William and I drove up to Redfield today to meet my new friend, Kathleen.  We exchanged comfrey and stinging nettles and rose hips and black-eyed Susan and Monarda seeds.  I got to meet -- and hold -- her sweet chickens.  Also got to meet her husband, Ron (just a handshake), three dogs and a stand-offish cat.  She showed me the chicken tractors and coop she built and I took copious mental notes.  We visited and spoke of dowsing eggs for fertility and gender, dowsing for underground water and dowsing for aberrant energy spaces.  We shared herbal stories.  We spoke of her plans for the new house she and Ron are building.  Since they are right in the middle of getting their permits in order and planning their new space, we talked about natural house building the most.  William attempted to entertain us all with his guitar but it turned out the dogs -- schnoodles? -- all liked to sing!  And their singing was very shrill barking so William soon left for a walk around the property.  I had such a lovely visit I didn’t want to leave.  So much to talk about!  I also didn’t want to overstay my welcome.  So we headed out, gifted with flowers plucked from her perennial gardens.

We headed around Salmon River reservoir towards the falls.  A bit cooler up there.  800 feet above sea level.  There were quite a few other folks there, as well.  A couple had brought lawn chairs and drinks and were situated just above the cliff, enjoying the view.  On the trail, we even met a man with his family who restores/ builds guitars.  Since William was carrying his old Burl Ives Gibson, they stopped and chatted a bit about old guitars.

We headed back through Pulaski and stopped for ice cream and cheese at the Colosse store.  Then a lovely drive home.  Pleasant day.