They're Here!

Finally...they have arrived! Actually, they have been here since Sunday, but I have been busy with numerous things and haven't had a chance to post. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...we finally got our horses! Actually, they are my daughter's horses, as she is the one who bought them. Her year in 4H was a success, so she bought horses with the money from her steer. She is very excited about having them, and frankly, so am I!
They are 5 and 6 years old and have both been gelded. They were ridden year round when their original owners had them, but that hasn't been the case for the last two years. The couple that bought them took great care of them, but didn't have the time necessary to keep working with them. I am home almost all the time now, so can work with them on a daily basis. I think by the end of the summer, we should be able to ride them without any trouble. Plus, now that summer vacation is almost here, my daughter can also spend more time with them.
Now, onto other things...the garden beds are full, and my vegetables are starting to show signs of promise. I am so very happy I incorporated Mel Bartholomew's Square Foot Gardening into my garden this year. It has made weeding so much easier, as well as watering. I recommend this method to anyone...even if you garden on a bigger scale. It doesn't take much to get the beds in place, and they are then ready for planting. I framed mine with two by fours, but they can also just be dug into the garden with paths in between. We seeded grass around ours, so they will have grass paths (once it grows) between.
I am also still trying to sell the fabric from my Mom's store...I still have over 100 bolts left of quality quilting cottons. Among the fabric is also a tote full of notions, a couple of rolls of batting and a thread display over half full of cotton thread. I am a quilter, but there is too much even for me to use. I will be making up fabric bundles if it doesn't start moving soon. Either that or my daughter and I start making quilts, pot holders, quillows, etc for the Christmas season. If anyone is interested, please contact me.
I had best get off the computer and outside...I have grass to cut again. It is a longer process with my push mower, but on the flipside...good exercise. Have a great day everyone!

Catch Up Time!

Good day all!

It has been a busy Spring for me - trying to get the garden in, getting the grass cut (and we have lots), advertising the 150+ bolts of fabric that are sitting in my son's room, and helping my daughter with her 4H calf. There is also the day to day things like cleaning, laundry and cooking - it's amazing how much time all of these things consume.

Don't get me wrong...I am not complaining. I quite enjoy it all! I like the fact that I'm getting to the point where I do not have to answer to an employer...I am quite happy staying home and taking care of my family. Sure, the money isn't as plentiful, but I am also working on that aspect.

Now that the garden is mostly in and the rain has arrived, I just have to wait for it to grow. I still have to put in the rest of my potatoes, corn and pumpkins, but with the inch of rain we got between yesterday afternoon and this morning I can't see any gardening happening today. I did get a few garden beds put in a few weeks ago, and did plant some. My onions, radishes, peas, salad greens, kohl rabi and a few other things are coming up now. I am so glad I bought Mel Bartholomew's Square Foot Gardening book...it has been such a big help, and makes gardening much more manageable. The weeds are easier to control, watering can be specific to only the crops that need it, and the paths between the beds keep a person from walking on the growing area. It is definitely a must-have for anyone who loves to garden but doesn't want to spend all their time watering and weeding.

My daughter's 4H Show & Sale was a success! She placed second in her club, and fifth in her weight class during the Interclub Show. I am so proud of her! With her cheque in hand, she is now buying a couple of horses...which will be in our possession by next weekend. The beginning of the week will be spent cleaning the barn and making some minor repairs to the stalls. The loft will also need to be cleaned out this summer, as we will be doing things a little differently with the next 4H calf. This was a year of learning...next year will only be better.

School is almost finished for the year...it's hard to believe summer holidays are just around the corner. My son is looking forward to swimming...it will be good for him since any activities that require him to be on his feet for any length of time only cause him pain. Gone are the days of road hockey and soccer...I do wish he could do them again. Time will tell, and the healing process continues. One would think two years after surgery it would be getting better.

I had best get some never-ending cleaning done, and some baking. I could spend all day writing, as I am in the right mode now...but other things have to get done. I will try to post more often and keep you up to date on my gardening progress. I have full intentions of selling my produce at the gate...as long as the weather cooperates.

Have a great day everyone!!!