A little chipmunk tartare, that's what I believe this huge raptor (hawk? falcon?) chilling on our deck this morning had a hankering for. WOW. He (or she) was very carefully looking under the table, around the herb pots, perhaps hoping for a bit of tarragon as seasoning? I've often seen the birds circling overhead, but never before perched on our deck! Sent a little chill down my spine to watch it so clearly hunting. Pretty intense. Eek. Good thing Sigs is a big dog, I would be mighty nervous to let a little guy out with this dude flying around...

Tom, Cam, and Allegra arrived on time this evening, it's sooooo good to have them here. Valerie arrives tomorrow, she's overseeing this day's beginning of their rather complicated move in NYC. Nathan, Allegra, and Cameron immediately took off together, into the park, back into the house, up and downstairs, playing and playing. I made veal for dinner tonight, scallopini with sauteed arugula, basil, garlic, and capers. Green beans sauteed with tomatoes and herbs. Pasta with oil and garlic. For an appetizer, little toasted sandwiches of tomato and fresh mozzarella. For dessert, John and Tom totally dug into Blue Sky Creamery double chocolate ice cream, laughing the entire time. John's so happy with his Boogles here... (Me too!)

Here's the dream end to my evening...wash up, climb full and content into my cool, softy bed, and read a bit of Anna Karenina, which I am absolutely buried in, I'm so enjoying it. Good night!