Today was shoeing day, which meant early barn chores , while the horses went out to loosen up before Fred arrived. The appointment was rescheduled for today, because tomorrow is forecast to be colder. Fred swapped a heated barn visit to tomorrow and came here today. It wasn’t all that warm, standing around all day, watching the master at work. We had a couple of heaters going, though, and there was much laughter, as usual, so it was a more pleasant day than it could have been.
There was some more snow during the night – Bart doesn’t mind 
Jane points out Derry’s ouchy. Derry won the grooming award today! 
Fred has just returned from doing 30 horses in Chicago, and he leaves for Arizona this weekend for a vacation 
Oisin gets a hot fit 
Hot shoeing is an art form 
Fred at work 
Fred warms his hands at the forge 
Stone gets hot front shoes
With all feet looking very fancy, the horses went out for what was left of the day.
Some bird pictures…
Goldfinches (and a pine siskin) 
Downy woodpecker
Here is a close up of the reason our north Blue Atlas Cedar has died. Sapsucker holes, or borers? Whichever it is, the tree is a goner. A chainsaw project is in my future, sadly.
After a long, cold day, it was good to relax this evening. We had some sad news this morning, another friend gone on ahead to whatever comes next. We have fond memories to go with the tears, and a renewed appreciation for every day left.
Be safe, be well, enjoy each day. Peace.
Sorry you lost a friend. “First we are here, then we are everywhere,” says my Michigan friend. I like that.
Peace
Always pleasant, love the finches chowing down, the woodpecker appears befuddled. Not so with Roscoe, with that cheshire cat grin. Losing friends might be the worst part of aging. I feel for you❤️