Expanding the horse pasture - Perimeter Fencing...

So last year I did a survey of the corners of our property. Just do a search at the top of the blog and you can read all about it... it was quite an adventure - not to mention, it wasn't cheap.

But on the good side, we gained about 30 feet of pasture that our neighbor was using as yard.

It was time to finish up the fence that I started several months ago. (Ok, it was almost 6 months ago, but I was really busy.)

We got the fencing up and the Cowgirl wanted double stretchers so I need to get some more pressure treated 2x4's, but other than that, I think it's looking pretty good.


Perimeter Fence Building with the Cowgirl from ron upshaw on Vimeo.

The Cowgirl wanted to try a different style of construction on this perimeter fencing. Usually, I'd buy Simpson Strong Tie metal brackets and put the stretchers on with screws, but the horses like to itch themselves by leaning into the fence. So we beefed up the posts to 4x6 pressure treated and we're putting the stretchers on the face of the posts and using 3" nails. It was actually a lot easier to do than the brackets, and we'll see how it holds up.

I'm also going to re-purpose a 12 foot gate from the barn area to put in for road access. Just add that to the list.

All Creatures Great & Small - Maple Valley Version

Although I've never actually read the book All Creatures Great & Small, I did manage to make my way through all 7 cds in the book on tape. So I've got that going for me.

Here's a montage video of some wildlife out on the farm.

First: a raccoon that just walks right up to our sliding glass door and is completely unafraid. Not a good thing. They can do some serious damage to a dog or cat. I spoke with PAWS and they recommended first making sure not to leave any cat food out at night and see if that stops him from coming around.

Second: It's been over 2 months since Gerty the dog had ACL surgery. Her rehab has been driving us crazy. She's not clear to run around yet, so we have to keep her on the leash and inside. Not fun. She seems to be doing quite well. She's got a bit of a limp, but Dr. Paul says that will improve as time goes by.

Third: A mystery creature I saw out by the barn.

Enjoy


All Creatures Great And Small from ron upshaw on Vimeo.

More Snow, but I got a new Deere

Spring is right around the corner...right? You'd never know it when we keep getting SNOW.
What's the deal with all the snow this year.

But I'm getting geared up for this season - do your best Price Is Right imitation - "IT'S A NEW JOHN DEERE GARDEN TRACTOR!"


Still Snowing and the New Deere from ron upshaw on Vimeo.

At least it's new to me. A couple around the corner (now I know it's 1.8 miles because I rode the
Deere on the road...) had an amazing garage sale last weekend. They were moving to Florida and selling all their stuff amazingly cheap. I picked up this Garden Tractor that retails for $4200, with 200 hours on it for $800. Not bad. And he threw in a trailer.

As soon as the weather gets a bit nicer, I'm going to see if it's got enough juice to mow the horse pasture that I had to do with a brush hog last year.

I'm pretty pumped about this deal. Should last me for a long time!