Saturday

 

Oh how I love a good Saturday. It didn't start on the best of notes because I had to go here for a blood test:

That out of the way I visited The Make Cafe to get fabric to bind a current project.

This is a wee quilt made of Tilda fabrics and the binding has tiny white spots. Sweet. 

On the way home I picked up two pairs of jods I had ordered. One pair went for a spin this afternoon when I went out to the farm for a ride. Zanny was happy and we had a quiet ride around the farm. We like exploring. 

When i was present hunting I found this nail polish set. I have suddenly got the urge to decorate my nails so this will be perfect. 

You can see the knee of my new chocolate coloured jods too. I know you are excited about that.

We put the Christmas tree up at school yesterday, and I hope to get ours up tomorrow. Poor Johnny had to go to a meeting/course thing today and when he got home the weedeater battery died again prematurely. He is not happy. Never mind. I made lasagne for tea, and hopefully it will be good.  

Summer is on the way

What a lovely day I had today. Not the most productive in terms of housework and the garden, but I did have a thoroughly relaxing and fun time. The weather was hot and summery so I needed to get out to see Zanny this morning before the day really heated up. I was expecting a damp day, so this was a real bonus. 

Well, I didn't have a handsome cowboy to accompany me, and I was wearing considerably more safety gear than this elegant lady, but Zanny looked a bit like these lovely steeds. We headed out for our first road ride since I got a bit of a fright when we were out and she decided she wanted to go home NOW!!! We headed off down the long drive and she was so keen to keep going that I went along happily for the ride. She was super good, and we had a lovely time. I didn't push my luck and turned her around when I felt her slow and get a wee bit anxious. When we arrived home she had a good wash in the special horsey washbay and got me thoroughly wet and made me laugh. Great fun.

I was very pleased because a regular farm visitor said Zanny has never looked better. At 19 years old it is great to hear she looks in show condition.

Miss Dog is finding it very hot this evening. Mr Mouse is stuck inside hovering around a slightly open window. He caused a ruckus in the bushes next door this morning trying to repeat his birdie assault experience. The birds were shrieking in fury, and he stomped back indoors without causing any damage.

Christmas is starting to appear up our wee lane. There are wreaths appearing on doors already. I don't have one and always intend to remedy that situation, but can't see the use of spending considerable amounts of money on a plastic one. I need to come up with something more natural, I think. 

Have a lovely week. 

First Blood

Well, almost. Mr Mouse caught his first bird today. It was a young blackbird that was rather indignant at being brought inside to be played with. The wee creature appeared to be unharmed as it winged its way out of the house again after some panicked flapping. 

Zanny and I had a wee ride. She was a happy girl. I gave her lots of kisses. Did some gardening and lots of washing. 

I think Mr Mouse is out hunting again. Oh dear. 

From the garden

Mouse and Miss Dog love to help.

Redevelopment of the messy corner has been hard work. 

I love the way caulis look like the are not doing anything and suddenly one day you peer into the depths and tucked among the leaves is a lovely surprise. 

I am winning the race to south island tomatoes in the family, I am sure. 

I had a lovely ride on Zanny today. She and I managed lovely rhythm when trotting today. I was riding in a saddle I am trialing. I just need an expert to check the fit and if good it will be mine. Zanny seems happy in it. 

Hard work supervising. 

Longing for a baby

Zanny is in season again. I thought something was up when I led her down the paddock. She was fixated on the other horses around the paddock, rather than on food like usual. Does she want another foal, or is she just a tart who is keen on the lads? Who knows, but the boys (even geldings) sure like her. We had quite a bit of drama around the wash bay because two sides have paddocks with boys in them. After a fair bit of calling, weeing, stamping, kicking out and hind quarter swinging, I got her washed and then we retreated back to the paddock. She thundered down the fenceline to torment the boys some more when I let her go. Thank goodness for the electric fence. 

I went to see this dear little man today.  

 Isn't he gorgeous?

 His daddy is the gypsy cob, John Brodie, and his mummy is a licorice allsort off a pony with a mixture of breeding.

 She is a wonderful mummy and keeps her little man in line as good mummies should.

I want one of my own!

Ps. Aria is a big, big girl now! I must take some photos for you.

New

Today I am coming to you from my dear little I Pad mini, which is already a favourite friend. She arrived two days ago so lots of experimenting to go. I actually have one, plus a big I Pad at school, but nice to have one with my own things on it.

I am experimenting with putting photos on so excuse any layout issues. 

We have been out working hard in the garden. Not a hardship when the roses look so lovely.

We have been supervised the whole time.

I have almost finished the bird and butterfly quilt.

And look at my fantastic new old blankie. 

Mr Turtle will be pleased to have a crocheted friend (not made of turtle skin I hope!!!!).

Well, this is a little tricky to get used to, but seems like it will be a convenient alternative to cranking up the laptop or remembering to have the camera handy. 

Tomorrow I promised Zanny a good wash from head to toe, with shampoo if there is some handy. It is supposed to be very hot, so we will both enjoy getting wet, especially after a ride. Miss Dog is slightly worried that I may have similar plans for her. She loves swimming, but hates being squirted with the hose. 

Don't worry Miss Dog, bathing Zanny will be hard enough and she co-operates.