May 1, 2024
The last week of April was windy, cold and bitter on the hill. I expected better. It is a good day when I bundle up for winter and open the door to a sunny morning. I am getting wimpy, it is not pleasant on the windy days to work outside. Although my Swedish director always emphasizes that there is no bad weather, just poor clothing. My Brit friend has a different opinion since she has come to Canada. She says; promotions speak of the good things here, they do not tell immigrants “that it is so cold in the winter, your eyeballs freeze”. I will hold that vivid illustration in my mind forever. I do know that coping with the wind is the biggest factor in horsekeeping at Handibear Hills. The herd’s shelter grove was pulverized by Fiona. When the winds come from the East and the Northeast, the herd was in for the night so their eyeballs would not freeze. Thanks to Maxine for that thought. There is good news, I have found a woodsman, that with a little bit of cash, will be able to clear out the fallen trees in the shelter groves, that will be a big help for next winters herd care. The update on Phillie’s wound, it is healing well, we let her go back to the herd a week ago. She was stalled for 3 weeks, being back with her pal’s makes her a very happy mare. The feeding plan and supplements have been assessed and we are now being more careful to notice manufacturing dates. It is tricky, because feeding extra’s to fat ponies can cause laminitis. Laminitus is the dreadful condition that causes lameness in the feet. Us old ones would name it as “Founder”. This condition should be avoided at all costs and good management. I am trying to plan summer projects and programs, I need summer help to do that!. I have not heard from the Province yet if the Sanctuary has been awarded student grants for the summer. I am in the catch 22 situation. It is late and most students have already secured their summer work. Patience, Patience eh!! We are always open for visitors, and “Jehoshaphat” the farm truck is home, getting ready to give the ride of a lifetime to tourists when the herd is on the south pasture. Cold as it is, the Crocus and Scilla are in full bloom in the yard. The “Picnic Place” has been in bloom all of April. During the 80’s I kept bees there. I planted 100 crocus bulbs in front of the hives for early pollen. They always bloom before the dandelions. I became allergic to the bee stings, so the hives have been long gone. I still have the bloom of crocus that has multiplied to over a 1000 now. Next year I will open the gates so everyone can take a walk down and enjoy the beauty. I highly recommend planting crocus for spring cheer. At the barn, I plant them in the lawn, just lifting the sod and throwing them in. They will have finished their bloom long before it is time to mow. Right now my tiny bluebells (Russian Scilla) are in full bloom. It is a cheerful sight, as I look out the window on these cold days. By blowing in the wind they have reseeded themselves in the Adventure Grove. Such wee small flowers to give such beauty in the spring. I am about to put away my winter supplements. Last week I had my first salad of dandelion and sorrel greens, chives and lovage. I planted snow peas and lettuce in the raised bed on the south side of the barn on April 2nd, they are peaking through, the cold nights are not helping though. Now all I wish for and most farmers too, is a bit of rain and more heat, to let the grass grown. In the meantime the herd is at the barn winter paddock munching away on the hay bales. I am in the barn planning the fence restoration on the south pasture. This month is roadside cleanup, I will be putting the yellow bags in mailboxes in my community. This is a good thing to happen, but I do not think well of the slobs that litter during the winter. Tourists will never know!!. A kindness a day, keeps the blues away. Love and hugs from Yogi and the herd.