Our new friend Breadon came here for the third week in a row and continues to crow in confidence and ease, the animals all related to him, let him brush them (the donkeys and Zinnia). They all look great, and Breadon is fond of them. He has an easy but competent way about him; he is a natural for work involving animals. Next week, we think he’ll be ready to go out alone, take care of the donkeys, and then brush Zinnia. This weekly brushing has been great for her; she looks clean, lean, and comfortable. We didn’t have the time to get to it,

Breadon finally met Zip, who is just getting to know him. Zip is cautious around newcomers. Breadon, or “B” as we call him, thinks Zip is afraid someone else will take him away. I told him he’ll get over it.

Maria introduced Breadon to Zip, and that’s going to work out.

B and I looked on with some astonishment as Asher approached and raised his head to get a neck scratch.

I told him he’s doing great work, and we might have to give him a raise. You don’t have to keep paying me, he keeps saying. Yes, I do, I said. This has worked out for all of us, I’m whispering in his ear about stacking firewood when it comes. Ssssssh.