tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175810172024-03-07T02:21:51.736-06:00Of Horses and ArtUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-1728904812764649502012-11-28T17:43:00.000-06:002012-11-28T17:43:33.697-06:00Hello World!Oh my how the times they are a changing! I have grown tired of facebook and the time it ate up in my life and so I am reverting back to my blog. Perhaps I will find more enjoyment from it.<br />
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This morning I opened an email from my mil that was titled 'Dog Shamming'. That was certainly good for a chuckle as it contained photos of dogs with signs around their necks or next to them stating what they were ashamed of. I have certainly had my share of dogs who needed to wear a shame sign but most recently my horse Gunner should be wearing one.<br />
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I some how think there is no shame in his mind for what he did, but none the less... Last fall Jack my dear husband bought me a fantastic white plastic fence that borders two sides of my lawn. It is beautiful. It makes our place look really sharp. This fall, Gunner pushed on the fence so much trying to get to the raspberry plants that he broke the top of one of the boards. Jack is furious, and rightfully so. We are trying to decided how to keep them off said lovely fence. Gunner on the other hand is going about his every day existence of eating hay and not being ridden.<br />
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More on the horses and what they have been up to in the near future! Enjoy your last few days of November and the warmer weather we are supposed to get. Cheerio!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-68166310809329055522009-06-22T21:52:00.002-05:002009-06-22T21:59:19.655-05:00Schools out for Summer!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWNjdxuxwvke62mszhwppqPZumipPioUgFnW6pOmjddv9PqTf63rxpcM55_zc36-ED1W7a-yMU4HGuJJLqc_9t-AJGJisTlsFB40TE2awgm0S7eO8Iidk0qSnKJNgcMAVx5nFig/s1600-h/DSC_0622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350352041843232258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWNjdxuxwvke62mszhwppqPZumipPioUgFnW6pOmjddv9PqTf63rxpcM55_zc36-ED1W7a-yMU4HGuJJLqc_9t-AJGJisTlsFB40TE2awgm0S7eO8Iidk0qSnKJNgcMAVx5nFig/s320/DSC_0622.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;">Down by the pond early this spring. (S)</span></em></div><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">It has been out just over a week here and we are SO glad to be done.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">S had basketball camp last week up at UW-Eau Claire. She came back a changed woman, or so she said. She improved her basketball skills and became very motivated.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">N is off to Badger Girl State this week. It is a program in which she is selected by the women of the VFW and spend all week creating a government. She is running for the state attorney general of her fictional government.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">The steers are being washed daily and lead around getting ready for the fair. They are big this year. VERY big. I will try and get some photos if possible. Usually I am helping wash, and don't want to get the camera wet.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Our horses had their hooves trimmed this last week and Dixie got a nice set of pads and shoes. We are hoping this alleviates some of the ring sour issues S was experiencing last year.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I hope this finds all of you doing well. I apologize for not updating more often. I am on face book more often than not these days. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-16782442014074034472009-05-29T10:39:00.002-05:002009-05-29T10:43:59.128-05:00prom photo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZReD2V-OgozfpDOTLG0mnAf8C4UDm1K0HvyXCdRudGIljQUT-yuC2cRiOZJoUOctk7WUgLToXT_wq3EbNN_KeLqLWWzfnwHpvNU38mxdPjZqaeHTHAL3NGcbbMopao6o_nNIrtw/s1600-h/DSC_0800.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341272138162847138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZReD2V-OgozfpDOTLG0mnAf8C4UDm1K0HvyXCdRudGIljQUT-yuC2cRiOZJoUOctk7WUgLToXT_wq3EbNN_KeLqLWWzfnwHpvNU38mxdPjZqaeHTHAL3NGcbbMopao6o_nNIrtw/s320/DSC_0800.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A bit late..</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-37659273961597633342009-05-26T08:10:00.002-05:002009-05-26T08:33:15.404-05:00MayI should have at least one post up for May right?<br /><br />N had a pretty good time at prom. It was a long day as predicted. State Solo and Ensembles first and then the prom. She did okay at state, but had problems with her asthma and having enough air to breath. Not good when you are playing the flute.<br /><br />She enjoyed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre-</span>prom portion of prom. The hair/makeup/dinner. I enjoyed it too. We had a house <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">crammed</span> full of prom goers and their parents. I served them supper and we took turns taking pictures. It rained so there were no outside pictures. Prom itself was a a let down for her. Most of her class departed after the grand march for another party. On top of that she was exhausted, so despite plans of an all night <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wii</span> extravaganza, she came home early and went to bed.<br /><br />S has been playing basketball in a league in a nearby town. The league finished up this weekend. She learned a lot and improved certain aspects of her playing. I am continually amazed at how physical the game is. She has bruises and marks all over her body and spent a large portion of Sunday sleeping from sheer exhaustion.<br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">niece</span> and god daughter is graduating from high school this weekend. Her parents held a get together up at the family farm, so we took the day to be with them. It was good to see my brothers and their wives, and of course my parents. I also got to see and visit with a cousin who I haven't seen in a few years.<br /><br />Yesterday we attended a memorial day ceremony. N marched in the high school band parade leading up to the ceremony. I am extremely grateful to all those who have given their lives for our countries freedom, whether it was last month or 200 years ago. We are truly blessed to live where we do and enjoy the freedoms we enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-7870327450178517182009-04-24T07:23:00.003-05:002009-04-24T07:48:59.487-05:00Busy Two Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLLqkwxaWR7YnIFTmQzinZuQvLhHaWo_RldEynZueqMubeLZe3BsraJYrrp-K35M_CyiGmJo0v_kxaPwcNdub5n7sOtAo8RNvyAZGEvbXHcqWTGrMlB7dRJIrUiI-uPI9Mxv7cg/s1600-h/Neighbors.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328239036772691922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLLqkwxaWR7YnIFTmQzinZuQvLhHaWo_RldEynZueqMubeLZe3BsraJYrrp-K35M_CyiGmJo0v_kxaPwcNdub5n7sOtAo8RNvyAZGEvbXHcqWTGrMlB7dRJIrUiI-uPI9Mxv7cg/s400/Neighbors.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A quick post today to give an idea of what's coming up in the next two or three or four days.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today:</div><br /><div>Shopping for Prom Supper to be hosted and prepared at my house tomorrow night. I received verification of the event on Wednesday. I'm off shortly to fill the list I have made. I want the group to have fun, so I asked N to ask if they wanted anything special. We are planning on preparing steak, steak fries, a veggies, salad and cheese cake. I got a request for hot dogs! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is secretaries week, really it is. Therefor, it is also support staff appreciation week at school. I think it is kind of silly that I received flowers for my 15 hour a week job. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that they appreciate me, it just seems a bit silly. So, what I am getting at, is that I need to go to work half an hour early so they can serve me lunch. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Post work S and I are saddling up and helping move cattle over at my brother in laws. I am going to take my small camera and see if I can get some photos while riding. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The house must be cleaned. I am sure the prom goers tomorrow won't care, but I do. Pride and all that. Then to top the day off I am altering Nicole's prom dress just a smidgen in the waist. She has lost a bit of weight and the spaghetti straps need to be adjusted as well. She just sent me a text message that a good friend of hers needs alterations as well. Oh.. and her dress for tomorrows state solos and ensembles needs to be shortened.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tomorrow:</div><br /><div>Arise early for the two hour drive to state solos and ensembles. N's first performance is at 8 am. I believe we are hauling two friends as well. Jack will stay behind and get S to her babysitting job. Then it's watch, watch, listen, listen to the five solos and ensembles she is competing in and rushing back home with a different load of kids so she can get her hair done for prom. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While her hair is being put up, I will be at home preparing the meal and putting some decorating touches on the house. Then dinner for kids, dinner for the adults and off to grand march. They are crashing afterwards at the neighbors house, thank goodness. I am extra proud that they are avoiding the 'huge drinking party' that one of their classmates is supposedly having. Underage drinking is pretty prevalent in the area, but my kid and her friends aren't into it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sunday is busy as well, but not quite as today and tomorrow. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hope you all have a great weekend as well. I try to get around and visit your blogs as much as possible, although I admit facebook tends to eat up my time now. Kathy Cummings if you want to add me as a friend. My profile picture is of Gunner.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am grateful for these two busy days. I love my daughters dearly, and despite not quite knowing how I am going to pull this off, I wouldn't trade it for the world.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-82785701449706371672009-04-22T08:22:00.003-05:002009-04-22T08:55:08.368-05:00Earth Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhCCAWdMAZqhHscHm9Ea0uCSRoljC9yQrcrJplVCskHegwWa_KSZDNOhe6Nyk-h5e5DC5D4kbXfK8wWpnIdyvzjfMRnr0Mr8IVcM4mCgOKhL8rToXqx2-Dy2VoPOZ6PF4hRd7dQ/s1600-h/Birch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327513761210545746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhCCAWdMAZqhHscHm9Ea0uCSRoljC9yQrcrJplVCskHegwWa_KSZDNOhe6Nyk-h5e5DC5D4kbXfK8wWpnIdyvzjfMRnr0Mr8IVcM4mCgOKhL8rToXqx2-Dy2VoPOZ6PF4hRd7dQ/s400/Birch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Not much new since my last post except it is of course Earth Day. At school the classes will go out and do a little clean up work around the school. Raking of wood chips out of the grass, tending to the flower gardens etc. I myself, will stop at a local greenhouse after work and pick up a pine tree to plant. While I will never catch up to the trees my father has planted, I would like to add at least one tree a year to our property.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The other day a boy who attends my school from Bosnia asked me about the birch trees. He had never seen trees like that and wondered what was wrong with them. I told him what I knew, and told him how unhealthy it was to pick at the tree, but he, like the other kids can't seem to help himself. Nor could I at that age. Each of the Birch trees on the property have rings of bark missing just at kid height. I also pointed out a Maple tree as well and explained about Maple syrup. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When I was a kid, my older two brothers made maple syrup one spring. I remember gathering the syrup and the days of cooking the syrup out on a wood stove my parents put up for them outside. I honestly don't remember tasting the finished product although, I do have a remembrance of what Maple Sap tastes like.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I remember fondly my father taking me through the woods of his childhood explaining the different trees. He showed me the leaves and bark that distinguished one tree from another. He passed this love of flora and fauna on to my brothers as well. My youngest brother has started pine trees from seed and planted them throughout that same property.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My parents and grandparents always had us outside, in the woods, in the garden, where ever. My grandfather on my Mother's side, Pa Pa was a great fisherman, craftsman and gardener. He made jewelry out of silver and turquoise, panned for gold, made dandelion wine, and in his later years when he had slowed down, had a large garden of various berries and plants. His wife, my grandmother would spend hours making jams and jellies from the berries. She seemed to be happiest when she was busy, as has passed down to my mother.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So on this Earth Day I hope you all get a chance to get outside and enjoy our planet. Hug a tree for goodness sakes, they need love too!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am grateful for my father for showing me the importance of giving back to the planet that has given us so much.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-72224148086861515102009-04-20T09:44:00.003-05:002009-04-20T09:57:51.295-05:00Spring<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr9CSIrc39SotbmctKYtSqw24Kjz_Dhst0dEaPRody0yTxjkvAWqFt5jCB0kudaLq4fMwwRKZBFqAQTJaat8IKHQ1uh2oaUVyXt74Ck65NQ62dQY_eLoTnd6-X1sYo6pAiqFIuw/s1600-h/spring+grass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326787636427507202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr9CSIrc39SotbmctKYtSqw24Kjz_Dhst0dEaPRody0yTxjkvAWqFt5jCB0kudaLq4fMwwRKZBFqAQTJaat8IKHQ1uh2oaUVyXt74Ck65NQ62dQY_eLoTnd6-X1sYo6pAiqFIuw/s320/spring+grass.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I love spring and all that it brings.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This weekend we were busy preparing the yard for summer. Jack did a lot of raking and even hauled a load or two of manure out to the pasture from the barn.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>S and I tore the chicken coop door apart and rebuilt it. The girl is such a card. Half way through the project as I was struggling with the drill and a screw she says "Bob at Ace Hardware guaranteed this would work." in a deep voice. I had to stop because I was laughing so hard.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The door is now hung and operational again. I had been using a piece of plywood propped against the door to help keep it shut. Now it just needs a fresh coat of paint.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The mares are in full heat this week. It makes me think of Emmett, for it was just a little over a year ago that he was born. We still miss him, but life goes on and we enjoy what we have.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Speaking of what we have, we have 19 very healthy calves on the ground this year. Not only are they healthy, but we have just one cow that hasn't calved yet. Jack says it is due to a new supplement he started using last fall. We bought more just this last week. The cows had fuller coats over the winter and a much higher conception rate since we began using it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My girls are busy with school, band, prom etc. S started a basketball league in a local town, and N is busy prepping for AP exams. Sadly that puts horseback riding on the back burner. N said it will be mid-May before she sees herself free to ride. S and I will start without her.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am grateful for the color green and all the promise it brings in the spring.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-20144209939586339602009-03-31T08:11:00.004-05:002009-03-31T09:17:41.551-05:00Girls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpvbP0FZL3ZZbuTK80U1Kdc0SYxRV2NTY9_X9xScKb03PszmWb0HRhGe4Kb0dRmtG5L6l7O1zErB8cmAoRummCl01LhM-AWw5QCJnSH8zIIJRLXPXusKI-5SaBOgDJ9d6YjyYEg/s1600-h/black+and+white.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319354141177520178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpvbP0FZL3ZZbuTK80U1Kdc0SYxRV2NTY9_X9xScKb03PszmWb0HRhGe4Kb0dRmtG5L6l7O1zErB8cmAoRummCl01LhM-AWw5QCJnSH8zIIJRLXPXusKI-5SaBOgDJ9d6YjyYEg/s320/black+and+white.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last night N was inducted into the National Honor Society. It is a prestigious award at her school for the members are chosen through a criteria of grades, teacher recommendations, and extra curricular activities including sports and community service. My rough guess is that seventy five percent of the new inductees came from the two parochial grade schools originally. So we were doubly proud that she was chosen and recognized for her achievements.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the last few weeks my daughter has taken leaps and bounds to becoming an adult. She has come in to her own through leadership and it is a joy to behold.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Her schedule has become tighter and tighter between band, 4-H, FFA and school work. Mix in college visits and you have one busy camper. Thoughts of a summer get away to Arizona have dissipated. She promises that next summer she will be able to fit it in. This summer she wants to concentrate on her tennis and band. Of course we must throw in showing her horse on weekends that work and the fair where she exhibits cattle. Make that two different fairs this year. One with FFA and one with 4-H.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Her sister on the other hand has become the athlete. Gone are the days of running around outside with her dog. Now are the days she concentrates on basketball. She goes to practice, comes home eats, and heads back out for more practice at our own hoop. This summer she chose basketball camp instead of 4-H summer camp, and has also chosen to spend four weeks getting up early to hit summer school basketball. When she is not playing basketball she is practicing drums. While a lot of folks would shudder at the thought of the constant banging, Jack and I delight in the sounds of wipe out as they drift through the house. Last night she came up half way through practice for band aids. It seems wipe out has given her blisters!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In Horse News:</div><br /><div>All the animals I am in charge of were given vaccinations last week. Meaning the dogs, cats, donkey and horses. Dixie came up lame two days before the vets visit. He looked her over well, and like us could find nothing visible wrong with her. All of our suspicions was an abscess because there were no visible hot spots or wounds but she was obviously favoring her front left leg.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sunday her abscess appeared and we are now doctoring it as best we can. An abscess for those who don't know is an infection within the hoof. It can be caused by many different things, but basically what happens is an infection enters the hoof (possibly from a cut). The bacteria (pus) then looks for an area to exit the hoof. In Dixie's case it exited at the coronary band. The Coronary band is similar to a persons cuticle. It is a soft tissue that helps connect the hard hoof to the horse leg. The exit area of the abscess is about an inch wide. Due to the size of the exit and the mud in our region of the country right now, we are attempting to bandage it to keep it from becoming a bigger issue. She is already walking better, so it is good to know that that pain has lessened for the girl. We can tell she is not feeling well because her ground manners have become impeccable. She likes to crowd our space and is very pushy on the ground.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am thankful for Spring. Despite the gloomy weather outside my window, I know this weather will only bring better things!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-42520895162041773992009-03-15T20:36:00.003-05:002009-03-15T20:41:37.225-05:00A Die Hard CatholicThat's what I am claiming I am today. Because Spring has arrived here, and although I am not pregnant, one of the original four ducks is setting on a nest of eggs. Already. And I don't have the heart to shoo her off of them and get rid of the eggs.<br /><br />I am going to have to though because there are about 10 ducks total now living on our farm, and that is about 8 too many. I wouldn't mind a couple of females, because they are cute and well, cute... but the offspring are TOO much.<br /><br />Yet every morning when I go to feed the horses, I see the mama carefully tending her next. This year she chose a spot near the freezer that houses the horse feed. So she puffs up and hisses at me, but that's about it. I throw her some grain and tell her to settle down. She's just SO cute, and you know those babies will be cute.<br /><br />I need help. Badly. What I DON'T need is 20 more ducklings!!<br /><br />Today I am grateful for the weather and the first open window day of the year. (not counting the time I opened them from burning pies in the oven) Yee HA!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-81222335369799606582009-03-09T09:33:00.003-05:002009-03-09T09:45:12.208-05:00Well now, Wasn't THAT Fun!?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7JTlid9CwNBWPz8hYd6fmmi5ospty2W5Imq4o_wCQF5dYc-LscGSfRao1Ujn-bgqV36mVH9PaBXkGu6aCj82GqEt3c99kO57Wj1-H1kXOlmJcetxEa95v5khKAmY6Ku4qA4eOw/s1600-h/winterwonderland.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311196508137670946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7JTlid9CwNBWPz8hYd6fmmi5ospty2W5Imq4o_wCQF5dYc-LscGSfRao1Ujn-bgqV36mVH9PaBXkGu6aCj82GqEt3c99kO57Wj1-H1kXOlmJcetxEa95v5khKAmY6Ku4qA4eOw/s320/winterwonderland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday after a pleasant weekend visiting with my parents and relaxing in a hotel, I set off to head home. My mother had warned me the day before that the weather was supposed to turn nasty. N was committed to a horse judging clinic, and I wasn't going to pull her out early. So, when we did head off down the highway, I was pleased that it was sunny.</div><div> </div><div>For awhile. I got a text from my little brother about two hours into the trip. He was heading north from the Dells and had just rode through some really bad conditions. I was actually at the same spot on the interstate as he was, just heading into it instead of out of it like he.</div><div> </div><div>Next I got a text from a friend heading from Madison to our hometown telling of cars in the ditch and bad conditions.</div><div> </div><div>Still sunny where I was. Within 45minutes we were at a dead stop on icy roads. The picture above is one N shot out the window as we were sitting. And sitting. We slowly crawled forward, and within 20 miles we were moving again at a fairly fast pace. Unfortunately this is where I get off the interstate and head 30miles east towards my farm. The first 15 were a bit slushy. I was wondering why the plows hadn't been out. I saw an ice truck but that was it. The second 15 were actually a bit better, until I got to the county road I needed to take off of the state highway. Here was the bad roads. No plow had made its way through and I had to follow tracks. Then, I would hit a spot where the plows HAD come through and things would be better. At my next turn I hesitated trying to decide if I should take the road or not. I took it, because I am silly I guess, or like living on the edge. I had to push my little Malibu HARD to get through. We were skimming the top of the snow off the road. I couldn't slow down for fear we would get stuck, and yet if I kept going fast and had to swerve I would be in the ditch for sure! </div><div> </div><div>I have to admit it was a blast. I love winter driving. Snow flying over the windshield, ruts directing which way I go. I reached down once and patted the dash board and told her "good girl" as we went from rut to rut, and my dependable car reminded me of Classy.</div><div> </div><div>My dependable car that got me home who is now in need of new brakes, a tune up and the u-joint replaced is off to the spa for the day. I on the other hand am back to work, breaking up snow ball fights and making snow men. Life is good!</div><div> </div><div>I am thankful for snow. It <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cleanses</span> the earth, especially in March when moods are dismal and we are surrounded by brown.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-35374276162417703592009-03-04T08:46:00.003-06:002009-03-04T09:01:50.226-06:00March already!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx9RgTbtftthJRJ-JNMobOe7ZI0GjIoSc9xnuWmjgWbIRRVZLJahbBt80oF2pPYw68ng6xk7fqpc8Z_F9cZST0u90fM0ZRz5BtxtznjnBEVq0rwrzcCDQ5T_Ka6LSXytzp1C-Ow/s1600-h/DSC_0245.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309347105352035410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx9RgTbtftthJRJ-JNMobOe7ZI0GjIoSc9xnuWmjgWbIRRVZLJahbBt80oF2pPYw68ng6xk7fqpc8Z_F9cZST0u90fM0ZRz5BtxtznjnBEVq0rwrzcCDQ5T_Ka6LSXytzp1C-Ow/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sorry I haven't been keeping up here as I should be. I sometimes feel unless I have something about art or horses to comment on, I shouldn't be putting stuff on here. But then I know my parents are following and wondering what we are up to down here in mid state Wisconsin.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last weekend was the local Solo and Ensembles. Both my girls competed this year. S competing for the first time got two 1sts. One in concert snare drum and one in drum set. She was uncertain of what the whole process would be, but pulled it out pretty well. She was sick last week, which I can see in her picture, so I knew it would be rough. She wasn't happy with her performance, but the judge had nice things to say to her to encourage her to keep working.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>N competed in eight events and is taking five of those pieces to state at the end of April. Unfortunately it is the same day as Junior Prom, so THAT will be a fun day!! She was hoping to do better with her piano piece, but still got a first on it, so we were pleased. N traditionally begins practice on her flute and piano solos in October, so this is a pretty stress intense day. She always says when the days is over that it is her favorite day of the year. Her band director has been pushing her lately to consider a career in music. He is right in that her life is school and music, with other things, such as friends and boyfriends coming in behind those two items. She is concerned about the possibility of making money with music, as are Jack and I. She is not talented enough to become a successful concert pianist or flutist, so that leaves therapy or teaching. Teaching seems the most viable at this point, although I am unsure if she would be happy dealing with kids at any age. So, these are things she is contemplating as she finishes her Junior year of high school. She is also interested in veterinary science, but her true love is English. Too bad there isn't a need for a large animal veterinarian who could edit thesis and play the piano for Holstein cows to make them healthier. Or maybe there is?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am thankful for March. In March we begin to see the hopes of Spring, and after this long winter it is exactly what I need.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-56919177495508403182009-02-12T09:12:00.003-06:002009-02-12T09:33:28.499-06:007th Grade Basketball RantsS is on the 'B' team of 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> grade basketball this year. While most of her friends made the 'A' team, on the 'B' team she gets serious court time and it has improved her skills <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">immensely</span>.<br /><br />The week before last I finally had a free night and was able to go and watch her play. When I got there she was sitting on the sidelines with her ankle in a brace. It seems as she was going up for a layup another girl came under her and knocked her down, twisting her ankle. All before the game even started! After a visit to the emergency room and probably at least a $150 bill, we headed home with an air cast and a two or three day lay off prognosis. <br /><br />It soon became apparent that two or three days was not quite what this would need to heal. Two weeks later and she is finally playing again. Finally in her terms. In the mean time she got to learn to coach the girls. Last Thursday I watched as she drew up plays on the clip board, presented them to the coach, and then gave her ideas to the girls on time-outs. Last Friday the coach had her run all but five minutes of practice. I think she liked still being involved, and he obviously noticed that despite being hurt she still wanted to be part of the team. Two other girls have got hurt, or were benched due to grades, and decided not to show up for practice and don't dress for the games. Perhaps if they have bad grades they are not allowed?<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder about the thoughts behind those types of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">decisions</span> from the other parents. I'm not sure team means the same as it did in the past. Last Tuesday one of her team mates got two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">technical</span> fouls for bad sportsmanship. TWO technical fouls in one game by a 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> grade girl. The night S was hurt we stayed and watched the game, and a different girl slammed the ball into the ground when she didn't like what the ref had called. I was appalled, and told S 'If I EVER see you act like that, you will be out of the game.' She felt strongly as I did that it was inexcusable behaviour.<br /><br />The girl with the two technical fouls? She sat the bench for about five minutes after the second call, and then the coach put her back in. I understand that he was short three girls and was down to one on the bench, but I am not sure I agree with his decision. I guess, when I volunteer to coach a team I can make the big calls. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">grateful</span> that he HAS volunteered to coach the team, and he obviously likes my child and the effort she puts in.<br /><br />S, from the beginning, has struggled with the team's seriousness. She said one practice they spent 20 minutes sitting around coming up with nick-names for each other. She finally asked the coach if she could just go <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">practice</span> shooting. On Tuesday night she was warming up for the game running and jumping in the hall way because it was the first time she had laced on her basketball shoes since the injury. She told me later that all but one of the girls on the team spent their time following the boys from the other school around and getting their phone numbers.<br /><br />I have a feeling her seriousness in the sport will pay off in the long run. This year she has become a much more intense player and has a great desire to improve at every practice and every game. The girls above her on the 'A' team might truly be in for a run for their money next year when cuts come again.<br /><br />Not much in horse news here. We had a nice thaw that allowed me to do a thorough stall cleaning and clean out the chicken coop as well. The horses are getting anxious for spring, as the rest of us are.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-71876703390109221842009-01-26T21:45:00.002-06:002009-01-26T21:50:58.882-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrEFUOKaATEBgiLj3ZozspNzlNfFuHpuZs1A8I5VQE9jBAMs5LLE7wbCnP0Sz6PpkDk7mVmN4BnZBMttobVr325k0Z8n7eFJX9GMhErpL3nQntbYN7Kutf4YqNGvqZGEA8xdGjg/s1600-h/DSC_0116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295816008122889058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrEFUOKaATEBgiLj3ZozspNzlNfFuHpuZs1A8I5VQE9jBAMs5LLE7wbCnP0Sz6PpkDk7mVmN4BnZBMttobVr325k0Z8n7eFJX9GMhErpL3nQntbYN7Kutf4YqNGvqZGEA8xdGjg/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This weekend N and I went on our first College visit. She has chose Colorado State University as one of her top picks for it is number two in the nation for veterinary science. So we flew out on Thursday after school and toured the campus on Friday and Saturday.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What a beautiful campus. Even in the heart of winter it's starkness was breathtaking. It didn't take much imagination to see what it would look like in the spring, summer or fall.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>N really liked the campus a LOT and would love to go there. Time will tell, as we tour other campuses and look deeper at scholarships and finances.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I am grateful for second chances. We all deserve them at one time or another.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-29461359104952507222009-01-17T15:33:00.002-06:002009-01-17T15:47:52.555-06:00grrrrI was feeling so happy that I have barely been sick this year. Or, I should say, compared to the rest of the family. But here I sit today with a cold. Not a bad one mind you, just one that makes me dizzy if I stand up. So, sit I will while things go on around me. It wouldn't be so bad but we had two days of sitting while the weather was sub zero. No school, no reason to go out, no nothing. nadda. zilch.<br /><br />I am sitting and enjoying N practicing for Solo and Ensemble competitions coming up in February. She is struggling, but such is the way it is mid January. If she was struggling mid February, we would be worrying. She just finished her rendition of The Maple Leaf Rag on piano, and it is coming along nicely. Luckily for me, I was out of the house on an errand while S practiced her drum set and snare drum solos. When she decided she<img class="gl_spell" alt="Check Spelling" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /> wanted to play drums I hesitated, but knew from experience if she didn't choose what she wanted to play, she wouldn't enjoy the music. So, I let her pick drums and made her commit to three years of playing. Last summer she began private lessons in addition to the school lessons, and she has really started to do well with drumming. I think music teaches children the value of setting goals and how hard work can pay off. At times I have to come down on them about practicing more often, but for the most part they go off on their own three to four times a week and practice practice practice.<br /><br />Classy Peavy cut her leg on Wednesday some time. It is right at the fetlock joint, so I wasn't able to bandage it. I cut away the extra hair, cleaned it out real well and put some scarlet oil on it. With the cold weather approaching that was about the best thing I could think of. She is not favoring that leg at all, so I am hoping this is just a surface scratch. It is scabbed over nicely and it doesn't bother her if we touch it. It is the same leg that she is slightly club footed on, and the leg she is arthritic on, so seeing lameness from that leg is not unexpected.<br /><br />Today I am thankful for Nyquil. I don't think I have to go into the reasons why do I?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-58277324057610972972009-01-14T07:49:00.003-06:002009-01-14T08:03:16.041-06:00The Not So Exciting News<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaJK5a80HM00Tg5KgZpdxprQpw8kbvhDCHS0XPYMmdyIhTSvDr76xweWLfp4_4BFFY3EiSjdywkmLKksFlfA4ThRpVLaaCtAhJ1bXM0q5jM1P_EQPwBOoUVC62Slg1uwCs336Zg/s1600-h/powdered+sugar+dixie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291149537269449826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaJK5a80HM00Tg5KgZpdxprQpw8kbvhDCHS0XPYMmdyIhTSvDr76xweWLfp4_4BFFY3EiSjdywkmLKksFlfA4ThRpVLaaCtAhJ1bXM0q5jM1P_EQPwBOoUVC62Slg1uwCs336Zg/s400/powdered+sugar+dixie.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> <em><span style="color:#000099;">powdered sugar Dixie</span></em></span></div><br /><br /><div>January is just that way isn't it? Not so exciting news abounds around here. Just the daily grind. Get up, do chores, get on the Internet, do more chores, go to work, come home and make supper, help with homework, go to bed.<br /><br />Throw in a little basketball practice/games, some 4-H stuff and thus makes up my life these days.<br /><br />We are entering a deep freeze here in the next three days. I told the girls to bring lots of things home because we will likely be here the next four days. I hope the school districts in the area truly consider the ramifications of sending kids out in -25 to -35 degree weather, and forget about the fact that we will be going to school until July. If a bus quits or even one high school kids car on the way to school, is it worth the exposure they will endure?<br /><br />The horses will get their extra hay in the next few days, and I think I will find Bart the Barn Cat and bring him in to our basement. The indoor/outdoor cats Timmy and Osa are already bouncing off the walls with pent up energy, but they are brought back to reality by Mick our dog if they get out of control. It is really quite humorous to see him get up from his sleep to calm them down and take control.<br /><br />N and I are going to Colorado next week to do a couple of campus visits. One at Colorado State in Fort Collins and the other at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. The two colleges are as different as can be, but she needs to see the diversity to make some decisions. I personally think she will do better in a smaller private college, but it is her choice and her wings that need to expand, we just provide the wind to set her off.<br /><br />Today I am thankful for fleece. I am unsure of the origins of this wonderful material, probably something to do with the military or space. All I know is on a cold winters day we fight over the fleece blankets in our house. We have enough to go around, it's just N has a huge fleece blanket and we would all rather have that one.<br /><br />Keep warm my friends! Spring is merely a handful of months away.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-86149521989783954442009-01-09T10:01:00.003-06:002009-01-09T10:16:15.265-06:00A Little Ice, A Little Snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHzeME0OMmApOBHhS4AYFl3xDDoNUNn2YXy9k1gAYgtio-PbcQZ535m71yA9rPfZC002OXA__77WS3lHUzp9clveOXQAZkrYQ-8bal4j1C_sOxwLMHBUN4iz5C_XzDc-xxmsWIw/s1600-h/winter+banner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289328532788047458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHzeME0OMmApOBHhS4AYFl3xDDoNUNn2YXy9k1gAYgtio-PbcQZ535m71yA9rPfZC002OXA__77WS3lHUzp9clveOXQAZkrYQ-8bal4j1C_sOxwLMHBUN4iz5C_XzDc-xxmsWIw/s400/winter+banner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFKukStP830ZH6ce4sp9uLMmk2otbRspKy9p9gY-uaRBbQ4gepWq3Zk1d2usieLO-E2QymN3S-BTQSH6u4EzT57T5P0ogmxplCTAyRQm7AO-2bCwwpd39l6RflyX-6a-aI2zwXg/s1600-h/winter+banner.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Or a LOT of ice and a little snow. Last weekend we got a nice thick covering of ice on everything. Jack fell and hurt his shoulder on his first step outside the door. No need to visit the doctor for that one, so we are thankful.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The ice Saturday night delayed school on Monday. I don't drive a bus but a friend of mine does and let me tell you they should have canceled from her stories. Some of the backroads were like ice rinks.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I had to pleasure of taking the kids out on their first recess since the ice storm and spent my entire time telling them to stay off the blacktop. What I find interesting is that it is always the older kids in the school that question you. If you tell the Kinders not to go on the ice, they listen and find something else to do. Meanwhile the 5th graders who are now experiencing their 6th year of school, constantly have to be drug off the ice. On top of it I get the "why?" question over and over. It must just be human nature.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Today I am thankful for my Dad, who celebrated his 77th birthday a few days ago. I thought about him all day long and then promptly forgot to call him. So Dad? I love you and miss you and wish you a very happy birthday and a great 78th year.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-60712933249448107782009-01-01T11:14:00.004-06:002009-01-01T18:24:39.204-06:00Happy New Years<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojPSQbsFWFNBeGnzpee8rIYNsIkXeXaemQle0nlt4vzt-PpUW5rdd0uSwZEJxMAHXU352dV-LuJfNRf7-sbtbkG3mVci7uBe5j4P-Wz_O8u8uNYwzOKhxP59UqAp_lqXVx_exhQ/s1600-h/s+&+J.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286482729751826018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojPSQbsFWFNBeGnzpee8rIYNsIkXeXaemQle0nlt4vzt-PpUW5rdd0uSwZEJxMAHXU352dV-LuJfNRf7-sbtbkG3mVci7uBe5j4P-Wz_O8u8uNYwzOKhxP59UqAp_lqXVx_exhQ/s320/s+%26+J.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDC0oZNtu1UbbR8v66Cf9T8G3facWEB3xonJ-OG_SMs2Hp3x0HJmnuO-4CaDgwRlBclqeI6O1aJDccyct8LB_G4u2eot7iSJ_267R2oYz31SCoFATLmC3R9t1jp6ZMMJGbMnZ9w/s1600-h/DSCN1555.JPG"></a><em><span style="color:#000066;">S and Jack</span></em><br /><br /><br /></div><div>A Very Happy New Years to all of my faithful readers and those who just happen upon this blog.</div><div><br /> </div><div>I don't have a list of New Years Resolutions for the year, but after reviewing my resolutions from last year I have decided the only resolution I should make is to read up and learn how to make and keep resolutions.</div><div><br /> </div><div>One thing I would like to do with this blog in this new year is to use it as a gratitude journal of sorts. I would like to include something I am thankful for with each post.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>I am thankful for my husband Jack. My husband is a kind and generous man that who only wants me to be happy. He love and cares for myself and the girls in not only the big ways but in the small ways. For instance he goes out each morning and shovels the driveway, clears off the vehicles and even shovels a path from our front door to the bus pick up spot so S can walk across the yard without getting her feet full of snow.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It is these little things that he does that make me thankful to be so lucky to have him. This fall we will celebrate 20 years of marriage. With any luck at all we will have another 20 years together and beyond.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Other News: I sent the girls out today to ride the horses bareback. They had a fun time despite the windy conditions. N's boyfriend rode double on Classy with N while S rode Dixie. A (neighbor girl) was over as well and rode Gunner. Gunner did a remarkable job going out on his second time bareback. The girls noted that the horses seemed to have a good time too. Winter gets to be a long season penned up in their paddocks with the limited movement. Being forced to move out across the pasture was good for them and the kids. They need to get out of the house and move about too.<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-26064269718735092922008-12-30T09:08:00.003-06:002008-12-30T09:18:51.480-06:00Post Christmas Musings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aDKRUYQWF4qgjIdwIGZzlsqEn4qe-dEYBLfQIyr3tM-DZ62LLDebW9XtPcuJsdSFAbOROKTk-qoQX33qryejN7ToPXERWALWso15Ty5-w7L8RUCc-BOb3bLP0qmcyFZ7QndU3g/s1600-h/DSC_0776.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285600540611805218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aDKRUYQWF4qgjIdwIGZzlsqEn4qe-dEYBLfQIyr3tM-DZ62LLDebW9XtPcuJsdSFAbOROKTk-qoQX33qryejN7ToPXERWALWso15Ty5-w7L8RUCc-BOb3bLP0qmcyFZ7QndU3g/s320/DSC_0776.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Christmas has come and gone and as in past years there are things I just didn't get around to doing. For the first time in what seems like forever I didn't complete my Christmas card. Usually I work hard enough at it, stay up late at night and get it out. This year I didn't even get that far. So... for all of you that were expecting it I am sorry. The photo above is my card!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Our family was able to spend Christmas with our loved ones again this year. Jack and I are blessed to still have our parents with us, and despite the fact my father was unable to make the celebration with our side of the family, having him in our lives continues to be a blessing.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It is now that time of year for contemplating the past year, and looking towards the new. We went through a lot of highs and lows with our little Emmett this year. The short time he was with us was truly truly a blessing. As I have said my thoughts of late have turned towards getting myself a riding horse, and now after further thought I think paying off some of Emmett's final bills and saving up for a horse is a much wiser route, especially with the down turn in the economy. That said, you never can tell what will happen...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Jack's business continues to thrive, with contracts in place for next year that in past years wouldn't have come around until March, so for us things look good. I know there are those who are suffering, and things just feel bleak, so tightening the hatches seems the best route to go.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I wish you all the best in the year to come. I hope your families are happy healthy and profitable. Also, I hope all my horse buddies safe and joyous rides on your chosen mounts!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-23146389119956136282008-12-18T08:02:00.002-06:002008-12-18T08:42:11.849-06:00Christmas and suchI have been contemplating purchasing a horse for myself. Classy (in banner) is too arthritic for me to learn much on anymore. I would love to find a young rider for her to teach. Someone who doesn't weigh quite as much as I do! The thought of selling, leasing or having her leave our property in any form is too hard to wrap my mind around, so she will likely just stay in our pasture and give the occasional visitor a ride. Heck my neice already thinks she is hers, so there ya go.<br /><br />I found a lovely spirited Appaloosa that reminds me a lot of a younger version of <a href="http://ponygirlridesagain.blogspot.com/">Pony Girls </a>horse My Boy. In every picture he looks full of energy and ready to take on the world. Perhaps not what I am looking for, but boy does he pull at my heartstrings. I told <a href="http://highpinesfarm.blogspot.com/">Tammy</a> that he will likely kill me, but I would look good doing it. Either that or I would put him in training and really learn, finally, how to ride.<br /><br />There are a few others that have caught my eye as well. The good news for me, for a change, is that it is a buyers market. Well, at least until spring it is.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-3373527053650111232008-12-01T08:41:00.004-06:002008-12-01T09:05:40.618-06:00Happy Winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j5eTvIW5azRJikAkxtqaaZMqpPbWdRUAth3PtDZB_LlNxHPZ-NM68UhHnZrk9crauDb8H-D_gwQ_G4esmhXW7-codH9_kHlBslnN8SrKtATLTp9EKewNXTOLuViFmGof1M9Y8w/s1600-h/Atlas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274836223587467266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j5eTvIW5azRJikAkxtqaaZMqpPbWdRUAth3PtDZB_LlNxHPZ-NM68UhHnZrk9crauDb8H-D_gwQ_G4esmhXW7-codH9_kHlBslnN8SrKtATLTp9EKewNXTOLuViFmGof1M9Y8w/s320/Atlas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Okay, I know it doesn't officially arrive until December 21st, but it truly arrived here yesterday.</div><div></div><br /><div>I went to feed the horses this morning and BOY were they full of spunk. I think standing in a shed all day while it snows and blows contains a lot of energy!!</div><div><br /> </div><div>Thanksgiving was really a nice weekend with my family. Playing Book and Run (Phetteplace card game) after a twenty year hiatus was hilarious. I think it was half way through the game before we had all remembered the rules. Well, actually we chose to ignore one of the rules that was pointed out 3/4 of the way through. The real challenge will be if we can play it again at Christmas and remember.</div><div><br /> </div><div>The photo above is of our eight year old Angus bull Atlas. He is as gentle as a kitten, but we still are very cautious around him. He does after all weigh more than a ton. At different times Jack has suggested we sell him, but I like the old boy and so he will be here another year or so.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>A few months ago my parents gave me their old handcart. We brought it home and have been using it for feeding the calves and hauling hay for the horses. Therefore, it had ground corn left in the bottom of it and was being stored in one of the extra walk in sheds that the horses use. We decided to move Atlas and Lloyd (the donkey) into the pen with the cart. The next think I know Atlas is standing with his front legs in the cart licking the ground corn out of it. How do you remove a two thousand pound bull from a cart? With ears of corn I guess. Yelling made no difference, all he did was wince when I yelled and waved my hands at him. I guess that old cart was stronger than we thought!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In horse news:</div><br /><div>I have found that Classy responds much better to Cosequin optimized with MSM than plain Cosequin. Actually I knew this already, but it became much more evident after I spilled my plain MSM into the vitamins and she went without it for a month. Yesterday I started her on the new supplement and she is already doing better.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am also thinking of getting a horse for myself this spring. (shhhhh) Classy is really too arthritic for me to do much on, and I really DO want to learn more and lope without feeling I am hurting her. Maybe a nice horse will fall in my lap?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-29233727544242840262008-11-21T08:00:00.004-06:002008-11-21T08:12:46.751-06:00Getting Back On<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgt_ZmumYS-5TRlrddsGds4X9VaD6s9hzGuRN9Trdu7BTLZxQ-fNl_kvsD3n43_XLtLFWXtkDE36C4WgD-NdOLqo_3XCWI_3eVGY5GsQBhUiHZI4cL2MTLJWabU1IqA6AACbJhg/s1600-h/DSC_0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271110867591983666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgt_ZmumYS-5TRlrddsGds4X9VaD6s9hzGuRN9Trdu7BTLZxQ-fNl_kvsD3n43_XLtLFWXtkDE36C4WgD-NdOLqo_3XCWI_3eVGY5GsQBhUiHZI4cL2MTLJWabU1IqA6AACbJhg/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"> N and Gus</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;">sorry... yes I know it's a bad shot.</span></em></div><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Scariest things I have encountered (in no particular order):</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Getting Married</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Having a child</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Riding Gunner after he threw me</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Being chased by a bull when I was eight years old</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Asking a boy to prom</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Watching my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">daughter</span> drive out of the driveway today.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">N is feeling better, but as some have told me, each day brings a different pain. Yesterday her arm really started to hurt. She is still having a hard time taking deep breaths, and hasn't gone back to playing the flute for it hurts too much.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">In comparison to other 'accidents' she has had, she said getting thrown into the fence off of Sierra at a show when she was eleven hurt much worse than this accident. I don't ever remember her complaining about that fall. I remember it clearly in my mind, as if in slow motion, as I also remember the buck off of Sammy she encountered that led to a doctors and chiropractic visit. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Still busy here counting my blessings. Hope you are all well.</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-58192932588984336922008-11-18T07:54:00.003-06:002008-11-18T08:05:22.461-06:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqR79oIPOMDaB4aGXsNN3OFKCpBHLPyxq0Uo1LO_ZoCgXo1kGi0W56gqb4kzk-B0oiraNK2hvEn-vlqjY889N5V7A8OEXj7yQCFnHiNlN8dzk0ioCZeAVuMI6RkT3zW9JwHf5g/s1600-h/DSC_0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269996394580084034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqR79oIPOMDaB4aGXsNN3OFKCpBHLPyxq0Uo1LO_ZoCgXo1kGi0W56gqb4kzk-B0oiraNK2hvEn-vlqjY889N5V7A8OEXj7yQCFnHiNlN8dzk0ioCZeAVuMI6RkT3zW9JwHf5g/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"> <em>Moi, S, Jack, N</em></span></span></div><br />Despite the crash last week, life moves on. On Saturday N was confirmed! I've always said that I would allow my children to choose which religion they felt most comfortable in, and when it came down to it, N chose the religion she grew up in. I'm not saying this is her final choice, but it is the one she made on Saturday.<br /><br />She was by far the most dressed up of the group, and told me later she didn't understand why the other conferments didn't dress up more for such an important event. But, that's my daughter, who is often called a thirty year old in a sixteen year old body.<br /><br />It's pictures like these that make a person wonder. Not how my dear children have grown up so fast, not how I was so lucky to snag such a handsome man, but instead "what the heck is with my hair?" Sunday morning I gave myself bangs. Seriously what was I thinking trying to go without them? Let's not even go into why my eyes look so buggy... was I suprised?? It's important questions like these that bring life back to normalcy. Or that's the hope!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-36198118110182132612008-11-14T10:44:00.005-06:002008-11-14T11:00:23.973-06:00The Call No Mother Wants to Take<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9dQytd_b9eRYxR478PvLt7gpeAkhPe4GBkrmrXudLjGiRDISaMF6XeMAWRklTjtqouqSGEMO-hxS3_lIV008YJF9yCKw95CExrdt4sP-iL0b6Q4ny9CVQtTM38RzA9UTJwoCyg/s1600-h/Kermit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268557244482401458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9dQytd_b9eRYxR478PvLt7gpeAkhPe4GBkrmrXudLjGiRDISaMF6XeMAWRklTjtqouqSGEMO-hxS3_lIV008YJF9yCKw95CExrdt4sP-iL0b6Q4ny9CVQtTM38RzA9UTJwoCyg/s320/Kermit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Yesterday just minutes after N left for school I got a phone call from a cell phone I didn't recognize. I picked it up and heard "Mom this is N, there's a problem. I've been in an accident." I asked if she was okay and where she was. Just a little over a mile up the road she told me. I then tried to get her off the phone so Jack and I could go to her, but she just kept repeating "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."</div><div><br /></div><div>Not being a mother herself, she didn't understand, and still doesn't, that I could care less about the car. All I wanted was to get to her as soon as possible, hold her in my arms and physically see for myself that she was okay.</div><div><br /></div><div>She came up over a hill and ran into the back of a truck and trailer that was filled with Christmas trees. The local tree farmer has been loading and unloading trees in his yard for about the last month. She didn't see the trailer until she was on it, hit the clutch, then the brake but it was too late.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Her little green machine affectionately known as "Kermit" was totaled.<br /></div><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg47iDhIvE8sKBdYPEYPyrmhwIMyGVpPCBvxgyQ1lGw1gLFtpPx_UB8FYXkaqgQXfiphP-1NpZrIX4PIhtmdSvDnJUlklYpfl7qBUnuq9J46FEudBGJG-nz0LpP7SnCyD3RGk29Q/s1600-h/from+back+seat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268557244266657714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg47iDhIvE8sKBdYPEYPyrmhwIMyGVpPCBvxgyQ1lGw1gLFtpPx_UB8FYXkaqgQXfiphP-1NpZrIX4PIhtmdSvDnJUlklYpfl7qBUnuq9J46FEudBGJG-nz0LpP7SnCyD3RGk29Q/s320/from+back+seat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>She is okay but for a little bruising to her chest, shoulder, thumb and ego. Thank goodness for air bags eh?</div><div> </div><div>That's all that matters. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So my advice today? Hug your family and friends, you never know when you will see them again.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>And thank you to all of our friends and neighbors who have extended well wishes to us. She has really learned not only that things can happen in an instant, but that there are a lot of people in this world who care deeply about her.</div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-73774652114871702242008-11-12T09:01:00.002-06:002008-11-12T09:05:37.680-06:00SnowYesterday we had our second round of snow. Or sleet as it were. The roads were a bit slick on the bridges, but otherwise okay. It hampered my horse moving operation though and by the time I got home from running S to basketball practice it was dark. Not a good time to move the herd.<br /><br />Today is is raining but the weather man indicates a drying this afternoon and highs in the mid to upper 40's. Woo Hoo!! That is prime horse moving weather! You bet I will be out there as soon as I get my clothes changed after work.<br /><br />N will be confirmed this weekend and is playing the bass part of the orchestra on the organ setting of the keyboards, so our weekend looks extremely busy. She has performances Thursday through Sunday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17581017.post-25222570679904569582008-11-11T11:05:00.003-06:002008-11-11T11:15:47.262-06:00Quick Post of Sorts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oDLBUvjUU-oZx5_bqkSUKK8heG68pJ0DVjgTNWJP7o5-GNNhCfTxBQ1BWzVQ0bqlJ2ZNl4DPthVkCUDnjcDrdoW4-d6SJZpL3YcZGMBQf2IzShurB53eK5OktkCYTile79gQdQ/s1600-h/DSC_0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267449243085917698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oDLBUvjUU-oZx5_bqkSUKK8heG68pJ0DVjgTNWJP7o5-GNNhCfTxBQ1BWzVQ0bqlJ2ZNl4DPthVkCUDnjcDrdoW4-d6SJZpL3YcZGMBQf2IzShurB53eK5OktkCYTile79gQdQ/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Why do I wait until the last minute to do things? It is like 35 degrees out this morning, and about to rain at any second. Sound like a good day to stay inside? I thought so too, except because I procrastinate too much, I had to go out and spend two hours fixing the horse fence where they took that corner post out. What.. was that two months ago already? Probably. At any rate it is fixed.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After work I will be back out setting water tank heaters up for the chickens and horses. Then I can move the horses back into their pens for the winter. I am sure they will enjoy it as they will have shelter, but on the down side they will have to eat hay. They have been foraging on pasture since the last move. I can't turn them back down onto the pasture connected to the ponds because of the danger of a fall through. Last year we lost three head of cattle when the snow got to deep, taking out a fence. The cows ended up on the ponds and fell through. Not good at all.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The picture above is from this weekend. The girls and their friend A went over to Tammy's and demonstrated for a 4-H trail clinic. None of the girls had ridden the horses they rode, so it was interesting. Poor S got to ride the horse who knew nothing. On the other hand N rode the horse who knew everything, and she didn't quite know which buttons to push to make him work. It was fun and we appreciated being asked over.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1