Mornings

Here on the farm, mornings are definitely the busiest time of day.  All of our animals make a front and center appearance, eager to have the first meal of the day.

For Moonie and the rest of the horses and ponies, that means a quick trip to the upper pasture for some grazing time.

Forrest runs along side with glee... not chasing, just joining in the celebration of the rising sun.

Lately, though, when it is time to bring the horses back to the barn, I have had to put Forrest inside the garden fence.  

Moonie and the littles are not a bit spooked by this energetic ball of fluff; but our ponies, Donnie and Scarlet, refuse to let me catch them when Forrest is running around in their pasture.  I'd rather not spend the time nor the energy in chasing them around, so Forrest is corralled, instead.

Lately, the donkeys have refused to go out into the front pasture for grazing.  They stand in front of the open gate and bray their disapproval at the lack of grass in that area.  They hold out, instead, for a flake of hay that invariably comes.  Spoiled?  Of course!

Yesterday, when I stopped by the pig yard to change Ginger's water, she pushed her way out through the gate and went trotting off to the treat box.

Of course, it's not hard to get her back where she belongs - it just takes a couple of graham crackers.  She's  a very smart pig who knows exactly how to get what she wants!

Yesterday, Hubbs (he's not yet fully well, but feeling a bit better) and I finished putting the vegetable garden to bed for the winter.

  All of the boxes are nestled beneath a nourishing blanket of year-old, worm-filled compost.

For those curious as to whether Forrest would swim in the winter.  Yesterday provided that answer.  It was 25 degrees yesterday morning.  I headed down to the pond to feed the ducks, and before I could even bring the gator to a stop, Forrest had jumped right into the pond and started swimming.

He ran around for the rest of chores not bothered in the least by his dripping fur.  This boy is a cold weather lover!  I cannot wait for our first snowfall.  Now that will warrant some video footage!

After this weekend's eagle attack, the runner ducks are now safely sequestered in their yard.  It might be a little boring for them, but certainly a lot safer until the eagle moves on to another hunting territory.

Yesterday morning as I walked into the barn, I caught sight of a rather chubby light orange cat zooming from the hay room, through the shop, and flying up the stairs to the hayloft.  It all happened way too fast to catch a photo.  But, I have no doubt it was the same kitty that appears in many of our game camera photos from the cat stall where food and water are always available.  I've named this fellow, Creamsicle.

 Lastly, in this week when gratitude stands at the forefront of our minds, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank those of you who share your own thoughts in the comments.  Although comments are never expected, I want you to know how much they mean to me.  There are those of you who show up each day and share your own stories and I look forward to hearing from you... wondering if you are ok when you don't comment.  Please understand, I am not asking for more comments - I only want to convey how appreciative I am for those who stop by for a chat.  You are my "neighbors across the fence" in my rural world where neighbors are few and far between.  I cherish the few who are physically nearby as well as all of you, who live on the other side of that internet fence.  Life is so much richer when shared with others.  Thank you for giving me the privilege of sharing mine with you.  And than you for sharing yours with me!💗