I started the first day of the new year by springing out of bed at 1:30 a.m. because I heard Boulder giving an alarming cat scream outside. I rushed out and jumped off the terrace- at least I must have, although in that midway sleep-awake zone I have no memory of even getting off the terrace- and I saw Boulder chasing what was either a small fox or a very bushy-tailed cat. So I chased Boulder who chased the fox/cat until he finally stopped to see what was chasing him and I was able to scoop him up and carry him inside, where he remained (much to his dismay) until later in the morning. What an exhilarating start to the new year! Hours later I woke up and went for a long early morning New Year's Day run and was the only person on the trail. And then Randy and I went out and stimulated the sluggish economy by making a second purchase in as many days- we bought a bench thinking it was for the kitchen table, but are ending up using it as a cool coffee table in the living room. The day ended with Paco receiving his first harmonica lesson. Not a bad start to the first day of the new year- harmonica lessons for a donkey!

Paco was intrigued with the little metal gadget that makes noise!


And the donkeys are a captive audience! Well, literally.



O.K., Paco- blow in and then out!

It's not every day that you see this.

It may take a few more lessons before they can take this act on the road!