The weather may be horrible outside (my daughter was trying to drive to
Milwaukee today and didn't even make it 15 miles from home before turning
around), but I have a peaceful, warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
left on our farm. Brandy and Race for Home and Cyd the llama were tucked
away in their private areas, calling for food. There was none. In my desperation, I phoned my neighbor, explaining that Craig was working
night shift and we had no hay, and could we please buy a few bales. He
chuckled (it has happened before when our hay guy was delayed in getting
here), and told me to come on over. I was overjoyed and could breathe. Then I remembered! All I had was my car!!!! Did I dare ask for help from
yet someone else? Hesitating, I picked up the phone and called my friend
and neighbor, Lisa, who has been a great supporter of ASAP at the Midwest
Horse Fair over the years. She works night shift at Gundersen Lutheran,
and it was already 6:30 pm. I offered to pay to borrow a pickup so I
didn't have to make five trips with my car, hauling two bales at a time in
the trunk (don't laugh - have done it numerous times!). Lisa, being the
person she is, said she would be over to help. I grained all of the
horses in the meantime, and made sure all had water. Lisa came, and we
drove down the road to Ed's farm, where he greeted us at the hay barn
doors and asked what kind of hay we wanted. We loaded the truck, and the
horses without round bale feeders ate like kings and queen from Ed's rich,
beautiful hay. The next day, numerous trailers arrived every hour, carrying large squares
that will feed us for some time to come. Our neighbor, Todd Whisler,
contacted someone else, and someone else, and the hay appeared! We now
have 48 large squares in our storage building, thanks to our community's
help. Of course, we also have a $2,400 additional bill for this hay, but
we are hoping for a miracle this holiday season. So I want to publicly thank Lisa and Ed, my gracious neighbors, for caring
enough to bail us out of a bad situation. This lesson has taught me that
next summer we are going to, hopefully, be able to pay up front for
several thousand small square bales so we never have to go through this
situation again! Love you all!
Sue
