Harley is soon to be ours!

John and I spent yesterday scouting out boarding places for Harley. I went back to one spot (holding my side over bumps and potholes) which looks pretty nice. I hope they like him and us! I don't see how I will be able to bike to work though, if I have to go muck his stall every day. Ah well, that's the price you pay, I guess. We'll see how this all works it, indeed, if we can work it all out. Worse case scenario, we'll have to sell him. But what fun we could have!

A horse in my future?

John has once again found another free critter needing a home--Halawa Moon, an eight-yr. old Thoroughbred, bay with a little star. We went and checked him out today and John took a test ride after a little workout on the lunge line. If we can work out the stabling details, and cut back on our extra expenses, Harley can be ours. Why is he free? His current owner just hasn't the time or experience for him. I will, or course, fret a little over the money, but John assures me we can swing it. And anyway, how long have I wanted a horse? Since I was a baby! Time for me to get,,,"Back in the saddle again"!

Spring plantings

John created a rolling hoop house for us this spring. Using an old warped table, he screwed the edging down so he could insert wire hoops and cover it with plastic. So far, it's been quite successful with our ever-changing fickle weather. Mind you, these are hardy plants: kohlrabi, spinach, kale, onions, green, broccoli rabe, etc. But this will surely come in handy as the season progresses. Our tomatoes, basil, peppers and eggplants are sprouting as I type, unfurling under the lights on heating pads. Once they're ready, they too will move out to the hoop house. What a clever guy--I guess I'll keep him around!

Overnight Sensations

Suddenly it's spring. The skunk cabbage sprouted leaves and the swales are greening up. As the sun swings higher in the sky, the stream banks are coming to life with marsh marigolds. Bright yellow forsythia shouts with the first color, joined by the now-golden male goldfinches. Yesterday morning, I awoke to the returning phoebe's buzzy, "fee-BEE". And the maples and budding with rich crimson flowers. Time for me to get busy waking up the garden!