Today the “water feature” had its annual cleaning. This chore was arranged before the shutdown, but since it’s an outdoor job, with no contact, it went ahead. The pond gets drained, the fish removed, the plants cut back, the rocks power washed, and then begins the long refill. The fish (there are 35 of them) are already back in the filling water. Being on a well means the water is safe for fish without treatment, which is nice. But being on a well means it takes a long time to refill the pond. The hose will run all night. Usually, when a hose runs all night it’s because I forgot to shut it off when filling the water trough for the horses.
It’s a hard, cold, stinky job 
The draining has begun
Harry rested today, because his leg had swelled pretty dramatically yesterday. I think resting is harder for Harry than working.
Jane and I rode, and Kris wanted us to send him a video. Kris is our trainer from Kansas, with whom, had life gone according to plan, we would be showing in Omaha today. Ah, well, we had lots of laughs trying to get video. Here is a still from my attempt…
The issue of whether it is “ethical” to do something as risky and unnecessary as riding a horse makes me a little bit crazy. I have always been a risk taker, and have often regretted it, but I look at the accidents Harry and I had earlier this year and they were stupid, unpredictable blunders. The fact that things can go wrong no matter what we do, makes me inclined to carry on. Plus, it’s fun to ride horses, and I don’t have that many years left!
It was a cloudy, cool day, not great for pictures, but the comfrey is blooming. Comfrey leaves make a great poultice.
Roscoe spent much of the day out on patrol… Poor Mistletoe is terrified of Roscoe! She is happy to tackle Nettie, who is twice her size, anytime, but this cat, who weighs less than she does, is too much for her!
Roscoe Boss 
Don’t scratch me!
The horses enjoyed being out on the north pasture for a change.
Even on a cloudy day, this flowering time of year is beautiful, from the trees in bloom, to the violets in the lawn…
Harry took good care of his leg today, and always takes good care of his dogs…
Weedy wishes all the best for everyone during these strange days. He loves all and sundry. Stay safe.
Weedy’s face, and with his legs crossed, he looks like a patient listener, a doctor, psychologist, or guru is it? Very composed and content. It must be the Love in the house. It’s Easter morning and I awakened before the sunrise, 4:30 to be exact, made my chai, then watched and listened to the Pope’s service. He illustrated Christ’s rising as “Victory over evil”. We can exercise victory over evil by riding our horse, cleaning the fish pond, and creating beautiful and moving sculptures. We can do it by exhibiting hope and courage, as you all have. We can do it by taking lovely photos and sharing our lives with others. We can overcome evil by taking little steps, everyday. Happy Easter ❤️
Oh, Jane, such a humbling and inspirational thought. Happy Easter, and peace to all. I pray and strive for “victory over evil”!