What a Week

Where to start, I guess at the beginning, hehe.  The Friday before Christmas got up early and finished packing, fed the horses and jumped in the truck with my husband and headed for Missouri.  Of coarse on Thursday I drove Sally crazy with instructions and phone numbers and what to do if this happens and who to call if that happens and where everything was, and who would come and help if she needed it.  Thought she was going to choke me before it was over!  I just knew how much work taking care of the horses would be.

We headed up the highway, and after about an hour and a half, Marlin was ready for me to take over so he could take a nap.  See, I let him go hunting Friday morning before we left so he was out in the woods at 5 AM.  Gave me time to get everything ready to go.  We made it to Festus in good time, beating the school bus to their house.  Kaleb had been asking all week if we would be there before he got home from school.  Of coarse mom and dad told him when he got off the bus that we might not make it, just as he walked through the door.  He was surprised!

After everyone settled down, we opened Christmas presents.  I wanted to enjoy watching them enjoy their presents while we were there.  Kobe was more interested in the packaging than the presents but thats what you do when your one.  Kaleb loved his Mario Cart Wii game.  Justin and Sara were very surprised with their presents too.

Then gave my dad a call and we went to Petite Paree.  Marlin's first time.  It's a really nice resturant in Festus that the family has been going to forever.  The watresses know what we're going to order when we get there.  Fille Mignon, medium and twice backed, house salad.  The best steak around.  And the ambiance is wonderful.  Was nice visiting with dad, told lots of stories, caught up with all the happenings.

The next morning got to go watch Kaleb play basket ball at the YMCA.  He is in a leaque there.  It was very entertaining to watch kindergarten kids play this game.  Anyway, got some good pictures and videos and Kaleb scored the most points, not that they keep score cause they don't.  And Kaleb gets made if you clap for the other team, even though everyone dose.  This is a picture of Kaleb going down court, looks better in the picture, haha.

Went back to the house after the game and just hung out.  Worked on dad's Christmas present.  Bought him a digital picture frame and put all kinds of old family pictures on it.  He really liked it.

Saturday evening we went out to eat with Justin and Sara and family to an Italian restraunt that Justin had found.  It was incredible!  Was stuffed and took home doggy bags.

Got up Sunday and checked out of the hotel and went to say good by.  Never seems long enough, they just live to far away or maybe we just live to far away.  Any way before we left dad brought over some of his garden fair.  Canned tomatoes, canned green beans, strawberry freezer jelly and black berry jelly.  He has a really big garden that he works really hard on.  He's a good cook too!

Before we left got this one last picture, Kobe had gotten the marchmallows out of the pantry and was having a great time shaking them out of the bag and then eating them.  I showed mom the picture of what her youngest was doing while we were carrying stuff to the truck.  She just laughed.

Then it was back down the highway to home.  Unfortunetly, I got one of my migraines within the first 30 minutes on the rode and was pretty much useless on the trip back.  My husband is really wonderful, didn't bat an eye while I was getting sick.  But we made it home and after 20 hours of being either asleep or wishing I was asleep, I came back to life.

Then three crazy nights at work.  Christmas can be really strange at a hospital.  Of coarse the unit was full, only really sick people come to the hospital at Christmas!

The weather was a real trip.  On Tuesday we had thunderstorms  all day and it was 60 degrees.  Then Wensday morning the temperature dropped and the blizzard came.  6 inches of snow, with ice underneath!  It was a real mess at work.  You can't leave until the day shift nurse is there to take report of coarse and of coarse everyone was late.  The hospital had employees picking up people for work.  Well, Perry, who I was to give report to couldn't get her car started and they couldn't get ahold of the driver to go get her.  My husband hat taken me to work and was coming to get me.  I called him and asked him to pick her up on the way, cause I couldn't leave until she got there.  Bless him, he did.  Found her house and didn't get stuck, almost, but made it threw.  I didn't get home until 8:30 in the morning, which when you live less than 10 minutes from work and you are supposed to get off at 7:30, it seemed like a life time.  Plus it was Christmas morning and I wanted to be home for the big surprise!!!

Sally and family didn't get to our house until after I got home, made it.  Sigh of relief.  You see, Patience's Christmas present was at my house.  What she wanted for Christmas and knew she couldn't have was a horse of her own.  You should see the video of her opening her present at home, the confussion when she gets a grooming bag with brushes and a bright pink halter and lead rope.  Mom points out to her that there is more in the box.  An 8 x 10 picture of a little chestnut mare!  Her name is Ffire Danser, her barn name is Rascle.  This picture is actually from today, her mom will post more I am sure on her blog, http://www.arabianhorsefamily.com/

I also got to give Sally her present for taking such good care of the horses while we were gone.  It is so nice to have someone you know will do a good job.  You don't worry quite as much while your gone!  Of coarse Chester had other thoughts about this present and the others were quite entertained by it!!

Sally had been saving up for a blanket for him and it had to be red.  He has done very well with the blanket.  He was pretty much saying at first, "you have got to be kidding,"  but by morning everyone else was jealous.  By the way, I have been accused by some of dressing the horses better than my husband!  It's probably true.

Oh, and just for a good laugh, my husband asked me to go with him last night to just sit in the truck by the hay barn and look for deer.  Well, he got over confident and went farther that the hay barn and then we were stuck in the snow for 45 minutes waiting for Pete to come out of the woods and pull us out.  Fortunately  Pete saw us, and Pete and Joe came and got us pulled out.  Now they are teasing my husband about me not wanting to go on romantic parking trips with him anymore.  They might be right, at least not in the snow!!!!!!

Hello...

It has been awhile.  I believe since before Thanksgiving.  We celebrated Thanksgiving on Wensday because I had to work Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  It turned out pretty good.  Marlin's sons were there, Chris with his daughter Kylie, Clint and Casey.  Mom was there, and of course Marlin and myself.  The meal was good.  I fixed brocholi and cauliflower with homemade cheese sauce and the picky eaters didn't eat any which left it all for me!!  If they only knew what they missed out on.  It is a tradition in my family, and is served at all the good meals, except breakfast of  course.  They all ate plain green beans and turkey and dressing and crescant rolls and lots of mashed potatoes and gravy.  I made mom backed sweat potatoes because dad and her always wanted that for Thanksgiving.  I bought the pies this year just to save time and they were good.  Then after everyone was stuffed we sat around and visited for a long time.  Lots of laughs.  It was a good Thanksgiving, lots to be thankful for.

Then it was back to work.  Seems like lately that is all I seem to get accomplished, is making it to work on time.  It has been very busy, lots of pneumonia.  A few overdoses, it is that time of year.  Sad.

Haven't been working much with the horses even though I know I really need to get busy.  Horse show season will be here and I won't be ready.  With deer season, that seemed to last for ever, the barn has been on hold.  Can't ride while everyone is out in the deer woods with big guns either. 

The horses have been real energetic lately but they quit playing when I go out to video them.  I keep trying.  Have some short videos from one morning when I got off work.  Need to fiqure out how to put them on here.  Need to discuss this with my IT person......OOOOOHHHHHHHH SSSAAAAALLLLYY!!!  Oh well, she's at work.

Making plans for a possible endurance ride in May.  It's sounds like fun.  Have to see how it goes!  Oh yea, need to start working horses.  Hhmmmm.  Gotta get motivated!!!!!  Don't know whats wrong with me.  And now it is bitterly cold so I don't think they'll like that too much.

Getting ready for Christmas, and yes it is CHRISTMAS, NOT HOLIDAY or some such.  Drives me crazy when someone thinks that politily correct is the way to go.  Remember, THE REASON FOR THE SEASON, along with lots of gifts and family get togethers and visiting and surprises and........

Think it will be a good Christmas, hoping, wanting......

Well, that catches me up to tonight.  Marlin went to see the boys and stay at their appartment in Stillwater tonight, sooooooo, I am here all alone with the dog coco and the cats, Ms. Black and Earl Grey.  Have a fire in the fireplace, hot chocolate to drink and made a crockpot full of deer chili, MMMMMMMMMMMM....It is 13 degrees outside so these are all really good things!  Doubt I get much horse working done tomorrow, probably be breaking ice and thawing out water hoses.  Cold is always better with snow, at least it is pretty to look at out the window. 

Well, I think I'll get back to the address book and making out a Christmas letter for everyone.  Maybe pictures next time.

More family time

I found pictures of Sara.  This is the serious side of my daughter in law.  Notice the smile.  It is always there!

Sara and Justin, big baseball fans.  Especially the St. Louis Cardinals!

Mom and Kaleb, always having a good time.  Notice, still smiling!

Kobe and mom, her smile is infectious.  I really appreciate that.

OK, change of pace!

This is my youngest grandson, Kobe.  he looks just thrilled to death with his halloween costume!

This is Kaleb and Kobe earlier this year in daddy's new convertable.  I think they like it.

Justin, my son, and Kaleb when they came to visit this summer.  They live just south of St. Louis.

Kobe, the innocent little monkey, on top of the head board.  He turned 1 in August.

Not sure where they are, but looks like they're having fun.  Kaleb is 5 and has started kindergarten this year and is doing very well.  He started basketball last week and I think today is they're first game.  Of coarse the one in charge of the scedule of games must be a woman because it is the first day of deer season in Missouri and even the coach won't be there.  Should be an interesting game!  Now I need to get pictures of Sara, my daughter in law too, she's always taking the pictures.

and MORE.......

This is from the Breeder's Sweeps Colts class.

The costume class.

I believe that is Adam's Afire.....He is awsume to watch, makes it all look so easy.

Halloween is here, (and gone now), a whole lot of people got into the spirit, hehee, and dressed up on Saturday night.

This is one of the Junior Stallions, was a beautiful class with Aria Impresario winning, Mr. Byatt was his handler, like the way he shows his horses.  I have a picture but I have to fiqure out witch one it is...........

More please....

They had a contest with Cowboy shooting off horse back.  The trainers got involved to raise money for he AHA research fund.  It was fun to watch, even the halter trainers got in on it, and were beating the English trainers.  It does look like fun.

This one I know is Rob Bick, I think he was for the Western team, don't remember.

This is Marg hiding behind her friend, Troy's puppy.  OK, it was not a puppy but a miniature Ausy and the sweetest little dog.  Made you just want to take her home.  This is right after Marg finished her trail class.  Rio did much better but didn't make the cut.

Highlights from Nationals!

Ok, this was a big highlight of the National Show.  This is Margaret Lucus, a great horse show friend.  She received 4 top tens in Pure bred Trail Horse, Open and Amatuer and THE Champion and Reserve Champion in Trail, Amateur!  Way to go Meg!!!!!!  By the way, Meg is a great person, very knowlegable, fun to be around and she trains her own horses!

This is MiKael from Mikael's Mania, a blog I follow.  She's from Washington State and a brave women, driving alone to Tulsa.  She didn't make top ten on her stallion, "Legs", but she looked great out there.

This is some of the Endurance riders presenting the flags for the final session on Halloween night at the Pavillion, I just think that's neet that they were there.  (Riding the green, for a change)

The halloween festivities were really fun.  They actually let these 2 into the Junior Stallion class on Saturday night.  It was an awsume class and everyone was having a great time.

Well, back to sort through more of the 200+ pictures I have.........

US Nationals!

It was an exciting week.  Got to see old friends, watch friends compete, meet new friends, shop and watch many, many beautiful horses.  Over the next couple of days I will post pictures.  Can't do it from this computer unfortunately.  There weren't near as many vendors this year.  The economy has really affected the shopping.  I did buy a few things.  A new dressage book, stirrups and show supplies. 
I watched show hack, western pleasure, hunter pleasure, working cow, reining, reined cow, country english pleasure, english pleasure, park horse, halter, costume classes, combination classes, cart classes.....the versatility of the arabian is amazing.  The classes were really deep this year, of coarse it is Nationals, but the horses were wonderful. 
Got to see Mike and Hollie, Cindy, Denise and Allen, Marg, Meg and family, Lisa, Kathy, Diane, a bunch of people from the Green Country Arabian Horse Association, Jay and Robin and the list goes on...
Sally took the kids on the first Saturday and they seemed to have a good time. 

The halter classes were great, watched many beautiful horses strut their stuff.  Halloween night was lots of fun with all the different costumes, people watching was really interesting.

Did lots of walking, talking, and just watching.  The horseback gun shooting was interesting and it was nice to see some of the big trainers get involved for a good cause. 

The endurance people were there the last night and presented the flags for the opening ceremony.  They also received there ribbons and trophies at the show.  I don't know how many times that has acctually happened that the competitions were in the same state at the same time to make that possible but it was really nice.

I think I will save the details and stories for when I get the pictures on here.  Makes it much more interesting.
It was a long week but entertaining and at times educational.

Count down!

Well, 1 1/2 hours to go at work, then 10 days off.  US Nationals, here I come!  Some day I will show at Nationals, not this year, but someday.  Wonder who I will meet, who I will see.  What awsume rides I will get to witness.  Old friends, new friends, good times.  Pictures and updates coming soon!!!!!

New day

It has been a long day.  So tired, don't know why.  Excited because I have just 3 more days of work then US Nationals in Tulsa.  Arabian horses for 8 days!  And shopping and learning and, and, ....

Today, Sally put a saddle on Chester and lunged him a little bit.  He did fine.

It's a good start.  Now I need to get started on the rest of them boogers.

Got videos from my son and daughter in law in St. Louis.  My youngest grandson, Kobe,  is finally walking.  Will try to put it on here, but not sure how just yet.  It makes me want to pick him up and hug him and never let go!!!!  I miss them!!!!!!  Kaleb their oldest is in Kindergarten, he sent me school pictures for my birthday.  Love them!  He had a really big week this past week.  He won a bike in a raffle at Dairy Queen, (and it doesn't have training wheels), then the next day he tied his shoes by himself, and then lost his second tooth!  What an exciting week for a 5 year old!  They grow up even faster when they are your grandchildren.  Need to go up and see them very soon!

Road Trip!

Wensday was the day.  Time to take the horse trailer back to my dad's house so the dogs have a warm place for the winter.  We got up early, feed, gassed up the truck.  Made lots of coffee and filled the thermoses and ON THE ROAD AGAIN!  Left home at 8:00 am and headed for Cabot. AR.  It's just  a little ways outside Little Rock.  Yesterday was a dreary, rainy day anyway.  The trip went fine, made it to the house by 1:30 pm and then got to visit for a little while.  Always nice to visit, and my older brother was there too.  Had some good laughs, caught up on some doctor stuff and then back in the truck for the trip home.  We made it home in time to watch the 10 o'clock news.  It was another whirlwind tour that we are known for.  Couldn't have done it without Sally's help.  She fed in the evening for me.  I don't think she knows how much I appreciate that!  Knowing your leaving someone in charge that is going to take good care of the horses is such a relief!!!

This is Moochy and Hoss, a mother/son team.  He loves his momma.

This is Bonnie, my cat.  I leave her there because I don't think she would make the trip and adjustment well.  She is approximately 20 years old and is perfectly content to live on the back porch, catch birds and mice and chase off the local raccoon that tries to eat her food.

This is dad.  He keeps it all running smooth down there.  Works to hard most of the time.

This is Sherman, (as in tank).  He is a purebred Walking Horse my mom raised.

This is Ravven, mom's pride and joy.  Registered TWH.  She is between 25 and 30 years old.  Not sure.  She is the momma to Sherman and Calley.

And this is Calley, Ravven's first foal.  She is also a registered TWH.  She was being standoffish.

Some how I didn't get any pictures of JR or my brother.  Have to get some next time.  It was a good trip though, and great to see everyone.  Now back to work and reality....

More trail riding....

The trail ride started sharply at 9:30am as posted.  everyone was ready to go and the one riding the paint was back on his horse.  It was still pretty chilly and everyone was dressed for warmth.  Started off pretty simple, but didn't take long to find our first hill.  It was down hill first, then across a small stream and back up the hill.  At the top of the second hill my husband was laughing, said he was waiting for me to slide off the back of my horse.  I explained to him that that wouldn't be happening.

There were a lot of different horses and mules.  The was even a zorse.  It was dark bay, but you could see the zebra stripes.     

                                                            

This is what Sally calls a self portrait, she had the camera so there are no pictures of her riding!

Lots of pretty views.

Of coarse most of the pictures are of the easier spots on the trail.  Hard to take pictures when your hanging on.

Marlin and I following along.

Back to base for lunch.  Lunch provided.  It was nice.  Had a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.  Everyone relaxed.

More to come..........

Wow!

Well, survived the weekend.  We decided to go on the trail ride to benifit Diabetes Education for the community put on by the Hospital here.  I worked Tues., Wens., and Thurs. night.  It rained Thurs., alot!  I think we got over 5 inches of rain.  It didn't flood too bad but Friday when I went to feed the girls, the ones going on the trail ride early Sat. morning they were covered in mud and had burrs in their mains and tails, lots of burrs.  UUGGGGGG.  They didn't look like that that morning, what were they thinking!!!!   So, on the spur of the moment I hooked up the trailer and Sally helped me move them over to the house and put them in the stalls there.  We would just have to start at daybreak to try to clean them up.  And it would be cold so probably no bath either.

Saturday morning I was up at 5 o'clock making sure all saddles and bridles were ready.  Oh, by the way, Marlin was out of town and didn't get back until about 1 o'clock in the morning Saturday morning so I was on my own getting stuff ready until Sally got here.  Sally arrived at 7:15 while I was feeding.  She started working on burrs and mud.  Fiqured we had to leave by 8:15 to get there on time.  Somehow we did it, got them cleaned up, the trailer loaded and everyone in the trailer.  Off to the ride.

It was very cold, 34 degrees when I got up, but everyone was ready.  The ride was on a ranch just 20 minutes from the house.  It was wonderful, very scenic.  Sally took 141 pictures.

Saddling up in the morning.

Marlin and Garry, Marlin with new hat

Everyone is ready to start.

Was a good turnout and some even spent the night Friday night.  Too cold for me.  No electric or water on site.  The horses were feeling pretty good with the cold weather and someone on a paint got bucked off before everyone was ready to go.  What a way to start your day.  Guess it was like the old cowboy days.  But the sun was shining, no clouds and no rain!  I was a little nervous.  We had the only arabians there and I was the only one riding in an english saddle.  Just call me crazy.  Well 9:30 and time to start the show!

More to come...........

Tulsa State Fair!

It has been a very busy, but rewarding week.  Last Tuesday was very busy, after getting off work at 7 am and sleeping a few hours the packing and preparing for the show started.  Getting the trailer ready for "camping out" at the fair.  Getting horses ready.  Without Sally and family it would have been almost impossible!  Sally bathed horses, helped pack and we had time to clip horses before the sun went down.  To bed early, so rise and shine on Wensday.

Wensday morning, 5 am, wide awake.  Start gathering last minute stuff, checking to make sure everything is there.  Packing more in the trailer, planning how the day will go.  Sally and Patience were here before 8:30 and moved all their stuff from one vehicle to another.  Everythings packed, feeds in the truck, hay, shavings, now horses.

The loading went great and Sally didn't panick, Chester almost beat her into the trailer.  He had a short small fit after the door was closed, then off to pick up Prize and on to Tulsa.  We were in Tulsa and unloading before 1 o'clock.  Doing better than I thought.  After the unloading, Marlin went home to feed and will be back tomorrow with Mom to watch the show.  Set up our "happy home" for the next  days and then worked with the horses.

Of coarse, as soon as Prize went into her stall she came in, there were 2 stallions behind her, and my complements to both those stallions.  They were extremely well behaved despite her offers.  We did move her before night fall though, just in case.  But she was wound up for Prize.  Rode her in the arena and she calmed down after a while.  Patience had a practice session and did well.  She is very independant and was frustrated because I wouldn't just let her go!

Off to the trailer for planning for the next day and as much sleep as possible.  Woke Sally up at 5 am so we could all get a shower and have time to work with the boys before the show started.

Everything has gone quite well and we're dressed and ready to go.  Then, after all the hurry up, theres a big wait.  The fair has decided to use our arena to do a foto shoot.  It worked out though because I went ahead a braided Chester.  No braids for Tez, he is too western looking.  I'm pretty nervous by this point, I have never done Sport Horse in Hand before and neither have the horses.  Sally went first and did very well.  I was really proud of both of them, Sally and Chester.  The judge was really nice, and helpful.  I think he could see the fear and panic on our faces.  I made it through and Tex did OK.  Now off to get Prize ready.

During the break, I took Prize up to warm up and she was just full of herself.  She even crow hopped a little.  I was in a major panic, I can't let Patience ride her if she is going to act like that!  What to do.  I kept riding and she calmed some.  Finally Patience arrived dressed and ready.  Well, we'll give a shot but on a lunge line at first just to be sure.  Again, Patience is getting agrivated with me because I won't just let go.  Finally I got brave and let them go and Patience and Prize went to work.  It was amazing, the confidence that little girl has and the determination.  She paid attention to the other horses working and were she was going and did great!  I am still a nervous wreck!  Finally, time for their class and I walk them to the gate and tell them good luck. 

It was amazing, they did awesome!!!!  And at one point Patience was on the wrong diagonal and corrected it!  I was so proud.  I went out as header so Sally could take pictures.  Grinning from ear to ear.  I won't doubt Patience again.  And then the pictures, with her 3rd place ribbon........