I couldn’t bear to go inside so I hauled my laptop to the deck. Let me tell you why. The morning is beautiful, sunny and warm with a breeze which stirs the wind chimes. The air is filled with the aroma of basil. It grows in the deck boxes behind me, in a perfect spot to catch the breeze. The morning isn’t quiet. I hear a motor from far off, maybe a hedge clipper. The water from the deck fountain is loud, bubbling from the top. I can hear birds alighting on the feeders hanging off  the trees beside me. Chickadees never go far with their hauls, and I can hear them peck their sunflowers seeds from nearby branches. Gracie is playing with her friend Cody from down the street. He comes right to my front door when let outside and even barks to come in. They are growling and jumping on each other. Every now and then they stop when they’re tired, drink from my fountain, rest a bit then start again. The sky has a few puffy white clouds. The one I can see from here looks likes the head and raised arms of the Abominable Snow Monster from Rudolph. Butterflies go by and a few bees stop at the flowers hanging off the house. The sun is hot so I’m under the shade of the umbrella. The day is already amazing.

When I finish here, I’m taking my outside shower. So far, that’s my only plan for the day.