tx, you didn't mention a source of water? Very important... As long as you can't see their ribs, they should be fine. This summer will tell the tale, when/if the grass dries up they will need more supplemental hay and feed. On a horse with healthy weight you should be able to feel their ribs under your hand, but not see the ribs with your eyes :). A lot of times, although the pasture may be green, there may not be a blade of grass in it. Sometimes inedible weeds are the only things that survive in a horse pasture. But 2 acres for 2 horses is not horrible. The shade tree is not ideal if you get hail. But generally the only time a horse will seek shelter is to get out of the sun or out of the wind. A lot of times if you get a gentle rain with no wind, they will stand out in it. In the winter, horses will make their hair stand up and out. This helps to insulate them against the cold. They will get inside to get out of the wind because the wind defeats this protective measure. LOL, that was probably more information than you wanted but as long as they have WATER, and their body condition looks good, they should be fine. If that changes, then call your ASPCA. Food, water and shelter are the *basic* care that any animal owner must provide. They are also required to provide veterinary care when needed. I hope this helps :) Kristi

Thanks for all your hard work Karen! Can't wait to read it in its entirety. Jodi-

Well said patti43. And no, we shouldn't take any flak for defending one of our own. If other countries would defend their people from these idiots, they wouldn't be holding hostages for ransom, and had others not given in to them, it's even questionable if this incident would have occurred. "...a gunshot could have triggered an explosion..." WHAT??? Aboard an OIL TANKER??? How will a gunshot trigger an explosion on an oil tanker? Oil is not explosive. That's silly. If it was so explosive, the engines would trigger an explosion, smoking on board, and even the cookstoves, cooking and electrical appliances could trigger it. The primary reason they don't want to arm crews is liability. If one goes postal the employer is responsible. It can also be a source for criminals to gain weapons. It's also an expense they don't want to bear. There's a variety of reasons, but most are pretty weak. However the #1 reason for not arming? We've always done it this way... As I said in the other thread there's a potential for a guard business, not unlike the rent-a-cops type security outfits used by companies for buildings. As I also said in the other thread, there likely will be repercussions, but this had to be done. Yes, they and we all realize that revenge will be on the minds of some. But would you rather that more are taken hostage because of inaction? Damned if you do and damned if you don't. As far as the inconsistent reports, that's common in newsgathering. You seldom have the FULL story immediately. It can take days, weeks, months years or decaded for the whole story to come out. And in some cases, the whole story doesn't ever come out! People want a talking face to give them what they call "news". It has to be glitzy and keep their attention for the 3.2 seconds they can concentrate. The stations give people what they demand.

Ice cave testI am home and catching up on everyone and want to try posting a picture Lavender- so sorry to hear about Mandy. MissyMoo also sorry for your loss and anyone that I missed. CampHappy- sounds like fun! I am so glad everyone is enjoying this post Test on pictures - not sure any are successful, so might need to edit Fourth try- ok, I give up on PB for now - will have to read the hosta post in gardens to figure this out but here is another cave with DH inside from my iphoto Pancake Bay Ice cave 2014