Grazing, Blooming, Sprouting and Fishing

One of the ultimate times to behold the beauty of horses comes on that first day in the spring when they finally get to go eat the green grass in the pasture.

Usually by that time, they're almost shed off, and there's nothing prettier, in my mind than the contrast of that deep green grass and each horse's coat color. 

Yesterday was such a day.  Lily, Lefty and Little CB spent two short segments of the day grazing on the new green grass. 

Their visits will be limited as too much of that rich green grass in the spring and early summer on a horse's stomach can be deadly.  

Their tummies are pretty sensitive to drastic changes from a winter with dry feed/hay. So, pasture visits are done with care and timing. 

The second time the trio went to pasture, they wore fly masks, another first for CB who flinched a bit and then let me don his brand new mask for the first time. 

In addition to flies launching attacks on the horses while they eat, the mosquitoes are relentless at this time of year.  In fact, during the evening sessions, I seldom have to ask Lefty to come to the gate to return to the barn. 

Lefty is ultra sensitive, even when covered with fly spray. Once in the barnyard, though, Lily is happy to relieve him of some of his itching misery.  

Anyway, the summer routine is gradually falling into place, and the horses are happy to eat their grass, and I'm happy to admire them as they graze. 

While grass is growing fast enough for a two-mowing week, asparagus is sprouting---now three sprigs visible, and the bursting of blossoms, leaves and needles continues at a fast pace. 

Sadly, this year, it looks like some of my plum trees suffered over the winter because their blossoms are comparatively minimal to past years.  Glad I made all that plum jelly. 

Speaking of plum jelly, I sent a couple of jars over to the Vira's in Ephrata, where yesterday anglers, Bill, Willie, Annie, Johan from Sweden and Shiraz, met for an outing at Rocky Ford, a fine fly-fishing venue, loaded with huge trout.

Well, the trout weren't hungry yesterday, but the anglers still had a good time trying their luck for the afternoon. 

In return for the plum jelly, Shiraz, the gardener extraordinaire,  sent back a tomato plant from his nursery.  It will go in the ground sometime this week.

Thanks, Shiraz, for the photos, and a special thanks for adding the final touch to a great birthday weekend for Bill and Willie. 

 Happy Monday to all.