Finally! Spring is here!!

We have a TON of things planed for this summer. Instead of trying to explain each one on this post I think I will just list them all here then post on them individually as we work on them. 
The Little Red Barn,

• Cleaning, it needs more than I thought!
• Set up small stall for geese & guinea fowl. 
• Build a temporary enclosed run outside of small stall
• Make a brooder for the babies for when they arrive
• Install power outlets & lights

Get property ready for horses.

• Fences, one corner where the deer & elk jump over needs to be reinforced. Since the fence is just livestock wire we should probably string a hot wire along the top. The wood fence needs painted. Besides looking better, it protects the wood.  
• The pasture needs some work. It is overgrown with mounds of old grass & mole holes. I am probable over sensitive on this subject than needed, but many years ago I had to put a young filly down because she tripped in a mole hole while running & shattered her leg. Besides the grief it was very expensive! So spending a little more money now could save a lot in the long run.  
• We need to install gates in several places.
• There is an area by the barn that is covered with large black (sharp) rock. This HAS to be removed or covered. For a horse, this stuff would be like us walking on class! 

Horse stalls & arena,

• The barn was not built for large livestock so we need to build some stalls for the horses & a steer (or maybe a buffalo) I have drawn up the plans for a 3 stall shed. 
• We will be fencing in the area between the house and the pasture as a small arena. It will be used to teach horse & rider basic riding.

Paint the house, garage & shop. This is actually a HUGE project, I don't know if we will get it all done this year. We will start with the house & see how it goes.

Landscaping,
This house is not very old & there has been NO landscaping done yet (except grass & even that is sparse in some areas) This project is still mostly in the planing stages. So this list will probably be modified or totally change by the time all is done.

• Fruit Trees, we will for sure plant 4 trees, 2 apple & 2 cherry. These will be located just behind the white fence on the shop corner of the property. There is a good chance this will be done with in the next 2 weeks so stay tuned for up dates!
• Veggie garden. This project is only in the maybe stage right now. This will be another BIG project. We will see how all the other projects go this summer, maybe I will start on it this winter to have it ready to plant for spring.
• Flowers, deco trees & shrubs. I have already started raised flower beds in the front of the house designed for some shrubs, but then realized that we should get the house painted before planting any thing close to it. So for this year I will just plant some flowers in it. This should be done with in the next 2 weeks.
• I have a small Japanese Maple plant. These plants range from small, medium & large bushes AND trees. Depending on which one this is will determine where it should be planted. Because I have no idea which one this is I will put it in a large pot and put it in the yard where I would like to plant it. I will plant it in a permanent place after I determine if it is a bush or tree. THIS needs to be done ASAP!  
• I would like to add a small landscaped area by the mailbox. I want a small deco tree of some kind, a couple flowering or interesting bushes & some flowers. I will probably put the flowers in pots so we don't have to mess with digging up the grass. If done right this can look cool!

I am sure there are many more things to list here but the frost has burned off and it's time to get back into the barn! I really want to get the cleaning done today & maybe get started on the outside bird pen! I will do an updated post (with pictures) tonight!! 


Try to take a moment today to appreciate mother earth's bountiful spring rebirth!