Sunless Saturday

It didn't rain, but it was an ugly day nonetheless. The forecast said 'partly cloudy' but there was no 'partly' about it. It was warm enough for jeans and a short-sleeve tee, so I can't complain too loudly.

I did my indoor chores this morning, then went out to spend time with the Boyz. I was unable to muster any enthusiasm to ride, so they had a much needed grooming session that lasted close to 3 hours. I didn't take my camera outside, preferring instead to remain in the moment. Most importantly, they got their March dewormer — a double dose of Exodus (pyrantel pamoate). They didn't like the first one, so it took lots of cookies to get the second one down, but the job is done. I had intended to buy the generic, but it was on backorder. Exodus was $1 more a tube, but I figured it might be worth it, since it's apple flavored. We didn't lose any, so that's gotta be worth something.

They got brushed with every implement I have, faces and docks washed, feet picked, hooves oiled, insect repellent applied, manes and tails treated with MTG, and sheaths cleaned. Jaz has a few spots of rain rot that I treated with MicroTek. They were good, as always, so they got their half flake apiece of alfalfa a little early today.

A few weeks ago, I got a flyer in the mail from Arbico Organics with a great deal on Fly Eliminators, their brand of the gnat-sized wasps that eat fly larvae. We don't have a really bad fly problem since there are just the two horses and no other horses or cattle directly adjacent to us, but who wouldn't want less flies? I got the high-powered program, which they say to do if your method of manure management is 'relaxed.' Um, yeah, that's one way to describe what we do: drag a harrows over it every couple months. I think I get a shipment every 3 weeks, and 2 double shipments; one in June and one in August. Per their recommendation, I also got a solar fly trap that attracts and kills adult flies. Don't know yet where I'll put it, but definitely close to where they eat and where I groom them (unless the destructions say otherwise). Since both those things take place close to the house, I'm sure that will be a big help keeping them out of the house. If you've ever used these (or Fly Predators), I'd like to hear about your experience.

I'm off from work Monday and Tuesday. My youngest brother, his wife, and their college-age twin daughters are in town to do some early wedding planning for their other daughter (my son's age), who lives here and is planning a Halloween wedding. They are coming up here on Monday. Wouldn't you know it, it's supposed to rain tomorrow and Monday? I'm just praying it holds off until Monday night, but it's not looking good already. Oh well. We'll make fajitas and copious amounts of margaritas and all will be well.

Hope you're having a great weekend. Don't forget to smooch your ponies.