Not As Planned ~

I'd been so looking forward to this weekend!  Our BCHIA SW Chapter was going to finish clearing the trail through the timber at Pierce Creek!  I'd met with the Ranger for a first walk September of last year, to help lay out the proposed trail.  Then, the first work-party day, the group of us labored so hard, but fell short of our goal of getting it all the way through.  (A skid-steer had been scheduled to widen & finish it off in January, but somehow those plans failed.)

Friday evening, Butch & I were sitting out, when suddenly the vision in my right eye turned gray?  I put in drops, but I still couldn't see much of anything.  My entire field of vision was gray, separated by a few small spaces where it seemed I could see clearly.  I called my optometrist & left a message. 

We were on the road early on Sat., anxious to get to Pierce Creek - bringing fuel for the saws.  About 1/2 way there, Jacque called.  After I described my symptoms, she told me to turn around & come back to her office for a full evaluation.  We dropped off the fuel & turned back to Glenwood...

It seems that my cornea was somewhat sandblasted.  I think from the huge wind gust Farah & I went through on Friday.  I was sent home & told to use drops every hour & take it easy :-)  By day's end, the eye was less cloudy & that was a huge relief.  Our stalwart BCHIA friends did finish the trail without us!

Sunday we'd planned to start getting the pasture fence in at the farm!  The wind was again blowing something fierce, so I kept my eye drops handy & only did hand pruning.

Farah loving the green grass~

Butch laid out the pasture area & we started moving posts.  Soon Linus & Kay arrived (with donuts)!  Everyone got busy & it was amazing how quickly those posts went in!

Layout~

There were several areas where Butch used the chainsaw to clear the perimeter.  Kay & I started hacking & cutting back the underbrush.  

"Before"

With the creek in the middle, we've had suggestions to use a culvert & cover it with dirt, but enough dirt would be hard to come by.  Janice & I like the idea of a little bridge :-)

Our cleared path!

Kay & I did a super job, if I do say so, of cutting everything back for the path.  Butch came through with the chainsaw.  There was only one tree we had to remove & a widow maker stuck in some higher branches.

Dean arrives with the tractor~

Dean on the tractor was a huge help, moving an old round of hay off the path & pulling the fence fabric tight.  While cutting back greenbrier at the base of a huge tree, we found this beautiful nest with three speckled eggs!  Dean identified them as White Breasted Nuthatch!

A beautiful nest~

Needless to say, we left the nest alone & Dean added a few branches to replace the greenbrier we'd cut & pulled out.

Plenty of lush grass!

We ran out of white tipped posts, so had to go to red - so much for my color scheme :-)  It was a beautiful day, except for the wind...  

Lunch in the tack room~

I'd made a pot of my three-bean dish.  Just full of hamburger, bacon, onion & usually, a meal in itself!  We all decided we'd be much more comfortable in out of the wind! 

Walkway posts in!

By about 4 p.m. it felt like quitting time!  Linus again mentioned ice cream would be a great way to end the day.  Tastee Treat - was as busy as we've ever seen it - but we managed to get a booth!  We're far from done, but in another weekend or two, Farah will have her pasture!  Many thanks to some really Super Friends!

Days Gone By ~

A busy day, I'd talked Linus out of more of his marigold seeds & wanted to get them planted. Hopefully, they'll all bloom about the same time.  Now - we finally have our spring - there's so much I want to get done.  Even so, I couldn't pass up the good weather & wanted to get Farah out again this week.

Toward the east side of the farm~

Out at the farm, the wind was blowing much stronger than it had been at home.  I decided that since a farmer was disking in one of the fields we ride along, we'd head to the yet unexplored east side of the farm.  This gave Farah an opportunity to see the neighbors horses through the timber.  But though they were interested in her, she ignored them.  

The Windmill~

It was an almost cloudless, blue sky!  I forgot my camera, so used my phone - no zoom :-(  Farah loves our rides, because we take short breaks to let her take a bite or two.  The grass is just so lush now that it almost looks edible to me!  From the top of the hill, I could see a line of trees in the distance & decided to go that way.

Keg Creek

We were rewarded with beautiful views of Keg Creek.  There was a nice wide grassy strip running parallel.  I turned south to follow along.  In exactly a mile we came to another Level B road.  This one more rutted & used than our running hill.

A very old bridge~

We crossed a culvert that went from the road to the field, holes rusted through it in places.  Easy for Equipment to cross, but I worried about Farah breaking through.  Turning west, we came to the above bridge.  Safe for 12 tons :-)  We turned back here - saving this road for another day.

Cattails~

Turning back north, then east, we followed the edge of the cornfield to a little secluded gully area where I thought I'd seen something on our way out.

Timber & a deer trail~

It was a beautiful spot for a stop.  Though we're both used to the wind, it's nice to take a little break from it when you can.  We'd been hit with a couple terrific blasts that blew my helmet back on my head.  I've got the chinstrap now as tight as I can stand it.

Farah enjoying our break~

Farah will be very happy when her new pasture is fenced.  We hope to get a start on that this weekend.  I was looking at the trails, when I spotted a fallen building in the trees.

Fallen Barn~

I'm so leery of running into barbed wire & other assorted rusted stuff, that I followed it on foot, staying on the deer path.  Wandering around, I wondering what it had all looked like way back - when it had been a working farm...

Roof down~

We carefully made our way to the far side.  I wondered where the house had been - but there was no sign of it.  Once back at the farm, I did chores until Butch arrived. 

We enjoyed dinner with Janice & Dean.  Janice warned me of yet another hazard I hadn't thought of  - old wells...  Where there was a home site, there would have been a well & some have never been filled or capped.  There aren't many of these places left, as I've mentioned before, but I sure enjoy visiting them.  

(This was the last ride I did with vision in both eyes.)

Windswept~

A morning of beautiful sunshine, temperatures climbing into the low 70's, but humid.  Humid enough, I worked up my first really good sweat of the season!  After lunch I finished up some planting & drove out to the farm.

Farah see's something~

Farah was waiting, the evenings Butch is away, we usually go on longer rides.  I'd no more than saddled up - when the clouds moved in & along with them - wind.  Somewhat eerie, how fast the weather can change.  Farah is getting her annual series of Adequan injections.  I'd thought about not doing it this year.  The price hasn't gone down & it's expensive.  But the miles keep adding up & the mare has stayed incredibly sound. 

As my retirement ride - I want to keep her going down the trail for as long as she's able.  God willing, we'll travel through our golden years together & when she's done, I will be too.  After this mare, none other could ever come close.

We spook a small herd of seven deer!

As we rounded the corner from one field to the next, Farah stopped to watch as the white tail deer took off from a small ravine.  They're so fast & I had to get my camera, but still managed to get a shot of them.

Haze moving in~

The longer we were out, the more the haze moved in.  The wind was absolutely relentless - especially on the hilltops.  We were heading back when our friend Bill came driving by.  He stopped & motioned us over, introducing his friend Marty.  Marty boards her horse on Bills' farm.  We exchanged phone numbers to make future ride plans.

The road west~

We moved over to the edge of a newly disked field to get off the rock & move a little faster.  Farah is almost the color of the soil!

On our run today, we reached another speed milestone.  A real thrill - especially - since a dust devil blew directly across the road just in front of us.  Her color was once described to me as;  "Arena dirt brown."  Now I can say it's Loess Hills brown :-)

Windless ~

The most stunning, beautiful day we've had so far this spring!  Just the lightest of breezes & no bugs yet.  Brilliant - yet not hot sunshine & at least the grass is now green & growing!

West side of the farm~

I didn't realize when I took this photo that it is also part of the farm - so now Farah & I can add this to our loop.  I love seeing the windmills that are still intact & turning - even though this day the breeze wasn't enough to keep it whirling.

Into a hole~

I've been using the tracks of the equipment when I find them to ride on, thinking they might have less holes.  We were moving a little faster when I felt Farah's hind leg drop & sure enough, her hoof had broken through into the hole.  There aren't usually fresh dirt mounds - so they're incredibly hard to see.  

Farah has figured out quickly where the best footing is & avoids the old tough corn stocks.  We both prefer the soybean fields, since the stubble there is much shorter & easier to navigate.  Shortly after I took the above photo, we flushed a huge turkey out of the brush & into the air!

We come out of the fields onto our running road.  We trot up, trot down, then gallop out to where it meets the blacktop.  I save our faster work for the trip back.  

A truly beautiful creek~

Today, I hoped to explore an area Dean had told me about, where he used to squirrel hunt.  He had mentioned that it was a huge track of timber & beautiful.  I found an opening in a fence, went around a field & was thrilled to see a path into the timber.

On the path~

There are ponds & the creek is in the most natural state of any I've seen to date.  I do now believe the rumors that a Bobcat, or possibly even a bigger cat may live here.  It was so beautiful now, that I can't imagine how pretty it will be once the trees finally open their buds & turn green!

Back into the fields~

Our way back was simply grand.  Far from any roads, no noise, just the peace of the magnificent fields & countryside.  

Farah is finally responding to the idea that she doesn't need to pretend she's a run-a-way to go fast.  It's a shorter run than we used to do in WA & there's no blind corners - a blessing.  But a straight-a-way gets her excited.  Today, she moved smoothly into a beautiful gallop, we were in contact, but I didn't take a strong hold.  Instead & asked her for more speed & she gave it!  A burst I knew had to be her fastest to date & it was.  The heart monitor tells me that with every ride her recoveries are coming quicker.

Back at the farm, I did chores before Dean & Janice picked me up to go to dinner.  Butch was driving late, so it was nice to have dinner with friends.  We might take him next time :-)  

Overdue Visit ~

Here we are, back to sunshine after a miserable weekend of bitter cold temperatures, along with 15 mph winds & snow!  It's felt like we've been on a teeter/totter - up/sun - down/cold!  Since today was the up before the next round of forecast snow for tomorrow, Farah & I headed out.

On our way~

 It was supposed to be about 50 degrees, but with the wind, I ended up putting on my jacket & wearing it the entire ride. I'm still not over the wonder of having such a nice place for Farah.  Our own little barn, all our things organized in one place again & friends to share the fun with.  I've ridden more in the last couple weeks than I have since we made the move.

Our way south~

The other super thing - is that we're no longer dependent on whether the trails are open. We both enjoy heading south from the barn, Farah loves snacking on the fresh grass that's now growing in all directions!  It's still been too wet for the farmers to disk the fields, so we reap the benefits.

Old Buildings~

There are fewer & fewer old buildings in the countryside now.  So many people are driving around looking for them, then offering the owners money to tear them down & salvage or repurpose the lumber.  So sad to think of them disappearing, a part of Americana gone forever...  I guess saving the lumber is better than letting it dry rot.

Sign at the Briar Patch~

I'd been wanting to ride to Jean's for a visit, but our timing had been off - until today!  We arrived just as she returned from town & Farah was soon giving pony rides to the Grandchildren!

Pony Rides!

There was a little slipping sideways in the saddle, but to see the huge smiles was just so much fun.  No Fear here!

Another smile~

The school bus came & left us with another young horsewoman of the future!  Soon, Farah was not only trimming the lawn, but eating cookies & carrots out of these little hands.  Next, they were pulling grass for her to eat & I was amazed that she was so good about taking it.

A totally wonderful afternoon!  Our so-called training has been taking second place to just enjoying the ride!

Intense Afternoon~

The day started out calmly enough.  Butch mentioned Farah had been laying down when he arrived to feed her.  I drove out to check her temperature & it was fine.  I groomed her & left her happily munching her hay.

Ominous~

I had plenty to get done this afternoon, but left for the farm about 3.  I planned to do some work on the path going to the new pasture.  As I was leaving town - I heard the warning sirens going off.  Since the sun was shining & there had been mention of thunderstorms in the afternoon forecast, I just thought it was a test.  I came to where I make the turn to head east & heard a horn honking!  It was my husband, in his school bus directly across the road from me.  This was No test!

A flock of birds lands in the big Cottonwood~

I decided to continue out to the farm.  It looked like there were more heavy clouds hanging over town than further east.  When I pulled in by Farah's gate - she came running from the barn & slammed into the gate - then turned & ran back into the barn.  As I made it to the barn, she was inside, covered in flies.  Her legs were almost black with them.  She was in a controlled panic...  I grabbed the fly spray & started spraying & scraping them off her with my hands.  

Relief, fly mask & leggings!

I think they must have all hatched in the same instant!  There had been None this morning, but the weather had warmed into the upper 70's & it had become very muggy.  We'd just gotten the problem under control when the rain hit!  It became a deluge within seconds.  

Covered with fly spray & dumping rain~

The flies disappeared!  I hope they were drowned!  Off came the leggings & fly mask.  The sound of the rain was very loud on the tin roof of the barn.  Soon Farah was outside standing in the rain - washing off about $10. worth of fly spray!  :-)  I convinced her to come back inside with me.  She was extremely unhappy.  Hard rain & lots of loud noise.  But next - came the hail!  The sound on the roof went up to a roar.  In the next instant, she was out the door!

I couldn't believe she was standing out in the deluge.  It was hitting her hard & she would move her rear from side to side as she was plummeted!  I would have put a blanket on her - but had no idea that she would take that punishment over being in the loud barn...

Inside again~

I finally offered cookies.  That, along with the lessening of the hail brought her back in.  Butch arrived to check on us shortly after.  He'd had a bus full of kids when the sirens went off.  The first time in 31-years the warnings sounded when the busses were transporting students. The drivers took the kids to the nearest school shelters to wait for the all clear.

The storm eased, we put the Bronco in 4-wheel drive & drove out.  We weren't so lucky with the truck :-(  It will be tomorrow before we can retrieve it!  Next, below freezing temperatures & snow forecast for Sat. with a high on Sunday of 32!

Visting Friends!

 Yesterday, Farah was under the weather from her vaccinations.  I'd mentioned to Janice I wanted to give Farah a bath.  She came by to see just what that entailed. :-)  Finally - after a lot of scrubbing - the silver tail is silver again & Farah's socks are white!   She totally enjoyed being babied & Butch took her on a long walk afterward.

Hazy views~

Today was another hazy but warm day! The winds did pick up, but I'm not complaining. It was probably mid-70s & one of the most pleasant days we've had so far this spring. Butch had reported back this morning that Farah was better, but when I arrived, I could tell that her neck was still stiff.

Now, an old fashioned Windmill~

 We found our way to my friend Carolyn's farm & she was home!  Such a beautiful place, tucked into a hillside.  Farah trimmed along the trees while Carolyn & I caught up.

Bill's horses~

 From there, I took the road that goes to Mineola.  We passed Bill's place & kept on going.  The three-miles looks crazy long when it stretches out in front of you, hill after hill.   I'd originally planned to go to the long Level B road Butch & I had found this weekend. We made it to the road & watched as a Huge Tractor pulling a Huge implement came toward us. I decided we'd take that road on another day.

Where Sand Hollow School House stood, 1908 - 1962

 Of the few cars that passed us, most were very courteous, slowing down & moving to the far side of the road.  But - of course - there's always one that goes flying by at 50, gravel flying.  Farah to her credit - hardly batted an eye.

Our new friends :-)

The kids hadn't been out when we'd gone by the first time, but on our way back saw us coming & ran to meet us!  I had just enough pieces of carrot left , everyone got to feed Farah one!  This was a first time for these kids to pet & feed a horse & I was amazed at how much they enjoyed it.  They asked if we'd moved to the neighborhood & I told them I hadn't, but Farah had.  When I mentioned she had been in a boarding stable & now had her own barn, they reminded me Jesus had been born in a stable.

Home is this way!

We found a way to ride the edge of the fields on a section of road going back to the farm.  Farah knows exactly where she is & let me know we could cut across & get there easier.  I put the heart monitor on today.  I thought the battery would be dead after almost two-years, but it surprised me & started working once she had a light sweat.  Even still stiff & not totally recovered, her readings were super.  We'll see how things change if we continue to get more of this wonderful riding weather!

Vaccinations & a Ride~

I was at the farm early.  The sun was blazing in the east & it was a whopping 24 degrees.  Dr. Conover from Nebraska Equine arrived right on time to give Farah her vaccinations.  We started with a small dose of Banamine, then followed the protocol Dean had used successfully in past years.  Rhino-flu from Calvenza, EEE, WEE, VEE, Rabies & West Nile from Boehringer Ingelheim.  No five-way this year!

Cookies make everything better~

I stayed an hour, went to Gathering Place for coffee with my husband, then back to the farm.  After lunch, I returned again & Farah was certainly back to her normal self.  Since it was just a magnificent day, I decided to saddle up.

Looking north at the farm~

We went south, either following along the terraces, timbered edges of the fields, or on the grassy areas between the road & the fields.  Every hill top has a view & we enjoy them all.

The farm~

It's so just great to see how relaxed & happy the gold girl is now.  She's adaptable, but to see her so content does my heart good.  She's really enjoying our new routines & beyond doubt - her new home.  When Butch arrived back at the bus barn today, the driver who goes past the farm mentioned Farah had  a blanket on?  Butch said;  "Yes, it keeps Connie warm."  :-)  With over half her winter coat shed out - I do feel better on these cold nights!

The holes!

We found a perfect grassy running hill, but I'm so cautious now.  Sure enough, we found several holes hidden in the grass.  Further along, nearer the road was this large one.

"Anybody home?"

There are smaller holes, medium holes, but it's these big ones that I've finally gotten Farah to notice.  Even once we establish our track, I don't think it would be safe to travel at any speed.  We came out at the Level B dirt road, we found on our first ride.  I'm working to moderate our canter, but someone wanted to run & fought me up to 25.6 under a strong hold!  I'd forgotten my heart monitor again, but have it in the Bronco now!  She wasn't even breathing hard.  Amazing mare.

Heading back~

We could just see a very pretty small lake on the far side of the fence line we were following.  So pretty!  I caught sight of something white on the grass?   Our first trophy!   

Five points!

Of course I had to tie it to the saddle & thought about those five sharp point all the way back :-)  Dean & Janice arrived just as we'd returned.  They suggested hanging it in the barn & that's what we'll do!  

Our route~

After a big drink of water, Farah enjoyed all the attention & had plenty of cookies! Before long she was sound asleep in the sun.