Tuesday, August 30, 2011

where's the power????

It's Tuesday... still no power.. other than the generator. I cancelled dog classes for last night - which turned out to be a good idea... and then was called into work at the post office. Which was interesting with no power. Talk is the power won't be on until Thursday... I hope it won't be that long, because even with the generator... it's a lot of work. The crews are out everywhere... both electrical and tree folks. I appreciate the long days that they are putting in and keep them in prayer for their safety. We're hardy up here in the north... it will be OK.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

unwelcomed "guest"

And so, she blew into town... Hurricane Irene. She didn't take the coastal route as had been thought earlier in the week, but being as big as it was... coastal or not.. everyone had the "pleasure" of her company. Actually by the time it hit New England, it was technically a tropical storm, and really no "worse" that a good ol nor'easter.. but still....







The rain was pretty impressive as was the wind. And I guess in a way, I'm glad it was "something" because people had made so many plans based around this storm.












Overall, we fared pretty well on the farm... Ed did loose one of his "garage doors"..... and of course we lost the power....











But the little generator hummed along in the electric shed... and Ed spent the day running about with the fire department... over 40 calls, mostly down trees and power lines, water rising, things like that....










Abbie got a little nervous when the wind got really high, and she didn't like it when the generator ran out of gas and the lights went out again. She would run to Sadie or I and say "work!!! Baby (or Mama) work!!!" So, we went out and filled the generator and the lights were on again.






I went to the barn several times, we had locked everyone in first thing Sunday morning. All was cozy and well. I did feel bad for two of our guinea hens, I tried bringing them in the day before and putting them with the "babies"... but we had some fighting issues.. so they went back outside. I fixed a shelter for them, but found them out in the rain more than in the shelter. Oh well, I tried.. if they don't want to use it, I can't make them.








Towards supper time, the rain began to drop off, but the wind really picked up. I felt so blessed to have that generator running, keeping the house at a normal level...



just hope the power comes back soon....











Saturday, August 27, 2011

fair and friends...


What's that old saying?? "the best laid plans".... seems a fitting way to describe this year's plans for the fair . First off, I wasn't able to take Mocha, to the mini show --- our little dog Hunter has been fighting an ear infection, and Friday morning when we got up, he was not feeling well. That meant a trip to the vet, turned out he needed a change of meds, and I was glad that I took him in. THEN the threat of a hurricane, which at first seemed like it was going to either fizzle out, or head out to sea... but it took a different path and it's eye is on Maine!!



Now, our friends MaryEllen and Jack were suppose to have a nice weekend away, but with this hurricane on it's way. They decided they better cancel their plans.... when I heard that, I offered them our cottage on the lake.. that way, they didn't have to go too far from home, but could still get a little time away. And with the fair going on, I thought it might be a nice time for them... happily for me, they took me up on my offer. So, even though Mocha didn't show, I have a doggie that is feeling better and guests as well..... not a bad "trade"



We took Ginger to the fair and met up with Otis and with Joe!!! (hard getting a picture of black dogs at dusk).... and we had a great time taking them around. (when we weren't stopping to talk to "everyone")













I didn't get anything done to enter in the fair this year which is a first, usually I can get some cross stitch or quilting thing done, but not this year. However, my square was in the fair quilt. This year's theme had been "meet me at the beach" There were some great blocks....










My block took a 4th, which I was pretty pleased about.
















Ginger had a fine time at the fair, nothing bothered her.....













The crowds were a bit on the small size, I guess with this hurricane coming, people were getting ready instead of going to the fair. But we had a great time and it was so much fun to have MaryEllen and Jack joining us. Kas and Nate also trekked up, they had planned on staying all weekend, but again with the hurricane warnings, they stayed just one night.





Saturday morning, our family and friends headed for home... but the hurricane was moving slower than predicted.. so, we were able to sneak another evening in at the fair. Abbie loved all the animals....













Ginger schmoozed the folks......














and was very interested in the horse pulling contest.....













As was Abbie!!!!














And no, Abbie... you can't bring him home.




It was also decided by the fair officials that the fair would shut down a day early, and by 10:00 PM Saturday night, people were packing up and heading for home... too bad it got cut short...but better safe than sorry and good to have people and animals safely in their homes before the storm hits.




















Thursday, August 25, 2011

off to NEADS


well..... here we are again, check in day at NEADS... and there won't be too many more of these for Ginger and Leo. The clock is ticking down and turn in day is just around the corner. But in the mean time, we still have lots of training and good times ahead.








This month, Dave had T's brother, Honor, and Ginger and Leo's sister, Clover come and join us... so, we were a big group... however... for the Maine Chapter, as of today, we're even bigger.....












Say hello to "Stoney"... a four month old lab puppy that will be going home with Samuel (and his Mom Kate)... yup, another puppy raiser team has come on board!!!!









Course, you know me.. always looking for that good photo for the blog... good looking group of future service dogs!!!! and from left to right...

Samuel with Pia, Barbara with Clover, Teena and Freedom, Rick and Otis.. Ginger and I, Kathleen and Leo, Honor (can't think of his owner's name!!!) and Bernice and T.......










Today was micro chip day, so while we each waited out turn, Dave suggested that we try the new "puppy path"......












Ginger was excited to give it a try. Volunteers have created the path with all sort of "different" things for the puppies to work with....













So, Ginger practiced "sit-stay" on cobblestone...
















"down-stay" on sand


















"sit-stay" on pebbles.... (she's giving me that "how much longer" look)

















And of course, benches to "hide" under....























"where's that golden???"





















Then off to the training room.... I don't know Dave, this might not be such a good look for you!!!! But, again, it's all about the things that puppies can handle!!!!









And what's a trip to NEADS without heading into the city.... hhuummmm... city, thunderstorms and elevators... all my "favorites"... (NOT)













How many service dogs can you get on an elevator... we got seven....












Taking a little break from elevator work - thank goodness - I guess that was today's theme, because I have never ridden an elevator so many times in my life!!!!!











And heading for home... but you can plan on needing a good half hour just to leave. The dogs attrack so much attention. This lady just had to have a few moments with Ginger...



and she was happy to oblige....






We were also told that turn in will probably be in October... a little later than I had thought, so, it means that we have the golden girl around for a bit more..... fine by me!!!!!































Wednesday, August 24, 2011

thinking about the fair...

I can't believe that Acton Fair is upon us already. I had all these big plans all summer long to have the horses ready, and here we are... the fair opens tomorrow and I'm not any where ready. They always have such nice classes for mini's, and fortunately Mocha can go from "nothing to something" without to much in between..... so Sadie pulled her out and began to groom.







Abbie loves to help out and be a part of anything going on. So, she picked up a brush and got to work as well. Mocha is such a great little horse, I can "trust" her around children, and sh will be a great teacher for Abbie.










However, once we pulled the cart out, our "extra help" disappeared... pony or not, this little gal wants to ride!!!!!











I took Mocha up and down the drive, just to be sure her head was in the right place, and the moment I felt she was OK... I lost my seat!!!












Abbie couldn't wait to "drive".... and you know, it won't be long before she really will have the reins... think I better enjoy my pony while I still can. I don't even know how many times we went up and down the drive.... and when we asked Abbie, "are you done now"... the answer was always "no, baby.... Abbie ride!!!"










Hat's a little big.... but rules of the horses, no helmet.... no ride... So, she wore it without little fuss.....











We were finally able to convince Abbie that there were other things to do, and got her out of the cart.....













Getting Mocha cleaned up and ready to go.....















But, she doesn't see what all the fuss is about














Tuesday, August 23, 2011

30 years?? really???

Thirty (30) years ago on August 22nd, I married my best friend. It has been a wonderful journey together and I look forward to another 50!!!! We are planning a trip to Tennessee... to visit with friends, and see a part of the country that we haven't been to in a while....

Happy Anniversary Rumney!!!!

the Firemen's muster

It must be the third Saturday in August, because we found ourselves heading to the hometown for the annual Firemen's Muster. This has been such a big part of my life, that even now, I just can't miss out!!! To my knowledge, I have never missed one, in my whole entire life... so let's not break the track record now!!! Sadie had to work, so we packed up Abbi and Ginger (and all the other dogs too) and sat curb side waiting for the parade. I was a little concerned as to how Abbie and Ginger would handle all the noise of the parade, so I had an escape route all planned out, but as it turns out... it wasn't needed.





"Block your ears Abbie... here they come"















Our little beetle had the honor of carrying the fire queen... "Miss Flame"









And after the parade, we walked down to the park where the games were played. They have worked hard to make this a family event and I think it's coming along....











there was a pretty good crowd. It was fun to see all our friends, and of course, a great place to get some work in with Ginger....














Kassy and Diana.... best friends almost since the day they were born.. and now "best friend aunties" together!!!!!
















My Dad, still knows how to run the firetrucks... and has been a volunteer firefighter for 55 years!!!!!! (can even begin to think how many hours he has given to the fire company!!! serving as Chief among all the other "jobs" he has done!!!) --- love you and so proud Dad!!!!!











all the usual games were played!!!!










































And the day ended with the clambake. Abbie is getting used to these "red lobster things" that we enjoy so much....













She wasn't so sure at her first encounter of them a few weeks ago!!!!!













Steamers, lobsters, fire trucks, family...... service dogs......














let's call it a perfect traditional day!!!!