A Little "Catch-Up"

We've had four days of summer festivities.
Four days of fun.


Our Fourth of July picnic in the pavilion was a blast.


The food.....oh the food....
Our smoker was working overtime...
filled with ribs and chicken.
Yummmm-yummmmm.

We had four days of hot, humid weather.
A rain storm brought the weekend to a close.
It's a good thing, because...
this morning I won't need to water the garden.


And the garden...oh the garden.
Best garden of my life.
This is a typical day's harvest...


Those little green pumpkin looking squash are round zucchini.
They are yummy, and perfect for making little bowls to stuff!

What fun we are having eating all these fresh veggies and fruit.
Today's job will be to turn about 6 lbs of blueberries into jam.

From time to time I get questions about Moonbeam and whether I am riding.


Sadly, Moonbeam and all of his "little" friends remain lawn ornaments.
Trust is still the issue.
And the older I get, the more imperative trust becomes.
Injury is just not an option.
My life is too busy... there is no room for injury.
So many have suggested that I sell Moonbeam and look for a trusty ride,
but, seriously....


How could I ever sell this big sweetheart?
He is part of a family, a herd.
He's here to stay...
to live out his life with the rest of the herd
(who are all rather inseparable.)


There is something comforting to me about watching my horses.
I love the way they communicate with each other...
nonverbally, sometimes even extra-sensorily.
They are such peaceful creatures.


So, if I never ride again, I won't spend any time lamenting.
Instead, I will enjoy every day in the company of my equine family.

Comments

Stephane said…
I agree with you about having the horses. Our three aren't rideable, but I wouldn't give them up either. Adorable picture of Tyler.
jaz@octoberfarm said…
moonbeam is gorgeous. your harvest is awesome. my garden is really starting to produce too. i cut my first fennel and celery today.
Bev, I think you and I share a similar love for our horses. I also have two minis and a quarter horse that is only ridden a handful of times a year now, and he's just 16, still has many good riding years left. My husband has often asked "Why do you bother with all the chores if you dont' ride very often at all?".. Well.. the caring for the animals is part of the joy for me, not the working of them. Many people don't get that. I am a horse LOVER before I am a rider. It's that simple.

vlb5757 said…
I was looking at your garden haul from this past weekend. I love that you planted the globe zucchini. I only have seen it one other time when we bought two from a local farmer's market to give it a try. I love the fact that it doesn't fall between the grill bars when grilling. It tastes good too. Love the blueberries too! I so love having my own little garden. The only problem is, it's just not large enough. Do you think my city neighbors would mind if my whole front yard was a veggie garden??
Lynne said…
Love seeing that little guy smile face! He loves his granny and visits to the farm.

Guess I will have to read back in your blog to find out about injury and riding your horse . . . ??
Junebug said…
Moonbeam is a beautiful animal and I would just enjoy his presence! Everyone of your tails have a wonderful life on your farm. I'm glad you and your family had a wonderful 4th!! Hugs
Cindy said…
Glad to hear you had a good 4th and good weather! We are having a few too many days of gloomy, rainy weather here. We finally went north to Lake Michigan and spent a sunny day at the beach:)
Ginny said…
I could not see you selling any of your animals (pets). I know as long as I could take care of th err m they would be my forever pet family ♥
Anonymous said…
Moonbeam is gorgeous, and I'm not a horse person but can truly see how you would not be able to part with him.

Unknown said…
So happy you had a wonderful weekend. Don't you just love it when you don't have to water? When it rains you know that every square inch got some!

I get that you love being around your beautiful horses. Do what makes you comfortable...and I am glad you are. Have a wonderful week.

Your bounty from the garden is amazing...I would love to sit at your table!
This N That said…
Cute picture of Ty and Auntie Manny..
Glad you all had a fun weekend..We actually got a little of that rain..No watering today..Horses in a pasture are a wonderful decoration..Have a wonderful week..
Looks like you had a fun weekend! Your pavilion is a wonderful addition for gatherings.

We were busy at our cottage in Maine, between my brother's cottage & ours we hosted 16 for the weekend and 21 for dinner every night! I'm taking it easy today!

What a crop from your garden! What delicious recipes will you make from those round zucchini? I made your lime blueberry jam last year! I can't wait to make it again this year!

Our gardens are very late in the Northeast. Hopefully that will change this week!

Have a happy week!

Kris said…
Good stuff!!
xo Kris
Country Gal said…
Wonderful photos ! Glad all had a nice time and good foods ! Some people just have horses cause they love them . Not everyone is a rider but doesn't mean you cant have them and love them just the same ! Thanks for sharing. Have a good day !
Velva said…
Happy belated 4th of July to you. Ours was low-key as the rain was endless.

Your horses make a beautiful family. Yoru garden is rocking too.

Velva
daisy g said…
Looks like a good time was had by all. That first pic is precious!
Katmom said…
sigh,,, I luv all your critters, both Big & Small....
>^..^<
Robyn said…
I can totally understand about the horses. I couldn't separate them either..Your veggies look delicious! I wanted a garden like that but I don't think I have the physical capability to have one so I live vicariously through your farm..LOL
Anonymous said…
Have you considered teaching one of your mini's to drive? Looks like you have some nice private lanes on your farm which would be ideal for cart rides. I also share a lifelong love of horses, but no longer have an interest in riding, so I took up driving!

My mini is about the size of your Red and can pull two adults in a two wheeled cart. He loves his job and we have some fun adventures.

I bet one of your Amish neighbors would be glad to help you get started. My amish neighbors were kind enough to show me years ago.

Having amish in your area also means that there are cart and harness shops nearby. We trailer our horses to be fitted for harness at a local shop.

I can just picture you and your grandkids clip clopping all over the farm visiting your critters!

Heather in PA