We met some friends, old and new, for breakfast at Farm Kitchen Saturday morning. After much conversation, we strolled around the farm so our daughter could run among the flowers, the nearest adult’s hand in hers.

My daughter took no chances on forgetting this morning, booking down the hallway before I even opened the door to the garage. So while Gus & Balsmic, Bernard, Baby Ralph, Curious George and Pierre stayed at home I was joined by Miriam, my wife’s favorite of the animals.

Sadly no animal shared the morning commute with me today. At dinner, it occurred to my daughter she had forgotten to send an animal and explained she could not provide one at that moment because she was “not wearing pajamas” – tomorrow perhaps.

On a perfect September day under glorious blue skies – what a change from last year’s heavy rains – we enjoyed the Trust for Working Landscapes’ biggest annual event: Harvest Fair. The Fair, replete with fun & food, is many a family’s favorite Island event, perfect Americana in my book.

Of all my daughter’s animals, I’m most fond of Pierre. He’s quiet, cute and small enough to fit in my backpack, important because I opted to ride my road bike today on what might be one of the last warm, dry days of the year. Because I had limited space, this was the first time I interfered with my daughter’s wishes, choosing not to take Gus – maybe tomorrow buddy.

Ironically, my daughter offered some advice this morning she had never before proffered: “Daddy, be safe on the big boat!”

My daughter and I photographed more spiders spinning their webs this morning. When the sunlight hits the yard just right concentric forms glisten and shimmer just about everywhere the eye lands.

Today Baby Ralph traveled on the big boat to be photographed from our office’s rooftop deck.

“Daddy, daddy, wait!” Away runs my daughter to arrive seconds later with yet another animal, Bernard.

My daughter greeted me twice last week as I was readying to leave on my bike with an “idea”. “Daddy, wait” she said as she ran back into the house, appearing moments later with one of her animals. She wanted them to experience the joy of the morning commute on the “big boat” – into the Ortliebs each went.