The Lots 'O Pictures Post

Yes, friends, this is the One That Started It All. 

And it still goes on. 

You of a certain age will remember the men who led 

ponies up and down city streets in the fifties, and for 2 or 3 dollars (maybe five) your 

parents could get a picture of you dressed like a cowgirl or cowboy.  This pony 

came by our home several times a year... and I begged and begged each time. 

I treasure this picture because I have so few of 

Kathleen and me when we were little. 

And no, Kathleen would not get on the pony... too scary! 

This was the start of my life-long love of horses. 

That was a well-turned out pony, with great hooves... and obviously well-cared-for and loved. 

The last two days featured temps in the 30's and 40's, Friday and Saturday, respectively, and 

none of the freezing drizzle we were predicted.  The dogs had a great run yesterday. 

I think Lilly covered every square inch of the pasture. 

I opened the side door of the henhouse in the good weather, and 

everyone immediately began to dust bathe. 

Uh huh.  Don't let this look fool you. 

This hen went out, and actually descended to the ground. 

She was out ALL NIGHT.  It dropped from 49 to 18! 

I went by after church, around 5:10.  I stayed until 6:30... she WOULD NOT COME IN, and 

frankly, after it got dark, I couldn't even see her, since she was one of the black girls. 

I finally gave up, shut the pophole, and came home. 

I did put straw in the doghouse that used to shelter the ducks in that yard. 

She was fine this morning... and I caught her with a new 

fishing net (the pole type) in two minutes. 

They are not going out today, it's too cold, and going to be bitter tonight. 

Silver did go out for a little bit. 

In this henhouse, the hens must descend either the steps or a ramp on the left to get to the ground. 

Rooster Cogburn's heated dog bowl is working great, and 

I am so using it here next winter, on our patio. 

Note double-yolker on the left.  In 20 years of chicken-keeping, 

I have had less than ten double yoked eggs. 

It was the big egg I collected Friday. 

And now... the hawk pictures.  I did not see many hawks this week, with the 

weather so overcast and cold.  They made up for it yesterday. 

And over our own pasture, a double delight! 

Today's last picture... a Northern Flicker at 

the flat feeder this morning. 

Though it was cloudy at 9 AM... the sun is trying to come 

out right now.  It looks like we have another week of bitter cold at night, and 

medium temps in the 20's and 30's during the day. 

Today marks the end of the Sunday Kansas City Star magazine.  

It began publication in 1970 (I was 20).  

I can't believe they are stopping it, but frankly, 

I'm surprised they are still printing the paper. 

Yes, we still subscribe, though the cost is going up. 

Things change, don't they? 

Last "Grantchester" tonight, and my, how I enjoyed it...

and second-to-last Downton, which is losing me this year. 

Academy Awards?  I'll watch a little before PBS.  

Have a great Sunday evening!