Repairing Horse Blankets, With Difficulty

Difficulty's other name is Brooklyn who decided that a horse blanket would make a perfect place for a nap!

Two Down, One to Go

Before

 I'm trying to spread out the farrier work, mainly to ease up on the old back. Biz's hoof's were slightly splayed, a little long in the toe, and in need of a frog clean up.

After

 The after shot shows her still a little long in the toe, but without the "duck foot" appearance.

Before

 The frog was a mess, with the growth growing out, and causing a pocket for crud to catch in and possibly cause bacterial growth. Not good! The nail was about 1/2 inch longer than it should be.

After

A good frog and nail trim shows the hoof the way it should be. Good to go for another 8 weeks, or 100km, whichever comes first.  The nail is still a little long to give some better traction. She can rest up Friday, then maybe a little ride on Saturday would be in order.

In case you are wondering about the striped hoof, it is a characteristic of an Appaloosa.

My Rant of the Month!

For a while now, our electrical supplier has been announcing that our power rates are going to go up. What you say? 1 or 2 %..... No, 50% ! This is on top of the 20% already increased over the last year.

This was kind of expected when our Conservative government privatized the power industry. They said   that no this would never happen.

Now is this greed at its worst in the power companies?

They had a spokesperson on TV the other night that could not answer the question as to why it was going up. He said that it might be because of increased population, or maybe increased industrial demand or several other issues that I was too much in shock to remember. As far as I can tell the Alberta population has not increased by 70%, industry has not grown by that much, nor have the sum totals of all the lame possibilities  that he suggested. Personally, I would have fired the guy!

The issue that he did not mention was the possibility that the user population is paying for a proposed power line expansion.

What does this mean to this retired acreage owner?
First of all, the chickens have to go as we cannot afford to over winter them.
Second, the cost of produce is going to go up again. Have you priced a roast of beef, or a chicken in Alberta lately?
Third, this will definitely cause industry that is thinking of moving here to go elsewhere.
Fourth, it will accelerate inflation
Fifth, it is NOT the thing to do when we are on the verge of recession/depression.

Hint: When any government starts talking privatization, be prepared to come out swinging!

What about you? are you satisfied with  $12+ per gigajoule? Or in other words (English) prepared to take a 70% hike in your electricity cost? $12 is now, $18 is coming.

I would be interested in hearing your comments, as I am going to be writing the various levels of government this week and our new Premier Elect.