My sincere regrets for not posting since July. The garden, harvesting and preserving my vegetables took most of July and August. In September, over Labor Day weekend, I lost one of the closest companions I have ever had. Little Errol, my Maltese, friend and buddy for over 12 years, got suddenly very ill and we had to have him euthanized. I can't describe the devastation, heartache and loneliness I have been feeling ever since. I lost interest in most everything and wasn't sure when I would be able to move on. Then, two weeks later, my cockatiel, Rusty also passed away. He was ill with a terminal liver disease for a couple of months, so we were slightly more prepared for his demise. However, it being so close to Errol's death, it took even more of a toll on my already bruised heart. No joyful barking when I would come home and no cheerful chirps every morning to greet the day.

Finally, when the silence of our wee house became too much to bear, we started on a quest to find a new Maltese friend to share our lives. A house is not a home without an animal friend by my side. And, that brings me to Flynn, the newest member of the croft! Another Maltese, he is now 10 weeks old and has brought fun, laughter and chaos to our lives once again. However, a large portion of my heart remains solely for Errol. Our special bond cannot be broken even though he is no longer with me. Also, Rusty, a gift we gave my mother two years before she passed away and has since been a link to her for me. A complete change in my life, ending one phase, yet beginning another.