I spent the entire afternoon working outdoors, first cutting the bottom branches of Abby’s photinia, then removing the elm saplings from her Rose of Sharon, then in my orchard, burning my brush pile and at the same time pruning my fruit tress and adding those branches to the fire. Between all that, I feel quite tired, but very much like I accomplished something.

Just like last year, I chose today because it’s turning colder and there is rain, followed by freezing rain, in the forecast.

Before I started, I made Abby fried eggs and toast, then left her watching Netflix, but when I came in she was sound asleep in her recliner, looking angelic. As I write this, she is still asleep.