Morning Bray Farm

December 22, 2010

Winter solstice sunrise

Posted by Morning Bray under Albuquerque, Farm, New Mexico | Tags: sunrise, winter solstice |
[25] Comments

We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness.

– Author Unknown

December 21, 2010

The oldest known bird species still surviving

Posted by Morning Bray under Birds | Tags: bird, birds, sandhill crane, sandhill cranes |
[13] Comments

A crane fossil approximately ten million years old was found in Nebraska and is structurally identical to the modern Sandhill Crane, making it the oldest known bird species still surviving.

Some other interesting facts about Sandhill Cranes from whatbird.com:

Sandhill Cranes are noted for their elaborate courtship displays. Two displays are used to form mating pairs while three other displays occur only between mates and serve to maintain the pair bond.
They frequently preen with vegetation and mud stained with iron oxide resulting in a reddish-brown color rather than their natural gray.
A group of cranes has many collective nouns, including a “construction”, “dance”, “sedge”, “siege”, and “swoop” of cranes.

December 20, 2010

He always wants what he can’t have

Posted by Morning Bray under Donkeys | Tags: Bernard, donkey, Ellsworth, Fergus |
[32] Comments

Since Don’s Wednesday session with Nigel went for several hours, we made sure to put water and hay out to help lessen Nigel’s stress.

Just as soon as I had perched myself back up on the fence to watch Don work with Nigel, I looked over to see a familiar busybody doing his best to see what was on the other side of the fence. Notice that Fergus and Ellsworth are still eating their lunch in the background.

Bernard tried this way…

…and that… to get his little donkey lips on the water in the tub.

Don and I totally cracked up when out of desperation, Bernard stuck his tongue out in a last-ditch effort to reach the water. (Remember, you can click on any photo to embiggen it.)

Aah, finally… success. Mind you, Bernard had access to the water tub behind him the entire time.

Bernard: See Mamma?! I did it!

Ellsworth: What’cha up to, Bernard?

Bernard: Ellsworth, you’ve gotta try the water in this tub! It’s delish! I used my tongue!

Ellsworth: Well, have you tried unlatching the gate?

Bernard: No, but maybe I can move the tub over here for you…

Ellsworth: Tongue, shmongue, Bernard. Heck with this, I’m going to get a drink from our water tub.

Fergus: What’cha doin’, Bernard?

Bernard: This is the best water in the world, Fergus! You have to taste it!

Fergus: No way, Bernard. You know, I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck!

Bernard: Gee whiz, why won’t anyone believe me?

December 19, 2010

One day at a time

Posted by Morning Bray under Burros | Tags: Don, Nigel |
[14] Comments

We haven’t been able to get a halter on Nigel yet, but we know he’s trying.

Don has spent a lot of time working with Nigel over the last couple of weeks. Bernard, Ellsworth and Fergus have been a constant source of moral support.

Of course, Fergus is Nigel’s biggest fan…

…and Bernard always clears his calendar to offer comic relief.

On Wednesday, Don was able to get a lead rope around Nigel’s neck for the first time. I was so proud of both of them. ♥ ♥ ♥

December 18, 2010

Saturday Stuff – Epona

Posted by Morning Bray under Donkeys, For the love of donkeys, Saturday Parts & Stuff | Tags: Apuleius, Epona, Golden Ass |
[13] Comments

The Celtic goddess Epona was protectress of horses, asses, and mules, as well as their human caretakers.

Epona’s feast day on the Roman calendar was December 18. The Romans embraced her as protectress of the Roman cavalry, invoked her on behalf of the Emperor, and worshipped her as Epona Augusta or Epona Regina. She even had a shrine in the barracks of the Imperial Bodyguard.

The worship of Epona in stables is described in The Golden Ass by Marcus Apuleius.