The Heat Goes On

     "Drums keep pounding rhythms to the brain. La de da de de. La de da de da."  Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On" came to mind when I was thinking that this heat and drought just keep on keeping on.  I looked at their lyrics.  Some things (like mini skirts and teenyboppers) are no longer the rage, but "men still keep on marching off to war" like they said. This weather photo was not from our region, but it sure felt like it could have been.  Although we only saw a few days this week up over 100 degrees.

     This image from the song "Half Breed" also jumped out at me while I was looking at my Google search, and I couldn't help but be struck by Cher's and the horse's beauty.  She was also definitely "hot" back in the day.  Today, I would hope her breeding (genetic heritage) would not be an issue for those like her in our society.

    I discovered that there are song titles, Blog posts, and even news articles with the same title I used.  The following information and photos were in the July 17th Minnesota Star Tribune article "The Heat Goes On": 

     In its monthly drought report, the National Climatic Data Center in Nasheville, N.C., said that 55 percent of the country was in a moderate to extreme drought at the end of June. The parched conditions -- affecting crops, pastures and range land -- expanded last month in the West, the Great Plains and the Midwest, fueled by the 14th-warmest and 10th-driest June on record, the report said.

     Stunted corn begins to shrivel in a field next to a cattle feed lot in rural Springfield, Omaha, Neb., Tuesday, July 17, 2012. The drought gripping the United States is the widest since 1956, according to new data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

     Boats rested on the bottom of a dry cove at Morse Reservoir in Noblesville, Ind.  The reservoir is down nearly 6 feet from normal and being lowered 1 foot every five days to provide water for Indianapolis.  Michael Conroy, Associated Press 
   
     Steve Niedbalski is seen chopping down his drought and heat stricken corn.  Around a third of the nation's corn crop has been hurt, with some of it so badly damaged that farmers have already cut down their withered plants to feed to cattle.

     Farmers aren't the only ones harmed by this heat and drought, but they are the most severely affected.  Their livelihoods are at stake.  One local hog producer said he will spend more on corn for his pigs than he will make on them when he sells them.  But what can he do?

     I found this baby barn swallow on the ground in the corn crib.  After taking it's picture, I returned it to its nest... although I had to look in these three nests to find siblings of similar size.



     I did not start the week out very well.  Monday morning I couldn't bump my walk up to a jog... just didn't have it in me.  I got our angry house cat and goofy dog loaded and took them to the vet, to discover I was an hour early.  I came home and did the same thing over again 45 minutes later.  I was five minutes early for my 11:00 appointment and it was 11:58 when the vet finally entered the exam room.  This is part of the reason I hate going to Dr's and Vets.

     Once home, I had a salad for lunch... and it wasn't long before a flood of GI pain and rumblings hit.  I was soon making multiple, and hurried trips to the rest room.  What had I eaten?  At one point, I seriously thought I might be dying.  Tiny made an appearance... she had to come for water.  Here is a good look at her and Buck Tooth Betty's messed up beak.

     It wasn't long before she sprinted back to the corn crib.












     Swallows on line.  This is right near the nest I had returned the baby to.  I checked on the ground for several days and never saw it again.

     Joe and I abstained from Growth Group because I felt so bad and he was still at work, and had to be back on line at midnight.  I did muster up the courage to leave the house (the Pepto-Bismol was helping) and take Dan and Valencia to the Replex (LeRoy fitness center).  We drove separate so I could come home early.  I swam some laps, dried off and headed home.  I had hot Cream of Wheat for dinner (even though it was nearly 100 degrees out) because that is all that appealed to me.  And I went to bed early. 

            Tiny with Babe and Stew.

     Tuesday morning I was feeling better.  The walk was not very energetic, and the heat was already melting me as I cleaned stalls.  I had saltine crackers for my second breakfast, because I was starting to feel a bit queezy.  I did get last week's blog finished and posted finally.  I only did the bare minimum in terms of chores, morning, noon and night.  Reading, playing Words with Friends, and taking a two hour nap was all I accomplished.  I did run (not literally) to LeRoy to pick up some groceries and pizza for dinner. 

     Wednesday was a busy, productive day.  After my usual morning routine, I went out to water the gardens and spray weeds in the round pen and drive way. 
   


     There has been an increase in activity over at Becks.  They are getting ready for their big "show" scheduled for Aug. 14th.  One worker had parked and was chopping weeds all along the tracks.

     I was at the dentist for cleaning at noon, shopped, brought home a bunch of groceries, unloaded and stowed them away, fixed lamb stew, and refreshed stock animals' water.  The lamb stew was okay, but not as good as the roast I had cooked a month ago.

     Thursday I walked around the perimeter of our yard and over at Becks because it was threatening to rain.

     Mid morning I brushed Roni and worked him in the round pen.  Then I rode him around here and over at Becks.  We got sprinkled on by a few rain drops.

      Because Abbey was asleep on my lap and I didn't want to disturb her, I took a nap here in my chair on the front porch after a late lunch.  Valencia and Dan played video games.


     I eventually ventured back outside and fertilized all my flowers, veggies, and new transplants.  During a late dinner, we got a short little storm.  It didn't last long or bring much rain, but boy was it refreshing... and did it ever make for a pretty sunset.















 

    













     I couldn't decide on a favorite photo, so I included several.  While out taking pictures, I also noticed that the horses had each rolled in the little bit of dirt that was made.  Here is Zorro.

     The front that brought rain, also brought cooler air and a nice breeze.
I did not follow my normal morning routine Friday.  The walk was cut short, and I only sat for a minute to have half a cup of tea.  Then I loaded Roni and headed to Lisa's. 

     I was there before 7am, and gave Roni a quick brushing to remove some of the mud from the night before.  Then we loaded him after Lisa's horse (Mark), and we were headed off to Danville.





     It rained just as we arrived, but had stopped by the time we looked around and got parked.  Saddle up your horses, we got a trail to ride.

     We crossed the Vermillion River (which was rather low) and rode along it for much of the ride. 



     Roni tended to crowd Mark, but otherwise
handled very well.



 
Roni loved splashing and playing in the river.


     Other than some horse flies, the trails were awesome.  There were some pretty good sized hills we went up and down.  We also crossed the river a second time.  It was nice that the horses could get a drink of cool, refreshing water. The temps were in the 80's but the horses still got hot going up and down the hills.

    
     We rode over two hours, took a short break, and then went back out for a short 30 min loop.  It was a beautiful day for a ride, even though we got sprinkled on twice while out riding.

     I was pretty tired by the time I got home at 2:00.  Stew had a late bottle.  I didn't do much the rest of the day, except watering chores.  Once Joe got off work for the week, we headed to the pool to relax, swim and cool off.  The Summer Olympics started so we sat and viewed that, fast forwarding the slow parts and commercials.

     Saturday morning I cleaned the paddock and corn crib along with the usual stall mucking.  Everything got a good watering as usual, and I weeded the rock garden.  I found a small pile of fresh corn over at Becks, dumped back by the huge pile of stinky soy beans we have smelled off and on all summer.

     Joe "harvested" the corn that we will feed the poultry and cows.  Betty was quick to inspect and help herself. 

     It was nice enough to work outside all day, but I lacked the motivation and energy to do so.  Joe had left to play cards just before lunch.  So, like always, Abbey joined me on the front porch to nap while I read my Bible and messed on the computer.

     I did go out and mow for two hours, getting the front ditch that had been taken over by weeds.  Courtney, Mike and their friend came by and I visited with them.  An intern working at Becks stopped to say they have a plot of
                                                     sweet corn that is ready for harvest,

and to help ourselves.  So Kaysha and I walked way back to I-74 where the plot was, and I brought home two ears, making for a perfect supper.  I played words with friends until Joe got home to run the TV so I could watch more of the Olympics.  Look at all these high point letters I had.  I played the word GYOZA with these, against Travis.

     Missy returning home with breakfast.  It was so cool this morning, I wished I had had a long sleeve shirt on while walking with Kaysha.  I did jog a short distance to try to warm up.  I think I need to take up biking or swimming for aerobic exercise.  This jogging is just too hard on my joints.

     While waiting for Joe to get offline with work, so we could go to Church together, I whittled away the morning working on this post, watching Olympics, and AIM chatting with Britney.

      We never did make it to Church because Joe worked till 10:30.  He cooked bacon and eggs with cheese for brunch and then went back to bed.  I went out to work with the horses.  I started with Amiga.  I think she liked the brushing and handling.  She did okay with ground work, although I am still not 100% sure of what I am doing.  I rode her for almost 15 minutes.  I didn't want anything more than a walk, but she kept wanting to gait.  She also kept turning in, coming off the rail of the round pen.  Not sure why, but I tried different techniques to keep her out on the rail.  She is very rusty!

     Roni was next, going through the same steps as Amiga, but I had him gait in the round pen as well.  And then we ventured to the exciting world beyond!  He was a joy to ride, with only a few times when he wanted to exert his will and test me.  We spent most of our time over at Becks.  Here is a picture of the sweet corn, down the middle of the photo.   I-74 is on the right and the taller corn on the left is field corn. 

     My sweet Amiga... the heat is on... I am going to start asking you to work for me, after taking 15 months off to let your legs heal.

     Joe and I went to the pool late in the afternoon to cool off and lounge in the sun.  I swam 10 laps today... slowly building on that.  It has cooled off considerably here in Illinois.  It did hit 90 today, but not for that long.  We are still in desperate need of water, as the drought situation escalates with each day we go without rain.   We have had 1.18 inches total in July, on five different days... just little showers really.  The drought goes on...

To Think, Or Not To Think

     Do you ever wonder what cows are thinking, or if they think while they lay chewing their cuds?  I do.  The rumen is the first stomach, responsible for the first stage of break down of food.  It holds up to 50 gallons of partially digested food. This is where cud (partially digested material that is burped up and chewed again) comes from.  Does the word ruminate (to chew over or think about) come from this process?  Stew has been eating enough alfalfa, that he joins Babe in ruminating... chewing...   and thinking?

     Joe and I have had several sleepless nights this week (especially last night) because we have not been able to turn off our thinking... Joe about work and I about what's not working.  Do we grind our teeth in our sleep as we ruminate?  How does a person stop ruminating, when our train of thought is moving at full speed and we are trying to get to sleep?  Meditation (thinking of not thinking) is a method used that I have not practiced.  I usually go to God in prayer... but need to remember to listen and not just talk.  I believe I lack the mental control required for meditation.  According to Wegner and Pennebaker, "Mental control occurs when people suppress a thought, concentrate on a sensation, inhibit an emotion, maintain a mood, stir up a desire, squelch a craving, or otherwise exert influence on their own mental states."  Often times I am a bit too spontaneous in words and actions and I do or say things I quickly regret.

     Edward Espe Brown has some interesting things to say in his article Thoughts On Thinking.  Here are some of his thoughts... somewhat disconnected because I didn't include his explanations or examples:  "Knowing what to do with your wandering thoughts is perhaps the greatest challenge for mediators.  You're not supposed to think in meditation, You're supposed to quiet your mind.  Thinking is pretty normal, don't you think?  The problem with thinking is not thinking per se, but thinking that is stuck.  When I say not to think, I mean that if you have a thought, think nothing of it."

     When we forget to do something, like turn off the water to the stock tank and it over flows, it isn't that we were not thinking... it's because we didn't think of it.  We have so many things on our mind, that thoughts get lost in there.  Or, when our mind "takes over our body", like a reflex action or when our horse spooks and jumps, it is for self preservation, because taking time to think could be costly.  The subconscious mind is a good thing... we shouldn't always think.   But we must also be careful not to let a knee jerk reaction cause us to speak or act without thinking.  When I do not know what to say, usually I really can't think of what to say... but sometimes, nothing I was thinking was worth saying.  My problem is that I usually blurt it out anyway.  At times we need to balance thought with silence.

     Then there is the other side of the scale, where we over-think things.  In the Clinic last week, Larry said that many of us were thinking too hard.  He said to picture doing the move correctly, which is the idea of this poster.  We also need to practice the different techniques in order to be able to perform them without thinking.  Then they will become natural, relaxed, and connected in a correct way... and our horse will be able to move in balance and with softness.  I am reading a book Carol lent me, That Winning Feeling!  "Program Your Mind for Peak Performance" by Jane Savoi.  It is about mental training and positive attitude while riding your horse.

     Okay, enough thoughts on thinking, I'll get on with the happenings around here.  I spent (wasted) most of Monday on the computer.  I finished my blog, e-mailed photos to different people who rode in the clinic, and played on Facebook.  I was definitely having technical difficulties with my camera, phone and computer... ugh, which prolonged the whole process.  Luke checked the alfalfa mid afternoon and I spoke with him about being sure it is good and dry before bailing.  Photo of barn swallow flying lessons above.

     I think little Stew is so cute.  He and Babe have become good friends.  After removing sticks and dog deposits from the yard Tuesday morning, I took the dog poo and scattered it along our South property edge near the tracks.  This helps deter the coyotes.  It simulates Kaysha marking her territory. Our electric fence also helps keep them out.  Almost each morning when I walk down Brian's road, I see fresh coyote dung.  The other day something caused me to stop and turn around, and there was a coyote, standing in the middle of the road, about 50 yards away, looking at Kaysha and I.  It dropped it's head and turned as it trotted off the road into the tall corn. 

     Amiga and Zorro are
two other good friends....
.... and partners in crime.




      Later in the morning, while I was out picking up trash along 150, cars were flying by.  And then I saw someone get pulled over by a police car at the edge of our property.  Suddenly, cars were no longer whizzing by.  What a great traffic calming device.  I also noticed that the litter bugs on 150 are all smokers, drinkers, or fast food junkies.

     Luke raked the hay before noon.  Joe had advertised our alfalfa for $5.00 a bale on Craig's List and started getting a ton of phone calls.  This, on top of all his State Farm work, was almost more than he could handle.  He was turning away customers left and right.  One fellow said we should be asking $7.00 a bale. There is a real need right now because of the drought.  Grazing fields, especially for cattle, are becoming baren.  Well, we ended up selling all 135 bales to a man from Downs for $5.50 a bale.  It came off the field and went right down the road to his horse farm.

      Wednesday morning after my walk and chores here, I went to Marj's to do chores.  It took almost three hours to clean all 17 horse stalls on my own.  Kristi came mid-morning and helped me with feeding and turnout.  I got home just in time for lunch and noon chores. Then it was off to my dreaded Farm + Fleet, Wal-Mart grocery trip.   I took this video of horses coming in for super, however, I can't get it to upload after at least 10 tries over the last 26 hours.  So... still working out this technicality.

      After dinner, and evening chores (including weeding the garden and watering) Joe and I started the long, three hour movie Avatar.

     Thursday I postponed my walk because it was sprinkling, which didn't last long.  But the walk ended up getting skipped all together.  I was on the road by 9:00 to take Roni to Moraine View for a nice long ride around Dawson Lake.  He did very well except for the trailering.  Loading has become a big struggle for some reason.  It had gotten quite hot by the time I got home at noon. 

      Above, Abbey knows how to beat the heat.  All afternoon I interspersed outside work with coming in for cold water and a short rest here at the computer to cool off.  I collected un-baled hay off the side pasture, weeded and watered, and moved crappy hay from the manure pile to the burn pile. (left photo) 

      The horses, who are now on a diet (less hay and pasture time) have been picking through the manure pile to get something to eat.  Joe had cleaned the chicken coop, calf pen and corn crib over the weekend and piled it all on the manure pile.  What was he thinking?   

     We decided it wasn't the best place for the dirty hay bedding, so Joe helped me move it.  I used the tractor to re-pile the stall waste and manure, and then started a new manure pile.  Of course the horses, ducks and chickens all took turns checking out the two piles.

     We had an all American supper of grilled barbeque chicken, fresh picked sweet corn (from the Farmers Market) and mac + cheese.  After counting and moving some bails of hay (for a buyer coming in the morning) we finished our movie.  I went out to close the chicken coop before bed and suddenly a sense of uselessness flooded over me.  Sometimes I feel getting this farm (especially the horses) and retiring early has been a bit extravagant.  The animals require a great deal of time, energy and financial support... but to what purpose?  I even felt guilty about
                                                                         the increase of bottled 
water I have been drinking, after seeing this flyer on Facebook.  "Disposable plastic water bottles add greatly to marine and terrestrial pollution and simply are a waste of resources".  So you all give this some thought please.
     I wondered "What is this world coming to?" and "What am I doing with the rest of my life?"  I definitely had a sense of restlessness that still washes over me.  Standing in the dark paddock, past my bed time, petting my horse friends, helped me regain some tranquility.  I needed to get some perspective on life.     

     I had a sleepless night, but still rolled out of bed at my usual 5:30am time on Friday morning.  My wrist was extra sore from yesterday's work and from holding fast to Roni in an effort to get him to step forward onto the trailer.  It was a cloudy morning with a cool breeze which was quite refreshing.  I walked with a faster pace and even jogged for a quarter mile.  My old heart, lungs and joints groaned, but complied.  I probably should start doing more of this, I thought. 

     Joe came home from work mid morning and we helped a hay customer get 50 bails of our questionable hay loaded.  We sold it for $2.00 a bail and feel he got a great deal.  He is feeding cattle.  Then Joe helped me get Roni loaded (which went easily) before he went back to work.

     I met Lisa at Moraine View and joined her and her two boys for a ride around the lake.  In this photo, you can see Lisa carrying a boom box.  I have seen it on the ground for several weeks now.  Lisa was taking it back to camp to throw away.  Getting Roni loaded to come home went like the old days of nice and easy, which boost my confidence in him and myself.

     After Stew's bottle and a late lunch, I was nodding off here while playing Words With Friends, so took a nap.  Dan called to say he and Valencia were headed here.  What a welcomed surprise... but I had to go into super cleaning mode for two hours.  They arrived at dusk but I wasn't able to stay up long to visit.


     Kaysha ready to go for a walk.  I tried jogging again during my morning walk Saturday, but couldn't increase distance.  In fact, it was shorter than the day before.  My legs, back, neck and shoulders felt so tired.  I jogged a second time during the walk, but not that far.  Once home, Joe went with me to Marj's to help clean stalls.  He had many of them done by the time I got the "boy's" in, fed everybody, and turned the mare group out.  I helped Joe finish and we were headed home in a little over an hours time.  He works much quicker and efficiently than I do.  (I like to think I do a better job.) :-)  When I work on something, I tend to over-think it.  Whereas Joe dives right in.  Too much thinking can prevent you from making mistakes... but, why think and waste time, just use the energy to do it and get it done.

     Joe and I worked on outside jobs once home, because it was going to get hot again so it was best to work in the morning.  After lunch we had some fun with target practice.  Dan wanted to show Valencia how to shot our 22.

     First some safety instructions ... how to hold and carry a gun.


      How to use the sight.  Valencia is left eye dominant, but right handed.









     Dan moved some old hay bails out back by the tracks and set up the target.


     Then he had to do some shooting to get the scope correctly adjusted.







     Some more instructions for Valencia on loading the gun, and use of the safety.




















Then target practice began.

















     Dan tried different stances,
while Valencia looked on.


     Joe came out to watch...





     and then tried his luck with the shotgun Ralph gave him.


     Valencia finally got a turn to take some shots at it and did quite well.



     I took Roni to Marj's , meeting Courtney who was working with Marco, a 5yr. old Paso Fino.  She had him brushed up all nice and pretty.

     We did ground work in the indoor arena, I with Roni and Courtney with Marco.  We practiced the techniques that had been shared in last weekend's clinic.  I rode Roni for about 20 min. but Courtney just stuck to ground work with Marco.




      Dan and Valencia came by so we could show her the wonderful facility and let her see all the pretty horses.

     Joe had grilled hamburgers and brats waiting when we got home.  Mike had also come out to join us.  Then we moved out into the barnyard to watch the movie "Kingdom".



     Joe was up Saturday night for work at 1am, I had to run to Marj's at 2am to turn off a hose to the water tank I completely forgot to turn off earlier, and Joe left for work at 3:30am.  So it was not a restful night.       


     I shortened my walk to just 1 mile Sunday morning.  I worked in the nursery and then went to Church.  Once home I took a much needed nap.  The outdoor heat, and fatigue from a restless night prevented me from having the energy to go out and work.  I did the bare minimum, consisting of the watering and feeding chores.

     Dan and Valencia power shopped for several hours in the afternoon, Joe worked all day, not getting home until 7pm, and I messed around on my computer and did some thinking. 

    
     Valencia fed Stew his evening bottle, getting him to follower her off the back pasture and into his pen.  Dan and I took some pictures.  I was unable to get this blog posted Monday ... it was not a great day for me.