this one is struggling. I read today that when you take these plants from the car to the house, you need to wrap them up. They must not be a winter plant.

I have noticed that when I pay attention to plants they do well, even when I don’t know what I’m doing. Not everyone has this ability, I am sure. It’s too bad that I don’t have more plants in my life. I’m actually the sort of person who goes into a large greenhouse then have to get out asap because I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of plants. The same is true with large supermarkets, but this is not as consequential.

Animals respond to me as do the plants. I remember in Butte, Montana we were living in married student housing. I’d go for bicycle rides and the dogs would follow me home. They’d then hang out in the front of our apartment. Well, we nearly got the boot because I was accused of having pets.

The horses and I have now reached a steady state, meaning, they are educated and not in need of further education, just now and then a reminder. Tonight, I took Raudi, who used to get away from me, for an outing, and she remained companionably by my side. She seemed quite content. I felt similarly.

Got an email from a woman who has possible summer house sitters for us. This means that we might be able to go on a trip. The problem is the book project. I’d need a large warehouse space where books could be stored for the summer. I don’t know why this continues to elude me – as does finding someone who might run the show in my absence.

The board wanted to come up with a succession plan; the problem is that there are not yet enough people to assign tasks to. All it would take would be one ambitious individual, then both Pete and I could get away.

In the meantime – I have approximately 30 boxes of young adult and children’s books ready to ship to Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Tomorrow, if I feel well enough, I’m going to box up these books so that we can ship them out. I’ll be going to Utqiaġvik in April. Last time, I didn’t get out and do much walking. This time, I’m going to get out there with my camera. And I’d like to talk to more schools in the area about taking on books.

I might become the North Slope Book Maven. Imagine that!

Next: 46. 2/15/23: Teeth