RIP runner ducks

It's always nice to find on returning from a journey that approximately the same number of animals are alive as there were when one departed. We've been lucky the last few trips, but this time not so much. Our two runner ducks, probably the cutest animals on the farm, were killed by a predator, possibly a weasel or skunk. Arpad appears to have been slacking.

Two other chickens died as well. Oh well.

TWO FOR THE FUTURE. I've often written here about how WV would greatly benefit by creating a future fund from mineral severance taxes to create a permanent source of wealth for the state. Here's an article on the subject and there is also a Facebook page I encourage you to "like" and check up on regularly.

FISCAL FACTS. I don't always agree with the Charleston Daily Mail's editorials, but this one is right on.

GOOD QUESTION. Why not end poverty?

GOT FIGS? Here's the latest edition of the Rev. Jim Lewis' Notes from Under the Fig Tree.

GOAT ROPE ADVISORY LEVEL: ELEVATED

Introducing....runner ducks!

We are pleased to introduce Goat Rope readers to the latest additions to the menagerie, i.e. two runner ducks from my sister-in-law's farm in Vermont. These two enjoy paddling around in a kiddie pool but are painfully shy and hard to photograph, with "runner" being the key word here.

Their main function is to run around and be cute, a task they seem to have mastered. No names have been issued or discovered as of yet.