You Weren’t Raised in a Barn, ya know!

 

Last Night’s Weather Statement:

**Statement as of 4:05 PM MST on November 25, 2010 ~ Unseasonably cold conditions expected tonight across New Mexico... A strong cold front ushered unseasonably cold temperatures into the land of enchantment today. This colder air mass will allow readings to plummet 15 to 25 degrees below seasonal normal temps. Many areas will drop into the single digits with negative values expected within the higher terrain. Even a few record lows are possible across western and central New Mexico. The dangerously cold temperatures will pose a threat for frost bite to those who are planning to camp outside... particularly for the black Friday Holiday shopping period. Persons should consider altering their outdoor plans... but those who must be outside should minimize exposure and wear several layers of clothing**

Please tell me, that none of my blogger buddies CAMPED outside all night waiting to be first in line for those Black Friday Deals! Ack! Are people nuts?

Seriously, though it was freezing cold on Thanksgiving Day. A couple of friends from Walkin N Circles Ranch Horse Rescue planned a fun potluck dinner in the aisle of the main barn.

We were all pretty excited about eating our holiday dinner with the horses’ muzzles hanging over our shoulders.

But it was not to be.

On Thanksgiving morning, we awoke to our first real snowfall this winter (we’ve had one small flurry, but it didn’t leave any accumulation). The worst of the weather was how dang freezing cold it was! We had the kind of wind that bites through your clothes, no matter how warm you try to dress. And if your hands aren’t bundled up your fingertips would be painfully numb in short order. Brrrrr!

But, not to be outdone by the weather, the WNCR volunteers moved the tables, chairs, and the festivities into the Volunteer Trailer instead. It was nice and cozy for those of us hardy enough to brave the bitter cold to gather together on Thanksgiving Day, beside the barn, at the Horse Rescue.

And best of all? As soon as the last crumbs of pumpkin pie were gobbled up, we all went out to visit with the horses! 

  

Some of the equines decided to forego the post Thanksgiving meal football game, and just head straight for Napville instead.

 

Some were wondering if I had brought some pumpkin pie to share.

 

“Remember what I’ve taught you. Keep your ears perky and your eyes soft and pitiful. The two-leggeds always fall for it!”

“Is it working?”

“She probably doesn’t think you’re cute enough.”

“Speak for yourself, punk!”

If I had any pumpkin pie, this is one cutie I’d give it to.

 

Do you know how hard it is to photograph a donkey that would like nothing more than to sit in your lap?

 

 

 

This is Ruby, a recently rescued long-ear. Isn’t she adorable?

 

Don’t you think this old fella should be named “Ducky”?

Franklin told me, in no uncertain terms, that he doesn’t like pumpkin pie. But he wouldn’t mind a carrot pie, thank you very much.

Speaking of Franklin. Do you remember him? And Eleanor, too? Check out their story from September, with all of the disturbing photos I took, just after they were rescued from being abandoned with no food or water. (You can also see a photo I took of Eleanor on my sidebar)

Franklin looks great doesn’t he?

 

And Eleanor looks even better!

Of course, she’s over 30 years old and has no teeth, so she’ll never look the same as a horse 15 years younger. But she has really filled out and her ribs and her hip bones are not as prominent, even after only 2 months of good food and care.

We spent about 20 minutes just running our hands through her thick, soft fur and loving on her, until we were almost frozen. Eleanor is such a sweet lady. Jen and I adore her.

Eleanor’s silhouette looks much improved, don’t you think?

And she is much happier having her two room-mates around, too.

I think Eleanor and Franklin are very thankful for Walkin N Circles Ranch Horse Rescue, don’t you?

Even if pumpkin pie is not his favorite thing.