We're Exhausted From Overwork

It's that frantic time of year when all the detritus of winter must be cleaned up before spring sets in for real. The woman has turned our barn upside down and vows she is just getting started. Sally is a tremendous help on the inside jobs. She has tried to tidy up her things by putting various toys in feeders and water buckets. I got a bit of a start when I found a plastic ball with a bell in it floating in my drinking water. She put her fur mouse under Jack's hay which caused him to snort and look sideways down his nose - without bifocals he can't quite see clearly.

Outside, we are shadowing her every move. We carefully rummage through all the piles of leaves and hay she rakes up in our paddock. So far, no treasure, (except for a paper coffee cup but that had an unpleasant, waxy aftertaste); we will keep dismantling those piles systematically just to be sure. She just got the water trough scrubbed and filled when the dog rushed back from foraging and had a thorough bath in it. Then Molly, inspired by Penny, washed both front hoofs in it. The woman sighed and began all over again.

Jack instigated a rowdy wrestling match that ended with me pinned against the fence, panting for breath. Jack strode off very pleased, flicking his ears in all directions and looking like a young sprout. He then lay down in the sun and had a long nap that featured a symphony of loud snores. Doc and Molly alternate snorting and bucking with digging for the first green shoots that are pushing their way through the mud.

On a more alarming note, the veterinarian is coming on Monday to float donkey teeth. I enjoy that about as much as the woman's singing at me in close quarters. She's worried about Jack because it upsets him so terribly. He wants what he calls "a set a them catalogue teeth" but none seem to be forthcoming. I won't mention the impending doom to him. I will indulge what the woman calls my obsessive/compulsive nature and worry for both of us.