Ahh...Vacation...

The peacock farm. I want to live here.
Aunt Ruthie's cow farm.

I love blaze orange.

The old road at the cow farm that used to be a carriage lane.

Mike scouting for that perfect spot. In the end...it wasn't so perfect.

My grandma's kitchen window. I wanted to steal it and take it home with me.

Aunt Ruthie painted this. Yeah, she did. And you can buy it for 10 million dollars. Make checks out to me.

Grandma's house again.

A dead tree. Thought it was cool.

We went to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving last weekend and I took ye ole' camera with me. It felt so good to get out and play in the mud (and it was really stinkin' muddy) for a whole day. It was the first time my great aunt and grandma had seen Noah...and he actually acted nice. I got to see him awake for the first time in his entire 4 week existance.


Famous Last Words: "I wonder where the mother bear is?"

Noah's Ark

Look! I made this. Be proud of me. Ok, Martha and my mom helped too. I want to eat it...

The Hard Push Towards Christmas

Today I got this strange feeling that Christmas and Thanksgiving were all squished together and I was out of vacation days for this year. Then I realized I was wrong. Thank goodness!! I hope everyone is all shopped up for gifts. I ran out of ideas and found myself wondering through Walgreens throwing random things into the cart...mostly for the "Yankee Swap" the group is planning. I forgot the date. What was the date again? Oh, it's Christmas card time. If you don't want one let me know and I'll mark you off my list. The first one to find Dump on my cards gets a prize. He kept sneaking in the shot and ended up in the photo...without anyone knowing.

P.S.- I know who decorated the church........

Happy Thanksgiving...from Aari

May your meals consist of more than Equine Senior and hay.

Everybody Remain Calm

Dump lived through the night. I took these pictures this morning as proof. If you look closely you can see is war torn face in the first picture. He has some swelling and he isn't acting completely normal, but, if you ran your face into a 1.5 ton speeding truck you might have some problems too. I don't think he got off of his sick bed (the downstairs couch) all night. You are welcome to come by and visit...or take him home and make him an inside cat. Pulling a half dead cat out of the road has scarred me for life and I'm taping all my cats feet to the porch.

And on a more serious note: people who hurt animals (intentionally) should be hit repeatedly. And then put in jail.

My new boyfriend

I had my 900th trip to the doctor last week. And the verdict is....I won't know until tomorrow. In the meantime, I thought I post this great flattering photo of me at the women's retreat. More info to come.

Just a little reminder

I just voted. Word of advice, If you don't know who you're voting for, leave the little circle blank. The entire process took all of about 5 minutes. I urge everyone to get out and vote today. Whatever your party...it's what makes this country great. Get your little "I Voted" sticker and wear it proudly. I love staying up late to see the results and cheer on the guys I vote for (for accurate results turn on Fox News. If you can't get Fox, come to my house...it isn't worth the confusion).

Oh, I almost forgot...................


VOTE RED

Bunch Of Nerds

I think I ate too much last night. Thanks to everyone for a great Halloween party (and for dressing up even though we have ammunition for the next four years on everyone.) Can't wait until next year when we can include Noah. I'm still finding silly string all over the house thanks to Tommy (or Duane "Dog" Chapman).

Quote of the Day: "If only faces could talk"
-Pat Summerall, Super Bowl Sportscaster

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.