Wednesday February 28, 2007

I made it through February. That is usually the hardest month of the year. This year it was much harder than usual. All month I have been just telling myself, "Get through February and everything is down hill from there." (Not that March is much different weather wise really, but it feels like it should be spring, so it is somehow easier) In any case, I think we will make it through this winter after all.

Dave woke me up today and told me he had already done the feeding (I can't tell you what a treat THAT was). We went to town together and saw a movie, then I spent the afternoon with my nieces.

Temps down around zero at night still. Around 30 during the day. Got another inch of snow.

Tuesday February 27, 2006

Dave and I worked with Big Red for some time today. Haltered him and taught him how to lead. Then just walked him around and fussed over him. Took pictures (a client had requested updated pictures of him). I've decided that he needs some regular handling like that. He is not scared of people - one of the easier to handle horses here. But he is so mellow that he is at the bottom of the totem pole in the youngster pack (even though he is by far the biggest). And, with his mom gone, he gets pushed around a lot. I think his confidence will suffer if I don't build it up through time with people. Will try to do that once a week.

Did four bales in Big Barn pasture and four in Back 20 today. The horses left some in both pastures yesterday - at almost all of the food, but not quite. So I think they don't need the extra as much anymore. Will cut back to 3 bales in the back 20 5 days per week and 4 bales 2 days per week. Will probably keep the extra in the Big Barn because with all the growing and with Blackie (old and doesn't keep weight as easily anymore) and with Nefertari (9 months pregnant) I would rather have a little waste than risk not getting them everything they need.

We're walking to the back pasture every day - I think that's good for us. My goose suitor comes along most days.

Temps in the 30's during the day but getting down to single didgets at night. A little snow each day.

Monday February 26, 2007

Dave got called by Amazon.com about a job today. Has an interview tomorrow.

We spent most of the day cleaning and organizing the garage. Then fed. Fed four bales in big barn (rather than 6) and four (one extra) in back pasture. Want to make sure everyone gets the extra they need as they go into spring.

Snowed most of the day. Hovered right bellow freezing.

Sunday February 25, 2007

Snowed all day today. Beautiful. Dave and I started walking to the back pastures to feed, rather than driving, in an effort to start getting in better shape. We gave pregnancy shots to all the mares and worming meds to all the horses before feeding. Still putting out double the food for babies right now - 6 bales. I think they need the extra this time of year.

Thursday February 22,2007

Low 30's and cloudy all day. Started snowing heavily this evening.

Maya looks like Frankenstein dog - she had some lumps removed form her back and has stitches all over.

On of the geese has decided that I should be its mate, I think. He follows me everywhere, even out into the pastures. And yesterday when another male goose came up to me at feeding time, he went after him the way a male reacts to a rival. Charged him, screaming, and clamped onto his feathers. Spun him around in circles for 30 seconds before letting him go. Came away with a whole mouthful of feathers, proudly brought them over and laid them at my feet. I'm a bit worried about the whole thing. I mean, I really like him and all. Just not in that way.

We moved horses today. Brought Blackie and all the babies into the Big Barn pasture. Had to take a pick to two gates to get them open enough for horses to come through. Picked through about 2 inches of solid ice. Ended up letting the horses run through the yard, then herding them into the paddock. Was a bit of a feasco, but got them moved at least.

Wednesday February 21, 2007

We were both exhausted today, starting to get sick. Gave the bunnies and birds all fresh straw and restocked feed bins. Moved 500 lbs of grain into bird's area. Getting mama bunny ready to have her babies, if she is pregnant.

Tuesday February 20, 2007

Dave worked all morning finishing the barn, then took Maya to the vet. Worked in the house all evening and we stayed up late applying for jobs.