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We are sad to return to New York today after three weeks at the farm. Springtime is all around, well represented by this young cherry tree blooming by the pond.

Daffodils are blooming everywhere, and so is our star magnolia (which we refer to as the cameo magnolia because it is very small).

Today we recalled the backyard egg hunts with Sarah and her pals. You’re never too old for an Easter basket.

It was frosty yesterday morning but by afternoon it had warmed up enough for Sarah and Daisy to enjoy the sun in the backyard.

Still, signs of spring abound, including this unusual assortment of ducks (two Mallard males and a female; one Ring-necked Duck).

The snowdrops were up, as were a few crocuses.

The Canada Geese are returning.

And Jen gave Sarah a spring haircut.

Although we cannot attend country auctions during a pandemic, we can watch them online, and thereby learn that the one thing missing from our lives has been a Victorian silver string holder, made in London in 1889 by one Stuart Clifford. At least until the next auction, we want for nothing — a ball of string was included.

Sarah had a day of remote school on Friday, which gave us a three-day weekend at the farm. Here’s the full moon Friday evening above the cottage, my office away from the office.

Doing our best to beat back the relentless tide that is the Rancho Gordo Bean Club, we made a big pot of bean chili for Saturday night.

Here is Sarah, on Valentine’s Day, under the blanket she is crocheting. When not making face masks, bucket hats, or blankets, she has been creating stuffed animals. Sarah made a gift of a crocheted octopus to outdoor visitor Hugh Anthony, 18 months. It was missing a leg — making it a septapus — but Hugh seemed happy with it.

The pineapple is an old symbol of hospitality, but there is very little in the way of hospitality we can offer during a pandemic. Still we are flying the flag, and looking forward to better days when we can complain about house guests.

Daisy received this rain slicker for Christmas. She looks like the Gorton’s fisherman.

Even with two feet of snow forecast in New York, Brearley declared a day of remote learning rather than a proper snow day. Still, Sarah seemed to have a pretty light schedule. She received what are known as “asynchronous” assignments, such as go outside and play with your dog.