Surgery Went Well
I am a bit sore but already walking down the hall with a wlker and a physical therapist. Pain is tolerable so I should manage OK.
Just got the bandages off and I have a rather long line of staples down my leg across my knee joints. Comes with the territory.
Using Hospital keyboard on the Tv and it's a bit strange.
Nurses are great here with super care and the food is pretty good.
All for now.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Not Much Really New
Just Getting Ready
I good friend spent the morning with me going to the feed store to stock up on feed while I am in the hospital. He helped me unload when we got home which was really great as I am literally on my last legs.
I did, however, introduce him to the "antique" store behind the tack store. Antiques may be in there somewhere, but the "Used furniture" and used everything else part of the place is the focus. I actually bought a really nice rolling suitcase there last week for $5. And I've often gone in to get props for various plays at school. I have two cabinets in my living room I got there too. One is a china type cabinet to display my horse statue collection and the other is a corner unit where my TV sits. Prices? At most $100, as I recall.
If you want it, they probably have it somewhere in the store. It's a huge jumble of a yard sale that goes on 6 days a week. This time, there was a wind up Victrola with a bunch of records there. The cabinet was really cool, the Victrola worked and the whole thing was going for $225. I would think an antique collector would snatch that up. There was a woman there who was on the brink of buying it, so it may be gone already.
Horses are all set now as far as feed goes. I still have to tidy up the barn and finish a few things in the house. And, I still have to pack, although most of my things are sorted and ready to go.
Off to do some caulking. More tomorrow.
I good friend spent the morning with me going to the feed store to stock up on feed while I am in the hospital. He helped me unload when we got home which was really great as I am literally on my last legs.
I did, however, introduce him to the "antique" store behind the tack store. Antiques may be in there somewhere, but the "Used furniture" and used everything else part of the place is the focus. I actually bought a really nice rolling suitcase there last week for $5. And I've often gone in to get props for various plays at school. I have two cabinets in my living room I got there too. One is a china type cabinet to display my horse statue collection and the other is a corner unit where my TV sits. Prices? At most $100, as I recall.
If you want it, they probably have it somewhere in the store. It's a huge jumble of a yard sale that goes on 6 days a week. This time, there was a wind up Victrola with a bunch of records there. The cabinet was really cool, the Victrola worked and the whole thing was going for $225. I would think an antique collector would snatch that up. There was a woman there who was on the brink of buying it, so it may be gone already.
Horses are all set now as far as feed goes. I still have to tidy up the barn and finish a few things in the house. And, I still have to pack, although most of my things are sorted and ready to go.
Off to do some caulking. More tomorrow.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Might As Well Wear Them Out
My Knees, That Is
I didn't exactly set out to do it, but I seem to be managing a fair job of using up what is left of my own knees before I replace them. They have been super aching the last week and I have been very busy on my feet, not giving them much rest.
Today, I spent some time sorting my jewelry for a special sale at my church and continuing some of the major cleaning in the house. Then I checked the weather forecast and realized we might get some more rain--just what we don't need--on the weekend, so if I was going to mow the lawn, I'd better get at it.
But, of course, the lawn tractor battery was dead, so while it was charging, I took advantage of the coolish day and did some weed whacking with my electric string trimmer. I did a good part of the front bank but hope to finish Sunday when there isn't so much traffic speeding by. I have to work along the shoulder of the road and these drivers simply don't bother to slow down if I am out there. It's scary.
Battery charged, weeds trimmed, I began mowing. It is a far from thorough job as there are some tree limbs down and I don't have the energy to clean them up at this point. Besides, my kind neighbor told me he'd do it while I was in the hospital. Thus, I just kind of mowed around the bigger limbs and moaved a number of the smaller ones out of the way.
Lawn mowed, I realized after I put the little tractor away that I'd forgotten to pull the arena drag back into its spot after I moved it to mow. Since I can't pull the drag by human power, I decided to start up the Kubota tractor to move it.
But once I got the Kubota out and about, I figured it was a waste to just put it back without doing something, so I decided to clean out under the east side run in shed in front of Toby's and Tucker's stalls.
Three hefty front end loads later, with some pitchforking on my part to get all the stuff that kind of rolls out of the loader, and that job was done.
Then I fed the Boys who had spent a good part of my work time "helping" by constantly getting in the way of the tractor. I had to cart a bale of hay over for dinner, and I honestly wasn't sure I was going to make it.
Chores done, I decided to go to the pool. I figured a short swim at the most and a nice ride around the Lazy River at the least would feel good.
OK, I ended up doing ten laps and my leg exercises.
But, I must admit the nice hot shower surely did feel good afterwards.
I am worn out and so are my knees.
But it was a good day with much accomplished.
I didn't exactly set out to do it, but I seem to be managing a fair job of using up what is left of my own knees before I replace them. They have been super aching the last week and I have been very busy on my feet, not giving them much rest.
Today, I spent some time sorting my jewelry for a special sale at my church and continuing some of the major cleaning in the house. Then I checked the weather forecast and realized we might get some more rain--just what we don't need--on the weekend, so if I was going to mow the lawn, I'd better get at it.
But, of course, the lawn tractor battery was dead, so while it was charging, I took advantage of the coolish day and did some weed whacking with my electric string trimmer. I did a good part of the front bank but hope to finish Sunday when there isn't so much traffic speeding by. I have to work along the shoulder of the road and these drivers simply don't bother to slow down if I am out there. It's scary.
Battery charged, weeds trimmed, I began mowing. It is a far from thorough job as there are some tree limbs down and I don't have the energy to clean them up at this point. Besides, my kind neighbor told me he'd do it while I was in the hospital. Thus, I just kind of mowed around the bigger limbs and moaved a number of the smaller ones out of the way.
Lawn mowed, I realized after I put the little tractor away that I'd forgotten to pull the arena drag back into its spot after I moved it to mow. Since I can't pull the drag by human power, I decided to start up the Kubota tractor to move it.
But once I got the Kubota out and about, I figured it was a waste to just put it back without doing something, so I decided to clean out under the east side run in shed in front of Toby's and Tucker's stalls.
Three hefty front end loads later, with some pitchforking on my part to get all the stuff that kind of rolls out of the loader, and that job was done.
Then I fed the Boys who had spent a good part of my work time "helping" by constantly getting in the way of the tractor. I had to cart a bale of hay over for dinner, and I honestly wasn't sure I was going to make it.
Chores done, I decided to go to the pool. I figured a short swim at the most and a nice ride around the Lazy River at the least would feel good.
OK, I ended up doing ten laps and my leg exercises.
But, I must admit the nice hot shower surely did feel good afterwards.
I am worn out and so are my knees.
But it was a good day with much accomplished.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Laptop Dying
Battery or What, But Not Really Worth It
My laptop keeps hibernating and giving me a "critical battery" message. Then it tells me to switch to AC power, even though it is already plugged in. I suspect the whole power system has gone haywire.
Repair, or not to repair? $100 or so for a battery and a minimum of $30 just to diagnose the problem and who knows how much to fix it. H-m-m-m-m.
My Ansur commission check will just about cover the cost of a neat little Gateway Netbook---so I bought one. I may well end up taking that with me to my medical adventure instead of the tablet. The size is not a very much different and the netbook runs Windows, so it is easier to use. Works a treat with the WiFi too, so I am all set.
Bless the electric company guys for getting us back to full power, the cable guys for restoring all that soon after, and my wonderful hay man who came today with a trailer load to keep the Boys well fed while I am away. Things are about back to as close to normal as possible.
I am still cleaning house, after a lost day due to storm prep, but I will get just about everything done. I do need to do at least a partial lawn mowing and perhaps do some weed whacking before I go, but that's a Sunday job so I don't get run over on the road.
The barn and Boys are OK, but I do need to put out feeding directions and label things and I need to go to the feed store to stock up so there's plenty of feed on hand.
The Boys are, it seems, delighted to have their fans back on. It has not been excessively hot after the storm, but even with all my fly controls in place, there are some annoying flies about and the fans blow them away. All the rain has provided too much good fly breeding habitat. I'm sure they are worse at other barns, so I won't complain too much.
I am using the water I stockpiled to fill the water tub by the barn`so it won't go to waste. I am happy to find out that the two storage containers look to be able to fill the water trough twice. That's good to know. All in all, I probably had enough water to last the horses for at least a week. Yea!!
I took some of my thawed out frozen food over to a friend's house last night and three of us had a nice dinner. I ended up cleaning out the entire freezer as a result, so now there is plenty of room for new food. I hated to throw some things away, but it wasn't worth taking a chance. It seems most everything had thawed out during the storm, and even though it kept cool, it's not worth a risk of eating stuff that's refrozen. Some of it was probably on the brink of expiration dates anyhow, so cleaning out was due.
I did make a nice pot of onion soup and have put a container of it in the freezer. I've never tried that before, but it's worth a try.
Off to get the cleaning done.
My laptop keeps hibernating and giving me a "critical battery" message. Then it tells me to switch to AC power, even though it is already plugged in. I suspect the whole power system has gone haywire.
Repair, or not to repair? $100 or so for a battery and a minimum of $30 just to diagnose the problem and who knows how much to fix it. H-m-m-m-m.
My Ansur commission check will just about cover the cost of a neat little Gateway Netbook---so I bought one. I may well end up taking that with me to my medical adventure instead of the tablet. The size is not a very much different and the netbook runs Windows, so it is easier to use. Works a treat with the WiFi too, so I am all set.
Bless the electric company guys for getting us back to full power, the cable guys for restoring all that soon after, and my wonderful hay man who came today with a trailer load to keep the Boys well fed while I am away. Things are about back to as close to normal as possible.
I am still cleaning house, after a lost day due to storm prep, but I will get just about everything done. I do need to do at least a partial lawn mowing and perhaps do some weed whacking before I go, but that's a Sunday job so I don't get run over on the road.
The barn and Boys are OK, but I do need to put out feeding directions and label things and I need to go to the feed store to stock up so there's plenty of feed on hand.
The Boys are, it seems, delighted to have their fans back on. It has not been excessively hot after the storm, but even with all my fly controls in place, there are some annoying flies about and the fans blow them away. All the rain has provided too much good fly breeding habitat. I'm sure they are worse at other barns, so I won't complain too much.
I am using the water I stockpiled to fill the water tub by the barn`so it won't go to waste. I am happy to find out that the two storage containers look to be able to fill the water trough twice. That's good to know. All in all, I probably had enough water to last the horses for at least a week. Yea!!
I took some of my thawed out frozen food over to a friend's house last night and three of us had a nice dinner. I ended up cleaning out the entire freezer as a result, so now there is plenty of room for new food. I hated to throw some things away, but it wasn't worth taking a chance. It seems most everything had thawed out during the storm, and even though it kept cool, it's not worth a risk of eating stuff that's refrozen. Some of it was probably on the brink of expiration dates anyhow, so cleaning out was due.
I did make a nice pot of onion soup and have put a container of it in the freezer. I've never tried that before, but it's worth a try.
Off to get the cleaning done.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Power ON
At Last
Posting from my tablet as my laptop insists on hibernating.
Power came on while I was relaxing at the pool, finishing my swim with a nice hot shower.
Still waiting for the cable, Internet and phone service, but with my wifi, I will be fine.
The only news on the horse front is that my ground is dry enough for Tucker to be out again. I also am a bit anxious about getting a supply of hay before I go for surgery. My hay guy has not been there yet this week--no power.
Enough for now. Never thought having electricity woul be such a thrill.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Well, At Least I Know
Why the Power is Out
These pictures are from about a mile down my road. The road is actually closed, but people keep driving past the barriers, including people in tractor trailers. A car can get past the downed tree, but there is no room for a truck, and worse, no real room for a truck to turn around. I called the police to let them know the barriers were down.
G The middle picture shows another tree branch just hanging on above the wires. Bummer. When I call the power company, they have a recorded message still on that says we may not get power until Sunday.
Then I headed to the next road over only to find that all barricaded. There are several spots with downed wires there, and a nice PSE&G guy who said there was no way they could predict when the repairs would be complete, or where my road was on the list.
I took some more pictures over there:
All in all, it looks like a mess, and we don't even have any major flooding here. There are some places in the State under several feet of water.
My cousin, whose house is at the shore on Long Beach Island called to let me know all was well there. They have power and managed to escape being flooded. And they are between the ocean and the bay! i am happy for them, and also surprised. But I think the storm took a turn inland and hit us instead, sparing the coast a lot of potential damage.
I have a generator that I'm running for several hours every day. I had to jump start it with my car as the starter battery is dead, but it's up and running and seems to keep my refrigerator working--sort of. I don't know if it has enough output to run the pump in the barn if I need water for the Boys, but so far, out there, so good.
Poor Tucker is restricted to the riding arena for now until the mud dries up, but that my happen pretty fast as we are having some lovely, sunny and dry weather.
My basement water is gone and while the floor is still wet, it's going to dry out quickly too. Not so at my aunt's house next door. Without power the sump pump does not work, and apparently she has several inches of water in her basement. I am charging her caretaker's cell phone right now so she will have a way to call out.
Chance was delighted to find lots of apples fallen off the tree--so many I had to collect some and put them in a bucket so he didn't get sick. My neighbor dropped by to tell me he would clean up my fallen tree branches while I was in the hospital and also check in on the horses.
So, there is a silver lining to every cloud, I guess. At least I can generate some power here and I am getting the house cleaned as a way of keeping myself busy.
I am hoping the pool may be open so I can go for a swim and have a nice hot shower. Sponge baths in cold water are not exactly fun. I can heat the water on the stove, but somehow, that seems like a waste of gas. Besides, what fun is a disaster if you don't suffer at least a little?
G The middle picture shows another tree branch just hanging on above the wires. Bummer. When I call the power company, they have a recorded message still on that says we may not get power until Sunday.
Then I headed to the next road over only to find that all barricaded. There are several spots with downed wires there, and a nice PSE&G guy who said there was no way they could predict when the repairs would be complete, or where my road was on the list.
I took some more pictures over there:
My cousin, whose house is at the shore on Long Beach Island called to let me know all was well there. They have power and managed to escape being flooded. And they are between the ocean and the bay! i am happy for them, and also surprised. But I think the storm took a turn inland and hit us instead, sparing the coast a lot of potential damage.
I have a generator that I'm running for several hours every day. I had to jump start it with my car as the starter battery is dead, but it's up and running and seems to keep my refrigerator working--sort of. I don't know if it has enough output to run the pump in the barn if I need water for the Boys, but so far, out there, so good.
Poor Tucker is restricted to the riding arena for now until the mud dries up, but that my happen pretty fast as we are having some lovely, sunny and dry weather.
My basement water is gone and while the floor is still wet, it's going to dry out quickly too. Not so at my aunt's house next door. Without power the sump pump does not work, and apparently she has several inches of water in her basement. I am charging her caretaker's cell phone right now so she will have a way to call out.
Chance was delighted to find lots of apples fallen off the tree--so many I had to collect some and put them in a bucket so he didn't get sick. My neighbor dropped by to tell me he would clean up my fallen tree branches while I was in the hospital and also check in on the horses.
So, there is a silver lining to every cloud, I guess. At least I can generate some power here and I am getting the house cleaned as a way of keeping myself busy.
I am hoping the pool may be open so I can go for a swim and have a nice hot shower. Sponge baths in cold water are not exactly fun. I can heat the water on the stove, but somehow, that seems like a waste of gas. Besides, what fun is a disaster if you don't suffer at least a little?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
All is Well
No Power,But Not A Total Disaster
I will be quick as I am running on batteries. The power has been out since about 11 PM last night.
We had lots and lots of rain, some wicked wind, but so far, no major disaster here at Follywoods. I had a battery operated radio on nearly all night. There was one tornado warning, but it was not in my area, thank goodness. Trouble is the radio died suddenly this morning and it was not the battery. I found another one, but it's only AM , so now I can't seem to get the NJ station I want to listen to. However, there is another one, so I have that on now.
Called the power company for an update, but they didn't even have an automated message on. I will check online to see what I can find out.
I finally decided to lock the Boys in the barn during the storm. If it continues to clear, I will let Toby and Chance out in the afternoon. Tucker will have to stay in due to his shoe issues.
My biggest upset is that I actually have water in my basement for the first time I can remember. Not sure where it came from. It is an inch or two deep and mostly on the east side. I don't really have a pump to get it out, so it will have to dry up on its own. The stuff that's wet will survive. It's just a bit disturbing to have water down there as it is usually pretty dry.
So, that's it for now. I will report back later or if anything exciting happens.
I will be quick as I am running on batteries. The power has been out since about 11 PM last night.
We had lots and lots of rain, some wicked wind, but so far, no major disaster here at Follywoods. I had a battery operated radio on nearly all night. There was one tornado warning, but it was not in my area, thank goodness. Trouble is the radio died suddenly this morning and it was not the battery. I found another one, but it's only AM , so now I can't seem to get the NJ station I want to listen to. However, there is another one, so I have that on now.
Called the power company for an update, but they didn't even have an automated message on. I will check online to see what I can find out.
I finally decided to lock the Boys in the barn during the storm. If it continues to clear, I will let Toby and Chance out in the afternoon. Tucker will have to stay in due to his shoe issues.
My biggest upset is that I actually have water in my basement for the first time I can remember. Not sure where it came from. It is an inch or two deep and mostly on the east side. I don't really have a pump to get it out, so it will have to dry up on its own. The stuff that's wet will survive. It's just a bit disturbing to have water down there as it is usually pretty dry.
So, that's it for now. I will report back later or if anything exciting happens.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Prepped and Primped
Ready for Whatever
I bought a really big grass/trash can at Home Depot. Not sure how big it is but I am suspecting it's about 50 gallons. I filled it with water right by the regular water trough, along with a muck bucket I bought a while ago to put water out in the pasture.
I also had three 50 gallon water troughs, but one of them was missing the plug.
Thus the search began. You would think that with three Rubbermaid water tubs, two with the drain plug replaced by an electric heater, that I would have the plugs I'd taken out. I have three cabinets in the feed room along with numerous buckets holding various hardware items.
On the upside, trying to find the drain plug required that I look everywhere, and looking everywhere meant that I couldn't simply rummage about without cleaning up as I went along. So, the morning of search became the morning of clean.
Cabinet one, no plug. Cabinet two, no plug. Nor was there a plug in any bucket, shelf, or place I looked. I did manage to fill five feed bags with stuff to throw away, and I found a nice collection of double end snaps along the way.
I called the tack store, and sure enough, they had the drain plugs I needed. I cleaned myself up a bit as I was covered in grime at that point, and headed off only to run into what looked to be an endless traffic jam on the way into the first little town I needed to drive through. So I took a convoluted detour and got to the store.
I figured I'd pick up some shavings for the stalls but they were out, so I drove to Agway, just a few blocks away and bought four bales there--they had plenty. Home again, I tidied up the barn, unloaded the shavings and, on the brink of exhaustion knee wise, decided to go for a short swim.
It was hot, humid, and sunny. The water felt absolutely wonderful but I only did five laps before riding around the Lazy River a half dozen time, just relaxing.
Dove home, stopping at the WaWa to buy some chocolate milk--just a craving. The gas station there was a madhouse, with tons and tons of cars. Everyone was buying gas before the storm.
Home again, I started the water hoarding. I filled all the tubs, buckets and new barrel out at the barn, as well as two buckets of water in each horse''s stall.
I'm guessing I have water for the horses for perhaps four days now. I may fill some more individual buckets in the barn aisle when I feed in the morning, and I still need to bed Tucker's stall. Of the three, I am going to have to keep him in as the rains blow in. The hurricane seems to be weakening as far as the winds go, but it's still going to bring some heavy rain. It the course doesn't change, we will be not far away from a direct hit, leaving us at the very least, in for a really bad soaking with pretty windy conditions.
I'm about as ready as I can be, so now it's just a matter of "wait and see." Besides, that's about all my sore, worn out body can do right now anyhow.
I bought a really big grass/trash can at Home Depot. Not sure how big it is but I am suspecting it's about 50 gallons. I filled it with water right by the regular water trough, along with a muck bucket I bought a while ago to put water out in the pasture.
I also had three 50 gallon water troughs, but one of them was missing the plug.
Thus the search began. You would think that with three Rubbermaid water tubs, two with the drain plug replaced by an electric heater, that I would have the plugs I'd taken out. I have three cabinets in the feed room along with numerous buckets holding various hardware items.
On the upside, trying to find the drain plug required that I look everywhere, and looking everywhere meant that I couldn't simply rummage about without cleaning up as I went along. So, the morning of search became the morning of clean.
Cabinet one, no plug. Cabinet two, no plug. Nor was there a plug in any bucket, shelf, or place I looked. I did manage to fill five feed bags with stuff to throw away, and I found a nice collection of double end snaps along the way.
I called the tack store, and sure enough, they had the drain plugs I needed. I cleaned myself up a bit as I was covered in grime at that point, and headed off only to run into what looked to be an endless traffic jam on the way into the first little town I needed to drive through. So I took a convoluted detour and got to the store.
I figured I'd pick up some shavings for the stalls but they were out, so I drove to Agway, just a few blocks away and bought four bales there--they had plenty. Home again, I tidied up the barn, unloaded the shavings and, on the brink of exhaustion knee wise, decided to go for a short swim.
It was hot, humid, and sunny. The water felt absolutely wonderful but I only did five laps before riding around the Lazy River a half dozen time, just relaxing.
Dove home, stopping at the WaWa to buy some chocolate milk--just a craving. The gas station there was a madhouse, with tons and tons of cars. Everyone was buying gas before the storm.
Home again, I started the water hoarding. I filled all the tubs, buckets and new barrel out at the barn, as well as two buckets of water in each horse''s stall.
I'm guessing I have water for the horses for perhaps four days now. I may fill some more individual buckets in the barn aisle when I feed in the morning, and I still need to bed Tucker's stall. Of the three, I am going to have to keep him in as the rains blow in. The hurricane seems to be weakening as far as the winds go, but it's still going to bring some heavy rain. It the course doesn't change, we will be not far away from a direct hit, leaving us at the very least, in for a really bad soaking with pretty windy conditions.
I'm about as ready as I can be, so now it's just a matter of "wait and see." Besides, that's about all my sore, worn out body can do right now anyhow.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
What Next, A Hurricane?
You Got It...On the Way
Looks like we are going to get nailed by hurricane Irene. I am miles inland, but that doesn't help too much. If the winds are really bad, trees will go down and that means no power.
Out here in the country, that means no water, as my water comes from my wells and the pumps are electric. I do have a generator that, I think, would run a pump if it gets really bad, but I need to prepare regardless.
The house is not a big issue. I have bottled water on hand and extra water stored in 5 gallon containers. I have a gas stove, so that doesn't need power so I can cook. Food in the refrigerator will keep for several days if don't open it much, and again, the generator would run that for periods of time.
It's water for the horses that worries me. I will fill two outside tubs, add at least one manure tub of water, and fill all the buckets I have. Two, at least in each stall, and the extras, along with the water containers in the horse trailer. That should hold us for a few days, just in case.
I am sure I could find a way to bring water over here from the sandpit across the way if I needed it. All I'd have to do is get permission from the owner who happens to be my hay guy. They might even be able to help me some other way as far as water goes.
The trick of living in the country is to be as self-sufficient as you possibly can be. And that means being prepared for emergencies. I have candles, flashlights and batteries. I will fully charge my laptop, tablet, wifi and, of course, my cell phone so I have light and communication. The laptop might sound a bit strange, but I do get a lot of news and information through the Internet, so with the WiFi connection, I can get online. I won't waste the power posting too much, but I will let my blogging friends know that all is well here.
I keep hoping this storm will change course and go out to sea. It doesn't look too promising, but it's happened before. We can only hope.
Tucker is already stuck inside because we had some more soaking thunderstorms today. I'll put him out in the riding arena tomorrow, but from the forecast, he'll be inside for the bulk of the weekend. I feel bad for him, but I can't risk his losing a shoe at this point because his feet are already on the brink of being too short and if he breaks off any more hoof I don't think Scott would be able to get a new shoe on.
Fortunately, he does not fuss too much about being in.
Looks like we are going to get nailed by hurricane Irene. I am miles inland, but that doesn't help too much. If the winds are really bad, trees will go down and that means no power.
Out here in the country, that means no water, as my water comes from my wells and the pumps are electric. I do have a generator that, I think, would run a pump if it gets really bad, but I need to prepare regardless.
The house is not a big issue. I have bottled water on hand and extra water stored in 5 gallon containers. I have a gas stove, so that doesn't need power so I can cook. Food in the refrigerator will keep for several days if don't open it much, and again, the generator would run that for periods of time.
It's water for the horses that worries me. I will fill two outside tubs, add at least one manure tub of water, and fill all the buckets I have. Two, at least in each stall, and the extras, along with the water containers in the horse trailer. That should hold us for a few days, just in case.
I am sure I could find a way to bring water over here from the sandpit across the way if I needed it. All I'd have to do is get permission from the owner who happens to be my hay guy. They might even be able to help me some other way as far as water goes.
The trick of living in the country is to be as self-sufficient as you possibly can be. And that means being prepared for emergencies. I have candles, flashlights and batteries. I will fully charge my laptop, tablet, wifi and, of course, my cell phone so I have light and communication. The laptop might sound a bit strange, but I do get a lot of news and information through the Internet, so with the WiFi connection, I can get online. I won't waste the power posting too much, but I will let my blogging friends know that all is well here.
I keep hoping this storm will change course and go out to sea. It doesn't look too promising, but it's happened before. We can only hope.
Tucker is already stuck inside because we had some more soaking thunderstorms today. I'll put him out in the riding arena tomorrow, but from the forecast, he'll be inside for the bulk of the weekend. I feel bad for him, but I can't risk his losing a shoe at this point because his feet are already on the brink of being too short and if he breaks off any more hoof I don't think Scott would be able to get a new shoe on.
Fortunately, he does not fuss too much about being in.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Earthquake
And I Thought It Was My Hardboiled Eggs
The earthquake in Virginia was felt all the way up the Eastern Coast, including here in New Jersey.
I was here, sitting at the computer when it hit, just before 2 PM, and I thought that either the hardboiled eggs I was was cooking on the stove and exploded in the pan, or that my cats in the sunroom had toppled something or gotten into a scuffle.
There was a kind of rumbling noise that lasted at most 2 seconds here. DJ, the kitty who was sitting on my lap leapt off and sat rather startled on the floor. As I looked down the hall, I saw Reggie also sitting on the cedar chest in high alert. That kind of clued me that it wasn't cat activity, because they were not looking anywhere that the other cats might be.
I checked the eggs to find that the water had boiled low, but not enough to make the eggs rattle about or explode. It was only later that I found out the earthquake had struck and that explained the noise.
After I thought about it for a while, I realized that shortly before that, Reggie, my black kitty had been sitting at my feet meowing and meowing. I tried petting him and playing with him, but he would not be soothed. I now suspect he was trying to tell me that the quake was about to strike. They do say some animals are very sensitive and that the earth itself gives off vibrations before an earthquake, so I am now claiming he was trying to tell me something was wrong. Bless his little furry face.
The horses were not at all upset when I went out a bit later, so aside from the noise, I don't think there was much action here.
Apparently, the bedrock on the East Coast is more solid than on the West Coast because it has rarely been shaken by quakes, so the vibrations travel farther. This theory is interesting to me because other areas of New Jersey--not too far away--were rocked far longer and with much more vibration than I was. My land lies above an aqufer, as I have noted before. There is a deep layer of sand not too far below the surface and below that rock layers and large underground water pockets. There is also an underground waterway of sorts. What I suspect is that much of the quake was absorbed into those layers of sands and water, kind of "cushioning" any more powerful vibrations.
We are not prone to earthquakes around here, so the big worry is always whether even a relatively minor quake will cause damage to any structures not built to withstand the shaking. I am sad to report that the Washington Monument did suffer some cracks in its upper stone work and will be closed "indefinitely" until assessment and repairs can be made.
Some of my online friends reported things knocked off shelves, but that seems to be about all. West Coast readers will, perhaps scoff at the "big deal" we are making here of the quake, but it is such a rare event on this side of the country that it does stir up a lot of talk.
Now, we are waiting for a hurricane. I am a little concerned about that because Irene's course has changed and it's going to hit New England after passing very close to the New Jersey coastline on its way towards land. While I am inland, the rotating winds on the outside of the storm are often some of the worst, so I am well within that strike area. The forecast is calling for a "Nor'easter" which means heavy rain and wind coming from the rotating winds. Rivers and streams around here are already pretty close to flood stage as it is, so the 6"-9" of rain possible from this storm will not be welcome.
Again, my land is high enough not to flood, but tree damage is a serious threat.
I am not looking forward to early Sunday/late Saturday at all. *sigh*
The earthquake in Virginia was felt all the way up the Eastern Coast, including here in New Jersey.
I was here, sitting at the computer when it hit, just before 2 PM, and I thought that either the hardboiled eggs I was was cooking on the stove and exploded in the pan, or that my cats in the sunroom had toppled something or gotten into a scuffle.
There was a kind of rumbling noise that lasted at most 2 seconds here. DJ, the kitty who was sitting on my lap leapt off and sat rather startled on the floor. As I looked down the hall, I saw Reggie also sitting on the cedar chest in high alert. That kind of clued me that it wasn't cat activity, because they were not looking anywhere that the other cats might be.
I checked the eggs to find that the water had boiled low, but not enough to make the eggs rattle about or explode. It was only later that I found out the earthquake had struck and that explained the noise.
After I thought about it for a while, I realized that shortly before that, Reggie, my black kitty had been sitting at my feet meowing and meowing. I tried petting him and playing with him, but he would not be soothed. I now suspect he was trying to tell me that the quake was about to strike. They do say some animals are very sensitive and that the earth itself gives off vibrations before an earthquake, so I am now claiming he was trying to tell me something was wrong. Bless his little furry face.
The horses were not at all upset when I went out a bit later, so aside from the noise, I don't think there was much action here.
Apparently, the bedrock on the East Coast is more solid than on the West Coast because it has rarely been shaken by quakes, so the vibrations travel farther. This theory is interesting to me because other areas of New Jersey--not too far away--were rocked far longer and with much more vibration than I was. My land lies above an aqufer, as I have noted before. There is a deep layer of sand not too far below the surface and below that rock layers and large underground water pockets. There is also an underground waterway of sorts. What I suspect is that much of the quake was absorbed into those layers of sands and water, kind of "cushioning" any more powerful vibrations.
We are not prone to earthquakes around here, so the big worry is always whether even a relatively minor quake will cause damage to any structures not built to withstand the shaking. I am sad to report that the Washington Monument did suffer some cracks in its upper stone work and will be closed "indefinitely" until assessment and repairs can be made.
Some of my online friends reported things knocked off shelves, but that seems to be about all. West Coast readers will, perhaps scoff at the "big deal" we are making here of the quake, but it is such a rare event on this side of the country that it does stir up a lot of talk.
Now, we are waiting for a hurricane. I am a little concerned about that because Irene's course has changed and it's going to hit New England after passing very close to the New Jersey coastline on its way towards land. While I am inland, the rotating winds on the outside of the storm are often some of the worst, so I am well within that strike area. The forecast is calling for a "Nor'easter" which means heavy rain and wind coming from the rotating winds. Rivers and streams around here are already pretty close to flood stage as it is, so the 6"-9" of rain possible from this storm will not be welcome.
Again, my land is high enough not to flood, but tree damage is a serious threat.
I am not looking forward to early Sunday/late Saturday at all. *sigh*
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Pre Op
Testing, Testing, One Two Three
I drove to Philadelphia yesterday for all my pre operation testing.
From here Philly is about an hour and fifteen minute drive, if you don't hit traffic. Remarkably enough, I didn't hit traffic until I was near the first set of city exits off I-95 and while that lost me perhaps 15 minutes, once I cleared the inexplicable traffic jam, getting to the hospital itself was not too hard. My GPS kept disagreeing with the written directions I had from the hospital, so I compromised between the two and pulled up to the valet parking garage with minutes to spare.
So, what does pre op admissions screening involve? Well, for one, lots of questions. Every nurse or doctor along the way asked me to identify myself with name, address and birthdate. This way, they are sure each time they are filling out paperwork for the right person. Then, an every stop, I had my blood pressure taken. Even with the stress of the moment it was fine each time--I am on medication for hypertension and it seems to work really well.
At the first stop, I had a lot of blood taken for something like eight different tests. I also had an EKG done to check my heart--good too--and someone listened to my lungs and heart. They made lists of the medications I was taking including any vitamins, and, eventually, the anesthesiologist came in to talk to me.
That was the low point of the day. Apparently, I will not be getting a general anesthesia as I've had before for surgery. My doctor is known for efficient knee replacements, so it usually takes him about three hours to do two knees. Despite his speed, this is considered to be a long surgery, so they prefer to go lighter on the anesthesia. Ugh. I will be getting some kind of drug to make me relax and then I'll get an epidural--injection in my spine--to cut off all sensation below the waist. Apparently, I need to be somewhat awake when they administer this. Great. Then, once I am both totally numb and unable to move, I will get some more "relaxing" stuff, and off we go. I may be partially awake during the surgery itself, or I may drift off and go to sleep. I am hoping the latter.....
Once I'm in recovery, they will bring me out of my "twilight" state and I'll be there for perhaps another hour--the epidural is supposed to last about four hours--unable to move as the drug wears off. At that point, I will start to "feel the pain" of the surgical procedure and I'll have my "pump" to use to administer painkillers as I need them.
Oh, Goodie. What fun....not. I must admit, I am a little freaked out about this aspect of the surgery.
When I had my hysterectomy, I had the morphine pump and used it on the second day, when my shoulder began to hurt so badly. By the third day, I was sick to my stomach all day. I'm not keen about taking morphine because of that. I also am pretty sure I had a bad reaction to it when I broke my wrist. So I guess I need to tell them at the hospital before I have my surgery that this might be a problem.
Anyhow, after that disturbing bit of news, off I went to the cardiologist for another consultation. He checked me out and said everything looked great for double replacement surgery. Apparently, all patients are not good candidates for this. He said my doctor is particularly conservative in selecting patients for bilateral replacements, and usually, once he sends someone for testing, it's pretty sure that patient will qualify just fine, and he said I was no exception. He said my swimming was a great idea and that most teachers were highly motivated people so that both were an added plus for a good recovery.
Nice. I needed an "upper" about then.
I stopped at a nice little deli for lunch--recommended by the nurse at the cardiologist--and had a really good grilled chicken an avocado salad. Since I was next going to donate blood for my surgery, I was supposed to be sure to eat.
That left nearly two hours before my blood donation. I'm not sure what sights or stores might have been in the area, but I decided to sit in the hospital lobby to read my book rather than wander about the city. My knees were bothering me anyhow, so if I'd gone too far, I might well have regretted it. After about a half hour, I decided to find the blood donation room to see if there was any way they could take me earlier.
A little "wending my way" about the hospital and I found the spot. Sure enough, early was fine, so an hour before my scheduled appointment I was hooked up and surrendering a pint of blood. The hospital was running an internal blood drive as well, offering tee shirts and meal ticket incentives to hospital employees, so I had plenty of company in the room. We all chatted a bit in between our book reading.
I was done and on my way in about 45 minutes.
Parking, even with the courtesy discount was still $14 for the day and I tipped the valet another $2. With lunch, my insurance co-pay at the cardiologist, and my iced tea and doughnut on the way home, the day cost me about $40. Not too bad since I managed to avoid any tolls on the road by the route I took.
My GPS had a mind of its own on the way home. Something must have gone a bit wrong when I first plugged in the command for "home." I was driving through city streets going no where. At a stop light, I reprogrammed the "fastest route" option, then hit "home" again, and suddenly, it directed me off to the right--where I knew Route 95 was lurking, and with a bit of a "take a U-turn" and a little sensible interpretation on my part, I finally made my way to Route 95 north and headed home.
I made it back in time to attend the EVA (our local conservation group) meeting where we were discussing our involvement in the future of the farm we helped preserve.
Then I drove home to feed the Boys and collapse on the couch to watch TV for the evening. Enough done for one day, I think.
Now it's a matter of getting ready for the Big Day.
Mixed feelings here. On one hand I am really looking forward to the prospect of actually having good knees again. On the other, it's a little scary.
I drove to Philadelphia yesterday for all my pre operation testing.
From here Philly is about an hour and fifteen minute drive, if you don't hit traffic. Remarkably enough, I didn't hit traffic until I was near the first set of city exits off I-95 and while that lost me perhaps 15 minutes, once I cleared the inexplicable traffic jam, getting to the hospital itself was not too hard. My GPS kept disagreeing with the written directions I had from the hospital, so I compromised between the two and pulled up to the valet parking garage with minutes to spare.
So, what does pre op admissions screening involve? Well, for one, lots of questions. Every nurse or doctor along the way asked me to identify myself with name, address and birthdate. This way, they are sure each time they are filling out paperwork for the right person. Then, an every stop, I had my blood pressure taken. Even with the stress of the moment it was fine each time--I am on medication for hypertension and it seems to work really well.
At the first stop, I had a lot of blood taken for something like eight different tests. I also had an EKG done to check my heart--good too--and someone listened to my lungs and heart. They made lists of the medications I was taking including any vitamins, and, eventually, the anesthesiologist came in to talk to me.
That was the low point of the day. Apparently, I will not be getting a general anesthesia as I've had before for surgery. My doctor is known for efficient knee replacements, so it usually takes him about three hours to do two knees. Despite his speed, this is considered to be a long surgery, so they prefer to go lighter on the anesthesia. Ugh. I will be getting some kind of drug to make me relax and then I'll get an epidural--injection in my spine--to cut off all sensation below the waist. Apparently, I need to be somewhat awake when they administer this. Great. Then, once I am both totally numb and unable to move, I will get some more "relaxing" stuff, and off we go. I may be partially awake during the surgery itself, or I may drift off and go to sleep. I am hoping the latter.....
Once I'm in recovery, they will bring me out of my "twilight" state and I'll be there for perhaps another hour--the epidural is supposed to last about four hours--unable to move as the drug wears off. At that point, I will start to "feel the pain" of the surgical procedure and I'll have my "pump" to use to administer painkillers as I need them.
Oh, Goodie. What fun....not. I must admit, I am a little freaked out about this aspect of the surgery.
When I had my hysterectomy, I had the morphine pump and used it on the second day, when my shoulder began to hurt so badly. By the third day, I was sick to my stomach all day. I'm not keen about taking morphine because of that. I also am pretty sure I had a bad reaction to it when I broke my wrist. So I guess I need to tell them at the hospital before I have my surgery that this might be a problem.
Anyhow, after that disturbing bit of news, off I went to the cardiologist for another consultation. He checked me out and said everything looked great for double replacement surgery. Apparently, all patients are not good candidates for this. He said my doctor is particularly conservative in selecting patients for bilateral replacements, and usually, once he sends someone for testing, it's pretty sure that patient will qualify just fine, and he said I was no exception. He said my swimming was a great idea and that most teachers were highly motivated people so that both were an added plus for a good recovery.
Nice. I needed an "upper" about then.
I stopped at a nice little deli for lunch--recommended by the nurse at the cardiologist--and had a really good grilled chicken an avocado salad. Since I was next going to donate blood for my surgery, I was supposed to be sure to eat.
That left nearly two hours before my blood donation. I'm not sure what sights or stores might have been in the area, but I decided to sit in the hospital lobby to read my book rather than wander about the city. My knees were bothering me anyhow, so if I'd gone too far, I might well have regretted it. After about a half hour, I decided to find the blood donation room to see if there was any way they could take me earlier.
A little "wending my way" about the hospital and I found the spot. Sure enough, early was fine, so an hour before my scheduled appointment I was hooked up and surrendering a pint of blood. The hospital was running an internal blood drive as well, offering tee shirts and meal ticket incentives to hospital employees, so I had plenty of company in the room. We all chatted a bit in between our book reading.
I was done and on my way in about 45 minutes.
Parking, even with the courtesy discount was still $14 for the day and I tipped the valet another $2. With lunch, my insurance co-pay at the cardiologist, and my iced tea and doughnut on the way home, the day cost me about $40. Not too bad since I managed to avoid any tolls on the road by the route I took.
My GPS had a mind of its own on the way home. Something must have gone a bit wrong when I first plugged in the command for "home." I was driving through city streets going no where. At a stop light, I reprogrammed the "fastest route" option, then hit "home" again, and suddenly, it directed me off to the right--where I knew Route 95 was lurking, and with a bit of a "take a U-turn" and a little sensible interpretation on my part, I finally made my way to Route 95 north and headed home.
I made it back in time to attend the EVA (our local conservation group) meeting where we were discussing our involvement in the future of the farm we helped preserve.
Then I drove home to feed the Boys and collapse on the couch to watch TV for the evening. Enough done for one day, I think.
Now it's a matter of getting ready for the Big Day.
Mixed feelings here. On one hand I am really looking forward to the prospect of actually having good knees again. On the other, it's a little scary.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Shoes On
Tucker is Back In Action
Well, not exactly as he is still in his stall because the mud is still pretty muddy. Scott put his shoes on--not easy since one hoof was pretty broken in the wall.
I am going to wait a bit and then turn him out in the riding arena where there is sand for footing. Trouble is, we may have more storms coming over the next couple days, then a few days of dry and then more storms. I have a feeling his turnout will be limited for a while.
There is the run in shed out there and I will make sure he has water as well as hay available, so it won't be so bad, but it's far from being able to just hang around as he pleases. My big worry is the darn big flies. I don't know if they will follow him into the run-in or not. I guess I am just going to have to put him out there and keep an eye on him.
I will be keeping him in at night until the ground dries out. Usually, this time of year this is not a problem. But we have had over 10 inches of rain over the last week or so and the ground is saturated. Bummer.
And, of course I am not riding, so turnout is basically the only exercise the Boys get. I may, however, start to lunge Tucker just to make up for his confinement time.
At least I can do that now.
Well, not exactly as he is still in his stall because the mud is still pretty muddy. Scott put his shoes on--not easy since one hoof was pretty broken in the wall.
I am going to wait a bit and then turn him out in the riding arena where there is sand for footing. Trouble is, we may have more storms coming over the next couple days, then a few days of dry and then more storms. I have a feeling his turnout will be limited for a while.
There is the run in shed out there and I will make sure he has water as well as hay available, so it won't be so bad, but it's far from being able to just hang around as he pleases. My big worry is the darn big flies. I don't know if they will follow him into the run-in or not. I guess I am just going to have to put him out there and keep an eye on him.
I will be keeping him in at night until the ground dries out. Usually, this time of year this is not a problem. But we have had over 10 inches of rain over the last week or so and the ground is saturated. Bummer.
And, of course I am not riding, so turnout is basically the only exercise the Boys get. I may, however, start to lunge Tucker just to make up for his confinement time.
At least I can do that now.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Barefoot Boy and Not Good
The Attack of the B52
I put Tucker out on the lawn for a bit of a graze since he's been in his stall due to the missing shoe.
I had to wrap his foot in vetrap and duct tape to protect it since none of the boots I had fit. For some reason his toe is too long to fit even in the Cavello boot which usually is fine. I had two EasyBoot gloves as well, and neither of them went on either.
So out he went into the nice grass for, I figured about an hour. With a nearly two days of sun, the lawn was pretty dry, although I did expect he would make some hoofprints. No problem. I can cope.
What I did not expect was the attacking B52. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a "B52" is my name for one of those HUGE horseflies that bite like crazy. The darn things are at least an inch long, and, I swear, they have vampire fangs.
Desptite his flysheet and flyspray, Tuck went bonkers when the fly dive bombed him. He bucked off across to the paddock gate, I'd guess hoping to get into the barn for refuge, but, of course, the gate was closed. I guess that took the fly off course because then everything quieted down.
But, in that single spurt of drama...guess what? Tuck pulled his other front shoe off.
No mud--just a leaping buck or two or three.
OK, well at least he's even in front for now. That shoe had to be loose or it never would have come off.
I don't know when Scott is coming, but hopefully soon. I hate having Tucker stuck in and, at the moment, I don't even have hoof boots to put on him so he can get out a little.
Turnout is so important. I know there are many horses that spend hours a day inside the barn, but there is no way I can believe it's good for them. Nature created a wandering, grazing animal in the horse. Their bodies are designed to move their minds instinctively want to have the freedom to flee from danger--or simply to move as well.
Fortunately, Tucker tolerates "captivity" pretty well, so he doesn't fuss by being in. An this time of year, the Boys do tend to spend a lot of time hanging out in the stalls with the fans rather than wandering about outside, so it's not quite as bad as it might be.
Still.
Wish he could go barefoot, but everytime I have tried, he has come up with a long term lameness. He's just one of those horses that needs shoes and simply doesn't like to keep them on.
I put Tucker out on the lawn for a bit of a graze since he's been in his stall due to the missing shoe.
I had to wrap his foot in vetrap and duct tape to protect it since none of the boots I had fit. For some reason his toe is too long to fit even in the Cavello boot which usually is fine. I had two EasyBoot gloves as well, and neither of them went on either.
So out he went into the nice grass for, I figured about an hour. With a nearly two days of sun, the lawn was pretty dry, although I did expect he would make some hoofprints. No problem. I can cope.
What I did not expect was the attacking B52. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a "B52" is my name for one of those HUGE horseflies that bite like crazy. The darn things are at least an inch long, and, I swear, they have vampire fangs.
Desptite his flysheet and flyspray, Tuck went bonkers when the fly dive bombed him. He bucked off across to the paddock gate, I'd guess hoping to get into the barn for refuge, but, of course, the gate was closed. I guess that took the fly off course because then everything quieted down.
But, in that single spurt of drama...guess what? Tuck pulled his other front shoe off.
No mud--just a leaping buck or two or three.
OK, well at least he's even in front for now. That shoe had to be loose or it never would have come off.
I don't know when Scott is coming, but hopefully soon. I hate having Tucker stuck in and, at the moment, I don't even have hoof boots to put on him so he can get out a little.
Turnout is so important. I know there are many horses that spend hours a day inside the barn, but there is no way I can believe it's good for them. Nature created a wandering, grazing animal in the horse. Their bodies are designed to move their minds instinctively want to have the freedom to flee from danger--or simply to move as well.
Fortunately, Tucker tolerates "captivity" pretty well, so he doesn't fuss by being in. An this time of year, the Boys do tend to spend a lot of time hanging out in the stalls with the fans rather than wandering about outside, so it's not quite as bad as it might be.
Still.
Wish he could go barefoot, but everytime I have tried, he has come up with a long term lameness. He's just one of those horses that needs shoes and simply doesn't like to keep them on.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Shoeeet!
Well, It Is Wet--Very Wet
And I suppose I should have kept Tucker in, but the first downpours kind of caught me off guard.
Still. I had to abide a lecture by my farrier, Scott, about turning the Boy out in the muck. Or shall I say the lakes. To say that we had rain is an understatement. We had torrential rain, and it's not over yet.
The weather information is that locally we had over 7 inches of rain. 7.45 measured in East Brunswick which is about a mile from here. I don't have a rain gauge out right now, so I cannot verify that, but from the looks of things, I'd suspect that's pretty close to what we had. And the forecast calls for more to come.
Once more, I bless my little hill and the good drainage of the sandy loam soil and the aquifer below. But there is enough mud to pull shoes, and, of course, that's what Tucker did. The combination of wet hoofs, mud, and his short backed conformation/slight clubfoot make for a difficult situation.
So, for now, he is in his stall, awaiting Scott, who is not too happy about it. Nor am I.
Every time it rains I have to watch Tucker's feet. And long time readers of my blog know that I tried the shoeless option with no success. We ended up with long term unsoundness from either bruises or abscesses.
Fortunately, Tucker does not fuss too much about being in his stall. Right now the weather is still unsettled with more storms coming in. And, in the summer, all three Boys tend to hang out more in the barn than out. I hate keeping any horse in, but in this case, there is no choice. Once the shoe is back on and it dries up he will be able to go out.
I guess I will be going back to restricting his turnout again. That will mean keeping him in the riding arena when it's wet out. The footing in there still gets soggy, but it is sand, not mud, so there's less chance of shoes off.
The other Boys don't care much. Toby is perfectly happy because he is out and doesn't have to contend with Tucker's trying to steal his grain when he's not looking. Chance is so laid back about things, he doesn't have an opinion one way or another, except that is just means more apples for him. I did see Tucker out under the apple tree the other day, so I suspect there was some competition for the fallen fruit. Now, unless Toby decides to join in, Chance gets the bulk of the spoils.
I hate to think that the kind of rain we've been getting is the norm in precipitation. It is, unfortunately, the same pattern we had through the winter months last year. And here's the worry--in inch of rain can mean as much as 10 inches of dry snow and 5 inches of wet snow. Even if you average that out at a 1:7 ratio, we'd be under a blanket of nearly 50 inches of snow from the last few days' precipitation.
This will be the last time I complain about the summer temperatures. (Yeah, sure.....)
No swimming today. I didn't need a pool anyhow. I could've swum in the air.
And I suppose I should have kept Tucker in, but the first downpours kind of caught me off guard.
Still. I had to abide a lecture by my farrier, Scott, about turning the Boy out in the muck. Or shall I say the lakes. To say that we had rain is an understatement. We had torrential rain, and it's not over yet.
The weather information is that locally we had over 7 inches of rain. 7.45 measured in East Brunswick which is about a mile from here. I don't have a rain gauge out right now, so I cannot verify that, but from the looks of things, I'd suspect that's pretty close to what we had. And the forecast calls for more to come.
Once more, I bless my little hill and the good drainage of the sandy loam soil and the aquifer below. But there is enough mud to pull shoes, and, of course, that's what Tucker did. The combination of wet hoofs, mud, and his short backed conformation/slight clubfoot make for a difficult situation.
So, for now, he is in his stall, awaiting Scott, who is not too happy about it. Nor am I.
Every time it rains I have to watch Tucker's feet. And long time readers of my blog know that I tried the shoeless option with no success. We ended up with long term unsoundness from either bruises or abscesses.
Fortunately, Tucker does not fuss too much about being in his stall. Right now the weather is still unsettled with more storms coming in. And, in the summer, all three Boys tend to hang out more in the barn than out. I hate keeping any horse in, but in this case, there is no choice. Once the shoe is back on and it dries up he will be able to go out.
I guess I will be going back to restricting his turnout again. That will mean keeping him in the riding arena when it's wet out. The footing in there still gets soggy, but it is sand, not mud, so there's less chance of shoes off.
The other Boys don't care much. Toby is perfectly happy because he is out and doesn't have to contend with Tucker's trying to steal his grain when he's not looking. Chance is so laid back about things, he doesn't have an opinion one way or another, except that is just means more apples for him. I did see Tucker out under the apple tree the other day, so I suspect there was some competition for the fallen fruit. Now, unless Toby decides to join in, Chance gets the bulk of the spoils.
I hate to think that the kind of rain we've been getting is the norm in precipitation. It is, unfortunately, the same pattern we had through the winter months last year. And here's the worry--in inch of rain can mean as much as 10 inches of dry snow and 5 inches of wet snow. Even if you average that out at a 1:7 ratio, we'd be under a blanket of nearly 50 inches of snow from the last few days' precipitation.
This will be the last time I complain about the summer temperatures. (Yeah, sure.....)
No swimming today. I didn't need a pool anyhow. I could've swum in the air.
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Cost of Feed
Prices on the Rise?
Hard to say for sure, but I bought alfalfa cubes today at Tractor Supply and the price had gone up $1.50 a bag since my last purchase...just a few weeks ago. Is this foreshadowing of things to come?
When I switched to Purina Healthy Edge--high fat, low carbohydrate--I expected to pay a bit more than for a less speciailized feed. I was first using the Country Acres feeds--also a Purina product, but more generic. Then I switched to Triple Crown Low starch, and eventually ended up with the Healthy Edge. I think when I first started, the feed was $12.99 a 50 lb. bag. I it up to $15.99 now.
I am not sure what is inflating the price the most. The field corn producers are selling their corn to agri fuel companies, which does have an impact on the animal feed industry. I would also guess that the weather in the midwest is causing some issues. And what about the cost of transportation? With gas/diesel prices rising, it costs more and more to ship the product.
So far, my hay prices are still at $6.75 a bale for a nice mixed hay. My supplier is just across the street and delivers, unloads, and stacks it for me. That makes the price a real bargain. There may be cheaper hay right off the field locally, but I'm better off with this price and arrangement. Still, I used to be able to get good hay for around $3.00 a bale and I was paying around $5.00 not too long ago. Of all the feed stuff, I guess hay is the easiest to shop around for bargains--at least here in New Jersey. Farmers do make deals sometimes, and even my supplier gave me a discount when he had leftover supplies last year.
I am sure some of my readers pay more for feed and some pay less. It does vary from one part of the country to another and here, even from one part of the State to another.
But the "sticker shock" of today's alfalfa cube purchase sticks with me. I went to Tractor Supply expecting a savings of about $12 for three bags over my closer feed store. That savings was cut to $4.50 instead and with the price of gas at $3.50 a gallon, I'm not sure the extra driving miles didn't cost me most of that.
Then again, I haven't priced the cubes at my feed store since a few weeks ago either. Maybe, when I do, I will discover I actually did save what I'd anticipated.
All I know is that the Boys were happy to get their cubes at lunchtime instead of with breakfast. And extra feeding always appeals to them.
But I made the mistake of leaving Tucker's interior stall gate unlatched and when I went out to feed dinner just now, I had to clean the aisle of the barn where Toby and Tucker had spent at least a part of the day knocking things around and generally "redecorating." On the plus side, from the looks of things, Chance was not involved in their efforts. If he had been, I would have needed to do a lot more work trying to set things right again.
Oh yes...and nothing was ripped up.....
Hard to say for sure, but I bought alfalfa cubes today at Tractor Supply and the price had gone up $1.50 a bag since my last purchase...just a few weeks ago. Is this foreshadowing of things to come?
When I switched to Purina Healthy Edge--high fat, low carbohydrate--I expected to pay a bit more than for a less speciailized feed. I was first using the Country Acres feeds--also a Purina product, but more generic. Then I switched to Triple Crown Low starch, and eventually ended up with the Healthy Edge. I think when I first started, the feed was $12.99 a 50 lb. bag. I it up to $15.99 now.
I am not sure what is inflating the price the most. The field corn producers are selling their corn to agri fuel companies, which does have an impact on the animal feed industry. I would also guess that the weather in the midwest is causing some issues. And what about the cost of transportation? With gas/diesel prices rising, it costs more and more to ship the product.
So far, my hay prices are still at $6.75 a bale for a nice mixed hay. My supplier is just across the street and delivers, unloads, and stacks it for me. That makes the price a real bargain. There may be cheaper hay right off the field locally, but I'm better off with this price and arrangement. Still, I used to be able to get good hay for around $3.00 a bale and I was paying around $5.00 not too long ago. Of all the feed stuff, I guess hay is the easiest to shop around for bargains--at least here in New Jersey. Farmers do make deals sometimes, and even my supplier gave me a discount when he had leftover supplies last year.
I am sure some of my readers pay more for feed and some pay less. It does vary from one part of the country to another and here, even from one part of the State to another.
But the "sticker shock" of today's alfalfa cube purchase sticks with me. I went to Tractor Supply expecting a savings of about $12 for three bags over my closer feed store. That savings was cut to $4.50 instead and with the price of gas at $3.50 a gallon, I'm not sure the extra driving miles didn't cost me most of that.
Then again, I haven't priced the cubes at my feed store since a few weeks ago either. Maybe, when I do, I will discover I actually did save what I'd anticipated.
All I know is that the Boys were happy to get their cubes at lunchtime instead of with breakfast. And extra feeding always appeals to them.
But I made the mistake of leaving Tucker's interior stall gate unlatched and when I went out to feed dinner just now, I had to clean the aisle of the barn where Toby and Tucker had spent at least a part of the day knocking things around and generally "redecorating." On the plus side, from the looks of things, Chance was not involved in their efforts. If he had been, I would have needed to do a lot more work trying to set things right again.
Oh yes...and nothing was ripped up.....
Monday, August 08, 2011
Busy Bee
Busy Me
Someone else said, "Why is it you go for weeks with nothing to do and then suddenly, you are busy every day?" Well, not quite, but I suddenly found myself finding things to do all at once.
I gave a concert on Sunday in Pennsylvania, so that took up a good part of the day since it was a just about a two hour drive out. It was at a senior center where my choir director's mother-in-law lives. It is a lovely facility. We were treated to dinner and then performed the "Child's Garden of Verses" songs. Fun stuff.
We rehearsed on Thursday night and I had a chiropractor appointment on Friday. Then, Saturday, I suddenly realized the County Fair was going on, so, of course, I had to go. It was similar to most years, with lots of nice exhibits including the 4-H horses, small animals, sheep, goats, some cattle, and even some llamas. Some of the crafts, artwork, and needlework projects on display were absolutely amazing. There is such talent in our local area.
When I got home last night from the concert, I got a call from a friend whose car had broken down. She needed a ride to do some errands this morning. So I was off again.
That left the afternoon for a nice swim. I've actually been swimming nearly every day, so that's not too much of a novelty, but it does add to the "busy."
I still have to get my truck registration renewed and then get the truck inspected. I need to go see my hay guys, go get some alfalfa cubes, and then go to the chiropractor again this week. Meantime, I am making some headway cleaning the house. I guess I will be read when it's time for my knees.
I am a bit surprised to see the Boys out in the pasture on some of these hot days. I'm glad, but they had been hanging out in the barn by the fans when it was hot before. I'm wondering if the "bug" pattern changes as the summer goes on. We've had a fair amount of rain, so it's certainly not what I'd call dry. For some reason, they actually seem happy wandering around outside.
Of course, Chance has an ulterior motive. The apples are falling from the trees now and then, and he's always on the lookout for a treat. Clever boy.
Someone else said, "Why is it you go for weeks with nothing to do and then suddenly, you are busy every day?" Well, not quite, but I suddenly found myself finding things to do all at once.
I gave a concert on Sunday in Pennsylvania, so that took up a good part of the day since it was a just about a two hour drive out. It was at a senior center where my choir director's mother-in-law lives. It is a lovely facility. We were treated to dinner and then performed the "Child's Garden of Verses" songs. Fun stuff.
We rehearsed on Thursday night and I had a chiropractor appointment on Friday. Then, Saturday, I suddenly realized the County Fair was going on, so, of course, I had to go. It was similar to most years, with lots of nice exhibits including the 4-H horses, small animals, sheep, goats, some cattle, and even some llamas. Some of the crafts, artwork, and needlework projects on display were absolutely amazing. There is such talent in our local area.
When I got home last night from the concert, I got a call from a friend whose car had broken down. She needed a ride to do some errands this morning. So I was off again.
That left the afternoon for a nice swim. I've actually been swimming nearly every day, so that's not too much of a novelty, but it does add to the "busy."
I still have to get my truck registration renewed and then get the truck inspected. I need to go see my hay guys, go get some alfalfa cubes, and then go to the chiropractor again this week. Meantime, I am making some headway cleaning the house. I guess I will be read when it's time for my knees.
I am a bit surprised to see the Boys out in the pasture on some of these hot days. I'm glad, but they had been hanging out in the barn by the fans when it was hot before. I'm wondering if the "bug" pattern changes as the summer goes on. We've had a fair amount of rain, so it's certainly not what I'd call dry. For some reason, they actually seem happy wandering around outside.
Of course, Chance has an ulterior motive. The apples are falling from the trees now and then, and he's always on the lookout for a treat. Clever boy.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Nothing of Note
Hot and Humid and a Bit of a Rant
Again the heat and humidity are building after a day or two of nice weather. It was nice for the County Fair that's been going on this week. I really need to drop over for a quick visit. Walking is worse every day with my knees, but I should be able to manage a hike around the fairgrounds.
Swimming's been good with nice water temperatures and not too many crowds. I guess families are on vacation this month. There are plenty of people at the pool, but not as many as were there in July.
The Boys are all fine as far as I can tell. When I went out for late feed yesterday, they were all out in the pasture and not at all interested in coming in. So I just put hay in their stalls and no grain. No point in putting hard feed out for free choice feeding. Tucker will find it and eat everyone's portion, and heaven knows, he surely doesn't need it.
I loaned my friends one of my Ansur saddles for a try. She rides endurance and, while she has a saddle that fits her horse well, she has had some saddle issues in the past. I will be interested to see if the Ansur works for her. She has two lovely Arabs--one for her husband and one for herself. They both completed a 50 mile ride last weekend and have one scheduled in another week or so. I can't quite picture myself lasting that long in the saddle, but I have to admit, every time I see pictures from one of their rides, I keep thinking how wonderful it would be to ride some of those trails.
I realize now that my knees have had more of in impact on my riding than I realized. I was often in pain when I was in the saddle. Mounting and dismounting were always a tricky deal, and walking afterwards hurt too. I am hoping that after the surgery, things will be a lot easier for me. I'm not very much interested in competing again, although I might want to take Chance in a dressage test at least once. Competition costs are expensive and all the effort it takes to just get ready for a show doesn't seem worth it, unless you have a horse that's talented enough to show well against the "big boys."
Frustrating, in a way. I used to compete in the hunter circuit and did really well. But as time went on, more and more politics started to move in as more and more money poured into the horses. People began to spend tons of money to buy horses that would win, leaving us "backyard" riders no divisions to compete in on a level playing field. I moved on to eventing, which was a lot of fun--winning again at times but mostly just enjoying the rides. Then, I started finding myself overfaced and I lost my nerve. At the same time, many of the "rider friendly" events fell to financial issues and the offering of "fun" competitions dried up. The rules changed, heights of jumps elevated, and I realized there was no way I could still compete with a smile on my face instead of a grimace.
So, I moved on to dressage.A moderately new discipline to the riding world around here, there were plenty of schooling shows, and once again, fun competitions to ride in when I started. Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost, but all in all, I always felt that when I went into the arena, I at least had a chance to do well. But dressage grew in popularity too. And now, like the hunter circuit, it's become a "big money" sport. Expensive warmbloods dominate the arenas. My best test will rarely score as well as a good moving warmblood's test of the same caliber, "just because." While I have long ago learned not to ride for anyone but myself and to set goals other than pinning in a class, it does take the fun out of it when you know you have little chance at all of earning a ribbon in a show you've spent well over a hundred dollars to compete in. I mean, it's nice to hold up a 60+% score for a class as a mark of achievement, but that darn ribbon makes it even nicer.
I simply do not have the finances to enjoy showing at this point. Spending money to have a judge give me a "0" on a leg yield (It happened and I have a photograph of that movement proving I did do a leg yield) just isn't my idea of good value for a dollar. My horses are interesting to ride, interesting to train, but not that most talented dressage horses on the planet. And if I could afford one of the most talented dressage horses on the planet, I'm not even sure what I'd do with him.
Do you think Totilas or Ravel would make a good trail horse?
Again the heat and humidity are building after a day or two of nice weather. It was nice for the County Fair that's been going on this week. I really need to drop over for a quick visit. Walking is worse every day with my knees, but I should be able to manage a hike around the fairgrounds.
Swimming's been good with nice water temperatures and not too many crowds. I guess families are on vacation this month. There are plenty of people at the pool, but not as many as were there in July.
The Boys are all fine as far as I can tell. When I went out for late feed yesterday, they were all out in the pasture and not at all interested in coming in. So I just put hay in their stalls and no grain. No point in putting hard feed out for free choice feeding. Tucker will find it and eat everyone's portion, and heaven knows, he surely doesn't need it.
I loaned my friends one of my Ansur saddles for a try. She rides endurance and, while she has a saddle that fits her horse well, she has had some saddle issues in the past. I will be interested to see if the Ansur works for her. She has two lovely Arabs--one for her husband and one for herself. They both completed a 50 mile ride last weekend and have one scheduled in another week or so. I can't quite picture myself lasting that long in the saddle, but I have to admit, every time I see pictures from one of their rides, I keep thinking how wonderful it would be to ride some of those trails.
I realize now that my knees have had more of in impact on my riding than I realized. I was often in pain when I was in the saddle. Mounting and dismounting were always a tricky deal, and walking afterwards hurt too. I am hoping that after the surgery, things will be a lot easier for me. I'm not very much interested in competing again, although I might want to take Chance in a dressage test at least once. Competition costs are expensive and all the effort it takes to just get ready for a show doesn't seem worth it, unless you have a horse that's talented enough to show well against the "big boys."
Frustrating, in a way. I used to compete in the hunter circuit and did really well. But as time went on, more and more politics started to move in as more and more money poured into the horses. People began to spend tons of money to buy horses that would win, leaving us "backyard" riders no divisions to compete in on a level playing field. I moved on to eventing, which was a lot of fun--winning again at times but mostly just enjoying the rides. Then, I started finding myself overfaced and I lost my nerve. At the same time, many of the "rider friendly" events fell to financial issues and the offering of "fun" competitions dried up. The rules changed, heights of jumps elevated, and I realized there was no way I could still compete with a smile on my face instead of a grimace.
So, I moved on to dressage.A moderately new discipline to the riding world around here, there were plenty of schooling shows, and once again, fun competitions to ride in when I started. Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost, but all in all, I always felt that when I went into the arena, I at least had a chance to do well. But dressage grew in popularity too. And now, like the hunter circuit, it's become a "big money" sport. Expensive warmbloods dominate the arenas. My best test will rarely score as well as a good moving warmblood's test of the same caliber, "just because." While I have long ago learned not to ride for anyone but myself and to set goals other than pinning in a class, it does take the fun out of it when you know you have little chance at all of earning a ribbon in a show you've spent well over a hundred dollars to compete in. I mean, it's nice to hold up a 60+% score for a class as a mark of achievement, but that darn ribbon makes it even nicer.
I simply do not have the finances to enjoy showing at this point. Spending money to have a judge give me a "0" on a leg yield (It happened and I have a photograph of that movement proving I did do a leg yield) just isn't my idea of good value for a dollar. My horses are interesting to ride, interesting to train, but not that most talented dressage horses on the planet. And if I could afford one of the most talented dressage horses on the planet, I'm not even sure what I'd do with him.
Do you think Totilas or Ravel would make a good trail horse?
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
A Full Day
In Between the Showers
I went to meet an Ansur client this morning. It should have been a relatively uncomplicated trip, but darn if I didn't get stuck in traffic in two of the small towns I had to pass through on my way. What should have been a 45 minute or so trip was more like an hour and a half. I ended up stopping for lunch on the way home--a much shorter drive.
Once home, I debated on my activities for the rest of the day. Rain was in the forecast, and sure enough, the sky clouded over and it started to sprinkle. But, it also got a whole lot cooler.
I've been putting off mowing the lawn because of the heat, so this was an opportunity not to be missed. Out I went to tackle what was beginning to look like a hay field. There is cut grass all over the place, but it does look so much better.
But then, I was overcome by "mower power" and decided to head out to the paddocks. I have lots of weeds. I drove around rather madly for another hour or so, cutting much, but certainly not all, of the weedy growth in the paddocks around the barn and bit in the front area of the pasture. My fence on the west side of the property is completely overgrown with weeds, bushes, briers, and even some small trees from my neighbor's overflowing property next door. To say things are out of control is an understatement. But as my fence man pointed out a few years ago, the undergrowth is an added security measure for the fenceline--if you could see the fence line. If I can ever get the money together, I would hire a brush clearing company to do all my fences, but for now, I have to surrender to nature.
The Boys thought the mowing was greatly exciting and put on a galloping bucking show. Chance seemed to delight in galloping madly in the places I'd mowed, I guess just to enjoy the weedless spaces. Tucker and Toby were not quite as enthusiastic, but they did a bit of frolicking too. Fortunately they stayed away from the mower and me, which was a good thing, as that might have become dangerous. I had my hand ready at the switch to shut off the mower should they come near, but all was well. They had started off in the far pasture when I was working, but I guess the allure of "something new in the paddocks" was simply too much to bear.
It was raining off and on while I mowed, and when I was done, I was feeling pretty soggy.
So, what better solution to being wet than to get wetter!! I headed off to the pool. No thunder or lightning so they were open. There weren't many people there, and the air had gotten downright chilly. But the water was wonderful! It was warm but not too warm and felt great. I did my laps and my leg exercises and headed in for a hot shower just as the rain started to come down again. Nothing bad, but enough to keep me wet.
Coming home to change into dry clothes felt pretty darn good this time.
I went to meet an Ansur client this morning. It should have been a relatively uncomplicated trip, but darn if I didn't get stuck in traffic in two of the small towns I had to pass through on my way. What should have been a 45 minute or so trip was more like an hour and a half. I ended up stopping for lunch on the way home--a much shorter drive.
Once home, I debated on my activities for the rest of the day. Rain was in the forecast, and sure enough, the sky clouded over and it started to sprinkle. But, it also got a whole lot cooler.
I've been putting off mowing the lawn because of the heat, so this was an opportunity not to be missed. Out I went to tackle what was beginning to look like a hay field. There is cut grass all over the place, but it does look so much better.
But then, I was overcome by "mower power" and decided to head out to the paddocks. I have lots of weeds. I drove around rather madly for another hour or so, cutting much, but certainly not all, of the weedy growth in the paddocks around the barn and bit in the front area of the pasture. My fence on the west side of the property is completely overgrown with weeds, bushes, briers, and even some small trees from my neighbor's overflowing property next door. To say things are out of control is an understatement. But as my fence man pointed out a few years ago, the undergrowth is an added security measure for the fenceline--if you could see the fence line. If I can ever get the money together, I would hire a brush clearing company to do all my fences, but for now, I have to surrender to nature.
The Boys thought the mowing was greatly exciting and put on a galloping bucking show. Chance seemed to delight in galloping madly in the places I'd mowed, I guess just to enjoy the weedless spaces. Tucker and Toby were not quite as enthusiastic, but they did a bit of frolicking too. Fortunately they stayed away from the mower and me, which was a good thing, as that might have become dangerous. I had my hand ready at the switch to shut off the mower should they come near, but all was well. They had started off in the far pasture when I was working, but I guess the allure of "something new in the paddocks" was simply too much to bear.
It was raining off and on while I mowed, and when I was done, I was feeling pretty soggy.
So, what better solution to being wet than to get wetter!! I headed off to the pool. No thunder or lightning so they were open. There weren't many people there, and the air had gotten downright chilly. But the water was wonderful! It was warm but not too warm and felt great. I did my laps and my leg exercises and headed in for a hot shower just as the rain started to come down again. Nothing bad, but enough to keep me wet.
Coming home to change into dry clothes felt pretty darn good this time.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Great Book Gone Digital
Led by the Grey
Peter DeCosemo has written a novel, "Led by the Grey." It is an absolutely enchanting book and it kept me totally involved from start to finish. I just received a note from Peter letting me know the book is now available in digital format--hard copies are difficult to come by.
Here is his message:
Peter DeCosemo has written a novel, "Led by the Grey." It is an absolutely enchanting book and it kept me totally involved from start to finish. I just received a note from Peter letting me know the book is now available in digital format--hard copies are difficult to come by.
Here is his message:
Anyway, I wanted to let you know that the novel has actually gone digital and is now available to down load in various formats. I know a lot of people in the U.S. didn't get to read it as the paper version has still not been printed there so they may be interested in this format.
For: Sony E-reader, iPad and iBooks.
For Kindle;
Would be wonderful if you could pass the message on to any of your groups or forums.
Kind regards,
Peter De Cosemo
This is truly a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it to all.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Pondering the Future
How to Run a Barn on No Legs
I am going to face some problems once my knees are replaced. Of course, when I first come home, I will need some kind of support to help with the horses. The big problems will be cleaning the stalls and getting the hay over to the barn. Currently, my hay is stored in the carport, about 60 feet or so from the horses. I am not sure how I will get hay to the Boys. If I am still using a walker, it will be hard to carry anything of substance. If I have a cane, I might be able to put hay in the cart and pull it over. But I certainly won't be able to lift a full bale into the cart to take over.
If I can depend on the kindness of friends, it would be possible to keep five or six bales of hay in the aisle of the barn as I do in the winter. But getting it into the aisle will be something I will not be able to do.
Depending on my mobility, I MIGHT be able to use the two wheeled wheelbarrow as a kind of walker to clean stalls, but that too will have to be explored.
Grain would be no issue, except that bags of grain weigh 50 pounds and apparently, after replacements, you should not lift more than 40 pounds. I do not know if that is a golden rule without exceptions, but I also have to figure out how, when I buy grain, I am going to get it into the barn and into the storage cans. Plan A, with no help, would be to open each bag, take out perhaps 20 pounds, and then take the bag in to dump into the cans. This, of course, will take twice as long as a normal unloading, but it may have to do. The alfalfa cubes are stored in the barn in their bags, so that presents another problem. It seems to me I would have to transfer 15 pounds or so from each bag into an empty bag already in the feed room, put the partially full bags in the feed room and tie them all closed until I need to use them.
I could, perhaps, pay someone to come once a week to do some of the more complex chores and to put the hay in the barn. But I certainly will need a way to handle things on my own should a snow storm snow us in so no one could get here to help.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Somehow,I will figure things out. And, I always have the tractor with the front end loader, so perhaps I can modify my storage system so I can use it to do my work.
I just have to think it through.
I am going to face some problems once my knees are replaced. Of course, when I first come home, I will need some kind of support to help with the horses. The big problems will be cleaning the stalls and getting the hay over to the barn. Currently, my hay is stored in the carport, about 60 feet or so from the horses. I am not sure how I will get hay to the Boys. If I am still using a walker, it will be hard to carry anything of substance. If I have a cane, I might be able to put hay in the cart and pull it over. But I certainly won't be able to lift a full bale into the cart to take over.
If I can depend on the kindness of friends, it would be possible to keep five or six bales of hay in the aisle of the barn as I do in the winter. But getting it into the aisle will be something I will not be able to do.
Depending on my mobility, I MIGHT be able to use the two wheeled wheelbarrow as a kind of walker to clean stalls, but that too will have to be explored.
Grain would be no issue, except that bags of grain weigh 50 pounds and apparently, after replacements, you should not lift more than 40 pounds. I do not know if that is a golden rule without exceptions, but I also have to figure out how, when I buy grain, I am going to get it into the barn and into the storage cans. Plan A, with no help, would be to open each bag, take out perhaps 20 pounds, and then take the bag in to dump into the cans. This, of course, will take twice as long as a normal unloading, but it may have to do. The alfalfa cubes are stored in the barn in their bags, so that presents another problem. It seems to me I would have to transfer 15 pounds or so from each bag into an empty bag already in the feed room, put the partially full bags in the feed room and tie them all closed until I need to use them.
I could, perhaps, pay someone to come once a week to do some of the more complex chores and to put the hay in the barn. But I certainly will need a way to handle things on my own should a snow storm snow us in so no one could get here to help.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Somehow,I will figure things out. And, I always have the tractor with the front end loader, so perhaps I can modify my storage system so I can use it to do my work.
I just have to think it through.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thunderstorm!!
Ah, Well
That means I can't mow the grass. Darn. And after I went and bought gas for the mower.
It also means no swimming. Kind of OK in that my chiropractor did some muscle work on me to help prepare me for surgery and kind of said, "No exercises today." I don't thin that meant no drifting around the lazy river, but the storm stopped even that notion.
The Boys are being really cute and friendly lately. I guess the boredom of hanging out in front of the fans makes my presence in the barn even more interesting than usual. And it didn't hurt that I unloaded some feed from the truck as well. I just don't recall their being quite this ready for a cuddle should I offer one. Somehow I have a feeling that down the road, when I have recovered from my surgery and am able to work them again that they will not quite be so willing to hang out around me. Work ethics have always been a bit lacking in my little herd.
Then again, Chance does love to go out on trails. Toby doesn't want to do anything, and Tucker occasionally shows an interest in doing something mentally challenging in the arena. But real work--dressage--is not high on the agenda. It's fine. It's not high on my agenda right now either. Love it, but at the moment, the payoff the next day is far too painful.
I will be very curious to see how long it will be before I will be able to ride with my new knees. Research on the Internet suggests it can be a long recovery. I plan on breaking all records at getting back to a regular life. That's why I am trying to be as fit and ready before the surgery as I can.
The chiropractic work is designed to loosen my leg muscles so they are less likely to stiffen after the surgery. My doctor says it should help. I am also doing leg exercises and of course, swimming. The ideal recovery would be to put me in a pool right away, but the surgical wounds have to heal first before I could take a chance in pool water--too much risk of infection. But what a great way it would be to start moving again.
I am typing this on my laptop, currently connected to the Internet via my wi fi. My power went out for three short spans during the storm and on the second outage, I turned most of my electronic equipment off. I didn't realize my wi fi card was on, but as soon as I turned on the laptop to play some FreeCell, lo and behold, it made a nice solid connection.
Cool. Technology is so much fun!
That means I can't mow the grass. Darn. And after I went and bought gas for the mower.
It also means no swimming. Kind of OK in that my chiropractor did some muscle work on me to help prepare me for surgery and kind of said, "No exercises today." I don't thin that meant no drifting around the lazy river, but the storm stopped even that notion.
The Boys are being really cute and friendly lately. I guess the boredom of hanging out in front of the fans makes my presence in the barn even more interesting than usual. And it didn't hurt that I unloaded some feed from the truck as well. I just don't recall their being quite this ready for a cuddle should I offer one. Somehow I have a feeling that down the road, when I have recovered from my surgery and am able to work them again that they will not quite be so willing to hang out around me. Work ethics have always been a bit lacking in my little herd.
Then again, Chance does love to go out on trails. Toby doesn't want to do anything, and Tucker occasionally shows an interest in doing something mentally challenging in the arena. But real work--dressage--is not high on the agenda. It's fine. It's not high on my agenda right now either. Love it, but at the moment, the payoff the next day is far too painful.
I will be very curious to see how long it will be before I will be able to ride with my new knees. Research on the Internet suggests it can be a long recovery. I plan on breaking all records at getting back to a regular life. That's why I am trying to be as fit and ready before the surgery as I can.
The chiropractic work is designed to loosen my leg muscles so they are less likely to stiffen after the surgery. My doctor says it should help. I am also doing leg exercises and of course, swimming. The ideal recovery would be to put me in a pool right away, but the surgical wounds have to heal first before I could take a chance in pool water--too much risk of infection. But what a great way it would be to start moving again.
I am typing this on my laptop, currently connected to the Internet via my wi fi. My power went out for three short spans during the storm and on the second outage, I turned most of my electronic equipment off. I didn't realize my wi fi card was on, but as soon as I turned on the laptop to play some FreeCell, lo and behold, it made a nice solid connection.
Cool. Technology is so much fun!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Little By Little
I Learn
By the time I am in the hospital, I think I will have mastered my tablet. It's taking some getting used to and it certainly is not as fast as my home desktop computer--hooked up to Xfinity (Comcast) high speed Internet, but it will do.
I managed to load in the SlideMe application store and things from there load just fine. I'll have the software I need set up eventually. Right now, it's a bit of experimentation. Since the android programs don't work on the PC, it's kind of hit or miss. I've loaded up several applications I thought would be good and then removed them because they simply didn't work the way I wanted them to.
But on the desktop front, I had to get a new keyboard as my other one was getting wonky. I wanted an ergonomic one and ended up with the Mircrosoft 4000. Cool. It's got all kinds of keys to actually access and control the Internet interface right from the keyboard. There is even a "Zoom" key that let's me enlarge webpages without having to access my toolbar. It's kind of fun.
The weather today was a delightful break. This morning was perfectly lovely out. The sun showed up, but the humidity was much lower. The Boys spent quite a bit of time outside grazing and just relaxing. I have started giving Toby beet pulp in the morning again, and so far he's eating it. I will not go back to alfalfa pellets for him, though and I have to keep an eye on him for any signs of stiffness or discomfort in his feet. So far, so good.
I also got a nice swim in today with both the air and water at just perfect temperatures. I am up to fifteen laps with my leg exercises added to the program. Nothing like the swimmers at the world competition, however. I just found out I do have a TV channel broadcasting it live, so it's fun! Men's 200 meter freestyle. Those guys make me look like a snail!!
I also had a visitor in my side yard--a cute little red fox. I tried to take some pictures, but the screens on the windows post a problem. I'll look at what I got but I'm not sure anything is worth posting. The little critter was hunting for something in my lawn. I eventually went out the back door to sneak around to see if I could get a better picture, but foxy was too elusive and finally slipped out of sight--probably heard my tiptoeing my way towards him.
Maybe when I get my new knees, I can hone my ninja skills and get some decent wildlife pictures around here. That would be novel.
More to look forward to.
By the time I am in the hospital, I think I will have mastered my tablet. It's taking some getting used to and it certainly is not as fast as my home desktop computer--hooked up to Xfinity (Comcast) high speed Internet, but it will do.
I managed to load in the SlideMe application store and things from there load just fine. I'll have the software I need set up eventually. Right now, it's a bit of experimentation. Since the android programs don't work on the PC, it's kind of hit or miss. I've loaded up several applications I thought would be good and then removed them because they simply didn't work the way I wanted them to.
But on the desktop front, I had to get a new keyboard as my other one was getting wonky. I wanted an ergonomic one and ended up with the Mircrosoft 4000. Cool. It's got all kinds of keys to actually access and control the Internet interface right from the keyboard. There is even a "Zoom" key that let's me enlarge webpages without having to access my toolbar. It's kind of fun.
The weather today was a delightful break. This morning was perfectly lovely out. The sun showed up, but the humidity was much lower. The Boys spent quite a bit of time outside grazing and just relaxing. I have started giving Toby beet pulp in the morning again, and so far he's eating it. I will not go back to alfalfa pellets for him, though and I have to keep an eye on him for any signs of stiffness or discomfort in his feet. So far, so good.
I also got a nice swim in today with both the air and water at just perfect temperatures. I am up to fifteen laps with my leg exercises added to the program. Nothing like the swimmers at the world competition, however. I just found out I do have a TV channel broadcasting it live, so it's fun! Men's 200 meter freestyle. Those guys make me look like a snail!!
I also had a visitor in my side yard--a cute little red fox. I tried to take some pictures, but the screens on the windows post a problem. I'll look at what I got but I'm not sure anything is worth posting. The little critter was hunting for something in my lawn. I eventually went out the back door to sneak around to see if I could get a better picture, but foxy was too elusive and finally slipped out of sight--probably heard my tiptoeing my way towards him.
Maybe when I get my new knees, I can hone my ninja skills and get some decent wildlife pictures around here. That would be novel.
More to look forward to.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sprinkler Failure
Not Like the Video
There is a widely circulating video of a horse enjoying the sprinkler on a hot day. Great idea. So, I got a sprinkler, set it up, turned it on and....indifference. Chance kind of hung out in the vicinity of the spraying water for a while, but Toby and Tucker really didn't seem to think the whole idea was either worthwhile or even interesting. My hopes dashed, I unhooked the contraption and put it away for another day.
You'd think standing in a cool spray of water would be appealing on a hot day. I don't know if there was a mental disconnect going on or if they really didn't like it. Either way, I will try again, but I guess hosing will have to do instead. Bummer.
Meantime, I didn't even bother going for a swim on Saturday. On Friday the water was so warm I almost overheated doing my laps. I figured it would be even worse yesterday. Last night, though, it cooled down a bit outside, so I went over to the pool just around noon and sure enough, the water felt pretty good. Not exactly cold, but cool enough to do twelve laps.
Then there was a members' meeting at the pool and we sat discussing issues of concern. I've been pretty happy with how things are run, especially since the life guards have been really good about keeping the non-lap swimming kids and other non-swimmers out of the lap lanes this year. It's made it much easier to actually get some exercise without having to worry about collisions with people just fooling around. Everything else has been pretty good too, but I did suggest that perhaps they might post the results of the swim team's competitions. I see the kids practicing all the time but I have no idea of how they've been doing. Some other member complained about the lounge chairs being carried off to the far side of the park, and a few other minor issues, but for the most part, things seemed to be pretty satisfying.
I came home, had lunch and then spent the rest of the day trying to figure out how to load the Blogger app to my tablet. For some reason, Google market refuses to recognize my device, but I am now beginning to think it's more a problem with AT&T denying access to download files.
I can post to Blogger through my email account, so that's good, but a direct post to Blogger would be so much nicer. I'll keep working on it, but either way, I'll manage.
Technical glitches like this can be so frustrating and only seem to increase as technology advances.
It's kind of like training a difficult horse......*G* (See, I got back on topic after all!)
There is a widely circulating video of a horse enjoying the sprinkler on a hot day. Great idea. So, I got a sprinkler, set it up, turned it on and....indifference. Chance kind of hung out in the vicinity of the spraying water for a while, but Toby and Tucker really didn't seem to think the whole idea was either worthwhile or even interesting. My hopes dashed, I unhooked the contraption and put it away for another day.
You'd think standing in a cool spray of water would be appealing on a hot day. I don't know if there was a mental disconnect going on or if they really didn't like it. Either way, I will try again, but I guess hosing will have to do instead. Bummer.
Meantime, I didn't even bother going for a swim on Saturday. On Friday the water was so warm I almost overheated doing my laps. I figured it would be even worse yesterday. Last night, though, it cooled down a bit outside, so I went over to the pool just around noon and sure enough, the water felt pretty good. Not exactly cold, but cool enough to do twelve laps.
Then there was a members' meeting at the pool and we sat discussing issues of concern. I've been pretty happy with how things are run, especially since the life guards have been really good about keeping the non-lap swimming kids and other non-swimmers out of the lap lanes this year. It's made it much easier to actually get some exercise without having to worry about collisions with people just fooling around. Everything else has been pretty good too, but I did suggest that perhaps they might post the results of the swim team's competitions. I see the kids practicing all the time but I have no idea of how they've been doing. Some other member complained about the lounge chairs being carried off to the far side of the park, and a few other minor issues, but for the most part, things seemed to be pretty satisfying.
I came home, had lunch and then spent the rest of the day trying to figure out how to load the Blogger app to my tablet. For some reason, Google market refuses to recognize my device, but I am now beginning to think it's more a problem with AT&T denying access to download files.
I can post to Blogger through my email account, so that's good, but a direct post to Blogger would be so much nicer. I'll keep working on it, but either way, I'll manage.
Technical glitches like this can be so frustrating and only seem to increase as technology advances.
It's kind of like training a difficult horse......*G* (See, I got back on topic after all!)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Got the Tablet
And the Heat Continues
I hosed the Boys yesterday afternoon for the first time. They have been generally OK every other day--but yesterday!! Temps over 100F got to them.
Toby was rather indifferent and actually seemed annoyed by it. Once done, he went off an rolled in the sand. Tucker was another story. Not only did he lean into the water, but he was making all kinds of happy faces and insisted I let him drink from the hose. Chance, who I've not sprayed much at all, caught on really quickly and seemed to enjoy it as well. Neither he nor Tucker rolled afterwards, so they stayed wet when they went back in to stand in front of their fans.
I am going to get a sprinkler today and I'll set it up in the front paddock for a while in the heat of the day to see if they go play in it. Not many other options left as air conditioning in the barn is out of the question.
My tablet came yesterday as well. I tried to set up my Internet connection through the ATT&T MiFi WiFi to no avail. The tablet kept giving me the message that it recognized the network and that the signal was strong and clear, but every time I put in the password code to establish the link, it told me it could not connect. Unlike PC operating systems that have lots of "back doors" to get something done, the Android tablet interface seems pretty direct, so I had no way of trying to configure the connection any other way.
So, I called the "Geek Squad" at Best Buy and told them my problem. Soon, I was on the road to the store, to get them to set it up as I'd been promised when I placed the order.
The Geek was a really nice young man. I explained the problem, and he started to work on the tablet. In short order, he did EXACTLY the same thing I had done, with EXACTLY the same results. Now what?
I knew the MiFi worked OK, because it connected my laptop to the Internet. Was the tablet OK? There was in in-store network active, so my geek tried to connect my tablet to it. No problem. Therefore, the tablet's wifi seemed to be working.
My geek tried putting in the password in lower case letters. He tried a different password. We looked at the instruction manual, and then had to just keep repeating the same technique over and over--find the network, click on the connection, put in the password.
As my very clever, intelligent geek said, "You know, this proves we are insane. We keep repeating the same action, expecting a different result." In the middle of our laughter--suddenly--CONNECTION!! The exact same technique, repeated, actually did produce a different result.
My geek (Chris, for he now had earned a name and my gratitude) saved the connection on the tablet, and, as we both held our breath, turned the tablet off. We let it sit for a few seconds and turned it back on. To our relief, the Internet connection was still active.
Now I am still a bit stuck here as I cannot seem to get the tablet to post to Blogger. If I can't fix that, I will find some other way to post from the hospital, but for now, things seem to be working OK. Could be there is some kind of issue about the posting protocol for Blogger?:
Anyone know. The tablet works as an Android, as far as I know......still learning. I have a month.......
Addendum: I think I have figured out how to post--by sending an email to Blogger. I will try later, mostly because I have burned out my techno brain trying to figure this out. I had, at one point, three computer devices running at once and was trying to use the mouse to control the wrong one. I think I have had enough geeking for one morning!
I hosed the Boys yesterday afternoon for the first time. They have been generally OK every other day--but yesterday!! Temps over 100F got to them.
Toby was rather indifferent and actually seemed annoyed by it. Once done, he went off an rolled in the sand. Tucker was another story. Not only did he lean into the water, but he was making all kinds of happy faces and insisted I let him drink from the hose. Chance, who I've not sprayed much at all, caught on really quickly and seemed to enjoy it as well. Neither he nor Tucker rolled afterwards, so they stayed wet when they went back in to stand in front of their fans.
I am going to get a sprinkler today and I'll set it up in the front paddock for a while in the heat of the day to see if they go play in it. Not many other options left as air conditioning in the barn is out of the question.
My tablet came yesterday as well. I tried to set up my Internet connection through the ATT&T MiFi WiFi to no avail. The tablet kept giving me the message that it recognized the network and that the signal was strong and clear, but every time I put in the password code to establish the link, it told me it could not connect. Unlike PC operating systems that have lots of "back doors" to get something done, the Android tablet interface seems pretty direct, so I had no way of trying to configure the connection any other way.
So, I called the "Geek Squad" at Best Buy and told them my problem. Soon, I was on the road to the store, to get them to set it up as I'd been promised when I placed the order.
The Geek was a really nice young man. I explained the problem, and he started to work on the tablet. In short order, he did EXACTLY the same thing I had done, with EXACTLY the same results. Now what?
I knew the MiFi worked OK, because it connected my laptop to the Internet. Was the tablet OK? There was in in-store network active, so my geek tried to connect my tablet to it. No problem. Therefore, the tablet's wifi seemed to be working.
My geek tried putting in the password in lower case letters. He tried a different password. We looked at the instruction manual, and then had to just keep repeating the same technique over and over--find the network, click on the connection, put in the password.
As my very clever, intelligent geek said, "You know, this proves we are insane. We keep repeating the same action, expecting a different result." In the middle of our laughter--suddenly--CONNECTION!! The exact same technique, repeated, actually did produce a different result.
My geek (Chris, for he now had earned a name and my gratitude) saved the connection on the tablet, and, as we both held our breath, turned the tablet off. We let it sit for a few seconds and turned it back on. To our relief, the Internet connection was still active.
Now I am still a bit stuck here as I cannot seem to get the tablet to post to Blogger. If I can't fix that, I will find some other way to post from the hospital, but for now, things seem to be working OK. Could be there is some kind of issue about the posting protocol for Blogger?:
Anyone know. The tablet works as an Android, as far as I know......still learning. I have a month.......
Addendum: I think I have figured out how to post--by sending an email to Blogger. I will try later, mostly because I have burned out my techno brain trying to figure this out. I had, at one point, three computer devices running at once and was trying to use the mouse to control the wrong one. I think I have had enough geeking for one morning!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Too Hot For Words
The Heat Wave Begins
Nothing really to report. It was simply too hot to do much outside, and it's only going to get hotter over the next few days, with hope that the heat will break on Saturday.
The Boys were out and about up until around 10 AM or so, and since then I'm pretty sure they will be hanging out in the barn by the fans. I was thinking of setting up a sprinkler in the paddock and may still do so, but I'm not sure where the sprinklers I have are, so that might require a trip out to buy one--dangerous move.
I and going shopping are a bad match. Yesterday I was supposed to have a doctor's sppointment--my 6 month cancer check--but my doctor had an emergency and canceled. So instead I headed out on a mission to find out what kind of Internet options I might have when I am away from my home computer--Comcast Cable (Xfinity) connection.
Nearly any way you look at it, it is an expensive proposition. First you need the device, and then you need to pay for some kind of service provider. I was going to get a Kindle as once you buy the pad, the Internet service is free. Supposedly, you can access the web just fine, but after some investigation, I found out that Web access if pretty limited as the Kindle does not read all kinds of programming languages, so a lot of Webpage content will not load.
Then, of course, there are all kinds of phone options, but then you need both an phone contract and a data contract, raising the overall cost considerably. I had a long talk with the tech advisor/salesman at Best Buy. There was a promotional deal going on with AT&T. $100 off on the device, a free personal WiFi connector (AT&T Moblie HotSpot) so that you connect through AT&T cellular service no matter where you are as long as AT&T is available, and data service for $35 a month. (A 2 year contract) Still pricey, but from what I could tell, the most economical option.
Then we found a tablet for under $200--there was an even cheaper one but we couldn't find a way to order it at the discount price. Best Buy gave me free shipping, and I'll be on my way as soon as it arrives--it's been shipping already.
Better yet, my laptop can also connect to the Internet through the mobile WiFi and I set that up in about 2 minutes last night. So, if my cable Internet should ever to out, I can still access the Web. Not bad at all, since I apparently can also set up my desktop computer to do the same. (The tech suggested I could do all my surfing through the AT&T device, but I am most happy with Xfinity, so I will not change that.) While my laptop is portable, it is still rather big compared to the tablet, so I guess I have turned into a real "geek" with all this.
The goal? I was hoping to be able to keep people updated during my knee replacement recovery. Not so much to let people know how I am doing, but to give everyone a good idea of exactly what is involved in the whole thing. I do not know how many horsemen have had double knee replacement surgery and my Internet searches have not been able to find out too much specific information, so I hope to take on the job of informing people myself.
I don't know how vociferous I will be. Not only will some of the post surgery stuff knock me for a loop, but I also don't know how efficient it will be typing on the tablet, but I will do my best. I've plenty of time to acclimate myself to the new technology as my surgery is not until September.
I will give my tablet review as soon as my new toy arrives.
Nothing really to report. It was simply too hot to do much outside, and it's only going to get hotter over the next few days, with hope that the heat will break on Saturday.
The Boys were out and about up until around 10 AM or so, and since then I'm pretty sure they will be hanging out in the barn by the fans. I was thinking of setting up a sprinkler in the paddock and may still do so, but I'm not sure where the sprinklers I have are, so that might require a trip out to buy one--dangerous move.
I and going shopping are a bad match. Yesterday I was supposed to have a doctor's sppointment--my 6 month cancer check--but my doctor had an emergency and canceled. So instead I headed out on a mission to find out what kind of Internet options I might have when I am away from my home computer--Comcast Cable (Xfinity) connection.
Nearly any way you look at it, it is an expensive proposition. First you need the device, and then you need to pay for some kind of service provider. I was going to get a Kindle as once you buy the pad, the Internet service is free. Supposedly, you can access the web just fine, but after some investigation, I found out that Web access if pretty limited as the Kindle does not read all kinds of programming languages, so a lot of Webpage content will not load.
Then, of course, there are all kinds of phone options, but then you need both an phone contract and a data contract, raising the overall cost considerably. I had a long talk with the tech advisor/salesman at Best Buy. There was a promotional deal going on with AT&T. $100 off on the device, a free personal WiFi connector (AT&T Moblie HotSpot) so that you connect through AT&T cellular service no matter where you are as long as AT&T is available, and data service for $35 a month. (A 2 year contract) Still pricey, but from what I could tell, the most economical option.
Then we found a tablet for under $200--there was an even cheaper one but we couldn't find a way to order it at the discount price. Best Buy gave me free shipping, and I'll be on my way as soon as it arrives--it's been shipping already.
Better yet, my laptop can also connect to the Internet through the mobile WiFi and I set that up in about 2 minutes last night. So, if my cable Internet should ever to out, I can still access the Web. Not bad at all, since I apparently can also set up my desktop computer to do the same. (The tech suggested I could do all my surfing through the AT&T device, but I am most happy with Xfinity, so I will not change that.) While my laptop is portable, it is still rather big compared to the tablet, so I guess I have turned into a real "geek" with all this.
The goal? I was hoping to be able to keep people updated during my knee replacement recovery. Not so much to let people know how I am doing, but to give everyone a good idea of exactly what is involved in the whole thing. I do not know how many horsemen have had double knee replacement surgery and my Internet searches have not been able to find out too much specific information, so I hope to take on the job of informing people myself.
I don't know how vociferous I will be. Not only will some of the post surgery stuff knock me for a loop, but I also don't know how efficient it will be typing on the tablet, but I will do my best. I've plenty of time to acclimate myself to the new technology as my surgery is not until September.
I will give my tablet review as soon as my new toy arrives.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Clean Fridge
Good Deed On A Hot Day
I finished cleaning the refrigerator--at least the bottom half. I still have to sort out what is in the freezer, but I did that not too long ago, so there may not be too many expired items hiding up there.
The bottom was another story. I had a lot of half full/half empty jars and containers of various sauces and foods I definitely was not eating. As a result I now have three garbage bags full of discards. I a lot of cases, things are still in their containers--kind of a big break in my rule of really trying to recycle everything possible, but in this case to empty and clean all the jars was just too much work for me to manage.
The refrigerator as now nearly empty, with just the foods I am eating. It looks amazing. Hope I can keep it that way. I have stopped buying things I'm not sure I am going to either like or eat, so perhaps I can keep things under control.
So one major task is complete. I'm not sure what the next phase will be but I certainly need to tackle something soon.
I let Toby out at 6 AM for about three hours. It was not exactly cool, but the sun was just peeking through the shadows of morning so it wasn't too bad. When I went out to feed at around 9 AM, both he and Tucker were quite ready to come into their stalls. Chance was quite ready to come into the barn and investigate Toby's stall while I was cleaning it--or at least dumping the wheelbarrow. He was very persistent and I finally had to give him a prod with the handle of the manure fork to convince him to leave. Apparently there was a bit of feed in Toby's tub and Chance was determined to eat it.
Once again, all three Boys seemed fairly content to stay in the barn away from the annoying flies and mosquitoes. With all the rain we've had this season, the pests are flourishing despite all my efforts to keep them under control. I use fly predators, feed through fly control, and flysheets--with fly spray as needed. I really don't seem to have a lot of stable flies, but all the other outdoor varieties have had had a great breeding season. I haven't been in the woods, but I suspect it would be horrible out there with deerflies and mosquitoes. Ugh.
The fans help keep the flies away as well as offering a fairly nice breeze for the Boys, so it wasn't too bad inside for them.
I finished cleaning the refrigerator--at least the bottom half. I still have to sort out what is in the freezer, but I did that not too long ago, so there may not be too many expired items hiding up there.
The bottom was another story. I had a lot of half full/half empty jars and containers of various sauces and foods I definitely was not eating. As a result I now have three garbage bags full of discards. I a lot of cases, things are still in their containers--kind of a big break in my rule of really trying to recycle everything possible, but in this case to empty and clean all the jars was just too much work for me to manage.
The refrigerator as now nearly empty, with just the foods I am eating. It looks amazing. Hope I can keep it that way. I have stopped buying things I'm not sure I am going to either like or eat, so perhaps I can keep things under control.
So one major task is complete. I'm not sure what the next phase will be but I certainly need to tackle something soon.
I let Toby out at 6 AM for about three hours. It was not exactly cool, but the sun was just peeking through the shadows of morning so it wasn't too bad. When I went out to feed at around 9 AM, both he and Tucker were quite ready to come into their stalls. Chance was quite ready to come into the barn and investigate Toby's stall while I was cleaning it--or at least dumping the wheelbarrow. He was very persistent and I finally had to give him a prod with the handle of the manure fork to convince him to leave. Apparently there was a bit of feed in Toby's tub and Chance was determined to eat it.
Once again, all three Boys seemed fairly content to stay in the barn away from the annoying flies and mosquitoes. With all the rain we've had this season, the pests are flourishing despite all my efforts to keep them under control. I use fly predators, feed through fly control, and flysheets--with fly spray as needed. I really don't seem to have a lot of stable flies, but all the other outdoor varieties have had had a great breeding season. I haven't been in the woods, but I suspect it would be horrible out there with deerflies and mosquitoes. Ugh.
The fans help keep the flies away as well as offering a fairly nice breeze for the Boys, so it wasn't too bad inside for them.
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Little Out
But A Lot More In
I put Toby out in the arena yesterday morning. He started to enjoy himself until he realized the other horses were on the other side of the barn. Then he started fussing and running around. Eventually, I put Tucker in with him and things quieted down, except that already, by a bit after 9:30, the flies were out in force, and both Boys were clearly bothered by them.
I cleaned the stalls, filled the water tub, put hay in and then brought the Boys in for breakfast. Everyone pretty much stayed in the barn for the bulk of the day after that. Toby was locked in, and Tucker and Chance chose to stand in, with their fans blowing on them. I hayed again around noon and fed around 5 PM, so being inside wasn't too bad considering it was a hot day.
This morning, I went out at about 6:30 just to let Toby out for a while--this time before the flies were fully awake. He just strolled around, stretching his legs for a couple hours until I went back out to feed. By then, the barn was starting to be appealing again--heat and the bugs--so he came right in for breakfast and is now closed in his stall.
Chance is out and about, mostly browsing under the apple tree for fallen apples--just a few little green ones--and nibbling at the grass. All is quiet and settled out there.
The vet is coming on Friday, hopefully to clear Toby for full turnout again. He looks perfectly sound, so I'm pretty sure he's OK.
There's not much action here, although I did start to do a really thorough refrigerator cleaning and I trimmed some more of the out of control weeds around the outside of the house. I did not swim yesterday as I figured a hot Sunday would be really busy at the pool. I will swim today, though.
Not much else to report.
I put Toby out in the arena yesterday morning. He started to enjoy himself until he realized the other horses were on the other side of the barn. Then he started fussing and running around. Eventually, I put Tucker in with him and things quieted down, except that already, by a bit after 9:30, the flies were out in force, and both Boys were clearly bothered by them.
I cleaned the stalls, filled the water tub, put hay in and then brought the Boys in for breakfast. Everyone pretty much stayed in the barn for the bulk of the day after that. Toby was locked in, and Tucker and Chance chose to stand in, with their fans blowing on them. I hayed again around noon and fed around 5 PM, so being inside wasn't too bad considering it was a hot day.
This morning, I went out at about 6:30 just to let Toby out for a while--this time before the flies were fully awake. He just strolled around, stretching his legs for a couple hours until I went back out to feed. By then, the barn was starting to be appealing again--heat and the bugs--so he came right in for breakfast and is now closed in his stall.
Chance is out and about, mostly browsing under the apple tree for fallen apples--just a few little green ones--and nibbling at the grass. All is quiet and settled out there.
The vet is coming on Friday, hopefully to clear Toby for full turnout again. He looks perfectly sound, so I'm pretty sure he's OK.
There's not much action here, although I did start to do a really thorough refrigerator cleaning and I trimmed some more of the out of control weeds around the outside of the house. I did not swim yesterday as I figured a hot Sunday would be really busy at the pool. I will swim today, though.
Not much else to report.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Shoes On
And Now the Recovery Begins
Scott came this morning to shoe Toby and Tucker and to trim Chance.
Tucker was first and Scott said he had a lot of punctures in the foot where he lost his shoe. I knew there'd be something evident as he had walked on the displaced shoe for a while and on the toe clip. But, surprisingly enough, he was quite sound after he had the new shoe set in place. I will still have to monitor him in case he abscesses, but for now, he's pretty comfortable.
Toby was even better, showing no signs of any discomfort when Scott used the hoof testers. And as he was being shod, he did not react at all to the nails being hammered in. He was actually almost dozing in the crossties as Scott worked on him. He now has leather pads with gel injected under them, and rolled toes on his shoes. I am a bit betwixt and between as Scott told me turning him out for a bit in a smaller paddock--the riding arena would be good for him. My vet had said he needed to stay in for the week after he was shod.
I did leave him in for now, and I will perhaps put him out for a little while tomorrow in the morning when it's cool. If the other horses are in, he may be less likely to run around. I don't want him getting too silly until we are sure his feet are OK.
Hopefully, both Boys are on the road to a good recovery. I will keep a close eye on them from this point on. I haven't decided on any metabolic testing for Toby at this point, and I will keep him on the magnesium/chromium supplements.
Chance, of course, looks just fine is quite happy to have Tucker out with him. Toby, still locked in, is not happy with that arrangement, but a little turnout for him will help.
So far, so good.
Scott came this morning to shoe Toby and Tucker and to trim Chance.
Tucker was first and Scott said he had a lot of punctures in the foot where he lost his shoe. I knew there'd be something evident as he had walked on the displaced shoe for a while and on the toe clip. But, surprisingly enough, he was quite sound after he had the new shoe set in place. I will still have to monitor him in case he abscesses, but for now, he's pretty comfortable.
Toby was even better, showing no signs of any discomfort when Scott used the hoof testers. And as he was being shod, he did not react at all to the nails being hammered in. He was actually almost dozing in the crossties as Scott worked on him. He now has leather pads with gel injected under them, and rolled toes on his shoes. I am a bit betwixt and between as Scott told me turning him out for a bit in a smaller paddock--the riding arena would be good for him. My vet had said he needed to stay in for the week after he was shod.
I did leave him in for now, and I will perhaps put him out for a little while tomorrow in the morning when it's cool. If the other horses are in, he may be less likely to run around. I don't want him getting too silly until we are sure his feet are OK.
Hopefully, both Boys are on the road to a good recovery. I will keep a close eye on them from this point on. I haven't decided on any metabolic testing for Toby at this point, and I will keep him on the magnesium/chromium supplements.
Chance, of course, looks just fine is quite happy to have Tucker out with him. Toby, still locked in, is not happy with that arrangement, but a little turnout for him will help.
So far, so good.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Out With Friends
Me, Not the Horses
Status quo in the barn, although this morning, Toby and Tucker played musical stalls and changed places. So, since they are both stuck in recovering, I left them that way--Toby in Tucker's stall and Tucker in Toby's stall. I just have to make a mental note not to feed by habit when I go out, as Toby gets twice as much grain as Tucker.
I'm still waiting to hear from Scott for shoeing. My vet is coming back for a recheck on Toby next week on Friday, so I really do need those shoes on Toby for at least a little while before the vet sees him again.
Tucker looks pretty comfortable, but I haven't taken him out to check to see if he still has a limp. As long as he's relaxed in the stall, I figure he's OK and that foot is healing on its own.
That being said, I met my friend Stacie for lunch at the Chinese restaurant buffet yesterday. We had a nice meal and a good long in person visit. We talk nearly every day on the phone swapping stories about our horses and saddle sales adventures. (Stacie is a rep for Trilogy saddles.)
Soon after I got back home, the phone rang, and it was Don, my choir director and friend who'd decided to invite me and another friend over for dinner. I'm always up for a social meal so I accepted.
I went to the pool for my swim, but didn't ride the lazy river to save some time, came back home, fed the Boys and headed over to Don's house.
We spent a fun evening eating hamburgers, corn and broccoli and then just sat around chatting until after midnight. Although time was rather interesting as Don's grandfather clock has somehow gotten totally out of sync with the world and was chiming away the time an hour and a half late. Don said he'd just reset it and regulated it earlier in the day and is totally perplexed at what's going on.
Anyone out the have a pendulum clock who may know what's wrong that one should lose so much time within a few hours?
Status quo in the barn, although this morning, Toby and Tucker played musical stalls and changed places. So, since they are both stuck in recovering, I left them that way--Toby in Tucker's stall and Tucker in Toby's stall. I just have to make a mental note not to feed by habit when I go out, as Toby gets twice as much grain as Tucker.
I'm still waiting to hear from Scott for shoeing. My vet is coming back for a recheck on Toby next week on Friday, so I really do need those shoes on Toby for at least a little while before the vet sees him again.
Tucker looks pretty comfortable, but I haven't taken him out to check to see if he still has a limp. As long as he's relaxed in the stall, I figure he's OK and that foot is healing on its own.
That being said, I met my friend Stacie for lunch at the Chinese restaurant buffet yesterday. We had a nice meal and a good long in person visit. We talk nearly every day on the phone swapping stories about our horses and saddle sales adventures. (Stacie is a rep for Trilogy saddles.)
Soon after I got back home, the phone rang, and it was Don, my choir director and friend who'd decided to invite me and another friend over for dinner. I'm always up for a social meal so I accepted.
I went to the pool for my swim, but didn't ride the lazy river to save some time, came back home, fed the Boys and headed over to Don's house.
We spent a fun evening eating hamburgers, corn and broccoli and then just sat around chatting until after midnight. Although time was rather interesting as Don's grandfather clock has somehow gotten totally out of sync with the world and was chiming away the time an hour and a half late. Don said he'd just reset it and regulated it earlier in the day and is totally perplexed at what's going on.
Anyone out the have a pendulum clock who may know what's wrong that one should lose so much time within a few hours?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Miscalculation
Lazy Swim
First, a report on the Boys. It finally cooled off a bit today, so that was good. I'd left the fans on the last two nights just because it was so hot. Tomorrow is supposed to be pretty nice.
Tucker looks pretty sound, but I really didn't take him out to test him as I don't want to stress his hoof without the shoe. For Claire, Tucker was wrapped with a "nappy," vetrap and a layer or two of duct tape. He still managed to get it all off. Today, however, the same kind of wrapping seems to be staying on just fine. I wonder if he stepped on his foot yesterday?
Hard to tell about Toby either as I've not had him out according to vet's orders. But he is eating better and seems quite cheery and interested in things in a positive way. I've put him on a magnesium supplement--Quiessence--which is both a calming and a metabolic supplement. Since he is eating his feed, he eats it up as it is pelleted and must taste OK.
Chance is alternating his hangouts among his own stall in front of the fan, the apple tree where the little green apples fall, the run in shed by Toby and Tucker, and the pasture.
I am in "accomplishing nothing" mode for some reason. Then, to top it off, when I went for my swim this evening, there was a swim meet going on and the lap pool was closed. There is a family pool, but it's nearly impossible to actually swim there, so I opted for a "lazy" evening. I rode around the lazy river about six times. Then, for exercise, I decided to go down the water slides. The exercise consisted of climbing 30 steps up the stairs to reach the top of the slides and then, a very short swim across the landing pool once I was back down. I did this circuit four times, so that was 120 steps up the staircase--quite an effort for my bad knees.
That was my rather short circuited exercise program, but I did get to cool off in the water and relax some more.
Now if I could only get some work done around here.........
First, a report on the Boys. It finally cooled off a bit today, so that was good. I'd left the fans on the last two nights just because it was so hot. Tomorrow is supposed to be pretty nice.
Tucker looks pretty sound, but I really didn't take him out to test him as I don't want to stress his hoof without the shoe. For Claire, Tucker was wrapped with a "nappy," vetrap and a layer or two of duct tape. He still managed to get it all off. Today, however, the same kind of wrapping seems to be staying on just fine. I wonder if he stepped on his foot yesterday?
Hard to tell about Toby either as I've not had him out according to vet's orders. But he is eating better and seems quite cheery and interested in things in a positive way. I've put him on a magnesium supplement--Quiessence--which is both a calming and a metabolic supplement. Since he is eating his feed, he eats it up as it is pelleted and must taste OK.
Chance is alternating his hangouts among his own stall in front of the fan, the apple tree where the little green apples fall, the run in shed by Toby and Tucker, and the pasture.
I am in "accomplishing nothing" mode for some reason. Then, to top it off, when I went for my swim this evening, there was a swim meet going on and the lap pool was closed. There is a family pool, but it's nearly impossible to actually swim there, so I opted for a "lazy" evening. I rode around the lazy river about six times. Then, for exercise, I decided to go down the water slides. The exercise consisted of climbing 30 steps up the stairs to reach the top of the slides and then, a very short swim across the landing pool once I was back down. I did this circuit four times, so that was 120 steps up the staircase--quite an effort for my bad knees.
That was my rather short circuited exercise program, but I did get to cool off in the water and relax some more.
Now if I could only get some work done around here.........
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Even Quieter
Follywoods in a Restless Peace
Hot here in New Jersey, so I go out every few hours to make sure the Boys have water and hay. Toby is quite content that Tucker is locked in the stall next door and has started to eat better.
Tucker is a little restless in his stall but accepting the enforced recovery. I haven't seen him walk much, but he seems much more comfortable on his foot. Keeping the wrap on has been a bit of a problem. Tomorrow morning I hope I will be able to find the elastoplast I bought. That will work much better than vetrap in keeping the packing on.
My foresight paid off. When I shut Toby in, I tied his outside door latch with baling twine. Good thing. "Somebody" opened the latch to try to get his door open. "Somebody" failed because of the baling twine. "Somebody" took a "Chance" in trying to help Toby escape. "Somebody" also opened Tucker's door latch, but the eye hook held it closed. "Chance" had nothing to do with it. It was all well planned. *G*
Chance seems to be spending at least part of the day in the east run-in shed, by the big Boys' stall doors. I guess herd instincts are pretty strong. But he does go off to graze by himself, which makes his herdmates jealous.
Another week or so, and I hope this will all be resolved.
Hot here in New Jersey, so I go out every few hours to make sure the Boys have water and hay. Toby is quite content that Tucker is locked in the stall next door and has started to eat better.
Tucker is a little restless in his stall but accepting the enforced recovery. I haven't seen him walk much, but he seems much more comfortable on his foot. Keeping the wrap on has been a bit of a problem. Tomorrow morning I hope I will be able to find the elastoplast I bought. That will work much better than vetrap in keeping the packing on.
My foresight paid off. When I shut Toby in, I tied his outside door latch with baling twine. Good thing. "Somebody" opened the latch to try to get his door open. "Somebody" failed because of the baling twine. "Somebody" took a "Chance" in trying to help Toby escape. "Somebody" also opened Tucker's door latch, but the eye hook held it closed. "Chance" had nothing to do with it. It was all well planned. *G*
Chance seems to be spending at least part of the day in the east run-in shed, by the big Boys' stall doors. I guess herd instincts are pretty strong. But he does go off to graze by himself, which makes his herdmates jealous.
Another week or so, and I hope this will all be resolved.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
All Quiet
Wrapped Feet
Toby is sporting the silver duct tape the vet put on his feet to hold his pads. Tucker is in bright orange duct tape on his foot. He has an Ichthammol poultice on his foot. They make a fine ad for duct tape, that's for sure. I either have to buy a new roll of silver tape or find the one I think I still have. I may have used it somewhere else besides the barn and--typical of me--misplaced it.
Tucker is really good about being in as he does not fuss much at all. He will try to get out of the stall into the barn aisle, but he does not get frantic if left in by himself. However, this time the east side of the barn is a hospital ward, so all is quiet. I do feel a bit sorry for Chance who was hanging out by the occupied stalls. Yesterday, at some point, he opened Tucker's door, but Tucker stayed inside, lay down and took a nap instead of going out.
I have since fastened the extra eye hook I put on the door for such occasions. I also have a piece of baling twine holding Toby's door shut. Chance is very clever at orchestrating escapes, so I have to plan ahead.
I gave Tucker some bute this morning and he looks a little less sore this afternoon. I hope that and the wrapping has made him at least a little more comfortable.
Toby looks fine but I haven't seen him move too much. With Tucker in, he is very relaxed and is spending most of his day either snoozing or eating hay. I go out several times during the day to check water buckets and give them each a flake of hay--one at time so they don't waste it by dragging it all over the stalls. So far, so good.
Went for a late swim today, so I would miss the bulk of the weekend crowds at the pool. People usually leave around suppertime. Going early, before noon, or after 6 PM solves the problem of too many people swimming in the lap lanes. It was still a bit busy, but I got my laps in without any "traffic" issues. It was quite hot today but I think the humidity was at least a little lower. With the thunderstorm ripping through it was almost like a tropical rainforest around here.
My weeds are very happy.
I need to do something about the ones on my front bank and the other side of the driveway so I can see when I try to pull out.
Maybe tomorrow....maybe.
Toby is sporting the silver duct tape the vet put on his feet to hold his pads. Tucker is in bright orange duct tape on his foot. He has an Ichthammol poultice on his foot. They make a fine ad for duct tape, that's for sure. I either have to buy a new roll of silver tape or find the one I think I still have. I may have used it somewhere else besides the barn and--typical of me--misplaced it.
Tucker is really good about being in as he does not fuss much at all. He will try to get out of the stall into the barn aisle, but he does not get frantic if left in by himself. However, this time the east side of the barn is a hospital ward, so all is quiet. I do feel a bit sorry for Chance who was hanging out by the occupied stalls. Yesterday, at some point, he opened Tucker's door, but Tucker stayed inside, lay down and took a nap instead of going out.
I have since fastened the extra eye hook I put on the door for such occasions. I also have a piece of baling twine holding Toby's door shut. Chance is very clever at orchestrating escapes, so I have to plan ahead.
I gave Tucker some bute this morning and he looks a little less sore this afternoon. I hope that and the wrapping has made him at least a little more comfortable.
Toby looks fine but I haven't seen him move too much. With Tucker in, he is very relaxed and is spending most of his day either snoozing or eating hay. I go out several times during the day to check water buckets and give them each a flake of hay--one at time so they don't waste it by dragging it all over the stalls. So far, so good.
Went for a late swim today, so I would miss the bulk of the weekend crowds at the pool. People usually leave around suppertime. Going early, before noon, or after 6 PM solves the problem of too many people swimming in the lap lanes. It was still a bit busy, but I got my laps in without any "traffic" issues. It was quite hot today but I think the humidity was at least a little lower. With the thunderstorm ripping through it was almost like a tropical rainforest around here.
My weeds are very happy.
I need to do something about the ones on my front bank and the other side of the driveway so I can see when I try to pull out.
Maybe tomorrow....maybe.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Problem Solved
With Another Problem
Toby was hysterical when I went out for evening feed this evening. Chance and Tucker were in the pasture, just out of sight and Toby was calling and circling in his stall.
I gave him some hay, got the feed and called the other two Boys in.
Along came Tucker, three legged lame, limping badly on his left front foot. When I first looked, I thought he had simply lost his shoe. But no. The shoe was twisted on his foot and he was walking on both it and the front clinch. I managed to get the shoe off completely, but he was still lame on that foot.
I didn't do anything with it for now as ideally, I'd like to have Scott look at it first, but Tucker is locked in his stall next to Toby for now. If his foot needs treatment, I guess the problem of Toby's being upset staying in alone has been solved.
Sometimes bad things have a bright side, depending on your perspective. Bad for Tucker, good for Toby.
Hopefully Tucker hasn't done any serious damage.....*sigh*
Toby was hysterical when I went out for evening feed this evening. Chance and Tucker were in the pasture, just out of sight and Toby was calling and circling in his stall.
I gave him some hay, got the feed and called the other two Boys in.
Along came Tucker, three legged lame, limping badly on his left front foot. When I first looked, I thought he had simply lost his shoe. But no. The shoe was twisted on his foot and he was walking on both it and the front clinch. I managed to get the shoe off completely, but he was still lame on that foot.
I didn't do anything with it for now as ideally, I'd like to have Scott look at it first, but Tucker is locked in his stall next to Toby for now. If his foot needs treatment, I guess the problem of Toby's being upset staying in alone has been solved.
Sometimes bad things have a bright side, depending on your perspective. Bad for Tucker, good for Toby.
Hopefully Tucker hasn't done any serious damage.....*sigh*
Bad News, Good News
Vet Visit #2
Toby is doing fine and his feet barely showed any sensitivity. I am to lower his dosage of Bute.
My vet spoke to Scott and they discussed the shoeing, which I hope will take place next week. BUT, poor, unhappy Toby must stay in all week and for a week afterwards.
He is SOOOOOO miserable. I went out for late feed and he was distraught because Tucker and Chance were off in the front paddocks grazing--or nibbling on the very sparse grass. He got out of his stall into the aisle of the barn and trotted back and forth a few times, whinnying frantically. My aisle is only about 30 feet long, so it was just a short trot, but I do have to say he looked sound. Once Tucker came in for his snack, I ushered Toby back into his stall and he settled down enough to eat a little. He did clean up his food from dinner, so that's good and he's been eating his hay.
Two more weeks is going to be so hard on him. While I could take him out to graze, my Dr. McAndrews was very clear that he should not be moving around much at all so his feet can heal. Poor boy. Some horses are OK when laid up, but I fear he is not one of them. I did buy a supplement to help calm him and, since it's magnesium and chromium, it's good for metabolic issues as well. Perhaps it will make him feel a little better and less anxious.
Here is poor, sad Toby in his stall:
In contrast, by choice, Chance is here in his stall enjoying his fan:
And, outdoors, the little black kitty who lives in the garage actually sat still long enough for me to get a blurry picture:
I call him Peppercorn, but so far he does not want to be friends.
Toby is doing fine and his feet barely showed any sensitivity. I am to lower his dosage of Bute.
My vet spoke to Scott and they discussed the shoeing, which I hope will take place next week. BUT, poor, unhappy Toby must stay in all week and for a week afterwards.
He is SOOOOOO miserable. I went out for late feed and he was distraught because Tucker and Chance were off in the front paddocks grazing--or nibbling on the very sparse grass. He got out of his stall into the aisle of the barn and trotted back and forth a few times, whinnying frantically. My aisle is only about 30 feet long, so it was just a short trot, but I do have to say he looked sound. Once Tucker came in for his snack, I ushered Toby back into his stall and he settled down enough to eat a little. He did clean up his food from dinner, so that's good and he's been eating his hay.
Two more weeks is going to be so hard on him. While I could take him out to graze, my Dr. McAndrews was very clear that he should not be moving around much at all so his feet can heal. Poor boy. Some horses are OK when laid up, but I fear he is not one of them. I did buy a supplement to help calm him and, since it's magnesium and chromium, it's good for metabolic issues as well. Perhaps it will make him feel a little better and less anxious.
Here is poor, sad Toby in his stall:
In contrast, by choice, Chance is here in his stall enjoying his fan:
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Thunder Rumbles and Toby Bounces
All Day Long
Thunderstorms rumbled through off and on all day long. I'd gone over to visit my friend at a barn on the next road over and we heard thunder several times, but no rain. When I came home, it was soaking wet at the end of my road, but dry at my house, less than a mile west. Really rather amazing that rain had hit just one spot and not another.
But shortly after I gave Toby some more hay, my phone rang. It was Stacie my other friend calling to tell me she'd just seen on the Weather Channel that a huge storm was going to hit my area in a few minutes. Once more I heard a rumble and this time went out to the barn to get Tucker and Chance into the barn as heavy lightning was also predicted.
The storm hit shortly after with torrential rains--so heavy you could hardly see outside. That lasted about a half hour. Then things cleared up and the sun came out.
Every now and then afterwards, I heard little rumbles so I decided not to even bother going to the pool as they close the water when it storms.
Good thing. It turns out an electrical wire had come down over there and they'd closed the partk for the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Toby was in bounce mode. I have to feel sorry for him. He is so upset that the other Boys are out and about while he's locked in. He is bouncing about the stall, going to the door and whinnying to them. When I tried to give him is bute tonight I had to wait until Tucker came in for his late feed before I could even get Toby's attention.
On the good side, even though he is worried, he certainly does not look at all lame. Now, emotional upset might be playing a part here, but when he was sore on his feet, he did not care that he was separated from the other horses. In fact, the night I found him lying down, he was out in the run in shed while they came in the barn and he showed no concern for where they were at all. It may not be the best kind of enthusiasm for life that he's showing now, but it certainly is normal Toby behavior.
The vet will be here this afternoon. Scott called me yesterday to confer but he said we needed to wait to do any shoeing until we were sure the inflammation in Toby's feet was gone. He cannot be here when my vet is here, but hopefully he will answer his phone so he can talk to her about what to do next.
Thunderstorms rumbled through off and on all day long. I'd gone over to visit my friend at a barn on the next road over and we heard thunder several times, but no rain. When I came home, it was soaking wet at the end of my road, but dry at my house, less than a mile west. Really rather amazing that rain had hit just one spot and not another.
But shortly after I gave Toby some more hay, my phone rang. It was Stacie my other friend calling to tell me she'd just seen on the Weather Channel that a huge storm was going to hit my area in a few minutes. Once more I heard a rumble and this time went out to the barn to get Tucker and Chance into the barn as heavy lightning was also predicted.
The storm hit shortly after with torrential rains--so heavy you could hardly see outside. That lasted about a half hour. Then things cleared up and the sun came out.
Every now and then afterwards, I heard little rumbles so I decided not to even bother going to the pool as they close the water when it storms.
Good thing. It turns out an electrical wire had come down over there and they'd closed the partk for the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Toby was in bounce mode. I have to feel sorry for him. He is so upset that the other Boys are out and about while he's locked in. He is bouncing about the stall, going to the door and whinnying to them. When I tried to give him is bute tonight I had to wait until Tucker came in for his late feed before I could even get Toby's attention.
On the good side, even though he is worried, he certainly does not look at all lame. Now, emotional upset might be playing a part here, but when he was sore on his feet, he did not care that he was separated from the other horses. In fact, the night I found him lying down, he was out in the run in shed while they came in the barn and he showed no concern for where they were at all. It may not be the best kind of enthusiasm for life that he's showing now, but it certainly is normal Toby behavior.
The vet will be here this afternoon. Scott called me yesterday to confer but he said we needed to wait to do any shoeing until we were sure the inflammation in Toby's feet was gone. He cannot be here when my vet is here, but hopefully he will answer his phone so he can talk to her about what to do next.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
So Far, So Good
Toby Update
While he is not exactly a happy camper by being locked in his stall, Toby seems to be doing well. He is moving about with ease and appears to be comfortable on his feet. Because he has the foam pads taped on to his feet, I have not taken him out to see how he is walking, but he does "bounce" around every now and then when the other horses go out to the pasture.
Hopefully, his calling to his herd has not disturbed my neighbors. He was whinnying last night when Tucker and Chance went out to the pasture to graze.
He is not eating well, however. With him, it's a pretty sure sign of emotional distress. He has never been a "stomach horse" motivated by feed. If Tucker were not eating that would be a different story, but Toby?? All he has to do is get a little upset and food is no longer on the agenda. He did clean up his hay, so that's good, and his water buckets were both down to about a quarter full, so he is drinking just fine.
We have a vet visit scheduled for Thursday at noon. I called to Scott, my shoer, to let him know, but I haven't heard back from him yet. My vet also sent Toby's X-rays and I forwarded them to Scott as well.
There is always a bit of consideration that needs to be taken when a vet prescribes a shoeing/hoof regimen that might not exactly agree with what the horseshoer wants to do. I have utmost confidence in both my vet and farrier, so the ideal situation would be for them to confer and reach an agreement. But I did tell the vet that Scott's opinion has highest merit in my eyes.
Guess we will just have to wait and see how it all works out. No matter what, I am sure all parties, including me, have only Toby's best interests in mind.
While he is not exactly a happy camper by being locked in his stall, Toby seems to be doing well. He is moving about with ease and appears to be comfortable on his feet. Because he has the foam pads taped on to his feet, I have not taken him out to see how he is walking, but he does "bounce" around every now and then when the other horses go out to the pasture.
Hopefully, his calling to his herd has not disturbed my neighbors. He was whinnying last night when Tucker and Chance went out to the pasture to graze.
He is not eating well, however. With him, it's a pretty sure sign of emotional distress. He has never been a "stomach horse" motivated by feed. If Tucker were not eating that would be a different story, but Toby?? All he has to do is get a little upset and food is no longer on the agenda. He did clean up his hay, so that's good, and his water buckets were both down to about a quarter full, so he is drinking just fine.
We have a vet visit scheduled for Thursday at noon. I called to Scott, my shoer, to let him know, but I haven't heard back from him yet. My vet also sent Toby's X-rays and I forwarded them to Scott as well.
There is always a bit of consideration that needs to be taken when a vet prescribes a shoeing/hoof regimen that might not exactly agree with what the horseshoer wants to do. I have utmost confidence in both my vet and farrier, so the ideal situation would be for them to confer and reach an agreement. But I did tell the vet that Scott's opinion has highest merit in my eyes.
Guess we will just have to wait and see how it all works out. No matter what, I am sure all parties, including me, have only Toby's best interests in mind.
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