Awake with energy! I’m so excited to be feeling well again. I go for a long swim, then take Charlie for a short walk. There is a lot of raking and weeding left to be done, but I decide not to stress about it. It will get done sooner or later. This morning, there is an explosion of sun in a blue sky. The rain we had all night was so good for the growing things. I walk by the brook, and no sign of Papa Mallard. Oh dear. It isn’t until later in the afternoon that I find him, in his usual spot! Hi usual spot is a tuft of grass that’s still under water. It’s the changing landscape of the wetlands that must be changing his behavior. I learned today that Mama mallard’s clutch of eggs will likely be between 8 and 10, and that she lays about two every two days. So, she may very well still be in that process. I do hope they don’t hatch until I am back from my trip! In the late afternoon, early evening, after Frank makes dinner, we go into the garden and water together. He helps me plant some daisies that need to get into the ground. He is sweetly attentive and happy that I am back to normal. The sun beats so strongly on the vegetables. I’m worried to leave them, to trust them to others in the household, but trust them I must. Bless the tomatoes in my absence.