Shorts, no jacket. Sunshine and clouds over the spectacle of river. Monday, I am mindful of gratitude for this wonderful May day. I must examine everything carefully, up close. I take my walk very slow, staying on the trails of our property, smushing over the muddy grass in the wetlands, stopping at the brook, and admiring every dangling maple wing in the sun. I have promised to help my daughter today, and so I have only bits and pieces of time at my desk. I work on a poem for tonight, then realize I need to take the night off. There is so much bloom and show outdoors. We leave the doors open, the house is busy, both daughters here and we are all in and out. I manage some yard work amidst it all, and wrench up the invasive vine and trim the tall prickers and clear the sloped area I’ve been clearing for a couple of days, move some rocks, and water the new plantings and feel so happy. Now, I am almost ready to plant this area, a finishing touch. Must buy my shrubs. Perhaps tomorrow. The ritual my husband and daughter and I did in the garden last night brought rewards. My daughter, gardener, mother, warrior, moving into the unknown with courage and strength and resilience.