Irish Jig

With St. Patrick's Day occurring this week, I decided to have an Irish theme for this blog.  Also, as you all know, I love to dance.

Saturday morning Joe and I went back into town to pick up the SUV, and were successful.  I came home to try and finish last week's blog, but was not successful.

Joe came home by way of the barn, where near by there is still sitting an abandoned, partial pile of top soil.  He brought home tubs and buckets of dirt for me.  I gave up on the blog endeavor and went out to unload the soil.

Next I headed to the barn, filled up the now empty tubs with more horse manure, and then went into the barn to find the ladies horsing around with Oscar.

Oscar was getting a hair cut.  He growled a little, but held very still knowing he would feel better once the matted hair was removed.



Oscar sitting in the saddle on Behiem.
  

He is such an easy going cat.  He and the horse were both funny, neither being quite sure what to think.




I got Amiga and had her saddled and ready to go in no time.   Leaving the barn (right photo) Terry, Karen, Jan and I, were on our trusty steeds (actually I was on my mare and they were each on their gelding).


Cash made his usual pit stop, so we all waited during his potty break.

At another spot on the trail we came across this black snake.  It didn't move, so looked like a stick.  We were able to pass by it with no problem because it did not present a  threat.













Jan, Terry, Karen and I all enjoyed a wonderful ride (video) even though all of our horses were a tad wound up.

 Smurf was anxious to get back to the barn, so confidently lead the way back (seen left).


 







Jan and Karen followed, with I on Amiga bringing up the rear.

While out on the trail we saw lots of trees starting to bloom.  This one, with very red blossoms, was quite pretty.  We were trying to identify it.







Once home I spread most of the manure, sowed grass seed, and then sprinkled a mix of top soil and manure over all of it.  Now the predicted rain was welcome.
 
 

I worked several hours and it was dark by the time I had finished.  Joe turned on all the lights out back to help me see.  I thought the house looked pretty cool all lite up so took this photo since I couldn't show the yard work I had accomplished.




We got a light rain overnight and I took these photos of my sown back lawn Sunday morning.  I had sprinkled a light layer of a top soil and manure mix over the top of all the grass seed. The lighter soil color is without the manure because I ran out.




We were given a new work schedule, and I now worked 9 - 1:00 on Sundays, and will be missing Church.  I was not happy about this, but was assured it was temporary.  I didn't get off work until 1:20 because we were so busy.  Two birthday parties were just getting there.

I went straight to the gym after work and finally got home at 4:15.  At 6:20 in the evening I checked the weather and there was a 30% chance of rain at 7 pm.  I headed out with the dog on a walk.  Five minutes after we left home, we got hit by a torrential downpour.  It stopped by the time we got back, but we were both drenched.  My hair was rainwater fresh.  As for the dog, she stunk like a wet dog.  There are many things in life I just don't get.  

Monday was a day of rain and "rest."  I worked here at my computer off and on and finally got last week's blog posted.  I did four loads of laundry throughout the day.  At 9 am I took Maggie on a long walk going on one more section of FG roads north of Peavine.  I had forgotten about the road on the west edge of the property that goes to the leaf dump.  I took this (video) of Maggie doing her thing with a stick while walking.  Seen left are the Bocce Ball courts.  Seen below, the leaf and brush dump... 

...and gray clouds.  Before we could get back to the SUV we got rained on, first a little, then a downpour.  So we returned home, wet again. 

Joe went to his card game and I to the gym and then grocery store.  I got in a few more shorter dog walks to stay close to home because of the off and on scattered showers that had been occurring all day.  It was perfect for my grass seed though.  To end the day, I moved some things around inside to switch up the decorating.  I also finished a Patricia Cornwell novel "The Front" and computerized.

Tuesday dawned a pretty day and I got outside earlier than usual.  It got up into the 70's, so I wore shorts and sleeveless shirt.  I started work on the creek bed where fallen trees, branches and tons of leaves were blocking water flow.

I cut small limbs, hauled off branches and did lots of raking.  At one point, my right foot sank to my knee in the swampy mud, filling my boot and nearly causing me to lose it. 

Seen left and below are photos taken during my lunch break.  My one white sock was brown and my arms and legs splattered with mud.
 

 


I washed out my boots, changed my socks, and continued work.
 
 
Seen left is the finished view looking upstream and then right is a down stream view towards the pond.  I basically worked out back from sun up to sun down.  Joe helped me with some tree trimming, getting a few by the creek that were too large for me to manage.  I also had to water the grass seed because it had dried out.  Once inside, I basically crashed into bed, exhausted.
 
Wednesday was another gorgeous day.  I had to water the grass seed morning and night.  Joe and I finished up tree trimming by 10 am.  This tree out front (seen right) was probably the most difficult branch because it was so large and high up.  Joe is awesome.

Joe dropped Maggie and I off at the Conference Center so I could check on some things with my work schedule.  Then the dog and I walked home.  This turtle was in Mirror Lake.

I got back to work, this time clearing the deer path on the hill across the creek, to give them easier access, and encourage them to come down to drink and splash in the creek.  Next I worked on the log pile and leaf pile, reducing them so they don't obstruct the creek view.  





I used some of the large logs and the old rotten ones to fill in at the base of the hill, and then raked the leaf and stick pile out over the logs to help make a gradual slant down to the creek.  I did not finish this project, but did wear out my gloves, and my body.
 



I went into work to watch Ellen close because I was still not confident in this process with the new computer program, and would be closing on my own Saturday night.  I caught this sunset as I was driving there.
Joe grilled hot dogs for dinner and we watched Survivor before bed.

Top o' the mornin' Thursday, Joe and I did a little house cleaning.  Then he ran some errands and came back with another load (tubs and buckets) of top soil.  At this point I went out and started working in the back yard.







I started moving a dirt pile farther down the hill and out of the way (less visible).  Joe added the new dirt to this pile.  There was one more tree out front I decided needed trimming, and as we were doing that, Greg arrived.

The guys went to lunch and I finished up out in the yard watering the grass seed.  While they golfed, I worked at the CC. 

 





Luckily Gwen was willing to come in at 5 pm to close for me so I could get off early enough to go to the St. Patrick's Day barn party.

Shirley was working as Wildwood Rosie and they had the usual hayrack ride, pony rides, and bonfire.  There was also a singer (unfortunately not so good) and other activities planned for the kids. We enjoyed drinks around the fire and chatting with resort guests.





Once Zorro had finished his grain, I got him brushed and then Joe lead him back out to his pasture for the night. 

Shirley joined the three of us for the St. Patrick's Day buffet at the Legends restaurant.  I ate way too much corn beef and cabbage and felt too stuffed when I went to bed.

Friday morning dawned a little cooler, but it did get up to 68 degrees in the afternoon.  The "boys" were up and out of the house by 7:30 to join the Glade Hiking Club on a group hike.  I lingered here over a second cup of tea and getting this blog mostly finished.  Because the grass seed did need watering again, I was out to work in the yard by 9:30 am.  Seen left is the smaller (by about 1/5th) wood pile.

I continued work in the back, raking sticks and leaves, pulling limbs from the huge brush pile, and spreading it all out along the hill/bank.  I actually uncovered a large rock that I later hosed off and took this photo of.  Some of the brush pile can be seen in the far left of the photo, and again note the smaller log pile.

I watered all the fall transplants and plantings.  One Holly bush did not survive and two Juniper looked a little stressed.  I am waiting on the Redbud to see if they bloom.

I got a late start to the barn and loaded up horse manure first thing when I got there.  I went out on Amiga by ourselves and she did fantastic (video).  We did pass Terry, Karen and Cheryl up along the power lines.  And Amiga was okay with continuing into the Glade on our own.
 




Returning to the barn, I yelled Zorro's name and he came running over, very glad to see us.  He followed us along the fence all the way back to the barn and I took this (video) at the end of his rowdiness.

 
Greg and Joe got home 30 minutes after I did and we had grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, corn and salad for a yummy, late dinner.  By the time I got the kitchen cleaned up, it was past bedtime.

I like this quote from St. Patrick.
It makes for a good prayer.

Hit The Road

We hit the road Friday morning, just after 8:00, on our way to visit family.  Maggie came with us, on her first road trip.  She did not relax enough to lie down in her crate until almost three hours into the trip.


We stopped at Chili's at 1:30 for a late, big lunch.  With full bellies and a little indigestion, we got to the Always Inn (Bed and Breakfast) a little after 3:00.






After getting settled in, we hopped back in the car and drove ten minutes to Brown County State Park, where we hiked two trails totaling over three miles. 




It was a fair amount of up and down and we had dressed warmly because it was in the mid forties, so we both ended up hot and sweaty.













Maggie enjoyed the new terrain and being out of the car.




I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I just love the under story of dried leaves on these trees that I still haven't identified.
They look so lacy.





The bonfire at the lodge was nice to sit by and it felt good to take a rest.

Once back to our room, Joe took a hot Jacuzzi bath.  We got the gas fireplace going and enjoyed beer with our snacks for supper.


Early in the evening Maggie barked a few times at people passing by our door, but otherwise was very well behaved.  

We slept well in the king size bed, and with not a peep out of the dog.





The large hearty breakfast we were served Saturday morning was wonderful and very filling.  Then we were back on the road at 9ish.  Seen right, a stop at a rest area.  Maggie likes getting out and investigating new smells.

We arrived at Dan and Valencia's apartment in Aurora at noon on the dot.  Maggie liked Val immediately, but was slow to warm up to Daniel.

A quick trip to Subway satisfied our lunch needs.  Then I walked Maggie around the large apartment complex to tour it.  I was impressed by the club house, pool and picnic area.  Maggie was interested in all the new smells, but especially those of the waterfowl.

  



We hung out at Dan and Val's and then headed to her parents (Yaneth & Ricardo Cruz) in Montgomery, taking Maggie with us.
  
Valencia's youngest sister (Alexsys) watched the dog while the six of us went to the movie "London Has Fallen" in Yorkville.  There was rarely down time during this movie, it was constant excitement.

After reconnoitering back at Val's parents, we decided to go for dinner at Blackstone Grill, back in Yorkville (seen right).  Below is Yaneth's selfie of the two of us.





Dinner was very tasty and a wonderful opportunity for each of us to re-connect with each other.  It was so good to get together again.


After dinner, we hung out at the Cruz residence for awhile.  Valencia's little niece (Ariellah) was precious.  Maggie was fairly well behaved, but did have two little accidents when she got overly excited / nervous.  Ugh.

Sunday morning started relaxed and carefree.  Joe, Dan and Valencia got up two hours after I had.  Joe went for coffee and brought back donuts and muffins.  Yum.  But then the craziness happened.  Joe went to workout and enjoy the hot tub and sauna.  Well, he locked himself out of the hot tub room, which uses the key card to get into.  The card and his phone, wallet, and towel were also locked into the room.   

The three of us walked (individually) the complex looking for anyone with a key card willing to let us in.  Meanwhile, Joe stayed in the community building guarding his locked up but unobtainable valuables, with hopes someone would show up to workout.  No luck for any of us.  Valencia finally got ahold of maintenance and they soon came to the rescue.  We said our goodbyes to Dan and Val and were on the road for New Ross Indiana over an hour late.  I regret (for the kids' sake) the tension between Joe and I as we left.  Since I had no photos of Dan and Val together, I got this photo off Facebook, of them at the Science Museum later in the week. 

Thankfully our drive to Carol's was uneventful and we got over our frustration with each other.  Maggie was still nervous while the car was in motion.  We were all glad to get to Carol's.  










Once all of Maggie's and my stuff was unloaded, Joe headed for a Casino in Louisville IN.  Carol and I took the four dogs for a much enjoyed long walk.  It was sunny and fairly warm, but with a strong breeze.  Maggie got along great with Rick and Ike, but was a little concerned about Meg, who was the boss.  

 It was time for the bottle baby to get his milk so I held the bottle for him. 



He thought it was finger lip licking good. 




He is tame enough that he will let me pet him.

Carol shooed the herd around the silos (video) so that we could see them from the yard.  






Sunday's day of rest ended on a peaceful note, watching the ewes and lambs the remainder of the afternoon, and chatting about life.  It was overcast and windy, but still nice enough to sit outdoors for a long time.

The ewes, and of course their lambs, hung around waiting for their hay while Carol and I took photos of the various mom's and lambs and of all the cuteness.
  












They dug into their hay once Carol brought it out (video) and we continued to watch and take pictures.  In fact, it was hard to pick just these photos out, out of all we (mostly Carol) took.

As the babies lost interest in the hay, they started to explore...

 ... with some moms being more watchful and protective than others.

And before long, the playing began.

  

There was head butting, running and jumping.  

We were so enjoying watching the lambs, we brought cocktails and snacks out, and lingered for quite awhile.  


Once the babies got tired, they started to lay down to rest.   























As the sun went down, it started to cool off, so we retreated to the house.

Carol made a seven can soup, adding some of her own lamb (yes, last year's cuteness) and it was quite tasty.

Maggie had enjoyed the afternoon activities, and conked out in Carol's living room.




Monday was a day of work.  Our big project was to put together the dog kennel Carol had bought awhile ago.  First, we unpacked, sorted, and inventoried all the parts.


Before building, we needed to do quite a bit of cleaning out in Carol's pole barn to make a space for the kennel to go.  We hauled old hay to her compost pile.









We picked up and moved lots of stuff, including metal siding and barn boards.

Then, following the directions, we assembled the floor of the frame, switching the corner pieces to get the door panel to fit.

Sometime before lunch Carol turned the herd out into her "front yard" pasture area.



  

Ike helped to move 'um out (seen below).






A small part of the group had been left behind (seen above), so he had to go back to get them (seen below). 

I like this photo of Ike in action, all four feet off the ground.

We took other breaks for a walk, to sit and watch (sheep, lamb, and chickens), to get water, and to eat lunch.

  






Seen right, the black hens are Black Australorps.  


Carol's rooster seen left.

It was also great to see Hercules.  He looked good and is doing well for such an old turkey.

As you can see, many more photos were taken, including more lamb cuteness.

Paying careful attention to the instructions, we finished assembling the kennel frame, only making one more error and undoing part of it to correct the mistake.

We got the kennel frame finished, but needed to wait for Joe to help us add the chain link fence.
  
We had also decided to re-position it, so had to move some more things out of the way.

While re-organizing stuff, I came across some treasures that Carol gladly said I could have.  More on those later, including photos.
Putting the kennel on hold, I had started gathering sticks from various spots, so we could have a bonfire and burn down one of Carol's dead bushes.






Joe arrived back from the casino about 5:30 and we quickly set him to work on dead trees and bushes.  He used the SUV, in 4-wheel drive, to pull out one bush along with a rather large, dead pine tree (roots and all).  

Joe got the fire going around the large bush (where I had stacked some of the brush), adding the dead trees, large tree limbs, and old barn wood.  We let it burn down while having pork roast for dinner.  The evening ended around the bonfire, finishing off one last beer and all the sticks and brush.  It felt so good to have worked a day on the farm... I sometimes miss this.
  

I checked on the fire fairly early Tuesday morning and found buried wood that had not finished burning.  There were enough hot coals to get the fire going again and we raked up more brush to finish cleaning up Carol's farm yard.






It was a beautiful day and we had jobs to do before heading home, so got dressed and went outside around 8 am.

We got the chain link fence put up around the kennel and moved it to its final "resting" spot.





There was even time to (try to) castrate Carol's two (one month old) lambs.  The first one we grabbed put up quite a fight, and presented such a problem for banding (I'll spare the details) that we gave up.
 




Gathering all our stuff (except two things Carol had given me that I forgot) we packed up and hit the road right after lunch, and just before Carol needed to head to work.  

It was a longggg drive home.  We had a gas break and later stopped for dinner and a walk in the Baird Municipal Park in Lebanon TN.  There were a ton of ball diamonds, so the walk was not very scenic.   

We arrived home after dark Tuesday.  Maggie and I took another long walk to get the lead out.  It was 64 degrees, felt like spring, and later, we slept through the night with the windows open.

Wednesday morning I noticed that the daffodil were starting to bloom.  I like that spring comes earlier here, than back in IL.  After confirming I didn't have to work, I hunkered down here at my computer and worked on this blog post.







Finally, right after lunch, the sun and warm air was calling and I hit the road, driving to the barn.  Terry and Jan had just gotten there and the three of us enjoyed a wonderful ride together.  It was still a bit muddy down in the woods, but up on the ridge and in the Glade, the sun and wind had dried things out.

Amiga did a great job.  We didn't go far or fast, and we ladies just enjoyed chatting and being on our horses.









After our ride, I fetched Zorro and let him graze on some taller grass while grooming him.  The winter hair is coming out of all the horses.

Then I gathered up two tubs and three large buckets of manure and brought them home.
I dug up a few large rocks in back, moved some dirt into holes and then spread the manure.  It didn't even cover half  the area I wanted to seed.

Joe was at his poker game (apparently it has been moved back to Wednesday nights) so, because I had enjoyed Carol's soup so much, I made a bean, lentil, and corn soup that I also added sauted onions and hot dogs to.

Thursday I finished unpacking and putting things "away."  This is a beautiful tray Carol gave me that looks nice on our round ottoman.  The coasters in the middle are ones from Costa Rica that Britney gave us two years ago.
Next I unpacked this gift from Daniel that he brought us from Kuwait.  Stevie is investigating the candle holder.  


Daniel said that the "wine" glass was used for tea but the "shot" glass he wasn't sure about.

I think these are all beautiful and I just love them.  I put a candle in the holder and got it going and the glass ware is now in my china hutch where I can see it.

Lastly, I put the plant/bird feeder hanger pole (from Carol's) in the middle between the two I already have.  I had given this to Carol when we moved from the farm.  She said it was too windy at her farm to use it.






It was warm enough out that I opened all our porch doors.  I love having them both screened in now, and the cat and dog can enjoy being out on both of them.  Maggie trots across the living room carpet, between the two porches, checking on what is out in the back and side yards.  Stevie has taken a liking to napping on the lounge pads atop our hot tub, until Joe tells her to hit the road so he can get in it.
After an early lunch, I headed to the barn to ride.  Seen left, Judy and Sara with Georgia and Scruffie.  Karen happened to be at the barn, so we rode out together.  I didn't take any photos, but did get this video of Amiga and I after Karen had turned back for the barn.


I gathered up more manure before coming home at 4 pm.  Once I got it spread, seen below, I realized I still needed one more load.  Seen right is the Forsythia branches I had trimmed and am now trying to get rooted. 







I finally went to workout, but because the gym closes at 7 pm, I didn't have a lot of time.  I soon discovered that I didn't have a lot of energy anyways.

Friday morning I got a photo of a pretty sunrise.  At 9:00 I followed Joe into town, to take the SUV in to get a new windshield (a rock had cracked the old one).  We ran to Lowe's and Wal-Mart before coming home.  I worked a long eight hour shift, 11-7, subbing for Gwen.  Seen below, we finally got our flag hung out again, now that the snow and freezing rain weather is past.  



Joe picked me up at work and we went to Vegas, to enjoy dinner with Andy, Rita and Brian.  It is always fun talking with them.  On our way home, we tried to go back to get the SUV but we couldn't get the gate unlocked and they forgot to leave it out in their lot anyway.  So, we remain a one car family and would need to make another trip into town.  I rarely like to hit the road because I do not care for riding in the car, but I always enjoy each destination we visit.  I love living here in Fairfield Glade, so decisions to make a road trip do not come easy.