Well, I thought that Saturday would be boring with planting seeds, moving some rocks, and perhaps mowing the yard. None of that was going to happen.
My Peruvian Paso Mule, Siera, looked gimpy and didn't want to lead at all when I groomed her early in the morning. Her walk was off or she refused to walk which is odd for her since she is very good on a lead rope.
I noticed yesterday that she'd spent time standing quietly or laying down. I checked for colic and her gut sounds were perfect as well as her vitals.
I texted Danny who has taken over doing the farrier work for us. His dad used to come with Danny when Danny was apprenticing with him. Danny has done farrier and blacksmith work since he was able to pick up the tools.
He learned from a very skilled AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier, his father. He can make specialized shoes right out of the back of his truck and pretty much diagnose leg/foot issues faster than a vet. He and his father are recommended by vets quite often in our area.
So my text went to him and he said he'd come out in a few hours.
One thing for sure, in the 4 weeks since her last trim she'd 'Toed out' meaning her toes grew fast and long [which is typical for her]...but never this fast! So she was walking rather stiffly and ouchy.
Danny saw that right away and worked on her hooves. He felt a bit of swelling in her lower legs and I commented that she hadn't been moving much for the past few days. Maybe she was 'stocking up' from standing and not moving.
Well, we hoped so.
Here is Danny trimming and also doing a hoof test for any possible abscesses. None were found and nothing was 'ouchy' in her feet.
One thing to recall about mules especially Siera. When some mules have an owie, they get overly dramatic.
Let's face it, this gal is The Diva of Mules.
Just as we finished up with her, the 'kid' who purchased the 1992 Toyota 4X4 straight truck showed up with a buddy. They had come to claim their prize.
His hunting buddy came along to help and they borrowed Frank's [plow guy] trailer to put the little truck on and haul it.
I cannot say this enough. This generation of hardworking farm men [in their 20's] are so polite. I keep hearing how entitled and rotten this generation is and so far I haven't met one in my community. Let's say this is the way they have been to my face. These young guys are mechanics and farmers, they work hard and play hard.
Matthew's friend took a look at our old Country Clipper and offered me $100 for it. I started to laugh and replied that, no it was not for sale. He really admired it.
I never got Matthew's friend's name, but we enjoyed some time talking about hunting dogs. He has a Blue English pup, a Plott, and a Black and Tan hound. He showed me some of the training videos he has done with them. Ohhh, how I miss the sounds of hounds. I almost asked him if I could come over and see his hounds, but held my tongue. Old crazy lady!
Below is a screenshot from the security camera in the shed. Matthew is using a come-a-long to bring the Toyota onto the tipping platform. Once loaded and tied into place, they pulled out of the shed.
I'm glad that Matthew is experienced in hauling. He pulled out and backed up the driveway to the field where he could turn the whole mess around and head up the driveway.
One more piece of 'stuff' gone!
As for the shed? I'm almost ready for a dumpster to be delivered. But now that I am looking around at the equipment and tools I have left, it would be a good idea to organize everything first.
I may even look into learning how to make some shelving for putting things up instead of piled in buckets.
Could be a summer job for me when I am not doing anything else.
Hopefully the rest of the weekend goes quietly. No rest for a farm lady.
