Slow Living... Farm Style

 This week, on our second trip to the feed store for equine worming paste (you might remember that Ollie wore his first dose on his cheek)... I happened to spy this lovely little sheep-sized hay feeder.

It was just the perfect size for our wooly gals, and the best part is the tray beneath that catches dropped hay... thus reducing waste.  And yes, the tray has drainage holes... first thing that I checked!

It had to come home with us.  I was as excited about a new hay feeder as I would be about a new frock.  I don't know what it is... but I just love farm equipment. 

Apparently, the girls are quite happy with their new feeder as well.

The old one was large and much of the hay that I would put into it would end up on the ground with Hope lying on top of it (pooping on it).  Next project will be to build a little pavilion over top of the hay feeder.... as soon as the weather warms enough to work in an unheated workshop.

There's nothing cuter that one of the sheepy girls with a mouth full of hay....

except, maybe, two sheepy girls with hay mouths!

Yesterday was a colder than cold day.  With clear blue skies (no clouds to trap any of the sun's warmth) and a cold breeze blowing, it was the kind of cold that penetrated.  After feeling the sting of the cold on my cheeks during morning chores, I decided it would be the perfect day for a roaring fire in Maven Haven.

After showering, I headed down to the shed and quickly built a fire.  Before long, I could remove my coat and sit comfortably by the stove knitting.

I brought some cleaning supplies with me as well and gave her a good cleaning... sweeping the floors and dusting the furniture.

This is the size house to have... housecleaning finished in under 10 minutes!

I spent a lovely few hours knitting by the fire while the wind chimes outside tinkled melodically with the cold wind.

I made a cup of tea and indulged my sweet tooth with a lemon biscotti... tucked away in my own tiny corner of the world. 

Although I love having company, I am, at heart, an introvert.  These quiet, solitary moments recharge my batteries.

 Alone... but not lonely.

“If you're lonely when you're alone, you're in bad company.” 
― Jean-Paul Sartre

By early afternoon it was time to venture back out to bring in the horses.  They'd been out in the front pasture enjoying their freedom for the morning.  But, all of that freedom is exhausting.  Once back in their dry lot it was time for a nap.

Nap time is one of the many moments that warm my soul.  To see our little herd resting peacefully together... safe and secure in their little world - makes me smile.

Of note... since worming the herd, I have noticed that they have some bot fly larvae in their manure.  Equine bot flies lay their eggs ( they shoot them through the air) on the equines front legs and chest area in the autumn.  Then, when the horses rub their faces against their legs - as they often do - the eggs get transferred to their mouth area and are eventually ingested.  The eggs hatch and the larvae develop in the horses' gastro intestinal tract.  Every winter, after we have had substantial freezing, the horses get wormed so as to get rid of these developing bot larvae. It's just another thing added to the list of worries when keeping farm animals.... pestilence, predators, and parasites!

Once again, Friday has arrived in the blink of an eye.  In 2020/2021 style, we will be spending the weekend here at home.  I am hoping to work on a video for Monday's blog.  Is there anything you might like to see in video format?  If so, please leave me a comment or email me.  Blog ideas are always welcomed!!