lilies

Some lilies from my garden.  They seem to thrive under my regimen of average soil and benign neglect.  The bugs don't like them, and they spread.  What's not to love?

wine route

On Saturday, my husband and I went for a drive in Niagara wine country , which is only about a half-hour from where we live.   This area has really come into its own in recent years, and now produces award-winning wines, known around the world.

 

The day was a rather soggy one, with intermittent rain showers (as per the weather we have been having of late).  We still enjoyed driving through the vineyards with their waving, symmetrical rows of grapes, so beautifully tended.

There were so many wineries, we didn't know which one to pick for a tasting, but we happened upon this lovely barn, which turned out to be part of the Hidden Bench winery in Beamsville.  I would love a barn like this.  So would my horses.

The moment we stepped out of the car, the heavens smiled, the sun came out,  and we were able to enjoy the winery's vineyards, and product (of course).

I love the simple architecture of the wineries, many of which are based on barns, with natural rough-hewn timber, and stone.

It was absolutely quiet there.  I'm sure that makes for superior grapes.  I know I do a lot better in a quiet environment.  You could almost hear them growing.

We brought some of the wine home to enjoy, but while it tasted quite lovely (and miles above the usual plonk I serve), it wasn't quite the same as sampling it at the winery, steps away from its terroir.

There, on the hidden bench of the Niagara escarpment, it tasted grand.  

summer

Or is it?...... This long-awaited season has made its appearance in the form of atmospheric skies, low-hanging clouds, and rain.

And while the trees and plants are rather lush, optimal growth, as it turns out requires huge amounts of sunshine.

I really do appreciate the fact that this is perfect strolling weather, where a girl can gaze upon all of the lovely lush and luxuriant growth (while not even breaking a sweat)....

But all the while I can't help craving those hot, humid, unforgiving days, the days when you can really unfold and unclench whatever it was that collapsed in on itself during that endless winter.  I want to complain, and whine and fan myself, while saying the words spoken since time immemorial:  "hot enough for ya?".......and the always popular "I'm just no good in this heat".

Please, Ma nature, there's still time.  Just go for it!

P.S.  I seem to have no blogging manners, since I tend to fall off the face of this blog on a regular basis, without explanations.  All is well, just another uneventful summer,....except for the blackberries.  Those were good this year.  And I got a canoe.  Other than that, same old,....thanks for asking.  Will try to be more regular.

bloom

What's blooming on the farm today....

It's important to take a few moments every day to soak it all in.  Ollie gets the idea!

birthday boy

Ollie is two years old today!

'who, me?'

As you can see, he still needs to grow into his large ears and giant head, but it'll come.  The time has gone so quickly....it seems only yesterday that he was born.  Here he is,  just hours after his birth (Sadie is still covered in sweat after all of her exertions).  

Sadie has been such a great momma to Ollie.  She has really turned out to be a most excellent horse.  Ollie has inherited her even-tempered disposition and general unflappability.  He has been a pretty easy horse to train, especially for two novices (o.k., one novice- my husband and our wonderful friend Ed did the training, I mostly watched, with my breath held, and my knickers in a twist).  

My job was caretaker and official spoiler and smoocher.  (Note to self: do not let people take pictures of me while wearing pyjama bottoms and a bun in my hair).

Ollie has always been treated with kindness, and he is a very open, friendly,trusting horse.

It's actually dificult to take photos of him in the pasture, because before you know it ....

he's practically sitting on my lap.  

'Mwah'!  here's your kiss, please don't eat my camera.  My husband has been taking him for some trail rides with the other horses, and he has done very well, so far.  I'll probably wait another, oh, I don't know, five years before I ride him (I'm that chicken of a rider).

Happy birthday little Ollie.  Stay sweet.

In the pasture (finally)

The horses have been put out into their summer pasture, where they will basically graze undisturbed (for the most part, except for the occasional ride, weather permitting) until October.  It's a large, square area with a run-in shelter, so they can get out of the weather.

They have an automatic waterer, so horse care at this time of year becomes pretty easy around here.

The only dark cloud is...the flies!

We are finally having a hot day (cue the halleluja chorus), and so the May 'biting bugs' have appeared.  This results in fussy, fidgety, stamping, snorting horses.

I must go to the feed store and buy some bug spray (which only grants temporary relief, and also requires sneaky application since two of the three horses are scared of spray-and white cloths- it's a whole procedure, believe me).

Despite the bugs, I do look forward to the horses getting all glossy and fat (well, not too fat-although Joe and Ollie are looking thin.  Our farrier told us that many of the horses he's seen have lost weight because of the tough winter weather). They already seem so much more relaxed after a difficult winter.  It's a lovely sight to see them hanging out in the pasture just...being horses, enjoying the sun and the wind and the all-you-can-eat buffet, and dreaming about sleeping (as I'm told they all do) and perfecting the art of doing nothing!

Lilac time

It's lilac time .  It's been very cool here, so all of the blooming plants are able to showcase their finery for an extended period of time.  I keep telling myself that, as I shiver in my sweaters and windbreakers.  That, and also, the cold is keeping the biting bugs and mayflies at bay.

There's a gorgeous fragrance in the air as soon as I step outside.  It's a feast for the senses.  I can bring armfuls of these lilacs into the house.

And that's because we have *the biggest lilac bush ever*.

Big, huh?

The lilacs scent the rooms.  Have you ever noticed that bringing flowers indoors makes both the suroundings and the flowers more beautiful?  They add a gentle sense of life to a room.

You can't really say that about people, though.  People bring energy into a house, but they don't ornament it.  And some people can just suck all of the air out of a room, or make it seem gloomy.  I suppose one shouldn't compare people to flowers...I mean when was the last time a plant made you a nice cup of tea or rubbed your back?  Exactly. 

Enjoy your day, and don't let the gorgeous springtime make you feel too silly and giddy....it's too late for me, I am in the process of being bewitched by the season.  Happens every year.