Whispering Oaks-The Joys (or NOT) of Country Living

Today is "Not" the joys of living in the country

2009-12-25T19:13:00.004-06:00

Christmas 2009 Storm/Blizzard, Day 2

2009-12-24T17:40:00.003-06:00

Today, I made sure that I went and did something to get out!! Headed to work with Mike at 5 am. He closed the office at 12 noon and we did some quick shopping..2 gallons of milk, a loaf of breat, a meat thermometer, some spices and picked up Hannah before heading home.

Just blowing snow and a lot of wind, some ground blizzards, but nothing too bad....that was until we got home.

By 2:30, new snow was falling and things were starting to look ugly. We already had to break through the snowdrift forming across our driveway and it certainly isn't going to be any better as the night goes on. This thing will be at least 4 ft deep or better before it is over tomorrow afternoon :( Mike braved the elements and brought up 4 sledfull's of firewood to stock the garage again. Good dry hard oak that burns like coal once it catches. We are praying that we don't lose power tonight or tomorrow with the 40 to 50 mph winds that are forecasted by 6 am. I supposed I should fill some water containers for the horses, but we can always melt the snow for them on our woodburner. It would be warm :)

I finally headed out at 4:30 to care for the horses and cats and to catch some photo ops before it got too dark out.

Enjoy

not the best pix off the cell phone camera.....

this is the field to the north of our barn....you can't even see the snowfence from the snow blowing over it and across it!!!!

our driveway that is in the process of being drifted shut!!!!!! grrrrrrrrrr

Newt and Beans behind him....never did let them out of the tack room today. Don't think they were too disappointed either

"Princess" is NOT happy!!!!!

Peeking around the corner to see the snow blowing and drifting......

our circle drive is drifting shut too...just snowblowed this open last week...guess I'll be back out there yet again.

Moj

Winter's Officially Here Day 1 of the 'Big Storm'

2009-12-23T18:43:00.006-06:00

I don't think that any Bluebirds will be using this nest box anytime soon.
I really liked how the ice formed around the seed heads. Made for some very pretty pictures.

The BFLWM has been talking about this storm now for over a week. So far I've heard 10-12 inches, 12-14 inches, 40 mph winds, 50 mph winds and that this 'blizzard' will be nearly as bad if not as bad as the storm that hit in January of 1976. Geesh! I hope not!! That was a doozie from what I remember, lots of drifts, happened on my birthday, and we were snowed in in Bennington for a few days.

So far, they have been right. We had freezing drizzle on 12/22/2009, turned to rain the next morning but quickly changed to freezing rain/sleet as the day progressed. We are lucky that the temps stayed right at 32 degrees all day and did not drop. It's still sitting at 32 at 7:00 pm. Check out these pictures that I took earlier in the day....when I had to get out of the house before I went crazy!!

The ice was at least 1/4 inch thick by then. The trees were creaking and cracking, just hope it doesn't get worse and start dropping branches!!

The 'poor' White Oak didn't drop it's leaves. Made for pretty pictures though

Moj looking for the 'barn kitties'

Off and running...the boy doesn't quit!!

Stone checking things out. He doesn't get too excited anymore.

This tree caught my eye as I ventured down the driveway. Looked pretty all covered in ice.

We aren't sure exactly what is going to happen on Christmas Day here, we are planning to have family out, but with 12 to 14 inches of fresh snow falling and winds of up to 40 mph gusts, that may just drift our lovely driveway shut, once again. No matter how many times Mike & I go out with the snow blowers, that wind is just going to drift it shut again.

Ah, I digress though....family, food, togetherness is what Christmas is supposed to be about right? Food. For those that know me and the friends I hang/ride with, you should know that food is the least of our worries. You will NEVER go home hungry after riding with us. :)

Here is the menu that is being planned for Christmas Day ...just be prepared, there will be tons of left overs to be taken home by everyone.

*Prime Rib that is at least 10 lbs or more!!

*Turkey

*Ham

*Shrimp Dip....to die for!!!!!

*PW Sweet Potatoes

*Deviled Eggs

*Corn Casserole

*Crescent Rolls

*Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

*PW Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap crust and caramel topping...YUMMY!!!

*Pecan Pie

*Fruit Pie

Did I mention that this is just for 6 people, yes, only 6 people!!!!! My Sister and Brother in Law decided that it would be nicer to spend Christmas in New Mexico with my Dad instead of 'back East' here with me. Probably better as the boys would probably get 'lost' in the snow drifts that will be coming :)

Stay tuned for more pictures over the next couple of days!!! I'm sure that I will be suffering from 'Cabin Fever' and will need to be doing something outside to burn some energy!!

Time to go check on the horses and make sure they've got enough hay for the night.

Oh!!! I will be leaving the house tomorrow...told Mike that I am going to work with him for a few hours :) Moj gets to come to and terrorize the people at the office.

Winter Storm December 2009

2009-12-13T16:22:00.010-06:00

She's Road Trippin' Somewhere

2009-11-06T08:21:00.009-06:00

Day 1
Friday came early, was up way before the alarm went off. Piddled around the house cleaning things up and packing last minute things. Was on the road by 6:15 am, Moj was settled in the front seat, sound asleep.

Jenny and Clark called me when I had just left Lincoln. They said that the highway from Alma to Colby was Ice/Snowpack covered. $hit!!!!!! I sooo did not want to hear that since I was driving the Camaro and had been warned by friends and hubby that I should take the truck because the weather ‘could be bad’. Of course my stubborn a$$ said “Oh, I’ll be just FINE!” and proceeded to take the Camaro anyway.

I did a quick glance at the map and decided to drop down at York on Hwy 81 that would take me into Kansas. Chatted with some friends to see what the best way would be and decided to take Hwy 36 out of Belleview KS west to Petersberg and then south to Hwy 24 which would take me into Colby. I did a road check at 9:30 and the interstate into Colorado was still closed….what the heck!! I certainly didn’t want to get stuck in Colby for an extended period of time….I had a hair appointment at 3:30 mountain time.

Um!! We aren't IN NEBRASKA ANYMORE!!!!

Never did hit any snow until Hoxie Kansas and even then the roads were still dry. I checked the roads again and heard that I-70 was finally open…whoo hoo…clear sailing for me!!!!!

Coming into Colby was another matter though. Got stuck behind a snow plow that was going 40 mph. Couldn’t really pass him so I was stuck going that slow. The roads in Colby were slushy and messy. The gas station lot was snowpacked/slush and ice. YUK! The Camaro got initiated into the world of snow, ice, salt and sand. But the sun was out and life was good.

Once on I-70 things were a piece of cake. Made up some lost time and rolled into Limon at a decent hour. Only 90 some miles left to go…..I’m going to make my hair appointment yet. Ha ha. I love this hill coming down out of Limon. There is a gorgeous horse ranch at the bottom with Pike’s Peak in the distance. I know here that my trip is nearly done.

Got to Jen’s house and the sun was out again and the temps were fairly warm. Moji and Gidget played outside for a long time and Jen and I went to the salon. Moj went along too and slept in the car….yet again.

The rest of the evening was spent catching up, plus we had a big day planned for Saturday.

Day 2
Spent the morning lazing around the house, watching the dogs play. We did have to be up in Denver by 12 for our ‘Indoor Skydiving’ appointment. On the way up, we stopped at Castle Rock and did some shopping at the outlet stores. Ok, really didn’t plan on buying anything, but I did.

Finally made it up to Skyventure and didn’t get too lost trying to find it. That was a blast! When it was my turn to ‘fly’, I couldn’t quit laughing and got bounced and rolled all over. The poor instructor kept telling me to relax and I kept laughing. Air was being forced up my nose, my feet were getting bounced all over, I kept trying to get sucked out the doors to the antechamber. It was a fiasco for 60 seconds. Jenny did awesome though, she floated all over in there. The second time around though I did much better and was more relaxed. There is a DVD of us flying, not sure if I will share the funny one or not yet. Ha ha.

Headed back to the Springs to get ready to go Trick or Treating with the boys. Jen and I took the dogs for a walk by the dog park. Moj loved that…a nice hilly mile walk…I about DIED!! So not used to the altitude or the hills that we climbed. Moji got to go on the walk about for Trick or Treating. He did real good, didn’t bark at any of the kids running up on him or running from house to house.

Went back home and checked out the boyz’ loot. They gave me stuff that they didn’t like….cool with me…more road trip food.

Day 3
Spent the day being lazy yet again. Attempted to watch the Nascar race…ouch, my 2 car didn’t do so hot and got wrecked at the end with 3 laps to go. Jenny did talk me into going to her obedience class at 1 pm. I’m glad that I did. Moj was a good distraction for the group and he did fairly good for not being taken to a class at all!! I really enjoyed working with her trainer. He spent a lot of extra time working with Jen and making sure she knew what he was talking about.

Made it back home to see the end of the race…..cringed a lot.

Went and washed the salt and grime of the car before heading to New Mexico on Monday morning.

Spent the rest of the day hanging out with the boyz.

Day 3
Drove to New Mexico and made it down there in real good time..shocked my Dad that I showed up in only 6 ½ hours. Hmmmm, didn’t really speed that fast and only made 2 stops for fuel.

Once we were settled, Dad and I took Moj for a 2 mile walk. Oh, that was sooo much easier than in Colorado Springs…the ground is FLAT there.

Caught up on things and crashed fairly early. I still wasn’t used to all the time changes that I did and was jet lagging.

Day 4
Ran Moj for a bit and then hung out at the house. Dad and I headed to the shooting range and practiced with the pistols. Had a lot of fun doing that, 3 hours flew by fast. Later in the afternoon, we took a drive over to Bitter Lake which is a wildlife refuge. Snow Geese and Sandhill cranes were already there for the winter. Took JoAnn for a ride in the Camaro later in the afternoon when we ran over to Wal-mart to get some fruit and things.

Day 5
Drove up to Capitan, Riudoso and Hondo to see the sights. Had a good time and saw some beautiful scenery. Couldn’t believe how time flew, we were gone almost 6 hours. Went out for Tex Mex and had marguaritas….yum!! Hung out with JoAnn while Dad cleaned guns and fiddled out in his shop.

Day 6
Plans were to drive back to Colorado Springs in the morning. Dad and I took the dogs for a mile walk to get ‘Moj tired for the trip’….I don’t think I can ever tire that boy out!!!! He does ride well and sleeps most of the time.

Finished packing the car up and headed out by 9:15 am. Not much to see along the way, ranches, longhorn cattle, antelope, shredded tires in the road, cacti plants, hawk nests wedged in the power lines on the poles (didn’t figure that out until I saw the 3rd mass). I did see a Roadrunner dart across the road and a huge snake…ICK!! Avoided that one! Got to Colorado Springs around 3:30, just as I had pulled in the driveway, Andrew called and asked me when I was going to be there..I told him, look out in the driveway

Clark, Andrew and I piled back in the car and went to pick Christian and his friends up from school. 4 boys were packed in the backseat, Clark and Christian were in the passenger seat and I drove with backpacks squished all over. Wow!! That little car was packed with 7 people……..had the sunroof open and the windows down, the boys LOVED it!

Went out for pizza and then back home to get some things done for Jenny, had to download some music to her Blackberry and pictures from our phones. The boys played with the dogs. Everyone kinda headed to bed fairly early, it has been a long week.

Day 7
Up early, wanted to eat breakfast with the boys before they headed off to school. Planning on heading out of here around 8 am which should put me home around 6 pm. I am starting to miss Mike and the critters…and my BED.

I am so glad that I took this impromptu trip to see family. Some great memories were made and plans for a family vacation to Florida next year are now in the works. It will be fun to take the boys to the beach!!!

Making Lemonade out of Lemons

2009-10-10T12:07:00.004-05:00

Making Lemonade out of the lemons we got.

Woke up this morning when the alarm went off at oh, 4:15 am. Looked outside and saw a blanket of white. Not sure what happened to ‘just a dusting’ that we were supposed to have. Had about 2 to 3 inches on our deck rails by then. When I finally got out of bed to go feed the horses, we had a good 4 to 5 inches on the rails.

The horses were sooo pretty running up to the paddock with the trees and grass all white. Made a note to myself that I’d need to get back out and get some photos. Mike fixed breakfast for me…should ask him to do this more often! French toast was sooo yummy.

Listening to the Geese that are migrating through.

I just love his eye, basically, I just LOVE his whole personality. He's a keeper the big doof. Speaking of being a doof....the farrier came Thursday, a tad bit earlier than I had thought. Didn't matter, the horses ran to the paddock when they saw Greg. He was able to halter and trim them without too much problem. Cora stands perfectly for him, but AJ would try to grab her leadrope and 'steal' her away from Greg. Greg had to keep waving him off and when it came to be AJ's turn, AJ thought let's play games and didn't want to be caught. Once caught though he stood like a champ.

Headed back out and decided that I’d ride Cora for a bit too. Wasn’t too windy when I meandered back out there, but, within 15 minutes the wind started picking up and had a cold bite to it. Had miniature blizzards with all the snow coming off the trees.

Mike came up to get some photos of me loping her around and then he played a little bit with AJ. After he left, I took AJ out to the arena to play with him myself. Gosh he is so pretty when he trots, just floats.

such personality.....actually, he had just gotten a drink of water and was holding it in his mouth. I had the camera on multi-shot and kept clicking it as he was swallowing the water and licking his lips.....still quite funny to see him sticking his tongue out at me and making eye contact doing it!!

We played in the arena for about 15 minutes or until I couldn't feel my finger tips anymore. I just love watching this boy move.

can't see his eye too well in here, but he was making eye contact with Moji who was playing with him on the other side of the fence. I keep saying how athletic this boy is.

Love that trot!

'mini blizzards' coming off the trees.

After playing with the horses, it was time to get some new pictures of Moji. He’s such a ham, but so dang fast!

Here's another keeper---Kansakaws Crown Royal Ahamo

Moji and believe me, he works his Mojo on everyone he sees!

You can't catch me ole man!!!!!

Riding the Oak Creek Trail

2009-06-15T09:46:00.006-05:00

Earlier in the week, Tammy invited me to try to get Friday afternoon off to go riding the Oak Creek Trail with her and Sheila. I told her that I was game and to keep me posted on the weather.

Friday morning came and 60% chance of t-storms were predicted. I told her that I’m game and we are going no matter what. Doesn’t matter on this trail as it’s for horses only so if it gets torn up, no one will complain. We just need to keep off the limestone trail as much as possible.

I call Tammy as I went by Morse Bluff….she said I’m driving in a downpour can you hear it?! I said yes! But I have just grey clouds here. She said it’s coming and sure enough it did!!

Drove through that and made it to Valparaiso in one piece and had clearing skies. We still opted to wear rain gear as the trees would be wet where we would be riding at. Saddled up and got on our way within 10 minutes.

Tammy had to model her husband's sandblaster pants....at least she stayed dry :)

1st challenge was to get Blue and AJ across the bridge over Oak Creek. It’s kind of a scary looking bridge so I opted to get off and just walk him across. Got across and back on and on to our first muddy downhill slide. Blue took it first and AJ was on his butt skiing downhill. At least this time he kept his feet together and handled it fine. Wasn’t too thrilled to have to walk through mud puddles at first though…big baby!

Pretty uneventful and I’m feeling some need for some speed. Tammy is the same way. We get to an open stretch and let them loose….14.2 mph this time, not bad for a nice warm up. Another bridge, some water crossings and rain came our way, but we were having FUN and LAUGHING!

We ride another 2 miles and decide it’s time to turn around. We had been noticing a very dark cloud coming our way and sure enough, it started pouring on us. AJ wanted to just turn around and put his butt to the wind and rain, I let him. Blue wanted to head to the trees and Tammy took him down the trail. We waited the rain out and followed it back, trying to stay behind it.

The sun came back out and things started to get a bit on the humid side. Our wet horses were starting to steam and there was a mist starting to form in the trees. Very pretty.

I started to strip off all my outer layers to stay cool. On the way back, I worked on AJ leading and crossing the bridges alone. I did have to get off and lead him across and back on the last one but he learned that it was ok to be by himself and walked back across it with no problems. He did have airplane ears listening to the rushing water underneath though.

We had to make one final water crossing before we were done. Things got a little deep on this one from the deluge of rain we just had. There was a pretty waterfall that we let the horses check out, AJ wasn’t too thrilled, Blue is a water horse and wanted to play.

We played on AJ’s ‘loping’ trail and ended up getting a video of him sliding in the mud. Too funny! Blue just slogged through it, he wasn’t afraid of getting a little mud on his belly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6ptomtP3M

Went through the mud slides again and had him walking/sliding slowly instead of plowing his way down out of control.Hit one more open stretch of trail before the trees. This is a bit of a challenging spot as there are 2 water holding ponds, ducks, geese and scary horse eating signs on the fence. Tammy asks if I’m ready and I say let’s rock and roll. Blue leads the way and I’m holding AJ back in a slower lope. I feel pretty confident in him and start opening him up to pass Blue. Blue on the other hand is telling The Kid to back off and to keep his place behind him. We are riding on Blue’s flank to the end of the stretch. We ran through mud, running water and had a BLAST. Tammy clocked us at 19.3 mph.

At that point we traded horses as I had promised her a ride on the tall legged boy. She had to STRETCH to get up in the saddle. Blue is a little shorter J I asked her if she still wanted to lope him and we loped through the trees. I heard her say he’s like riding a Cadillac. Yep, he sure is and has 4-wheel drive to boot. One more lope down the grass to the trailers and we called it a day. Almost 2.5 hours of saddle time in the rain with a good friend and awesome horses.

Getting My Horse Fix

2009-03-25T21:27:00.003-05:00

I so needed just to get home after work and ride. The urge was so bad that I stopped the truck at the barn when I got home and pulled Cora out to the round pen and just got on, laid back and let the sun beat on my face. She was wondering what the heck I was doing but gave in and stood there quietly while I decompressed.

After 15 minutes of just sitting there, I got up and headed to the house. Did a few things inside and then headed back to the barn. I had a hot date with a gorgeous boy planned.

Saddled him up, longed him a bit and climbed aboard, chose not to use the fence tonight so that meant I had to STRETCH that leg up to the stirrup. Hey, I was pretty dang proud that I can still stretch that high :) Whoo hoo, he felt great. Started at a nice walk in the roundpen and built that up to a trot. He was getting reacquainted with his bit..I’ve been riding him with a halter lately. Once we came to terms on that, we trotted and trotted and trotted. I’m starting to get in sync with him, he’s a different ride and feel than Cora is, as I’ve stated so many times. Trotted in circles, trotted in figure 8’s, reversed directions and all of that was with him moving off my leg like he should be doing. He was extremely light and responded fast at every cue that I gave. Princess Cora stood by the barn sunning herself, but I could tell she was still watching. Newt was also out with us watching what was going on. After working in the roundpen, I decided that my boy was going to take me to town, which is only about 1 mile.

Feeling 10 feet tall

Cora wasn’t too pleased and voiced her displeasure as we headed down the driveway. I saw her a few times racing around in the pen, tail flagged and not a happy camper.

I started out by just hand walking him down the drive. I didn’t know what kind of reaction I’d get from him with Cora screaming in the background. Plus, he hadn’t been rode down the drive in quite some time…playing it safe especially when I am the only one home! Got to the end of the drive, dropped him in the ditch and climbed on. Things were going good until a car was speeding towards us. I stopped him and got off and continued to walk. Thankfully the car slowed as they got closer and AJ was his good steady self as it went by. He got a little more high as we walked towards town but I didn’t mind, I needed the walking exercise too. Once to town, we circled around and headed back. He was still high so I did some big circles and had him going all over the place to get him to come back down. He did and I finally got back on. Rode the next quarter mile to the driveway and decided to hand walk him back to the barn. I was extremely pleased with his attitude tonight.

The Six O’Clock whistle blew, wow, that hour went fast and my dogs were voicing their displeasure of not being fed yet. Headed in for a bit, fed the dogs and then saw that there was a chance of rain tonight. Dang it, I really didn’t want to go back out and scoop the pen but decided that it should be done before the weather comes in.

Spent another 45 minutes out there scooping the stall and spreading poop. Looks like we will be having a Canada goose pair living on the pond next to the pasture. They flew in real low over the horses and landed on the pond. Moji was entranced by them as they honked and flew by.

Hubby finally got home around 7:30 so I went back in for a bit. Made something to eat, wasn’t really hungry but needed something.

At 8:00, I was still having the urge to ride so grabbed Cora’s bridle out of the trailer and pulled her out. Didn't take time to saddle and I wanted her body heat to help keep me warm. She wasn’t too pleased with my idea so we headed to the arena to ‘warm’ up. After that, we headed down the road and over to the alfalfa field. Saw a large herd of deer grazing by the pond, couldn’t see if there were any bucks with the group.

The clouds were really starting to come in and I could feel/smell rain in there. It was time to head back home. Even when I got back I wasn’t ready to call it quits riding, I just wanted to keep savoring my ride time. Took Cora out to the pasture instead. Figured if I did fall off, she was contained and hopefully someone – HUBBY- would come looking for me. Of course I didn’t have my reflective vest on, that would have been smart, but I did have my helmet! **Note to self, bring reflective vest to barn and have it handy! A spotlight could see it a mile a way.

Took her around the perimeter of the field about 5 times. The last time around, I asked for a lope going up the hill to the road, she gave it to me for about 3 strides and then dropped back down to a trot. She's a great babysitter and I normally don't ask her to lope when riding bareback! We trotted the entire length of the west fence and back down the hill. At the bottom, and I knew she’d lope here. Grabbed a handful of mane, held the reins with my other hand and gripped with my thighs. We were off!!! This wasn’t her pretty slow collected lope, it was almost a full gallop up the hill, in the dark and me having 150% trust that she will take care of me. Oh my, I can get addicted to that rush, it was like flying.

By the time I was ready to quit, my fingers were froze. I’ve got my fill in for the time being, just enough to get me through the next few days when the weather turns bad again.

I'm turning into an Adrenalin Junkie!!

Why "I Ride"

2009-03-22T06:50:00.005-05:00

On Friday, I noticed that our large dog kennel did not have any air flow. Contacted the Maintenance staff and Larry thought that he had it fixed. Well, the breaker popped again and no air circulation was happening.

I made plans to go riding Saturday morning with a co-worker at Lake Cunningham. I also had left my camera card at work so dropped by to get it and to check on the HVAC in the large dog area. It had not been reset the night before so made some calls to see if it could be fixed. Seeing that time was getting short and I had my truck and trailer in the parking lot, I didn't stick around to see the outcome of the situation.

However, I did receive a few calls while out riding and one comment was something to the effect, I hope she doesn't get mad. My reply was I can't be mad while I'm on the back of my horse. Things are good when I ride, things are forgotten and I am just enjoying the friendship and being outside with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair.

This poem was forwarded to me a few years back and it pretty much sums up why I ride and why my friends ride.

I Ride.

That seems like such a simple statement. It has to do with power and empowerment. Being able to do things you might have once considered out of reach or ability. I have considered this as I shovel manure, fill water barrels in cold rain, change a tire on a horse trailer on the side of a freeway or cool my horse before drinking a cold one after a long ride.

The time, money and effort it takes to ride calls for dedication. I call it a dedication, some call it a sickness. It’s a sickness I’ve had ever since I was a small girl bouncing my model horses and dreaming of the day I’d ride a real horse. Most women I ride with understand the meaning of “the sickness”. It’s not a sport, not a hobby. It’s what we do and in some ways, who we are as women and human beings.

I Ride.

I hook up my trailer, load my horse and haul to a trail somewhere. I breathe in the air, watch the sunlight filter through the trees and savor the movement of my horse. The real world fades into the tracks my horse leaves in the dust. Time slows, my saddle creaks and the leather rein in my hand softens with warmth.

I Ride.

I think of all I do because I ride. Climb granite slabs, wade into a freezing lake, race a friend through the field all the while laughing and feeling my heart in my chest. I ride, no matter how tired. I feel better doing it.

The beauty I’ve seen because I ride amazes me. I’ve ridden out to find lakes unseen, caves dark and cold besides rivers full and rolling. The scenes most others have only seen in dreams. I think of the people, mostly women, I’ve met. I consider how competent they are. Not a weenie amongst the bunch. We haul 40 ft rigs and back into tight spaces without clipping a tree. We understand and love our companions, the horse. Our hands are a little rough and we travel without makeup and hair gel. You do without to afford “the sickness”.

I Ride.

Playing Carpenter

2009-03-11T20:45:00.003-05:00

You may remember last fall, I got to play electrician and replace the yard light that AJ broke.

Well, tonight I got to play carpenter and fix the stall door that someone kicked and broke. No one is fessing up on who did it.

As I was feeding, I noticed a piece of wood in the end hay stall lying across a bale. It took a second to register that I did not have any wood on the ceiling that could drop down.

After I threw hay, I went over to investigate a bit further. Dang horses are hard on stuff. One of them kicked a board and snapped it in half. Did not see any hair or blood around and did a quick scan of hind legs to make sure no one had any injuries. No one did, lucky for them!

Headed back down to the house and called Hubby. Got him on first try – amazing. Asked him what time he was planning on coming home, he replied I’m leaving in 5 minutes. Good, we need to fix the barn when you get home. His reply, can it wait until tomorrow??? Um, NO, It’s the stall door and it has to be fixed tonight….silence on the other side. I tell him that the piece is about 4 ft tall and is a 2 x 6. His reply, we don’t have that size at home, guess you’ll need to go get one. Ok, I’ll head to Menards and get a board, maybe even ask them to cut it for me….play the ‘dumb girl’ act.

Throw the dogs in the truck, Stone was extremely excited to go Bye Bye and headed to Menard’s in Fremont.

Walked in to Menard’s with my broken board and said I need a new one just like this. :) The manager took a look at me and said ok, go back and we’ll page someone to help. He took off at a dead run the opposite way…I just chuckled. I’m thinking some high schooler will be there to assist. Nope, it’s some ole crotchety lady. I told her that I needed a new 2 x 6 board that is “this tall” showing her my broken one. :) I can just see her thinking, what a ditz, she should have been a blonde!! She whips out her tape measure and said ok, it’s 46 inches tall and a 2 x 6, is this treated or untreated…um, it’s weathered?? ha ha! It is untreated, can’t have treated stuff around AJ, he’ll eat it. I was pretty amazed that I guestimated it to be 48 inches and was only off by 2 inches.

The lady came back in about 10 minutes and said your board is at the front, I did the best I could to cut it, we normally don’t do that. I see a freaking handsaw in her hands, thinking, did she really just cut my board with a handsaw????!!!!

I get up to the checkout and the board is cut crooked. Great. I’m going to have to still saw this thing when I get home.

Call hubby on the way home and tell him that it’s crooked, but it’s in the back of my truck and we are headed home.

Found a square thingy to fix the crooked board and got it sawed off. Headed out to the barn to fix the damage. Got a screwdriver with a hex head thing to get the screws out. That was a bit icky with the bottom ones, dang horses like to stand in front of that stall out of the wind and you know what happens when they sunbathe right???

Had a bit of a time getting that last board put back in. Something wasn’t square and it wasn’t the new board that I put in! I had to stand on the inside, balancing myself on a hay bale and kick the piece in. That was real cute looking—NOT. Cora and AJ were wondering what I was doing and how come I wasn’t giving them any of that yummy hay that is in that stall. AJ even tried to come over and help, actually I think he wanted to steal hay instead of help.
Got that last piece in, the holes all lined up and got the screws put back in.

Made it back inside as the alarm was going off for supper to be pulled out of the oven.

Ice and a Wintery Mix

2009-03-10T07:18:00.003-05:00

I really hate when the BFLWM predicts a "Wintery Mix" especially during the drive in to work.

Things didn't look good at 12:30 when little Mo Mo had to go outside, the deck was already iced up and icicles were starting to form on the railings.

I decided to stick my head in the sand and just pretend it wasn't happening. 4:30 alarm goes off and I hear this awful humming sound, crud, the heat pump is froze up and hasn't thawed out yet. Can't deal with that right now.

Talk to hubby on the road conditions since he leaves about 15 minutes before I do. He can't understand why I need to leave so early, duh honey, I open and the daycare opens at 6:30 am. Can't leave clients sitting in the parking lot waiting on us.

He wants to know which way I'm going to take in. I think about it and was going to take the county road to Hwy 30 and then over to 31 to Elkhorn. He didn't think it was such a good idea as most likely that road hadn't been sanded yet. FINE, I'll take 91 to Blair and then in. I really don't care for that stretch of 91 going into Blair though, lots of windy curves and hills with steep drop offs. Once on the highway, things were fine. The sand trucks had been out and the roads were just wet. Made it to work with 10 minutes to spare!!

Wish I brought my camera to work today, the trees and stuff will be very pretty on the drive home with the ice covering. The front of my truck has about 1/4 inch of ice on it from the mist/drizzle that I drove through this morning. At least I made it safely though!

Poor Mike got his boat out about a week or two too early!!

Don't think that any Bluebirds will be coming around too soon do you??

People wonder why I call this area the "Northern Tundra"! Look at all the ice buildup on the trees. Omaha didn't have near that or even 15 miles to the south of us!

sure is pretty though with the sun shining through it. Still had some snow showers happening :(

Bet the geese that are flying over are wondering where their spring time weather is!

Winter's Last Gasp

2009-03-02T07:17:00.007-06:00

Winter's Last Gasp!!!!

February 27 - 28, 2009

The snow does look so pretty in the yard and hanging on the branches---doesn't it or so I keep telling myself. Even though it is cold, wet and bitter out, this does lead to some very pretty photos of the critterz.

Things didn't start out too pretty though. This was from my drive home on Friday evening. Omaha was as dry as a bone in July, but of course, once I hit the "Northern Tundra" things changed quickly. The snow plows were already out by 4:00, dropping sand and salt on the highway. Don't let the highway fool you, there were patches of black ice already and things were slick. I really really hate that feeling of the backend going out from under you, almost as bad as that nightmare that I have of not being able to stop on hills, near water.

Cora and AJ were sure happy to have their winter blankies on!

She doesn't look too thrilled here though :( Do I blame her?? I was headed back inside to start a roaring fire in the woodburner.

The view from our front door on Saturday morning before I headed out to feed. Sure looks like about 6 inches of snow to me..........

Moji couldn't get enough of it. He was in and out constantly, racing around, kicking up the snow, eating the snow and just having a blast. At least he was wearing himself out!

Here he is showing off his ice covered beard after eating snow.

At 3:30, I broke down and had to go outside to feed the horses. Did I want to, not really, but they were starting to hang on the fence, looking towards the house.

I had two HAMS waiting impatiently for me to get dressed. After looking at this photo, I'm amazed that the house is somewhat clean!! Ok, you can't see a whole lot but what you can see is picked up :)

Here's Goober Boy, always wanting to stick his nose where it shouldn't go!! Didn't realize that he left ice chunks on the lens :(

Here's what I think about Winter..................

Now it was Moji and Stone's turn..............................................

I really like how the camera caught the snow getting kicked up as he's running.

Such expressions.........

So, how did you spend your weekend???

City Vs. Country Living

2009-02-28T10:55:00.008-06:00

Why I LOVE living in the country

Recently on an email list that I’m on, someone posted why he likes living in the country vs. living in a city. That got me thinking why I so love living in the country vs. living in town or a city and, I have lived in both.

If I happened to live in a city or town, would I be able to hear, smell, see or feel the following?

Worry about what the neighbors would think if they saw me run out to feed the horses in my jammies?
A flock of geese migrating back south in the middle of the night—wait you are asking what am I doing outside in the middle of the night? I was probably checking the gate that I thought that I did not latch.
Hearing the wood ducks whistling through the trees on their way to the lake.
Owls’ sitting in the woods, calling out to each other as the sun is setting. Or sitting on a wire screaming at you in the dark-that is a weird feeling.

Deer coming up to the feeder in the backyard. Fawns coming up later in the summer

Seeing a fawn tucked in the grass while out for a walk

Watching the moon/sun rise or set through the woods

Feel the creepy feeling that something is watching you from the woods?
Worry about shutting the blinds at night so people can’t see in—we live almost 1/8 of a mile off the road and tucked in the woods.
Feel the bitter sting of sleet hitting your face when you’ve got to go out and feed the horses!

Watch the woods from my computer room.
See the wind whipping fresh snow across our driveway, hoping it won’t drift shut!

Eagles sitting in the alfalfa field across the road or along the river
Sitting outside in the back of the truck at the end of our driveway looking for meteors in the middle of the night- avoiding or trying to avoid the mosquitoes that want to attack you.
Seeing Orion peeking through the bedroom window all winter long as he is starting to set on the Western horizon.
Laying in bed watching the horses wait impatiently for me to get up and feed them.
Smell the air after a thunderstorm-or smell the air before a big lightning storm?
Find a freakish looking Morel Mushroom alongside the road while out riding
enjoy the wildlife in our backyard

I can just imagine the gasps of the neighbors if they knew I allowed my horses to graze my lawn last summer. Heck the grass was lush, they helped mow and enjoyed the different scenery.

Do I miss hearing traffic, smelling exhaust, having neighbors super close and worry about keeping up appearances and ‘fitting in’? Not a bit!

Do I miss the convenience of being able to drive a few miles down the road to go out to eat or to get groceries compared to the 35 miles that I drive to work? Sometimes.

Even here, on a quiet night, you can hear the semi’s on the highway over 5 miles away and the train going through Nickerson.

So tell me, why you prefer the place that you live in, city or country.

The BFLWM was right!!

2009-02-14T12:11:00.008-06:00

The BFLWM was right!!!

All week, we’d been hearing about a potential for a measurable snow on Friday. A friend and I were talking about how we just hadn’t had a good heavy snow yet this winter and were missing it. Well, our dream came true on Friday. Weatherman predicted anywhere from 2-4 to 4-8 in various areas. On the morning news, the radar was showing some heavy banding north of North Platte/Ord that was drifting our way. WHOOO HOOOO, Bring it!!!! They had also predicted some stronger winds, but I don’t think that ever materialized as there was no drifting going on across our driveway, just nice deep even snow that was perfect to ride the 4-wheeler in. Work closed early, yet I still only managed to get home a half an hour before I normally do.

Once home, I couldn’t contain myself inside, I just had to get out there and play. Newt had followed me from the barn to the house, he loves to run in the tire tracks vs. the deep snow that was belly deep on him. I get dressed to feed the horses, start up the 4-wheeler and head out. Oh, this is going to be good. I goose the 4-wheeler and snow flies out behind me. Slip a bit so put it in 4wheel and tear up to the barn. Newt flies up the tire tracks to meet me at the door. AJ & Cora are wondering just what am I doing, maybe it’s a bit of my own Spring Friskies that I’m feeling.

Got the horses fed, cats tucked away and I’m off to play. Zip around the parking lot throwing snow and head down the driveway.

Whatcha looking at???

Fresh powder, it's just too tempting and I can't control myself!!

I see that someone else couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play in the fresh snow, only they were in a vehicle, zig zagging all over the road and down in the ditch across from us.

Grab the mail and zip back down the driveway. Catch a picture of Cora peeking around their shed to see just what I’m doing. Drop the mail off, get some pictures of Stone & Moji playing and then head for the woods.

Moji says I wanna come race tooooooooo

Geesh it was peaceful back there. Quiet, some snow falling from the branches, scared up two Red-tail hawks that were by the pond. Tried to get their picture but the trees were in the way. I really loved how the snow was powdered on the branches. The camera just couldn’t capture how pretty it was. Headed to the garage to get the birdseed since the feeders were empty. After getting them fed, I called it quits, my thighs were starting to go numb and I couldn’t feel the tips to my fingers or my nose.

Final playtime for the boyz, my fingers are numb and I'm starting to lose feeling in my toes!

Took some time though to photograph Stone & Moji playing again and then headed inside to thaw—best part of going inside this time was MY GLASSES DIDN’T FOG UP!!! I’m loving Lasik

I know that snow will be short-lived and that Spring is just right around the corner. Maybe that’s what made today so much fun and tolerable.

sleepless nights

2009-02-11T02:54:00.002-06:00

Haven't had this problem in a long time! Actually have been sleeping well lately, almost too well, nodding off by 8:00, getting up early and actually being coherent on the drive to work. Heck I've been getting to work by 6:00 am!!!!! That's a whole hour early from what I had been coming in just a few months ago.

A few nights ago, I had this dream where I was driving my truck and could not get it to stop. I was backing down a driveway in a cul de sac that was on a hill and I had no brakes. Both of my feet were stomping on the brake pedal and I was still rolling. I hate that feeling. Reminds me of backing a boat down a ramp to the lake or river and it sliding/rolling because the cement is wet.

Mentioned that to a co-worker yesterday and she said it's probably because my mind has been on go for too long. Sure I'm sleeping, but my mind is working, figuring things out, yes, work has been a tad stressful with figuring out what to do with the dogs during our construction.

Last night, I actually stayed up until 9:30 before falling asleep, was going to try to sleep in a bit and get to work by 6:30 instead of 6:00. Something woke Moji up and he decided he had to go outside.

Went back to bed and the silence was deafening. Tossed and turned, the cat tried to cuddle, but he was tickling me with his whiskers. Moji cuddled up behind me and I should have fallen asleep with that.

NOPE, brain was working on OT again. Started thinking of components for this new review that we have to write out by March--the end of March! So, got up and wrote down those thoughts, sent them off to work and have been on the computer since then.

Texted hubby who is in Las Vegas, figuring he'd still be up...he's not. Chatted with a co-worker on Facebook for a bit.

Well, it's now 3:15, I really should wrap this up and try to get back to bed before the lovely alarm bell goes off at 4:30.

Spring Cleaning

2009-02-08T18:42:00.004-06:00

After spending an awesome day on Saturday, enjoying friendship, horses and the sun on my face, it was time to get busy and clean house.

I just love the smell of laundry that has been hung out on the line to dry, it smells so fresh. I washed all of our bedding and let the wind and sun, well, what little sun we did have to dry it.

Caught the ponies sleeping in the sun. They were dozing pretty hard for me to walk up on them all the way from the house, across the crunchy ground and get their pictures.
Still dozing, camera is zoomed all the way out through my chainlink fence. Moji started barking in the house and woke AJ up. AJ had to wander over to see just what I was doing. Well, that got Cora up but she had to get a good roll in before getting up.
Ahhh, let's get this itchy spot behind my ear......

ooooh, now my neck and back......

uuuugh, getting uuuuuuuppp...

shaking it all out......

Goober boy just stood there watching both of us wondering where his treat was or something.....

look at all that mud I have to groom off now...............

My Dad called a couple of weeks ago and said he was coming down for a few days. Great, that means that I’ve got to vacuum, dust and clean the spare bedroom. Started cleaning the house and jumping on the laundry Saturday night, didn’t really have anything better to do since Mike is gone yet again.

I also got the paddock cleaned before the next storm/freeze cycle. Sure got an upper body workout lifting wet poo and dumping the sled after it was full. Still need to weigh it to see just how much weight I am lifting and tipping over. I can tell you that those piles are starting to mount up in the woods. Sure, I have a spreader, but you can only spread so much before it starts to get too deep.

AJ was much better today when I worked him. I ended up riding him bareback with just his halter on. Did figure 8’s, backing, turning, avoiding Cora. He acted up just a tad but, but we worked through it too. His back is really really starting to fill out.

Cell Phones, do we really need them???!!!!

2009-02-06T12:47:00.004-06:00

I finally decided to get with the program and get a new phone. It's not like my current phone is crap, but I'm tired of the battery running out when I'm talking--and this is after I've had it charging.

So, jump online to check out some phones that are out there now. Decide on either an LG Voyager or LG Envy 2

Head over to the store to get my new phone and hit a major roadblock.

The customer service rep can not access my account because....get this.....it is in a "Trust Market". Meaning what you ask?

Well, let me explain what it means..... my cell phone provider bought out another cell phone provider and since some of their areas overlapped, my phone number has been put up for sale. What the Heck!!!!!!!!!

So, here I'm in the store, I just want to freaking upgrade my phone and add text messaging. The Customer Service Rep could not even tell me what a new phone would cost with the new every 2 program that we are on OR how much to add text messenging to my service would be. All she could do was give me an 800 and a book to figure it out for myself.

So, on the way back to work, without a new phone mind you, I call the 800 number hoping I'd have enough battery power to get through the phone call. Do all the push button, access codes just to find out that they need to talk to Mike. What the heck!, I'm on the account, but can not have 'permission' to freaking upgrade my cell phone. Ok, deep breath, don't crash and for God's sake, don't throw your phone out the window. Give them Mike's cell phone and have them call me. The Rep gets back on the phone and says, "I'm sorry, but he's not answering his phone" GREAT. Hang up on the guy and call Mike. He's at Kohl's trying pants on for his trip to Vegas. Answer your FREAKING Phone!!!!! Give him the 800 number and he gets my name put on the account--yet again.

He calls me back, tells me the new password and says you are now on the account. I tell him something nice and he replies, yes, I know I had better have called them right away as I could tell you were about ready to blow. Ya think?????

Call the 800 number yet again and get a nice rep. We talk about phones etc and decide on the LG Envy 2. Discuss prices etc and get the text messaging put on the service contract too.

Now, I still do not have a new phone in my hands, it may not even get here until Tuesday. AND, I will have to go back to the store to have all of my contacts transferred IF I do not wish to do it myself. Hmmm, I think that's going to be a no brainer. Then, I will have to send all of my photos that I do want to keep to my new phone or my email address, they can not download them off the phone. Ok, great, sure wish I had known that before and I could have sent the one of Grandpa that I wanted to keep from our trip to New Mexico.

A Taste of Spring

2009-02-01T18:28:00.006-06:00

As many of you may know, Spring is my favorite time of year. The ground is starting to thaw, birds are migrating back and singing their songs, geese are flying over low and the horses are starting to shed out their thick winter coats.

Speaking of which, those horses are extremely frisky after a cold winter. AJ has taken to racing from the arena to the paddock in a full gallop. That boy can move! I watched him this morning and he did not have much buck going as he was running, his tail was popping but his butt was not getting near as much air as it had been earlier in the week. Cora was even a bit playful this morning, saw a half rear and a couple of kicks at AJ to keep him out of her space.

AJ, earlier this week was having his springtime brain farts. Last Sunday he acted up and got worked. I had time again Friday after work to do some more with him. Haltered him up and worked some in the paddock where the footing was good. He was soft and listened to all the cues.

Took him out to the chute where he had acted up on Sunday and he tried nipping my sweatshirt. I whirled around and smacked him with the lead rope and backed him up about 20 ft. We then moved back to the open area and went to trotting and loping in circles, listening to what I was asking. No temper tantrums there and he was light on his feet, moving and doing everything that I was asking.

We then meandered out to the arena. There is still a big patch of mud/water/ice so we started there and I had him pick his way though there a couple of times.

After that, we moved over to a flat spot in the middle where the footing was good and things had started to dry out.

Sent him off in a trot around me, he was going good and then slipped. That put him in a bucking fit. I didn’t like that he had a slight inward aim with one hind leg so he got stopped immediately and backed up about 50 feet across the arena. When he was sent off again, he did not try any more antics and had started to lick and chew, listening to what I was asking.

I changed direction and asked him to lope again, he wasn’t sure of the footing and would pick up the lope and then drop back down to a trot. We ended things on a good note and headed back to the barn.

On the way back, we worked on stopping when I stopped and following my lead. If I stopped and backed up, he stopped and backed up with me. If I turned, he turned with me. I was very happy with him after that 45 minutes.

Had to pull out the wool cooler since he had lathered himself up and I didn’t really want him to get chilled as the sun was going down. Put him in the stall with some hay and headed to the house to get the dogs fed and ready to go out for supper with hubby.

Planning to work with him again this weekend and if things look right, will ride him in the arena. I know that he just needs that consistency brought back and to remind him that he’s a riding horse, not a bronc.

AJ's turn

2009-02-01T18:28:00.005-06:00

He's kinda been put on the back burner and today was his day to shine....or not.

Things started off good, he willingly came up to me to be haltered. Got him tacked up and did some longeline work before putting his bridle on. Things looked good. Got him next to the fence and got on. Did some work in the paddock and he was so calm and willing. Felt pretty good so thought I'd take him to the arena.

Things didn't go as smooth in the chute area. He sidled up to the fence nice and easy. Got on, things felt good and we started walking. Walked about 25 ft and he started acting up, shaking his head, feeling high and having Stone and Moji racing and barking weren't making things any better. We did a lot of one rein stops, circling and just trying to stay calm. Since my eye surgery, things look a lot further away than they used to when I wore glasses!!

He was really wanting to get back to the paddock and be with Cora. We did more circling and turning away from the gate. I really wanted to get off, but knew that if I stopped when he was being bad, he'd remember it and try it again in the future.

So, once we stopped on a good note, I got off and decided to lead him out to the arena to work. We got half way there and he balked. Did a rear and tried to spin away from me. OH NO YOU DIDN'T JUST TRY THAT CRAP WITH ME!! He got his little hiney worked right there in the muck. He still wasn't happy and struck out at the lead rope. If the footing and the space would have been bigger than the 20 ft I was dealing with, he would have been sent off at a faster pace and really made to work. Instead, I did the best that things allowed and sent him off at a trot, he figured out that he could slow in the muck but pick the trot back up at the top where it was dry.

I continued to the arena and picked a somewhat dry/frozen place to work him. He really didn't like the feel of the frozen ground and preferred to work where it was starting to thaw. Fine with me, trot in the mud and have it splash up on you. I worked his hiney out there for 30 minutes. Thought about getting on him again and just taking 1 spin around the arena on a good note. Got him next to the fence and he got all high again. Got right back down and did some more work.

Decided working him on the ground was going to be the safe way out today, things just did not feel right to get on and do things from his back.

So, we walked slowly back and worked on him leading nicely next to me. I changed directions and he had to follow where ever I went. Liked what I was getting and decided to unsaddle him.

Once unsaddled I decided to do some more longeline work in the sand. We had good footing in the paddock so sent him off at a trot. He got to the point where he was soft, had a nice bend and was keeping a good steady cadence on a loose line. Changed directions and got the same response. Whoaed him, did some yo yo stuff and called it good. By this time, he's got his eyes 1/2 closed and wanting the attention.

Went inside, took a nap and then went back out and did some grooming also to enjoy the last bit of sun that was out. Both horses got their tails brushed out and braided. Decided too that it was time to stick AJ to see how tall he is. Right now it's reading as the photo shows below, he wasn't standing exactly square, but it will do.

Cora will be mad at me if she knew I posted a photo of her 'dirty' side :)

Trying to show how much bone he's got going on with his legs. He is pretty substantial.

Looks like a storm front is coming in :(

Within 1 1/2 hours, we had this......

to this........

to snow later on!!!!

Lasik

2009-01-27T19:34:00.003-06:00

Yep, I finally did it.

I have been thinking of doing this surgery for the past 18 years. Ever since they developed PRK I had thought of getting my eyes fixed so I could see without contacts or glasses.

A few years ago I had considered having the surgery done, but a friend talked me out of it stating that there was some new technology coming up with in the next couple of years.

I spaced it and continued to 'suffer' wearing the glasses. It was worse in the winter when the subzero temps would cause the glasses to fog when I'd come back inside.

Just recently Mike's insurance coverage changed to cover spouses to have Lasik surgery done. I was still a bit scared to have this surgery as you are well aware, we are only given 2 eyes and sight is very precious.

Two weeks ago, just right before my birthday, I decided to heck with it, I'll go in for a consulation to see what it's all about. After that consulation, I felt pretty good about having the surgery done, just wish I would have had it done within days instead of waiting another week.

Over the weekend, I started to overanalyze things and got nervous about it again. But, having good friends that have had the surgery helped me get over that hump.

Thursday came and I was ready. Met up with another lady who was scheduled right before me and we chatted about our concerns but also boosted each others confidence. Maybe it was the Valium that they give you to help you relax, but when they came to get me, I was ready, there was no turning back.

The surgery itself is kinda facinating in it's own way, you see everything yet can't feel a thing since the eyes have been numbed.

I was prepared for the worse in that first 24 hours but did not feel much discomfort at all. Maybe a little dry eye feeling. It reminded me of when I used to wear contacts and they'd start to dry out or my eyes got tired. It was important to rest the eyes that first night, no reading, no tv and no computer use. Plus they send you home in funky goggles, kinda remind me of motorcycle goggles. They required that I sleep with them on for the first 5 nights. The first few weren't bad but lately it's been becoming more uncomfortable to sleep. I love to sleep on my side with my head buried in my arms, having goggles digging in your face doesn't feel the best. However, I did catch myself trying to scratch my eye last night-the drops sometimes make the eyelashes itch, so the goggles did protect that from happening. I may wear them a bit longer due to the fact that Moji likes to pounce on me in the morning!

I was able to drive the next morning and go to work.

There has been some things to get adjusted to. I'm seeing some halos around lights at night, nothing like the first day though and hopefully those will get better as my eyes heal.

It was also pretty weird to adjust to not being able to see some things up close that I could before my eyes were corrected and now to see things far away that I couldn't see before. I went to shave my underarms a few days ago and everything was blurry. I freaked a bit as I wasn't really prepared for that but hey, I'll take the trade off. I can now see my toes that I haven't been able to see for the past 30 years :) I did share that with a friend at work who also has had Lasik and she said the exact same thing so it just wasn't me :)

Another bad habit that I've had to watch closely is rubbing my eyes. I always rubbed them after a shower or in the morning when I got up. Just felt good. Now I have been forbidden to even think about rubbing my eyes for months!

If you are even considering having Lasik done, please go in for the consulation.

Keeping with Traditions

2008-12-31T07:41:00.012-06:00

Keeping with Traditions

For the past 5 years, Tammy V and I have met up and rode between Christmas and New Years. It all started when she invited me to meet with her and Kathy N at Camp Moses on New Years Eve in 2004. We didn't get to explore too many of the hills due to the frost under the leaves that caused the horses to slip. My trusty mount, Mikey had shaky knees when he started feeling the ground slipping beneath him. To this day, we call that trail the Perma Frost Trail.

The following year, Tammy and I met up at Wildwood Lake near Agnew. We saw some potential for some additional trails but have yet to explore that option. The weather started getting cold towards the end of the ride, but it was well worth it.

In 2006, Tammy and I met up again for the annual ride. This time we checked out Hormel Park in Fremont. Not a whole lot of trails, maybe 2 hours worth, did some bushwhacking, lots of giggling and laughing.

2007 was WAY too cold and I believe my trailer was drifted in. No ride time last year.

This year we took advantage of the nice day we had on Monday, December 29th. Sheila, Tammy and myself met up for a fun ride at Two Rivers near Valley.

I took Cora, my trusted mount who I know would be perfect after sitting for 2 months.

Tammy took Windy and brought Butter for Sheila.

Tammy and Sheila letting the horses get some green stuff.

too icy to lope down the trail........................ so I looked at all the tracks that were there.

what in the world made that track???? bear????? Wait, are there really Bear in Nebraska at the END OF DECEMBER??? Shouldn't they be hibernating now???!!!!

After Sheila left, Tammy and I decided to head back out. She ponied Butter and we got another hour in! Earlier in the day, Butter acted like she wanted to roll in the nice sand. By this time, she was more interested in picking dead grass than in rolling.

Took a lot of photos with the pretty winter scenery behind us.

After I got home, unloaded, fed the critters I happened to look out our front door and saw this. The moon and the two planets have lined back up for another show.

Spectacular Evening

2008-12-26T07:50:00.003-06:00

about once in your lifetime, the moon and planets do align to give an awesome view. December 1, 2008 was one of those times. We were forecasted to have partly cloudy skies and I was hoping that they'd clear out in time for the show.

I bundled up in my carhart bibbies, the trusty parka, warm gloves and a headband to keep my ears from freezing off. I also dug out the tripod to keep my camera steady for the low light photography.

To get things warmed up, I dinked around with photographing the sun setting. Couldn't quite capture the pretty colors though like I did last summer. Maybe it was because I was starting to loose feeling in the tips of my fingers and was worried that the dogs would run into me, knocking the tripod over.

I was starting to grow a bit impatient with how slow the sun was setting. Normally, I don't want it to set so fast but tonight, I was wanting it dark!

oooo, here it comes! The moon is starting to show and you can barely see one of the brighter planets below it. Dang clouds keep scurrying across the sky and blocking the view.

ahhh, finally the clouds have all gone south and the sky is clear. Now for that pesky sun to set a bit more. Need to run inside to warm up and get feeling back in my fingers.

wasting time still!

When I stepped inside to warm up yet again, I saw this through the oak tree in our front yard. I thought it was pretty cool looking so tried to capture it. There was something neat about the black against the blue and the crispness.

Finally, the show is on. Love the cobalt blue and the lighter blue beneath it. Neat how you can see the earthlight shining on the dark side of the moon.

Just love the colors on this one, but it's starting to get a bit too dark to photograph. Ran inside after this shot to get feeling back in my fingers and nose. Thank goodness it wasn't windy! I'd be an icicle for sure.

Last shot, the sky is getting too dark to photograph. I was pretty happy that I was able to capture this moment.

Winter 'Wonder'land

2008-12-22T18:00:00.008-06:00

Winter 'Wonder'land

These past two weeks have been a bit horrid with bone chilling winds and subzero temperatures, and this morning was no exception!

I kinda 'wondered' how the horses fared overnight. They were pretty well set with hay and warm water but with the subzero temps, that had to have an effect on their nose and face whiskers.

AJ kept saying "Take my photo!! and Where is my BREAKFAST! I smell it, but where is it dang it!"

Cora was a bit more lady-like and not near as pushy, although she let it be know that she was hungry and she wanted her food now not later.

The temps usually drop when I go over the Little Bell Creek and sure enough, it was a bit colder there than up top. Ever 'wonder' how cold your thermometer goes in a truck? So far it's gone down to -11, my Excursion read -19 a few years ago and that was COLD!

Ever 'wonder' what happens when you don't put up your snow fence before winter hits?

This is what happened last year when we didn't get the snow fence up!!! Was so not going to happen this year!

Do you ever 'wonder' how much snow a snow fence catches? Well, evidently, they catch a lot as you can see in the below photo. This was taken tonight, and already, the snow is pretty deep. The native grass is helpful in catching the rest of the snow.

I 'wonder' if it will be nice enough to take Cora or AJ through those drifts on Christmas day! I'll be ready to get some ride time in!

See Ya! And Merry Christmas!!!

Notch!

2008-12-17T18:27:00.002-06:00

This youngster started visiting our place regularly (that we could identify due to the notches in his ears) in the summer of 2006. He is most likely around 2 1/2 years old in that photo and has a lot of growing to do.

We were (I was) excited to see him coming back and surviving the hunting season in 2007. Unfortunately, he broke his rack in a fight. We didn't see much of him late last winter/spring and once our trail cams were out mid summer we started getting photos of him. His rack isn't all that impressive-wide but it has a lot of mass at the base. There is also come character going on with it.

After seeing some early fall photos of ole Notchie, he disappeared once archery season started up. I was quite worried that he had gotten shot and that we'd never see him around. There was a lot of pressure at the camp across the way and our neighbors had a few hunters on their land too.

After not seeing Notch for 2 months, we pulled the chip on one of the scrapes and low and behold, here he is again. Identified again by the notch in his ear.

Mike is gunning for him this year and believe me, it will be bittersweet to have him gone. Notch has got 2 more weeks until life will return to somewhat normal. I believe there is a late season rifle, but that is for antlerless deer in January.

A vehicle, poacher or nature could also possibly take him over the winter. He's looking a little lean and I'm not sure what is up with his left front leg. Hoping it's just how he is standing and not an injury that happened during the rut.

I really need to get out in the spring with Mike and go shed hunting. He's got an awesome rack that I'd love to have.

how much more can I take?

2008-12-16T19:56:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday was most likely the last good day of the year, relatively speaking, and I was stuck inside.

Sunday came around and with it were dropping temps as in 10 degrees by 12 noon. I blanketed the horses, fed them breakfast and basically hibernated in the house all day. At 4:00, I went back out to feed. Noticed that the autowaterer was starting to freeze over. I hoped that it would not freeze all the way, since after all, it was heated right??

Well, as luck would have it, I saw the horses go to the tank to get water. AJ was first and stood a very long time. Cora came in and sat there a bit and then started pawing. Hmmm, she only does that when she's impatient during feeding times. Never have seen her paw while getting a drink.

Bundled up and headed out to see what was going on, temps were now -4 at 7:30 pm. This was not good! The waterer had froze over. I got my hammer out and chopped ice. AJ came over and got a drink but didn't like the ice chunks or the super cold water. Cora didn't want any of that. SO, I get her bucket and fill it from the hydrant. She drank a bit then.

I gave them some timothy hay and headed back to the house. My Dad came out to see what I was doing and distracted me.

Crapola, when I got back in, I couldn't remember if I shut up the hay stall and secured it. Great, just what I really wanted to do was bundle back up and check things out.

Glad I did though as the water tank was again froze over and the water in the bucket was turning to slush.

Rumaged through the tack room and got AJ's heated water bucket out and got that hooked up. At least the horses would have some water overnight.

Cora didn't look right so I spent some more time out there watching her. She had gut sounds, but her eyes and lips were droopy. Got more hay out and she perked right up. Maybe it was getting to be her bedtime.

The next morning, it was -5..brrrrrrrr and a strong northwest wind to boot. The horses finished off the water in the heated bucket and had licked the ice that was now formed in their water tank.

I propped the other side up and hoped it would stay up during the day and re-filled the heated bucket. Both horses had gotten a nice warm mash for breakfast so I wasn't too terribly worried about the lack of water.

When I got time, I called our well guy to see about heating elements, if they fix them etc. He talked to me about how to test, but to be careful because it is hot under there. He said he has burned finger tips of his own. Silly me, thought he was talking about burning his fingertips on maybe a metal pipe or something not related to a hot heating element.

Finally got home to do chores and checked the waterer out. Hmmmmm, good and bad news. The good news was that the water had thawed a bit and the horses had been drinking. Bad news was that the heating element is out as I could touch it with my fingers and it was cold. Real bad news was that I tested the 'good' sides element and sizzled my fingers! Ouch!!! Stuck them in the cold side and let them sit a bit. I tied the good side's lid up so the horses could get fresh warm water instead of using the bucket again.

Tuesday morning brought SNOW! But, the waterer was open this morning and the horses were happy.

The BFLWM

2008-12-10T07:38:00.003-06:00

The weather forecasters were predicting a 'measurable' snowstorm to come in Monday night into Tuesday morning.

By midafternoon on Monday, the National Weather Service canceled their "Winter Storm Watch". Still not sure why they had put us in a Winter Storm Watch, it wasn't supposed to be that bad except for the strong winds.

I breathed a sigh of relief as the weather affects my job. We were still to get some precipitation, but nothing 'serious'.

On my way home, it started to sprinkle and the temps started dropping. By the time I got home, it was a pretty steady 'sprinkle' but I needed to get some things done so had to suck it up and deal with the cold rain that is feeling like it was starting to turn to sleet...hmmmm that wasn't forecasted was it??

Beans and Newt were more than ready to get in the tack room for the night, they don't enjoy being out in the wet and wind. I decided it would be best if Cora & AJ were blanketed for this storm too. AJ looks so pretty in his new red blankie. I think Cora is going to need a new one next year. Hers is going on 5 years and starting to show some wear.

Got done with the kids and jetted to the mailbox on the 4-wheeler. I can tell you that sleet hitting your face stings!!

After I got inside it was time to start the woodburner up. Need to start using that nice pile of wood we've got in the garage!

At 5:00, I looked out and saw sleet bouncing off the deck rails. Things were going downhill fast so I buzzed Mike to give him the heads up that roads may start to get slick. He was already on his way home and would watch it.

The sleet continued as I watched the evening news. No mention that we'd be getting ice "Up North", just that measurable snow may hit north by Norfolk, Dennison or Carroll Iowa. Why they keep bringing up Northern Iowa cities is beyond me.

After supper, Mike & I were sitting on the floor tying fishing line to hand snowflakes for my work Holiday Lunch. As I was sitting on the floor, I thought I caught a glimpse of a large snowflake falling. I got up and looked out the front window-we've got super bright yard lights- and I couldn't see any snow, just rain/sleet still bouncing off the deck rails.

Sat back down and 5 minutes later Mike said, look it's snowing huge flakes. Sure enough, we were getting snow and it was only 6:45.
By 7:30, we had a good 1/2 inch of snow on the deck rails and the grass was starting to turn white.

This went on through the evening and into the night. Unfortunately, the wind started whipping things around and the bitter cold was starting to settle in. I was very happy that I blanketed my ponies with the wind whipping the snow back into their shed. Beans and Newt were happily tucked in their beds in the tack room.

Mojo wasn't sure about all that white stuff on the ground though! He braved the elements if Stone went out with him. Headed to bed, not knowing what we'd find in the morning.

Good ole Mojo had to get up at the first bell, boy was he in for a surprise when I opened the door. He saw all that white stuff on the deck and put the brakes on. I pushed him on out and he did his business and was right back at the door wanting in.

The deck rails had about 2 1/2 to 3 inches of the fluffy white stuff--WAY more than was forecasted-although the BFLWM did say more snow to the west and north of Omaha, guess that means us.

After Stone went out, Mojo changed his tune on the snow. He found that it was fun to root his face in it and come up all snow covered. He did not care for the coldness on his feet though and would do a little dance to keep his cold feet off the ground.

The drive to work was not fun at all, snowpack to Hwy 30, tested the 4-wheel drive out, and partial snow from Hwy 30 to Hwy 36. The rest was dry.

After work, I got to see how our snowfence did. I can see one place were we may have some drifting across, nothing like it was last year!

Mojo tore around the yard, racing with Stone and rolling around. Kinda cute to see him enjoy his first snowfall, wish it would have been nicer than the 15 degrees that we had by the time I got home.

Monkey See, Monkey Do. Now let's see if he'll lick the fence...evil laugh from Stone!

You may be fast, but I'm bigger!!!!

This is the life!

playing electrian

2008-11-10T08:50:00.003-06:00

Late Saturday afternoon, I noticed glass and a broken outside dusk to dawn light that was on my barn. After looking closer, I noticed white hair stuck on it. Yep, AJ was dinking around and broke it. Still not sure how exactly he did it but the deed was done.

Quick trip back to Fremont to Menards and Bomgaars to replace a bag of feed and I was set to fix the fixture the next day.

Took the new fixture apart to see just what I had gotten myself into. Didn't look to hard, so was fairly confident I could get it done.

Sunday morning I decided that I should get out there and get that light fixed before heading off on the scheduled trail ride. Wasn't sure how long it would take but didn't figure it would take that long, come on, it was only a few screws and 2 wires that I needed to re-wire. HA!!

Put AJ out to pasture, really didn't want him helping me while I was on the ladder. Was bad enough when he was trying to help me when I was standing on a bucket.

Got my ladder set up and started tearing the broken fixture off. Ok, I didn't take into consideration that the real electrician had put silicon calk over the self tapping screw. Had to pry that stuff off before I could get the screw out. That took a while. Finally got the screw out--where is my electric drill when I need it??? Hmmmm, didn't disassemble the hood and socket before I took the base off, and what am I going to do with all these parts??? The top of the ladder isn't big enough to balance everything. Plus my ladder is about 4 inches too short to lay the fixture's hood on without pulling wires out. HMMM....dang it, just dropped the screwdriver. Well, let's hope that the weight of the fixutre doesn't yank the rest of the wires off as I climb back down to retrieve my screwdriver.

Ok, get the screwdriver back and removed the damaged hood and just dropped it to the ground. Need the space on the top of the ladder for everything else. Now is the fun part, putting the new hood on and re-wiring the socket. Hmmmm, there wasn't this additional wire in the other fixture, but if I put everything back together like it was when I took it apart, it should work right???

Feeling pretty confident putting the red and black wires together and putting that little black cap on.

Now on to the more challenging connection, putting 4 white wires back together and putting that little black cap on. Dang it, the little black cap thingy just fell off the red and black wires.

Hmmm, maybe it would be easier if I attached the hood back to the base before trying to wire this thing. Hmmmm, the hex end thingy fell and is on the ground now too. Dang it!! Ok, don't fall apart while I climb back down...Cora stand over there, I don't need your help too.

Alrighty, got the hex end, the little black cap thingy and I'm back to re-wiring all 4 of those white wires. Got them all put together and the little black cap thingy screwed back on tight. Got the red/black cap thingy back on tighter than I had it before.

Now to put the base back on the barn. hmm, where is that self tapping screw?? Found it.

Got all the pieces put back together--Check
Got the hood adjusted so it's pointing into the paddock--check
Got the lightbulb back in--check
Turn the power back on--check

Took the ladder back to the house and loaded my horse and dog up to go on our trail ride. Whoo hoo, feeling good now.

Got home last night right at dusk and what do you think I saw-------the light coming on at the barn!!!

I briefly worried about the dang thing catching fire and I still need to get some silicone caulk to seal it back up but it's working!

Taste of Winter

2008-11-08T10:09:00.002-06:00

After enjoying some warmer than normal weather, we got slapped with cold rain, a little sleet and stiff northwest winds. Guess we could be looking at snow on the ground like South Dakota is.

Within a week though all of our leaves have been blown of the trees, I have a lovely drift of leaves by our garage, the cornfield has been harvested and I can see to our pond through the woods.

I think the hardest part of adjusting to this cold is the darkness and the cloudy/gloomy weather that comes with it in addition to the bite in the early morning when I stop to feed the horses on the way to work. This morning though, I didn't have the comfort of my truck. It was time to break out the Carhart Bibbies.

We still have things that need to be done around here but Mike's in Deer Hunting Mode right now, at least until next Saturday. Maybe the weather will turn for the better and we can get the skidloader to spread the sand and I can start building another burn pile in the ravine. Still need to get wood cut and the snow fence up. Maybe I'll pound posts today so they are up and all we will need to do is wire the fence to them.

OR Maybe I'll stay inside where it is somewhat still warm at 65 degrees.

Nah, need to get stuff done and I've been lazy enough this morning...heck, it's 10:30 and I'm still in my jammies.

Trip to Colorado

2008-11-02T08:10:00.002-06:00

Back in July I booked a flight to see my sister. Was pretty dang excited to get the cheap rate from Southwest--$69.00 each way, can't drive for that price.

Jen picked me up in Denver Friday morning at 8:00 and we checked out a Dog Daycare that has 2 large indoor pools for the dogs to swim in. Very nice, not something that I want to pursue though, unless the perfect opportunity came. Let's just say, drywall and water are not a good match.

We had a great breakfast at The Egg and I. YUM is all I can say. I think Jen wanted to hit the outlet mall in Castle Rock, I really preferred to just get down to her house. I was starting to feel the onset of a sinus headache..NOT COOL.

Got back to her house and took an hour nap. Then it was on to our spa day. Hour massage and I decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love. We cut off 13 inches again and restyled my mop. Let's just say it's SHORT and doesn't go into a pony tail. I know it will grow back and most likely grow fast so I'm not too freaked out about it....yet. Hubby hasn't seen it in person, just a camera phone pix that we sent to him.

Got back to her place around 5:00 and had tacos for supper. The boys were excited to go trick or treating and headed out around 6:30. Jen & I stayed home and answered the door. Not that many out which is bad because now we have all this chocolate candy!!! Butterfingers are not my friend :)

Saturday morning we did some shopping for the boys and then went out to lunch. Jen & I had a date at the riding stable near Garden of the Gods. We've rode there before about 5 years ago and I was looking forward to going again. Jen got 'stuck' with an Appy mare that had a bit of a tude towards my Paso Fino gelding. She also had a bit of a mind of her own. When we came across some scrub oak, she made a beeline for them and back up to itch her udder. It was totally funny and Jen could not get her to stop until she was ready to stop. She did that a couple other times and the wrangle said that she had just been wormed so wasn't sure what was going on. I suggested that maybe her udder was itchy. The Wrangler had as much fun as we did. He tried his best to tell us the history of the park and to point out different spots of interest. We kept talking about his horses, the stable horses, other topics not related to the ride. I did find out that there are 23 miles of trails there and that there is a spot for people to haul in to ride!! and other stuff not regarding the park. I loved riding there, especially now that I have done other rides. The terrain is rocky, powdery red sand, climbs, drops, stair steps and beautiful scenery. I was impressed that the city has taken measures to help prevent erosion on the trial. That was new since I had been there last. Since the ride was going ahead of schedule, our guide offered to let us get off and go in the trading post if we wanted. Jen and I had been there before so opted not to. I don't think they normally do that especially with novice riders getting on and off the horses.

The boys headed to a hockey game last night and Jen and I hung out at home watching the Huskers get killed. We also watched some other show that she kept flipping to. I think it was House Hunters. Pretty cool to see old homes get fixed up, too expensive for me to do though.

Today we are heading to Palmer Park to do some geocaching---Maybe. They got a GPS a few days ago and want to try to figure it out. Great, they are asking me how to do it!!! Jen and I downloaded some coordinated from the internet last night so at least I got that done. Now to figure out how to do it on the GPS. Mike is the same way, honey figure this out and show me so I don't get lost in the mountains. He made it home so I guess it worked.

My flight leaves today at 4:50 and I'll be back home by 8:30. I do miss my critters and my hubby, notice how I miss the critters more??? I tend to 'worry' about their care when I'm not home. Controlling? No, just know that Mike may not catch something that I would. Although, he did say that he checked the horses over for me pretty good Saturday--no one had any burrs stuck in their tail and no cuts or anything. Thanks hubby!! **before I left on Friday morning at 5:30, AJ came up with a cockleburr branch entwined in his tail. I debated on leaving it and dealing with it when I got home or brushing it out and risk being late. I opted to brush it out, thankfully, I had sprayed show sheen on his tail the day before because he had picked up some burrs when Dad and I were riding.

Well, I hear people moving about upstairs..and I'm hungry!!!

Mojo Meets Newt

2008-10-26T08:54:00.003-05:00

This is Newt, he's about 8 or 9 years old and has been around the block a few times. I adopted him from The Nebraska Humane Society 4 years ago after I lost Stache to a broken leg. Newt had come to NHS as an intact male tom cat. He was adopted, but returned due to litter box issues. He now leads a full-filled life in my barn and tack room, although, he secretly wants to be inside when the weather turns cold, as he displayed this morning.

Mojo had been playing, racing up and down the hallway, dragging his toys around. After about 30 minutes of that, it was time for a potty break. Normally, he runs off the deck, does his buisness and then wants back in. This morning though, he just sat at the stairs looking at something. Well, that something was NEWT! Newt jumped the fence and was coming up the deck, he wanted inside where he knew it was warm, well, warmer than it is outside! I thought for sure that Newt would nail Mojo when he pounced on him and I'd have a bleeding, screaming puppy on my hands. Nope, he just stood there, taking the mauling that Mojo was giving him. I mean, Mojo, all 12.6 pounds of him was sitting on Newt, biting his ears and swatting him with his feet. All Newt would do when he got sick of it was give the look as you can see below. I couldn't help but laugh! Stone and Kitten were not enthralled with the cat on the deck and wanted to eat him. Kitten went as far as to growl and swat the glass to get Newt to leave. Um, honey, Newt outweighs you by at least 5 pounds and lived on the street so knows a thing or two about cat fights.

Excuse the nose prints, foggy window!! Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and tried to shoo Newt back over the fence. It wasn't happening. Mojo wasn't scaring him and he wanted some loving. Mojo thought it would be fun to chase Newt, Newt just turned and swatted him a time or two, claws retracted so no damage was done. He needed to have them out just a tad though to get his point across. Mojo thought he was playing!
Poor Newt, all he wanted was to be picked up and cuddled a bit, not harassed by a puppy!

Save me momma!! That bratty puppy is after me again!!

You want some of me punk? I'll show you a thing or two, come here boy....

I'm warning you!!!

****Disclaimer--NO Animals were hurt in this photography session. Newt is happily tucked away in the garage on a bed, ever waiting for the door to open so he can come inside--sorry dude, not going to happen here, Kitten and Stone would eat you for lunch, well, they'd try anyway.

Mojo & Stone adventures

2008-10-22T07:49:00.006-05:00

Monday afternoon was the last nice day that we'd be seeing in awhile. I took that opportunity and ran Mojo & Stone in the yard. Stone, being the great hunter that he is, found a mouse nest at the bottom of one of the many oak trees we have in the yard. I knew he had something by the way his tail was wagging. Mojo wasn't sure what all the commotion was about, but was right there with him smelling. I just happened to see the mouse boogie up the tree. What are the odds that I'd spot the critter in a fork, looking back down at us, shaking in fear? I was cursing that I didn't have my camera so ran to the house and back, hoping the mouse hadn't taken the opportunity to bail. He was still there, traumatized by the loss of his home.

After that excitment, Mojo and Stone got down to playing. This was the first time that Stone actually played with Mojo and Mojo wasn't scared of the rough housing that Stone does. It was cute when Stone changed roles and was the chasee instead of the chaser.

Excuse the blurry photos, the sun was going down and there was a lot of fast action going on.

Mojo-10 Weeks

2008-10-16T17:47:00.002-05:00

Mojo!!!

Well, this little guy has taken over my life! Not much time to surf the web, catch up on emails or update webpages. Kitten was finally able to sleep in the bedroom last night. He hid under the covers until Mojo woke up at 4:00 am ready to rock and roll. Cora & AJ have had the past 2 weeks off, all that I've really done is feed, pet, fly spray them and clean the pen. What is wrong with that picture? Tonight I thought briefly about riding AJ until I saw how muddy he was from rolling. So, instead I took Mojo for a walk in the tall grass along our driveway and a little exploring in the woods. He was pretty comical running in the grass. It would tangle his legs up and he'd flop over on his side just to pop up and run again.

He also had fun exploring in the woods. Lots of scents and things to check out.

We worked on his recall and he has figured out that "Mom" has food in her pockets and is easy to pimp. A nice sit and a sweet cock of the head will get a piece of kibble.

He's not too happy right now, locked up in his crate to get some 'crate time'. He's been a little spoiled and allowed to run amok or is tethered to the coffee table. He needs to learn that the crate at home is pretty similar to the one at work.

Looking forward to this weekend though and getting some horse time. Cora probably has other thoughts about that though!

Mojo

2008-10-11T14:16:00.003-05:00

wow, this week went fast--part of the time anyway.

Mojo is fitting in pretty good. He needs to stop getting up at 3:00 am to play with the cat though. The alarm goes off at 4:15, so I'm hoping that he will start to sleep in a bit. May be that the moonlight has been shining in on us and waking him up around that time.

We got the little wading pool out since the weather has been warm. Mojo had fun jumping in and out and trying to dig to China. Water was flying everywhere!

He's adjusted pretty good to going to work. Sleeps on my lap going and sleeps in the back on Stone's duck down comforter on the way home.

Stone is starting to tolerate him a bit more and is actually trying to play with him. His tuff dog shell is starting to crack towards the baby.

Our home will not be the same for awhile. Mojo has drug out toys, crunched up waterbottles, articles of clothing-his favorite are Mike's socks and shoes. Typical Griff trait though is to carry the shoes around the house. I think they get a kick in watching me walk around with one shoe on looking in all of the rooms for it's mate. Sometimes it gets bad and I have to call Mike to see if he's seen the dang shoe. At least Mojo isn't taking them outside----yet. Stone has taken a few out in the past.

Kitten has become friends with Mojo. Guess he didn't have much of a choice though when the puppy would smack him upside the head with his paw. Kitten intimidated Mojo the first couple of days with his hiss and fake swat. When Mojo knew it was a bluff, the game was on. Saw Mojo grabbing Kitten's ear last night behind the woodburner. Bet Kitten was remembering when Stone used to drag him across the floor by his ears too. If the cat really wanted to be left alone, he could jump up on the counters, back of the couch or hide. He's not that upset about the newbie.

I should be outside mowing since "The Baby" is sleeping!!!

Meet Mojo!

2008-10-05T18:31:00.005-05:00

Whew, finally have some quiet time to write. Granted, I now have a sleeping puppy on my feet and am doing contorsionist moves to type on the keyboard so I 'don't disturb the sleeping baby'.

About 10 weeks ago, I found an ad for Griffon Puppies. I emailed the breeder and found out more about the bloodlines etc. I really liked what I saw on paper and asked to be put on the list for one of his males. Originally, I wanted a female, but dear sweet hubby talked me out of that.

Today was the big day to go pick up Mojo. Drove down to Mound City, Missouri and met Kevin. We ran a tad bit late due to Mike hunting this morning and then having to get something to eat. Who has time to eat when you are getting a puppy that you have patiently waited for the past 8 weeks??

I was glad to see Stone behave towards the pup and accept him. Mike started the spoiling on the way home. Mojo was crying in his crate so Mike grabbed him and put him on his lap. Well, it ended up that Mike also grabbed Stone's duck down comforter and put it on his lap for Mojo to sleep on. Stone was a bit miffed to say the least.

Had a quick potty break in Mo. Valley and onward towards home we went.

Did introductions to Tink and Kitten and did some exploring in the yard. He hasn't seen the horses yet, but they noticed him right away.

Stone is being a good leader and has only barked at him a few times when he's tried grabbing his hair. That correction is going to be allowed within reason.

I have to say though that Mojo seems to have more spunk and energy than Dunc and Stone did or it could be that I've put those initial weeks out of my mind :)

Mike and I are still toying with the registered name but are leaning towards Kansakaw's Crown Royal. Need to find the other "C" names that I sent to Mike for input.

Need to wrap this up, Mojo lifted his head at the cat jumping off the counter, luckily, he just stretched, moaned and went back to sleep!

Cowgirl Weekend, the rest of the story

2008-10-01T18:21:00.007-05:00

Wow, I am so glad that I had this opportunity to travel with Tammy and hang out with 18 of my girlfriends. I was a little apprehensive on taking this trip. Mike was out of town and Lolly was in charge of caring for the animals. I also wasn't sure how Cora's arthritic joints would hold up on the ride and climbs that were in store for us. I shouldn't have worried at all as Mike got home late Thursday night and Cora was sound and ready for everything that came across her path.

Thursday morning, I was up early and ready way before the estimated leave time. Got on the road early and was to Tammy's by 7:45. Hit the road to Kansas by 8:00. That is a fast vehicle switch.

Played the "I Spy" game on the way down. Called some of the other ladies that were coming to see where they were at. Found out that some were in front of us by about 15 to 20 minutes and some were behind us by 30 minutes. Thought we'd all roll in around the same time. What a surprise when we rolled in first and we didn't even speed! Monica met us at the camp and helped us unload some things and drag our horse stuff to the corrals. Settled a bit and unpacked and organized camp, just a hair and then waited for the rest of the girls to come in. By 4:00, everyone was there and we were itching to ride. Were on our horses by 5:30 and on the trail to explore.

Cora was awesome, felt good, had a lot of energy and was ready to get out and move. Rode for 2 hours and then headed back to camp for supper. It was Team 1's turn to cook on Thursday so we gathered everything and were eating by 7:30. Crockpots, microwaves, grills were all going. Sam graciously gave up a few of her beers-Land Shark, not too bad either. But then again, most beverages taste good after a long haul and ride. My specialty for the Pot Luck was my crockpot lava cake. YUM! super easy to make, throw the ingredients in the crockpot and walk away. Timers work wonderful to make sure the stuff is done and ready when you get back. I was beat after a long day and not much sleep earlier in the week so I headed off to bed. Later, Tammy came in and said that Sully was colicing and that she was going to go walk him with Jan. Felt awful for Jan, but he was in good hands with everyone that was there.

Got up the next morning around 6:00, fed Cora and then got ready for some breakfast of my own. Again, it was our turn to cook and Breakfast Burritos were on the menu. I scrambled the eggs in the microwave, Tammy cooked the potatoes in the microwave and finished them up on the campstove. She also browned up some spicy sausage. Only thing missing was some Tabasco sauce or Pace. Hit the spot and we were ready to saddle up and ride. Friday we planned on hitting Horsethief Canyon and another loop, figured around 3 hours and then break for lunch and play some games in the afternoon. Horsethief Canyon was very cool. Sandy trails to rock, to limestone formations to stairsteps down the side of the canyon. Some of those stairsteps dropped 18 inches or so. Wish I could have taken photos of them as we were navigating. Had to concentrate on guiding Cora to the best place to descend. Also gave her her head to let her pick throw the rocky spots. Apache had a small brain fart when the terrain turned to yellow/red colored sand. He did not want to step in it.

Once through the canyon, we took a loop that took us up the other side and through a stream. Very pretty scenery and a few more creek crossings. Cora has learned to LOVE water crossings. I think she would have swam the last one if given the chance on Saturday. That cool water felt good and I could feel her start to sink through her shoulders. Didn't really wish to have a wet saddle though so urged her forward.

Friday afternoon was pretty lazy until game time. I rode Cora in the game of Polo, she wasn't too thrilled with a large green ball coming at her and bailed out of the area. Told her that I should have brought AJ!

Friday's supper was just as good as Thursday, but even a tad better since I didn't have to fix anything.

Saturday morning we headed out fairly early to beat the heat. Headed back to the water crossings and a new canyon that ended up being fairly narrow and had some slick rocks. Cora did ok, but a horse that had shoes on slipped and fell. A few minor scrapes and an injured ankle to the rider. Broke for lunch in a nice shady area, Cora took the chance and grabbed a few zzzz's. Shared a Pringle with her and she wanted more. Rode up another rocky outcrop and topped out on the prairie above. It got pretty warm up there and didn't have much of a wind to cool us down. Opted out of navigating back down the narrow rocky canyon and took the long way around. Met up with the rest of the riders and headed back to camp to rest before "Steak Night". Took some cute 20's cowgirl style photos to commensurate the 10th Anniversary of Cowgirl Weekend. Took a short bareback ride with 3 others through camp. Looked at the lake, laughed at the horses not wanting to cross cracks in the road and spooking at their shadows. Listened to coyotes yipping in the distance and loved how bright the stars and milky way were that night. Perfection.

Headed to bed fairly early as we were planning on getting up at 6:00 for a sunrise ride.

I made myself get up early for this ride, the weather was warmish, clear skies and great friends. Almost all of us went on this ride, in the past it's been fairly cool out and I haven't wanted to get out of bed! Kicked myself at Niobrara when the early morning group saw a cow elk!

We started out by having a doe and her 2 fawns following us as we were going to the trail head near the water crossings. Sure glad the horses didn't want to take a dip, it was a bit chilly! We then headed on a trail that we had taken Friday morning and hit another water crossing. Came across a very photogenic area and took photos of us. The rest of the group headed on to Horsethief Canyon and we had to lope/trot to catch up. Loved the lope through the narrow trail that wound around trees and brush. Cora follows that stuff like a dog trailing a rabbit. Hit Horsethief Canyon and had to take the stairsteps back up the side. Cora had a lot of power in her hindquarters that about launched me out of the saddle a few times when she hopped up the rocks. Lots of giggling and talking was going on between us 4 that were in the back. The 2 hour ride ended too soon and breakfast was waiting for us when we got back. Biscuits and Gravy, juice and fruit.

Cowgirl weekend was wrapping up way too fast for us. We gathered around 4 or 5 laptop computers and looked at the photos that were taken over the weekend. Pens were getting cleaned, trailers packed up and campsites cleaned.

Tammy and I were back on the road, heading North by 11:00. Had a nice south wind to help push us home, would have gotten better mileage on the first 50 or so miles IF we had remembered to take the truck out of 4 wheel drive!!!! Dang it. Got to Chester with a few gallons to spare and filled up. Continued up Highway 81 with Kelly and Sam behind us. We peeled off just north of York and hit Hwy 92 to head for home.

I was home by 5:00, AJ was extremely happy to see my rig pull down the drive. He was running, doing happy bucks and just couldn't get close enough to us. He had to check Cora out when she got in the pen. She just told him, ya, I got to go to Kansas and what did you get to do?? Play with the cats??

I know that this winter when the wind is howling and it's too cold to ride, I will pull the photos up from Cowgirl Weekend 2008 and have a few smiles on my face and try to feel the warmth of the sun that we enjoyed. I image too that we will be planning where the next adventure will be in 2009.

Cowgirl Weekend 2008 is finally here!

2008-09-24T20:32:00.002-05:00

It's finally here, after months of talking, planning, looking forward to going and hanging out with the girls and our horses.

My first Cowgirl Weekend was 4 years ago at Brush Creek Ranch near Atkinson, Ne. The year after that was at Niobrara River Ranch in Valentine, Ne and last year was at Turkey Creek near Newcastle, Ne. All 3 places were just awesome to ride, challenging terrain, beautiful scenery and great friends.

This year we are headed south to Kansas and I am so looking at just getting away from everything for a few days and having fun. Planning on hitting the road by 7:00 am and getting to Tammy's place by 7:45, switch vehicles, get Cora loaded and hit the highway.

Kansas or Bust!!!

Stay tuned for the full update and photos when I get back.

Ghosts and Guardian Angels

2008-09-21T22:10:00.000-05:00

Being that I seem to be suffering from insomnia at the worst time--Sunday night, could be because I'm missing Mike and hate sleeping alone in our big bed. Heck, even Stone bailed to sleep in front of his fan on the floor. I thought I'd put in writing some stuff that has been on my mind this past weekend.

Let's start with Ghosts. Yep, I believe they are around, good and bad ones and I've come across a few. When I was a teen, I loved to spend the weekend at my Great Grandma's home in Ralston. Vic and I would beg, plead whatever to get to go to Grandma Robbins. Once there, we'd do whatever we wanted, fix dinner, veg in front of the TV until ungodly hours. One weekend, we were there and Vic bailed on me out in the living room after watching whatever was on the boob tube at 2:00 am. I finally dozed off only to be jolted out of a dead sleep. **Now watch, I'm going to freak myself out and will never get to bed!! You feel someone or something watching you or standing over you? Yep, happened and I can remember this event that happened over 25 years ago. My eyes flew open, I froze, cold sweat on my feet, heart pounding thinking what the heck is going on? The room was pitch black, remember, you have to have the curtains closed, lights out when watching TV in the middle of the night! I slowly turn over and scan the room to see or attempt to see what was in the room. On the wall behind me was a large white figure just standing there--hang on, I've got to turn the light on!! Ok, better now. I roll over back to my belly and think oh crap, what the $hit is that??? I reach for the TV to turn it on to get some light on in the room to make it go away whatever it was. Worked and I went to bed and slept with Vic, she wasn't too happy with me waking her up at 3:00 in the morning but I didn't care...scoot over and give me some covers sis.

The 2nd ghost I saw was at my Dad's house. Again, this happened over 25 years ago and I can still remember the feeling and the vision as though it happened yesterday or this morning for that matter. I went to see my Dad in his/our new home over Christmas Break in 1984. Since my bedroom set wasn't moved in, I was sleeping in the basement on a couch. No big deal, I was a teenager, we did that stuff, plus he had a fireplace with a blower, cable TV and everything was toasty and good. The night before we went to see my Grandparents, we didn't have a fire going so we didn't have hot coals the next day. I turned the TV off and tried to go to sleep, somewhat like I was trying to tonight. Tossed and turned and finally rolled back over to face the room instead of the back of the couch. That was good until I opened my eyes again and saw these dang freaky green glowing eyes staring at me from the darkest corner from across the room. Dang it, I about peed my pants! I hopped up out of my sleeping bag so fast and ran up the stairs. My Dad asks me as I go by his room into what would be my room "Hey, did you see a ghost??" What the heck is that kind of question?? Of course I say "NO!" and go to my room and shut the door.

Yesterday on our way to Two Rivers, I was telling Devin about what had happened to me at 4:00 Saturday morning. She loves this stuff and played along for my benefit anyway.

Let me share what happened! Friday night I was finally able to fall asleep at a decent time, probably because I was exhausted from not getting any sleep the entire week before. I was happy, I had the house to myself, the bed to myself and I was going to sleep in on Saturday. Mike's alarm went off at 4:00--oops, forgot to turn it off! No biggie, I'm used to slapping it off and falling right back to sleep. Well Saturday morning was not going to go that way. After slapping it off and going back to sleep, I was jolted awake by someone whispering in my ear "JULIE". My eyes flew open and there was no way I was going to be able to go back to sleep after that. No one else was in the house to even speak my name! Not to mention, a few weeks before that our fire detectors were mysteriously going off, twice within an hour of each other and not since then. hmmmmmmmm, gremlins????

Devin of course laughed her a$$ off at me and told me some of her own stories.

Guardian Angels. Yep, I believe that I have a few that have watched over me. I know they have protected me when I should have been hurt bad. I tend to listen to that feeling that something isn't right and to not do something. Sure wish I would have called in sick that fateful day 7 years ago. Woke up with a touch of the flu..and I never ever get sick. Was going to call in but had a staff member call me stating that she was sick. So, I drag my butt out of bed and get ready. Leave for work on time and am headed East down Maple, headed towards Elkhorn. For some reason, there is a Semi parked on the shoulder in front of a garden nursery. I get over to the inside lane to give the Semi some room. At the bottom of the hill is a stop sign/crosswalk. I saw a station wagon stopped there and started to slow as I was coming up on a speed zone. The kid driving did not see me coming and pulled out in front of me. Long story short, even though my airbags did not deploy I walked away from that crash with just stitches to the inside of my mouth and nose--you really don't want to experience getting lidocane shot in your nose to deaden it for 8 stitches. Ok, so I have some minor nerve damage to my nose and gum line and had a numb tooth for 8 months, I could have been hurt badly. As it was, the kid had a bad concussion and they had life flighted him because they thought he had a bad head injury. My Durango didn't fare as well, had over $11,000 damages to the front end. Not a good day.

There have been other times that Guardian Angels have stepped in and saved my a$$. Flipping 3-wheelers over on me in the dark, walked away from that with a sprained knee that will grind every now and then. Riding out a spook and bucking at a gallop downhill, when everyone else hit the ground when a deer startled the horses and those are just a few things that have come to mind, walked away from that with bruises to the inside of my thighs from hitting the pommel. And those are just a few of the things that I have walked away from.

Well, being that it is now almost 11:00 and my Bailey's and Butterscotch is finally kicking in, I'm going to try to get some sleep before my alarm goes off at 4:30 tomorrow morning. Sucks opening on Mondays.

Acorn Bombs!

2008-09-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

Acorn Bombs you ask? Let me explain this fall phenomonen.

Each spring our lovely Oak trees bloom, drop huge blossoms in our gutters and then produce bucketfuls of acorns for the wildlife-mostly the deer to eat.

Last year due to the late frost we didn't have any acorns so I had forgotten about the dangers of walking outside when they start to drop.

This year has been a bumper crop for them.

About a week or so ago, they started dropping. We'd be sitting in the living room watching TV and hear them dropping on the roof like hailstones. Thunk, Thunk, Thunk.

Yesterday with the wind and the rain we had, many of the little acorn bombs fell. It was a bit 'dangerous' to walk out to the car that was parked under a tree. Those little suckers kinda sting when they drop 50 ft and land on you.

I get a little gunshy when I hear leaves rustling from an acorn that is bouncing on it's way down to the ground. This morning I stopped and watched a double acorn drop 5 feet in front of me. That would have left a mark I'm sure :)

Our deck is covered with the husks and nuts, it's a bit tricky to walk out there in stockings or barefeet. You learn to walk softly so if you do by chance step on one, you don't bruise your foot. Mike hasn't learned to do that trick yet! :) evil laugh.

Walking out in the grass is another matter. They are hidden landmines and it's just best that you wear shoes during this time of year.

The woods are covered in acorns now and part of our woods looked to have a layer that was 2 inches deep. The deer are going to be eating good until the first snow falls.

Tatoos and Belly Button rings

2008-08-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

Since January, a bunch of us have been working extremely hard to tone up and lose weight. Tammy has probably hit her goal as are a few of my other friends.

I am just going with the flow of things. I've lost weight, toned up and am happy with how things are looking-does that sound conceited or what?! It would be nice to drop another 5 to 10 pounds and get back to my college weight, but if it doesn't happen, I'm not going to stress about it.....too much.

A good friend recently brought up that she is going to get her belly button pierced. When another friend said she'd get hers done too, I jumped in and said, Ok, let's go for it. I have since rethought about it and am not sure I can stand someone fiddling with my belly button, let alone having something stuck though the skin there! We've given ourselves until the end of September to flatten our bellies just a tad more and then go for it.

SOOOOO, I have now been thinking of getting a tatoo, not a huge one or one that will be visible unless I want it to be visible.

I'll keep you posted on my final decisions!

Check out this crazy looking buck!

2008-08-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday is our day to pull the chips to see what has been through.

We saw this buck a few weeks ago, but the photo was blurry. We thought, Wow, that is a huge rack, sure wish it was clearer to see what is going on with it. What we saw were the tines that were upright and though that the whole thing was long.

As you can see, there must be some sort of genetic flaw going on with his rack that he is passing on. This younger buck looks to have the same sort of rack going on.

I'm going to have to make a bigger effort next spring to look for sheds to see if we can find these unique looking racks.

I'm not sure what is going on with this buck's left front leg, but at this point, he is not putting weight on it. The knee looks to be a bit swollen, he may have twisted it or done some tendon damage. There were other photos that showed the swollen knee and upper leg a bit better, but I didn't want to bore you with extra photos. Otherwise he looks to be in good weight and not suffering

Adventures in the Pasture

2008-08-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight as I was riding AJ along the road, I noticed that we have some of that "Bag Worm" in a tree that is in our ravine. Part of me wanted to just let it go since the plan is to remove those trees at some point. Another part of me said "No, you can't let it go because those dang things spread". So after my ride and after a wonderful supper of BBQ chicken and Mac & Cheese, I headed back outside to 'get the job done'.

Grabbed my favorite clippers, stopped at the barn to grab a bag to put the stuff in and headed down to "The Ravine". Now I don't really particularly care for this ravine as it is somewhat a mess. By a mess, I mean there are trees that are leaning against each other, holding each other up, nettles, and prickly stickery viney stuff that grabs your legs, and ditch weed that is over my head and is dropping seeds, and logs that are decaying on the ground under the weeds and are hidden, waiting to trip someone, and snakes, and other creepy crawly things oh and GRASSHOPPERS that don't let go when they jump on your bare legs!!

Now you are probably thinking, silly woman, why didn't you put jeans on when you knew you'd be going down to 'The Ravine'. Well, I didn't put jeans on because from my view on top of AJ from the road, the 'Bag Worm' bag looked to be hanging over the pasture grass and within easy reach from the ground. HA, deceptive little suckers they are.

I had locked the horses up because I really didn't need or want their help. Took the trusty 4-wheeler down so I didn't have to walk through the tall grass to get there. Once there, I discovered that the dang 'bag worms' were a little higher up than I had thought. It's ok, I'll just stand on the 4-wheeler seat and grab it with my clippers. That worked out ok until I thought about do I really want to be standing directly under this bag as I'm cutting it down....stuff was already falling in my hair when I grabbed the branch. Let it go and it zinged back up dropping more crap on me. I can only imagine what the people are thinking that drive by when they see me out there!

Rearrange the 4-wheeler which is now parked in the stickery, prickly vine stuff that I have to cut away as it is grabbing at my legs. Why didn't I bring my leather gloves with me you ask? Um, because I think they are in my trailer. Yes, I'm sure they are in my trailer...I hope.

Finally get situated and get the branch pulled back down. Cut the diseased branches and stuff them in a bag.

Newt decides to join me to see what adventures I'm going to give him.

Continue to look for more diseased branches and come a cross a thorny honey locust sappling. Ok, really wasn't paying attention to where I was driving and caught the sappling in the wheelwell. Had to cut that out especially since it was thorny, don't need the horses getting poked on that!

Head to the southside of the ravine, where the ditch weed grows rampant. Stop and cut some of it down so we can at least see the fence. I do see where the horses have been traveling so stick to their path. Newt gets side tracked and hangs back. Pop out on the other side and have to go through a patch of nettles. I really hate nettles and need to get back down there and spray them. My legs still itch a bit from that experience. Newt gets stuck back there too and I see the weeds moving as he's trying to manurver through. He gives up and leaps out. He doesn't care for them either!

Finish scanning the trees for more stuff and see that the turkeys have been living down there. Plus we still have mulberries that are in the process of ripening. I also see where the horses have been trimming trees to get at the mulberries--brats!

I call Newt over and he gets up on the 4-wheeler and we head back to the barn.

Later this fall, when the grasshoppers are gone and the stuff is dead, I am going to make it a goal to get some of that stuff cleaned up down there! Things kind of got out of control this spring with all the rain we had.

Trail Cams

2008-08-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

About a month ago, I talked hubby into putting our trail cams back out. You're probably wondering why didn't you just do it yourself silly woman?? Well, a few weeks ago, there were a slew of MOSQUITOES in those woods that would have taken me hostage and eaten me alive. Plus, Mike needs to feel wanted and needed sometimes :)

Anyway, Saturday mornings are the day that we (he) goes and swaps out the chips with new ones. It's like Christmas morning turning on the camera that we have inside and seeing the photos from the week before.

Mostly we see does, fawns, some raccoons, turkeys and some blow by's. Luckily, I haven't seen any opposum. They are one of the few critters that are NOT wanted or welcomed here.

Last week was a jackpot. I finally got to see how "Notch" is doing. He's a rather large bodied buck that has been frequenting our 'backyard' for the past 4 or 5 years. I feel that he was one of the original fawns that started visiting our feeder the first winter we moved in. He's pretty familiar with the layout of things and is not shy to come up to the feeder behind the house. Notch's rack isn't all that wide, but it sure has some width at the base and some funky looking tines. We never did find his shed from last year or the year before. Sure would have liked to have those in the basement!
We have been having some problems with the cams not taking color photos during the day. Not sure what is going on, maybe I have the settings too high and there has been too much haze so it goes to blk/wht? I don't know. Fiddled with the settings this past Sunday so will be interesting to see what shows up. Of course, I wanted to yank the chips Monday but we've been on the go go go since Saturday!
Here are my favorite photos from last week

Notch is identifiable by his ears as you can see. The one on his right ear happened about 4 years ago. The left ear happened last year, most likely during rut. I told Mike that if he does take him this year that it will be bittersweet.

Puppy Breath

2008-08-12T18:55:00.000-05:00

It's been 9 1/2 years since we had the smell of puppy breath in our home. Yep, I think I found the litter that may have an addition to our family.

I'm not even quite sure how I ended up on the website that I did, but I found an announcement for a litter of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons that were due on 8/15/2008. Hmmm, that seems like a good date. I'm one that believes in Karma and a little superstitious and feel that dates and things happen for a reason. I did some more research on the stud dog and dam. Low and behold, the dam is Stone's Niece. I looked a little bit further back and found on the stud side of the 'niece' was a pedigree similar to Duncan's. I didn't think that I'd ever find something like his again. I'm not real familiar with the stud's line of this litter, but I can tell you, it is full of hunting dogs that have been tested in NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association). Looked further and discovered that the stud OFA'd Excellent and the dam OFA'd Good. I'm happy with those odds. Now I know that fluky things happen and hips can have some issues. But at least the breeder of this litter did his research and bred something that should throw good genetics. I could actually spend hours and hours looking at pedigrees on griffs. Another dedicated breeder has compiled a database of over 15,000 griffons.

I hoping and praying that one of the males, yep, another male, will have the temperament that Dunc had. I love Stone, but wow, that boy has tested my patience more than a few times. He also is not tolerant of the barn cats, strange male dogs and will give 'a look' to strangers. Barking and size are good deterrents, but I don't want to always wonder if he's going to bite someone. He can give some pretty intimidating looks to people.

Pup will have his nose bent out of shape for a few days I'm sure. He most likely won't like the newcomer sharing his truck, his office or his mamma. I can only hope that after the initial shock, they will become good buddies.

Pictures will be posted as I get them.

Tents

2008-08-03T05:52:00.000-05:00

I haven't really been 'camping' yet this year. Sure, I spent a week at Fort Rob, but was sleeping inside a house, not really 'roughing' it.

A few of us Cowgirls are thinking of camping in a couple of weeks. The full moon in August falls on a Saturday. Plans are to have a moonlight ride if the weather holds out. After making that plan, I had a little panic attack, thinking where in the heck is my tent!? I haven't tent camped in, oh, 2 years. The last time I used my cute little tent was at Fullerton when we were at Broken Arrows.

Even then, I didn't use my tent to sleep in----it RAINED both nights we were there! I ended up in the back of my Excursion, which really wasn't all that bad. What the tent was used for was a storage place for all of my crap.

So, after tearing the house apart and asking Mike just where my tent was (he said we didn't have a tent! I'm sure he was having bad memories of the last time we actually camped together at Big Mac...bad thunderstorm, high winds, flooding, tent got blown over and washed away...bad deal), I found it tucked away in a cooler that we no longer use. How in the world it ended up in the cooler, I will never know. I gave a little squeal and pulled the hidden treasure out to see if there was any damage. Ok, remember, last time I used it, it rained and when I left on Sunday, it was bloody hot and humid and I wasn't in a mood to pack things away nicely! No damage, no mildew, some dead bugs and dirt. Found all the poles, stakes and rain cover thingy.

Now, the goal was to roll that thing back up to fit in the duffle it came in. I'm not quite sure how exactly they roll these tents up to fit in the micro-duffles that they come in, but you can never, ever roll them up tight enough to fit ever again. I thought I had done a good job on rolling it up and went to find the duffle. What the heck, it was still half the size that I needed. Ok, unroll the tent and re-fold it, smaller. By now, my knees have little imprints of the concrete in my garage. Got it folded and stuffed into the duffle. Dang it, I forgot the rain fly thingy, I fold that up and then squish it on top of the tent and pray that the zipper doesn't burst from the pressure within. Forget about putting the poles and stakes in there, there is no room!

I'm thinking that a living quarter gooseneck or a slide in camper for my truck is sounding pretty dang good right now!

The tent is now tucked away in my trailer trunk, so I will at least have it if I ever need it.

Victory Fighting Championsip

2008-07-27T07:16:00.000-05:00

Wasn't sure what to think when Mike said we got tickets to the fights for Saturday night. I had told him all week that my riding was depending on the weather and that I would go with him if it was going to be too hot. Well, Saturday came around and I couldn't get out of bed early. Got other stuff done around the house and at 12:30 I was kicking myself pretty hard for not meeting up with the girls for a morning ride. Oh well, got a ton of stuff done around the house.

Did a bunch of stuff with Mike before the fights started, hit up 2 Graduation parties and put over 150 miles on the truck!

Got to the MAC by 7:15 and found seats that looked good.

I actually had a good time watching the fights and the people walking around. Guys were strutting their stuff and you could tell which ones worked out and which ones didn't. Girls were strutting their stuff too, some looked a little on the cheap side though if you get my drift. When we were walking in, a group of girls were in front of us. 1 had jeans, 1 had shorts and 2 had short skirts on, 1 with red high heels and 1 with black high heels. Another couple commented on how 'classy' they looked.

A friend had his son fighting in one of the fights. He had a pretty good following and won his fight. Found out that he went to Kearney and wrestled there and is an NCAA two time champ. I think he graduated this year though and I kinda vaguely remember seeing his photograph in the last Kearney college magazine. Just didn't put Ellenberger together with Pineapple! I commented to Mike as Joe was fighting that it seemed like yesterday that he was a little kid running around. His brother Jake was there too, found out that Jake fights in the UFC ring and will be fighting here in Omaha in September.

The rest of the fights were pretty good, had a big following on some of them.

Some names that come to mind are Ryan Jensen and Alonzo Martinez. Both had HUGE followings.

Fights were over at 11:30 and we were home by 12:45. What a day and I have no idea why I am up at 6:30. Um, maybe because Mike was staring at me to wake up to find his binoculars??? I'm going back to bed!

I will have a garden next year.

2008-07-24T07:40:00.000-05:00

Last night I went and checked the tomato plants that Mike has in pots on our lower patio. Hmmmm, they are bone dry. I ask Lolly if she's been watering them and she states, no, there has been plenty of rain. Ok, tomatoes this year are a lost cause.

Since I haven't really used my round pen for much this year and Mike doesn't want to 'till up the yard'. I will till my bare dirt in the round pen and have my garden in there. Why not? My horses only really use it in the winter and spring when they can't get out to the pasture. Plus I still have the arena for them to tear up. It's at least 60 ft in diameter, secure fencing so deer and horses can't get in there. Water hydrant is close, now to keep AJ from dragging the hose out! I wish I had this brainstorm about 4 months ago!

So, I've been thinking for things to grow next year. Tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are on the top of the list. Green Peppers, Cucumbers, Zuchinni, herbs, maybe even some Acorn Squash will be thrown in for good measure.

ohhh, hubby's going to love me next spring when I ask oh so politely, "honey, can you rototill my round pen for me".

****UPDATE!! I chatted with hubby tonight about my brilliant idea of having the garden in the round pen next year. At first, he poo pooed the idea. After a bit, he came around to my thinking saying that the pen would most likely be the best place to put it. The deer wouldn't be likely to eat it..... I laughed and told him that I'd be reminding him this next spring when it's time to rototill it. He laughed back at me and said that if I could get the snowblower going that I could get the rototiller going and do it myself. Of course, I pouted and said that I wouldn't be 'strong' enough to get it going in the dirt. Gotta make him feel like he's needed every now and then still :) I didn't have any complaints though on what I wanted to grow and he even said why didn't I think of this idea a few months ago!

How cool is this??!!

2008-07-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

A couple of evenings ago we spied a little fawn eating mulberries next to my arena. I think it would be a cool photo op if I can sneak over to get it's photo without having a ton of fences in the way.

First, I see this cool sunset happening and get a shot of that.
I continue around our yard and edge closer and closer to the arena where the fawn is. Cora spies me and goes on alert to see what the heck I am doing creeping along on the ground.

Finally I have a chance to start photographing the fawn. And the first 10 shots are black!! Not sure what is going on with my camera or the settings but those photos didn't show up. Then the battery light starts flashing....dang it, hope that I can at least get some more shots in before it dies.

I creep a little closer to the edge of the arena to see if I can get some photos without the fence in the shots. Luck would have it that this little buck was playful and curious. He made a lot of eye contact with me but did not spook away.

Cora has to check out just what I am doing laying on the ground. Once she finds that I don't have any food, she leaves and goes back to grazing.

Even after I was done photographing the fawn and stood up, he didn't take off.

As I was walking away, the sunset captured my attention again so I crawled back into the arena and laid in the dirt to get this silhouette of Cora and the sunset. Ok, I had to watchout for turkey poop and other stuff!

It was a good end to a perfect day.

Welcome to my Blog

2008-07-18T08:47:00.000-05:00

I hope to use this to keep up with friends and family and to share my trials and tribulations of living in the country. 99% of the time, living out here is just plain awesome, it's that 1% that makes me wonder just what the heck we are doing.

A little bit about Whispering Oaks. Mike & I spent a long time looking for the perfect place to build our home. We found this place and even though it would need a lot of work, the potential was there. Nice open areas for the horses, woods for the wildlife and a pond to boot. Everything that was on our wishlist was met. Only downfall is that our commute to work is 35 miles each way.

I recently found some photos of the property when we first started to develop it. Compared to 5 years later you can see a huge improvement :)

Stay tuned for more happenings.