moxie's 10th

Today is Moxie's 10th birthday, and when I found this photo (of the day I brought her home) I can hardly believe that 10 years have gone so quickly!!

I fell in love with her, the first time I saw her, and she has been an amazing dog!!!

Her official name is Sleepyhollow's Ready or Not, CD/CDX/RN/CGC/TDI/FD/ChFD, Can. CD/CDX, UKC CD/CDX but for those of us who know and love her.... "Moxie" works just fine!!!

We have had many wonderful adventures! She has traveled up and down the east coast, and to Canada, has had her picture in the newspaper, has been a catalog model, and has won many titles and awards. She has been my companion and friend and we are hardly ever apart.

She is the top dog in the house, and has taught all the spaniels proper doggie rules .(she housetraines puppies quicker than I ever could), she has been an excellent "foster mom" and has trained more of them than I (food aggression issues, getting along in a pack, not being shy around people!) She knows when to "push" and when to "back off"... I have learned a great deal from her!!! She loves life, and wakes up every morning with a wagging tail, ready to take on whatever the day may have to offer!!!

So in celebration of this wonderful creature.........HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Moxie (aka Moobie-shoo)

weekend work

We had a grand weekend, the weather on Saturday was beautiful, great weekend for getting some projects done around the house. Ed spent much of Saturday in the barn, sorting out and starting to tuck winter things away. I puttered around the house, took the dogs for a long walk and did a little sewing.

Now, as a rule, I don't like to sew on days that are nice outside, but Dancer needed me to finish up a little project for her. You see, the cats have pretty much taken over the garden window. It's a great place to sun themselves and watch all the activity outside. Since I don't (and never will) grow any plants there, I have just let them take it over. However, the grates that are on the bottom are easy things to catch their feet and nails on, so I decided that they needed a couple of comforty pillows. I no sooner got one done, and Miss Dancer had made a claim on it!!! She looks quite pleased at her "mommy's work"!!!

Then it was back to work in the sunroom. Ed gets the boards done out in the barn, and as soon as a batch is done, we work to get it up. This is a nice system, we usually have enough boards to take us a few hours to do, which turns out to be plenty when you are working overhead like this.

We figure we have about five more rows to do, and the ceiling will be done!!! Then it will be onto the floor. I am still pulling up the tiles, sadly, they are coming up easily... which means, Ed was right when he said the floor needed to be replaced!!!! (I was voting to keep the old tile floor) but I am sure that when it is all said and done, I will be happy that we did it too.

We got a new light for the porch door, so I am waiting for dark to arrive so I can check it out.... now... I think some Chinese food would be good for dinner...I am too pooped to cook!!!!

talent!!!

I borrowed this picture from Kass...

This is Nora, Kass and Nate's kitty, playing the tunes!!! A hidden talent that I haven't actually heard!!! But I understand that she is "quite good".

Kas is back in NC, waiting for Nate to arrive, then they will be back in Maine the first of the week. Charlie has been "left behind" with me. Walking dogs the past few days has been interesting... I am lazy, so I take five with me. I feel a little guilty leaving Tazzy and Tatter at home, but the five are about all I care to handle in one load. And the two puppies play fairly well together, so they do get their exercise!!!

The snow is dropping quick. The sidewalks are very wet, and the cockers come in dirty. But I hate not walking them.. they need to get out, and it's good for me too!! Just will have to put up with pawprints on the floor, and white coats that look a little gray!!!

I was so excited on my walk today, I saw pussywillows in bloom. (I wanted to get my camera and get some shots of them...maybe tomorrow). I love pussywillows.... certainly a sign of spring!!! I also saw a robin!!! so nice to see the birds returning and beginning their songs..... maybe Nora can play for them!!!!

SPRING!!???

Spring arrived last night at 8:04pm.. I awoke this morning to
see.... my horse trailer STILL buried in the snow!!! Where
is this spring that they speak of ??

Here is what the ol' Farmer's Almanac says:

March: In like a lamb a-bleating; sleeting, but it's only fleeting. Great days for the Irish and all of their friends;Look out below! It's snowing again! Clouds are breaking, bears awaking!

And the funny thing of it, they just about hit the nail with the predictions and dates... how do they do it?? I always have a copy of the almanac around, just to see just how close they come... so far... so good... want to "hear about April?"

April: Spring's dress rehearsal, then reversal. The snow must go on! Relief is coming, slowly but surely; get your sugar snaps in early! Kids and their buddies come home all muddy"

So, do we have one more snow to go threw... guess only time will tell, I on the other hand, am anxiously awaiting for that first warm (!) morning walk and the birds showing up again.....

first attempts

Well... I am not so sure that my "lamb" is very lamb-like, he looks more like a bear, or even a puppy dog!!But he is finished and much to my surprise, I got it done!!!


Trevor would like very much to have "mr. lamb", he is a nut when it comes to toys. However, this is one that he won't get his little teeth into!!! Way too much work to be a doggie toy!!!

The purse is pretty good, and I am quite happy with that. Course my family seemed to notice right off, that it's the same color as Moxie and Camille, and even Dancer!!! guess I like that brown color!!! And yes, even my "lamb/bear" is the same color... think I should look at some of the other yarns they have out there!!!


But, either way, my first two attempts at knitting/felting has had some success, at least enough that I am willing to continue on with it. I can "see" some Christmas gift ideas here, or maybe even some craft fair items, if I decide to do some craft fairs again. Or even just for my own enjoyment.........

projects

Kass has been working on a couple of different projects lately... knitting is one, and sewing is another. She wanted to make something that Nate will be able to take with him on his deployment, and decided that a picture pillow might be just the thing.

It's a cute idea. The pillow is just big enough that Nate will be able to stuff into his "sea bag" , Kass picked out a number of pictures and transferred them onto the pillow, so that not only is it comforty to rest on, but fun to look at as well.

Just so it won't get too "beat up" traveling half way around the world, I made a slip cover for it, and that way the pictures should stay clean and be safe. We had a fun time working together, and I know Nate will appreciate the thought and love that went into it.

Kass has also nearly finished her first "felted bag" (knitting project) and it has come out well. I got one done too!!! And believe it or not... I am in the process of making a little lamb, which is also felted. IF it comes out OK, I think I will give it to Naomi for Easter... can't wait to see it finished. This "knitting thing" has me hooked!!! and as I figured... another list of projects that I can't wait to try.

I am suppose to start Tonka's training this week (just watching that weather isn't too cold, and making sure I can pull the trailer out of the snow!!) ...... it's time for spring projects!! I think winter can go away now..................

wearin' of the green?

St. Paddy's Day has turned out to be anything but "green". Hit by an good old fashion Nor'easter last night and today, has put those wonderful spring temperatures to rest... for a little while anyways!!!

But one good thing about a spring storm, they never hang around very long, and I suspect that we will soon be back to mud season. Even though I love the warmer temps, my poor floors take such a beating this time of year with muddy doggie prints coming in and out the doggie door. The good thing about snow, is that the wet puddles are easily cleaned up with a mop and leave the floor with a nice shine!!!

This is also Ed's Mother's birthday... she is 92, and I have to say, for her age, she does incredibly well. We will have a little party for her later today, and with Kas and Sadie around, it will make her day very special for sure.

Happy St. Paddy's day to one and all, even if the only green that you see is what people decide to wear today.

show dog

Back in February, Moxie was invited to be a "model" dog for the Pet Edge Catalog. They were looking for " a grooming breed of dog... that would be able to hold various grooming items"... since Moxie has been trained to hold/carry almost anything, and is definately a breed that requires grooming.....I replied to the request.

We had great fun at the photo shoot. Moxie was a ham!!! and the trainer and photographer loved working with her!!! In this photo, they needed her to hold a comb. The trainer wasn't so sure she would do it, as combs are all metal and of course have sharp points. But, as you see, holding a comb wasn't any big deal.

She has always liked being the center of attention, and when she was in the height of her show career, the more people that watched her in the ring, or clapped for her performance, the "showier" she became.

At a number of different shows, we would have run-offs to break tied scores with other dogs. I would be so nervous in run-offs, but not Moxie, she loved them, and got better and better everytime in the ring. She has won Highest Scoring Dog in Trail at total of five different times, always winning in a run-off round.

I think her photo(s) will be appearing in the July issue of Pet Edge. They took several of her holding various items, so I am not exactly sure which one will be used. There is also the chance that she will be asked to model again... which of course, we would happily do!!!

marines!!!

Kassy found this picture somewhere in her "marine place" on the internet. I had no idea that the marine corps has a horse unit, and I am looking further into this!!!

I really don't have much to say about it, expect.... could you find a picture that is any more handsome than this one??

If I do find out more about them, I will certainly share that info here... would be great fun to see them drill one day.

*****Dale, (after reading this post,) sent me information on this color guard. They are the only mounted unit in the marine corps and are used all over the country for special occasions. The horses that they ride are mustangs, which have been trained by the corps!!! on my comment section, Dale left a blog address which tells more about this unit if anyone is interested in reading further. THANK YOU, Dale for that information......

seminar

Even though I am still feeling "horrid/next to horrid", Ed and I went to Westford, MA yesterday to attend the Driving Forum weekend. We would have liked to attended both days, but "guest doggies" and the way we are both feeling right now, we decided just to attend the one day.

It was great fun and very informative. They ran several mini seminars throughout the day, and you could pick and choose the ones that you wanted to sit in on. Plus they had a wonderful trade show, with all sorts of vendors that offer "driving stuff".

We saw "Meader's" there and were told that our harness can arrive most any day now!! (very exciting.. now that it looks like we might have a little better weather). We saw some beautiful carriages, buggys and carts... I am pretty sure that when the time is right, we are thinking a "meadow brook" cart will look grand behind Tonka!! There was a whole vendor that just sold "driving clothing" (for shows, etc.) big fancy hats... lap robes... skirts... blouses with ruffles!! the whole ten yards. I personally think Ed would like quite grand in a top hat!! and groom's men attire :-).

We also met another Maine couple, who like us, were there mainly to learn about driving (not into the showing thing). We had lunch with them and went to a couple of the seminars together. They have encouraged us to join the Maine Driving club, so that is something I am going to look into this week.

The Driving Club has several events thru out the year.. driving clinics (bring your horse) potluck suppers, a sleigh rally and picnic drives...just what we are looking to do... besides, the opportunity to be around more horse people!!!

So, I am looking forward to a busy summer, horse wise..... "now isn't that a shame??"

monsters

There are "monsters" in this house, that even Dr. Frankenstein would appreciate!!! A creature that has been made from outside sources. Good friends have much to do with all this - Dale and Karen - and another source as well - Christy -.

You know about the wonderful knitting basket Dale gave to me, and I have a "thing" about items not being put to good use. So when I found that I wasn't making the knitting sessions that Dale and Karen were always inviting me to, and saw an ad in the paper for a knitting class, I knew that I needed to give it a try. And so, mittens in the works.

Kass has been watching this process, and made a comment a few days ago, that her friend Christy was "into knitting" and doing felted purses, she told Kass it was so easy, and invited Kass to come to their Thursday night get togethers and give it a try. Being in my "mom" mode and wanting Kass to find something to help fill her time, I encouraged her to go and at least give it a try.

Yesterday, Kass got the list of needed items and we went up to the knitting shop to fill them. Walking into that shop......bad idea... for me!!! Because we walked out with the list... times two.. and I found myself last night in the company of some great young women, and beginning my first felted purse!!!!

Ok Dale and Karen... I see your smiles from here..... I have crossed over!!!!! Now, this isn't even remotely funny... I have a wedding quilt to finish... a birth sampler (cross stitch) for my niece to finish... a horse that will start spring training very soon... DOGS!!! and I have added this to my life.... and Kass has been caught up in it as well.....

On top of that, I "fear" the obvious... another pile of "must haves"........... I just got my quilting "must haves" put into proper order...... "this isn't going to be good" :-)

mini me....er... Nate

Kass found a place where you can mail in a picture of your marine and have it made into a little doll, so that when your marine is away from you in body... he can still be with you in spirit and in "mini form"... thus "we" have a mini Nate!!!

The real Nate is still in California, but when he is away from us, mini Nate will be stepping in. We gave"mini Nate" a trial run a few weekends ago, when our families got together at the Chinese restaurant in Exeter (one of Nate's favorites). The "Daddies" thought that Nate would enjoy having a drink with them. I'm not sure if "mini Nate" liked the drink
that was chosen for him, but he must have appreciated the
paper umbrella. Though looking at this picture,
the drinks are about the size of "mini Nate"... seems like a lot of "drink" to me.

Kass is planning on keeping a journal, (with pictures of course,) of all the things that mini Nate will be doing this summer. Then when the real Nate arrives home, he will have the chance to see all the things that he "got to do" while he was away. I think I will do the same and on the blog you will all see, every now and again, the adventures of "mini Nate". Of course, we would much rather have our real Nate with us, but while he ( and thousands of other men and women) do the proudest job they can do for us and our country... we will just have to take "mini Nate" along!!!!!

sunshine

If this is any idea of how much the new sunroom will be
used..... well, I guess it's going to be pretty good!!!

You can't tell from this photo, but it was an increditable cold day today , the actual temp was about 5.. but with the wind howling around the rooftops, it felt like 15 below. I saw on the news this evening that it was a record breaker for this date.

As I opened up the sunroom doors, and the light came pouring in, it took Moxie no time at all to find her sunny spot. She is a dog of "comfort" and probably would have liked me to move the doggie bed out there for her as well.

I went out to see the horses, they were all snuggly tucked in the barn. Tonka was a little annoyed, he hates to be locked inside, but with the chill factor, it's better for him to be in. He will probably find the same fate tomorrow, as this cold snap is expected to last the week.

I also made it to my mitten class, and up until a few moments ago (when I decided it would be a good idea to move from my chair for a few moments) I have been happily knitting on the mitten body. For the moment, my cross stitch and quilting sit by themselves. Dancer likes knitting better than the other two crafts, because she has more room in my lap... (she's getting big!!!) good thing I took this new craft up, we wouldn't want Dancer to be upset!!!!

I have received a number of emails from all my dear friends, asking about the "cold"... and I thank you for the concerns... I am usually not a whimp, but I have to say, this one has me sunk!!! I really can't remember having one this bad... but the truth is, it will go away and its "only a cold" which is a real blessing within itself.

So, as I knit away, listening to that ol March wind, and my little dog enjoys her sunny spot..... life is good!!!!

changes

So, I went along with what "blogger" suggested and signed onto their new and improved program, and I can tell you... I don't like it!!!! I don't think it's easier or better... maybe it's me, maybe I don't do change well, because I thought I was doing ok the "old" way. But since I don't see anyway of getting back to the way I had it set up... I guess I best just figure this new way out.

I manged to muddle thru dog class last night, I am feeling horrid now (vs. "next to horrid" from yesterday). I said a prayer that I would have the energy to get thru, and it worked, because I had enough to finish up, came in the house (FED Dancer - could she tell me any better) and went to bed. Today is going to be on the slow side for sure, I should probably not go to my knitting class, but I really do want to get the mitten body started, so I am going to go and get that info and that will be about it.... after taking care of horses and other creatures....(my daycare puppies will still be coming)

Speaking of which, I need to keep an eye on the water bowl.... with seven spaniels and three cats, it seems like it needs to be filled all the time, poor pups could hardly wait to get a drink the other night, I am surprised that Dancer is being so patient.... or maybe she got pushed out of the way.....

chicken soup and quilt day for sure, I fell so lucky that I don't have to be anywhere today nor do I teach tonite, so I guess it's ok to lay low.

work resumes

Now, that the holidays are well behind us, and we have Kass settled again and
sort of know what Nate will be up to over the next few months,
AND there hasn't been any major snowstorms that require time spent plowing, sanding, etc. etc...... it's time to get back to the work on the new sunroom that we began last fall!!!

Ed got all the sheet rock up and sanded, and the walls primed, so now it's my turn to pick out a color and get that paint up. I really don't enjoy picking paint, it is NEVER like the paint chips you get!!! I think I am pretty good with colors, mainly from my quilting experience, but when picking material its so very different than when picking paint.

I wanted to go with a green, thinking "sun porch, relaxing, outdoor like" and I had in mind a "sage" or a "moss"... I got "celery"... which will be OK, just not exactly what I was going for.

For the bottom of the

walls, we're going to put up "bead board" (again

thinking along the porch idea) and that is going to
be just white!!! The windows will be trimmed in the same white.. I think. Sort of will know more about that the closer we get to it.

And the ceiling is wood. A nice natural pine and will have a fan in it as well, which should make for a nice cool spot on those hot summer evenings!!!

I know these pictures show Ed doing all the work, but that's because I am the photographer!! I did do some of the work!!! As did Kas, Sadie and Josh.... putting that ceiling up takes a certain amount of hands!!!! Two or three to hold, while Ed does the nailing!!!

Actually I wasn't a huge help this weekend, as I am currently feeling next to horrid!!! Remember that cold my little niece had last weekend... well, it's mine now!!! and it's a "gooden". I would run out and help hold the boards, and then crash back in my chair until Ed and crew were ready to hang another... but, we got all the board up that were ready to go... so we did make some progress!!!! and it's coming along well.

by the time the good weather comes, it will be in good use... and I can't wait.....

snow!!

Let the pictures speak for themselves... Maine, the way life should be!!!

birthday -- sort of!!!

If you are born on February 29th (Leap Day)
which only comes around every four years, then
when do you celebrate your birthday??

This is a question that Sadie has had to answer
time and time again, and she has come to the conclusion... You celebrate the 28th thru the 1st!! (a total of 48 hours!!!) What could be better than that, a two day birthday!!

I remember well, the day we found out we were "expecting", I went to see the doctor and his nurse, Candy, said "well sometime the end of February I would say" when she flipped open the calendar, she said "Hey, it's a leap year, let's make your due date on the 29th!!" I must admit, I thought that sounded kind of cool, but what are the chances that a baby would be born on it's "due date".. that never happens.

The morning of the 29th, I woke up, feeling perfectly fine (and a little disappointed) and went thru the whole day with not much happening. I had pretty much figured that no way was this little baby coming within that 24 hour time period.... until, just about dinner time, it all began.. and what's more......QUICKLY!!! I bearly had time to get Kas to my Mom's, call my sister Rachel (who wanted to be there for the birth) and get Ed home from work. This baby had decided it was time, and there was no stopping!!!

Sadie was born in about 50 minutes.... and that included "everything", I feel so bad for ladies who go for hours and hours, but not with Sadie, she sort of made up her mind that she was coming, and came!!! (which pretty much has been her way all along, once she makes up her mind, that's it, you don't change things with Sadie!!!)

Ed and I had pretty much figured Sadie was going to be a son, so when the doctor announced "it's a girl" I was shocked!!! We hadn't even really talked about a girl's name, because I was so sure she was a boy!!! Then the doctor made the comment "Hey, this is Sadie Hawkins Day" (meaning the 29th) and the name Sadie just sort of stuck!!!

For those who do not know the story of "Sadie Hawkins".. it goes something like this... a girl can ask the boy to marry her but only on this one day - the 29th. So, gals have a chance every four years to ask a boy to marry, just in case they don't ever get asked. Sort of a silly story, but what's wrong with silly stories?

Next year, Sadie will be 20 and will have her fifth real birthday... if I know her, she is probably already planning the celebration... after all... it will be only a 24 hour birthday!!!!!

** and for the record, March came in like a lamb***

that's two

So, another one done!!! As told in previous blogs, in my organizing of material, I found three quilt tops, waiting to be finished... this is number two.

Actually, this one is kind of neat, and has been in the works for a long, long time...you see, it is made completely of scraps... being the "yankee" that I am, and unable to throw away even the smallest of quilt material, I just cut everything down to 3 1/2 inch squares, and tuck them away in a basket, until there is enough "to do something with". I "stole" this pattern from a quilt that I saw at L.L. Beans!!! The moment I saw it, I knew it was just the thing for all the little squares that I had been saving!!!

Kas saw me working on it one night, and began to really look at the squares, and it wasn't too long before she started to name the other quilts that the material had come from!!! I think I have something from almost every quilt I have ever made, including the ones that I made as gifts!!!

This one is for me!! I don't have too many of my own quilts, as I usually make them for others, or "just because" and they end up somewhere else (Sadie's bed, Kassy's bed, the couch, the back of a chair, etc. etc.) but this one is going to stay on my bed... or maybe go up to camp... but either way.. there are fond memories in this one, that I will happily cuddle under each night.

One more to go................................

just waiting

with temps nearing 40 (!!!) today, my thoughts wander north to our land/farm in Acton. I keep thinking about the days when the horses (and maybe even a few more) will enjoy this wonderful big field that is just waiting for us to arrive.

Even though I know at the moment the field looks more like this shot and not the green pasture I am dreaming of, it's still quite wonderful.

This year we have a "hay man" that will come and cut the field for us. He raises cattle and is very excited that we have agreed to let him hay the field until we decide exactly what we are going to do with it. At least this way, it will keep the field open and we will be able to judge the quality of grass and hay that it will produce. Right now, it is resting and getting ready for that first warm sun of spring to start to grow.

Hopefully I can get the horses up there sometime this summer for a visit, I have only been saying and wishing that for the past two summers, but maybe this year it can be done for real... until then, rest well dear field - under your blanket of snow........

blessings

I have always considered "my" dog training career a huge blessing. Sometimes, I hear friends say things like "I dread going to work tomorrow" or "my boss, what a pain in the neck he is" and I can honestly say, that I have never had those feelings towards my work. I can hardly wait when a new session of dog classes are beginning, and my boss (the ones with four legs and wiggly tails) have never been nothing short of wonderful (even if their behavior isn't at the start), But even beyond that, the friends that I have because of it, and the gifts they have brought into my life, are "business perks" that can't be matched anywhere!!!
A "project" that I am trying to master is knitting. Actually, its going OK (I might be a little too hard on myself) and I am currently in a class that is helping me make mittens and learn to knit with multiple needles. This mainly started because of Dale and Karen (dog students turned dear friends), and this beautiful basket and the needles shown here, are a gift from Dale. Both Dale and Karen have invited me to several "knitting sessions" with them, but as time would have it, I haven't yet made one. (but I will!!!) And I think that I wouldn't have really ever tried the knitting thing, if I hadn't met these two gals!!

Then over the weekend, Ed and I visited with "another dog student" of mine. A very dear, older lady with a St. Bernard that I have worked with on and off over a couple of years. Her husband passed away just 10 days after they got this puppy, and though she (the dog) has been a handful for this lady, there is no way she would part with "the last gift she got from her beloved husband". Anyways.... her husband was a horseman, and they had horses many years and she still haves much of her husband's horse stuff. We saw each other in the store last week and she invited me to come and go thru her husband's horse stuff, as she felt she was at a point where she could let it go. I felt very honored to be asked. I can't even begin to tell you all, about the wonderful items that we came home with.... beautiful leather halters and lead lines, coolers, whips, and barn items... a tack trunk, hooks for hanging bridles and halters, a measuring stick, brushes and even more. I offer to pay her for them (hope I wasn't insulting) and her words back were "No, Bob would be so pleased that they will be used and appreciated by someone who loves horses as much as he did" (almost sobbed at her kinds words)

But where I am going with all of this, is, I just feel so humble that I am doing what I love so much, making a difference (I hope) and having so very much added to my life. I thank God every night for such a gift.
And speaking of gifts, can anyone be cuter than my niece, Naomi!!! She and her Mommy dropped in this afternoon for a visit!! Talk about a joy!!!
If she looks a little "droopy" in these pics, she has a cold that she has been fighting for a few weeks, but she still can't be any cuter!!!
Dancer was quite interested in her, and since there isn't a kitty in her house, I think Naomi was surprised to see such a small "doggie" (she has two big labs, so I am sure this small creature was a surprise!!)

Camille is just crazy about Naomi, and has been from the start. Anytime she gets to see her, she is just beside herself. Almost to the point that she has to be watched, or she would just kiss Naomi's nose off!!! That baby simply can't make a move without Camille being right there to supervise!!! Good thing Naomi has come into Camille's life, because as much as I love her... it's not "something" that I would go and get one for her :-)

So better Sunday could not be had... a wonderful church service this am... a visit from a loved one... a walk with puppy dogs and even some work done in the new room (blog to follow) life is good and I am very grateful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

swimming!!!

this is (from left to right) Bella, Pete and AJ (the bunny)
Once a week, whether they like it or not... Sadie "swims her animals" in the bathtub!!!
I don't know where she came up with this idea, or whether it's good or not, but she does it just the same, and "the animals" seem to enjoy it!!

"AJ" the bunny likes it the most, I think... though her little white guinea pig, Pete, seems to move around the most. She doesn't have the water that deep, so Pete seems to enjoy the "deep end"!!! Bella is her other little piggie, (she's the spoiled one!!).

This past Sunday, Charlie was pretty interested in the swim. I almost wonder if he would have liked to have joined them!!! Charlie loves to swim and in the summer time, he is always the first one in the lake.

I suppose besides from the good exercise, it does keep the animals nice and clean, especially the piggies with their white coats!!! Either way, Sadie says she will do swim time once a week!!!

graduates

On Monday, February 19.... cocker spaniel "Tatter" owned by Sadie and cocker spaniel "Tazzy" owned (?) by Josh... graduated from puppy school.

The puppies learned the commands of sit, down, stay, come, walk nicely and the manners of greeting people politely and playing nicely with other puppies.

The school is put on by the Piscataqua Obedience Club and the teacher is ..... ME!!!!!

Along with Tatter and Tazzy, five other puppies graduated as well. All received their hats and diplomas!!!!

From left to right, the dogs are..... Jimmy, Gus, Sadie, Loke, Tatter, Tazzy and Corky. The puppies will now move onto the Puppy Level II class.

The ferrier

Even though its cold and winter, a major part of
horse care still needs to be attended to... and that is feet!!! I love my ferrier, Dean (and Ed knows this so its not a secret!!) Not only is he talented and keeps Silver and Tonka feeling great, but he is fun and full of information. I look forward to his arrival...which is about every six weeks. There is an old saying that goes "no hoof...no horse" and that is the truth!!

Dean takes great care with both horses, for old Silver (who is nearly 30) he has done wonders over the past couple of years getting better growth on his feet. Silver has always been a little problematic, and over time, Dean has got him in a good place. I love this picture of Silver and Dean, it almost seems like Sil is saying "take care back there".

Working on Tonka is another story. Both horses are excellent for Dean, but with that big hoof of Tonka's, sometimes it can be a bit of wrestling match, if Tonk decides he is too tired to hold his feet up!! Dean is always quick with some comment like "hold your own weight you big claud!!!" course, I am just as quick to say something like "Oh Dean, you know you love him!!" which always gets me "the look"!!!

overall, its an interesting choice of careers, being a ferrier, and a good one can be hard to find... not just for the sake of the horse, but they have to be good to the owner as well. Dean has cared for our guys for almost five years, I feel very fortunate to have him.

Ed always says that the cheapest part of owning a horse, is buying him, and there's a huge amount of truth in that. The same goes for care... even when winter days are cold and blowy, there are still stalls, water, feed and care to attend to... some how I never mind, and when the weather is good, and the riding is a daily quest.... it makes it all worthwhile!!!

fashion show

A beautiful Sunday afternoon..... a walk with dogs.... and in the most fashionable way!!! Kas, Sadie, Josh and I have dubbed these beautiful coats "Doggie Designs by Deb"... and you must admit that the cocker crew look absolutely grand in them. What's even better, since each coat was made with a certain dog in mind, the patterns fit them to a "T"... not to mention that each one also has their initial on it!!!!

Just in case you don't know everyone... in the first pic we have (left to right) Charlie in his "cammies", Trevor and Hunter in the green plaid, Tazzy is in the "wild purple", Moxie and Cami wear the bright flowers, and Tatter sports the stripes!!! We are a regular parade when we hit the streets. But even more important, these little coats are warm, and do a great job keep the dogs happy walking on the coldest of days (which isn't the case today).
They are also easy to care for, and can be tossed
right into the wash!!! We are certainly lucky to
have them!!!

it's true that these are all cocker size coats, but I am quite sure that if anyone wanted to sport the same sort of fashion for their pups, we can get you in touch with Deb!!!

got it

I am not sure how she managed it, but look who had the
doggie bed this afternoon (by the woodstove)! I would say
by her "body language" she's not considering sharing with
anyone!!! Talk about comfort, almost made me want to join her!!! except that the snoring was so loud!!

Miss Moxie, I can't believe that she will be 10 years old next month!!! She is in excellent health and certainly keeps the others in line, she is the top dog for sure!!! She still goes to class twice a week with me, and is the first one I use to demo any obedience exercise!! she likes to visit my mother-in-law at her retirement home, and is totally insulted if I go anywhere without her. Though in this cold weather, I have to admit, I leave her behind, I know she would rather be by that woodstove than sitting in a cold truck... guess this proves it.....

afterwards

the one thing about a big snow... is the clean up that follows!! We "Mainer's" know how to get the job done, even if it means a fleet of equipment!!! And here, we are very fortunate, not only does Ed have his truck and plow, but also the use of the tractor and snowblower!!

The tractor is good for picking up the piles and moving them back (you always have to create a little space for more to come), but the down side of it, is being out in the cold and wind, which it WAS yesterday!!!
Here I get a good natured wave from Ed, but the work was incredibility cold!! Good thing he has that silly hat I got him. Sure its a little goofy looking, but its warm!!!

By the time he was done.. the driveway looks like a highway, however, we should have an extra car here next week with Kas being home again, so we will probably need the space. Let alone the idea that we still can have snow for another 6 or so weeks-despite what Mr. Groundhog said.

So, we are good shape, all dug out and ready to continue on. "They" say warmer temps over the weekend, which will be helpful, since we need to get more wood!!! Our little stove has been eating it but it's doing a very nice job, keeping the house toasty warm and helping to conserve some of the oil. And of course, keeping the kitties very happy as they snooze on the doggie bed!!!

perfect!!

When I heard about the "big snows" that were due to arrive on Valentine's Day... AND the fact that Sadie and Josh were scheduled to fly out on that day.... I was not a happy camper. But my dear hubby came to the rescue (as he so often does) and got the kids the chance to fly out a day early!!!

So, yesterday... after a phone call from NC that reported everyone there safe and sound!!! The day turned out to be just perfect!! Ed stayed home from work, and we spent the day together, plowing and visiting (had a nice cup of coffee with Josh's family after we got them dug out!!!) and just getting used to what it will be like with "kids that aren't living at home".

Most of the afternoon I worked on yet another "quilt top" find, and actually have it very close to finished. I should have it done today or tomorrow, it's a good one, even if I say so myself.

I got a couple of shots outside just before dark. I really wanted to get a couple of the cockers outside. They have to "swim" to go anywhere. But, my sissy house dogs, want only to be out long enough to take care of business and then get back in beside that woodstove!!! Can't say I really blame them... not only is the snow past their bellies, but its only about 12 degrees, with a good stiff wind. The horses aren't too happy, having been stuck inside for the last 24 ish hours, but the silly creatures they are, they don't know enough to stay inside, and a wet horse with this cold can only bring on trouble. They'll probably get some out time today, since the sun is shining, and maybe will allow me some good shots.



so, for all my fussing about how Maine should be looking this time of year... it finally does. And the really cool thing, we are half way thru Feb. and only March to go... and we can think about spring...er ... mud season!!!!

one done

As previously reported, I found in my organizing
a couple of quilt tops, just waiting to be finished.
This one( I think ) I made almost six years ago, and just set it aside, waiting for battening and backing
and wouldn't you know, I even had that for it..

So, I buckled down and got it done. It's called
"split rail fence" and even though its quite nice, one thing that is a "problem" .. these really aren't my colors any more!!! Cami doesn't seem to mind, when I put it out to photogragh, as you can see, she was more than happy to model on it!!! But, its a nice size for the couch and those chilly nights still yet to come, to cuddle under!!!

Now, got to get some of the other tops together, before they too, run into the unlucky fate of "not really my colors!!!"

"They're" talking big snows for Valentine's Day. Normally I would be the first one in line to shout "hurray!!! bring it on".. but this time, I am not so happy, as Sadie and Josh are scheduled to fly out that day to bring Kassy back to Maine. Since I know there isn't one thing I can do about it, guess we will just have to wait and see what the weather really does and then what we will need to do about it....

Please keep Nate in your daily prayers as he trains out in California before his deployment... pray for all our troops and for all the loved ones here at home that keep the faith for them........

cat fight

so I must admit, that on these past bone chilling days, I have spent more time at the sewing machine than I have at the computer!!! Something about the winds howling at the door, just puts me in the mind of quilting. I have three, "half done" quilt tops, and it would be nice to get them finished into something "useful".

It's also a very good time, to go thru and sort out all the material that I have. Over the years, friends who have decided to no longer quilt (which I could never imagine giving up on) have brought me a number of boxes filled with material. Sadly, I have just pushed them to one side, to "go thru later" but the "later" never seems to come. When Kas headed back to NC, and it looked like the "spare room" could really become a sewing room, I dragged these boxes out and began to paw thru them. I soon realized that I have a lot of wonderful pieces just waiting to be worked with, and even discovered other pieces that would have been perfect for projects that I had gone and bought material for!!!!! Anyways.... now that we know Nate is leaving for a deployment much earlier than planned, the sewing room is not to be.... these boxes need to be looked at NOW!!!!!

It's been a fun "chore" . the boxes are emptied and the material is refolded and sorted into an "easier to find" manner, and the almost done quilt tops take a new priority, plus the room will be ready for Kas, Charlie and Nora to take over in just a couple of weeks.

As I sew (still at the kitchen table) it still might be the best spot in the house. The woodstove chugs away.. Nothing like that warm wood heat.. and the cats... have completely taken over the dog's bed right by the stove!!! I love this picture of Mona totally stretched out, crowding "poor little" Dancer as much as possible!!! Course what you don't see are the cockers... who have just given up and lay around my feet and as close to the stove as they can get. I would put out another dog bed, but first off there isn't room and secondly... I think it would only mean that each cat would have their own bed, instead of having to share!!!!

"They" say that Mr. Groundhog didn't see his shadow last week (2/2) so, I guess its an early spring, and since I don't quilt in the warm weather, I have decided to take full advantage of this cold snap. Which is the perfect excuse to put more wood on the fire, and stay inside..... after I take care of the horses!!!!!

the Gardner

I knew that this poor plant's condition wasn't entirely my fault. I admit I do not have a green thumb.. never have.. never will.... but , at least now I know why this poor plant isn't doing so great!!!

Some help she's turning out to be!!!!

grounded!!

Grounded... NOT to be confused with Groundhog's Day... which is tomorrow........

I am in BIG trouble!!! OK, so I DIDN'T leave a note when Ed and I went to dinner last night.... and maybe I DIDN'T say that we were even thinking about going out, and maybe I SHOULD have called home and told them, but just DIDN'T think about it.....

What other excuses do I get, that I can use in this situation!!! My "children" say they hear me talking.. and I guess maybe they do. Because when we came in from dinner last night, this is the "look" I got!!! Along with the.... "where's your note?... don't you have a cell phone that you know how to use?... you could have at least told me you were thinking about going out!!!... do I need to take the keys for a few days?"

OK, so "case in point" and we are busted!!! However, I will also use this as evidence... that "they" do hear me, "they" know what its like, and "they" expect the same in return....

Just wish the "grounding" applied to housework!!!