I could fall asleep at night

Last night, we had a barn party, of sorts, to "mare stare." My neighbor, Lisa set up a huge dome tent in my barn and she and her two children slept out, 'in the barn,' in the hopes of being there for the event. (Friday night, I split my time between the barn and the house, sleeping a little in each place alternately.) Last night, some time after 11PM, I left Lisa to do the mare watch and I went back to my house for some family time and 'shuteye.'

My two boys came home from summer camp for one night, last night, and I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible since they left at 6:30AM this morning. They had laundry to do last night so I helped them by turning on the dryer first thing this morning to finish drying their clothes. Then, I made breakfast burritos with eggs, ham, fried potatoes, cheese, and green chili. Too soon, we said our goodbyes and I went out to visit the campers between 6:30 and 7:00AM. Lisa was already awake, having woken to the dawn chorus of swallow chatter.

Jackson and Jenna were still asleep.While feeding the horses, I accidently left Scout's door ajar and he came bursting out to investigate.The last few days the wind has been blowing fiercely, bringing to mind spring weather rather than the summer month of June. Here in the high desert, we can expect chilly nights all summer long and lately the temperatures have been hovering in the forties at predawn. Last night was no exception. It was cold!

It is quite an experience sleeping in the barn. There are small mysterious noises all night long: creaking from the big barn door blowing in the wind grating against the other door, chains rattling at the gates, the sound of horses munching, stamping, breathing, snorting, snoring, and sighing, yes, Annie's huge deep, breath cleansing sighs every so often, just to remind us that she is as anxious to shed the extra pounds as we are to see her little darling.

The last two nights the moon has been full and bright, throwing shadows on the ground. It was a perfect night for foaling.

We all thought so, except the foal. He/she just isn't ready to meet the world yet.

I was so sure Annie would have her foal by now. However, she justs seems to be getting bigger and bigger!

So, anyone who hasn't entered the Annie foaling contest, cast your vote. Or, if your guess has passed, as mine has, please reenter!!

I could fall asleep at night - song: Star, artist: David Bowie, album: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars