Daunting Undertakings and Precious Time

Today is a glorous summer day, warm, sunny and filled with prospects. I have a to do list the size of Africa and I have no idea where I am going to start or finish. I am counting down the days until I quit working for wages and the plans are coming together for my new life on the farm. I am basically assured of being able to pay my basic bills and I have several ventures underway that should pick up the slack. Photographically I am still rebuilding and it is a slow process, but it is happening, which is exciting in and of itself. My curently, one and only student, has decided to quit taking lessons, which was not entirely unexpected, so I am without that venue to balance the budget, but will now have time to work on the workshop project, about which I will talk at another time.

My renovations are way behind schedule, so they will have to be raised on the priority list, especially, since the days are now about to start getting shorter and I will have a little less daylight before long.The bedroom, which was gutted, in the fire, is still not cleaned up, so that will be first and then the bathroom has to be totally redone and the new fixtures installed. I am actually about to have a flush toilet! There will still be a tremendous amount more to do, but that will happen in the winter months. Right now, I have to finish the bedroom and re-insulate the attic, where I will also have to evict a family of squirrels that have moved in.

Horse wise, things are off to a better start, but this summer will involve a lot of training and that will involve a lot of time also.Sandy, the youngest member of the herd has turned one and will be ready for a new home by fall. He was the colt of my late Belgian mare, Sassy and my Clydesdale stallion, Andy. He will be a big boy, but has the disposition of an angel and will make someone an excellent partner, for almost any endeavour or discipline. He is a handsome lad and loves to be the centre of attention. Hanna, the Quarter Horse mare is still not bred, but she is willing and able and I have my fingers crossed for her next heat. She will be the foundation of my breeding programme and hopefully, my number one riding partner.

Summer is short and the list is long, but I am finally comfortable with my life and it's directions and ready for the adventure to begin, in earnest. Laissez les bon temps rouler!