I woke with a start when I realized I"d forgotten to set an alarm, and I had only thirty minutes to get ready. I sprang up in bed and searched my bedroom. Expecting to find Barley lazing on my queen-size bed with a pale blue and white quilt or sitting on top of my rustic nightstand or dresser, I found he was nowhere in sight. I eventually discovered him downstairs at the back door, patiently waiting to be let outside. I opened the door and gave him one last stroke down his back to the tip of his tail.
He meowed softly as he glided across the dirt towards the barn.
To avoid a repeat of the unfortunate “face plant in the river” incident, I dressed in layers. I chose a pair of canvas shorts, a quick-drying synthetic shirt, and some sandals with straps. To protect against possible rain, I
