Maybe now it's happening. Spring.
It had a few false starts this year. It got my hopes up, and then brought more snow. The shelf of ice that has been creeping over the edge of our roof was growing more terrifying by the day, but yesterday Eric knocked it all down once and for all. Some patches of the road that runs from one end of the ranch to the other are actually clear of snow. Eric and I marvelled in the fact that for the first time in months, there was gravel under our feet.
Springtime brings another set of horse chores. The horses are all shedding their winter coats like crazy. I watch them scratching their bodies on the fence. Our mare seems to be in heat and repeatedly escapes her pen in search of love. Unfortunately the only stud on the property is her own foal from last year. He is under careful lock and key, so there won't be any funny business, but until her heat cycle is over, she has to be kept in a stall in the barn. Which means the stall needs to be mucked out, her water needs to be constantly changed as she loves to fill it with hay, and she needs to be hand-walked so she doesn't go insane. Tomorrow, I'll be catching all 29 of our horses and bringing them in to have the farrier trim their hooves. I'll be giving them dewormer and maybe even their vaccinations, if I have enough time. I'll be brushing them to help them lose their itchy winter coats and sending them back to their pens, ready for the upcoming season of trail rides and summer camps. I don't really have time for any of this, as I actually have three other jobs.
On Friday, my sister and our friend came out, and we rode our usual trail ride loop twice. Sebastian was headstrong and excitable. My sister rode a new horse we just bought last week. He is tall and golden and beautiful, and was just the best gem a horse could be on our ride. When the other two horses were snorting anxiously and trotting sideways at the possibility of a moose in the trees, he remained steadfast and calm, walking out like nothing was wrong. I'm so happy to have him here.
We hosted a big Easter dinner for our family. I made an enormous bone-in ham with farmers' market perogies, pickled beets and fresh buns. My sister brought a salad and Eric's mom brought a sweet and spicy bean dish. There was much wine and beer involved. I love to have them here. Their willingness to visit us out in the country means more to me than they probably know. Without the possibility of visitors, there is a little layer of loneliness over everything out here.
Two weeks ago, Eric and I stood outside our back door in silence, listening to the sound snowflakes make when they hit the ground. Have you ever heard it? Every bird and wild animal had burrowed away for the night. There were no cars or trains or any other vehicle within earshot. There was no wind, no leaves rustling. Just the snow falling onto the ground and our breaths held in our chests to hear the noise it made when it met the earth.
I just need more good days. I need the sunshine to stretch onwards for a few more weeks. I need new grass to begin growing, new buds on the trees. More hopeful days like the ones this weekend, when the sun felt warm on my face and the snow began to recede. And then all will be well.
