El Nino (put a squiggly on top of that n)

Mike's dad emailed me these pictures. Noah's all ready for football season. We start riding lessons next week. Oh, don't tell Martha I posted that picture of her. She'll kill me.

Famous last words: "Pull the pin and count to what?"

Shelldon

Baby Noah is finally here!! I'll post pictures of him as soon as I get my act together and remember to take my digital camera to see him. I got to hold him for the first time today. He looked at me, opened his mouth, and held his breath. His little face turned red and I had to blow in his face a little to make him breath again. I must have made him mad. He had the hardest time staying awake and he finally gave up and crashed. They will probably all me coming home tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted.

Supper Time

Cole started his new medication on Tuesday. I found Corta-Flex at the feed store and since he's not on Bantamine anymore I thought I'd give it a try. Has anyone had experience with it before (Joy)? It smells kind of wierd and it's pretty pricey. I'm hoping it'll help with his stifle and back problems. Plus, he's almost 12 years old. I've decided to show him western next year. So, we're learning how to neck rein. Cole's pretty opinionated so teaching him to be calm and responsive is a massive challenge. Anyone who needs some saddle time and wants to come ride let me know. I have to keep him in shape this winter so I don't have the lameness next year.

Ahhh...the blessings of horse ownership.

Finally Fall

L. Levy-Dhurmer

Today after church, I had a great nap. Oh, and Brian's baby threw up on me. Really looking forward to that little nephew now. Claude has now learned to let himself out of the house as well as in. Now I have even more to worry about. Every 10 minutes I run outside and yell to him to make sure he isn't attempting a raid on the dog pen.

This post is basically to let everyone know that I have nothing to say. Maybe tomorrow will be more eventful. Martha is due on Tuesday. I should slip her some castor oil and get this show on the road.

Announcement

Calling all ye who know of computers. Come fix mine. I've spent 9 hours on hold with a migraine listening to new age music with a company that shall not be named. I want to go home. Did I mention I have a migraine.

PS- when a company charges you $938 for a yearly upgrade that you are required to have...throw it in the trash and shut down your business. You'll be happier in the long run. Trust me.

Thursday + Friday = Saturday

Willam Waterhouse

I think I'm getting sick. Actually, I am sick. My throat hurts and my muscles have started that aching thing. I hate not feeling well. Now my plan is to track down whoever gave me this mess and hurt them. If you have any idea of who it could be please email me with their name and address. 'Till then...I'll just sit here and feel sorry for myself (and look for a new horse on the internet). I guess being sick isn't so bad after all. Plus, I can eat comfort food (Taco Bell to be specific) and nobody can say anything.

The Finished Product

I have never in my entire life been so happy to see my bed. The horse show is over. And, all that junk I packed is now safely back in my tack room. So, did my horse win? Don't even ask me. The judge took it upon himself to not place me at all. The championship class had 27 horses in it. He cut the class down to 9 and I made the cut. Then he didn't place me. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. Cole was awesome. I couldn't be more happy with him. Pattie did great. She won several ribbons and I've made her a horse show addict. My favorite part was when they shot off the fireworks right beside the horse complex. I'm not exactly sure what they were thinking when they decided to move the fireworks closer to the horses. Not what I'd call a well thought out plan. Cole will be in therapy for the next few months to deal with the emotional damage they caused.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Rachael's quote of the day:
"If at first you don't succeed...destroy all evidence that you tried."

Walking Horse Fever

This picture has nothing to do with my post. So, that's why I'm using it. Everybody get ready for Walking Horse Night!!! Cole's gonna look sharp with his glitter, hoof polish, and purple ribbons. I'm actually very excited now that I'm almost ready. My clothes are packed...saddle scrubbed...junk together. Now, if I could just find the time to get Cole himself ready. I'll be at the barn till 2 am riding, clipping and washing him. But, it'll be the only alone time we have until the weekend is over so I don't really mind. He promised he would act better than he did at the last show. I actually have it in writing. I've threatend to send him to Canada if he doesn't. For those who can't come...I'm sure once I recover from it all I'll blog on it to update everybody.

ps-Our very first class is a canter class. Wahoo!!

Famous last words: "Hey look! A light at the end of the tunnel!"

Rest

What a strange week. It's been awhile since I've been so stressed out. And, with the horse show comming up...it's only going to get worse. Claude keeps escaping off the porch at night. So, he lives inside until I can staple gun the screen back shut. I made a futile attempt at it last night. And, it looks like and idiot did it with an eggbeater. I'm exhausted, and if I see one more "Head On" commercial I'll blow up the tv. But we do get to go eat steak tonight to celebrate my mom's birthday. That makes it all better.

Oh, we had a real life Cops incident at the office the other day. There was a bad wreck and the guy jumped out (bleeding and all) and took off. So, there were people with guns in the yard and a police dog running all over the place. And Martha missed the whole thing!

Kathy sent me this photo and the story about the momma tiger that fostered baby pigs. This is my new favorite picture.

Rachael's Quote of the Day:

"You are very squishy. So I shall name you squishy. And you shall be my little squishy."
-Dory (Finding Nemo)

Great day in the mornin'!

I sit at the office and ponder my already busy day. Answer the phone, return calls, etc. The momma cat has gone to the vet. Hope everything turns out ok with her. The day is beautiful. Get a phone call from my mom. Holly has dug out of the pen again. I fly home. Holly is in the neighbors yard ignoring me. No, wait. She's now chasing a lady and her dog down the road barking furiously. I tear down the road calling her. She runs home. I bribe her with food into the pen. The prison break hole is patched up. I sit and sip my tea at the office watching Dr. Keith rattle on about a highly flamable subject. Why is my throat burning? I check the packet. Ginger/lemon. Hmmm.

Holly is for give away (at least until I eat lunch and feel better). I'll even take a little gray (girl/boy) kitty for her.

Snarl...Hisss

Rule #1: Never touch a pregnant woman's cake while she is holding something sharp and pointy.

So, your telling me there's a chance...

Oh yes, he came. Cole has nice shiney new shoes to show off at the horse show this weekend. And, I expect to see you there. Yeah, that means you...and you and you. The screaming section really helps. No painting of the face and chestular region guys. I'll climb up in the stands and hurt you. This is a pretty ritzy show. Official tack cleaning day tomorrow. Show up in grungy clothes and be prepared to clean saddles, pads, bridles, and scrub bits with toothpaste.

p.s.-It's finally Fall!!! I froze to death this morning as I walked out of the house in my tank top and flip flops. That means Cole is going to be psycho at the show. I should wear my seatbelt and helmet.

Vicious Rumors

Cat? What Cat? There isn't a new cat at my house...what? She doesn't live at my barn with Cole (in order to eat the mice) and she sure isn't a no-tail cat. I can also assure you she didn't beat the royal junk out of Claude. She isn't Tabby and she isn't very cute. Oh, and she isn't female. And...she isn't going to the vet in a few weeks to get spayed. So, don't come visit the new cat...the not new cat...that doesn't live accross the road.

Saturday Night Madness

I won't say what happened today. But in case the lawyers ask...I didn't ride horses with John...and I didn't send him to the Urgent Care.
On a different note, a fox got 2 of Martha's chickens yesterday. Swoop is ok but got her feathers plucked. The buff orffington didn't get off so easy. She has head trauma but so far is living. It's true...you CAN feed a chicken with a syringe. We got a ton of antibiotics into her so I hope once the swelling goes down and her eyes open back up, she'll be ok (or as ok as a chicken with head trauma can be). She's living on Martha's porch in a fluffy cage.
Well, I don't feel great so I'm going to go lie down for like the 10th time today.

If you would like to send condolences to the injured...John wants ice cream and the chicken wants the fox dead.

Blog amendment: A boy I know just ran his car into my horse fence, went all the way under it, and just took out the bottom strand. Horse fence fixers of the world UNITE!

A Thursday of Fun!

As of this morning....this is my kidney. I'll be chugging liquids forever. Water drop off at Rachael's house for the next few days. This sort of eclipses the broken foot. So, now I limp bent over. End of ailments...till the next one.

Feliz Cumpleanos

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTHA!!! Happily married...having a baby...thank goodness you're older than me. Otherwise, I'd feel like a real loser.

The Run-Around

I found these pictures on Martha's camera. I have some massive blackmail material of, well, pretty much everyone in the group. But, the beach trip was definitely worth it.

I have nothing else to say. Perhaps later. So, bye!

Look what the Stork brought!

Martha and Mike had the 3-D ultrasound yesterday. Now I can start measuring Noah for a little riding suit. From the side he looks like Mike but straight on he looks exactly like Martha. Too bad we don't know his eye and hair color yet. I think it'll be red (hair color...not eye color). If his eyes are red we have a big problem.

Massive Freak Wave

I want to go back. I miss it already. Was it the doing nothing that I miss so much? Or the game night? Eating lots of frozen burritos with no limit except Carroll telling me not to. Perhaps the pier at midnight. Who cares. I'm just ready to pack my suitcase...which, I haven't unpacked yet...and run back. My muscles still hurt from clinging insanely to the board (that's Body Board to Tommy) while the waves of at least 50 feet crash down on top of us.

So, I'm going back. And, you can't stop me.

Guitars and Country Stars...and me taking pictures

The plane came to a screeching halt Sunday morning...with no delays...no massive oh-my-gosh moments...and a whole lot of airline peanuts. My favorite part of flying is the take off. I tried to make Martha let go of the arm rests like she was on a roller coaster (but she wouldn't). We saw a lot of famous people on our trip to Nashville last weekend (I'm not going to drop names like Vince Gill, Little Jimmy Dickens, Eric Church, JoDee Macina, and some guy at the airport Keithan knew). Everyone out there who has never been the The Grand Ole Opry go buy tickets NOW without delay or hesitation! We had an awesome time. Yes, there were a lot of old people there. But, we fit right in with them. They played everthing from bluegrass to rock country. It was televised and on the radio (which was also pretty cool. I've always wondered how they did that). Thanks to Keithan, Miranda, oh...Oscar too, a good time was had by all.

Where's Noah?

So, we're in Nashville and this crazy guy named Keithan wanted to have a contest with pregnant Martha. Can you guess which belly Noah lives in? The winner gets a melted popsicle.

p.s.- The plane was delayed over an hour yesterday thanks to weather in Chicago. Thought we'd never get here. The best part was Martha "freaking out" when the plane landed (a little rough). Nothing like a pregnant lady with a death grip screaming "Is this normal? Is this normal?"

We went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and bought a lot of stuff. It was great. I'll give you an update on what we do tomorrow...well...tomorrow.

Ok...Time to Guess......

Leaving...on a jet plane...

www.wodaski.com

Well, VBS is over. I guess the only thing left to do is leave town. Martha and I will be winging our way to Nashville Thursday evening. It's gonna be fun. I wish I could bring Claude. But, he said he doesn't want to fly to the Country Music Capitol of the World in the belly of an aircraft. I'll bring everybody back something...or not...either way I'll be thinking about ya'll. Someone look after my stuff for me. Oh, and my truck needs to be cleaned out. Somebody do that too. And don't forget Cole. He needs his medication 2x a day. You can use the ziplock bag and the wooden oar for the boat to squish up the pills but you have to mix it in maple syrup or honey so he'll eat it. But, knock the ants off the feed scoop first because I don't think he wants to eat them too. So, I'll see ya.

Procrastinate...when you have time

My kitties are cute. Just wanted to take the opportunity to say that. The beach trip is looking better every day. 5 day clubs start in about 2 1/2 hours. Are we ready...Nope. I don't have todays Bible verse. Hang on, let me ask Martha. She was no help. I'll ask someone else. There are 5 messages on the office machine and I don't want to call them back. And, YOU can't make me. Joy just called...she's on her way with the verse. Ain't it great how things work out. I still don't want to call those people back.

Don't Mention The War...

If I see you this week, don't ask about the horse show. I would love to tell you more...but...I'm not going to. Especially about how bad my horse did. And about how stinkin' tired I am. So, I'm off to call the vet. But, don't ask why. Because it has to do with the horse show.

The End.

p.s.: don't ask Hannah either. because she'll tell you.

TULLY

I have a new kitty. No, I'm not kidding. Uncle Tommy saw her get hit in the road last night. She's a wild kitty...like Buzz. Actually, exactly like Buzz. She's going to the vet with Claude to get tested for Feline Leuk. Be back in a second for and update. Off to the vet.

Update: Tully is Feluke negative and also is Claude. However, Claude has a parasite that has to be treated with medication for 10-12 days. So, to those who own his sister who shall not be named...you may want to get her tested for this parasite (Coccidia). It can make them feel pretty bad and keep them from gaining weight. They probably picked it up from the parents. The fun part is keeping Claude from sharing the litter box with other kitties while he's getting better.

Come visit the new kitty. She will give you fleas and run away from you.

In the heeeat of the niiiiight...

www.download-3d-screensavers.com

Well, it's official. Summer starts in exactly....uh, one minute ago. I'm so excited. Beautiful flowers, swimming, picnics, fantastic sunsets, summer rain, heat...bugs....mosquitoes.....termites...... hurricanes.......horrific thunderstorms........and I don't think the AC in the office is working. Ug!! When does fall come again? But, my kitties are cute. They figured out how to get in the house through an old dryer vent on the porch. So much for the whole "they have be outside only" rule. Cole lost a shoe Monday. The farrier comes this afternoon to try to patch him up so I can make the show next weekend. It's going to be a close one. He will be receiving get well cards starting at 1:30 today.

DUMP

kitty in photo not actually the new kitty...but, pretty much is

I have a new kitty. Photo coming soon. No, not Claude. But, a real new kitty. It's what happens when you go into the vet to buy cat food and a man walks in with a little black kitty he found in the road. Someone threw him out of a car. What a meanie. He was so skinny and sad. Now he lives on my porch with Claude. I'm naming him Dump but Martha and my mom call him BJ for Boo Junior. Can't wait for everyone to meet him!!!

An Ode to Chase

In case everyone hasn't heard, Chase passed away last week. We were all very sad. No longer can we compare other fat things to my 21 pound cat. Every diet on earth was unsuccessful for him. I'm pretty sure he was eating small animals and sports cars when I wasn't looking. I guess when it's your time...it's your time (being a 21lb cat who's 14ish years old doesn't help). We will miss you Chase. The yard isn't the same without you.

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have knows.
-J.R.R. Tolkien

Soccer is for whimps...and Rachael

I think my foot is going to fall off. The whole top of it is black. SOMEBODY stepped on it Monday during the soccer game. You know who you are...even though I probably don't (but you don't know that). So, I will be taking confessions tonight at group. You will be responsible for the hospital bill should I require it at anytime during the healing process. Tommy, we want to come back and play at your parent's house again. That was the most fun we've had in a long time. Even when I slid across the grass after me and Joy whammed into each other. It's been a long time since I've played soccer. I'm sure it was obvious to all those watching. Hannah, Martha told me about the running commentary during my brief but famous moments in the game. I'll be tapping into your email address book later this evening when your not looking. We should have another swim, eat, swim, eat, play soccer, eat night. But, this time we get to wear shoes.

P.S: the whole soccer is for whimps title...I don't want to get flamed for it. It's a joke. So leave me alone about it.

Rachael's quote of the day:
"Ned: What are you doing later?"
"Phil: Something else."
-Groundhog Day

SOUL PATROL

Sigh of relief....America got it right! Maybe not in the past years of American Idol. But last night justice was had. How wonderful to see someone come from barely getting on the show to winning the whole stinkin' thing. If they had only seen Constantine's talent last year like I did. Oh well. We can't get 'em all right.

Brief horse show update: Have you ever been in a really bad thunderstorm? No, I mean the kind where you actually worry about yourself more than your horse that's in the trailer about 100 feet away under a massive tree that could go at anytime. Last weekend, in the middle of the stupid show, a hail storm like no other attacked the show. Everyone ran for cover. It was a very dramatic situation. Horses were crammed into trailers just in time for the winds, torrental rain, hail, lightning, and threat of tornadoe. When it was all over, the power in the ring was out. I know what you're thinking, "A horse show without that great music?" Well, they got the speaker working but not the ring lights and they had to cancel the show after class 19 because it was too dark to see the horses. What class was I in? Glad you asked. CLASS 21!. So, we packed Cole back into the trailer and went back to the hotel. Sensing something was amiss at the hotel....we locked the door immediately. And boy were we right. It was party time on the 2nd floor, all stinkin' night. We complained the next morning. Mostly because people slammed doors, yelled down the hall, and tried to come in our room. The guy at the desk told us there was nothing he could do because the police were at the hotel beside us and the security guard was at the one on the other side. YIKES! To make a short story long...Cole is home and the aweful show is over. But, Taylor won!!!!

SOUL PATROL!

**************I'TS A BOY************

And I will call him Ned Ryerson!!!!!

Tommy Boy

Does this look familiar to anyone? Hmmm.

Anyway, 15 million horse shows this weekend. I'm gonna have to drink my V-8 so I have the energy to pull it off. Oh, and Joy, don't even think about coming to get your horse. I'm keeping him forever. He looks so pretty out in my round pen eating grass. I'm sure he'll make Cole a nice little pasture buddy. So, stay away from my house and your horse...I mean...my horse. Oh, and my kitty is still cute. He actually sleeps through the night now instead of waking up at 6:00, tearing up my room, and going back to sleep right before I have to get up for work. As for the name, none yet. I had some great suggestions. But, I just can't find one that fits him. So, just calling him "Here Kitty" is working out just fine. As for the photo, this is Mike (obviously) at the lake in a canoe (another obvious).

David Thewlis...or is he?

Meet my new kitty. I would tell you his name but he doesn't have one. That's the reason for my post. I need some good name suggestions for the little stinker. These are some pictures of him at the office. I'm pretty sure Taco Bell is his favorite. He's a good little office kitty...except when he stands on the keys and locks up the computer. The only redeeming thing is that he plays hard for 5 min. and crashes for 2 hours.

Oh, and my doctor cleared me at my post surgery appointment. He kept the pictures or I'd have passed 'em around the group.

Black Butterflies

As I sit here and eat Pez from a Speedy Gonzales dispenser I reflect upon my life. The day is cloudy with the threat of rain. The phones in the office ring sporatically. The Andy Griffith re-runs...I've already seen. The girl they kicked off of "Starting Over" last season, they've just let back in. The world is just a little unbalanced today. I can't put my finger on what the problem is. Oh, yeah...I want my stinkin' horse back. But, to go get him now will be just a waste of money I've spent to...actually...I haven't spent any on training because he hasn't sent me a bill. But, the Peeps are piling up. My other horses won't eat them without slobbering and dropping them in the dirt and the temptation to keep my grubby hands off of them is becoming overwhelming. I need a nap, or a taco. I can't decide. Until I do, I guess I'll type some reports people are screaming for. I'll will be going to see Cole next Saturday May 6th if anyone wants to tag along. I can't stand it anymore. And, I'll be sneaking him candy.

Out of Cat Food

"Due to current financial restraints, the light at the end of the tunnel will be turned off until further notice."

Over The Top

www.fileplanet.com

So, I went to a fight this weekend. And, everyone decided...since we're all here...why don't we show some horses. Next time I go out of town for a nice relaxing horse show I'll take a body guard, armored vehicle (since my new truck got hit by some nice person who decided to not tell me and drive off) and plan an escape route ahead of time. I'm not really proud of the Walking Horse industry right now. But, "the world is changing. I can feel it in the water. I can smell it in the air"....or whatever. Things better change soon or I'll be forced to buy a new horse and show elsewhere. That would just be a shame since I just got a new TWH magnet for the trailer.

Calling Up

"And Jesus, cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised."-Matt 27:50-53

9 to 4:30...ish

I'm working!! Finally! I can function like a normal human being...or whatever. And, I drove all by myself. Even better news...I turned the horses out on the new grassy pasture this afternoon. I'm getting ready to go take them off of it before we have 4 fantastic cases of founder. Well, with everything going so well, I should be up and running for the horse show next weekend. I finally get to see Cole. I'm pretty sure he thinks I've abandoned him. My doctor call me a little while ago to make sure my "stomach hadn't exploded." Yes, you heard it right. He actually said it. But, at least he was nice enough to call and check on me.

Headed home now to eat what's left of my peach rings and twizzlers.

CIPRO. THE OTHER...OTHER WHITE MEAT.

www.koala.net/media/

UPDATE: Hopefully surgery on Friday. If not, I commence to perform surgery myself. Ok. I have to go lie down in the corner of the office now.

OOOOooooooooo...........

AHHHHH.............
Check out Cole's ride. Tammy's son and his friend are working on it for us. I'm so excited. I went last night to see it and it's almost done!! We pick it up on Monday. I hope Cole likes it. If not, he can just walk and I'll ride in it. We didn't fix anything or paint inside the trailer because Cole will tear it up anyway. When I get it back...everyone in the College/Career group can come over and I'll drive you around.

Sleepy Monday

Didn't get much sleep last night. Aari decided that she wanted to go down in history as my very first colic case. Not that I haven't had to deal with colic before. I've been around horses for a long time. But, this is my first,"on the family farm" case. Have you ever tried to keep a 1,000 pound animal on it's feet? Didn't think so. Well, I have. I finally surrendered and let her stay in a heap on the ground until the vet arrived. Apparantly, Aari is very dramatic. While she was acting like she was dying, she wasn't as bad off as we all thought she was. A little muscle relaxer, pain killer, and a big tube down the snout with mineral oil and she was ready to stand in the corner and be left alone. As everyone already knows, colic cases can be very bad. So, we alternated keeping an eye on her all night. Well, not so much all night. Just once every few hours. This morning she was dragging me out of the stall and running for the grass. I'm guessing she's recovered. Now all I have to do is go out in the freezing rain to check her tonight. Hmm...I procrastinate a few more minutes.

Point to ponder: If you buy a horse. Have money in a savings account. Your horse will never get sick at a convenient time. It will always be on the weekend, in the middle of the night, or on a holiday. Therefore, afterhours bills will apply. And, your horse knows that.