We Have..... Mulch

What better time to get mulch and spread it than when it's raining.  This seems to be par for the course for me.  I guess J is busy with other things when the weather is nice so if I want help I have to wait until he can't do anything else. 

Bonus Kit Kat picture

 Kit Kat was on hand to inspect the load of mulch.

 And Emma was a good companion while I did the prep work of evening up the edging.

 J was the work horse, loading, hauling and spreading the mulch where I pointed.

 The blackberry vines took some edging and weeding before mulching.

 They really look neat and tidy now.

 And I had to rake and weed the daylilies.

 Now they are put to bed, ready for winter.

Don't you just love how fresh mulch makes everything look so good?

Closing Gates

Yesterday we were able to turn a 5 minute job into an hour and a half job.  J had a couple of gates to close after moving the cattle again so we made it into a job for riding the horses. 

 The horses really have the best view on the farm.

 And I cannot believe how green it is for November.  (We had snow this time last year)

 Jessica took a try at getting a hold of a hedge apple.

 J wouldn't let her keep it and she looked longingly at the great feast of them on the ground while J closed the gate.

 J has decided against taking Jessica on another endurance ride this year.  It really is a lot of work keeping one in shape for that.  Plus, with the shorter days he would most likely be finishing in the dark if he tried a 50 and I don't think that was appealing to him.

Then when J got off to close the next gate he took my camera and I have a picture of me riding Otoelene with more than just her ears showing.  I can't think of a better way to spend a nice Sunday afternoon.

Fall Ride

When V and Mike visited last weekend they decided to join me and Otoelene on a ride around the farm. 

 V took out her old show pony turned endurance horse Jessica and Mike was on Hank the Wonder Horse.

 I think Mike is getting the hang of this riding thing. Of course it helps to have a Wonder Horse as your partner.

 The Fall colors were beautiful.

V said they were Hokie colors.  I would have to agree there.  Hope everyone is enjoying your Fall.

Good Fences # 84

Because we had extra help Saturday working the cattle, (see here) I had more time to take pictures.  So here are a few more.

 Before tagging,

 tired and waiting their turn. 

 Now sporting new tags, 

 The 5 is for 2015 and the second number is just a number. 

Aren't they precious. 

For more Good Fences click HERE.

Work, Work, Work

V and Mike came here again last weekend to help work cattle.

 It's really wonderful to have such good help arrive.  (but it does involve more trips to the grocery store)

 I mostly got to stand back and take pictures while they sorted the cows and calves.

 I did give the shots and we have one cow with a crooked horn we have to tip every year or two.

 Then it was time for the calves.

 J and Mike did the castrating while V got the supplies ready.

 I gave the shots again and Mike did the ear tagging.

We did have an unusual number of calves that wanted to stick their heads through the side of the chute instead of the head gate.  It is sort of like a child getting their head stuck in the stair rails, easy in difficult out.  But all in all a good morning, pleasant weather and wonderful help.

Just Kit Sunday #91

J found a pumpkin vine growing in the field down by the creek and has been keeping an eye on it this fall. 

 After the recent frost he went ahead and brought the 1 pumpkin it was growing to the house.

 Well, of course that warranted an inspection by Kit Kat.

 Apparently a very close inspection.

Bet he is thinking of some good pumpkin pie.

Good Fences #83

Or Good Gates as the case may be.  I told J Tuesday morning that I was going to ride Otoelene (my dream hrose)  He said, "Well the cows need to be moved if you want to do something,'  like just riding wasn't doing anything. (I know he didn't mean it that way but it sounds better for the blog)

 This particular move involved opening a lot of gates.   First I had to go through 2 gates to get the this gate which needed to be opened.

 Followed by this gate,

 then this one.

 Now for the gate that the cows had gathered behind.

 Otoelene kept a close eye on them as they filtered through.

 Then they had to move on to the next field.  The red cow took the lead there.

 By the time I had ridden through the last pasture to make sure they were all out, and closed back 2 of the gates,  most of the cows and calves were through the other gates into this field.

Then there was one more gate.  J said just let them mosey through this one on their own, so I was done.

For more Good Fences click HERE.