Five Folders, Two Cats, and a Jeep Full of Mullein

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

This morning I was up by 6, and by 6:20 I already had the dishes and laundry going and my tarot pulled for the day. Today’s card was The Bear — a powerful reminder that even in my most protective, watchful modes (which I’ve definitely been in lately), I must still carry the gentleness of the mother. Strength and softness go hand in hand.

bushka on the way to the vet

Once my morning chores were done, it was time to set up the schoolwork. Today was a big day — the boys were joining the girls for school, which meant setting up five folders instead of two. With everything ready, Dameion and I loaded up Babushka and Crookshanks for their trip to Dixie Day Spay for their spay and neuter appointments.

Crookshanks on his way in to the vet. He had to get a bath before surgery.

By the time we returned home, it was already time for dog walks and to settle in for the day’s rhythm. The boys arrived soon after, and by 9:30 the house was full of the happy hum of breakfast chatter and school lessons.

Arias clay whale shark

Noon came quickly — lunch for the kids, naps for the girls, and the boys headed home to rest. While the house was quiet, and after Franklin got home, Charlie and I made a quick run to DG to check for sesame oil for dinner. On our way back, we spotted a large patch of mullein, and of course, we couldn’t resist filling the back of the Jeep with it. That beautiful find will keep me busy drying for at least a week!

So much mullein

The boys didn’t make it back later in the day — they weren’t feeling well and needed more sleep — so the girls and I continued their schoolwork after nap. By bedtime, I was proud of how much progress they had made.

Jammie pants? yes. Raining? yes again. Still willing to go and get me as many wild plants as I want? Yes yes and yes.

With the cold night settling in, Dameion set up the cats safely in their kennels inside the camper to keep them warm. That’s when we realized something surprising: Babushka had already been fixed. Which, of course, leaves us wondering — where did that mystery litter of kittens come from that first year we were here?

One of tomorrows first assignments

Once the kids were tucked in, the dogs had their last outing of the night, and the house was finally still. After Dameion left to stay with Shelly, Charlie and I did a bit of late-night cleaning and I prepped tomorrow’s schoolwork before calling it a night.

Even in the small chaos of our days, The Bear’s message stays with me — protect fiercely, love gently, and trust that both can coexist beautifully. 🐻💛