Fair Winds Brian!

From Jim: Our dear friend and adopted family member, Brian, is off to Washington to start a new position with his company. Brian lived on the sanctuary with us for three years. We called him our "mule whisperer" as he had a real talent for gentling the longears that came here. The success he had with these critters was pretty amazing. His beloved horses are here, waiting until he's had a chance, with Linda, to find a place and settle in. We'll sure miss him. Linda will stay on here until Spring, when she retires. In the meantime, Brian will stay on his boat. What an adventure for both of them. The weather has finally started to be "normal?" with alternating days of rain and sunshine. This has been a warm winter and the critters have only had about a week of MUD. We got started with the clean up yesterday and can get started planting some of the fruit trees later this week. It really is time to landscape around the house. The roads, as always, need attention. Wheel rolled the lower road yesterday on my several trips to the junk pile. Ranch life requires that all possible usable stuff (junk) be saved. If you throw anything away, you will absolutely need it the next week or so. Repairs and additions to the barns and stables are also in the offing. I need more me. Irene, our faithful volunteer, continues to work with our most frightened and uncatchable critters. We are impressed with her patient and gentle ways. Jess was by a few weeks back. He and Mallory are also greatly valued volunteers. Laura and I will begin in earnest to find a van for Gracie to use in her travels to see those in need. The thrift store will celebrate a full year of operation next month. Helen and Ron have been unbelievable! So this year is already marked by change and sameness, by the events and passages of life that flow around and through us. Living on a sanctuary is a lot of things, but boring isn't one of them. I hope everyone of you has a great weekend. Fair winds and following seas Brian. You will always be a part of our family and Home At Last!