Apricity

 There are many seldom-said, little-known words in the English language that need to be revitalized.  We tend to describe different things using similar words that just don't adequately express the soul of the idea.  And we often string descriptors together to describe something for which there is one perfect word.  For example, we came upon this word, and Jack and I have begun to use it.  It's the simplest way to say exactly what it means!

Apricity: the warmth of the sunlight in winter.


Unfortunately, it is a word that was introduced in the 1600's and never caught on.  Perhaps we just don't spend enough time out in the winter weather to truly appreciate the moments that call for this word.  If I had to guess, I'd say that it is definitely a part of our animals' vocabularies, because they sure do enjoy this feeling... this apricity.  

Funny, when I type the word, my computer autocorrects it to "apricot."   So, here is my call to action:  Add the word "apricity" to your vocabulary, and perhaps we can resurrect a perfectly good, long-forgotten word!

Now that all of the ice is gone, mornings are spent out in the pastures - nibbling breakfast as the sun rises.

  Each grazing session starts with a little cross-fence excitement as the ponies race over to say hello from the neighboring pasture.

After a couple hours of munching, I call from the gate for Moonie and Red to come back to the barn and they oblige.

 

Leaving the pasture is always rewarded with a serving of chow at the barn.  It's a tasty treat that rounds out the equines' nutrition... a mostly low-calorie supplement of vitamins and minerals... that they love!

They both come running - and of course, Forrest joins in the fun.

Forrest... the great disrupter!  But, we love him so.  

And the horses tolerate his antics.

After breakfast, everyone settles into a sunny spot in the dry lot for a power nap, and I take the opportunity to brush the herd.  I brush bits of pine bedding from the donkey's fur after their night's sleep in their hut.

Red and Moonie have begun to shed, so I try to remove as much loose hair as possible.  As I work, Forrest "helps" by stealing horse brushes and my gloves.

I remind him that he is two years old now - but something tells me he'll forever retain his playful, mischievous behavior.

Comments

Moggie said…
I love seeing the sights of the farm, and the animals. And it can't possibly be that Forrest is 2! I also think he will always be frisky and playful - he's just that kind of a guy. Thanks for the post
Anonymous said…
I think 'apricity' is a great word and I can't understand why it went by the wayside. Have a wonderful day!
Jeannie
I will enjoy one last day of apricity as tomorrow being the first day of spring will give us official spring sunshine! 🥰 It's good to start my day with a cup of coffee and tales from the farm!
Anonymous said…
Living in sunny Colorado, I experience apricity frequently. Now I know what to call it. Thanks for the calming post!
EDGAR C. BEARD said…
THESE POSTS ARE SURE WONDERFUL...YOU FOLKS DO SOOOO MUCH EVERY MORNING...ALMOST MAKES ME TIRED...BIG SMILE...THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO MAKE OUR DAY...KEEP SMILING AND HAVE A SUPER FINE DAY !!!!!!!!
This N That said…
Do dogs have "terrible twos?"..I guess we'll see.
I have experienced apricity pretty often over the years...not so much any more..It has always been a very welcome feeling..
This post made me a little sad as it really showed the amount of animal loss BHA has experienced in the last few years..
It's shedding season for cats as well!!
Hugs
Anonymous said…
It's so great to have you back! Thanks, for the positive distraction from today's world.
Karen said…
Bev - did you lose your sheep and Maryann as well? *forgive if I got your beloved pig's name wrong - I could never remember which was which! I know how much your love for them was xoxoxo Karen
Anonymous said…
I will enjoy apricity as I eat apricots.... :)