Yesterday, as we were sorting books, another volunteer, Serena (not her real name) asked me what Pete and I do in our spare time. I said, “we don’t have any spare time,” and the matter was then dropped. Her statement took me by surprise because I thought she had some idea of why it is we are so busy.

I thought she had some idea as to why we are so busy because a few weeks ago she paid us a visit. She didn’t seem all that interested in the livestock, garden, or solar energy installation. She did seem interested in the bees, and she did have a few questions about them. Her lack of curiosity then baffled me. And it baffled me even more when she asked the above question.

Newly finished hay shed

I am far better with the comebacks and one-liners when I write. By then I have also have figured out how to substantiate my viewpoint.

So here we go. I am now going to address Serena directly. I have told her about my dispatches, but she does not read them. This may, right now, be a good thing.

Dear Serena:
You recently asked me what Pete and I do in our spare time. Your question caught me off guard because I thought when you were here, that this question was answered. Well, most of us learn by example, which is why I am going to give you a day-in-the-life snapshot.

This morning I arose before Pete and cleaned the horse and goat pens. After breakfast, I finished cleaning the goat pen and cleaned the chicken pen. I then made two trips to the compost station area, and there unloaded two carts full of manure.

I next cleaned out the hayshed. We got hay a month ago and stacked it on the left-hand side in the hayshed. We then nearly finished feeding the hay on the right-hand side. About a week ago I noticed that this remaining hay was moldy. I then surmised that this was what made Tinni sick. So anyhow, I cleaned out the shed, and Pete took the feedbags full of what I call spent hay over to the compost area.

I ate a fast lunch, and then I set up the dog n pony agility area. After, I took Tinni on an outing. We didn’t go far because Payton, one of Claudia Sihler’s animal training instructors, was coming out to our place, so as to go for a ride.

I never know when strangers say they are coming to ride, if they are inexperienced or experienced riders. Turns out that Payton is an experienced rider, which was why I put her on Raudi. We rode our trails and Payton and Raudi did just fine. We also took our dogs and Payton’s dog Gouda. The dogs also had a great time.

After, I did agility with the dog and with all three horses. The August course is way easier than the July course, for which I am grateful.

So here Serena, is an account of a day in the life. Read it and become demystified.

Next: 215. 8/5/21: Moving in Slow Motion