The hens have returned They weren't in sight when I got home, but I did spy them once over on the other side of the garden, which doesn't bode well for the tomatoes in the future (Of course, Kate the beagle-thing keeps going into the tomatoes and sniffing to see if they are ripe yet, so it's probably time for a fence).

I may lock them in the pen tomorrow. I can't blame them for wanting to enjoy the first rain-free day in about a week, but I do want them sticking closer to their home. I also don't want them to get into the habit of laying eggs all over the yard when they do start (if they haven't already).  ¶ 7:15 PM