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 hFOFAIR01ay early!

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 road-trip keep you posted on our adventures en route…you know, I have to say: Chick trips just have a wonderful character of their own.  I love ‘em! 

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

Vee said…
Oh a cold horse...never even thought about it, but how cruel it seems. Glad you mentioned it.

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.
Vickie said…
Good for that one horse it might help out!

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!
We used to show quarter horses, and we lighted the stalls and double blanketed, and after a while I realized we were no longer treating our horses like horses and they were living an unnatural life. I was actually relieved when we quit showing and gradually introduced them to normal turn out and stalls without extended light and... well I still blanket, but just to keep dry in miserable weather and a layer of warmth all winter. Weatherbeata's are great - Truth be told they don't need even that, but I feel better about it. :-)
happyone said…
Have a fun and safe trip.
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. :-)
HAVE A SAFE TRIP AND HELP KEEP THE GIRLS FROM FEELING GUILTY ABOUT WHAT THEY DIDN'T DO FOR THEIR MOTHER. IT REALLY ISN'T ABOUT DOING ANYTHING BUT KEEPING HER IN GOOD CARE WITH PROFESSIONAL HELP, BECAUSE YOU CAN'T TO IT ALONE WHEN IT COMES TO THE END. CM
Sandra said…
Okay. No big surprise. I have a very strong opinion about daylight savings time. I HATE it. I wish no one was one it and that we just lived with what we have. DST feels un-natural.

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.
Sounds like a road trip is in order, how fun! I know it will be hard for V, I will be praying, it is a cruel disease, we do not blanket our horse for that very reason, he does have a stall but is getting his winter coat:)
KathyB. said…
You are definitely a horse lover, to add that last bit~

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' "
Hi! Finally had a chance to stop by and say hello. I know what you mean.......I get up in the frozen dark, rush around to take care of the animals, zip off to work.........but I do get home in the day........however, in no time it is already dark. Have a fun road trip! I love meatloaf..........actually, I love all kinds of food!! Blessings,Kathleen
Anonymous said…
That meatloaf looks good! Needs a good baked potato with it. Good horse tip. Sorry to hear about V's mom; lost my dad to Parkinsons complications/demensia, akin to Alzheimer's. It's tough.
ROAD TRIP!!!
Anonymous said…
Dee from Tennessee


Yes, it IS worth if it just helps one horse!


Safe travels -- my former pastor called it "traveling mercy."
carla said…
This comment has been removed by the author.

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