A Firm Foundation

Following Henry David Thoreau's advice, we are laying the foundation of our castle (historic log cabin, rather) in the air. Mike and crew have been cutting, chiseling, and mortaring away for the last month. The beautiful hand-cut limestone from Ewing's Chapel (see February 11th post "Rocks and Snow") is almost gone, but we have secured a few more tons of rock from the chimney of a historic home in Elizabethton. Even with the aid of a modern rock saw, the process is slow and arduous...by 2006 standards, that is.

New Front Door!

Here's a picture of our new front door. Mike made it from walnut he had harvested from the Exchange Place, the living history farm where I volunteer. Wood looks so much better than vinyl!

Ruby's Homecoming

After three months of focused training at Journey's End Farm, Ruby came home a changed filly. A few of her impressive capabilities: leading, standing on crossties while being groomed, lifting her feet to be picked, and driving with reins. She also politely turns her butt away from me when I go into her stall (rather than aiming it right at me in preparation to kick!) Since Scar and Johnny Cash are at Dad's, Ruby and Jezebel are getting nicely reaquainted; I think they'll be best friends again in no time! I plan to continue her training in the round pen that Lance built over the summer; and by next spring, she'll be ready to travel once again to Bristol for saddle training.

Pictures include: (1) Jezebel and Ruby loaded in the trailer at Journey's End (it is usually wise for a horse to have a "buddy" while traveling); (2) Ruby on the lead rope after being unloaded at Walnut Grove; (3) Ruby working in the round pen.