This is one of my favorite photos of Rick.

I love the concentration on his face, and how the sunlight halos his crown of silver, and how his eyes see beauty everywhere.

I love being in the kitchen with him, and I think that by next summer, I may even be recuperated enough to tackle a new canning season with him again.

Rick was very enthusiastic about canning any fresh thing that would fit in a pot this fall. Very, very enthusiastic.

I adore this about Rick.

His never ending talents amaze and delight me…

… as they do others everywhere he goes.

Who else can make pulling fence posts look so Bridges of Madison County gorgeous?

He looks after us and our home with a carefulness and diligence that would break your heart…

… but he knows how to play, too.

He isn’t afraid to try anything new, from canning to snowshoeing to skidsteering.

This was very impressive, by the way.

The fact that he not only kept our neighbor’s skidsteer out of the creek but also actually managed to spread the gravel level and exactly where it needed to go was a thing ‘o beauty.

Speaking of which…

I love you.

I’m so grateful you were placed on the planet at the same time in the course of human history as I was…

… and that we get to hang out and enjoy the rest of our days together.

Happy Birthday, my love, and many, many happy returns!