Saturday, March 7, 2026, 29.9*, 72% RH, 0606
One boot on deck left hand on door for balance, now two boots – so far, not slippidy. Had been waking since 3 thinking about freezing rain predicted. A smell I can’t place, almost like skunk. Do they hibernate? Are they awake? Ice under my hand in spots on railing as I walk ramp holding on should boots encounter ice. Salted sand in plastic bucket like cement, a shovel breaks it to spread over frozen snow where the three will roam in a few minutes. Far, far away, if a car had passed, I would not have heard that rooster. One morning, there will be song birds. One morning the stream will be seen.
One morning is a beginning.
Photo: LJ Austin
