Winter in Southern California is a bizarre fusion of Midwestern autumn and spring. There are trees bursting forth in hues of gold and brown, and leaves on the ground. The hills I drive past on my freeway commute have recently turned perky green, and this is the time of year when roses look amazing.
Note the roses in bloom.
That’s why the Tournament of Roses Parade (and football game) is right around the corner on January 1. (I’ve heard it said the reason Pasadena began having the parade over a century ago was so the California newcomers could show off to their Midwestern brethern how lovely this Pacific “paradise” really is–and to make the Iowans, Hoosiers, and Illinoisans who stayed behind in the tundra jealous.)
It’s been raining here lately which is a good thing. You’ve probably heard on the news that California is in a drought. CNN reported the other day that the state still needs 11 trillion gallons of rain to end the drought. I don’t think I even know how to express “trillion” if I had to write out the zeros–that’s a lot of water.
So although I feel sad that I can’t really ride my horse as the arenas are closed, I am thrilled we’re getting some relief in the form of liquid sunshine. Hand walking one’s steed is a highly underrated activity.
I now give you a couple of barn highlights from yesterday’s walk with Pigpen.
And that is precisely when a metal curry is helpful (or bathtub). I don’t have one. A metal curry that is.
Manure composting in action. I get a boarder discount! But really, they should pay me for Knight’s contribution.
Walking past the hay truck.
Looking perturbed that we’re walking past the hay truck.
Not at the barn, but it cracked me up on my commute. “No Duh Tribute to No Doubt.” What would Gwen Stefani say?
How do you cope when the temperature or elements won’t cooperate with your plans to enjoy riding or other sports/hobbies?
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I'm Susan and this is my horse Knight. We have been a blogging team since 2015 and we're glad you're here. Tally ho!
Funny! No duh!
We try to have backup plans for things. It all generally works out.
I just thought of something and you might have an idea. . . I need to find little mini-fences to keep my dogs out of my succulents and other areas. I bought some wirey things from Home Depot. They’re thicker than a coat hanger, and you connect them to various links. I want heavier duty ones. Is there a garden supply store online that might have stronger ones that are more solid? Sorry to go off topic, but I was just thinking this over when I was outside and noticed my dogs had been digging today. 🙁
Your question has me thinking of a few questions back, however, let’s see if this helps. . First, my suggestion isn’t really pretty. . It’s not snow fencing either!
I use a roll of chicken fence 2′ high with 2″(ish) holes so light gets thru and I don’t “see” it as much. They come in 50′ rolls. There are green stakes for it also. You can put the stakes closer together for strength and they sink deeper than what you have. I’m afraid to put a link in here for fear I’ll get sent to your junk folder… However, I know I got it at a local hardware store (Ace) and surely the other big box sell it in silver and even green coating to blend in.
After that, if you need more decorative fencing. .. I’m not really of help. The list is vast!
Thank you! My goal for 2015. . .
When the weather is seriously inclement – and it has to be bad enough that the horses actually refuse to do anything before I give in – that’s when I clean tack. I hate cleaning tack, but it’s better than just watching the rain come down…
That’s a wonderful idea. I supposed I could also do some horsey laundry. Polo wraps and saddle pads. 🙂
Luckily for me, I’m still young enough to just throw that stuff in the wash and it magically reappears all clean…
great shots (no duh) and hope you get even just a few million ounces… lol
also – I read the comment to your other reader – and two things that helped me keep the dogs out of my garden – first – I found a super long mini white picket fence form Home Depot – it was a few years ago – but it was 25$ and just high enough to teach them to stay out. They could jump it – but don;t… 🙂
I had the iron ones – about 2 1/2 feet – and it also worked – but those were from Lowes and were a discontinued – anyhow, check the rolled up picket fences at home depot – I think it added a cute little look too – but it may not be your thing… 🙂
Thanks! Yes. I want iron. Sturdier. I’ll check it out.
Happy holidays too (in case I did not get to say it)
I would LOVE a No Doubt cover band, hah.
sounds like you’re making the best of the rain!
Thanks, Emma. Trying to. 🙂