'n frozen pond ~
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
United States
December 31, 2020 12:44pm CST
Howdy folks! 'tis once 'gain that the bitter chill 'f winter 'tis 'pon 's out here'n the High Plains. The roller coaster ride 'f weather 'tis been ne'er endin'. 60's, 70's 'n
't times near 80f followed by a few days 'f 'what the heck'.
The 'nly savin' grace this morn 'twas the calmness 's winds seem to be temporarily absent. Which 'tis good, coz 'twas jest 9 degrees this morn.
Frozen pond, layer 'f ice'n all stock tanks, bird baths chipped 'way 's the wild critters 'ttempted to get some sort'a beneficial liquid to quench their thirsts. Been a busy morn tendin' to 'em all.
This here'd be Mr. Boots, one 'f the feral toms, eyeballin' a Mockin'bird who'd come to partake'n one'f lives precious gifts. He's learnt not to jump the 12' breadth from one side 'f the pond where he lays'n wait to try'n capture said bird.
He's taken one too many plunges 'nto those icy waters 'n seems to've learnt that lesson well.
21 people like this
20 responses
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Dec 20
What a cute moment you captured! Glad the winds calmed down, that always helps. I have had to chip the bird baths clean here lately as well. Mr. Boots is so cute. I bet the mockingbird was too fast. That would be cold fall is he doesn't make it over the ice!
3 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
thanks :) the mockin'bird 'njoys tauntin' the ferals, 's kinda made a game out'ta such. i hope 't remains successful 't eludin' capture. the pond 'tis still frozen solid'n top, 've needed to take hot water out to the bird baths 3 times. did get 2 full truckloads 'f 'crap' hauled to the dump this morn. 've 'nother load ready to go, but needed to clean the wood stove. we'll see if'n the hubs takes this next batch'n. 'd be good coz they're lettin' ya dump fer free today. a small gesture coz fees're risin' come midnight 5%. 'd hopes to get the hay shed trash taken, but seems i'm runnin' out'ta time fer that.
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Dec 20
@crazyhorseladycx I still see mockingbirds here, they visit year round. Good about the free fee today. Don't overdo it out there.
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
31 Dec 20
@crazyhorseladycx Robins are here year round as well. Not sure what they eat in the winter. But they hang around. Maybe the new year will bring better days for you.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
glad ya like't, hon. oh, i'd not put't past him sometime'n the near future. he seems to've either short-lived memory 'r 'tis jest very bold.
3 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
@paigea yes ma'am, lol. that'n those ferals who still try to display their dominance o'er such, bless 'em.
3 people like this
@paigea (36317)
• Canada
31 Dec 20
@crazyhorseladycx like dogs who get sprayed by a skunk more than once.
4 people like this
@Torunn (8607)
• Norway
10 Jan 21
Happy New Year from the boys in dun!
The red dun and slighly worried on in the front of the picture was trying to look his best, but his black dun and half crazy "brother" had decided it was the day to play, so he kept biting everyone (both horses and people)
He's very good when you're riding, from the ground he's a piece of work that one.
1 person likes this
@Torunn (8607)
• Norway
11 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx I did manage to get one more or less normal one, but I think I'l have to take pictures of them with riders on.
Hope all your creatures are coping with winter. We have snow, not a lot, but better than just dark.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
13 Jan 21
@Torunn aw, they're so sweet! mine're currently a bit muddy. gotta roll'n the mud, bless 'em. yepperz, they're doin' jest fine, e'en with the snow we finally got. not much, but soooo welcomed! 'tis been since september since we've 'd any measurable 'mounts.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
10 Jan 21
aw, thanks much, hon! jest love yer boys 'n the ones most quirky horsanality brings me joy. reminds me 'f mr.. jake, rest his soul.
happiest 'f new year wishes to ya 's well ~
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
thanks. looks much better when the falls're runnin'. 'las, such 'twas not to be, perhaps'n the spring when 'tis warmer. my goal 'tis to put all 3 back'n order. i know the birds'll sure 'ppreciate such.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61173)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Dec 20
@crazyhorseladycx That's hard work, messing with water features.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61173)
• Centralia, Washington
31 Dec 20
@crazyhorseladycx I know about pond pump issues. They're expensive and don't last long.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
2 Jan 21
fingers crossed such remains to be true, lol. he'n a couple others were'n said ice durin' the day. sniffin' where all the lil birds've been. gonna be a rude 'wakenin' when such starts thawin' i fear.
wish friday'd been the same. 'las 'twas a bone chillin' breeze.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
3 Jan 21
@just4him nearly fainted when one went creepin' cross the ice today, e'er so slowly. parts 'f the pond'd 'lready thawed, jest the thinnest whisper 'f ice present.
no worries, repeat 'f such today. still got schtuff done 'n reckon that'd be the positive.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317089)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
2 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx Yes, it will be a rude awakening when it thaws.
I'm sorry it was a bone-chilling breeze.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
7 Jan 21
@JudyEv oh dear, rotten lil fellas, eh? reckon they see 'em to be a threat down the road. the pine siskins 've been most feisty lately. lots 'f fussin'/fightin'/floggin' 'round the feeders 'n water sources. a finch took a stance yesterday 'n ran 8 off, lol. looked most happy to get the 'prize', schtuffin' 'ts gullet full 'n then jest hangin' out to keep the siskins 't bay.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
5 Jan 21
yes ma'am, he's that fer certain. i thought y'all'd somethin' similar lookin' o'er'n yer neck 'f the woods. 're those wrens feisty'n very territorial, too? i'm shocked that such's stayed'n the area so long coz the mated pair 'f blue jays still rule the area here. these 2 species usually do battle, but i saw one 'f each drinkin' out'ta the same water hole together. 'tis a shame the sun 'twas so bright, would'a been a great pic, lol.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340278)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx Our little wrens aren't feisty at all although I believe the males will kill baby males when kept in captivity.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
3 Jan 21
really? when my sweet resident cat 'twas till livin', she loved bein' out'n frigid weather. they've purty thick fur.
1 person likes this
@May2k8 (18369)
• Indonesia
3 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx Yes, most of them are afraid of water.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471498)
• Switzerland
2 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx My fear if they fall inside is that the ice closes back on them.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
2 Jan 21
@LadyDuck i doubt such'd happen, hon. they're purty fiesty'n determined when such happens. i worry 'bout hypothermia whilst they're grabbin' ice to climb out'n such keeps breakin'. dunno how long they can sustain such temps 'n be waterlogged. hope i don't find out.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
2 Jan 21
there 'twas a couple out friday (still frozen) puttin' fear 'nto my heart. walkin' cautiously 'n sniffin' 'round where the lil birds 've been wanderin'. i sure'd not like any to fall'n. 'd be most diff'cult to get 'em back out.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106452)
• Marion, Ohio
1 Jan 21
Glad he has learned the lesson.
We took advantage of no wind here today and hauled a new bale of hay to the horses. They didnt need it yet but who knows what it will be like in a couple of days. Plus it was dry today for a change. Know the rain is supposed to return again tomorrow. I had to play in the pond this morning. An ice sculpture had built up over the fountain. When it broke off after thawing some last night it knocked the fountain over. That was a cold job.
Hope it warms back up soon for you.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106452)
• Marion, Ohio
1 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx I found one of the neighbors cats watching the fountain in my pond a couple of days ago. He was standing on the ice. Hope I dont find him floating in it now that the ice has thinned back out. He is a brother to the kittens I have now. Salem cat goes back and forth between the houses for having her babies.
It was, but I got lucky and could get it raised up enough with a stick that I only got my fingers wet. They were very cold by the time I got back in the house. Glad it wasnt my whole arm like I have had to do in the past.
Yes it is. Cold rain is no fun at all.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
1 Jan 21
@wolfgirl569 i hope ya don't find him floatin' either. 'tis 'lways my fear here, one'll fall'n to where's they can't get out. me out'n the pasture 'r barn, not knowin' 'til 'tis too late.
most fortunate fer certain. yepperz, i'm quite familiar with the whole arm'n frigid waters. not a good time, jest a necessity. 't this point i'd be tickled with any rain, cold'r not. 'tis so bloody dry.
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
31 Dec 20
At least that bird finally learned it's lesson with the pond and maybe then the mockingbird will live anchored day.
Yesterday the snow we got was melting then it froze overnight. We had to put salt down this morning and I should get more down by tomorrow so I don't skip when I leave for work come Saturday.
My husband heard we may have above normal temps the first two weeks of the year but we don't know what that means yet. It could be just forty degree temps or nice weather like a January thaw. Nothing much left to thaw though.
Last time we had a nice one was over fifteen years ago.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
i sure hope he's done so. 'd be dangerous tryin' to fetch him out coz he's wilder'n a march hare. the bird survived'n seems to 'njoy tauntin'.
yer fortunate to get moisture, ours's been most lackin'. very, very arid out'n these parts 's the 'xtreme drought's taken a firm hold. 'twas so much promise mid-spring last year. i've fingers crossed this'un'll not be 'nother 8yr drought. that 'tis still most vivid'n my mind, we ne'er recovered from 't fully.
we're prone to blizzards from now 'til may. does salt not eat 't yer concrete??? i know that's how the hubs destroyed my back porch. too lazy to shovel 'n put salt'n top 'f the wood. should'a gotten 'nother 15-20 yrs out'ta such. alas, 'tis now covered'n stray pieces 'f plywood...
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
1 Jan 21
@MarshaMusselman i use ice melt, tis not toxic 'n doesn't damage woods nor concrete. i hear ya'n the fallin', we jest don't bounce either.
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
1 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx is not good for surfaces but neither me nor my hubs needs to be falling either.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (30409)
• United Kingdom
1 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx You're right, I'd have to help him out even though his intentions were murderous.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35621)
•
9 Jan 21
Boy that cat is focused isn't he! Fortunately the cat does not enjoy bird baths or ice skating 
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
10 Jan 21
grumpy cat'n those meme's. i'd say such 'twas funny, but one 'f the ferals snagged one 'f the lil dark-eyed juncos jest a bit 'go'n broke my heart.
he's a bit cautious now 's he's takin' quite a few dunks this season.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35621)
•
11 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx Oh noooo! Yes, I would hate to see that happen too.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
please send such here asap. this off/on frigid cold 'n then near record highs with winds 'tis gotten very ol'.
1 person likes this
@Nevena83 (65277)
• Serbia
1 Jan 21
@crazyhorseladycx Oh, I'd love to send it to you, but we already have cold weather today.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
2 Jan 21
@Nevena83 danged the luck 'f such. i've fingers crossed we'll warm 'nough to refill the horses stock tanks.
1 person likes this
@LowRiderX (22903)
• Serbia
31 Dec 20
@crazyhorseladycx Nice photo I like it. I wish you all the best in New 2021 
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
thanks 'n i wish the same fer ya, hon.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
4 Jan 21
It looks like the bird is teasing him, I hope he doesn't get the bird.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
5 Jan 21
yepperz, such seems to be a 'game' 'round here this winter. he didn't get the bird, jest watched from his waterfall perch, lol.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
no ma'am, jest sat 'n watched's the mockin'bird taunted. thanks :)
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
thanks :) 'twas good coz i 'twas finally able to haul some schtuff to the dump.
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
5 Jan 21
glad ya liked't, hon. the mockin'bird seems to 'njoy tauntin' the ferals, quite the game 'f 't, lol.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41447)
• United States
31 Dec 20
Love the photo! Hope things thaw out soon.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
31 Dec 20
glad ya do, ms. vicki. i confess i've not'd the time to check the weather predictions, but ought'a be so here'n a day'r two. 'nless 'nother front 'tis comin'... dang 'em, lol.
1 person likes this
