Back Beauty

Below average cold and snow have befallen South Pork Ranch and yet our animals are unfazed. They have shelter. Usually three sided barns, hutches and run-ins. Each and every animal on our farm be it chickens, ducks, horses, donkey, cow or pig can be “indoors” whenever they like.

But usually what they like is outside. Case in point; Ennis the horse. She has the not one but TWO shelters she can lounge within. One is three side with the south side open to the best sun shine. The other smaller stall is right next to that one and has 4 sides with a small open doorway for coming and going.

It is rare for me to find either her or her annoying little pasture mate Doolin the donkey, in either of these abodes. Like last night, with the snow coming down so wonderfully, I had to call them in from the furthest part of their pasture, to eat dinner.

You can see by her back that Ennis has been outside for some time. I was always told that houses which have unmelted snow on the roof are those that are best insulated. If so it is apparent that Ennis must not be losing much heat and is probably warm and comfy inside. Her hair coat is thick this year, a sign of tons of snow?

I love watching her lately. Using any excuse to run it seems. She loves this cool (cool?!?!) weather of about 10 degrees and kicks up her heels at the dog, the donkey, the snowflakes. Oh how joyful a creature she is, how delighted she is in just being alive, having lots of run to run and the occasionally pile of dead grass to eat.

If only I could be so easily satisfied.