The Riley Factor #38

The Riley Factor -- February 1
(All the news that's fit to print, along with some unfit to print rumors, prognostications and bloviations.)

Fort Plain, NY, February 1 -- Sunny, cool and breezy weather greeted Riley this first day of February.  Much better than the zero degree temperature of Saturday night.  Riley spent some early morning time out on the deck with Gabby and then wished Susan a fond farewell as she embarked on a trip for a few days in Hopkinton.  Riley is growing quickly, probably weighing-in at near 40 pounds as he approaches his five-month birthday.  His house-training continues with most days now being accident-free.  Yesterday, Riley joined Susan and Chris on an inspection tour of the new barn/equipment shed.  Construction was completed late last week, with the exception of the final grading, floor and drive-ups, which need to wait a month or so until the upstate NY stone quarries open for the year.  The building was built along-side of the road that goes out back to the trails.  It has 14'x14' sliding doors front and rear with a drive-through design and the ability to store in one side of the building while leaving the drive-through operational.  A 16-foot ceiling should accommodate any and all hay wagons and other equipment.  A loft may be added later.  The south wall has sky lights along the top two feet the length of the wall to provide lighting.