It's Been a Tough Week

I just copied from my facebook notes what I had written Monday night. I figured that was the best way to put on here the events. I am still really unable to think about what happened. I'm still in 'fix it' mode of just working on the barn making changes and preventing it from happening again... I really haven't slowed down enough to let it really sink in. I did have a moment last night when i jammed my finger in the back screen door at home and i ended up crying. Of course the comments on my facebook have all been nice and supportive. They make me cry when i read them. Its nice to know that other people do care. I haven't really responded to anyone yet, because I am still at a loss for words, but i do want to say thank you to every one for your sympathy, support and caring. It means a lot to me. I know it means a lot to Amanda too.

On a humorous side note... we decided yesterday to just start calling each other "rabbit Partner" not by our names anymore. I think we should get T-shirts made up that say that. Amanda suggested "rabbit partner A" and "rabbit partner B". I love it!

Yesterday my Dad let us close the shop early and head out to the barn to work on it. I am really somewhat suprised that my dad was being so helpful. That probably soiunds really awful and I dont mean it to. I just didnt expect him to really let us close the car lot at 2 and work on the barn all day. Especially when he is not feeling well at all. I really appreciate all that my dad does for me and my brother and my kid. He is usually pretty much a tough guy, with a 'screw you' attitude most of the time, but he's really not like that. Anyway, I'm suprised and really thankful and grateful.

My brother and my kid took down some panels from the south end of the building to let in more cooler fresh air from the fenced in 'porch' area. It was an almost immediate effect. I couldn't believe it! Then my brother opened up two of the panels on the back (east) side of the building to be 'vents' until we get the exhaust fan/s installed. That seemed to help as well.

We are still planning to install a drop ceiling. We need to add more support 'beams' first so it wont have to be 20 feet tall! Bringing that ceiling down to 8-10 feet will help keep the hot air up and will also keep it warmer in the winter! So that's the project for the rest of this weekend.

Thankfully it is cooling off here in Central Iowa. The high is ONLY supposed to be 91 here today. Then high to mid 80's through the weekend. Lets hope it stays cool. There are still several rabbits that have been very weakened by the continual heat. My Fawn doe Boca was not looking good last night at all. We did all we could to get her cooled off and comfortable. I gave her some dandelion leaves i hope she ate them last night. Boca is one of my most favorite bunnies. She is SUCH a great mom and just a wonderful bunny all around. Type, color, personality, mothering ability and i love her. I am scared to go see her today. I hope she can pull through.

We lost one baby Havana last night. It just laid down and died. I think it was just too much for it. Too many days of too hot. A nice looking young Blue Havana out of T25 and Tim's 2 time BIS winning black doe who died when her babies were about 5-6 days old. Sad. As much as i don't want to have Blue Havanas these babies were nice looking and very pretty. There is one Blue from that litter left alive.

Well this is about all I have for now. I need to run to Home Depot to return some stuff. Then I'm off to the bank and them meet up with the brother to shop a bit at Sam's Club. Then Work. Then go to Cedar Rapids to pick up new cages... what wonderful timing... we lose 55 rabbits in one day and 3 days later I'm getting 20 more holes... great timing. Oh well, I made the deal long before this tragedy happened. Even with the sadness I am excited to be adding more 24x24's. One step closer to getting rid of my old buck cages! YES!!! I cant wait to get rid of those things!