Today

My freaking Neptune washer finally burnt up last week, and by burnt up I mean it. I could smell the thing and when I opened the door, out poured smoke. My husband insisted I try to have it repaired but the repair was 484 dollars so I declined and paid the technician for his trip. Money down the freaking drain. I did not point this out to my husband (I said, it will cost too damn much to repair). I did get another front loading machine because despite its poor service, I did like front loading. This time I bought an LG machine, neither the top of the line with steam cleaning capabilities nor bottom of the line with small capacity- and for the first time in my life, I bought extended five year warranty. I am thinking of you, M Sb- it's ironing duty today.

Garter Snake

As I was carrying buckets of used pig bedding out to the compost heap, I startled a garter snake that was sunning on the steps. I didn't even see it until it moved.

Eastern Garter Snake - North Carolina

TM Pear Blossom

This is TM Pear Blossom the sow that won the two BIS last weekend. A friend- the judge actually- sent me a picture of her this morning. She was a posing fool that day for him. I have to admit, she is a pretty nice animal.