Cottage Renovations

[OT from cottage renovations]

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)

it happened this morning.  and the porch cam caught it all. 

  
stable collapse and aftermath

the herd of stick ponies has been stabled out on the porch again where anybody passing by can take one out for a quick trot/canter/gallop around the Circle. 

this morning a marauding squirrel jumped onto one, probably looking to  harvest  steal some artificial fur to line its nest.  the log tipped over with a crash (look carefully in the left hand picture and you will see a grey blur, that's the miscreant exiting to the R).  the porch cam, which usually captures the comings and goings of cats, recorded the event. 

the ponies were, of course, upset but otherwise seemed to be unharmed. 

as part of the Refenestration Dedication I wanted to arrange for pony rides in the Circle.  for the younger guests this was provided on a self-serve basis using one resident pony left over from the Wonder Boy's youth and another two from a yard sale the previous weekend (I'm convinced that by sheltering them here I have saved them from the glue stick factory). 

the concept seems to have gone over well in the intended demographic so they are now stabled on the porch and available for anybody who is passing by and might be in the mood for quick trot, gallop or canter around the Circle.  just put them back when you're done so they will be available for the next visitor who might have need of them. 

this cat cam view shows Sarah and Eli walking back into the Circle after their rides. 

satisfied customers

the favourable reception does not seem to have been manifested in all possible species: 

Maple casts a suspicious eye on the porch ponies

for those who have attained legal age for consumption, 7oz "pony" bottles of Rolling Rock were provided.  unlike the stick horses these are not stabled on the porch but if you drop by you're welcome to enjoy one (offer good while supplies last). 

another kind of pony
from the Latrobe Brewing Co., Latrobe, PA