We are piled into the library tonight, watching the Buckeyes contend for the College Football National Championship in the strangest season, from the weirdest year, in unthinkable times.
Having lived in Ohio for 20 years, Huz working for Ohio State and two children attending Ohio State, with three degrees and one still on the horizon, we are, unquestionably, pro-Buckeye. So, even though it is a strange season, we are happy to watch them win the title... later. It is still the first quarter.
I am also working through details in my mind of the current project on Foxcroft Farm, the "snug." It has been called this ever-so-British moniker since we first saw the house, and it fits that bill. It is sort of removed from the main living areas, features a fireplace, and can be a cozy wonderful hang out and quiet office for Huz. Right now it is a pure mess, stripped of ceiling, floor, built-ins and wall covering. But the destruction is done, and tomorrow starts the mending process.
Even though it is January, I am struggling to find indoor time! This is wholly unprecedented in my adult reckoning. January and February have long been time to hibernate, incubate; indoor time. But, in our new homeplace, there is sunny days that call me outside. So far, no need for the extreme weather gear of our Ohio winters, and I can ride!
I haven't really detailed the bonuses of Foxcroft Farm, there are plenty, but chief among them is the ease of being a horsegirl here. Here in my fifties, after 40+ years of riding and loving horses, I have landed in a new level of equine luxury. There is no doubt that the barn at Cowfeathers had my heart. The history in every fiber, the statement of its size, perched on the hill with the slate roof and thoughtful design gave my heart a little flutter. Deep red against the white snow and ice, or the velvet green grass and blue morning glories of summer, the barn was a slice of perfection I was fortunate to captain for a time.
But, the Cowfeathers barn was never easy. We added electricity, eventually a water pump, DJ built me beautiful stalls( farm neighbor who was 15 when he crafted several wonderful stalls) and over the years we made upgrades everywhere. But, it was always a physical job to do even menial tasks in caring for the animals within. And, weather meant riding was a challenge in most times of the year. There was ice season and mud season and riding season.
And I have horse barns. Designed for ease of caring for horses; with a wash stall that has hot water. If you don't know what a joy this is, you have not tried to get a white horse clean in winter. The Duchess cannot have dirty legs. She has a predilection for becoming very sick if her skin doesn't stay clean and dry. But, she is a horse bred for racing who loves to gallop back and forth in the mud. So, in Ohio, this meant bringing hot water from the house, and trying to clean her legs with a towel. Did I mention she doesn't like her legs touched, and tends to kick? Now? Foxcroft ease. Hot water, sprayer hose. Boom!
So, whilst there are gobs of endless projects at Foxcroft, there are so many joys. I wake up to a view of the Southwest mountains. Many mornings, I come down to a fire happily warming the keeping room- Huz is an early riser. I can quickly warm up during barn efforts by popping into my heated tackroom, where I am now keeping some of my favorite equine texts to bone up while I warm up in a soft wingback arm chair. And this week I added a tea kettle and tin of Earl Grey.
Slowly, but surely, Foxcroft is feeling more like home. It is becoming brighter, and refreshed, acquiring character in new, old things, bouncing light and cheerful color. Yet, all that sunshine keeps calling me outside, so it may be a bit slower than strictly necessary.
At 4 seconds to half-time, it looks like the Buckeyes have a sizable hill to climb before winning this game.
No comments:
Post a Comment