My friend Devra is always full of good ideas, but this one has become a centerpiece of Big Hill. She suggested it even before the walls were up. The first time anyone visits they sign a rock and write or draw something on it if they want, as a sort of guest log sign in. I have also added sea glass and shells to the mixture, which now serves as both memorabilia and art.Our “guest log” bowl is filling up with rocks, filled with about a hundred rocks. That’s a good start.

We switched Internet providers to Skybeam yesterday. They came out and installed the day after we called them! So far, so good. We can now stream videos, which we couldn’t with our last provider. I don’t do a lot of that, but it is an indication that their service is faster and stronger.

Also, the Windstream folks are half way up the hill with their phone line. Now they are getting to solid rock. I know their hearts probably sank when they first saw the task awaiting them. They are making good progress, though. Hopefully soon I will have a land line.

All in all it’s getting to be real gentrified-like ‘round here. Well, except for the spiders and bugs that have sprung up with the spring flowers. Good news is that has brought out lots of birds to partake in the feast. In fact, I just got bombarded by a hummingbird as I was sitting on the master deck writing this. And watched out usual buzzards soaring across the valley.

Tracy and I also just saw a high flying, swirling group of very streamlined birds, flying in circles, but generally headed north. There were about 30 of them, and we have no idea what type of birds they were. I could draw you a picture…And, oh the butterflies! I sat outside on a conference call today and saw probably a dozen different kinds of them, all taking advantage of the plethora of flowers. I read in the local paper that is should be a great year for wild hogs, too, whatever a “great year” for hogs means…..

So, if you’re not afraid of a little wild life, come on out and sit a spell on the back deck and let’s visit! While you’re here, please sign your name on a rock and add it to the artful bowl. Oh, and look out for wild hogs.