It was early, yes, but the sun had been up for a little while as it was summertime, and with the sun rose the women of the house. Breakfast had been made for Joseph before he headed out to work the acre allotted to their family, likely meeting his son there, and afterwards Josephina ate with her mother what was left. As always, it was for sustenance, not for enjoyment, but they were grateful for something in their bellies.

There was no time to be lazy, and they were quite adjusted to hard work, so they moved outside. Anna sat and worked spinning flax on a spindle while Jo took the harder work of weeding their small vegetable garden. It was odd to see one of Josephina's age working at her parents home, especially without a young one hanging on her, but the aging Anna was glad for the help.

"The radishes are comin' in very well this season, Mama," Jo commented, never being one to stay quiet for long. "The onions, too. We should have fine stews this year, yeah?" She paused to root around and get out a particularly nasty weed. It wouldn't do to have these useless plants stealing nutrients from their vegetables.

"Yes, dear," Anna chuckled. "The weather has been good this year." With luck, they should make it through the winter just fine. Her calloused fingers worked the course fibers with the skill learned through a lifetime of practice.

"Maybe we should give some to Liza if we have some to spare. She is with child again... maybe with a little better food, this one will live?" Jo brushed her hands off on her apron quickly so she could try to fix her hair as it kept falling into her face. Liza was one of her older sisters and had been sickly since her last miscarriage, so Jo was right to be worried, on top of having a giving nature.

"I don't mind that you go to help her sometimes, but Liza is Nathaniel's responsibility now. You know that, Jo."

"I know it, but it don't make it right," muttered the young woman under her breath. She sighed and went back to her weeding with a bit more energy, feeling a bit frustrated at the situation but not wanting an argument.