my unicorn

"What does calling someone a unicorn mean?

Since it first named the one-horned equine of lore around the 1200s, the word unicorn has gone on to name “a person or thing that is rare and highly valued,” whether that's a billion-dollar startup—or that special someone in your life."

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We have been enjoying some nice indoor arena rides this month. 4 to be exact. I thought we would be enjoying the great outdoors with our horses by now, or at least the outdoor arena.

However, a controlled environment is best for several reasons. 

Nemo has allergies. Until Cierra has her pregnancy confirmation, Brad has been riding Nemo exclusively. He comes inside and his symptoms instantly go away. I also suffer from allergies. First time, since we moved here. My eyes are absolutely terrible this year. Constantly watery. My homeopathic eye drops and last resort Claritin, are not helping. This too shall pass.

I am also brokey-broke. More than usual.

My 2017 torn rotator cuff injury is back. I can no longer lift my right arm overhead, or at an extended angle. No, I did not fall again. Apparently I overused my arm and it is inflamed. Silly me to think I was good to go forever. I had great use of my arm after rehab for about 5 years. I am back to working on my PT exercises, from the beginning of my binder (15 double sided multi exercise pages). I am happy to report, I am starting to see a little improvement. 

No saddling, cinching or bridling for now.

Koda has been such a good boy through it all. Trying to figure out my differences. We are trying to keep our minds busy walking, turning, side passing and overall listening.

My shoulder can take about a half an hour of riding. 

Brad set up a big pole square and bending poles. They help. What can I say? I like to walk<trot<lope, or do obstacles. Riding trails is my favorite. I think it is also Koda's. We haven't trimmed trees or worked on trails much this year. Yet.

I've also tried a tiny amount of groundwork. Kind of a joke. I've watched many clinicians do groundwork over the years. Without using the info, those "files" get replaced. Helloo, YouTube! I am unsure doing groundwork, but we are figuring it out together. I worry that I am messing Koda up. Brad assures me I am not. I haven't thought "horse" for too long. 

I am very thankful for my hubbies help. He truly is my unicorn.

Brad has been filling in for my right arm. Saddling etc for me. 

my other (silly) unicorn

two and counting

We are hopeful Bluebird landlords again!!

Their chosen nesting box 2 is in a new location. Interestingly, last years box has yet to be occupied. Altho other birds have tried. I emptied the start of many undesirable nests. Both boxes were left open periodically to deter them.

I can't help but wonder if the resident bluebird pair is the same as last year, and somehow remember the demise of their young in box 1 (same location).
 

Last year I ordered the recommended Enjoying Bluebirds guide. Brad remounted the two boxes on metal poles and we relocated box 2.

I check both boxes on my daily walks.

We had a cool Spring. I was beginning to think the bluebird nesting boxes would not get used this year, although I spotted Bluebirds nearby on several occasions.

Last year a nest appeared April 18th and 5 eggs on May 6th.

This year, I found a nest on May 28.

May 30

For several days, there was only one egg.

June 2

Then there were two eggs, and counting. I noticed the new egg was greenish and a bit larger.

Two days later, there were four eggs. 

June 4

By Sunday, a fifth and final egg appeared. 

June 5

The proud parents:

Mr. Bluebird


Mrs. Bluebird

I see the female frequently caring for her eggs

We have not mounted a raccoon baffle, as suggested in the guide. I am certain coons were the predators that ate the babies from box 1 last year. Our trail camera shows a well fed raccoon pair that frequents the box 1 area.

Brad thinks the raccoons will not be able to climb the metal poles.

I can only hope he is right, or I could grease the poles. Raccoon spikes are an option. I know the varmints are not fond of spicy scents. I could make a spray, or hang a bag with spices. Finding & hanging the baffle materials myself is another option. That would be comical & likely scare more than raccoons away.

I have stopped checking the box with eggs for now. Our Eastern Bluebird eggs should hatch around June 17-19th.

I have high hopes of seeing the nesting box residents thrive this year.

Sunday Sights ~ butterflies

The first butterfly spotted in our new garden was a little orange one dusting itself off:

Northern Crescent

 Well, actually this was the first butterfly:

I was hand watering the struggling plants a few days later, when a yellow swallowtail playfully fluttered past my head.

I think the butterflies are as eager as I am for their garden to grow!!

I also saw my first Monarch in the general area. No photos. I wasn't able to catch up with it, but I was able to capture this beautiful Giant Swallowtail in action across from our house:

build-a-barn ~ door upgrade

We started building our barn in 2016. We often get asked if we are done with the building.

Is anything ever really done? 

We continue adjusting and adding to our barn, as needs change or become apparent. Lower priority things have yet to be "done". Like the Saloon. Buying a refrigerator is still on the list. As well as wall decor and those darn protective table/counter toppers I simply cannot find. I might have to make my own. Yikes!! 

Brad did not like the big sliding doors on the hay side. We use them every day and they let in a lot of cold. 

On Winter days I would slide open the doors, start the bobcat and back it out putt-putt-puttering. I was always worry about the fumes. Then I climb out of the bobcat to close the doors, get back in and wait for it to warm up. Drive down/back to the manure pit. Climb out of the bobcat, slide open the barn doors, get back in and drive inside. Get out one last time to shut the doors.

In the Winter, I climb in/out of the bobcat 6X a day.

Much easier than the first couple years I pushed a full wheel barrel back in forth in all kinds of weather.

Brad wanted to replace the sliding doors with a garage door. At first I thought it was ridiculous, but I already like the new door better. It isn't even wired, yet. You can see both doors below. 

garage door in progress

Natural light was unexpected bonus. What a difference three windows makes. The browns don't match exactly, but it doesn't bother me. You can't tell at a distance. The biggest difference with a new insulated barn door that seals, will be felt this Winter. I can open/close the door remotely from within the bobcat :)

finished garage door

(old door frame on ground, hoping to repurpose)