Outside all day

Yesterday was a glorious day--partly sunny and 74 degrees! I was awakened at 7am by an eager 8 year-old's cries of "Can we go now, Mom?!" I had promised the first horseback ride of the year this day. What made it even more special was that Daddy wanted to come along. So we geared up all three animals and had a lovely ride along the river and through storm-damaged trails. But the downed trees made it more exciting, as the horses sometimes chose to jump, rather than step over the larger tree trunks. Then we spent the rest of the day cleaning tack, dismantling and feeding the horses and cows the very last round hay bale, and doing some outdoor clean-up around the barn. We had some wind damage from the latest wind storm which tore off several sheets of metal roofing, plus lots of downed tree debris from the ice storm which needed burning. It was a lot of work, but we had a great time being outside.
We did not bring Chippy out with us this time because his release date is only one week away. March 15 we plan to set him free at Grandpa's house. (Too many cats here.)

Signs of Spring

The last week of February brought several signs of spring to our little homestead. The crocus and daffodils began to bloom, the migratory birds are stopping by on their way north, and Charlotte (the spotted saddlebred horse) began her heavy spring shed. Today is March 3, and it is very cold (30's), but these signs of spring are quite promising.

New puppy!

We took in a stray. He is a sweet little thing and a good playmate for Flomar. His fur is brighter than yellow--almost white. We are not sure of the breed, but when we take him to the vet next week they will be able to give me an idea of his breed and age. I want to name him Sunshine because of his brightly colored fur, but the kids are already calling him Ike. What do you think? I'm open to suggestions.

Birthday, turkeys, and squirrel

Little R turned 8 on Saturday. She got a trampoline for her birthday. (God blessed us with a used one.) She had a party with several friends and had a great time. Here they are playing the yarn game. Each person has to say one sentence of a story and then toss the ball of yarn to someone else, who then tells the next sentence of the story. However, each person must hold onto the yarn before they toss it. We also played a game with balloons in which each person has a balloon tied to their ankle. Then everyone tries to pop the balloons without having their own balloon popped. Fun! It was rainy and a bit snowy that day, so the kids did not get to jump on the new trampoline, but they didn't seem to mind.

Just a couple videos to share. One is of a flock of wild turkeys we ran into about a quarter mile from our house. The other is of Chippy hiding a nut. Chippy has a nest box now. He doesn't quite get the idea of it yet, but when he decides to make it his home, we will be able to move it outside and set him free. I'm also waiting for the weather to be more consistently warm. But I'm quite sure Chippy will be set free in the month of March.

Perelandra

I just finished reading C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, and my first question is: Why are these three books so obscure? Everyone knows about Narnia, but how many are familiar with the fairy tales he wrote for adults? Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength are meant for adults because they are so deep--so very, very deep-- and must be read as much with one's spirit as with one's mind. Lewis was a genius. If I could talk to him I would say, "Thank you for putting me in mind of the heavens. I will never be quite the same."

Updates

Re. Ice Storm: We continue to enjoy the luxury of electricity while thousands still do not, my father being one who has now gone 12 days in a cold and dark house. He did spend a few nights at our house when the temps were in the teens, but it is in the 50's and 60's now during the day, so he has been back home... waiting. He thinks there should be a prize for the very last person to have their power restored, along with a personal note of apology for being last. These little fantasies help him to cope.

Re. Chippy: Our squirrel continues to thrive in his captive environment. He discovered my potted plants recently. Did I tell you squirrels love to dig? His release is scheduled for March, or late Feb. depending on the weather. I fear it will be hard on all of us (except Dad) when we let him go.

Re. Fun: We went ice skating at the sportsplex yesterday and had a great time. The little ones had never skated on ice. (We go roller skating about once a year.) By the end of an hour and a half, even the 5 year-old was venturing out on her own.

Re. Ella Mae: Here is my latest doll clothes creation...

Power Again

On our way home from church this morning our car nearly lost a wheel. My father came and rescued us about 5 miles from home. But when we finally arrived home hungry and tired, our power was on and the phone lines and internet were restored. Praise God! Tonight we will sleep warm and well. Please continue to pray for our surrounding KY counties that are facing many, many more days of this trial.