I read the story late last night when I was tired and vulnerable...and I admit I was moved by it and saddened. But I did not post at that time, because tugging at the corner of my mind, my sceptical side was trying to get my attention. So I waited and read it again this morning. And I agree with Sharon... it does seem contrived. For someone with no money to spend - not even $10 - the author seems to attend a lot of auctions. Even gas these days is expensive. Why does she go, when she so clearly hates the whole process? And lo and behold, every time Elmer winds up at the auction, there she is to note his condition and comment on the folks who bought him. I write fiction. I know the process of weaving a fragment into a story. Maybe the author attended the one sale where her neighbour was selling Elmer the first time and while there saw another billygoat in very poor condition and thought: "That will happen to Elmer too." And went home and wrote the story as a cautionary tale. It doesn't matter. The message is just as valid regardless of the veracity of the story. We all need to take responsibility for the animals in our care -- AND their offspring. I'll get off my soap box now!

Yes, Fiona does look interesting. Too bad I'm trying to refrain from buying any or maybe I should say many new plants until we build our new house in a couple of years.

that is a nice site. Plenty of crafts for kids and those of us who are still kids at heart. I like that straw hat bird feeder for the back yard.

Seriously that looks fantastic! (and you know had you said you got it on a designer website for a clearance of $400 we would still say you did great!)....but the fact that it came from tarjay is just the icing on the cake. Enjoy!