Living amongst the corn and bean fields, we get our fair share of critters which keep our barn cats busy...good for them and good for us. Down to one barn cat this year, I have noticed an increase in critter activity that I am certain is due to our existing barn cat, Snickers, getting her AAR"F" (for feline of course) card in the mail just like her owners. To remedy this situation we headed off to one of my favorite childhood places, The Farm. Located in northwestern Illinois, I remember as a kid being loaded up in the '68 Pontiac wagon with my three sisters anticipating our arrival at my mom's family farm where there were always kittens to be found in the hay loft. With the ever changing fast paced world of today, it is always nice to find yourself somewhere that time seems to have stood still, and your memories come alive with one glance around. That's why I am always happy to have an excuse to visit. This time I used my need for kittens as the excuse and it worked. 
Aunt KJ picked two little ones to make the return trip with us...Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, named by Sarah of course. I am happy to report that they are completely content and happy at their new home, finding all kinds of ways to be of "assistance."
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| The Dilling Farm at sunrise |
Sunrise at the farm is always beautiful to me because the horizon goes on forever with only corn and beans as far as the eye can see. Below is a picture of my cousin and me in the hay loft circa 1980. One of my all time favorite pictures - my Uncle's "Flying Pigs" preluding our "When Pigs Fly" property name.
Thanks to Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill for the hospitality, and to Deb for helping with the kittens.
Hope you all have a great week and enjoy the arrival of Fall!
