I made what felt like 100 rushed trips carrying groceries in, put perishables away and promptly went to bring horses in by myself. I was on forward march. It was later then usual, dark and cold out. Neither of our boys like being brought in last. I usually bring one in and Brad grabs the other two. I don't care for squeezing two horses and myself through a human sized door maze in the Winter. I either bring them in one at a time, or open the sliding door (brrrr!) in the order of whomever is waiting at the gate.
After our boys bucking craze simmered, I brought in Koda. Then Harmony, which made Nemo mad! I took his girl without him, and his human was MIA!! More antics. I stood patiently at the gate and talked to Nemo, until he decided to be the horse I needed him to be. Calm. The rest of the time Brad was flat on his back, turn-in/out went smooth. Horses seem to figure things out pretty quickly. They were good as gold for me and came in one by one, without throwing tantrums. It's almost like they knew... What a difference it makes to take one person out of the routine! I know you are all thinking three horses, big deal. Well, it is for me!!
Winter mornings chores go something like this: grain, haul 1-2 bales down to the pasture (the feeder can arrive any day now...), turn-out, pick stalls, wheel barrel to bobcat, dump and attempt to not miss bucket (ha!) unplug & start frozen bobcat, do houdini moves getting in/out while dressed in layers, hoping I don't face-plant while balancing on icy metal edges,
Did I mention we had two snow storms during this time? Well, we did. Add shoveling two large porches, and front of garage to the above. It made for long days. I also attempted to plow with the bobcat for the first time ever. It went okay, but I was very thankful when our son came out to help us. Love that kid! He did the majority of plowing our very long driveway & paths!!
Nobody plans on caring for a homestead alone, at least not this girl!!! Talk about a reality check...I think I said "no more horses" every single day Brad was down & out.
I truly love my life and wouldn't trade it for the world, however no one is more thrilled then me to say Brad is back at it. His back is not 100%, but getting better every day. Whew!!!
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| winter pastures |
3 comments:
Well that sucks! Glad to hear Brad is feeling a little better. Taking care of the horses and barns and paddocks and everything that goes with it is hard for one person. I know this because when my daughter goes on her vacation trips (one coming in May) it's all on me. Luckily, we do have a guy who does the stalls. So that's a huge help. I'm on deck for the horses and the paddocks etc. The snow doesn't help either. We had about 6 inches last night. I'm getting tired of winter about now. I don't do two horses at a time anymore, one at a time is safer. Hang in there, your son sounds like a great kid.
I feel your pain, but you did it!! I often wonder how I’d survive around here without my husband. Not so well, not so well. I remember those few days I was alone and tending Tumbleweed all day and night in the cold and rain—it was so hard without his help. You do what you have to do, I guess. Glad he’s better now. Pat yourself on the back a thousand times!
When you have to do things alone all the time, you would be surprised how quickly you find ways to simplify the routine. My husband doesn't help with chores so I have things set up to be easy for me. As time goes on and you become truly settled in, I'm sure you'll find those ways too. Always keeping in mind that either of you should be able to do it solo. One tip I have.... carry a good pocket knife. I am never without a knife in my pocket and it is sooooo handy.
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