Mostly packed and loaded for morning departure—destination St. Ignace. It is better to arrive at the cottage the first time after winter absence in the daylight, for many reasons, thus a two-stage trip.

To Oconomowoc with a stop at Riverknoll, and then to Victoria Lane and a "nice ham dinner" in honor of Ellie's real birthday. The Mean Streak left with Bri, who will take it in for the service that I was unable to get scheduled (and then possibly ride it a bit once his is sold).

By Saturday evening the goal is: cottage opened up, water line in with hot and cold water running, everything stowed, and a fire in the stove. Then it's on to projects and making sure the place is ready for visitors.

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I Strolled Across An Open Field

I strolled across
An open field;
The sun was out;
Heat was happy.

This way! This way!
The wren's throat shimmered,
Either to other,
The blossoms sang.

The stones sang,
The little ones did,
And flowers jumped
Like small goats.

A ragged fringe
Of daisies waved;
I wasn't alone
In a grove of apples.

Far in the wood
A nestling sighed;
The dew loosened
Its morning smells.

I came where the river
Ran over stones:
My ears knew
An early joy.

And all the waters
Of all the streams
Sang in my veins
That summer day.

—Theodore Roethke