D Arab Queen

So It's been awhile

2010-11-10T06:13:00.004-06:00

So yes, it has been months since I posted anything. Didn't know what to post. Lot of changes, lot of unanswered questions. A lot has happened this year. I always ask why and don't always get an answer, then I analyze and wonder and re analyze. Just a habit......

So in May, went to the spring show in Tulsa, in a lot of ways it was a disaster for me. I took 2 two year old's for halter, Prize so Patience could ride in the walk/trot class and Sally took Chester and Patience's new horse Rascle.

Sally and Chester did very well. Competed in Sport Horse in Hand, Geldings in a good size class, against horses that have won at Regionals in this class. He got a 3rd and a 4th I believe. I was very proud of both......

And Patience showed Rascle in Sport Horse in hand mares and did awsume, got a 2nd from one judge in a class of 7. Was extremely proud of both of them! They looked so good.

I, on the other hand had a nightmare of a show. First Sweety caused a scene and we couldn't put her in the trailer with anyone else, so we had to make 3 trips to the show. On the 3rd trip the truck broke down. Had to finish hauling horses the next morning. Was totally exhausted. Got all the horses there but just couldn't pull it together. Prize came up lame so Patience didn't get to ride. Never got to show Racheal, Sweety was still acting awful. Then finally the trip home. I was totally frustrated, exhausted, and out of sorts. Back to 3 trips with horses, everything was going well, then the 3rd trip down, a blow out. Took 3 extra hours before it was over. Random saved us on the side of the rode. Looking back was glad we hadn't picked up the last of the horses yet! So made it home and left it in the history books as my worst show ever.

Then Sally moved her horses, found a better place that was cheaper for her. She had some problems with getting a new job and such. She hasn't been around since.

Of course dealing with "family issues" all year has taken a lot out of me. But hanging in there.

Haven't got much else done on the barn but trying. Kind of on my own right now.

In August a friend from the horse show side of my life showed up and got me inspired again. Ended up taking Trucker to the Tulsa State Fair and showing him in Sport Horse in Hand Stallions. Was a much better time and a much better show for me. He was Reserve Champion.

Was getting more done around here and horses were back in the spot light in my life. Things seemed to be leveling out for me some.

And now winter is on its way and things seem to be falling apart again. I keep pushing and working and trying. Guess I'm hard headed and I'm definitely not a quitter. Have been riding Trucker some and the goal is Sport Horse under Saddle next year, maybe even all the way to Nationals in Kentucky. That's my goal anyway.

Did get to go to Nationals again. Watched some of my friends show and some win. It was great seeing old friends and meeting some new ones. It seemed to be a more relaxed show this year. Some of the same complaints, like "how can you put together a party around here." Although I did see a lot of champagne and wine glasses throughout the show. I guess for some it's about the party and the socializing and what...horses.....oh yea, it is a horse show. Did have wonderful comments from some locals that went out of curiosity, they were amazed at the beautiful horses and the versatility, they didn't know arabian horses could do so much. They thought the show was amazing and had a great time. I think someone should think about what is important to keeping this breed growing, parties and socializing or those wonderful, versatile, beautiful horses that make it all possible.

Just a thought...........

FtValleyStolenHorses

2010-06-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

FtValleyStolenHorses

2010-03-30T15:33:00.003-05:00

More work done! With the nice weather, they were able to finish putting up the doors on the first stalls in the barn. The boys did a nice job. It will look even better when painted and the wood on and the floors done.

They were welding the last latch on in this picture. Kept grumbling something about camera disappearing. I just laughed and told them to wait till they see themselves on line!

The doors are a little bit heavy duty, but should last a long time. My husband doesn't want anything getting out. I don't think they'll try.

I call it my elephant proof barn. Now I am excited to see what we get done this weekend! Maybe soon it will be back to training like I want to do. Have been lungeing horses but not real difficult work. My right shoulder is killing me right now and lungeing and unloading feed, etc. is only making it worse. Can't afford to take time off for surgery so just have to get through. First show is in approximately 6 weeks and I have to keep working to get ready.

The last picture is of one of the small outside doors. The top wooden panel folds down to let air circulate through the barn. That was my husbands idea. GOOD JOB!

Well hopefully, more pictures soon, either horses or barn.

New pictures, new progress

2010-03-25T16:51:00.004-05:00

Well look, it's a door! Not just any door but a door my husband designed and with a little help from friends built just for me! The top has bars and the wood folds down to let the breeze in. Of coarse they are dutch doors so the top will open separate from the bottom or together. They are heavy duty too, I told him to just make them so I can open them without a struggle and he did.

This is the inside of that stall, actually will be 2 stalls when done and right now it is serving as tack/feed room until that room is done. We call it elephant proof. I told him Autograph would be insulted for thinking he might need something this strong.

This is my husband and his partner in crime Pete, aka big gnome. My husband is little gnome and as of today they thought it funny to call me momma gnome! HAHA, I don't know about that. Back to the stall, It now has the bottom door on and the bars. Next the side wall and the wood on the inside of the stall and the floor leveled and it is done. Then the tack/feed room, the real one!

These 2 pictures are my husband working on the outside door. They also put up 2 more doors but I guess I didn't get pictures of those. Oh well, it is definitely progress. Maybe next week I see more progress.

Maybe someday I will have stalls to put horses up in so they can look like real show horses, all pampered and stuff. I have the hose boom for the wash rack, planning ahead. A little encouragement for my "little gnome". I have shelves, small refrig., saddle racks, all kinds of stuff for the tack/feed room. Been waiting for a while. Soon, soon.!

Spring is here and a new camera.....

2010-03-23T06:23:00.002-05:00

Spring is here! And the snow is almost gone!! Was trying out the new camera and it takes pretty good close ups. There are green things out there growing, ain't it wonderful.....

The only thing that was somewhat entertaining was Ms. Black. She was on the hunt for some excitement.....

She was just looking for something to do... or some way of getting into trouble I am sure...

Then Sally showed up and became my next victim......Her and Chester....

OOPS, forgot to rotate this one. I think he was telling me to just hurry up so I can get back to the green stuff that is out here!

Maybe today the mud won't be so bad and I can get prettier pictures of the horses. We'll see.....

Just some pictures

2010-03-21T13:30:00.003-05:00

Just some pictures from yesterday evening. There were many oportunities for lovely pictures but my camera wouldn't work right. The cardinals would be in the trees, or a Robin hopping along the ground or a wren on the side of the house...

Everytime I would try to use the zoom the camera would shut off. Or by the time a would get the camera and get back the birds would be gone.

Finally gave up and just took pictures out the windows.

It was pretty, looked like Christmas, but I am ready for SPRING thank you very much!

Weather!!!!!

2010-03-20T11:02:00.003-05:00

OK, it's official. Oklahoma weather is just crazy! The picture below is of my husband and stepson getting ready to go fishing yesterday, 3/19/10 at about 5:00 PM. It was 70 degrees and beautiful! Clint caught a 4lb 8oz bass and there were 10 other bass on the stringer. It was a relaxing day. Then.......

This is a picture of Clint and his bass just before he released in our farm pond. This was taken about 6:30 on Friday.

I got up this morning and when it was light enough outside, I took some pictures...

This is another angle of where the boys were standing just 14 hours ago.

They say this is just the start, the weather man says most of the snow will be tonight and tomorrow. You know the weather man has been wrong before. They were even wrong today, they said it wouldn't start till noon!

To wonderful Friends

2010-02-24T11:48:00.003-06:00

Sometimes you forget or just overlook how wonderful people can be in the midst of daily life.

With that said, let me start at the beginning of this week. It's been cold and muddy again, not much horse working going on, couldn't do shoes on the horses on Monday, maybe Tuesday, it's at least supposed to be sunny and in the 40's. So arrangements are made....

I have to recert ACLS Tuesday morning at work. No problem, get through quickly, then back home in time to eat a quick lunch and call the farrier. Everything is goin well at this point. Then the call......Clint, one of my stepsons calls....There's a situation, dad needs to come out, one of us is in trouble! Marlin doesn't have his phone, he's not home, off to look for him....call the farrier, cancel....AGAIN......drive around, find Marlin, make arrangements, he's on his way......Well, now what. Just take a nap......

When I wake up, things are looking up some. Contacted a friend about the puppy Sally found to see if she knew of anyone that might need a cute poodle type puppy. From there it seemed fast and furious. Anne FB me a message to send her a picture of the puppy and she would put it on FB. I sent the picture to her.....

She is really cute, after Sally spent all morning Monday cutting out the mats and burrs and giving her a bath. She is very sweet.

Less than an hour latter I get a message from Anne that she has a new home for the puppy, seriously, less than an hour! And it will be a wonderful forever home, sounds like. Talked to June, a nurse, and this little cutie is just what they have been looking for since she lost her other dog. Yea!!!! Really great news, I just wish it was always that easy! Can't tell Anne thanks enough!

Called Sally who was on her way home from work in Tulsa, she was elated. And a little bit latter, Sally tx me that her car is broke down so on to the next crisis!

The farrier called this morning just as I was getting to Sally's house to follow her to the shop to have the car looked at. It would die everytime you stopped or sometimes when you slowed down. Well, didn't think I would have time today either, cause the new puppy person was coming this afternoon, and had to make sure Sally and everyone was where they needed to be. He is very understanding, the farrier that is.

Oh, by the way, my husband finally called this morning and is getting everything straightened out in Stillwater with the boys.

So now I am home and all the wind is out of my sails and just not motivated now to do anything! Maybe a nap and then out into the sunny, maybe dry round pen to work horses. Sounds like a wonderful plan.......

By the way, I may turn my phone off.......

Not really.

Another good day...

2010-02-18T06:42:00.004-06:00

Was another sunny day, started off cold but warmed up nicely. Worked horses in the round pen again. This time started off with Sammy, a 2 year old colt. He did well. He is going to be English but his rear end will take some work. Really nice shoulder though.

Then came Gracie, another Diva. She either wants to stand still in the round pen and get attention or run with tail up and snorting. Not much in between with her. You end up just standing there waiting for her to stop. At times she starts off well, but then she sets herself off and away she goes!

Next was Tez, he is laid back. Needed laid back after Gracie. He is going to be an awesome western horse. And he's very smart. Makes it easy.

On to Sweetie again. She did much better this time. Behaved well, lunged nicely and learning whoa! It just takes practice.

Racheal was the next through the gate. She is very well mannered. She is going to be a great performance horse. My husband was there watching so he took some pictures with my phone. Not great, and you'll have to excuse the mud. Not warm enough yet to put the hose to 'em. But you can get an idea.

He could have left me out of the picture but he was asking what button to push. I had to stop and show him twice. Probably missed the great picture but this will do for now.

I grabbed Spot next. She is a half arabian, the other half is a registered Paint mare, Missy. Missy is a tobiano mare with lots of white. My husband bought her to breed to Trucker for color, well he got lots of color, almost liver chestnut with not one white hair on her. Have teased him about that for a long time now. I told him you don't breed for color. People can end up with something really bad. In Spot's case, got excellent conformation, a good mind, quick learner and found out today, she can buck like a quarter horse. No foolen around, she gets it done. She had just a couple spirts of bucking but they were all feeling pretty good today.

I worked with Narly too. He's not ready for the round pen but he was lead around and his feet picked up. He only threw one fit, and it was a short one. When Narly was younger, he threw a fit when being led and flipped over. Hit his head just right and had a seizure. Very scary, first time I had seen that. It took a week for him to recover and he has had no residual affects but I worry about him anyway. I definitely don't want him to hit his head again. So now he has his bluff in on me.

Was a great day to be outside. And then Sally came by to work with Chester. He got a hair cut...

After Sally worked with him on the ground, she got the saddle out and worked with him a bit. Not a whole lot of time in the saddle but he is getting used to having weight on his back. Taking baby steps so no one gets hurt, but lots of progress being made!

Sooooo, on to the next day...........

Baby steps...

2010-02-15T21:15:00.004-06:00

Had a great Valentine's Day. My husband bought me roses! First time. Must have done something right, just not sure what!?

And now for baby steps....Have been in a slump for some time. With the weather being so bad, cold, snow, ice, and then mud and slime, haven't been able to work any horses. But we have had a few days in the past week that have been decent. Today was cold and windy but I still worked with a couple of the now 2 year old's. A little round pen work to get them started. Ease in to it slowly, they seem to learn faster that way. Don't want to throw too much at them at once.

Racheal did fine, she's a quick study and seemed to remember what she learned last year. She wasn't bothered by the other horses around her when going to the round pen either. She's getting quite big at right about 15 hands, and she won't be 2 until May. She has a great engine on back, nice shoulder and really level headed for an Arabian/Saddlebred cross! She will do well at halter and then be an awesome performance horse. Hunter pleasure I think.

Then on to Sweety. Please take that name with a grain of salt. She is very sweet in a diva sort of way. She just loves attention and would also like to think she is the boss. Her mom was the Alpha mare and it shows. She is beautiful, a dark, almost black going to be grey. She is one week younger than Racheal but just as big. Going to be a big girl! But very feminine. Just loves to show off. She was a little snortier going to the round pen but didn't try to run off with me. Once in the round pen it was tail up and snort but she did listen to me. She is very athletic, loves to run. I believe she is a lesson or two behind Racheal, she needs to learn woe, (not sure how to spell that). But she did do better than expected. She'll be great in halter, if she learns to stop and plant, she wants to be close, might have something for her in your pocket.

At any rate, it was good to get them out and working. Hopefully the weather will hold out and I'll be able to work them and the rest again tomorrow and the next day! Would really like to ride Trucker tomorrow and Auti. I really need to get something done around here. Just have to take baby steps.....

Baby time!

2010-02-10T06:19:00.003-06:00

The weather has been awful and not much going on except preparing because of the predicted storms that thankfully didn't happen. This week we were supposed to get up to 12 inches of snow. All we got was flurries! But Terry and Linda Seimers got a new baby! A colt out of their Autograph daughter Daisy. She was out of a mare, Patches, who was 1/2 Arabian, 1/4 fox trotter and 1/4 appaloosa. What a mix, but a very good horse. Terry raises fox trotters but owns a purebred Arabian gelding by Autograph named Autographs Sport, and Daisy and at one time Rosie, Daisy's full sister. His neighbor now owns Rosie so she's just across the street. This is a very nice colt. Looks like he'll be black or possibly blue roan. Don't know what the blue roan horses look like as babies but he has a dull mousy colored coat. He also appears to be very "gaited". Congratulations Terry and Linda!

Here comes another.....

2010-01-27T14:48:00.002-06:00

Yes, here comes another storm. They are predicting up to 15 inches of snow with possibly 1 inch of ice underneath. Have spent the last two days preparing. Plenty of feed, hay for everyone. Water troughs clean and full. Hoses rolled up and put away. De icer's in and ready to go. Fire wood in the house. Laundry and dishes done. Food in the pantry. Let's see, flashlights, weight in the pickup, boots, blankets. Alcohol for the gas lines. Might have to explain that. We have an oil/gas well and our gas comes from the well. At a certain temp. the gas lines freeze and wallah no heat, hot water, stove. But if you put this alcohol in the lines it keeps it from freezing. Good thing my husband is the expert on all that stuff. Lets see, what else. Well, I think we're ready.

It has been nice weather for 2 days now, and I got to work Trucker, thank goodness. Think it will be baby steps right now, but it is progress from the funk I have been in. Getting more motivated. I am sure my family has given up on me. Haven't called to check in on anyone lately. I am sure Robert and JR are doing fine. They have their own weather problems with rain. Justin and Sara and the kids have backup near by. Chris, Clint and Casey have food, etc. They will all just have to understand that I have been busy and trying to get my mind wrapped around the horses and then wham, gotta get ready for taxes also. This weekend will be a good time to do that if we get all that snow and ice. Won't be able to do much else. I will try to call everyone too!

For now, need to go feed and check everything again, cause I have to work for the next 3 days also. Always when the weather is bad!

Funny Story

2010-01-20T07:17:00.002-06:00

Monday evening Marlin went to see his mom at the Assisted Living. He goes quite frequently, at least 5 days a week. Mom has a little bit of dementia and can be forgetful. After he had been there a little while, mom tells him, "Oh, the pharmacy called and you medicine is ready." Marlin asks what medicine mom, she says I don't know. Well what Pharmacy. I don't know. Well who did you talk to? I don't remember.

He came home and told me his story and we thought, well we'll figure it out eventually. She could have had a dream, she does that sometimes and can't distinguish it from real.

On Tuesday, I ran back down to the feed store to check to see if the new deicers were in. Oh yes, we called you mom yesterday and left a message for you.... Mystery solved........

Entertainment???

2010-01-20T06:44:00.003-06:00

OK, Monday was going to be a busy day from the get go. Had to get feed, the farrier was coming, needed to move things around....

Got up early, got the feeding done and moved a few things into the new temporary feed/tack room. Put up a shelf. Had to go get feed. Feed store doesn't open until 9:00AM and the farrier was coming at ten! Had to somehow pull this off.

Off to the feed store. The new de icer's weren't in yet, they'll call me. OK. So back to home base with the feed. On the way home, Mr. Burton, the farrier calls and wants to know if its OK to come at 11:00 instead. Suurreee, thats great....... Gives me a little more time.

As I pull off the highway and down the short road to our road, I look over and there is a midget horse with tail straight up, running around the west pen and look there's a dark grey --- and Spot --and Charm. Oh great. They have taken the fence apart again. Wish I had pictures of this. The one group in this pen are now in that pen and the ones from that pen are now in this pen. Get the picture? I thought, "what am I gonna do, and the farrier is coming!" Fine, you guys are gonna stay like this all day. If I try to get them all back to where they are supposed to be, they'll be so fired up when the farrier gets here we might not get anything done. Just let them calm down where they are. So I put the panels back together. By the way, they can undo the panels somehow and have several times. Usually when it is most inconvenient!

Got the fence fixed, the feed unloaded and now on to the farrier. This actually worked out pretty good. Good idea guys. We used the round pen to trim everyone. Racheal was good, Sweety has a mind of her own. Narley just said no, Spot was an angel. Little Eddie, (the midget horse I spoke of, he's a weanling), watched all with interest. Charm his mom hid in the corner of the pen.

On to the next group. One at a time I led them through, first Gracie, she did great. Then Red, then Chester wouldn't let me catch him, then Sam who was especially good, then Solitair. Still Chester wouldn't let me catch him. His mom will be real dissapointed in him I think. Then Tez. Finally, went to get Chester's red halter instead of the old green one. Quess what, he walked right up and put his nose in the halter. He just didn't like that other one, what a pain.

Then on to Trucker, he's not a problem at all. And then to Rascle. This farrier is new to her and she didn't particularly like the process. Anyway, got it done.

Still have to switch everyone back, which is the fun part. You see they have done this before and my husband always snickers cause he just knows that it will take forever to get it done. So I walk out to the gate in between the pens and here comes all the young ones. Open the gate and they all go home, and oh look, come here Gracie and Red, Soli come on. Here come the older ones, Group 2 through the gate. You would think that they did this every day! They like their own feed buckets I think and it's getting close to time.

Anyway, it was a very entertaining day. Pictures would have made the story better, but didn't have the camera with me. Probably would have thrown it at them in the beginning anyway!

Busy, Busy

2010-01-20T06:12:00.008-06:00

The Barn has been sitting untouched for a while now and then Sunday somehow I lit a fire under my husband and we got something done. It's a good feeling to actually get something accomplished! Especially after this past few weeks of getting nothing done. And Sally and Random showed up just in time to help out us old folks, so we got more done than we thought we would!

I know in the pictures it doesn't look like much but it is a whole lot to me! and this stall is elephant proof thanks to my husband. I tease him about that all the time.

For right now I will store the feed and tack in here so I can clean the trailer out. He has started on the work to get the floor done in the tack/feed room so hopefully this will be a short temporary thing.

And thats how we spent Sunday. The sun even came out for a while! Was really good for the soul.

Something educational or at least useful!?

2010-01-17T08:21:00.004-06:00

OK, something new. Cause these blogs have been really boring the past couple of times, I am going to try to do something educational, helpful, fun or just not boring!

First go:

Here in Oklahoma, most hay is wire bound. I know that isn't the way in all states, but that is how they prefer it here. It can cause problems, especially if you forget the wire cutters and it's a really tight bale.

Also when you open a bale, and this happens with any bale, no matter how it's closed, the ends flop over and sometimes you lose a flake or two. My solution to this is to bend the wire at a little more than 90*, (that's degrees).

Then, pull wire gently, so as not to pull it out...

and stick the end back into the bale. Do this to all 4 ends if necessary. It holds the bale together good enough to keep it from falling off the pile. It is not sturdy enough to stand on or move. For that you actually have to twist the ends back together.

This has helped keep hay out of mud, water or just from being wasted on the floor or where ever. Hope this was helpful. Of coarse, you all probably knew this already and I am way behind!

OK, be back with more..........Any suggestions?

2010-01-15T18:03:00.005-06:00

It has gotten warmer in the past few days but there is still snow on the ground. Still dealing with frozen water, frozen mud, ice and just plain cold and yucky. The horses still manage to get into things. This is an innocent moment for Spot and Rachael but it usually doesn't last long. This weekend it is supposed to be near 60 degrees! Yea haw! Gonna have to do some riding and cleaning and catching up.

Red is sneaking around looking innocent at the moment but don't let that fool you. He has been playing with the others.

And finally, it is here. The pink princess has arrived!! Rascle's new blanket and neck cover are here and she really likes it I think. Now she officially looks like a Barbie horse. It gets lots of stares from the neighbors when they drive by and my husband says they get a good laugh from it at breakfast in the morning. But AAAHHHHH, ain't she cute. Patience hasn't been able to come see her much this week because of the cold, but the bus should be driving by any time now and she can see it from the bus.

It has been a long week but the weekend should be much nicer. Off this weekend, YEAH! Have more pictures to post and hopefully some of riding too!

ICE

2010-01-10T15:30:00.008-06:00

Someone took "White Christmas" way to seriously. We have had that Christmas snow on the ground way to long. It's time for it to go away. It has been the coldest winter on record I believe, at least between Chistmas and January 8. The average temp has been 23.5. It got above freezing yesterday but there is so much ice the troughs were still frozen. The good news is it is supposed to get to 40 degrees today. I hope so, I have alot of catching up to do.

There are still schools out today in Oklahoma because of icey roads. I bet parents are really ready for kids to go back to school. I need to take down the Christmas tree. Thought Chris was going to but no such luck. Need to do laundry but the washing machine was leaking the last time so someone needs to look at that. The dishes are piled high, ussually are by the time I get a day off. Then the outside chores. Need to clean out the troughs thoroughly. Start at ground zero with the ice. And hopefully the creek will thaw some. I have never seen this creek freeze solid like this. It had to be 6 inches thick! Brought back great memories of ice skating when I was a kid though.

Garry was watching us play on the ice. She probably just wanted to know when she was gonna get fed. She's like that you know. Just a Diva, it's all about her, haha.

Fortunately, none of the horses attempted to walk out on this, that I know of. It would of held them but it could be a bad habit and horrible if they went through.

I was hoping this picture would turn out better. The ice was clear all the way to the bubbles and you could see how thick it was. Was neat to look through like that.

As you can see from this blog I am easily entertained and there hasn't been much entertainment going on around here. Not much horsey stuff, just survival. Hopefully with warmer weather that will change!

On a sad note, both swans are gone now. The male swan was killed about a month ago, probably by a coyote and then this week the lonely female swan was attacked by a dog, with the pond frozen she couldn't get away. And then what little ice everyone could break for her, she froze into the pond one night. My husband got her out but she just never recovered from the bite then the cold and the broken heart. Swans are life long partners you know. We will miss them.

Ok, this is crazy!

2010-01-07T23:10:00.002-06:00

This has been a bad week, from bad weather to work. Just all the way around. Right now it is bone chilling outside. The low tonight is supposed to be -1. That's just crazy! And it's supposed to be like that for the next 3 nights!! The snow from Christmas is still on the ground and doesn't look like it's going anywhere real soon.

Yesterday was quite different too. I know I looked at that schedule several times the week before, I just know I did. But somehow I was on the schedule for a Bonus shift yesterday. I did not know this. I was out in the cold for 3 or 3 1/2 hours feeding and breaking ice and settling the horses. This included dealing with the water trough heaters. The little darlings wouldn't leave them in the troughs and one of them, they stomped on and broke all the hard plastic off. I had to break ice on the creek too, and it was thick enough to ice skate on. A running creek no less! It was a wonderful afternoon.

So I come inside and sit in a daze, trying to thaw out. It was about 6:00 or 6:30. Just sat there sipping on hot coffee. I thought I'll thaw a little and I'll take a shower and put on some warm jammies and relax the rest of the evening. It was right at 7:00 and my phone rings. It's work, "where are you, your supposed to be here!?!" "What, no I'm not!", "yes, your on the schedule".... Anyway, it was a strange conversation. So I grumbled and took a shower and went to work. Hadn't even eaten yet, and my shoulder hurt from breaking ice and I was tired and, and , oh well. So I went to work and it was a busy night. Bless Donna for going to 10 tower. See, they not only insisted that I come to work but wanted to pull me to another floor. After the afternoon I had had I wasn't going to be happy about that at all. Anyway, I did make it through the night barely, and Julie shared here supper with me. She always brings in good food. That did make it better.

We didn't get the snow they were predicting for last night, but we did get the wind and cold. Came home, put on WARM jammies and crashed real hard. When I got up this afternoon, my husband informed me that the little darlings had removed the water heaters again and that he had "beat them all with the cords." He was joking of coarse.... but it was a thought. So this afternoon it was back to breaking more ice. It wasn't real thick in the troughs because they did leave them in most of the day. So feeding did go easier this afternoon, not that 10 or 15 degrees is easy. I am still tired.

Well the boss calls at 5:00 this evening as I am thinking of shower and getting ready for work, cause I am on the schedule that I have for the next 3 nights. We're going to put you on call, there are 5 patients though so there's a real good chance that they will call you in. OK, I'll watch the championship football game and then probably go to work.

Well Texas lost McCoy in the first few plays and Alabama is looking real good at this point. After the half I dozed on the couch, confidant that as soon as I got real comfortable they would call. Sure enough, almost 11:00 and the phone rings, just as Texas is coming back, (maybe). It's Allyson and they need me to come in. I tell her I'll be there in just a little bit, going to take a quick shower... and off I go. My husband chuckles a lot when they do this to me. I think he secretly likes to see me tortured. Just as I am getting out of the shower he brings my phone in and says work is trying to call you, call them back. What, it's only been 10 minutes or less even.

Well they had Liz, an RN in resource pool working on 10 tower and they were getting ready to send her home because they didn't have enough patients so they were going to send her to the unit and I could just stay home. Wweeelllll, I just wanted to get up off the couch that was so warm and cozy and take a cold shower just for the heck of it. Anyway, now I am awake with no place to go.

Oh by the way, Alabama won! I was rooting for them because they were the underdogs and my husband was for Texas. Hey Allyson, you won. Her and her husband were doing the same thing. Girls win tonight!!

Sorry, don't have pictures. Cameras don't do good breaking ice in the tundra.

Creating?

2010-01-03T20:06:00.005-06:00

Sally has been talking about when her husband paints her trailer, and what she wants to put on the outside. The ideas really sound neet. Well this evening I kinda worked on one of them. You see Patience's horse, her registered name is Ffire Danser so......

Sally took the fireworks pictures New Years Eve from her house. Not sure if it is the one they set off or a neighbors. Of coarse, don't know if I could paint that on her trailer but might think of something. Next..... on to Wynchester DB. It involves rifles. Aaahhhhh, my brain needed the dust or should I say snow blown off of it. I think cabin fever has set in this weekend. Can't seem to get out of the house, if for lack of will or to much snow to try to go anywhere if I don't have to. I'll post again if I come up with something for Chester!

By the way the horse in this picture is from: awhitehorse.com

Webgraphics Copyright, 2003 Stacey Mayer, AWhiteHorse.com

Hey, got it to work!

2010-01-01T22:06:00.003-06:00

Well, ain't that cool. Now I can put videos on here. Neat. Have to make a few this weekend. Well maybe if the mud, frozen mud goes away some. It's a mess around here and very cold. Can't work anything. There goes the umph to that new years resolution! Going to have to make changes, plans, think. OK, plenty of time to think when you can't do much outside. Guess I'll work on the web site and blog some. Go through pictures. Maybe even, dare I say, clean house. Oh, that's a thought, maybe fold some of those clean clothes. HEHE. Be back latter.

Something new....maybe

2010-01-01T14:35:00.008-06:00

Just wanted to see if this video thing would work. This is a video of one of the 3 year old geldings, Nitez DB. He is out of SR Narida and by Winseck Whirlwyn.

What a Week

2009-12-27T22:19:00.002-06:00

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...

2009-12-09T23:56:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-11-07T14:24:00.002-06:00

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.......

2009-11-07T05:27:00.000-06:00

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....

2009-11-05T05:30:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-11-04T23:36:00.001-06:00

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!

2009-11-03T01:34:00.000-06:00

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.

2009-10-29T04:02:00.000-05:00

Count down!

2009-10-22T05:41:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-18T22:48:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-10-15T09:07:00.000-05:00

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....

2009-10-12T22:33:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-10-12T00:31:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-10-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

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........

Lots to say!!!!!!

2009-10-03T07:26:00.000-05:00

Back from the Tulsa State Fair, had a great time! Lots of new firsts. Sally showed Wynchester DB in Sport Horse in Hand, Geldings 2 and under and got first place! I got second with Nitez DB. Patience showed Sweet Surprize in the Walk Trot Hunter Pleasure class and got 3rd and had an awesome ride! We were so nervous, I was about to pass out, but Patience was cool and calm and they looked great! Will have pictures up latter today, the camera is buried in the trailer right now. Sally made the 5 o'clock news with Chester. They are now TV stars, hahaha. I think they had a great time. More later with pictures...........

Not Much to Say

2009-09-28T05:08:00.000-05:00

Well, been very busy, but not much to say. Have been getting ready for the last show of the year. Cleaning up, packing things, cleaning the trailer, I did the inside. Sally and her husband, Random did the outside and did an awesome job. The old trailer never looked better! Sally has been bathing horses, she's really good at it. We all pitched in on Prize. She now is a white horse like she should be. Marlin, my husband has been encouraging us all. Thinks everyone is doing a great job. Yesterday though I didn't feel good and didn't get much accomplished. Then I left Sally and Random to do the outside of the trailer, sorry guys, but you did do an awesome job. Well, today is sleep. Then tomorrow, the farrier comes to do last minute clean up on the boys. Packing the trailer and grocery shopping. Then it will be on to Wensday and off to the fair grounds. I do so hope Patience and Sally do good and have a good time!

What a weekend!

2009-09-20T22:12:00.001-05:00

Well, Wensday the vet came to draw coggins, Thursday drove to Arkansas and back. Friday, worked horses. Saturday Patience rode for 1 1/2 hours and Sally rode Garry bareback. Sunday, what a Sunday. Sally and Patience rode for over an hour. Patience gave Prize quite the workout. We had a practice walk/trot class. I think Patience gets nervous and tries to hard when everyone is watching. Sally rode Garry bareback again, I think Garry really likes that better than a saddle. Garry and Sally tried their hand at herding Fugly the walking horse. Did pretty good. Our wonderful husbands worked on the barn all day! They got the side wall up on the east side. It looks bigger and is really starting to look like a barn, at least on one side. I also got one of Patiences "bibs" done for the horse show. (looks like a hunt shirt under your jacket, but its just the front and collar) Second one is half done. Started on cleaning out the trailer, lot to do there. And for my husband, I got laundry done! I also got the pictures of Trucker and Auti framed and ready for the show. Still have tomorrow, at least morning, before I have to go back to work. Wonder what we'll get done tomorrow.

Cooler

2009-09-19T07:31:00.000-05:00

Here's the pictures of Chester and his new red cooler. I think he likes it!

Just working......

2009-09-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

Went to see Robert and JR. One of our whirlwind tours. 13 hours, 600 miles and time to eat lunch. Took them to lunch and had a good time visiting then back up the highway with the trailer. Need to clean it some, but not too bad. It's just bigger and easier than mine when there's more than one person going to a show.

Patience had a good ride last night even after a couple of weeks off. Her posting is getting stronger and she hardly ever misses the diagonal. She's coming again this morning to practice. I think Sally is going to ride too.

Yesterday Sally put the cooler on Chester, and she's done such a great job of sacking him out that he didn't even blink. Got pictures but have to download them yet. Will in a little while.
My list of things to get done is getting shorter but so is my time. Need to pick up frames today for the pictures of Trucker and Auti, need to finish Patience's bibs for the show. Need to work horses. But getting there.

OK, I'm back ....I think

2009-09-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, it has been some time. Been really busy. Working more on the barn, trying to get the minor details taken care of for the show, work, etc., etc. Haven't been riding enough. After Patience's last ride the allergies and asthma got the best of her, so she hasn't been out to ride. Then Sally's boys got sick, then Sally got sick. Marlin has had a rough time with allergies, it's just going around. The farrier has been out. The vet is coming next Wednesday for coggins on Prize and Garry. Going Thursday to pick up Mom's trailer for the state fair show. Still have to sew Patience's shirts, but they are cut out and ready to go. Must work with Tez. Getting a better idea of what I need to do with the Sport Horse in Hand. See, been very busy, very distracted.

Also very proud of how the web site is shaping up. Re-worked Autograph's page and added a pedigree page. Almost done with Trucker's page and pedigree page. Then, I have to absolutely get the for sale page up. Can't seem to find pictures of Shiver that I like and his owner hasn't sent any new ones to me. Need to fiqure that out. Ok, so I am still really distracted. Did have a fun day yesterday.

The Green Country Arabian Horse Association had it's Stallion Auction yesterday at Ralston's Training Center and I drug Sally along. I knew my husband just wouldn't want to go and I didn't want to go by myself. They had two interesting speakers. The first was from a place that collects stallions and assists with shipping and freezing, etc. Very informative and gave prices and ideas. The next was Stan Morey, a trainer and National Judge. He was great. Discussed Arabian Halter. Was very informative and helpful. He was part of instituting or coming up with the new judging process. Sally took many pictures. They had a silent auction at the end and cake. Then it started raining, so headed home. Good day though. Sent Sally all the pictures, so none to post for me. Can't think of any thing else right now, still too distracted. Maybe later I'll think of more interesting things.

Happy Trails

2009-08-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

After not enough sleep today, Sally and I went for a just for fun trail ride. It was very relaxing even for the horses. The weather was perfect. The weather is supposed to be great all weekend so I need to ride as much as I can, isn't that just terrible, HAHA. I did get a few pictures, so here they are.....

Thought the pictures would load below the paragraph, oh well. To tired to fiqure it out

What a day!

2009-08-24T00:08:00.000-05:00

Finally got pictures of the barn. Doesn't look like much right now but it will be great when it's done.

Got home from work this morning and was in bed before 8am. Woke up at 1130am and started helping with the BARN ROOF! Was well worth missing sleep. My wonderful husband and Sally's wonderful husband got the roof on the barn, at least the part that was ready. that's half of it. I'll take pictures tomorrow. Not really much to see yet but getting ever closer. Then back inside for a nap. Got up and fed the horses, then Patience wanted to ride, and she really did well today. She posted today at the trot and had brilliant moments. Her mom and I were really proud. Dad didn't quite understand.

Then this evening I got started on Trucker's page on my website, elizacreekarabians.com. Published the page too! Getting the hang of it. Still needs alot of work and the pages will be updated frequently till I think they are right.

Then my husband went to bed and yelled. Yes Sally, I have a funny cat story tonight. The cat that is a special needs kitty, evidently forgot where the litter box was and used our bed instead. So Marlin took a shower and I started washing clothes and sheets etc. Going to be a later night than I thought.

Well, it is after midnight and it is going to be another busy day tomorrow so I'm going to finish up and go to bed.

Good Morning world

2009-08-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

Well, just got up. Bad idea, long night at work. So much to do, so little time. Story of my life. Need to get Stallions page done on web site. Need to work on flyers for stallion auction, need to work on pictures. Need to make list for next show. Need to work horses, bath horses, ..... ARGHHHHHH. Tired, have 2 1/2 hours before I get ready for work. Overload overload overload, maybe I'll just sit here.

Ahhhh, venting does help, but it doesn't get anything done. Checked my facebook and there were new pictures of my beautiful grandbabies. I miss them. They live to far away. Was great having them here this summer. And Kaleb enjoyed riding, yea!!!!! Kobe just wanted to hold the horses noses. (Are those real words)

Sally payed me a huge complement the other day. After giving her my horse conformation book. It is the Grey's anatomy book for horses. She said after reading it that my horses have great conformation, she never realized! Made me smile real big.

Well, must get busy, get as much done before going to work...

Back to what's been happening.

2009-08-17T22:41:00.000-05:00

After the horses getting out and fixing the fence I did manage to get some sleep. The next big thing is a new web site. Pulled my hair out all weekend trying to fiqure out the program. Finally "published" it today. Not much, but it is a start. Told my husband, We're just all over the web! Thanks Sally for the push and encouragement. Patience came to ride yesterday and was having a fairly average day when Prize decided to be lazy and pull some tricks. Patience was ready to quit and said so. Wrong, her mom and I both told her your not done yet. Patience got mad and suddenly started riding. Prize woke up and behaved and they had a wonderful ride after that. It rained in waves today, so it was an inside day, hence getting the web site up. Sally just emailed me from work to say it is up and running! Yea! Well getting late.

Well, it's been a while.....

2009-08-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

Alot has happened since last posting. Starting with a week ago last Friday. Came home from work, normal morning, got ready for bed, in bed by 8am. Deep sleep, "Honey, wake up, the horses are out..." What!?! I was dressed and out the door, carrying my shoes of course before my husband! First thing I see as I run into the front yard is horses running. Looks like Gracie and Soli on the outside of the fence, boys are still in, so much dust, running towards the corner. I run down the driveway, still carrying my shoes! "Get a bucket of feed!" I yell as I run out the driveway, the horses turn back and run towards the highway, OH HELL! Running down the road, turn the corner, boys still in pen, where's the hole in the fence, where's the horses that are out, they've gone around the next corner by the highway, hurry up. Still carrying my shoes, running through the grass and weeds. Heart pounding. Round the next corner, wait, no horses on the wrong side of the fence. Count, 1,2,3, 4, there's Soli and Gracie, in their pen, oh no yearlings, 1,2,3,4,5, momma, baby, WHAT! They are all in. Who was that...My husband yell's, dark bay going toward the station! But there isn't one, he can't see out here. Look, hole in fence, yearling pen, but they're all up? Fix fence. Here comes Sweety, ah ha! She's in the pen but has cuts and scrapes, fresh ones. She put herself up and I bet Rachel was out with her.

Well the fence got fixed and I managed to get my heart to calm down, then nervously went back to bed. Oh, by the way, I put my shoes on when I realized they were all up in the pens. That is just one 5 minute period in my life. Other than that pretty calm weekend.

Funny!

2009-08-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Well, this morning after feeding and watering, went to turn out horses. Narly, Weeble, and Charm with baby Eddie in tow are in the small pen. They are all just hanging out waiting for me. Charm and Eddie are standing at the gate with Narly close by when Eddie decides to check him out. He cautiously walks over and smells his side. About that time he notices what might be another feeding spout. Narly didn't know what to do so he just smelled little Eddie while Eddie tried to nurse. At this point mom notices that baby is "over there" and turns to retrieve said baby. Narly who has been punished already for getting to close to baby turns to flee at a calm trot. Well, Eddie was so busy concentrating on the new possible feeding spot that he just goes right along with Narly, hugging his side like it was his momma. Now the chase is on, fortunately a fairly calm chase. Eddie is hugging Narly's side, Narly's trying to get away and mom is trying to catch baby. Where's the video camera when you need it!!. About 3 laps into the chase mom finely cuts Eddie off and as if nothing happened, she stops and he goes to nursing the real thing. It was all really quite cute. Need to start carrying camera, video, etc with me all the time.

One crazy....

2009-08-09T21:43:00.000-05:00

Well, trying to get the hang of this. My IT technician is not here to help so I am attempting this on my own. Look out.

It was a long weekend with working 4 days in a row, (I work 12 hour shifts), and they were busy shifts. Friday Sally called at 6:15 AM breathless, yelling "it's here, it's here, she had the baby!" I was initially thinking she had lost her mind, but it was I that was lost. She was already going home from work, and she was talking about my mare, Charm, who we have been waiting on for 3 months to foal. Well it is a beautiful chestnut colt with a star. (Will attempt a picture). I think his name will be Late Edition and I will call him Eddie. He is healthy, happy and driving his mom crazy.

Other than that the only fun thing this weekend was Sally coming by the house and bathing the 2 year olds. Or attempting to. Marlin, my husband, was witness to her frustration when Solitair decided that she wanted nothing to do with the hose, or bath, etc. So today I had a talk with dear old Soli and she was scrubbed from head to tail and she behaved fairly well. Sally tried to get pictures, but thank goodness the camera wasn't working. Wouldn't want pictures of me in shorts giving a horse a bath, mud and all, to be public. SSCARYYY.

Well on to attaching a picture to this.

Hey, look quys, I did it!!!!!!

Ummmmmm.........

2009-08-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

This is something new. Not sure what to say at this point. Just going to see if this really works. I am sure Sally will have me up and running with this in no time. Going to add pictures from home. So much to do to get up to date with all the new gadgets, etc. Oh well, here goes!!!!!