Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Carrots for All

Back to the Routine

I am back to doing all the feeding and cleaning as of tomorrow. I have to go get some bedding and do a few minor chores as well to keep me busy for the day.

I have a lot of tree branches I need to get off the lawn at some point, but they may just have to wait for a while. The big one in the back yard has some priority and I am sawing parts of it off a little at a time. It is stull currently to wide to drag through the paddock gates to get it out to the woods with the tractor, so I have to trim it down. Since I am not brave enough to try a chainsaw, I am sawing by hand. That does take a bit of time and effort.

I am slowed by my knees, of course, and a cold. Bummer. I went to the doctor this morning just to be sure there was nothing else going on, and according to her, I have a viral respiratory infection, so there's nothing to do except the standard, "Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest."

OK, so I take natural supplements as well including vitamin C, zinc, ginger, and other herbal formulas. If anyone out there has a brilliant suggestion I haven't tried yet, please let me know. At this point, I need to be able to sing for the church service on December 11, so a cure by then would be good.

The Boys are not neglected. Today they were hanging out in the paddocks near the barn, so I gave each one a nice fat carrot. I  love watching them enjoy treats like that. I the scope of things, a carrot is a very small offering, but to a horse, it is a treasure to be savored.  We should all learn a lesson from how much pleasure and satisfaction our horses can show for simple gifts.

Life for us humans often seems too complicated for us to "stop and smell the roses."  A horse, a cat, a dog, just doesn't see the world in all that complexity. To them, the here and now is what really matters, and they use all their senses to perceive and appreciate the world around them as it happens.

I think that's why I  like feeding time in the barn so much. The bucket of grain and flakes of hay are always anticipated and appreciated with such equine delight. To my horses, every meal is a thanksgiving feast.

It's just something to think about.

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:50 PM

    Glad you're able to do that much - try not to overdo . . .

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  2. Good to hear you're getting around better. I wouldn't mess with a chainsaw either. It will get done eventually.

    You're right about how such a small thing as a carrot is a wonderful gift to a horse as a treat is to a cat or dog. We could all do with less and be more appreciative of what we already have.

    Hope your cold gets better soon. Vitamin C and zinc should do the trick. I personally use the Zicam spray for your mouth and it seems to help. Rest as much as you can too. :)

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  3. NO DAIRIES PRODUCTS, no cheese, no butter, no cream etc...
    Until you feel better.

    I am glad your boys are happy beastes.

    Hmm... coughing hmm... TAKE IT EASY!!!!!!

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  4. I'm a big fan of hot toddies for a cold. It doesn't do much for the virus, but it makes me feel better. *G*

    I try to veiw life with the same simple outlook as the horses. I'm not always successful, but thankfully I have them as mentors!

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  5. Humans sure do try to stuff so much into our lives! It is always a good reminder to slow down and enjoy :)

    I like to add a good bit of daily steam therapy in when I get a virus, possibly with some fresh eucalyptus in the shower. Tie a branch of it to your shower rod and along with the steam it helps open things up. And smells nice too.

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  6. eucalyptus in the shower sounds good!

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