Cooling tip for water troughs - pic added

[Debbie]

As we've finally breached our 100*F mark for the year, I thought I would share a tip that I've put in use for Blossom's water trough since last year.

I purpose bought two of the blue non toxic cooler packs, and marked them both with a huge "B" (for Blossom). Each day, around 1 in the afternoon, I go out and plop one into the water trough to stave off the heat, and to keep her water from turning the temp of hot tea. I keep two, as one can be in the deep freeze, cooling solidly, while the other one is 'on duty'.

I noticed Blossom's water intake increased rapidly after using these, and the water is still cool in the morning when I take them out. (incidentally, her water trough gets changed entirely every two days. With the heat, it goes manky pretty quick)

The cooling packs are rated non toxic for humans, and are usually used in insulated coolers. For me, the real clencher is that it is safe for babies. I figure if its rated for human babies, its got to be safe enough for Blossom.

[harveydales]

What a good idea.

[charliedales]

Great idea Debbie, sounds like Blossom enjoys her cool water ;D Unfortunately not a problem for us this year

[mickey]

Ive an even better idea Debbie- move to the Uk No chance of needing them then
Its august for goodness sake and Mickey decided yesterday he was not staying out in the rain!!!

[Debbie]

I know, Em. I've been eyeballing the temps for Glasgow, and Hubby and I aren't breathing a word to Blossom about the temps of her homeland

I've a feeling she'd run us over on the way to the airport ;D

[jec248]

Good idea, but not required in Cumbria, England!!!!

[mickey]

Its august and the heaters are on in the shop and Ive resorted to a full suit rather than smart trousers and a blouse. It is madness!!! Im thinking I must sort my winter turnouts out!

[harveydales]

I had my thermal underwear on a couple of days this week!!!!

[zeldalithgow]

Good idea Debbie, you could also fill some old plastic tubs with water and freeze, then add to he water trough

[Debbie]

That's a great idea Zelda I can remember pics of your lot having frozen lollipops one summer ;D So you DO get warmer temps in the UK....just not this year

[PonyGirl]

WOW. I read in aww!

[echolady]

With any luck i might get to try these ideas out!
Yay we have sun!
Breaking out the sun cream tonight echo has a very sensitive
( black!!!??) nose

[Debbie]

Has she been eating wild onions? Blossom's nose gets sun sensitive after she eats wild onions in her field. Her nose turns pink only when she's been eating them, otherwise its a very pale pinkish/white.

And I had a friend who opened a tanning booth and she said in the reading materials they warned against people tanning who'd just chopped up onions, garlic, and .... what were the other...it was something else common like green pepper or tomatoe. She said the contact with those vegetables make you sun sensitive for a bit, and apt to burn for a day or so afterwards.

[echolady]

I never knew that! It wouldnt suprise me with echo! lol