Today was a good day.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to write about a wholly good day. Not that I ever have much to complain about, but you know how you get in a funk for one reason or another.

It started with a visit from Sam and catching up with him, which was nice. The daily phone calls wear on me, but he hasn’t been calling and I haven’t seen him since our Christmas meeting, so we were due to catch up. He’s expecting another grandbaby any day. He asked after Chester, as always, and I showed him the picture I snapped this morning while I was curled up next to him having my coffee.

The handymen from Grainger County were there this morning spraying insulation. They are always so friendly. I wish I had them on retainer for my house. It had already warmed up substantially by the time they were packing up their tools to go. Made me think I should definitely look into this for my house. Add that to the list. After tires and gradework.

I’d had my coffee this morning but hadn’t ever gotten around to breakfast, so I ate my leftover Arby’s. If I had known what lay ahead, I would have eaten a lot more.

A field visit to my favorite person in the whole wide world’s farm was scheduled for one o’clock so I invited myself, pulled my muck boots on, stuck a sign on the door, and got in the truck, armed with only my sunglasses and chapstick. I should have at least brought a water and tangerine for sustenance. Rookie mistake.

We hiked over hill and dale, knobs and crests, hollers and creeks. It was a beautiful day to be outside. Of course, my head was in the sky and not on cross fencing and watering facilities. I saw a woodpecker, two cats, and a bunch of cows.

The soundtrack of my day was spring frogs, also commonly called “peepers” around here. The smell of warming mud, clean mud, still clings to me, as sure as the cockleburs that tried to hitch a ride. I so enjoyed seeing the babies scamper, tails flaring up, after their mommas, who weren’t sure about this group of strangers tromping across their pasture.

Did I already say how nice it was to be out in the country, just enjoying the sunshine? The office is great, but sometimes you need a day of grounding, to see firsthand conservation at work and watch people who really care about the land come up with a plan to work with the landowner in a way that benefits everyone. No farms, no food. Y’all don’t forget.

After touring three locations that was uphill 80% of the time 🤣 I was ready to get to my evening plans: a fundraiser for the Kodak Branch Library at TEXAS ROADHOUSE. Oh yeah. I was so excited. I just knew I could eat at least three rolls.

I could not.

Well, I could have, but then I couldn’t have eaten a half rack of ribs. Oh, don’t fret, my pet. I ordered the full rack, knowing I couldn’t eat them all. See, I’m a meal planner. While eating one meal, I plan for the next 😁 I was cramming a roll in my mouth while informing Fish that I was “so hungry.” The irony was not lost on him, and he didn’t miss an opportunity to point out my ludicrousness. I didn’t even care. I cannot begin to fathom being one of those girls with enough self control to merely pick at a grilled chicken salad or something. Or one who’s self conscious about eating in front of others. If anybody had gotten between me and these, they’d be missin’ a digit. They’d be pulling back a bloody nub, as my uncle was fond of saying. Bashful about food, I ain’t. From the farm to the table, exemplified.

So that brings me here to the now, pecking away about my day and improved state of mind, occasionally rubbing velvet ears and sipping water from my favorite glass.

Welcome February! One month closer to the rest of our lives. What will March bring? Y’all got big plans?

Love from Appalachia,

~Amy