Taking these photos of Annie reminded me that her birthday is quickly approaching on September 10th. It also sent me reeling on a slightly mournful tangent thinking about how 2020 (especially this summer) has melted away like a Popsicle we never got to enjoy.

To me, Annie’s birthday feels like our farewell summer party and often features bouquets of glorious sunflowers. As this year ticks by at a maddening speed, I try to grasp on to familiar landmarks in time (like her day filled with sunflowers) to remind myself that some things on this earth haven’t changed. COVID-19 won’t stop the mountain huckleberries above my home from turning purple or the eddies in the Yakima river from being the best places to spend a 90 degree day.  Many an enjoyable evening can still be spent in the comfort of one’s own breakfast nook, watching the chickens forage before the sun completely abandons the backyard.

There will still be mountains of tomatoes for Missy’s birthday (August 23rd) and carved pumpkins on Jamieween (October 31st).  There are still so many days to look forward to this year. We humans just need to be a little creative in how we can safely spend these special days.

For now, take the lead from Annie herself and lean into the small things.  Relax on a good blanket, put your feet up and spend some quality time with a favorite food. Find your own version of a pineapple wadge and truly make the best of it.