THE SHRIEKING EEL

We went to the beach several weeks ago with the college/career group and I'm just now getting pictures up. John and I went with Martha, Mike and No-nee to the NC aquarium. My favorite part was the eel in the humongous fish tank. I'm so scared of him, I couldn't stop taking pictures. We had a really nice time, ate big-mac's, rode the ferry, and bought a vintage wooden sheep from a creepy store.

Tonight we just got back from Fiesta where we got to spend time with a good friend (edited)who is about to pop with child...even though you can't tell from looking at her. Trevor, this quote is for you:

Quote Of The Day:
Jan: "Well Michael, I...underestimated you."
Michael: "Well maybe next time you'll estimate me."

P.S.: I broke my hand.

Citizen Soldier

So, I went to family day with John to learn why he's an army of one. I was able to play in the simulator while humming the National Guard theme song. I learned his job isn't as hard as he thinks it is. I blew up 1 BMP-2 (whatever that is) and killed numerous terrorists (civilians...the computer made it very unclear)and had a great time. Then we ate barbecue. It was a good time. I still don't want him going to Iraq but at least he's confined to a huge canister of metal with guns. That will probably be the only family day I go to since he's leaving. I want a simulator for my birthday.

Quote of the Day: "Yeah, I went hunting once. Shot a deer in the leg. Had to kill it with a shovel. Took about an hour. Why do you ask?" -Michael Scott

Rings!

We bought our rings!! They are both perfect. I went to pick up my engagement ring from being sized and we decided to check some out while we were there. And, we went ahead and bought 'em. They are now locked securely in my dad's safe. In fact, I can't even get the combo right. I went with John and his family to "Family Day" today with his National Guard unit. It was fun. We got the play in the simulator and shoot stuff. I didn't like the driver spot, however. It was extremely tight and I almost freaked. I think Carroll should have been in the military. I was even a little scared of how comfortable she was going after the pretend terrorists in that tank. No one would be safe. She was great. I'll post pictures when I get them from her later. It was also kind of sad to be there. It made me realize how much I was going to miss John while he was gone. We also got back from the beach 2 days ago. Photos also to come.

Quote of the Day: "I suggested we flip a coin, but Angela said she doesn't like to gamble. Of course by saying that, she was gambling that I wouldn't smack her." -Pam Beesley

LAME

Not sure why. I think John pulled a Tanya Harding on her while I wasn't watching. I thought she might be foundering, then maybe thrush. Perhaps it was a classic "I'll act crippled so you won't ride me," routine she learned from Cole. Whatever the issue she's out in the pasture lame(only when she thinks you're watching however). We pulled her shoes off. I'll have Timmy come by and check her. I just got finished running around the pond with John. Then we lifted weights (the bar) then did crunches. We followed that with jumping in the pool. Now I'm about to die. My fingers are the only thing that work. I just picked out the first wedding song. Joy, you will be receiving an email shortly. No pressure.

Quote of the Day:
Ryan: Did this happen on company property?
Michael Scott: It was on company property, with company property. So, double jeopardy, we're fine.
Ryan: I don't think-- I don't think you understand how jeopardy works.
Michael Scott: Oh, I'm sorry. What is, 'we're fine'?

Happy 4th

I have millions of pictures to post but I can't get to them right now. We worked on the house this weekend after going to the Thresher's Reunion (photos to come). We painted more, hung pictures and raided John's closet and found lamps and various sparkly things to use. The curtains went up yesterday also and they really look great. Now it's furniture time. Yikes! That takes $$ and good taste. I'm getting my ring sized down today. I think it takes about a week to get back. I'll be wearing one my mom gave me until I get it back. It's also very sparkly. And in closing....I'm stealing a photo from Joy's blog! Thanks Joy. You have the coolest camera ever!



Quote of the Day: "I love inside jokes. I'd like to be a part of one some day." -Michael Scott

Wahoo!!

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I'm getting married!!!!! Not right now however. We are going to wait until John gets back from Iraq. I am so excited. I'll be hijacking my blog to make wedding plans. I already have a general idea. I do want to run everything by John first. He already said I could plan what I wanted but I don't want to be selfish. Well, maybe just a little. He proposed while we were riding Scout and Lilly on his farm on Saturday...completely unexpected. I have pictures that I'll post once I get my hands on them. Updates to come!!!

Minus $189,00

I went to the Homegoods store today with Carroll and Martha. WOW! Talk about seriously overwhelmed. I bought everything horse...and I'm not kidding. I bought a large horse statue, horse head bookends, 2 horse lamps, and 2 large amber thingys. The only thing I didn't come home with was a new kitty. And, if Martha had pulled over I would have had one of those too.

The people who live in the new upscale subdivision where I used to ride horses have apparently gotten themselves into some hot water with the guy who owns the ponds in the community. I got yelled at by a homeowner awhile back who took it upon himself to run me off of the property (and it wasn't even his). Me being me I told him nicely to get out of my way. Now all the homeowners are restricted from using the pond or 50 feet around it. It's a consequence of them not minding their own business but everybody else's. The pond owners told me I could ride anywhere I wanted too. I'm thankful for small victories. Don't you just love it when people move to the country but don't really want the country that goes with it.

Quote of the Day: "In that song, she'll be coming around the mountain, who is she?"

Ole Farm Days

I've always wanted to drive one of these things. It's called a combine (for all of you city folk). It's used to drive around the field and tear up stuff. For a better description ask John. Well, I actually got to drive one on Saturday. John of course rode with me so I wouldn't take his house down. We rode around the field several times and then parked it under a shelter that's about as big as my bedroom. They got it under there but I'm pretty sure they'll never get it out.


Me being cool on the combine.


A view from the top.


John being safety patrol.


Artsy photo.

Quote of the Day: "My formula for success is rise early, work late, and strike oil." -Paul Getty

Ruby

Everybody meet Ruby. She is my new kitten. Terry and Ruby knew a lady who had her. She was a dump kitty. She is at very low risk for getting run over especially since she's an indoor kitten. So far Buzz hasn't gotten used to her. She still spits and hisses when Ruby gets too close but I think they'll get along just fine. Ruby has 2 little brothers also. I caught two little feral orange kittens at the office. They really like her. I'm in the process of rebuilding my cat army. It's too quiet in the yard.

Quote of the Day: "Experts say you should never hit your children in anger. When is a good time? When you're feeling festive?"

I QUIT!!!

Today Lottie got hit in the road. WHAT IS GOING ON!!! 3 cats in 2 weeks!!! At least John was home for grief counseling. My biggest fear is that God is making room for more bottle raising kittens. I'm going to go hide.

I hate my road

I took Claude to the vet on Wed because he was loosing weight and looked scruffy. He was also really lethargic. They pulled blood and sent it off to the lab. They said it could take until Monday to get the results. They gave me medication to give him in the meantime (total vet bill: $255.00). He acted really nice until they took the blood then he became anti-social and really ticked off. Well, my mom took him back to the house, let him out of the cat carrier and he promply got hit in the road. I'm not ok. I almost got killed by a truck just trying to move him. I hate my road. I'm making a sign that says "Slow Down! You're killing all of my animals." I don't know what to do. I think I'll send a letter to the paper...or call the HWY patrol. Sorry for the sad news but I'm sad.

An Ode

Momma Kitty was one of the best barn kitties we ever had. She is no longer with us. She was hit (probably by a yankee or some dumb redneck...i'm not bitter or anything....driving too fast down my road) on Monday. She had a good life here at the farm. She was actually extremely overweight. Her favorite things to do were eat, hang out with the horses, eat some more, and attack you from behind if you didn't pet her enough. She was laid to rest under the tree beside Boo (who was also hit by somebody driving too fast) next to Lilly and Coles gate by Mike who had to dig until he saw Chinamen in order to make her fit. We were all sad and nice words said over her. If anyone knows who did this please give me a description of the vehicle. I'll handle the rest.

We'll miss you Momma Kitty. Besides Claude you were my favorite.

P.S. The oppossum that was helping himself to her catfood accross the road has now moved to the house. He's up for adoption.

Momma Kitty's Quote of the Day: "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." -Sir Winston Churchill

PRACK WALK PLEASE!

Well, the horse show is over. Cole stomped around the ring and won several ribbons. His highest was a 2nd place. Lilly also was able to get her name called a few times...each time the anouncer had a looong pause to try to read her name. Thanks horse show people. I was neither bucked, flung, or in any other way dismounted from my horse during any of the classes. Lilly acted like a lady. We do have a long way to go with her. She invented a brand new gait during the championship class. I like to call it the Prack Walk (pace/rack/walk). In the line up the judge asked me to "back out of the line up, do a 360 and pull back into the line." Ha! Lilly thought that was funny. We backed 2 steps and stalled out. Thank goodness I had spurs on because one good bump and that was the fastest she's moved in a long time. We got 6th in that class.

Thank you to John for 2 days of much needed help and company. I don't ever want to eat Sour Patch Kids again. Thank you to Angie for help, videography and being paparazzi on Saturday. I owe both of ya'll 50 million dollars. It was a great show!! Photos and video to come when I can get my hands on it.

Leeland

Have you every felt like this. I've always had this strange pull to not want to do what everybody else does. Even if it's something normal. If everyone else was doing it I wanted to do the opposite. I think at first it was just a way to keep myself entertained. It turned out to be a big benefit when I went to highschool and college. It kept me out of a lot of trouble. Are you an opposite?

Rest

What a wonderful women's retreat. It all started with the gorgeous house practically "in" the ocean. There is nothing like falling to sleep with the sound of the ocean (not on a sound machine). The lesson and singing were fantastic. Thank you to all who planned, taught, prepared and prayed. It was such a perfect opportunity to bond with the women in the church. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Of course I came home to my fat horses who are now on diets. I'm going to have to glue Spice's mouth shut. I don't know what's she's eating because there isn't that much grass in her pasture. I think she fishes during the day.

Rachael's Quote of the Day: "Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill."

Hitting the Road

This week has been wierd. Noah's been sick, I've been sick, and I'm leaving town. That's right. Ladies retreat time. I'm staying in a million trillion dollar house on the beach. Don't be jealous. I don't know how I'm going to get away with swimming in the ocean in my sweat pants. I'm not about to put this white body in a swim suit. I'll miss all my animals.....kidding. Prepare for an update on Monday.

p.s.- Martha wrecked her car to get this picture right by the office. Yesterday there was a recliner in front of the sign.

Quote of the Day: "Because right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career. And if this were my career, I'd have to throw myself in front of a train." -Jim Halpert

New Post

As I write this I'm trying to watch the newest Office episode so I'm incredibly distracted. Only one more week before I can ride my horses again. I'm thinking about cheating and getting on early. Noah came to visit me today. I'm pretty sure we all have rabies. He played in the cat water, put some in his mouth, then kissed me. We're all infected. I finally found my favorite song. It's called Dark Horse...imagine that. I want to know what everyones favorite song is.

Quote of the Day: "I am Michael, and I am part English, Irish, German, and Scottish, sort of a virtual United Nations." -Michael Scott

Minor Setback

So, I had to go back to the doctor yesterday. Apparently, really bad pain is normal after someone cuts your ear out. The little pamphlet my doctor gave me was slightly misleading. Unfortunately (smirk) I missed the reenactment. I hate I missed sleeping in a tent during thunderstorms with severe ear pain. Hopefully I'll be back riding horses in 2 weeks. But, it was a great Saturday to spend lying on the couch, literally, all day. It's Santa Fe nacho night. My mommy is bringing one home. Sometimes it pays to be pitiful.

Quote of the Day: "And I did not become a Lackawanna County volunteer sheriff's deputy to make friends. And by the way, I haven't." -Dwight Schrute

Survival of those in the least amount of pain.

I made it through surgery. They wrapped me up like a burrito, put me mostly to sleep and scratched around in my ear for 2 hours. I didn't feel anything until I got home Friday night. THANK GOODNESS I didn't have to spend the night at the hospital. My doctor packed my ear with so much stuff I won't be able to hear much at all for at least 3 weeks. Every once in awhile I fall into furniture because my balance is off. Other than that things seem to be going fine. Thank you for all those who prayed for me. I was very nervous about the surgery. They were running 2 hours behind when they finally took me back to the OR. I'll let ya'll know if a few weeks if it was worth the ten million dollars it cost me.

love,
Rach


Quote of the Day: "I'm friends with everybody in this office. We're all best friends. I love everybody here. But sometimes your best friends start coming into work late and start having dentist appointments that aren't dentist appointments, and that is when it's nice to let them know that you could beat them up." -Michael Scott

Stapendectomy

Tomorrow is surgery day so Tuesday was my last horse ride until my doctor says I'm well....that'll never happen. Lilly and Cole are still at John's house and I miss them so much. The one thing I'm looking forward to is the sleep I'll get during recovery, and not watering my horses. Thank you John for keeping my babies for me while I'm out of commission. If you want to keep Holly and Cedar at your house too I won't be sad...promise.

p.s.- I want that baby goat for a get well present.

Rachael's Quote of the Day: "Yeah, I went hunting once. Shot a deer in the leg. Had to kill it with a shovel. Took about an hour. Why do you ask?" -Michael Scott

New Soul

I realized that my last post was worrying me...and kind of whiney. So, I'm moving on. When you have God and family you don't really have problems. So, I will introduce you to one of my favorite songs. I'll tell you the other one when I have a Lionel Richie post.

Farm updates: Lilly and Cole are moving to John's house until I get through with my surgery. Peri is officially kicked out of the house. He did a terrible thing on my comforter. I bought a new bit for Lilly. We have a new black cat..full grown...and all boy. If anyone wants to venture into the exciting world of cat ownership (and learning what a vet bill feels like) please let me know. If anyone has lost a black cat on my road please also let me know.

Rachael's Quote of the Day: "As of this morning, we are completely wireless here on Schrute Farms. So as soon as I find out where Mose hid all the wires, we can have power back on." -Dwight Schrute

Clouds

It's only Tuesday and this week has already been full. I hate making important decisions...and then having to stand by them. I hate the ominous feeling you get when you know something big and potentially destructive is coming and there's nothing you can do to stop it. So, this is where I wil go:

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.

2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,

3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with its turmoil.

Psalm 46:1-3

It's Otosclerosis...or...not that.

Well, it's that time of year again. Yep, surgery. I finally failed my hearing test bad enough that my doctor thinks it justifies surgery. GREAT. I hate surgery. But, he thinks he can fix me. I can't imagine how he could possibly know especially since he doesn't exactly know what's wrong with me. Sigh. Nevertheless, March 27th is D-day. I was pretty sure it was out patient surgery. And, it is...only you have to spend the night. So I guess it's really in patient surgery. Maybe I'll get a lot of rest time. I can't ride horses for 3 weeks after the procedure and I have a 3 night horse show in May. On the upside, I'll be able to hear the great organ music bettter!


Quote of the Day: "Well apparently in the medicine community, negative means 'good.' Which makes absolutely no sense. In the real world community that would be chaos." -Michael Scott

Insert Organ Music Here.....

Lilly Video



Cole Video


It really pays off to have a "special friend." Now I can have video to watch of my babies to make sure they're ready for show season. Check out little Lilly. I can't decide what ribbon colors to use on her yet so I'm taking a poll.

1. Purple
2. Pink
3. Baby Blue
4. Royal Blue
5. Silver (mixed with another color)
6. Red
7. Green

Cole gets leftovers since he's not the youngest anymore.


Quote of the Day: "Myth - three Americans die every year from rabies. Fact - four Americans every year die from rabies. How many of you know someone that has been afflicted or affected by rabies? Show of hands. One, two, three... too many to count. It is truly the silent killer. No, it is the foaming barking killer." -Michael Scott

Scrap Book

I have delved into the dark world of scrapbooking. I fought the long hard battle of resistance until I was surrounded in the end by Martha. Then I gave up. Now I'm a nut. I actually go into stores that are dedicated ONLY to scrapbooking...on purpose. I get excited when I see single sheets of paper with little sparkely things on them. I spend $2.50 on one sparkely sheet and think about the deal I just got. I go crazy on the sticker isle. $4.00 for A-Z clear bubble letters?- no problem. It's become an addiction. I currently have 2 books running. Help!


Quote of the Day: " I saved a life -- my own. Am I a hero? I really can't say...but, yes." -Michael Scott

Ha!

I really needed a laugh today so I had to post this clip from my new favorite comedy "Nacho Libre." This movie cracks me up. Right now I'm watching American Idol. I don't know why I torture myself like this. Most of the guys (it's guy night) are flat and don't really have much presence. I don't even want to get started on the girls. My favorites so far are the David guy (used to be a gymnast) and the guy with the dreads. The judges say the same mindless things every night. Ahh, maybe I should just go to bed. I GOT A NEW PILLOW! I can't wait to try it out. It's nice and rainy outside...I can't believe I just said rain....I just heard thunder. I'm gonna go so I don't blow up my mom's lap top.


Quote of the Day: "Why I'm taking responsibility, and it is up to me to get rid of the curse that hit Meredith with my car. I'm not superstitious, but I am a little sitious." -Michael Scott

Bad Horse!

Lilly has been bad so she's going back to school. Everything in her training was going along great...and then she tried to dump me. Actually, she tried to dump me a bunch of times. Always when I'm not expecting it. She's mostly afraid of birds, and the wind, and leaves on trees, and things that don't make noise. It isn't like she bucks or anything. Just spins. BUT, I have a P.L.A.N. It involves tying plastic Food Lion bags to the panels in the round pen. I don't think she'll like it but she isn't supposed to. Cole, on the other hand, has been great and I heart him. I'm so very excited for show season to start!!

Quote of the Day: "Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh I don't know... I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me. No, don't sue me... that's the opposite of the point I'm trying to make." -Michael Scott

Shall We Dance?.....Nope.

Doesn't John look handsome. I went to my first military ball last Saturday. Wow, there were a lot of people there...and I knew one of them. We got there super early because they told John too. They did all the announcements and readings and introducing people and then we got to eat. MMMMMMmmmm...cheesecake. I heart cheesecake. Then the dancing started. Right. All in all I had a great time. It reminded me off all the horse banquets I was dragged to to collect awards for Cole, only, the army people were MUCH better behaved. A big thanks to whoever donated the dress at the clothes swap. My perfect red dress turned out to be fucia in the sunshine and went back to red in the evening. I think it was a magick dress. It was a late night but I would do it again in a heartbeat.


Quote of the Day: "Dwight is an obvious candidate for my job. He has the best sales record in the office. He loves to work. He is, however, an idiot." -Michael Scott

Half Acre

Mad Cow

Well, Saturday started early. We tacked up John's horses and headed out to the cow pasture to round up the little babies....and their mommas. Them mommas were a problem. Apparantly some had been given the "don't follow the crowd" speech at some point in their lives and decided to put it into action. It was probably the most fun 20 minutes I've ever had in my life. I went 4-wheelin' with Aari. She did great and only one stinking cow and her baby escaped us. Then the real job started (for photos see Martha's blog). YIKES! Poor little guys. I thought I would just watch and stay out of the way...now I know how to load the little ear piercer thingy the girls get tagged with. I can't wait until next year! And John said it was hard. Now, if he had the cows with big horns it would have been a challenge.

Quote of the Day: " When I was Ryan’s age, I worked in a fast food restaurant to save up money for school. And then I lost it in a pyramid scheme, but I learned more about business right then and there than business school would ever teach me – or Ryan would ever teach me." -Michael Scott

Whippings

Why are some children just mean? From where I sit at work I can see our office sign at the road. It's a little small sign that cost us a fortune. Every day at 2:38 at little group of kids getting home from school walk through our yard and without fail the littlest boy kicks our sign (really hard). Well, Mike caught him one day and yelled at them. They walked away quickly all dejected looking and grumbling something about hating us but returned and did it again....only now he watches the office door to see if anyone actually saw him. Save up your money because the next time I see him do it I'm running out there and whipping him myself. Then I'm calling the cops. I'll need bail money for myself.

Quote of the Day: (The Fire Episode)"Yes, I was the first one out. And yes, I’ve heard "women and children first". But, we do not employ children. We are not a sweatshop, thankfully. And women are equal in the workplace by law. So if I let them out first, I have a lawsuit on my hands."-Michael Scott

Blog Change

Martha yelled at me so I'm updating my blog. I don't have very much to say so I'll just give you an update on my children:

Lilly now has new shoes. She's so cute...and mad. She is now learning to make whole laps around the ring flatwalking without stopping. I know, sounds easy. But, she is only 2 &1/2. And, if you've ever met Lilly you would understand. She's my type B horse.

Cole has big shoes now, in case you didn't know. John has been assigned to get him in shape for show season. So far Cole really likes him. He normally hates guys so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. We are shooting for our first show in March. My guess is we'll never be ready in time...I'll be too nervous and it'll never happen.

Quote of the Day: "You may look around and see two groups here; white collar, blue collar. But I don't see it that way, and you know why not? Because I am collar-blind." -Michael Scott

VICTORY!

Thanks to Richpo...we finally beat that stupid level! Now we're stuck in Shelob's Lair. We've checked the game cheats and they go something like this:
You can either go left or right in the tunnel.
Otherwise you will get lost. If you go right,
continue to take the right tunnel and then turn left.
Continue left until you take a right. You will be attacked
by 5 spiders. Then continue to the left after the right.
You will see a scroll and a dead end. Turn around and take a
left after the right that's to the left of the screen...continue forward.

Ahhh! Well John and I tried it about 3 times and quit. We have to gather our strength (and sanity) before trying it again. Maybe a taco would also help. Other than that level, we've almost beat the game.

Anyways, How bout that snow? Or not snow. I was pretty disapointed. But we still have half the winter to go.

Quote of the Day: "The rules of shotgun are very simple and very clear. The first person to shout 'shotgun' when you're within sight of the car gets the front seat. That's how the game's played. There are no exceptions for someone with a concussion." -Michael Scott

Perfect Sunset

This picture was taken from Martha's back yard while I was filling my water tank. I haven't had a chance to test drive my new saddle yet. It's so pretty I hate to mess it up. I did order saddle name plates for the back so they are less likely to be stolen at a horse show. Maybe I should take Cedar to a show and see if somebody wants to steal her. Last night John and I tried desperately to beat the Return of the King Playstation 2 game and failed miserably. I wanted to throw something throught the TV (I didn't because it was Carroll's massive tv). But, we're gonna give it another try. If ANYONE knows how to beat the Pleannor Fields part of the dumb game please let me know. Ahhh..the frustration.

Quote of the Day: "Do I believe that Michael possesses the skills to survive a hostile environment? Let's put it this way: No. I do not." -Dwight Schrute

S.W.A.G.- Stuff We All Get

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mine.

I went on a shopping spree yesterday. I couldn't help myself. Plus it was Monday and you have to do something to make yourself happy. I hope the saddle fits...and the shoes. Everything is returnable. Lilly and I have begun our "get ready for show season" fitness schedule. She did really well yesterday. Today is my day to run. We'll see how that goes. If anyone has any ideas of how long a horse needs to work in a plowed up field before her gait becomes muscle memory please email me.

Rachael's pre-season wish list:
1. English bridle
2. Argentine bit
3. English pad (black)
4. Show pants (black)
5. Money

Now ya'll get to it.

Quote of the Day: "Nobody likes beets, Dwight! Why don't you grow something that everybody does like? You should grow candy." - Michael Scott

Prior Planning...

Can you guess which is the Thanksgiving photo and which one is the Christmas photo? So, maybe we should plan ahead next time. I hope everyone survived the Holidays! I actually made it all the way through without aquiring another horse (my greatest fear in life). It was really good to see family again and be able to catch up...and eat. I'm spending most of my evenings now lying on the couch recovering. I want to know what everyone got for Christmas. Martha is asking for a New Years resolution list...I want a stuff list.

P.S.- I now have the plague. Thanks to all who contributed.

Quote of the Day: "I’m an early bird and a night owl. So I’m wise and I have worms."- Michael Scott