Stepping out of a sun-warmed room, soft voices downstairs. A new neighbor, after bringing fresh eggs from another neighbor’s chickens, stayed for a dram. Shadows making the room smaller. I won’t get used to this, I promised myself.

Overdue moving update: All four of us are ensconced in our new home! Each of us is at a different level of adjustment to that fact, so we’re giving each other plenty of space and grace.

Criminy is perplexed by this “moving” thing we’re doing. On the one paw, lots of boxes to perch on. On the other, all of his preciouses keep disappearing. 🤨

Animal Crossing in real life: a pink windflower! 🌸

We emptied the display cabinet that holds our dearest artifacts. Astounding how a simple physical movement disgorges the soul of a place. This is the part of moving I get superstitious about: How will our ghosts know where to haunt us?

Getting used to how the front door opens, how the stairs creak halfway up, where the late afternoon light seeps in: small, tender moments of acquaintance. Feeling more at home by degrees.

First raspberry harvest at our new place, carried in white glass bowls that once belonged to my nonna.

Fun identifying plants in the new garden. “What’s this one?” “It’s a … whoa, it’s a strawberry!” 🍓

🔖 Read With Rising Book Bans, Librarians Have Come Under Attack - The New York Times: “Many librarians have quit — or lost their jobs — after clashes over books.” If this worries you, it should.

🔖 Read Libraries Are Becoming a Battleground for LGBTQ+ People: “It’s not just in-person attacks. Librarians say they are increasingly facing online harassment…” Can confirm. And it will only get worse.