The jays and the squirrels continue to forage from the bucket of acorns on the porch. They're a little more wary now, though: some bird (likely not a jay) met an untimely demise yesterday afternoon at the claws of Nemo or Toto. I came into the kitchen to find a flurry of feathers and — gross! — a beak. This event curtailed traffic on the porch for an hour or two. Still, in the late afternoon I watched as a jay and a squirrel romped together on the lawn near the garden, searching the grass for hidden goodies.

(Aside: I know that some of you are upset when I mention our cats killing birds. It's not something we're fond of, either, but it is part of the natural order. We love the birds, and do what we can to encourage their presence, but we also love our cats and will continue to let them roam outside.)

Last Friday afternoon, Toto and Nemo spent about an hour at the walnut tree, waging a private little war with three squirrels. The squirrels were bold. They taunted the cats. One would creep down the back side of the tree and then race around the base, only inches from the ground, before darting back up the tree to safety. I think they're trying to lure Nemo into the tree. When he's there, they climb up and down past him. They mocking him. I took a photo of a particularly angry (and noisy squirrel).

I spent most of Friday getting my life in order: cleaning the house, shelving books, filing papers, planning my winter finances.

On Saturday, we drove south for the Briscoe Harvest Festival. Craig's mother and her husband own a seven-acre farm between Stayton and Scio, and they were kind enough to share it with a score of adults and a pack of small children. The group gathered apples at a nearby orchard, then Craig directed the production of fresh cider. Pam was one of those who volunteered muscle-power to the cause:

photo by Lisa

The kids had lots to do. They were eager to ride in the wagon any time the tractor was used (though the tractor itself was the real highlight of the day — the kids spent hours on the thing). They helped gather eggs. They petted the horses.

Emma was surprisingly low-maintenance. She made a couple of new friends, and spent most of her time with them. I managed to snap this photo during one of her relatively restful moments:

Several families spent the night at the farm. Before dinner, Andrew drove out to the pasture to set up his tent, but he managed to get his vehicle stuck in the "creek". This was, of course, a matter of much amusement to all but Andrew.

The day had been warm, but when darkness fell the chill set in quickly. Very quickly. We gathered around a fire, trying to absorb heat.

photo by Lisa

For more on the harvest party, read accounts from Lisa and Courtney.

(By the way, it was Pam's birthday last Thursday (31 — much more than a marathon) and Tiffany's birthday last Friday (32). Happy birthday, you two.)

We rose late on Sunday, then spent the day puttering around the house. Kris and Tiff canned pepper relish while I looked after my berries. In the evening we took Rhonda and Mike to another fine dinner at Ciao Vito. If all Italian food were like that, I'd actually like Italian food.

On this day at foldedspace.org

2003 — Going For a Ride   In which I ride a bike. In which I ride a horse. In which I ride in a canoe.

2002 — Network of Friends   With all of these friends, how can I stay sulky?