Revelers and Marauders

Yesterday was a momentous occasion.  For the first time in a couple of months, Moonie and his family spent the morning out in the upper pastures.

Normally, we walk the whole crew en masse, but yesterday I thought it prudent to walk Moonie by himself.  Yesterday was the first for leading him by halter and lead rope any long distance since he became one-eyed.  Normally I lead him by standing on his left side.  Moonie usually ends up following me or picking his own side (we're not very strict around here).  Since his left side is his blind side, I thought he might appreciate seeing me as we walked together, so I started out on his right instead.  Our walk was uneventful - so that is good.

Upon reaching the pasture, I turned him loose and he took off running in his usual manner - joyful!

Within minutes, we brought the rest of the herd up to join him and they all ran around like they hadn't been out in years- running, bucking, kicking.... the equine version of whooping and hollering!  Sadly, they were too far away for me to get a photo of the celebration.  Within a minute, they settled down to the task of munching.


 Equally happy to see them were Sid and Shirley (Becky's two) across the fence from our herd.

There's no doubt that I felt the same joy as my horses.  It is the biggest relief to have farm life return to normal.  It's been a long siege.


Meanwhile, in the front pasture, two naughty donkeys decided to wander under the top fence board and through the gate into the pig yard...


and ending up in the sheep yard.

The donkeys are cherry-pickers... always looking for the easiest meal.  Why make the effort grazing on extra short, winter grass - when you can just eat lush, soft hay that has fallen through the sheep's hay feeder!

The sheep were not terribly happy to have these long-eared marauders invade their space... stomping their feet and standing firm in their demonstration against these hay thieves.  

Never ones for confrontation, the donkeys went scrambling.

When it comes to food, however, they are resourceful, and opted for plan B...

heading over to the pig house to clean up the hay that had been drug out onto the pig-house ramp.

During the hours that I wasn't shuffling animals to and fro, I worked on the linen prairie blouse that I had started the previous day.  All that is left are the buttonholes and buttons.  Perhaps I'll model it tomorrow. (maybe)


In the evenings, after the tuck-in chores are complete, I typically watch a movie or something with Hubbs.  It's during this time that I work on knitting projects.

Latest finished project was this pair of fingerless mitts that match my farmhouse cardigan.

Current project is this spring wrap, knitted with a 100% silk in a gold - pink- khaki gradual gradient color-way, with an eyelet pattern knitted into it every few inches.

 

I am working on another Friday Food for Thought for tomorrow. I hope you'll join me.

Comments

jaz@octoberfarm said…
moonie has adapted so well. it makes me so happy!
Lynne said…
Sounds like, looks like . . . Moonie will do just fine.
We have drippy, foggy, non pretty going on here in Michigan . . .
Snowy weekend predicted.

Yes . . . do model . . .
I love seeing your sewing, knitting creations . . .
Patty said…
Thank you for sharing the good news about Moonie's experience in the pasture! I would have loved to see that!
Your linen shirt looks beautiful. You are so talented!
Marcia LaRue said…
LOL ... whooping it up in the pasture ... We ALL need days like that!!
All of your handiwork is just so incredibly beautiful!!
This N That said…
I guess the donkeys thought that the horses were getting all the attention...That's a big job..keeping all your equines in line!!I think I love your prairie blouse..my kind of top!! Happy Thursday!! Hugs
Glad to see all is well in your world!...

So great to see Moonie and gang out romping thru the field. Also fun to see the donkeys out marauding and being chased out by the sheep and maybe pigs too? What a fun place you live in....so much to see and do. Love your sewing projects too. Thanks Bev!