I've been a horse rancher for nearly 25 years and have seen farms and ranches disappear as technology progressed, not just in Wa., but across this nation. The land and animals that used to pass on to the next generation in families, were very quickly being replaced by computers, cell phones, pads and MP3s. With less farming and herding, less equiptment was purchased, less feed, etc.... as people began to sell off and shut down and move away. A few of we hard-nosed stubborn types did stay on...Much poorer in cash but still rich in the love of land and Critters. The few businesses that remained (the ONE), revamped their stores into small animal havens. Adding Very exspensive high end dog grooming salons, on site veterinary services, clothing lines for dogs and cats, organic food products etc. WHAT FEW ITEMS NEEDED for Horses, cattle, chickens, llamas, and goat feed, meds and equipment, also soared in price and lessened in quality. And then something in the "cosmos" changed a couple of years ago... A few nature lovers began to return to the land...dragging their Gen-X kids kicking and screaming behind them. So far, here in Seattle, (well, in Kent), I've seen the return of horses and Llama. Just a few...But they came and they purchased my old neighbors places and began to work the land. And then a miracle...A little known but well respected franchise called TRACTOR SUPPLY CO. began to open up around the nation. Once again, Good, solid farm equipment, feed and meds, clothing and hardware at REASONABLE PRICES were suddenly back in the neighborhood! HALLELUJAH!! And with a WEBSITE in "keeping up with the Jones!". Orders that used to take weeks to arrive, were now able to be in your hands within a few days. Now if this Cowgirl could just find herself a Tom Selleck/Sam Elliott/Denzel Washington-looking Cowboy, who loves animals, small farmhouses, and getting his hands dirty growing things...with a TRACTOR SUPPLY CO. available for us, I'd be in Hoss-Heaven!