Hi, Everyone!

Spring is being a tease this year on Cinnamon Ridge. We have had some glorious, sunny weather, and just when we think spring has sprung, we get snow. What is that white stuff coming down? All and all, though, I’ve been enjoying the weather, even on days when the sun peeks through and then hides behind a cloud. Green patches of grass are replacing the winter-yellow mat of our lawn. The birds have returned and entertain me with beautiful songs when I’m out walking with my dogs. And it has warmed up enough at night for us to enjoy our outdoor area, where we sit around the fire and talk.

My resident deer that remained with me all winter are now being joined by other deer who have returned from the desert. Some of the yearling fawns look as if they had a rough winter on the desert. They are small and very thin. I look forward to seeing them grow and become robust over the summer. I’m also anticipating visits from newborn fawns in late June. They are always so darling.

Nicky, my little doe that disappeared, has now reappeared. At first, she was horribly thin, but over the last couple of weeks, she has gained weight and looks healthy again. Her twins continued to come here during her absence, so they have filled out and are growing like weeds. Of all my deer, Nicky is one of my favorites. She’s such a sweet little doe, and on a daily basis, she comes to my office bay window to look in at me and say hello. In case you’ve forgotten, I named her Nicky because she has a nick in her left ear. It looks as if a bullet pierced it. The thought makes me shudder. She is a gentle little soul. I hate that someone tried to shoot her.

My male Australian shepherds are still enjoying their runs, morning and night, and as a result, I am better able to enjoy them throughout the day. They are burning off all that excess energy. When I take them for walks, they’re too tired to take off. It’s lovely for me and my geriatric cocker mix, Kibbles. We have their company on our walks. Fortunately the spurts of snow haven’t left white stuff on the ground, so we are able to really enjoy our forest again.

News of another earthquake came in this morning. Please keep all the deceased and injured in China in your prayers. Apparently many people were left homeless, too, so keep them in your hearts as well.

On April 1st, our older son flew in from New Zealand, a special visit without his family to spend some quality time with his dad. Our younger son went to pick him up in Portland, and they spent a fun night in the city before driving home the next day. We had a marvelous ten days together. Both sons were here most of the time, and we even got our stateside grandson, Joshua, for four lovely days. It gave Joshua an opportunity to really get to know his uncle Andy from New Zealand. We played oodles of games, and on Andy’s last full day here, the guys gathered on the back deck to target practice with my husband’s ancient .22 caliber rifle. They put a target on a ponderosa pine and banged it up big out there. My poor tree! I imagined that my deer would hear the noise and avoid the ridge for days, but they apparently know nobody will harm them here. Less than an hour later, they were gathered at their treat dishes, completely relaxed and unafraid. My dogs, who hate gunfire, were still nervous, poor babies, but the wildlife took it in stride.

I am thinking about getting myself a Kindle for Mother’s Day. Aren’t I bad? Of course, I could just knock my husband over with hints and let him buy it for me. Andy ordered the big one while he was here, and it arrived before he departed, allowing me to see how a Kindle works. I was impressed. I don’t want the big one, though. I think the Kindle2 will suit my purposes just fine.

Well, my friends, I have The End to reach in Zach Harrigan’s story, so I must say farewell. Never fear, I will be back in May to update you on my life at Cinnamon Ridge. Until then, I hope you’re enjoying wonderful spring weather if you are stateside. If you’re in a place where winter’s icy fingers are chilling the air, I hope you have a cozy throw to snuggle under while you read. My wish for all of you is that you can enjoy several wonderful books before we meet again.

Big hugs,

Catherine Anderson