Today I shall be Mainly...

[Stanley]

Wendy, tell Maz why you want to get them on it before there is too much spring growth. I've seen Grass Sickness and it's horrible.
I shall be voting, going for annual eye test and generally enjoying myself!

[Marilyn]

I finally trimmed the Wisteria Vines today. The dog helped of course, running about the back yard with the cuttings that missed the bin and depositing them everywhere.
Took me ages to clean up, but it was beautiful out in the sun.
(Think I have earned a nice glass of Red tonight).

Maybe you should grow grapes, Wendy?

[Stanley]

The Romans did but not that high up the hill Maz....

[Wendyf]

I've never experienced a case of grass sickness Stanley, it's laminitis that worries me. The sugars in spring grass can bring about a restriction in blood supply to the hoof, causing the delicate laminae which support the bone structure within the hoof to die. At the very least this causes extreme pain and lasting damage, and at its worst causing "founder" where the structure collapses and the bones have no support.
Laminitis is caused by other factors, but over supply of spring grass is the main cause in this country. it is most likely to occur in overweight ponies. Our native ponies need very little food to survive, yet as with all domestic animals, there is constant advertising pressure to buy special feeds to get them in "good condition".

Walking down to Kelbrook to vote this morning.

[Sue]

What a stunning three days in Llandudno and area, I feel very refreshed and summery

[Stanley]

That's interesting Wendy. I didn't know the flush could cause Laminitis in horses. I've seen it in young beef cattle caused by overfeeding and it was also known as Barley-sickness.
Today is shopping, small tasks and reading with snooker thrown in.

[Wendyf]

New research is showing that horses and ponies who are prone to laminitis have an underlying hormone problem resulting in a resistance to insulin...very similar to type 2 diabetes. So their systems are unable to cope with the high sugar levels in spring grass.
Archive room this morning, and more gardening this aft.

[Stanley]

Watching snooker this afternoon.....

[Nolic]

Putting a costing in for intermittent work at a residential school in Cheshire who have been put in special measures by Ofsted. Then Hombase for a new strimmer to tackle the jungle that was a lawn. Nolic

[Stanley]

Is Mrs Nolic qualified to use heavy machinery?

[Wendyf]

Banning new members advertising solid wood kitchens - eight already this morning.

[Marilyn]

( I quite liked some of those kitchens.... ...though I understand the reason for sending them off with a flea)

[PanBiker]

I am setting about my fence this morning but will keep an eye on the site and help where I can if there are any more.

[Nolic]

Yes comrade. She trained as a blacksmith in a previous incarnation. 20% off all garden goods including plants and equipment at Homebase today. Nolic

[Sue]

Spent the day taking up carpets and sweeping out my Dads house ready for builders to put in a kitchen and do some repair work. Now I can't move, I think I have hurt my back.

[Marilyn]

Looking at houses for sale, with son.
He has been living with us for a week now...has looked at about ten houses in that time. Nothing has captured his heart yet.
I am sure the right one will come along soon. At least he seems to be enjoying the process and he has a very clear view of what he wants.

[Stanley]

"The muscles of her brawny arms stand out like iron bands...."
Today I shall be monitoring O’Sullivan V Hawkins.

[Wendyf]

How's the back this morning Sue? I just asked the question on the gardening topic by mistake, but never mind.
Gardening for me, and there is a pile of ironing waiting if it gets too wet and windy.

[Sue]

Not bad thanks Wendy. I was in bed before10.00 pm and asleep almost immediately. Woke this morning and feel not too bad. I just over did it I think. Bob was also very busy, he demolished the shed and took it to the tip. My brother took up carpets with me. Those gripper rods are a swine to get up. I think all the bending in one position and being on my feet for six hours all contributed to the back problem. It was when we got home I couldn't get out of the car!

[Stanley]

Not good things to handle afterwards either!
Last session of the World Championship Final.....

[Wendyf]

Trying to raise money for HAPPA at Thornton Hall Country Park.

[Sue]

I put the gripper rods all in a card box which we then took to the tip. We broke the larger ones in two so they fitted in the box Stanley. Nasty things!

[Stanley]

Snooker monitoring duties over so back to normal! Shed was over 64F yesterday so no more excuses, am building up a head of steam....

[Wendyf]

Farrier coming this morning, then I will move the electric fence to a new part of the field while the ponies are stabled. Grass cutting after that before the weather turns. Col serviced the lawnmower for me yesterday so I have to give it a go or he will be disappointed with me!
Excellent day at Thornton Hall Country Park yesterday, crowds of people in very generous mood...must have been the sunshine. I've never been before, it's a great place to take young kids, there is loads for them to do.

[Sue]

Wardrobe clear out
today, topping up the haul for the hospice shop from Dads garage.