A special afternoon with Mother Tibbs

I had told Mother that if yesterday's temperature reached expectations, I'd come and get her to come and sit on our deck.

It did.

I also had other ideas for her visit---that if they worked---would be a special treat.

They did.

After sitting on the deck, sipping on coffee and watching doggies play in the front yard, I told her about my plan.

I would bring the 4-wheeler to the deck steps, and we'd see if we could get her into the passenger seat.

She said she was up to that.

And, the plan worked. I strapped her in and brought a blanket so she could be warm if the breeze got to be a problem.

We drove around the yard, down the lane and into the hay field.

Five dogs joined us. Four raced at high speeds in circles around the field, stopping occasionally to do a little doggie rough housing with each other.

Meanwhile, old Annie trotted along at a pace, comfortable for a 14-year-old. Mother was amazed at Annie's endurance and her happy attitude.

All dogs were happy.

So, was Mother.

We drove on to the Lodgepole Society God Tree.

Afterward, we drove through the woods where Mother was able to see the week-old Yak calf, belonging to the Roche's next door.

Mother marveled at the beauty of the place---something I do every day.

To be so lucky to live on the Lovestead is a gift we'll never take for granted.

And, yesterday was a special gift, to see everyone around me enjoying themselves so much.

We returned to the deck. While Mother thumbed through a couple of Richard Lederer books about cats and dogs, I transplanted some pansies into a planter for her to keep at her house.

Later, Laurie came.

Since Bill was gone for the evening, we drove to Slate's for a nice dinner.

Tax day for me was very special.

I'll never forget the peace and bliss of spending yesterday afternoon far away from the insanity where we could witness and behold the beauty of nature and bask in a state of afternoon happiness.

I think my mother and the doggies would agree.