The Story Continues 2008

I know I’m a little late getting a story written this year but better late than not at all. 2008 was excellent at York Hills and in fact better than we expected, great times, beautiful weather, and smooth transition which was very rewarding for all the grueling outdoor work we faced last winter. Again it is all about enjoying our divine gifts, each other and the animals we are blessed with. A great big thanks to all of you who came and enjoyed our park.

Many new things are happening this winter that will add to our convenience and make York Hills more pleasant to the eye. We started building a new bathroom and shower facility in October. It is going to be a very nice building with all the conveniences of home and nice looking too. It has cedar trim and soffets, 8” white oak posts on the front porch and a standing seam black roof. It sure beats the tradition “Plastic Skylab” that we have been using. Also connected to the west side of the building is a 16 X 26 horse shower station. This consists of a concrete floor with a 4 ½ foot capped wall on the perimeter except for an entrance opening. Inside is a 24” catch basin drain and a 16’ long 4” tubular hitching rail. Of course this would not be complete without hot and cold water and a hose rack. Enjoy! You’re probably wondering about power, drainage and water and it’s true, we got a 400 amp service installed on a pedestal west of the bathhouse, a new well complete with three hydrants. They are located at the stall barn, the bath house and one is 1000 ft. away at the cabin. Awesome! No more water buggy for me to keep full or for some low life to steal. And yes, we have a septic system.

You know that wood fence we built when I was dying with the flu, its coming down. Rocky is springing for a new one (much nicer), 6 X 6 posts 6’ on center, which will start at the big barn, go to the corner of 250 W and continue down the dirt road to the woods. It kinda gives that Kentucky feeling. This really is horse country.

As most of you know, 2008 brought the acquisition of the golf course adjoining the park and Rocky has settled in there with his own private getaway, all equine of course. A huge remodeling project is going and you will be amazed with the building improvements. The old clubhouse is gone and the newer one and the barn have changed so much it’s too lengthy to write about. It is enclosed with wood fence and I can tell you it will be a class act when completed. As for the golf course, the greens are being dozed into the sand traps, none of the trees are coming down and the fairways and flats will be farmed.

How about this cold weather. It has been frustrating trying to complete the bath house. Darwin Terry finished up the block work in freezing weather and it has been nothing but a hassle getting it painted inside. Bob Lancaster and I had to cover the entire building on the outside with Styrofoam and blast heat inside to try and dry the block enough to paint. It is a paint running fuel wasting effort but I have conquered it. Painting will be done this weekend then I can start wiring and internal plumbing, setting stools, showers, sinks, stall doors, well tank, softener, water heater and that stuff. That is a job at night and Saturdays but I vow to have it ready when the riding season starts.

Now for the fun stuff. The weather has been so cold and nasty that last couple weeks we’ve been having Sunday afternoon barn parties. I’ve kept 6 horses on shoes this winter and have started a new filly. So, when friends come we have food, a little music and have half dozen horses to work in a comfortable environment.

Dudley and I went to Jamestown, TN to pick up a real nice mare that Chad bought and we also brought home a little cutie for Becky to spoil. Becky is expecting two foals in the spring and is beside herself. Oh yeah, I forgot. Becky was intrigued by the wagonettes when the Northwest Indiana Carriage Association came out. She kept saying how nice it would be to haul some of the people who don’t ride out on the trails. I got the message and had one built for her for Christmas. I got a pair of yellow gloves.

We are very much anticipating this year’s activities at York Hills. We miss all of you and can’t wait to get started again. We have so many friends, cookouts, conversations, enjoyable rides, wildlife and just sniffing the great outdoors. I guess there is one word that describes sitting at home and not being at York Hills. Boring!

See ya all when this dreadful weather clears up.
Dale and Becky

The story continues 2009...