Its a good thing February is a short month

My canary sang a little bit today. I was playing the songs of a goldfinch
and he responded. He has not sang all winter so I am taking it as a sign
that winter will soon be over. Please let it be over. We haven't had it as
bad as some places this winter but it has been so cloudy and cold. Its
sunny right now nut it may be the only day this week and the sun just means
the cold front- high pressure system is moving in. But I'll take the sun.

My hens are responding to the lengthening days though and we are getting
lots of eggs. The little black Silkie hen and her friend the Frizzle
rooster are busy scouting the barn for a good nest site. They should
produce some interesting babies.

I really wish we would get warm enough for grass to grow. My horses are
starting to look thin. They are getting as much grass hay as they can eat
but I think its low calorie. Since Lily foundered again this winter there
can be no grain or even better hay. I long for the days when she can just
roam the fields eating when and where she wants. She doesn't seem to
founder then, (except when she gets under apple trees) just when penned up.
Maybe it's the exercise.

Chance the crippled mini we took in last fall actually seems to be doing
fine on the hay - he needed to thin down. But he is acting like a stud, and
even though tiny, he's got to be gelded soon. The old adage - there is no
such thing as a free horse - is ringing in my ears.

I'm picking out little starter perennials from our Master Gardener
Association plant sale and that helps, planning the garden. I just hope it
won't be one of those springs when everything needs to be done at once.
One day its 30 degrees, the next 80 degrees type of thing. I guess any kind
of spring weather would suit me right now.