Fun at the Farm

Good Morning to all of my friends and readers. This is a long weekend here in Canada. Monday is the 24th of May also known as Victoria Day. For those of you who don't know about this holiday, it has been celebrated since the time that Queen Victoria reigned. Remember, that Canada was a British Colony and for years we were under Britain's rule. Queen Victoria declared her birthday to be a holiday for her subjects. When she died, the tradition continued and when Canada declared its independence from Britain, we kept many of those holidays, including this one.

When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took the throne upon her father's death the holiday might have been changed because her birthday is in April. However, she felt it was fitting for the holiday to remain the same. This holiday has been part of Canadian tradition for over 100 years.

In other news, the boys and I set out to the farm on Thursday. Even though we were late setting out I did remember my camera. When we arrived, the boys headed out for the trampoline. I saw the horses were in the corral and headed there with the camera.

I can't remember the name of the horse above, but when I approached, she was interested. Possibly she thought I had a treat. Why didn't I bring a bag of carrots or an apple or two? The boys would have loved feeding the horses a treat.
Isn't she a beauty. I love her rich, brown color and she is so friendly. She posed for me, just like the lady she is.
Some of the other horses wanted to get in on the photo session, so they too came to the fence. The one with her head looking back at the brown one kept kicking the steel gate with her hoof, as if to say she'd like out into the grassy area for a snack of fresh grass.
After taking the photos, I headed back to the trampoline where the boys were having a fun game of dodge ball. When the ball fell into the chasm (as they called it) the other fellow got a point. Then they decided that a game of Monkey in the Middle would be fun. They were on the trampolines and Grandma was on the ground. However, this old lady fooled them and got the ball from them several times. There was lots of laughter pealing across that field and we made a few memories.
As we were leaving, these two ladies came to the gate once more as if to bid us farewell until Tuesday. The boys scratched and pet them and then we were on our way. It does both the boys and I good to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and have a bit of fun.

As ususal we are to get some rain for the 24th of May weekend. It is usually rainy and chilly for this holiday, but we are certainly in need of the rain. Water levels are low here even though we've had a good amount of rain this spring.

Many Ontarians will be heading north to open their cottages for the season. The police are out in droves to try and make sure that the roads are safe for travelers. They have their work cut out for them. Last year 7 people died on Ontario highways on this long weekend. All of the fatalities were because of speed or impaired driving.

Wherever you are this weekend, if you're traveling, drive the speed limit and don't drink and drive. The life you save may be your own. Be safe! ~Blessings, Mary~

Tuesday at the Farm

On Tuesday it was Brandon's turn to go to the farm. When we were only a block from his house, he said, "Grandma, we need to go back home. We need to get some apples?"

"Why, are you hungry?" I asked. (Duh)

"No Grandma, we need apples to feed the horses."

So Grandma turned around and went back. We hurried into the house and grabbed a handful of McIntosh apples. We were running late as it was. However, we know we are always welcome at the farm. If no one has the time to accompany us, we strike out on our own.

When we arrived, everyone was busy. I had the camera in hand and we headed to the goat pen to see if we could get a picture of Baby Pueblo. We did. He's the small goat in the forefront of the photo.

Then, into the barn to see King Arthur. Brandon hadn't seen him yet. When King saw Brandon coming, he nickered softly and pushed his neck forward. Though Brandon was clear across the barn, King knew he had those apples.

Brandon enjoyed feeding King the apples. But when King started grabbing at his shirt with his teeth, Brandon became a little leary. Come to find out that King does this when he wants attention.

We stayed with King about a half hour and then Cassie came along. Brandon fed both Cassie and King some hay from a nearby bale. He loved that the horses liked him and were eating out of his hands.

Then it was off to the trampoline where Brandon had about a half hour of good exercise. He isn't much for sports but he loves bouncing on the trampoline. In fact, Brandon loves everything at the farm and seems to be in his element there. He is a different kid when he's on the farm and he's learned so many new things since he started going there in March. It's given him a world of confidence. He's learning about the world in a different light than he's ever seen it before. And that's a good thing.