Tag Archives: weather

Spr-inter Storm

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Snow

It was a mess of weather all over the place its seems this past weekend, and this is what we had in our neck of the woods. Unrelenting ice pellets and snow with a smack or two of freezing rain and high winds.

We were really fortunate not to have sustained any damage to trees and property. As well, the hydro stayed on throughout. Others in our area were not so lucky.

Still, we were isolated for a couple of days. Access to our highland area was almost impossible as the gravel roads were skating rinks (I’m told as I haven’t left the farm since last Wednesday.) I’m sure happy I didn’t need to go anywhere. (And we were going to remove our snow tires last week! Hahahahahahaha!!!)

We subsisted on homemade soup to use up stuff in the fridge in case the power went out. Fortunately we have a gas stove so heating up food was not going to be a problem. And it wasn’t. The beef barley soup with dumplings was de-lish!

Since no one was able to get to the farm Monday morning I helped Eira with barn chores. Mucking stalls, turnout … that sort of thing. Trudging through the heavy snow to get the horses in and out, and digging a path to the manure spreader required heavy exertion. Been a long time since I worked in such conditions, and I really enjoyed it. It’s challenging, physical labour and immensely satisfying. Not something I can do all the time, mind you. Issues with adrenal fatigue continue to dog me, so after that kind of exertion I’m pretty much useless the next day. I need recovery time. It’s my woman-of-a-certain-age challenge and I manage my life around it. Somewhat limiting, to be sure, but to do otherwise would push me back into a debilitating state I’m unwilling to re-visit any time soon.  Today I can up the activity one more notch.

A Wagon LoadThe horses were, for the most part, pretty cooperative. They spent all weekend inside and were happy to stretch their legs in the snow once we were finally able to give them some turnout on Monday. We’re hoping for lots of sunshine, over the next little while, to dry things up suitably so our equine friends can enjoy the spring grass when it finally arrives. Paddock management is crucial this time of year.

Now I’m looking forward to seeing things green up. The buds are on the trees; the tulips were just poking through the ground before the storm hit. Spring is awaiting its turn with baited breath.

Nurture what you love,

Dorothy
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2018 … Aimwell CreativeWorks

 

 

The Ice Storm Cometh

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Ascension

~*~

Got up at my usual early hour this morning and was privileged to watch the sun ascend on the other side of the valley. Always a thrill for me, as the vista is quite magnificent, however especially today as according to the weather prognosticators there’s no chance of sunshine in this area again until the middle of next week. Between now and then southern Ontario is expected to see a menacing ice storm which, as those of you who have been following my blog for a while will know, has the potential to wreak havoc. (See Ice Storm Aftermath, March 2016) So, I’m grateful to have had this moment today to commune with the great, and seemingly elusive, fireball in the sky.

So, ice storm. Our lives disrupted by Mother Nature’s need to vent. (Don’t blame her.) A check list of things to do to prepare in case we lose power for a few days. Firewood brought inside to dry. Water stored in containers. Bran muffins to be baked. Perhaps most importantly, breathe. It will be what it will be.

As for the horses, I am told by the lovely ladies holding down the fort at the barn that if the ground is not safe enough to escort grandma it’s not safe to turn the horses out in the paddocks either. So, when/if we get this ice storm the horses will be kept inside and ridden and hand-walked and free-lunged to get the bugs out. And then, when grandma feels it’s safe, our equine kids can go out again.

Spring on the farm can be quite the roller coaster ride.

Nurture what you love,

Dorothy
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiottii … All Rights Reserved 2018 … Aimwell CreativeWorks

Daily Prompt: Disrupt

Silence

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Silence

~*~

One of the things I have learned to appreciate about living in the country is the silence.

When I was a city dweller the silence was deafening. Going where there was no noise used to unnerve me, so I would have something … even if just a wind-up clock with its metronome tick-tick-tick … in my room to break the silence.

Since we’ve moved to the country it’s quite different. I cherish the silence. In fact, it’s the constant white noise and buzz of the city that unnerves me now.

Against the backdrop of silence we can hear the snow crackle; the coyotes howl; the woodpeckers peck; the horses whinny.

It’s been a great environment in which to heal my adrenal fatigue and nervous system.

I love the sound of silence.

Nurture what you love …

Dorothy
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2018 … Aimwell CreativeWorks

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silence

 

With The Good The …

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Waiting

~*~

It’s a new year. Lots of good things to look forward to in terms of personal growth and development.

And yet, there are trials, too.

Bear is still not completely sound. The right hind continues to be problematic. Kind of like me with my stiff right hip that gradually loosens as I stretch and use it, he’s a bit wobbly in the trot when we get started but gradually pulls through. Early last week it was much better. Then later in the week it was worse.

I just don’t get it.

Stefan says to get a proper diagnosis. No more guess work. We need to know exactly what we’re dealing with. And he’s right, of course.

Yes, the chiropractic helps. Yes, the massages help. Yes, the dental work made a difference. But obviously something else is going on that we need to fathom.

It’s not that Bear’s in a great deal of pain. If he was he wouldn’t be so willing to work. As I mentioned in my last post he’s all soft-eyed and floppy-eared in the going; attentive and willing to put his best foot forward. He wants to work, it’s just that for some reason he’s struggling right now.

So, this week more consultations with the vet.

Since it’s -12C with -20C windchill for most of the week he’ll be getting lots of time off. Perhaps that’s the answer. I don’t know.

Still, one way or the other we’ll find out what’s going on. In the meantime I’ll just keep my heart and mind open and take each day as it comes.

Spoil the boy rotten with carrots, of course, and with those mini peppermint candy canes he took such a shine to over Christmas. In moderation … of course.

I guess a trip to the bulk store is in order. 😉

Nurture what you love …

Dorothy
Horse Mom

©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

 

 

Bear’s Winter Blahs

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Spring is just three weeks away but you wouldn’t know it to look out the window or gaze at the forecast. Winter still blows at full blast.

At the barn everyone ~ horse and human alike ~ is bored with it. And I know I’ve never had so much time out of the saddle during the winter months as I’ve had this season. It’s just been so cold.

And, too cold to get out the serious camera.

So, in the last few days I’ve attempted to capture, with my iPhone, some of Bear’s winter blahs.

Presented herewith.

Commentary in Shakespeare’s own words … of course. 😉

~*~

Breath

The breath of winter hath the season chilled.

~*~

Chillin'

And yet, somehow, remaineth I so cool.

~*~

Alone Again

Zu Zu away, alone I am not thrilled.

~*~

Digging In

But bury nose in bucket ~ I’m no fool.

~*~

Carrots

For carrots glow there as a blazing sun,

~*~

View

And with a splendid view my heart might sing.

~*~

Bored

Yet bored, am I, when all is said and done.

~*~

Grass?

The grass is yet not green. When cometh Spring?

~*~

So dramatic. 😉

Nurture what you love …

Dorothy
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2014

Introducing Zu Zu …

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Rather than bore you with yet another rant about how miffed I am about yet another dumping of snow interfering with my precious barn time, I thought I’d introduce you to Bear’s new girlfriend. Rather appropriate, don’t you think, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

A couple of days ago, when it was finally warm enough to pull out the good camera, I captured a few images of the happy couple out in the rolling paddock behind the barn.

Bear and Zu Zu

They were hanging out by the far fence line, so I called to Bear. He turned his head to acknowledged me and, naturally, when he did, she did.

Zu leads

After a few moments hesitation, where it looked as if it they were discussing whether or not it was worth their while to interrupt their mutual meditation Zu Zu, it seems to me, decided it would be appropriate to make the trek across the snow for a visit. Or, possibly, Bear indicated to her he wanted to see his mom and nudged her along. At any rate, you can see that he’s quite the gentleman allowing Zu to take the lead. Or did she, the alpha mare that she is, just take the lead and he followed? Hmmmm … this is open to debate.

Bear follows

Either way, they trudged happily together through the snow to the gate and, as any gentleman would, Bear stood back to allow his beauty to star in her very own picture.

Zu Zu

Zu Zu is a rising four-year-old mare of the Canadian breed.  She is much smaller than Bear, but what she lacks in stature she more than makes up in attitude. She is the boss and has wrapped herself around Bear’s heart.

And mine. 😉

Nurture what you love  …

Dorothy 🙂
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiotti, All Rights Reserved 2014

Time Out

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Bear, snuggly in his winter blanket, hangs out in his warm stall with ample hay.

Bear in his lair

With -20C wind chill it’s simply too cold to ride, so Bear and I are on a time out.

In fact, it’s been a week since we last worked and it’s going to be at least three more days until we do.

Frustrating ~ especially since after our first two sessions with the new coach we’re already showing some progress.

I guess all there is to do is ruminate on the lessons learned and be ready to put them into play when the temperature gets more palatable.

[Sigh …]

My new mantra?

“Effort without tension; relaxation without collapse.”

Nurture what you love,

Dorothy 🙂
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiotti, All Rights Reserved 2014

Settling In …

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A quick update …

Bear quite happy to take in his new surroundings …
Bear in a moment of solitude. Zu Zu is on the right; Jerome is making a meal of the fence …
Bear and Jerome get acquainted …

In spite of -20C temperatures Bear is settling in nicely at his new, cosy digs.

Perhaps the most astonishing development is how quickly he’s managed to make new friends.

Bear has a sociable nature, but never could I have imagined just how easy going he was going to be with this major transition in his life.

When introducing horses to each other for the first time it’s important to be mindful. Like people, horses either get along, or they don’t. When horses don’t get along it can be pretty distressing. So, that first morning, while figuring out what would work best for all concerned, the barn manager held Bear back in the barn. Her first inclination, as is common practice, was to put him out in a small paddock by himself so he could get a sense of his surroundings. He would go out on second rotation keep a sick and unhappy horse on stall rest with a sore leg some company.

But Bear wasn’t having it. He wanted to go out.

So, he was turned out with two horses who just happen to be two of his closest neighbours in the barn so he would have had all that first night to start getting acquainted. Out in the paddock and after some initial squealing, which is typical of newly introduced horses, they were right as rain.

I could hardly believe it when she told me. Bear’s not even in the barn 24 hours and he’s already made friends.

His new paddock pals are lovely.

The first is ZuZu who, you may recall, was mentioned in my previous post. She’s a young mare of the Canadian breed. (Has Bear ever been turned out with a mare before? Certainly not while I’ve had him. Of course, there was his mother … ;-)) She’s a feisty, self-assured young lady quite able, it appears, to hold her own among the boys. Bear is mighty fond of her already, and looks for her when she isn’t nearby. I’ve also caught them making eyes at each other across the aisle.

Oh, my! My boy has a girlfriend!!!

He also has a new buddy.

Jerome is an international show jumper in early retirement due to injury, and has been ZuZu’s paddock pal for a while already. He’s a real sweetheart and it’s clear he simply wants to be Bear’s buddy. I spied them grooming each other as I drove by their paddock and into the farm that first day. A good sign.

Needless to say I am thrilled at how quickly Bear has settled in.

So, proud of my boy. 🙂

Nurture what you love …

Dorothy 🙂
Horse Mom

©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2014

A Chapter Ends; Another Begins

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Happy New Year, everyone!!!

It’s January 1 and today is traditionally the day when millions of people all over the world set down appropriate (and some inappropriate) resolutions and goals for the year to come.

Have you set yours? If so, something wonderful, I hope. Something that takes you toward a bigger dream and helps you to realize your heart’s desire.

For this is what I have done.

Yesterday, I closed a chapter on my life, and began another.

I could almost feel the page turn as I loaded Bear onto the trailer and drove the 10 minutes to his new home.

Our world is expanding. I’m a step closer to my dressage dreams. I’m getting a peek at our potential and we haven’t even had a lesson with our new coach yet! It’s so exciting!!!

And perhaps Bear can sense it too. He was such a good boy throughout the entire shipping process. (My thanks to Rick Lehman for his calm and gentle manner with my horse).

While waiting for the trailer Bear and I share a moment …
Bear demonstrates a relaxed curiosity of the trailer …
What a good boy! Easiest load he’s ever done. Just walked right in … Happy! Happy!
We’ve arrived at the farm and Bear is carefully unloaded …
We’re on the road heading east …
We’re here!!!
We head toward the barn and Bear is all ears taking in his new surroundings …
In we go to Bear’s cosy new home …
Bear’s so relaxed he’s happy to mug for the camera …
His new stall already bears (ha!) his name … 🙂

At the new barn, after an initial survey of his new stall and a little snorting and blowing at the unfamiliar pelleted bedding, Bear settled right in. No drama or hysteria. He immediately felt at home.

I groomed and fussed over him as I would normally so the routine felt familiar, and he was his usual sociable self.

The barn manager made us both welcome and has been most supportive and accommodating as I’ve made the transition during the past couple of weeks.

When I could finally pull myself away and leave Bear to acclimate to his new digs on his own, I felt totally happy and at peace with my decision to move him.

And then, last evening while I was hunkered down to celebrate new years by myself (my social life has been non-existent this Christmas due to the adrenal fatigue) I received this lovely note by FB message:

BEAR says hi Mom!

I ate all of my dinner and licked my bowl clean. I really enjoyed the beet pulp. I slurped it and slurped it.

I’ve been meeting my new friends and introducing myself. Some have really funny names and hard to pronounce … what does ZU ZU sound like

Love you

BEAR ♥♥

Well, I’m sure you can imagine how thrilled I was to receive this thoughtful note. 🙂

And another:

Those people just came and fed us all again!!

I’m going to eat my late dinner and call it a night

It’s cold outside but snuggly and warm in here so I feel like I’m all set for a good night’s sleep

Gnight mom

XXOO

BEAR

We’re home … 🙂

Happy New Year … and may you realize your heart’s desire.

Nurture what you love …

Dorothy
Horse Mom

©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2013

A Change in the Weather

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While I continue to tweak the next instalment of Confessions of a Coaching Intern, here’s another missive by one Shakespeare the “Equine” whose own blog I have yet to update.

As he would say: “The day hath only so many hours.”

As well, change is in the wind.

Stay tuned.

~*~

Our new official portrait ~ Photography by Cary Andrew Penny

Our new official portrait ~ Photo: Cary Andrew Penny

~*~

Sonnet II

Fall on us falls with glowing gasps of gold

O’er wooded hills in splotches splished and splashed,

And red and amber textures big and bold

Are vari-coloured leaves all smished and smashed.

My feathered friends profess a fond farewell

As to the south their beaks they point with glee,

And flap in happy vees through cloudy cells,

It seems, at last, they have abandoned me.

*

And so turn I my thoughts to season’s plight

Of colder rains and winds that blast and blow.

And wish for August’s warmth with all my might —

Though forecast doth, alas, predict, first, snow.

No choice now but to weather Winter’s pain

Bow I my head and whimper in my grain.

~*~

Nurture what you love …

Dorothy
Horse Mom

~*~

©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2013