Apparently there’s still one thing my husband Ron can’t quite accept when it comes to having horses in our backyard: They come along with a lot of dust and dirt. That is indeed his greatest frustration because my husband hates grime on the floor, sandy grit on countertops and tiny little pebbles of decomposed granite that bite into his bare feet. Imagine that!
The whole Boot Removal Edict is an absolute deal breaker when it comes to marital bliss. And I can’t honestly say I blame Ron for issuing such an order. Half the time the soles of my boots are embedded with flattened crusts of manure. Or worse, they’ve absorbed some kind of caustic hoof elixir or topical antiseptic brew that makes them smell as if I’ve just left the county morgue. Yes, despite the passion I feel for my horses and the lifestyle that comes along with them, I must admit that there are many odors associated with barn activities that offend the average person’s nose and palate. It probably is a good idea to step out of my boots before waltzing into the kitchen. I mean, it’s not like my kitchen is a saloon. Last time I looked there weren’t swinging doors at the entrance and Wally wasn’t tethered to a rustic hitching post just outside the window.
And so, to keep the peace around here, I have learned to simply stow my boots. Ron was both delighted and eager to round up a sturdy stack of shelves where I could stash my boots, pair by pair, and leave them where they belonged when not in use: in the garage. However, I ultimately have the final say (as most wives do). Don’t tell him, but there have been many times when I’ve kept my boots on while I’ve scampered inside to grab the keys to the gate or guzzle a drink of water before heading out on a trail ride. If Ron’s not home I linger for a few moments, wrinkling my toes inside my boots, relishing the sense of freedom and independence that comes from wearing my boots inside the house. And then, when he ends up by discovering a bit of grit here or a chunk of dirt there, and asks me about its origin, I just smile and say, “Oh, I think the dog probably brought that in.”
Back to Life with Horses.
I love it! I was sure I wasn’t the only one with a hubby like yours! LOL. We just got back from a show, and he informed me that I was NOT going to bed smelling like THAT!! LOL… And we take our shoes off at the door, or on the porch. Our friends and family that come in may wrinkle their noses, but with 6 horses, and4 dogs, I can always blame it on the dogs! LOL.
I love the smell of the barn!
Too funny! My husband puts up with the horses but I’m sure he wishes I would decontaminate before I come inside.
Memo to self: Do not allow the spousal unit to read this, lest he get ideas. Mine has resigned himself to horse shoes — so to speak; my horse loses his shoes pretty much anywhere! — being dropped on the porch, the back patio, the garage … basically wherever I remember I’m wearing them and realize I have to take them off before he catches me walking across the new carpet in them, LOL. For some reason, he doesn’t appreciate Eau de Barn quite as much as I do!
What a funny blog!! “The dog brought it in…” classic!!
Are we married to the same man? LOL!