Is the sun out yet?

No, not yet sorry Bean. You'd better snuggle down in your lovely blankets again.

She did.

As I drive to and from the coo-shed to collect milk I seem to do some of my best light bulb thinking. It is only 5km, but my brain somehow whirrs into high activity.

A couple of weeks ago it was while bowling along the road on the way home that I realised that if I orientate the new new cabin* at an angle greater than the previously planned 90 degrees, I will get more sun on the deck, and more sun will shine through the windows of the bedroom cabin. That was a useful thought to have long before I start talking to builders and pegging out the site.

The most recent bright thought was far more esoteric.

My milk, yoghurt, butter and cheese supplies are all dependent upon my relationship and barter arrangements with G, the dairy farmer. 

This led to me pondering on the threads that combine into a beautiful net to hold my contentment, my life together. Threads of relationships. Threads of friendship. Threads of trust. Threads of tolerance and patience. Threads of shared interests, principles and ethics. Threads of shared laughter.

More than at any time in my life I am focussing on the people with whom I weave these threads; recognising our complementary skills, experiences, abilities and enjoying their company. It is community.


* = to replace the kitchen and bathroom - in 16 months' time