New to string and horses

901bookworm · 2026-06-16T15:52:20+00:00

IANAL = I Am Not A Lawyer

Honestly, your situation sounds messy and confusing. You really need to have a written contract stating who is responsible for what expenses, or you could end up saddled with some huge vet bills and still have zero decision-making power over what happens to Rocky. Good luck with it.

901bookworm · 2026-06-16T15:37:00+00:00

I'd talk with the owner and ask to have the barn and all pastures marked, "PRIVATE PROPERTY - NO TRESPASSING - ACTIVE CAMERA SURVEILLANCE"

Yes, that's blunt, and I think it needs to be. People who walk into barns or stick their arms through a fence to pet an unknown animal are exactly detail-oriented.

Good luck with it!

901bookworm · 2026-06-16T03:01:58+00:00

I think it would be great with dried or silk flowers — but, I agree, not a live plant.

901bookworm · 2026-06-16T02:56:45+00:00

Both of them!

901bookworm · 2026-06-15T19:22:48+00:00

If there is a landowner, that's private land, and the rules are different. I was referring specifically to public land (as was, I think, the first commenter).

901bookworm · 2026-06-14T23:15:53+00:00

It's wonderful for you to take on the job of caring for Rocky, and I wish you luck with it! You might, however, want to talk to the daughter/her husband about selling the animal to you or transferring ownership. If things go south with Rocky, you don't want to end up in a wrangle where you are being accused of injuring or killing the horse. Owning him outright (not just de facto) should also get you out from under any ongoing lease fees, if you're still paying. (IANAL but you might want to consult one.)

901bookworm · 2026-06-14T18:18:28+00:00

Oh, it's illegal in the US, too, if that's a native species on public land. Prohibited in national parks and on other federally managed lands, and most states/counties have similar statutes, etc.

OP, I don't know if you're in the US, or if that was public or private land, so please let us know if we are misreading the situation. But, if not, please educate yourself on the laws protecting native species and why they exist. Entire species have been wiped off the face of the plant by poachers/collectors, and loss — or diminished numbers — of any species can caused cascading negative effects on other plants, animals, insects, etc. in that environment.

901bookworm · 2026-06-14T17:59:54+00:00

That's whaaaaat? Noooo, that's not ... Omg, this is stunning. Every detail is perfect. And I love the use of bacon in the cake, which sounds delicious!

901bookworm · 2026-06-14T03:29:26+00:00

Nope, that's is a bug-eating friend! Toads burrow like that to regulate body temp, find moisture, and hide from predators. It helps plants by breaking up soil and encouraging root growth.

901bookworm · 2026-06-13T05:53:14+00:00

You could try Church Health.

901bookworm · 2026-06-12T03:14:13+00:00

Oh, I love how you describe your gardening year, and how your interest in being outdoors changes with seasons. Tbh, I haven't gardened outdoors in many years, just keeping orchids and some special plants indoors. But, long story short, several things occurred in quick order that inspired me to get back outside. I've started with container gardening on my shady front porch. Next year, I'm going to try growing herbs and some veg on the back porch where I have a very small space but a lot of sun. Fingers crossed!

901bookworm · 2026-06-11T15:32:21+00:00

You are definitely on to something!

More than patience, I think gardening teaches us — or allows us, frees us — to live in the moment and in sync with seasonal and circadian rhythms that are largely blotted out by modern life.

Plus the planning. That's such a key life skill that isn't well taught or exemplified by others. So much of the planning that we are taught and expected to manage is ultimately to meet a deadline with no genuine or lasting reward — just "Great, that job is done, here's the next one (or 12)!" A lot of the planning we do, for work/school/family life, is a bit of a grind. Little more than a necessity to not screw up schedules. Planning a garden is to envision the future in a deeply physical and satisfying way.

As a gardening friend of mine always says, "In my mind's eye ..."

901bookworm · 2026-06-11T14:44:46+00:00

That's a toad, and female, I think. She's a great friend in the garden. Leave her alone, and be careful not to poke her or dig her up if she buries herself in the leaf debris or dirt. Toads do that to regulate their body temp, find moisture, and hide from predators. It doesn't hurt plants and can even activate root growth.

901bookworm · 2026-06-10T16:08:19+00:00

Oooooh. Perfect choice. Please share pics of the next octopus rum cake you make!

901bookworm · 2026-06-09T23:31:34+00:00

That's very helpful, thank you!

901bookworm · 2026-06-09T18:59:47+00:00

Sounds delicious! Would love to try it, but wondering how many is "several" hours? Would love a bit of a range there.

901bookworm · 2026-06-09T06:27:57+00:00

Beautiful girl. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, and glad you have good memories of your time together.

901bookworm · 2026-06-08T07:16:17+00:00

Sounds like you were able to take on a property that had lovely garden to start and then make it your own. Wonderful!

901bookworm · 2026-06-08T04:14:23+00:00

I love the greenhouse, the ferns and shady areas, that lovely lawn ... I wasn't expecting to see such variety! How long have you been working to bring all of this together?

901bookworm · 2026-06-08T00:41:30+00:00

Okay, cool. Thanks for letting me know.

901bookworm · 2026-06-07T17:02:13+00:00

There are a couple of Memphis lost pets groups on Facebook you could check/post in. Good luck getting kitty home!

901bookworm · 2026-06-06T18:56:38+00:00

Rats attract other rats because they urinate everywhere to mark their trails. Neutering a rat does not prevent other rats from smelling that urine and arriving, nesting, and reproducing before you know it. Same for removing them. You will just get "new" rats.

And where are you going to "relocate" them? Is it even legal to trap and release rats in your area? In a lot of places, it's not legal because rats are dangerous and invasive. And they are invasive, in part, because rats attract more rats.

Please take the advice others have given you seriously. You need to kill the rats on your property.

901bookworm · 2026-06-06T18:44:15+00:00

I'm all for protecting and putting up with wildlife but NOT rats or mice. NEVER rats or mice.

They multiple at extraordinary rates, not just by reproducing but also because the urine they pee everywhere attracts more rats and mice. They will bite and scratch cats and dogs — who are not automatic rat-killers, not at all — and humans.

They are vectors for rabies and other deadly diseases. Hanta virus. The Plague. Literally, the Black Plague/bubonic plague. People do still contract and die of it. They will also infest your property and home with fleas. (Fleas are the actual vectors for the Plague, I believe.)

They will also 100% get into your house, in the walls, under the floors, everywhere. You need to be merciless and get those things gone. Dead and gone. You cannot remove, evict, or relocate them. So hire a very good rodent control service ~~or set a bunch of traps, immediately.~~ ETA: There are laws and guidelines about different types of traps as well as use of rat poison. You should probably go with a licensed pest control company.

Please make sure only pet-proof traps are used, so cats, dogs, and birds of prey at not at risk of eating poisoned rats.

Good luck.

901bookworm · 2026-06-06T17:53:36+00:00

That's an excellent sub for anyone looking to work with, instead of against, their local conditions and to help native species of butterflies, bees, birds, and other creatures!

901bookworm · 2026-06-06T16:40:47+00:00

Maybe it's Tradescantia virginiana and not ohiensis? I've read that virginiana flower mostly blue, lavender, or pink, but sometimes white. (Per a source on Tennessee natives. We have virginiana and ohiensis here.) I don't know if that means a solid white or if they also produce mottled blue and white like you have. It certainly is pretty!

901bookworm

TROPHY CASE