While it officially turned Winter on December 21, that whole month was exceptionally mild. Now, though, we are going to believe it is really wintertime, as temperatures are predicted to fall below zero (Fahrenheit) this weekend. As a prelude, we have had some snow, then, today a warm spell. It’s going to be quite a shock this year when it gets frigid.
When Fred was here in early December, we pulled Stone’s shoes and the hind shoes from Bart and Oisin. Maybe I was prescient. There was no riding in December. And now, with sticky snow, I’m glad they are barefoot behind, so that snow balls don’t form, and the horses have some traction. This is the first year we have pulled shoes. Perhaps it is a sign of advancing age and decreasing horse showing ambitions.
We did have some horse showing fun, as Jane and I helped set jumps for JoJo, and cheered on our friends, Susan and Annie at the National Equestrian Center Prime Time January show. The National Equestrian Center has been sold to St. Charles County Parks, which, it is hoped, will benefit the horse showing in this area.
Horse showing is full of ups and downs, good luck and bad, like life. Young Evelyn is learning to cope with more than just horses. She is a lucky kid, and we older riders are even luckier to still be in the game.
Speaking of staying in the game, Harry is recovering well. Eddy keeps us laughing, which is good for the heart. Following doctors’ orders, Harry is resting and expecting full recovery to take a few more weeks.
Birds have been ravenous, as though they know the weather is going to get really cold. Even a pileated woodpecker paid a visit this week.
Eddy is keeping me fit while I’m not riding. He has endless energy.
Roscoe equally enjoys getting outside in the sunshine and sleeping on my desk. As the Maltese King of Cats, he chooses whether to be inside or out. Barn cats will be shut into the tack room during the extreme cold. Shed cats will have a heating pad under their beds. The ability of animals to cope with weather is astonishing.
Red sky this evening should portend nice weather. The Weather Channel disagrees…
Be safe, be well, stay warm. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
I always enjoy your pictures and weather reports. We no longer know what to expect. I think we can expect dampness of some sort. I liked seeing your pileated. We had them in Washington but have only once caught sight of one here. I miss them. Stay safe and warm!
Hi Anne and Harry,
We are so happy to hear Harry is doing well and recovering well. I so enjoy your pictures, we too are getting ready for the cold weather, livestock and keeping equipment going. Take and hopefully a lunch in the spring is in store for us. ❤️
Happy to hear Harry is well and you, too!
Love the photos! I miss seeing Weedy. Is he recovering too? Your amazing horses, I’m always concerned about horses out in extreme weather, then I’m reminded, they deal, and often quite happily. That striking sunset, I wonder is it ominous? Our forecast looms frigid with wind. YUK!
Go Harry! Anne, thank you. See you when we thaw out.
I’m glad Harry is doing well and I love seeing all the photos, especially the pileated woodpecker
I have two new barn kitties just around six months old so I took my electric blanket out to the barn to make sure they’re warm
Along with the heating pad and the heater
Take care in the cold
Hmm that bear looks a little ferocious