Oh, it was a hot one today – almost 90 degrees! But it was just a single day of near record heat, and tomorrow promises to be cooler. The horses are out, and will probably get rained on, but they have a shed, and they prefer rain to bugs any day.
The herd had their first night out last night. They adapted easily to the changed routine, and as soon as he had finished his breakfast, Bart was asleep. The other boys also napped, but waited until I left them in peace.
Oisin 
Stone 
Bart recumbent ( he really isn’t as fat as he looks here!
I worked outside while Harry did his exercises, and then he joined me for a little rest by the pond.
Weedy grazing 
Mistletoe thinks it’s already hot! 
Fish (there are 35, according to Connie)
I had a pileated woodpecker view, camera at the ready, and, as usual, no luck getting the money shot.
Jane agreed that it was just too hot this afternoon to ride. The morning having been used for outdoor chores, I faced a dreaded project in the house – cleaning the bathtub drain. This was a job that, while unpleasant, should have taken 20 minutes, tops. It took me three hours, between watching you tube tutorials (who knew there were myriad videos on bathtub drain removal!?) and finding the proper tools, and then, being a girl, I was incapable of accomplishing the task. Finally, Harry made a suggestion, and it worked, of course. I am pleased to report that the drain is flowing freely again, though tears of frustration were flowing before I was done.
I listened to Sam Harris’ podcast Making Sense while I was weeding and trimming. He had a fascinating discussion about habits. It resonated for me on several levels. I need to have better habits, of course. But also, they discussed goals versus habits. I am a very goal oriented person. During this pandemic, it is difficult to motivate because there is no horse show goal. And yet, goals are rarely as satisfying as the creation of better habits can be. I remember thinking that if I could just ride in a Grand Prix, my life would be complete. When I finally accomplished that goal, I was profoundly disappointed to realize that nothing changed. So, better habits are now my goal!
The horses this evening settled me down after the day’s frustration, as they wandered out to enjoy the grass in the last light.
Stay safe, stay well, and may all your drains flow freely.
This old dog has new habits in my future…looking forward to seeing what they are.
OK, I’m feeling the whole drain thing…what was Harry’s suggestion? 😂
90 degrees in Early May! You have helped me to remember why I love The North. Winter is long but the other 4 months are fantabulous! ❤️
After I had finally accessed the drain stem, I could NOT budge it. I searched out a bigger, longer screwdriver for more power, to no avail. I was giving up and planning to get help from strong, young Nathan next time I see him. Then Harry suggested using a wrench to turn the screwdriver. Nowhere on YouTube had I seen that suggestion. Immediately, the turn broke the plug loose and the rest was easy.
Ah HA, thanks!
How about Roto Rooter? They’re a bit expensive but they are there pronto. God does not want us to do everything ourselves. Think of the boost not-doing-ourselves provides a failing economy.
During the pandemic, with Harry’s history of autoimmune disease, we are loathe to bring in more people than absolutely necessary. This was not a Roto rooter caliber problem. It was simple in the end. I would be happy to consult anyone in bathtub drain removal now that I have immersed myself in the study and practice. Not to mention shed blood in the process. Spending money on the failing economy is a good point. We are doing what we can with $ we are saving locked up here at home. Operation Food Search and other food pantries mainly.
I love, to death, Florence’s comment! “God does not want us to do everything ourselves.” Maybe that’s why there are so many wrenches thrown in our plans. Plus, the saying works well with my overall laziness. Settle, relax, and allow. Whew!! Hot there, God I’m glad to be rid of the Missouri wet heat! Keep these coming! I love my morning Bronze Fox Episodes. Yeh Harry!! No way would I put up the new PT, Dan. Is he trying to kill you?