Simpler Things in Life

This morning's chores was brisk! I'm not sure if the cooler temperatures are a sign of what's ahead or not. If you know me, you know I'm a worrier about the weather. I guess it's the farmer mentality in my blood. No matter the case, this morning I was freezing! It's the end of July and I have to put on a lightweight coat to stay warm when doing chores. Although, in years past, I do remember throwing a blanket on Queen to keep her warm during a cold rainshower in July. Weird how weather can trigger certain memories. Oh how I miss Queen.

I was running late this morning to do chores but I'm glad I was. I was able to watch the sun rise. The days are getting shorter (and apparently a touch cooler). I love to watch the sun rise over the horizon. I wish I had time to bring the camera out and take pictures of the herd in the pasture. There's been no time to relax and spend with the herd in the pasture during the wee morning hours.

With the cooler temperatures, Mike has been able to work outside while I play with our son. When he's done, I go outside to do chores. Some of the hard keepers are still looking a little tough so I'm upping their grain ration, which means more time in the barn. Last night I realized I'd gotten a little spoiled as of late. In years past, I would have to grain one or two of the really hard keepers (Bob, Ace, Sam, etc.). They would go into the barn and the rest of the herd would have to wait, not so patiently until they were done. In some cases, it would take over an hour for them to finish off their large quantity of grain mash. Once they were done, I could go out and throw hay to everyone (had to make sure the hard keeper had hay too!)

So last night I pulled Bo, Brego, Jim, and Zeke into the barn (I wanted Rain too but he wasn't cooperating). I gave each their own grain mash. Zeke promptly flipped his dish over. He's not a fan of beet pulp. I was so irritated at that scene, that I had to walk out of the barn. I figured I might as well fill water tanks while I was at it. Unfortunately, the mares water tank is by the shed and we have to connect 300 feet of hose to fill that tank. Because there's such a long distance to push the water (and it's going uphill), it takes a long time to fill the tank. Instead of hovering over either the horses or the water, I decided to go back in and wait. It was already 10pm so I thought I'd catch the weather. When I went back out at 10:30pm, the hard keepers looked like they were stuffed and the water tank was full. I was grumbling to myself about having to do chores at 10:30pm but then I looked up to watch the orange moon rise above the horizon. Had I not been out at 10:30pm I would never have seen the moon at in that hue. It was gorgeous. I had to stop and watch the moon rise into the sky for just a short time.

I am trying to take time out of my busy day to enjoy the simple things in life. It's hard to do when we are in the age of technology and always pushing to strive for better. But there is so much beauty in front of us, it's simply a matter of taking the time to stop and enjoy what is presented to us. My hope is that if I stop to enjoy the simple things in life, I can quiet the turmoil in my mind and heart. There is so much more I should be doing for the horses but there's no time and no money.  But we will continue on and hopefully have time to stop and enjoy the simpler things in life.