Morning Chores-Delighful Evening Chores-Work

Oh, how I wish you could be with us in the morning. The singing and calling is so musical. Gracie waits at the back porch for her treats. The donkeys and mules are not far behind. Everything in the morning is so fresh and wonderful. In the summer it is still not too hot and even in the cold, wind and rain it is great to be out with the herd.
Yes, I am a morning person-unbearably chipper, joyful and full of energy. I could talk the leg off a table. I am happy to be alive. I'd love to share the ranch with you in the AM.
By evening, I am tired, my back hurts, I can hardly climb into the tractor and I don't want to talk. Just leave me alone and let me get done.

So, join me in the morning and I'll share the ranch with you. The donkeys have shown up and run Gracie off. The mules will be up soon to run off the donkeys. When we let Lexi and Ruby out they will run off the mules.

Gracie took the bucket away from Jonathan and Callie took it away from Gracie.

Jim loads the hay so I can take off for the herd. Jim feeds the upper horses and waters them while I feed the others.

Off we go. Through the front gate and to the left to feed Dunny, Dancing Drum, Star, Promise, Charity and Wild Bill. They have been enjoying the warm sunshine.

Up we go on the front road.

After feeding this bunch we turn around and head down the road to the big herd.

Tucker and Smokey wait impatiently for their breakfast. This is the time when the herd gets a good check-up. Is everyone here, standing, eating, etc.? Anyone lame, sore, cut, upset? Who is with whom and who is alone? Getting in and out of the tractor and throwing hay is so much fun and it is so easy-in the morning.

Everyone gets a big flake of hay with lots of extra piles for those who get pushed around. Fun Fun Fun. I love it
Jet is having her meal alone, but Pearl and Bonita are not too far away.

Down the side road to throw more hay. Everything is so fresh and beautiful.

The lower barn looks good from the side road.

We turn around again and head for the front gates to feed the horses in the lower barn.
By this time I have been up and down and in and out of the tractor at least ten times. I step up and swing in ever so gracefully, thinking of the dance teacher who asked me to leave the class at age 7 because I was so clumsy. She'd never believe the smooth moves I can do in the morning.

Dobbin is soaking up the sun and nibbling in another of Jonathan's buckets. Jonathan will only eat grain if it is in a bucket. He won't eat it off the ground. The boy has his standards.

Jessie and Jenny with Jonathan under the trailer enjoy the beardless wheat hay.

Zoe likes to hitch a ride as we head back.

Sometimes Mac goes all the way down the road, but sometimes he just waits by the gate. His little nub of a tail waggles a greeting.

Poe hides in the house, while Mr. S, Zang and Gray celebrate the day. They are morning people, too.

Around the drive we go, passing Rico

on the way to Levi II and Juan.

Cash and Harmony watch the tractor, trying to convince me that Jim has not fed them yet. I can see the hay, guys. Can't fool me.

Lexi and Ruby have their morning coffee-er water.

Quest has made it to the hay trailer. Don't get in his way when he is hungry.

Lacey checked out the upper barn, but didn't find anything good inside.

After feeding, watering, turning out horses it is time to do the rest of the work. Yes, I'm still cheerful and perky- right up to about 3:00 when my body says, That's It. I'm done. Everything starts to ache and my perkiness dwindles away.

By evening time I am glad to be alive, but the climbing in and out of the tractor becomes a real effort. Maybe the dancing teacher was right as I step on my own feet and clamber in .
I don't feel like talking. I just want to put all the horses in, feed, water come in the house and crash. No energy to talk-just get finished.
So, come on over to visit the sanctuary. But if you want cheerful, graceful perkiness come in the morning.

Visit out website http://homeatlastsanctuary.webs.com