*sigh*

Things do not work as some have planned.

Jiao will not come for a visit this year. Father says there is much work to do at home. He requires her to help mother at her office and as she moves between clinics. I think it is best. Mother and father sound weary. Father has been in the moving kitchens since many have no place to prepare their food. He is frustrated as help seems slow in arriving. Mother complains of constant shortage of medicines while there is no shortage of injured and sick. I consider returning to China to assist them but Father tells me to remain at home. If they require me he will send for me. It is not easy to obey in this but I will reluctantly do as he insists.

My Coastie is tired also. I have spent much time with him since last week. He has been in the boat often. His manner has been dark after finding one dead in the ocean. I have seen no tears. Yet I know they are there. It is not the first so I am thinking there was something much different for this person. We have spent much time embracing in silence. It is all I am able to do.

I am also readying myself for the summer horse shows though I have decided against the earliest. I will not sacrifice time for my Coastie at the moment so there are many things not ready. I have silver to polish. Leather to clean. Peevy's tail and mane require conditioning. I must go to Cherry again to ensure my braiding of the tail is correct. I must polish Peevy's hooves and put his boots on him. As I have said, there is much to do.