Has Spring Arrived?

I may just have stumbled upon the secret to ushering in Spring.


It seems that all one need do is update one's mantle decor to something spring-like... 


and voila!

The mercury rose to 55 degrees yesterday...
an almost miraculous occurrence after this long, cold, snowy, extended winter.

In the blink of an eye, the snow began to melt and the daffodils emerged from 
their slumber. 
They broke through the soggy earth and headed toward the sun 
right in front of my eyes, I swear!


As you can see, rivers of "meltage" run everywhere.
I don't believe it will be dry around here for quite a long time.


The front pasture was in need of a clean-up,
and once again I headed out on foot, lugging the manure cart behind me.
What a relief it will be when the pastures are once again navigable by gator.


Still, to be outside with only a light jacket on was heavenly.


The horses had spent the day in the front pasture, and by late afternoon
they were in need of naps.


Sadly, there's not a dry spot for napping - which doesn't seem to bother them...
they simply lie down in the mud.


It's a tough time of year to keep anyone looking polished.

We have a bit of a rooster situation brewing.
We've only two remaining roosters...
handsome Prince (king of the henhouse):


and this fellow...
who has taken to flogging us lowly humans.
If you've never been flogged by a rooster, it isn't pleasant.
He jumps at you as high as he can with his spurs pointed towards your body,
in an attempt to cause bodily harm...
maybe even poke your eyes out if he can get that high.
Flogging elicits a gut reaction that can only be described as terror!
There are those of us who have been known to pee our pants on the spot
during a flogging.


You may notice some blood on the front of his neck...
the results of a fight with Prince.
I fear his days are numbered...

as I sing (to the tune of What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor)...

🎶
What do you do with a flogging rooster?
What do you do with a flogging rooster?
What do you do with a flogging rooster... 
🎶                         early in the morning?                        ðŸŽ¶
Put him in a stewpot 'til he's tender.
Put him in a stewpot 'til he's tender.
Put him in a stewpot 'til he's tender...
early in the morning! 
 ðŸŽ¶

Meanwhile back in the barn...
Sam has his daily visit with his kitties.


and performs post-op incision checks while there.


The obligatory butt-sniff:


That end's good, how's the front?


If only these three were as happy to see me as they are to see Sam!


I believe I will be viewed by them as by many on the farm...
a source of food.
Thank heavens for affectionate donkeys...


and pigs!


Comments

Anonymous said…
Yeah for a little glimpse of Spring!!
Flogging rooster has too much testosterone!
daisy g said…
Love your take on the song. He's sealing his fate with every flogging.

Lovely to hear spring is on its way there. I spent time outside as well and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the sun's warmth. Let's hope it continues!
The JR said…
Well my husbands reaction to the one and only flogging by our roo was to field goal punt him. He said he did it before he realized he had kicked him so hard

Well roo runs from hubby now so I guess he learned a lesson
This N That said…
The mantle looks great..good choices..Sams brood has really gotten big. Hard to believe that you only have 2 (1) rooster left..Hopefully this sun and wind will help dry you out a bit xoxo
Dee J. Hartman said…
Love all your blogs, ah, yes!!!