I introduced myself as the daughter-in-law of the previous owner.

I explained that June had planted a row of lilac bushes along the south side of the farmhouse decades ago.

I asked for formal permission to drive out twice a week and keep them watered through the dry summer months.

I folded the single page into a white envelope, addressed it to the Denver zip code listed on the public tax record, and put a stamp in the corner.

Thursday afternoon brought a heavy north wind that rattled our windows.