Blow

n. 1. A sudden hard stroke or hit, as with the fist or an object. 2. An unexpected shock or calamity. 3. An unexpected attack; an assault.

Feels like all of the above.

We've lost Whistlestop Bunker, my white ram. First noticed that he was "off" late Monday night when we got home from a meeting. By the time Rick was able to diagnose a blocked urethra this evening, his bladder had ruptured.

Bunker had Boulderneigh's "best fleece on the hoof" – superfine, super crimpy, super consistent, super length. I used him for the first time – the only time – in 2011 on two ewes, but just one settled. Bunker's sole legacy is Bing, a black wether with an awesome fleece who proved his daddy could throw color. I had hoped to use Bunker to produce fine, crimpy replacement ewes . . . he was a huge factor in my future goals.

Still reeling at . . .