ODE TO THE WINTER BARN WORKER



"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is delightful. And, since we've got no place to go... Let it snow, let it snow... LET IT SNOW!"

Nemo was a beautiful blizzard with it's light fluffy snow flakes and howling winds whipping through bare trees.  I was nestled comfortably between a sleeping hound and napping lab.  It was the perfect night to catch up on things...  personal things, like cooking and cleaning projects, doing taxes and maybe a nap or two. 

The state wide driving ban prevented a visit to the barn to be sure Ms Sug was warm and comfortable.  I knew she was in good hands but I still wondered and worried just a bit...

 Of course we appreciate them... sometimes with a holiday gift or two.  Yet, while I was cuddled up on the couch snugglying Mr Floppy...  The City Barn woke to drifts over 20 feet high, blocking barn doors.  And, with the blizzard still roaring, they used the school ponies to get to the barns to feed our lil princesses and princes.

If it were me, I might have cried myself back to sleep.   Instead, they worked and dug and worked and dug...  little by little what was once a mound of white was transformed into the barn we trust will keep our ponies safe... 

I dream of owning this barn... my plans are quite amazing if I do say so myself.  (I can really go on and on about what I'll do when I win the big, big lottery.) 

When I saw the Barn Owner tacking up his horse just 48 hours after the blizzard hit, I thanked him.  And then asked him to send me these pics on the day I win that big lottery... 

It is a real reminder that Barn Work and Ownership is a huge under taking and not as easy as the vision of my dreams...

 

Yes, City Barn Boarders and Friends, I saw your Facebook posts and I know we're grateful for the efforts this past weekend.  I wonder, sometimes, if an appropriate token of our gratitude could be one less text reminding the Barn Worker to put on the green sheet after taking off the blue blanket or perhaps, maybe... one less suggestion (complaint) about how to better do the stalls or manage the indoor. 

You see, I'm not sure I would have wanted to be the first person to walk down from the warm house or barn apartment and be greeted with the beautiful white fluffy snow "gently" blowing around the hill.  So, my penance for being tucked away, cozy and warm, is a ban on any thoughts, comments or suggestions on anything that looks like "improvements"...  cause after Finding Nemo, I am not worthy to "improve" upon anything!

City Barn Workers and Owners...  I humbly bow in your general direction and say...  YOU ROCK!  And THANKS!!!!

And for all of you who do this work so well...  Boarders and Friends thank you too... 

Note - All photos are courtesy of the Orchard Hill Equestrian Center Staff and Friends  (www.orchardhillequestriancenter.com)