Preparing for Winter

Winter is just around the corner, so as the weather turns colder we are scurrying around trying to get all those projects done that should have been done this summer.

Last Sunday the girls and I shingled our chicken coop. About four years ago I converted their play house to a chicken coop because they never used it. For the roof I added a layer of tar paper and let it be. Granted it was pretty unsightly. After moving last summer the tar paper blew off and we were left with chip board for a roof. That is until last Sunday when the three of us headed out with tar paper, shingles, hammers, nails a ladder and a plan. The coop looks much better and my chickens are happier for it.

Tricks:
Over at I Gallop On Kimberly is teaching her draft horse some tricks. Check out her latest posting Ringling Bros.. Just last weekend at the Central Wisconsin Horse Expo we watched Derrick and his Morgan trick horse Rhia perform countless amazing tricks. Including fetching a drink, painting and playing soccer. Horses continue to amaze me with their willingness to please and intelligence.

Stallion:
I am searching for the right stallion to use with Classy. The stud needs to throw color as she is not a colored Appaloosa, he needs to be correct in structure, have a sane mind, and posses the bloodlines I like. Here's the one I am leaning towards. Imaginary Gold I also like this picture of him as a reference sire: Imaginary Gold Natural Isn't he something?

Vacations:
The girls have a few days off next week so The Man and I were thinking of taking a mini vacation out west. The Grand Canyon to be exact. Sadly you need to book horse vacations a few months in advance, so perhaps next August. Our next idea was to take them to Chicago, which is never a bad choice, but we have been there twice this year already. Finally we decided to stay home and build fences. Exciting no? Each night we will do something fun, have friends over, see a movie, family game night. Suprisingly the girls are not too upset. S asked if she could buy a new game and bake each night, while N just asked to go shopping one day.

Riding:
With the nasty rainy cold weather we have been receiving none of us has ridden in two weeks. GRRRR! I have started to contact some local places that might allow us to come use their indoor arena over the next few months. I've also begged our trainer to put her indoor up. She has plans to build one soon, which will be heaven for us.

Pictures:
Here's the professional picture from the State Gymkhana Show it was taken by Franke Photography.