Seasons change at ThunderRidge



Flowers lightly frosted

 We're thankful the neighbours were able to complete harvest in the past few weeks.  Indian Summer and the beautiful weather we have been enjoying is coming to a close. 

The frost has been harder for several mornings and now the forecast is for cooler weather and precipitation as we enter a new week.  Once again the intense pink we enjoy around the ranch from Janice's flowers comes to a natural end.  We're reminded it's time to check waterers and prepare the ranch for winter.

The barn needs to be reorganized so the sleighs are near at hand; outdoor furniture needs to be gathered and placed in the loft; water pumps need to be removed from the ponds; hay feeders need to be placed in each pen; and, the electric fences and chargers need to be gathered up.

In the tack room its time to check harness and set aside the pieces that require mending and cleaning over the winter.  Harrows, mowers, rototillers and other summer equipment must be stored away. The equipment yard needs a little attention to be ready for the snow and winds that will certainly come our way.

Down in the nesting areas and ponds most of the ducks are gone now.  In their place, new flights of geese land almost daily.  They stop to refresh and reprovision on their way south.  Under the full moon we see and hear the give and take of nature as coyotes prey upon the weak and with this nourishment prepare for the lean times of winter. 

A covey of partridges marches in formation across the now dead pastures.  Oblivious to the end of life all around them, they stop in the twilight to enjoy seeds that now are finally ripe enough for picking. 

One season comes to a close and another begins at ThunderRidge Ranch.