C: In the Darkness of the Night…Early!
I’m not one to gripe about daylight savings time, but when I got home tonight at 6:30, it was pitch black outside. I live in the woods, so the darkness is deep (I keep meaning to get a night light installed). Tonight it seemed especially so.
It’s not just the blackness, it’s that it feels late, too. I was amazed that it was only 6:30, and not two or two-and-a-half hours later.
I remember when I used to show horses and wanted to inhibit the growth of their winter coats to keep them show-sleek. We’d keep lights on in the stable longer at night in the winter (not all night, but longer) to “fool” their bodies into not growing long hair. I think the presence or absence of light is interpreted by our bodies as cues.
Well, this early nighttime seems a cue to mine to hit the h
But, not to worry. I got home to a wonderful meatloaf by MIL! She knows it is my favorite, and I never make it. For some reason Son, who loves meatballs, will not touch meatloaf. Go figure. So, naturally, I don’t make it for myself. MIL’s meatloaf is always a treat for me.
V and will be on a road trip soon. We are planning a trip to see V’s sister (our sometime commenter Kathy Sue) and their mother. Sadly, they are losing their mother to Alzheimer’s disease. V has an idea what she will find there because of her talks with KS, who lives near their mother. I know, firsthand from my father-in-law, that Alzheimer’s is a dread disease.
Still, we are very much looking forward to the 7 hour road trip together (Road Trip!!!) and visiting with KS and, of course, seeing V’s mom. We’ll 
Hope you are all recovered from too much turkey and have moved into get-ready-for-Christmas mode. C
PS – I am a bit obsessive about horse care, so I can’t resist saying: If you start blanketing a horse in the winter or doing something to inhibit the growth of winter coat, then you have to continue the practice and give extra warmth (blankets, etc.) through that winter. You can’t start and then stop or your horse will get cold! For this reason we never blanketed our horses except when we were showing in earnest—left alone, they do just fine in cold weather with their shaggy winter coats!
Sorry to preach…but if it keeps just one horse warmer…C
Comments
Yes, it is so dark so early. I feel like going to be at 8. Sometimes I have. That can't be good.
Your mil's meatloaf looks delicious and reminds me of how I make mine. It's my "go to" comfort food.
I'll be thinking of you and V and especially asking for extra grace to help V and family cope and care for her mom. It's not easy and, as you say, Alzheimer's is a cruel disease.
I hate the early darkness. I think I suffer from SAD and I tend to get so blue until spring gets here again. I try to get outside at some point every day even if it's on my lunch hour on the days I work. Let the sun shine on my face (hopefully)...
I loved my MIL's meatloaf. Sadly, she can't make it anymore. She's got Alzheimer's, too, and so I know how V is feeling. I'll be thinking of you gals - have a great trip! Sometimes the best part of the trip is the traveling!
I know what you mean about it seeming so much later than it really is now that it get dark so early. But in just three weeks the days will start to get longer again. :-)
Interesting info about horses. Never having been around them much, I'd never thought about their winter coats.
Hope you have a wonderful road trip and that V's mom is better than you expect.
Road trip with V, you are going to have a lot of fun, I just know it.
I have been thinking the same thing about the early darkness lately. It seems I should be getting ready for the 11:00 p.m. news and it is only 7:00 p.m. My body says "it is time to go to bed and hibernate" but the after dinner dishes say "no way Jose' "
ROAD TRIP!!!
Yes, it IS worth if it just helps one horse!
Safe travels -- my former pastor called it "traveling mercy."