The Wind Returns – March 28

This has been a very blustery March. Today was extremely windy and warm. The simple Friday I envisioned did not come to pass. Nathan arrived early to remove a hose and a hydraulic coupler from the tractor. I had the simple task of going to Wentzville for a new hose and a coupler. I won’t go into detail about all the frustrations, poor directions, and the number of places I visited, but my half hour errand became a four hour ordeal. It did end happily, though, when I made my way north to Troy, where Mordt Tractor had the elusive coupler that we needed. Meanwhile, Harry had a trip to the doctor to discuss his excellent health, in which he got stuck in terrible traffic. The stars were not well aligned this morning!

The complication of finding a coupler meant that Nathan had to cut down the problem tree, along the road to the ring, without me. Luckily, he survived, and did a great job. The tractor repair will have to wait until later in the week. I was sorry to miss the long awaited chainsaw work, but just happy that Nathan was safe. He is a real lumberjack.

I took some pictures of the horses’ tails being blown by the wind. For a while, they were agitated by the gales, and romped around the pasture, getting some good exercise. But I guess they wore themselves out.

Weedy joined us on a walk to look at the felled tree, and I actually got a good picture of him. Eddy was on a leash, since the tree was beyond the border line.

After lunch, I picked up a load of shavings, since there is rain in the forecast. While I was in the barn unloading, I got pictures of Tom Morris coming down from the loft. Getting down the ladder is best done on the inside of the rungs, but Tom Morris is too fat for that method.

Spring is beautiful, even in the wind. I trekked over toward Jane’s house to get pictures, pulling up invasive honeysuckles on the way. I got a picture, and then saw Karen bringing the horses in, so I climbed the fence and went over for a visit. To start with, here are pictures of our magnolias side by side… Jane’s horticultural skill is very much in evidence by comparison!

In the woods, wildflowers are increasing, there is artistry in fungi on logs, and there is music of birdsong and Spring Peepers, the vigorously vociferous little frogs, which are heard, but not seen.

Back at home, the golden currant is at full bloom, a short but exquisitely fragrant spell, behind the studio. Other flowers are beginning to join the show all over the place.

Eddy had a great day (all days are great, in Eddy’s opinion). He loved the four hour car trip. Eddy likes meeting new people, and enjoys being admired wherever he goes. He even got a truck trip after lunch to Charlie’s, Eddy’s favorite place to shop!

The western sky provides beauty every evening…

Be safe, be well, enjoy every day. Even difficulties have value in stories. Be kind, stay strong. Slava Ukraini! God Save America. Peace…