Today Alfie and I drove to Maine, where we will be for the summer except for a few (blessedly few) interruptions.

He is ecstatic to be here---has been racing around and around, checking out all of his favorite haunts, and a little nonplussed to discover that I had hired my much-loved handyman to close off any access to the enticing under-the-barn. Enticing to Alfie because of what LIVES under there: critters of all sorts.  Woodchucks, I know, because I've seen them. Porcupines, I know, because Alfie tangled with one and was the worse for it.  Probably many other critters, likely including skunks.  So I don't want him under there. He wants to go under there. I win.  So there.  Hah.

Peonies are in bloom, and some lilies, though I have many varieties of dayilies and they will bloom all summer.

Lupine. Think of Miss Rumphius in the Barbara Cooney book.

Everything smells fresh and green.  It is lovely to be here.