September 11, 2007 – Rain, and more rain. Having a farm for five years makes me acutely grasp the concept, “we need rain,” no longer just a cliche. The grass here was so dry it crackled when you walked on it. The sheep and donkeys and cows couldn’t get enough to eat, so we had to haul out the hay earlier, and we were lucky to have it. Danny Thomas only brought it last week. I didn’t even want to herd the sheep as the running tore up what little grass there was. Now, after two days of rain, things are starting to grow again. Good news: Minnie the Barn cat reappeared after a week-long absence. The barn cats – Mother too – have their own mysterious agendas, and I always fear when they disappear that some coyote or bobcat grabbed them, but they always come back.
  Hope to decide this week what my next book will be. “Soul of A Dog” comes out in Easter. Emma the dog got herself caught in a burr bush and I had to cute half of her fur off, and she didn’t like. Fearful, she nipped at my fingers, and I flicked her on the nose, and said, “no,” and she settled down. Izzy is limping and Rose is vomiting. Saw the posters for Art Harvest, and they are great. Work has begun on a new photo website for me, tentatively called “Pictures from Bedlam.” It will be linked to this site, but will give me a place to display pictures that are not specifically about Bedlam Farm. Be less confusing hopefully. I will offer some pictures for sale, probably through All the Right Angles, a gallery in Saratoga. Anthony is scouting around here for a place to sell my pictures. He has been extraordinarily encouraging with my photography, and some of my better pictures have been of him. I’m sure he will find a good place.
  I’ve gotten lots of e-mail lately from readers whose dogs have died, and who are struggling with grief. No easy advice. I believe in getting another dog quickly. Has worked for me.