What A Mess

I went riding yesterday. It wasn't as easy as it sounds. I had to go run the horses out of the shed and then to the gate (that they have knocked down) and run them up to the barn. I was able to get a good look at Lilly when she was in the crossties. She was a complete mess! From her knees down on her front legs and her hocks down on her back legs she was swollen, red, and her hair was gone. She had terrible scabs and some bleeding also. When I checked her on Wednesday she was fine. Her nose also had some sunburn. I do have to keep sunscreen on her during the summer because she has pink skin and burns easily. But, her legs are a different matter. I know horses can get "scratches." Basically a fungus from the area they're living in being too wet. That's not the case in her pasture. Some white horses get are photosensitive and react badly to harsh sunlight. Could it be that? Maybe. Or, fire ants (pire ants: according to Noah. I haven't seen ANY fire ants in that pasture. WHAT IS GOING ON! I washed her with cold water and the swelling went down. I put medication all over her and then some face protection for flies and sunscreen. She looks ridiculous. I'll check her today if the weather isn't too bad. If she isn't improved I'm bringing her in the barn. She hates it but she doesn't have choice.

Quote of the Day: "In the Schrute family we believe in a five-fingered intervention. Awareness. Education. Control. Acceptance. And punching." -Dwight Schrute

The Skinny

I just bought another veil. It's my new favorite. I bought one several months ago but when I got it I just wasn't blown away. Then I found the very first one I had ever looked at on a website by accident. I snatched it up. I am so excited! It should be here hopefully by tomorrow. Maybe I can post it on the blog. I've already shown it to John so it won't matter. Also, John just shipped 2 chai sets and an Iraqi flag home. It's going to be a fun mail week. I know I've already posted this picture of John but I don't feel comfortable posting the pictures he has sent me on my blog. They have other soldiers and Iraqis in them and I want to make sure everyone stays safe. I survived the camping trip with Mike and his teen class at church. I had a good time. Nobody really slept much. I tried to in the bed of my truck on an air mattress. It's hard to sleep when people keep prank calling your phone from about 20 feet way. Ahhh, good times!

Glass

Carroll, I owe you a dollar. I didn't pay you enough for the cake plates...but I LOVE THEM! My mom thought the blue one was really cool. I haven't shown them to John yet (I guess I have now). I can't wait to use them. It does mean, however, that I'll have to cook something. Or maybe I'll just put candy in them. Hmmmmm, better idea. John's birthday is coming up Sep 23rd. I know it's early but I'll be getting a box together to send over if anyone wants to contribute. Ok, gotta go.

Quote of the Day: "I have a very important decision to make. We need a new copier. We need new chairs. And I need to figure out a way to keep this money without having everybody hate me." -Michael Scott

ALMOST LOST!

I reached down to check my necklace today and it was GONE! AHHH! The chain had come apart and the pendant was nowhere. Then the phone rang and delayed my search party attempts. But, I found it on the floor. Crisis averted. It's my favorite necklace and I would have been really sad. Plus, I didn't want to have to tell John that the first gift he gave me I flushed. Now I don't have to. In local news, I rode Lilly and Cole. It was pretty uneventful. I'm actually surprised I was able to catch Cole. He hasn't been ridden in weeks just because he runs from me. Plus, I'm not that dedicated. I usually just grab Scout instead and he's happy for the attention. John seems to be doing well. I wish he was doing nothing but I'll have to settle for close to nothing. I ate Taco Bell 2 days in a row. It's been a strange week and I felt like I needed it. That puts the "try on the bridal gown again" off for at least another week. We will start repairing some of the beading soon and then on to the alterations. I'm very excited!!

Dwight Schrute: Who stands to benefit from our downfall?
Jim Halpert: The Mob? Maybe NASA?
Dwight Schrute: Could be the mob. But then Dunder Mifflin would need to be a front for money laundering and there is little evidence of that.
Jim Halpert:Is there some evidence of that?

Stuff etc.

What is with the huge thunderstorm rolling through? I'm afraid to answer the phones here. Is is going to do this all day? I'm sending John a big box today the youth group at church got together. I went through it, and uh, it's pretty interesting stuff. We also added letters. Since I can't get him to read a book those will have to do. I have so much paperwork to do here at the office and an insurance auditor is coming tomorrow. Nothing is ready for him. At least I don't have to water trees at the barn today. One less thing. John, Noah has a lot of questions concerning farm equipment. It would be nice if you addressed some if not all of them. Martha resorted to making up words. It'll work for now but he's eventually going to find out his momma is full of it.

Michael Scott: Sir...! I placed a bunch of golden tickets into five seperate boxes and somehow they all ended up at Blue Cross. How did this happen?
Darryl: Were the boxes near each other?
Michael Scott: Irrelevant.
Darryl: I put three pallets on the truck to Blue Cross once a week. They use a lot of paper.
Michael Scott: Ok. I'm going to ask you something and I want you to be honest. What is a pallet.

FOR JOHN

Please distribute these appropriately. If you need Safety Patrol tips ask Martha. She was one in middle school. I can just see her with the little stop sign now.

Quote of the Day: "You've been granted level 3 security clearance. Don't get too excited, that's out of 20." -Dwight Schrute

sad

I just wish we showed this kind of respect for a fallen soldier.

The Elusive John

John has been out of contact for several days but Noah wanted to sing him a song yesterday in the car on the way to his house. I let the camera roll. Yes, I know it's an Airborne song and doesn't exactly apply to John but Noah doesn't know that. We went and played on some of the tractors at John's house also...shhhh...don't tell anyone. We hope to hear from John soon but we know this kind of thing can take awhile.
A lot is happening over there so please keep him in your prayers. We love you John!

Quote of the day: "The Michael Scott Paper Company is a dream that I've had...since lunch. And, I'm not giving up on it that easily." -Michael Scott