Life and death are so very present here on the farm. We experience the effects of living creatures daily through pollinators, pests, laying hens, puppies, visitors to the farm. Death is so very real, as well. Mink and owls sneak around at night or early in the morning waiting for a chance to steal the life of our chickens. Cars fly by on the road. Drivers oblivious of the carefree puppy that dashes out into oncoming traffic when he is "on the scent" of something or other. Even microscopic organisms in our soil, water and air can be killers too.

Last week we lost our dear goat, Annabelle, to a microscopic organism that causes tetanus. Unexpected and horrible. She became sick on Tuesday morning and didn't make it 24 hours. We are very sad to see her go and all miss her very much. Even Jasper was very sweet to the sick goat, licking her face when she couldn't stand and lying next to her while we tried to help her fight for her life.