Red is the man. He greeted hundreds of people, was petted and hugged by most of them, he put on a show four times in the sheep pasture, herded the sheep each time with focus and skill and great responsiveness. Our farm is smaller than the original Bedlam Farm, but also more compact and intimate. If the first Bedlam Farm was a grand stage, this is a more personal and accessible one. It is perfect for us in our lives now. I never tire of working with Red or showing off his great herding skills, I am grateful every day for the generosity and compassion of Dr. Karen Thompson, who helped rehabilitate Red, who saw the great generosity of spirit in this wonderful dog  and who brought him to me and refused payment for him.

Such selflessness is not a common thing.

If Red was the man of the Open House, Maria is the woman. She converted her Schoolhouse Studio into an art gallery, drew some gifted artists into the Open House to sell and show their work, she worked for weeks making wonderful potholders, pillows, quilts and fiber paintings that practically flew out of the studio, she helped conceive and promote the Open House and make it such a success. Maria has grown as the Open Houses have grown, she is an inspiration to me every day and a reminder and challenge to be open, compassionate and generous in spirit.