RicelandMeadows

July 31, 2025

July comes to a close today. We are experiencing a nice slow soaking , much needed, rain. After a very wet spring that lasted into late May, followed by unsettled weather that saw a quick shower every few days, delaying haymaking, we became bone dry. This rain is already making pastures green again.

Good green pastures are a great resource when it comes to caring for animals. Too much rain can make things difficult. Connie and I recently went to Kentucky to see/experience the “Ark Encounter”. It was amazing. The ARK is a replica of Noah’s Ark from the Bible. The new Ark is built using the measurements found in the Bible. It is roughly 500 feet long, 30 feet high and 30 feet wide. Inside it is filled with facts and historical renderings. The cages for the animals and almost everything is built from wood and materials from Noah’s day. It was very interesting.

Our barn renovation project is progressing slowly but steadily. It turns out that I am not as fast as I once was. I have been getting help from my grandson John. It is fun teaching him carpentry skills and using his young muscles to move this project along. The time together is priceless.

We completed the tie stalls and mangers yesterday. The material is native red oak. These stalls will hold hours for short periods during the day in summer keeping the horses cool and away from biting flies. During winter we use this style of stall overnight. The warm comfortable stalls are perfect for a cold winter’s night. The horses can lie down when they want, munch hay and enjoy the barn’s warmth. Rubber mats will be added for comfort once the renovation is complete. The stalls are 5 feet wide and just a little over 6 feet deep. Plenty of room for our Suffolk Punch horses.

Noah was on the Ark for a year. Taking care of the animals and his family before the receding flood waters made it possible to get off the Ark on dry land. I am sure that he then had a lifetime of continuing to care for animals. I resemble Noah and hope that I too can spend the rest of my life taking care of animals!