The fish are basking in renewed summer…and I am a tad too hot…

I try to keep an ear to the pond when I'm near it, and with warm weather comes clogged filters. I heard the telltale pitch of the pump motor last night when I was going to bed, so nothing would do but go out there in the tatty red robe we use for hair dye and barefoot and pull the filter in the dark…

Jane came out to bring me my sandals and offer common sense like "Cut it off until morning," —which I wouldn't do: I have this thing about our waterfall. It's like a talisman of peace and...