Yesterday I had a root canal done, which required me to be sedated. After coming back from the dentist, I spent the rest of the day sleeping. Scooter was ecstatic. Napping on the couch is what he does all day, and he had a buddy! Lily was worried, my behavior was not normal. She doesn’t like it when things aren’t normal.

 

Today I’m packing for a trip to an animal training conference – Clicker Expo. The flight out is tonight. Lily knows what a suitcase means. She tells me how she feels about it.

 

Once I’ve headed out the door, she’ll do what she always does when I’m gone. She’ll sleep. It’s the joke in the family. When I arrive back home, even after just a day away, my son will ask, “Guess what Lily did today?” over Lily’s barking, her zoomies, and her nudges for attention. “What?” I ask. “She slept!”

There’s a store at the conference, and I know that it sells excellent treats and bones. I’ll get something for Lily, who will surely be bursting with energy after her long weekend nap. Yes, I’ll get something for Scooter too, just because.

My son suggested that I post photos on Instagram. I balked at joining yet “another social media platform” (his words). I’ve tried Twitter. It’s not my thing. I do FaceBook because it’s how many of you stay in touch. Blogging suits me. I’d rather keep my posts to that alone, but he said I’d like Instagram, so I’m giving it a try. Rather like in the Dr. Seuss book,

, I resisted mightily (I do not like Instagram, I do not like it, Sam I Am) only to find out, I do like Instagram. At least, I like it the way I’m using it. I’m doing an animal photo a day, under the hashtag #hencamdailyanimal. This gives me an excuse to do what I love the most, observing my animals and capturing a moment in time with them. Here is what I’ve posted so far.

Scooter waits for the snow to melt.

 

 

Lily waits for the snow to melt.

 

 

It’s mud season. Apparent on Pip’s nose.

 

 

This is the best view in the world.

 

You can find me on Instagram at HenCam.

Here’s something fun to bring us into the weekend.

How many jobs do you think this old plow horse did around the farm?

 

 

From the landscape in the background, it looks like this was an isolated homestead. Perhaps friend was the most important.

 

My guess is that the woman and girl in the saddle are visiting relatives. The boy knows how good the mare is being.

I remember, when I was a very little girl, seeing the milkman deliver dairy products into a tin box in the carport. You can find those containers at flea markets. I have one. It’s in the guest bathroom. I could use it to store toilet paper.

 

But, for that, I use this vintage egg basket that long ago lost its handle.

 

Instead, I have repurposed the cooler for use as a trash can.

 

Do you remember the milkman? Do you have one of these coolers? What do you use it for?

We’re not exaggerating. This is record-breaking snowfall – more than has been recorded in the last 150 years. I’m feeling housebound. And so I tidy. Yesterday, I cleaned the pantry. I organized my flours (I have more than six types that I bake with, including my favorite for pizza,

). I’ve been meaning to put labels on the canisters. Yesterday I finally got around to that task.

There. Now I feel better.

 

I’m also sorting through my collection of vintage chicken things. These were originally purchased for the photoshoot for

 and for future books in what was supposed to be a series (until my editor was laid off, long story, but typical in the publishing world). I’ve some lovely things that I never look at. I might as well send them off to new homes, and so I’m listing a few on eBay. This egg crate label is up for grabs.

 

If this snow keeps up, I’ll go to the next level of tidying up – ironing. But not yet. Setting things right by smoothing out wrinkles is a last resort. It’ll take another snowstorm for that. Unfortunately, I hear that it is on i’s way on Sunday.

Do you clean and organize when you’re restless?