Peace?

Sure hope I don't jinx things by posting this. It appears Merlin & Pippin may have worked out who's the boss?  At least inside the barn anyway. Hubby says it's due to the cold & their snuggling to stay warm rather than arguing. He may have something there as the barn cats are using the same box now rather than separate ones & the girls normally prefer their space. Merlin is the boss man, and Pippin isn't arguing the fact now, no ear pinning even. The road Apple piles in their stall are remaining piles, rather than being scattered thruout the stall. When Merlin walks over to Pippin as he's munching away, Pippin simply moves away to another net or pile of hay!!!

  Merlin has the net thing all worked out to simplify things for him. He knows as Pippin eats he'll also be dropping hay as he pulls it out to the floor. He moves Pippin away, Pippin moves to the other net, Merlin cleans the floor, rinse, repeat!  I don't use nets in the stall, I lay out three piles, plus two rubber bowls with a handful of lite feed in each. If Merlin enters first, he hasn't been going at Pippin backwards needing to remind Pippin he's "the man." I sure hope this is a change that lasts, otherwise we'll revamp the huge stall into separate small stalls come spring. Fingers crossed. 

I've also noticed Pippin is now willing to go in the barn leaving Merlin to do whatever in the field. Though Pippin still prefers the field only if Merlin is present. I really enjoy watching them from house, I always know when deer are moving and when the big barns turn out. Even in the cold I've been taking a small thermos cup of coffe back to hang out after cleaning the stall and when tucking them in for the night. The cats enjoy it too!

Sorry, no Mini pix, I'll include one of Cattle Dog Theo & Pitty Grandpup Emily hanging in & out my bean bag last night. Ms. Emily is a weekend guest...

If you notice the box in the corner, that's Lincoln's thinking box. If he's getting in trouble, he goes there to "think" so we can discuss a better way to behave after. He's got pillows and a stuffed animal, can't see but, can hear what he's missing on TV, which can be quite painful for him if it's a fave  program. 

73 days till spring!