Hey All--

So, after re-reading Chapters 12 & 13, I decided that I would post Chapter 13 before my 'hiatus' as it is a more fun chapter and is a good ending point. Chapter 14 starts a very long week for the boys (5 chapters and counting) so those who have complained about me 'rushing' things...be careful what you wish for.

Another reason I am posting this chapter is it's the first one to really deal with the rescue and that has been on my mind a lot in recent weeks (more than usual).

One of the horses we rescued over the summer has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer...and to make matters worse, when he was taken for his first treatment, it was discovered that he had a tumor behind his eye.

He is now being treated every other week at a very good veterinary hospital (a 2 hour trip each way) and the treatments will end up costing the rescue thousands of dollars.

All of us who volunteer at the ranch and work with, care for and love the horses have pledged to do all we can to raise the necessary monies. I have sent countless e-mails to friends and relatives and to those who are on my mailing list.

As I have this soap box, I also decided to use it. If anyone would like to donate to this cause I have set up a paypal.com account (under: atodd867@gmail.com). I have to balance my anonymity with my goal of raising as much money as I can for this cause.

One thing I want to make clear, is that this is a not a 'quid pro quo' deal...donating or not will not increase or decrease my writing output. I am just trying to exhaust every possible avenue available to me.

Thank you.