White fences, green fields and horses

On my things that "rank right up there," I've always envisioned a time where I could enjoy the daily fix of gorgeous horses racing through green grass bordered by white fences. Well, that dream is coming to fruition. Just one item remains----get the fences and green grass together.

Nonetheless, yesterday marked a milestone of sorts. Though it has a few more boards to go, the fence around our barnyard, which months ago consisted of four strands of electrical wire, is covered with a fresh coat of white paint. We've got two sections to finish----one, where we had to wait for the water to go down to set a post; the other just north of the barn which needs some post holes dug and filled and a gate.

If all goes well, we'll have the whole project finished in the next couple of weeks. Even partially completed, the fence adds a striking touch to this place. On the north side, those white boards contrast with Stan Meserve's row of huge spruce trees, which he and Geneva planted nearly 60 years ago. Looking to the east, there's the fence, the budding fruit trees, Taylors' deep-green rolling field and the snow-capped Cabinets. You can't ask for anything prettier, except a few nice-looking horse friends posing in the foreground.

There's not much grass in the barnyard because the horses have been nibbling every little sprout that's popped up in the last few weeks. Yesterday while painting the last few boards, I looked over to see Casey standing near the still-remaining wire stretch, looking longingly--- probably hinting to me---at that tall, green grass on the other side. He and his buddies have nibbled a neat path, which extends as far out into the field as their necks will stretch along the fenceline.

Well, yesterday afternoon, my horse trio enjoyed an unexpected surprise. All it took was opening the gate to the pasture across the way from the barn. They knew good times were ahead. Composing their restraint, each demonstrated impeccable manners and patience as I led them one by one to that field of lush grass---first, Lily, then Casey and finally Rambo whose nose directed him to rich grass clumps which his eyes could not see.

The horses focused on what horses deem important when set free in a field of new spring grass. Meanwhile, I focused on their time spent there to make sure they didn't gorge too much. That's always a danger in the spring because the healthier the grass the more dangerous it can be to their sensitive systems. The herd had been eating hay all day, so their tummies couldn't take a lot of grass.

And when, the initial spring feast of green goodies had satisfied the palates, it was play time. As if a gong had gone off in her head, Lily suddenly darted across the field, full-speed ahead and first alone---then joined by Casey. I watched bucking, kicking, snorting, high tails and sprinting for about ten minutes last evening. Rambo just kept on eating during the side show, but then--as quickly as play time began---it ended.

Three horses stood at the gate, sufficiently saffonsified (sp?), as the expression goes, and ready to return to their fancy board corral to sleep off a long-awaited day of fresh, sumptuous nibbles and celebratory springtime frolic.

My longheld dream of watching those beautiful animals in much-envisioned settings is close to reality. Even though it came in segments yesterday, it was still oh-so beautiful.