Even though I call them "chores" I don't really feel that way about feeding and caring for the animals. I enjoy my time in the barn with the livestock and often find myself lingering about just watching the animals and giving scratches to those that enjoy them. But then there are the times like this morning...
I had a slow start this morning as I woke up with a head cold and a mild headache. I was warm as I snuggled in bed with McKayla beside me. The thought of getting out of that warm bed to go out to the cold barn was not much of an enticement. But by 8:45am I knew the animals were all waiting for me so I dragged myself out of bed, stoked the fire and bundled up for the cold (22F).
It is the transitions that I don't like... once down at the barn I was happy to see everyone was fine and waiting for their breakfasts. With the temps being below freezing most of the day I am having to lug water to all the animals 2-3 times a day. This latest cold spell has at least not frozen the water pipe to the barn. So, I only have to bring the water from the outside corner of the barn inside to fill the water buckets. It takes about six 5 gallon buckets each time I bring them water.
As much as I just wanted to cuddle on the couch today and knit, I had things in town to do; the bank, recycling center, feed store, and the grocery store.
When we finally returned home it was getting dark. I got the kids settled in the house and groceries (at least the cold stuff) put away. Then I donned my headlamp and went out to the barn to do the night chores. I was surprised as I walked down to the barn to discover our LGD, Emie, standing in one of the raised garden beds! It has been a few months since she has gotten out of the pastures so I was shocked to see her there. She went right down to the gate so I could let her back into the pasture. After everyone was fed, I grabbed the electric fence tester and headed out to see if the electric fence was working properly. It tested between 4000-5000 volts... right where it should be. Hummm... not sure how she got out this time. I just hoped she would still be in by morning.
The hens gave 13 eggs today.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Slow start...
2 comments:
I bet you are nice a toned though!:)
We dont get that cold here. I live in Texas. But I must say that even our 40F weather has me miserable!
Oh, I so know what you mean! I've had a nasty cold this week, and it's been so hard to drag myself out to the barn.
Your comment about the transition especially ring true for me. There are times when I need to muster myself out of the house, but the minute I'm outside, and all the barn cats come running, my face breaks into a smile, and I delight in the animals and fresh air.
I'm so sorry for your loss—I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to lose your donkey. All the losses are hard, but I imagine the large animals particularly so.
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