"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." —Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry, Wind, Sand and Stars (commonly cited)

"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become" —Carl Jung

"I will not die an unlived life. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing." —Dawna Markova (from a widely quoted poem)

"For all that has been, thanks. For all that shall be, yes." —Dag Hammarskjöld, from Markings

"Be joyful though you have considered all the facts" —Wendell Berry, "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front"

The puppies are just walking. They’ve been moved this morning to the puppy pen and started on solid food. Big day for them!

"Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." —Mary Oliver

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." —Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Bonfire at a friend’s farm. With chilli and jacket potatoes.

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." —Jalāl ad-Dīn Rūmī

Visited a woodturning tool manufacturer yesterday. Had a tour of the workshop.

"You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

I made bread. In my new Dutch Oven.

Fluffy and friend.

My pal, 21, also known as Fluffy, tucking into silage this morning.

"Little by little, one travels far" —J.R.R. Tolkien

The boys this morning! Big cuddles with 21. (Second from the left).