October 11, 2014. Harper, Texas. Double D Ranch.

The cares of the world disappear when you are sitting watching a flickering fire. I wonder why? Ken and I arrived at the ranch to find David, Samantha and Allison sitting around a very large fire. Of course we joined them. Later in the after we reconvened by the fire and we never left off talking and laughing. David smoked meat, so we never left the fire, even for dinner. Samantha and Allison and I talked for a long time discussing the age differences in siblings. The thought of being an only child was abhorrent to both twins. They told me the good aspects of having your sibling close in age, citing Sarah and Abigail as perfect at 18 months apart because they are going through everything together. And they play with the same friends. They suggested that a four year difference is difficult because you have no similar activities. The insights and variables were interesting coming from two 7th grade girls. I hesitated to bring up the issue of being a twin as they never mentioned it themselves. I feel sure that we would never have had that discussion had we not been sitting around the fire in the dusk. All is well at the ranch. The computer is working well but the Dish TV is not. The outside water trough has been broken, probably by pigs, so Ken has some chores inshore. Neither of our cell phones work. Tonight the temperature will be 55, which is perfect for sleeping and tomorrow will be 75, which is perfect for walking. Life at the ranch is a joy.