March 6, 2026

 Friday. Left at 10. Blacksmith. Mild, mostly sunny, but a bit hazy (Saharan sand overhead, according to the forecast). Light winds out of the south. The ride of the yellow wheeping willows. Everywhere, they stood out as the first tree, or bush, certifying the start of early spring. Once or twice there were some white blossoms, not sure on what (blackthorn?). And some growth on some pussy willows. Waterfowl, especially geese, active in the fields and on the water. It was a weekday morning, but with people out, some even in shorts. Blauwkapel to Ruygenhoek and Westbroek with its defensive farmers. Tienhoven, Strook (lake almost completely still), and Scheendijk to Breukelen. Kortrijk, Gieltjesdorp, and Haarzuilens (not as quiet as it looked). Smalle Themaat (blossoms) to Lint and Hermelijnvlinderdijk. The news coming ugly and fast. The latest are reports that Russia is helping Iran with its targeting of U.S. forces. If that's true, it would be the most significant test to date for the president's loyalty to the Russian leader. If we allowed for some wishful thinking, this could end up yielding benefits for Ukraine. But let's not hold our breath.