MAY 2026

Dear Kind and Gentle People,

Oh my soul— Happy Merry Month of May from “The Mill.” Tonight, the full “Flower Moon” rises, and if you listen closely you may hear the good-natured howling from the second floor windows of “The Mill” that has become our custom on full moon evenings.

Everywhere the Creator’s handiwork is on display: daffodils opening their golden trumpets, buds loosening on the trees, chipmunks stirring from their winter rest, and even the Maine black bear announcing spring with bold visits to bird feeders and an occasional overturned grill. The fields have taken their dressing of well-spread manure, the bull has been wisely separated from the girls until July, and the rhythms of farm and season hum along with quiet purpose. Soon we will make our gentle pilgrimage to the hidden patch of mayflowers—(trailing arbutus)—perhaps daring to snip a single fragrant sprig, law or no law, simply because beauty begs to be held.

And then, the crowning sign: the turtles have risen from their deep earthen sleep, slowing traffic to a complete stop as they slowly crawl back into the pond. This is a sure and holy signal that winter has truly loosened its grip.



This always reminds me of the ancient words from the Song of Solomon 2:10-12, where the voice of the turtle is heard. Here is a wonderful setting by James McCray still wearing well after 50 years.

youtu.be/r8SkrNrt7-Q?si=VC0MJHqMwIp3kb0v

In this Eastertide season, with resurrection still warming the air, we hear in that verse not only poetry but promise. “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away…”—the call of Christ echoing through field and forest, inviting us out of the long winter of fear and weariness into a life made new. This is not memory alone; it is present grace. The earth itself is preaching—flowers appearing, songs returning, life pushing insistently through the soil—and we are summoned to notice, to rise, and to follow. At “The Mill,” beneath moonlight and birdsong, the gospel is as close as the ground beneath our feet: the stone is rolled away, the world is awakening, and love is calling us to come away and live. I pray you will!

As Always,

Gobs of Blessings and Heaps of Happiness,

Petah

Photo: Mayflower Unknown

Photo: Hungry Newfield Black Bear by Pam Kabitzke