A Life Of Service On Casa Claire

Woke up at my usual 2ish a.m. time, went out and found Claire and Honey munching hay in the warm new barn, so I asked them politely to exit long enough for me to get inside and fill and lay out their dishes. Honey complied, and waited right outside the entrance, but Claire just hung over by the hay rack, munching away. So I fed them quickly and returned to the house. I watched as Honey went back inside to keep Claire from raiding her dish first. Glad to see they are both happy and hungry.

I know I make life on Casa Claire appear exciting, and most of the time it is, but sometimes I manifest the mundane over the magical.

For example, after Claire’s completely unexpected and quite serious bout with Colic a month ago led to meeting her wonderful new Vet, Dr. Francesca Cerri,

who stepped into the breach when my wonderful neighbor, deputy sheriff Andrea gave her a call, I have spent way too much time watching Claire pooping.

and then rushing over to check out the fresh results to make sure its a good quantity and appears healthy looking.

I’ve adjusted their meals so that along with the (4x) recurring 2 pound servings each of the combined diced apples, pears and carrots, they receive a decent helping of Sunflower oil soaked Alfalfa pellets with a garnish of dry roasted peanuts for that additional crunch and delightfully salty taste. https://allabouthorses.org/nutrition/salt-for-horses/

Then they have access to all the freshwater, forage and hay they want in between. So far, so good.

Today I will spend a few hours collecting that resulting nutrient rich poop and delivering it to the ever expanding Hadrian’s Wall out back,

While Claire and Honey lounge around out back, basking in the autumn sun, watching me toil.

Then I will replenish the hay, water, soaked pellets and freshly chopped fruit. Regular cycle. Humbling for sure. But busy hands keeps the devil away . . . unless you are the devil.

Then there are the monthly mani-pedis, to keep those hooves healthy and looking sharp.

I know, sounds boring. But as caretaker, you must pay attention to the tiny details like input and output, or as Lisa says I&O.

Wouldn’t trade it for a Las Vegas bachelor party.

Speaking of Lisa, she’s been a trooper with the first week in her own battle with Shingles.

And I have come along nicely when it comes to my technique in the preparation and application of our Oz family sourced homeopathic treatment of the same. A topical thin coating of soupy green clay mixed with colloidal silver, then wrapped in soaked gauze with a dry wrap over it, seems to have reduced the severity of the blistering shingle belt along Lisa’s arm and reduced the intensity of the localized pain from a reported 10 to a 3. Of course, it could be the placebo effect, but a win is a win.

Although I’m kinda hoping Lisa turns Pleiadian blue from the Colloidal Silver. Memories.

As part of yesterday’s mundanity, I went to check on Charlotte the spider and was happy to find her repel line leading from the top of the fridge to the back of the unused pellet stove,

note that she left a thicker filament in spots so it would be easier for me to see. She is no doubt turning the pellet stove into the perfect nursery for her thousands of offspring to arrive in safety.

Again, I’m happy to play my role.

And speaking of which, I better get to it. But first some kitties to cuddle and rounds to make.

You fine, five readers take your time launching towards your weekend errands. You have earned that full English breakfast and extra cuppa caffeine to wash it down. But get that punch lit done and dusted before noon leads you into fun fall things like last minute outdoor decoration prep for Halloween, watching College football, a few spooky movies, and dare I suggest it, maybe some interesting reading, sitting in a comfortable chair on your deck with some warm cocoa while wrapped in a thick sweatshirt.

And then, tonight, you can watch the Yankees continue their march towards the World Series. Or, the surprising Mets (Pete Flanagan has been working overtime beyond the veil this postseason), if the feeling moves you.

Sounds like a plan.

But, no matter what else we get up to, let us make today a great one.