Happy Independence Day! We’ll be closed on July 4^th for the holiday and hope you’ll be enjoying the day with family and friends. Whatever we do, we’ll be sure to be with our pup Henry in the evening as he’s one of those dogs that are terrified of fireworks. An article I read suggested such fears can be the result of an early life experience, which is likely the case for Henry as he spent his first year chained outside. (Yes, he’s a rescue!!) The article also said that mothers—both human and animal—who experience high levels of stress during pregnancy can pass on a propensity for anxiety to their babies. This year we may try noise-cancelling headphones in addition to the Thundershirt to mitigate Henry’s fear . . .

As most of you know, we closed our retail space at the end of September as our landlord needed more room to expand his business. While we no longer have room to display the items we have for sale, such as the chairs in the photos above. We briefly considered taking the items to an auction house, but since they take such a high premium, are considering other options such as Facebook Marketplace or getting a booth at the Bluemont Fair. We’d be interested in your thoughts and suggestions.

Don’t forget that the Loudoun County Fair is scheduled for July 22^nd-26^th at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds. Cow Pie Bingo is a new event this year, but other old favorites like the Pig Scramble and 4-H Club dinners will continue. If you haven’t been, you should try it at least once. We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed that there’s not a heat wave that week or severe thunderstorms. Hope to see you there!

Bob & Lynne McCann