It's always exciting to see bears in the wild.  And this sighting was for 5!!  We saw a mother with 2 cubs and then these 2 adults that were sort of mock wrestling and playing.  It was very exciting to watch them and see them engaged in play. The Mother with her babies went into the brush before we got a photo but these to young adults - possibly cubs from a previous year- hung out as we watched from our car. Very exciting!

I really don't know how I get any work accomplished when there are baby goats around. As they cavort on rocks playing king of the castle and learn how to but heads, it is endlessly entertaining. I smile every day when I'm feeding them.   One mom, a small pygmy goat needed assistance during birth and permitted us to help.  We gently tugged on the baby when she was having contractions.  It worked and her babies emerged successfully.  She had twins.  Another mother successfully gave us triplets... all girls. What a magical experience to watch.  

There's nothing better and cuter than babies and goats and piglets especially make me smile.  It's been a joy to watch the moms instinctively know what to do.  They are watchful feeding and protecting their young.  It's a privilege to watch.   Fascinating. 

All of my beloved animals were safely evacuated to the local fairgrounds.  Here is the goat barn, with my Bert front and center saying hello to me.  It's so strange to have the pastures where they normally live empty.  I feel like I'm missing my two front teeth. I spend my evacuation time visiting them and bringing their favorite treats to share. 

I'm so grateful to the many people who helped me get them to safety.  People with horse rigs who came to my home and helped me load them and whisked them away to safety.  We have an awesome community. Now we are working hard to help the poor families that lost their homes.  So far 127 houses were destroyed. I know personally at least 6 of the families.  So we do our best to support them financially and materially.  I've been taking advantage of peach season and making peach pies for some.  

I could never do all of this alone and am incredibly grateful to the young volunteers who come and lend a hand.  Each of them have their skills and talents and the one thing they have in common is their love of animals. It's fun for me to see the look of wonder in their eyes when they hold day old bunnies or play with the baby piglets, who are endlessly entertaining.  They also enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when we complete big tasks like removing manure to the compost boxes, cleaning our pens or cages, tending to the raised bed garden or doctoring various animals that might be uncooperative patients. Their young energy is infectious and reminds me of my own wonder at the magic of animals.  I love my animals but sometimes one gets lost in the forest.. They help me see the trees.  Thank you Shiloh and Evie!

How amazing to see the baby bunnies as they grow and mature from tiny peanuts to lil scampering friends. It's really amazing.  Mother nature at work! 

Finally, much needed precipitation in our mountain community.  It's so beautiful... and we need every bit of moisture.  Thank you Mother Nature!