Crunchy Iced Grass

 I went over to the barn early to sweep the upstairs as that didn't get done yesterday. The barn lights and heat were also turned on as we have guests in there for the next two days. It was only 28 degrees outside on our thermostat and I could see the mist rising from the lake all the way from the barn. The golf cart was taken over to mom's to check it out.

The leaves are turning, fall really has arrived and this morning was a taste of winter.

The grass at the barn was all crunchy with each blade covered in frost.

Blake from EB builders had already arrived at Mike and Diane's and was unloading equipment.

The golf cart was loaded with 2 camping chairs, split wood and a couple of hot dog forks and taken behind the barn where Mark had taken the fire pit. I had to admire the useless but pretty crop of iced foxtail growing in our hay field.

In all the years of baling this field we have never had to worry about foxtail. It must have been the dry spring then very wet weather then the long dry spell. I've heard other farmers in the area also had this problem.  We can't feed foxtail to the horses and it isn't good for cows either. Our plan next year is to plant a cover crop of fast growing grass.  According to Gary Unsicker that should take care of it. Gary is an amazing farmer and knows what he is talking about. Mark drove to Born paint in Peoria to pick up paint for the new windows and garage door. He spent $82.14 on a few brushes, a quart of primer and a quart of paint. Before he started the painting project, he helped me move in 4 bales. Both Evan and Valiant needed a bale and the middle paddock needed two bales.

None of the horses were out of hay but getting close. After that job I wanted to take a bunch of books from the house over to the barn and brought back 5 more to read later. On the way back the Fed-Ex truck was trying to deliver a box to Diane's house but couldn't get there because of all the equipment in the drives. I offered to take it to her house on the golf cart. When I got to the house was a little shocked at how torn up the yard in front of the cabin is and also the walk way to her house. I called her and told her she should be very glad she is in Gulf Shores and sent her the picture below.

She told me the funniest story. Mike was under those deck boards on his belly when he heard someone walking above him. He called out and a man answered. Mike wormed his way out from under and the man asked him if he was the attorney then stated it was really hard to track you down. He went to the office, saw the retired sign, saw that the office was closed then spent some time trying to find out where Mike lived. He wanted to have his will done. Surely Mike would do just one more will. Nope retired means NOT working. 

The guests for the foaling apartment arrived and loved taking the dogs for a walk and introducing them to the foals.

They needed a charcoal grill, Mark had one in the back garage but it really needed a lot of cleaning. I found the correct tool needed and took it into the indoor to use that hose. I also hauled more wood out for the fire pit as they want to sit outside tonight and enjoy the stars. It is a very dark night!