January 11th, 2018

Today was a nice day, though I am worried about Candace. I think she's working outside as a way to avoid working on Eli's rooms. I don't think those rooms have been touched since last week. Candace caught me eyeing them when we first got back after the gym and she immediately grabbed the gloves she'd bought yesterday and tossed me a pair. Then we bundled up and went outside to work on her backyard.

I did mention that it seemed odd to be working on her garden this time of year, but she insisted that just because it's winter doesn't mean the garden is dead. She had gathered the leaves Sam had raked up during the fall and we were piling them over the tilled soil. Candace said it was like tucking the seeds in for a long night. They'd help protect the soil and seeds below during the winter and early spring while they sprouted. Then during the summer the leaves would provide nutrients for the soil and help feed the plants.

She had already done a lot of this on her own, so she had me mostly just finishing up a couple of places that she hadn't gotten too. While I did this she seemed to be checking the seeds, and the whole time she was talking to them. It was kinda sweet, though I wonder how lonely she gets here on her own.

It's been so cold and miserable lately, wet and windy, dark and cloudy. But working outside with Candace was in it's own way invigorating. Peaceful, hopeful. We kept busy, and that kept us warm, and the time flew by.

Hal stopped by around noon and brought lunch and some warm cider, which was perfect. Later I checked my phone out of curiosity and realized that Sam would be by soon for dinner. So we packed up, and cleaned up. Sam was running a bit late, but since Candace had bought groceries yesterday we were able to start working on dinner. When he did come in he complimented us on the smells.

And hot chocolate. Candace had me make that while she was working on dinner. She showed me what to add and how to do it. So good, and just perfect after the long day outside.

During dinner, Candace brought up meeting Jane Doe. She and Sam had been talking about it and Candace wanted to meet Jane. Sam said he was okay with it, and he'd like to know how it'd go. The question now is, how do we go meet her? Guess I've got a new project to work on.

Since it was a Thursday, Hal had his lab. So Sam gave me a ride home and thanked me again for everything I've done. I've got work tomorrow but I should see Hal in the morning and at lunch. I want to ask him what I might do to find Jane Doe, but that might lead into a conversation about why we want to meet her. So I'll have to do that alone.