Last week was just crazy.

On Monday, we noticed something was wrong with one of the livestock. I raided the livestock first-aid kit and treated the animal. By Tuesday afternoon, things were much worse. After a quick trip to the vet to pick up emergency supplies and three hours of some pretty intense treatment, we stabilized the animal by dark.

I had nightmares all Tuesday night, dreamed that the animal didn't survive. Ran out to the barn at first light and was relieved to find her much improved. Had a farming colleague stop by on Wednesday afternoon to look her over, and got the thumbs up on both the treatment and the fact that we stopped something this fatal so quick.

The animal is responding beautifully to continued treatment, even at her advanced age of 15 years (most of her kind don't live much past 12), and I have no reason to believe that she won't survive this. Phew. I've known this animal since she was a baby, she's been with me her entire life. She's more than just livestock, she's family.

Mom stopped by this morning and we made huge batches of dill pickles to keep over winter. Good stuff. It's my German grandmother's recipe and it's a winner. This afternoon I'll pick some of the blackberries and make a nice coulis from them.

More effing rain today. I'm so done with rain. And still it comes.