what's going on

It's Tuesday afternoon, Ed is home from the hospital. He went in this am to see if they could "retrieve" this kidney stone... they were not able to do so. They know where it is, and now exactly how big it is, and they are definitely going to have to "blast" it with ultra sound... that will be done on Thursday. So, "we" are not out of the woods yet, but he is home, resting "comfortably" and we have a game plan for the rest of the week.

Thank you to everyone for your emails, blog comments, and phone calls, it's nice to know we have a wide circle of friends who care so much... it makes a difference!!!!

We are expecting more winter weather tonite. I had to cancel dog classes last Tuesday because of weather, and I am hoping that it will hold off long enough tonite so that I can "sneak" them in...I don't like to cancel too many, as you lose the "flow" of it after a bit!!! So, wish me luck on the ride home... this is my late class and a trip down from Saco.

The babies are growing in leaps and bounds, and are about half the size of their Mama. I have enjoyed them so much!!! They have such different personalities, but are all quite friendly. "Curley" my "favorite" (the one in the back with the little black face) is the funniest little thing . She talks all the time, and is the loudest one of the bunch!!! I told Ed that I had been thinking of sneaking her into the hospital today to sit with me while I waited for him (not really, but it sounded good)... however, she can't be quiet enough to sneak her anywhere... so even if I thought I really could have done it... she would have certainly given us away!!!!

The piggies aren't the only ones getting big so is our little niece, Naomi!!! She was here for Sadie's birthday party and what a little card she is!!! At 20 months she is picking up all kinds of words and expressions and just kept us in stitches the whole evening.

Do we have a future horseman here. She just had to get up on my carousal horse and "take a little ride". Rachel said that every horse is "Mocha"!!!! pretty funny, she hasn't seen Mocha since last fall when she went for a little ride on her.....

On Saturday, when we were under the weather a little, the cockers just laid low with us.... I guess this is what you could call a "dog pile"........ (there are three dogs in the picture.....

And that's about all the news for now.... stay tuned for future updates.....

dreaming

This picture was taken quite awhile ago, I don't exactly remember when, but tonite as we are looking at yet another winter storm... I am dreaming....

dreaming about being back in that saddle, on that big black horse, enjoying the ride, the great outdoors.... enjoying life!!!

My trainer emailed today, setting up the spring riding schedule... it can't be here soon enough!!!

it's time.................................

Ed update

This blog is a funny thing, I never realize how many "readers" I have until something like "the Ed issue" comes up, for we have received a number of emails asking what is going on.... here's the latest...

Ed spent Tuesday night and all of Wednesday in the hospital.. this was to manage the pain and get his heart meds on a plain were they will be able to "operate"..... he came home feeling better with regards to the kidney stone.. but, picked up the flu (probably in the hospital, because we had been healthy here).. so he spent the better part of Thursday and Friday laying low. He seems better this morning, but still "aches" from the tail end of this flu ..

This coming Tuesday.. he goes into the hospital (day thing) and they are going to put a scope in to see exactly where this stone is... if the doctor can grab it with the scope, he will and that could be that. IF not, he will have to go back to the hospital on Thursday (when the ultrasound machine is at York Hospital) and they will "blast" it, hopefully, breaking it up into pieces that will pass. Course they always have to tell you about "all that could happen" , one being, that it doesn't break easily, and the ultrasound will have to be repeated at a later date.

So, best case, it can be done all on Tuesday.. worst case... it can't!!!!

He did "muddle thru" Sadie's little birthday party last night with all of the family here, but went up to bed before everyone had left, and he is "way bummed" at the idea that he should have been leaving for Daytona today with the guys. Oh well, it's easy to think of so many other things that could be "way worse".... so all in all, we're in pretty good shape around here, and just have to let things run their course and not get too impatient.

Our house is so quiet today!!!!! all we have (at the moment) are our own six cockers!!! All boarding dogs and foster dogs have left!!! I have been so used to counting up to 12 on some days, that only counting 6 makes me panic for a moment and wonder who is missing..... THAT will all change shortly as I have boarding dogs coming in this afternoon and a possible foster cocker.. for the time, I think I will enjoy the peace and the easy work load!!!!!!

the March quote from the Farmer's Almanac.... Winds ululate while snowflakes accumulate! So cold it's hard to believe we'll be relieved, but Spring has sunshine up her sleeve. And thought we're wary, we know that snow is temporary!!! Sounds like spring will find it's way north!!!!!!

leapling!!!!

Do you know a "leapling"? Do you know what a "leapling" is? Did you know that February had an extra day this year???
Well, if you did, and you know Sadie... then... you know a leapling.. which is a person who was born on the 29th of February!! A day which only comes around every four years!!!

"Our" Sadie turned 20 today and celebrated her 5th birthday!!! and I remember her being born as though it were yesterday. Sadie's "due date" was the 29th.. sort of as a joke by the nurses in the doctor's office. When they first saw me and said I would be due around the first part of March, and then saw it was a leap year, made her due date of the 29th. I remember, too, my Dad saying "oh don't have "her" on that date, that won't be fair" well, what baby actually comes on their due date?

The morning of the 29th, I had a doctor's visit... they checked everything out and said "we'll see you next week".. this did not make me happy, I was done with being fat and feeling like I couldn't do much of anything... so, i went to visit my dear friend, Lory and play with some cocker puppies she had. Lory always had a way of cheering me up, and I had a great time with her, playing with the pups, having a cup of tea and all that sort of thing. I left Lory's about 3:00.... around 4:00 I started feeling "not so great" and about 5:00, as Ed walked in from work... I said "we need to get moving... I think this baby is coming afterall"....

Well, I should have learned a great deal about Sadie within that time... because by 6:45... she was here!!!! Now, the other thing about Sadie is... she wasn't suppose to be a "she"... I was quite certain (for no real reason) that "she" was a boy, and when the doctor said "it's a little girl!!!" I was shocked!!! We didn't even have a name picked out for a little girl!!!! It was the doctor that suggested calling her Sadie.. and the name sort of stuck!!!! I remember calling Lory, sometime around 7:00.. she asked "how are you feeling?" "just fine" I told her... it's a girl, I don't think she quite believed me at first!!!!!!

AND (just have to tell this story) Lory's son, Michael, was quite small when Sadie was born.. Lory brought him to the hospital to see Sadie... as the were looking thru the nursery room window, Michael commented to his Mom that "all those babies must be brand new... they didn't even have their eyes open yet" ... Mike was quite used to puppies being born.. so he assumed that humans don't open their eyes right away as well!!!!!

So, here we are five birthdays later, and a young gal now entering her 20's... I remember being 20, so I can't figure out how my "baby" can be that old!!!! but here she is. And for all the "fights" that the two of us are known for... we adore each other... and all I can say is ... "happy birthday pretty girl, I love you very much!!!" Birhtday 6 will be here before we even know it.....

one of those days....

Today hasn't exactly gone to plan... it started very early this morning around 5:30, when "my" Ed said to me... "are you awake?" Well, it so happens I was, because I am up at 6:00 anyways for a dog that comes for daycare on Tuesday and Wednesdays... "yup, I'm awake, what's up?" "I need to go to the hospital"... needless to say, I am now fully awake..... "what's going on".... "I got a kidney stone and I am in real pain".... we made to the hospital in about 4 minutes flat (won't be able to do that when we live in Acton.. but that's another story)

It didn't take them too long to confirm what Ed already knew (he has had them before), but this time, it's a big stone!!! and as of this evening, he is in the hospital and this stone is going to have to be taken out one way or another. At this writing, I don't have an end to this story yet..... that will happen next week. But he is there tonite to manage his pain and prepare him for some procedure next week.....

The sad part to all of this, is that next week, Ed was suppose to be away!!!! He had been invited by three good friends, to load up the motorcycles and head to Daytona for "bike week".... when he asked me what I thought about him going.. I said... GO... he has worked all winter on the barn, in the cold, and I thought this would be a fun break for him.... so much for the fun break.....BUT, the good thing is, this did happen this week here at home... I don't imagine that this sort of pain would be much fun at "bike week" and ending up in a hospital so far from home wouldn't have been good either... so I guess if this is suppose to happen, we are blessed that it happened now........

On a happier note, today was also a day that I had been invited to do a talk and a pet visit at a retirement resident called "Inn at Spruce Creek" in Durham, NH.

I used to do a far amount of therapy dog work, but as the kids got older and busier, it sort of got squished out of my life. However, now that a little more time is on my side, I do try and get the dogs out where and when I can (like badge day that we did for the girl scouts)

Anyways, this visit has been planned for a month or more, so I got nervous when I was sitting in the ER with Ed. I thought that I should cancel it, but as Ed said, there wasn't much I could do there and the folks would be expecting us to come.... so I left him in good hands, packed up Moxie and Camille and off we went.



I am glad we did go, the folks there were waiting for us and they were a very nice crowd to talk to. I spoke about dog training in general, about cocker spaniels and about therapy dog work. Everyone was very interested in all three topics. There were lots of questions asked and then some talk time to hear about the different dogs that they have owned. One thing about cockers, I think everyone in the "whole world" has owned one at one time or another... so many of them had grand stories to share about cockers in their past.

Moxie was an old pro at this, she calmly chose a few people and would sit or stand quietly while they fussed over her.

Camille was another story, she just couldn't see everyone fast enough, it was like she only had so much time and rushed about the room, making sure that she got to visit with everyone. Fortunately she is small, so her high energy didn't seem to bother anyone, but I have high doubts that a bigger dog could have gotten away with that. She did, however, make about three rounds about the room and everyone thought she was delightful. After that she finally "crashed" and just laid in front of everyone and listened to the conversation.

So, what started out as a "doubtful" day, certainly turned bright to see all the smiles and laughter that my dogs brought out.... just need to remember that as the days ahead look like they could be abit stressful.....

and with that, Moxie and I are off to sit with Ed at the hospital tonite... guess her therapy dog work isn't over yet......



Camille will stay at home :0)

Cooper's big day

Today was the day that Cooper was meeting his new family!!! So, we loaded him in the truck with Moxie and got on the road fairly early. We were meeting up with Scott and his son in Waterville, and from there, Cooper will be traveling further north to Jackman!!!

Now, I had never heard of Jackman, Maine.. but Cooper had...in fact, he has been there!!! And to try and begin to give you all the details of his story, I fear would take up a whole week's worth of blogging. So, let's see if I can cut it down a little and still have you in awe of how this whole thing has worked out.

As you know, Cooper was a gift to a student of mine from her daughter. In order to help her Mom out, the daughter kept Cooper the first few months of his life to house training and do some obedience with him. These folks have a place in Jackman!!! and when they went on a little trip, they left Cooper with friends in Jackman. Then Cooper goes to my student's home.. we meet, work with Cooper, (he is wonderful...BUT a handful) my student sadly decides that he needs more than she can give him... sends him here. NOW, cocker rescue calls me, but I can't take a foster because I have Cooper... rescue finds out I have a springer needing a home.... and they know that Scott is looking for springer and put us in touch. (Scott also did a lot of work with rescue when he lived down this way...so they know him well).

Scott and I get in touch... he goes on this blog to see pictures of Cooper (falls in love) but also finds out about our place in Acton, and tells me that HE GREW up in Acton!!!!! AND the family that watched Cooper for those few days in Jackman... Scott is good friends with them!!! (they can hardly believe that Cooper is returning!!!)

That's a very short version of the story, but let's just say, the world is extremely small!!!!

The moment Cooper met Scott, I felt an instant peace!!! (and yes, began to cry!!!) I just knew from the first second, that these two are meant for each other!!!

I think Cooper approves of his new "owner" from the kisses he gave to Scott. And Scott kept saying "he's so beautiful, I can't believe he's mine!!!"

Scott's little son couldn't have been cuter!!! He kept saying, "Daddy is this our dog??? This is a great dog!!" And Cooper couldn't help but share his kisses with him as well....

All of us had hoped that we could have lunch together, however,Scott owns hunting cabins and had a snowmobile group coming into tonight, so he had to get back to Jackman. So we had a little visit and a chance to chat before we all had to get on the road again.

Just before we left, I snapped this last shot of Scott, his son and Cooper, looks like Scott will have a lapful from now on....

And I have feeling, it's just the way he wanted it!!!!!!

As we pulled out, I looked back and saw Cooper proudly sitting in the front seat of Scott's truck...

He was ready to get home!!!!!!!!

"more done"

What is it with me, traveling to Acton and snow!!! The last few trips that I have made "north" have always been on snowy days. Even Ken made a comment as I pulled into the farm this morning.... "knew you were coming when I saw the snow falling"... oh well, I got that great big truck and four wheel drive, so it isn't any big deal... but, I hope that when I go up in August ...it won't be snowing!!!!!

So, the barn work is going full steam ahead despite the winter weather....

the hayloft is empty this winter, but that WON'T be the case next year!!! though I keep telling Ed....

it would make an awesome training room!!!!!

As you can see, the men are working on the shed roofs that will protect the stall doors. I can just see the horses hanging out under them on hot sunny days.. or rainy days.. or snowy days... or... well, you get what I mean.

Sadly, what we ordered for steel roof for the shed's is not long enough, so Ed has to place another order for that!!!! It's about the first big "goof" that has happened, not bad with a big project like this... so, it might be just a little bit before the roof is actually finished...Ken says it's going to make the barn look huge...

I think it already looks huge!!!!

When I got back from Acton, I packed up the piggie family and ran them over to the vets to "find out what they are"....

the verdict is in... they are ALL GIRLS!!!! ( and that came from first, second and third opinions!!!) This news makes me very happy because now I don't have to be in a worry about separating them anytime soon!!!! They are such a happy little family all together, and I just couldn't think of how I would have to split them up... but, now I don't have to worry about that just yet.....

whew!!!!!

this little piggie

The three little piggies are getting quite big!!! We make a practice to hold them everyday.. since their Mommy is so skiddish, I don't want the babies to pick up on that..... this is the one that is my favorite!!! I am hoping this is a "she", so that I can keep her and have her live with her Mommy. Piggies do better if they can live with another one... but, of course, one must be careful about having two piggies together!!! :o)

I called the vet the other day, and I am going to run the babies over sometime and have the girls there help me decide who is who. They all think it's pretty funny that we "bought one, and got three free!!" I just told them that my family are "bargin shoppers".

Now, all this "piggie holding" leaves one cat in a very foul mood. Dancer is my lap cat for sure, I never can sit without her jumping up and cuddling in.... doesn't matter to her if I am quilting, knitting or cross stitching... It is understood that I make room for the cat!!! She is invited to join piggie and me... but, I guess that goes against cat nature and "she isn't going to be caught sitting with a piggie!!!"

I never worry about her or Mona hurting them... course, I don't give them the chance either, but for the most part, the cats have little to do with either the piggies or the bunny..... (and the fact that bunny is probably bigger than either cat!!!)

but, its pretty obviously that she is put out with me by the looks of this picture!!!!

never quite the same....

For a while, Wednesdays are not going to be quite the same for me.... because I have been told about a family with a broken heart and I just can't get it out of my mind. I don't know this family, never met them in my life, but they are in the front of my thoughts and in my prayers.... the story goes like this....

Kass has been looking for a job down there in North Carolina, and since she missed working at the day care here, thought she would give "nanny work" a try. She has had all sorts of interviews, but nothing has really come of it. However, she met with this one Mom who wanted someone just on Wednesday mornings for her daughter who was 4 years old. Her older daughter was in school and this Mom just wanted that time to herself. Kas was happy, called and told me all about this sweet little girl and how much she was looking forward to sitting for her.

The morning of her first Wednesday (last week) , the Mom called and said she wouldn't need Kass that day, her older daughter was home from school, sick with something, and since the day was rainy and messy, the Mom decided just to stay home with her girls and not go out. She said she would see Kass the next Wednesday (ie: today). Well, last Friday, Kas recieved an email from the Mom.. it was a "general email" to many, many people... with the shocking announcement that the little four year old girl had DIED on Friday!!!!!!! and it talked about the furneral arrangements were, etc. Kas was so upset!!!! She sent a note back to the Mom, and then she and Nate decided that would attend the visiting hours.

Kass still doesn't know exactly what happened to this sweet little girl, we can only assume that maybe it had something to do with her older sister being sick. It doesn't matter, she is gone and a family is in great grief......Kas and Nate did go to the visitng hours, the place was packed, and she could only hug the Mom, leave her white rose and go....

Kas asked me "why".... why does God sometimes put people in your path and yet, it feels like we didn't "do" anything for them.. maybe we did, maybe we didn't... who knows, except for HIM.. maybe it was just one word said, or one smile, or a contact that will be used later... or not at all. It's one of the great mystries...

but, if all "my readers" could send up some prayers, especially tomorrow, as this family says their final goodbyes.... I somehow know.. they will be greatly appreciated.... and Wednesdays will make me think of them......

bedtime

I was thinking tonite, as I am heading to bed... about the routine that I go thru night after night. For some people, when it's time for bed... they might rise from their comfty chair, go about the house, turning off lights, locking doors and then head to bed. But here, it's somewhat different... when I decide that it's bedtime.. what I really mean, is "get going" so that I can be in my bed within the half hour....

the routime goes something like this...

1. first four dogs head out to the pen for last call... they stay out about three minutes (dogs go out in small groups at night, this lessens the chance of barking that might disrupt the neighbors)
2. I head outside with guest dog number one for last call... takes about five minutes
3. first group is in by now, guest dog gets his good night cookies and water bowl filled
4. second group of three dogs head out to the pen
5. I go out with guest dog number two
6. second group in, guest dog get his cookie and water bowl filled
7. last guest dog goes out to the pen
8. treat time for piggies and bunny... usually "waste" a good 10 minutes watching them... check their water bottles, fill if needed.
9. bring in third guest dog from pen, give out cookie and fill water bowl
10. second group of dogs tucked in for the night, after they have had their drink and get their cookies.
11. feed cats, who by now, are bugging me to death
12. go about the house, turning off lights, locking doors, etc.
13. climb stairs with four cockers in tow... settled them into their beds, good night cookies....
14. back down stairs... forgot to feed turtle... back up stairs again....

AND now, I can think about climbing into bed myself.... glad I started all of this just 45 minutes ago.....

good night.....

going on's

It's been a very long winter for one NASCAR fan.... "my" Ed.... so Sunday (being the 50th race of the Daytona 500) I knew that we wouldn't be going any further than the living room!!!!

And so, with "his" dog in lap, Ed settled in for the afternoon and the beginning of the racing season.

I, on the other hand, was prepared for this great event as well.... finishing a quilt in the other room.

Ed enjoyed the race very much.... watching the beginning and the end of it, napping in the middle... which is pretty typical of "race watching". Sometimes I go and change the channel during the napping part of it... however, that is not long lived, as he quietly says to me "hey.. I was watching that!!!" I guess he is the only person who can "watch" thru closed eyes!!!!

Mama piggie is doing very well, she has been the best little Mommy!!! I am trying to decide if she is a better Mom than me or has "better kids".... because one little "purr" from her and her childred hussle!!! It is amazing how they listen to her and do exactly as she says. I noticed too, that every now and again she escapes to the feeding station, just to get that little break from her children. I bet every Mom out there can understand this move!!!! Sometimes she eats a bit, but a lot of the time I just find her sitting quietly... getting her "wits" about her I guess...

But, like everything in life, it doesn't take long for "others" to figure it out, and I caught two of the youngsters up on the feeding station not too long after mama had been there.

I can almost "hear" them up there (well, I CAN hear them, they whistle so loudly these days!!!!)

"Wow... look it how high up we are!!!!"

"hey, check out all the food!!!"

"Mom's gone, let's chow down!!!!"

These two are the smooth coated ones... the other is a "curly" one like the Mom... (and the one that I hope I can keep)... these two are t-r-o-u-b-l-e.... they are the ones that figure it all out (like getting up to the feeding station and taking Mama's quiet spot away) and you should see the "fight" over food. Just like little kids, the cage is filled with all sorts of goodies and they both want the same one!!!!! Their Mama doesn't put up with it though, she'll either step in (and often take the little piece they both want) or give her little piggie "purr" and they run to her.

I can't get over how quickly they are growing, it won't be long before we'll have to do some seperating......... :-(

bragging

I "stole" this picture off of Kassy's blog... just so I could brag on "my" kids!!!

This is Mandi and Partick (their very best friends) Nate and Kass... all dressed up to go to the Sweetheart banquet that was going on at their church!!!

I just loved this picture, and had to share it will all of you......

these four have quite the adventures together, it will be some of the best times that they will have in their lives.....

BTW... look..... they have NO snow there in North Carolina!!! makes me want to pack up my truck and head south........

stormy night

It was a dark and stormy night, the ice pelleted against the window, the wind howled....

AND three students from my Advanced Training class showed up for their graduation!!!! When I asked them "why" did they come out on such a night, they gave me this puzzled look, oh ya, I was "out" too!!!! So, congradulations for not only coming out on such a yucky night, but for doing excellent work in their course... teams are from left to right... Pat and Orien, Rick and Mindy, Amara and Bella!!!!

The next day was Valentine's day. Since Ken had a snowmobile trip planned, Ed took the day "off" from the barn, and we went "barn shopping"!!!! Because it is still early to buy too many things, I only picked up a few items like buckets, cross ties and the hardware that goes with them, but we were able to do a fair amount of "window" shopping and got an idea of what some of the other things will cost. Stall mats for example.... way pricey!!! So, I am going to do some calling around on them and see who has the best price!!!! Guess I better save some more pennies!!!!

Just so the buckets wouldn't be rolling around in the truck for the next few days, we decided to run them up to the barn....

but to our surprise... this is what greeted us at the gate!!! I forget sometimes the difference between "coastal weather and inland weather", where we had sleet ... they had ice!!! and everything was heavily coated!!!

This birch tree at the end of the drive is a favorite of mine, I was pretty sad to see it in such a state, and only hope that no real damage was done.... have to wait for spring on that one. The town was without power, a fairly common occurance (which is why we have a generator that will power the house when needed!!!) And even though it's a "dangerous" thing, you can't help but see the beauty when the world is "made of glass".

Needless to say, we didn't get into the barn, Ed had to go back and open things up with the tractor (thank the Good Lord for that little tractor!!!!) So, for now, the buckets are still rolling around in the back of my truck...

but, now I have an "excuse" to run up to the barn!!!!

winter days...

Last night, we got about 5 inches of snow, now it's pouring rain, and later its suppose to freeze up again.... as much as I like the winter months, days like this find me wanting spring!!! I am not alone, as I am beginning to hear the same words from lots of different folks. Guess that's why we live in New England, as we get "tired" of one season, it changes again.... I think we are blessed.

Here's the most recent picture of the barn!!! NOTE... hayloft door, done and in place!!! this means (ta-da!!!) a weather tight building!!!Still need a bit of trim on the front (makes me "crazy" to see one window done and not the other!!!) but the guys don't have the same priority as I do!!!! They'll get to it as soon as the weather co-operates, and depending on the weather, it will either be, start the tack room walls or work outside on the shed roofs.. either way, it all needs to happen. I also want to note that Ed took this picture with his new phone..... yup, it's got a camera in it......not a bad shot for that little thing.....

And speaking of "little things" here's one of the babies!!! I can't believe how much fun they are!!! They aren't even a week old, and they run up and down the ramp in the cage, eat everything that Mommy eats, whistle all the time (I LOVE that sound) and are quite the little creatures.

I fear that I spend way too much time with them (when I should be getting other things done!!!) I am handling them quite a bit, as I want them to be comfortable with that. Mommy is still quite shy, and I will do more work with her when she is done nursing, I don't want to upset her and maybe make it so she won't take care of the little ones. They probably could survive now without her, but there is no reason for that to happen, and they are so cute when they all try to huddle under her.

"Everyone" is asking how small the babies are, it's hard to judge just by the pictures, so holding them in my hands might give you all a better idea.

They are "pretty good" about sitting still, especially if you have a little piece of lettuce or something for them to munch on. I am just afraid that if one got away, you would never find "it" in the house (cats probably would though). But, I do have to say the cats have been pretty good with them, once in awhile I have to shoo Mona off the top of the cage, but for the most part, they don't bother with them. I never dreamed a week ago, I would be telling you all about piggy babies!!!!!

So, as the rain pelts against the windows and dogs snore in their houses, and the woodstove throws out the most wonderful heat.... life is very good......

the "family"

As much as I hated to bother them... I just HAD to get the piggie cage cleaned. I have this "thing" about keeping my animals as clean as possible... and even though Mama piggie had done a pretty good job about cleaning up after the arrival of the little ones.... I just felt they needed a nice clean home to start out in.

So, since they were out... here are a couple shots of Mama and the little ones... (I think I already have a favorite.. and so hope that she is a girl, then I can keep her with her Mama)....

They're doing great and even though they are just about 24 hours old, they are running about the cage and checking out the food....

doggies in snow

I am often asked "how do you handle so many dogs in your house?" Well the truth is, I "don't" because when you have a "few" dogs, they do a lot of their own entertaining...

This morning, Cooper, Cocoa and Tazzy spent "hours" out in the new snow...

I just brought them in for "brunch" and they are all snoozing, (drying!!!) and quite happy to be back in....

More than one dog..... MUCH easier

in my opinion!!!!

doors....

Yesterday, while Miss Franka was delievering her own little surprise.... I went up to the barn after teaching my morning classes. Ed and Ken have been working great guns on the big barn doors.

Anything that "my" Ed does, he does well.. and these doors are no exception. They are BIG and they are sturdy... but, on the rollers that he bought, they slide with the pressure of a finger. No horse will be leaving this barn when the doors are closed... to be sure!!!

I plan on painting them red to match the roof... the barn itself will be a light color that is hard to explain in words... it's not a white and yet not a cream either... but, it's very pretty and I can't wait for good weather so that we can get it done....

The nice thing now, is the downstairs is closed to the weather, next week's project will be the hayloft doors, and then the building will be weather tight (course now that the worst part of winter is done.. the guys finally have an "indoor" space!!!)

The snow continues to pile up... but being February.. it doesn't seem as "strong" as it does in December and January. Even today... the snow we got last night is melting.. course with temps in the 40's (at the moment) that helps. The trick is to move it when it's soft, for colder tempertures are sure to appear and if you don't move it... it will stay for awhile...

The guys are planning on doing the shed roofs once the weather is back on their side... I think I am as excited about those as I am the barn itself.... I can just imagine the horses hanging out under the sheds.... and it will make snow clean up so much easier with it not piling up in front of the stall doors.

That is one great thing about boarding all these past years... "I" have "lived" in three different barns ( have examined many others) and formed this "list" of things that were great ideas and things that I didn't care for. All that planning has gone into this barn, and I dare say... it is going to be an "easy keeper" (as we say in the horse world!!!) which will be a good idea since we are keeping horses later in life than "sooner".....

I hope Ed will take a day or two off next week, Ken would like a little time for himself, and I would like Ed to go "barn shopping" with me. All winter I have been saving my money and though it might be a tad soon, I would like to start getting my buckets, and such. They have good sales this time of year, so it's the time to shop......when spring comes, and it's horse weather again... you don't often find such good prices.... so now is the time to go, and I can probably find a little corner to tuck them in......

surprise, surprise.....

WELLLLLLL.... about a week ago, I made a comment to Sadie and Ed that Franklin was getting very fat!!!! When Sadie pulled her out she was "MOM... you're feeding him way too much!!!"

Now, Pet Co, where Franklin is from... prides itself in keeping the "sexes" apart so that people don't end up with more than one... well, guess someone made a big boo-boo...

because, as you can already tell by these phots... we have MORE than one!!!!

Last night, I was holding Franklin...ah... Franka... and felt pretty sad because I was quite certain that I felt a huge tumor on his (her) side... I went to bed feeling that his (her) days were probably numbered. this morning when I went to see him (her) he (she) wasn't out, but was tucked away in the little piggie house. I was sure that he (she) had died and because I had to race off to dog class, thought I would just "deal" with it when I got home.

This afternoon when I got back, he (she) was still in the piggy house, so I carefully picked it up and ........

SURPRISE...SURPRISE!!!!

I took a quick couple of photos and have left the little family to rest quietly in the piggie house.

Unlike other "rodents"... baby piggies are almost set to go... they have hair, eyes open, and can easily run about... from what I know they nurse for about a month, though the do eat "food" within a short amount of time.... and squeek...... they make the best little noises!!!!!!

we'll keep you up to date... look for cute photos, cause these little piggies are adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

home show

On Sunday, we met up with friends, Julie and Gordon.... had a wonderful breakfast together, and then went onto Manchester for a "Timber Frame and Log Home" show. Ed and I have been attending these shows for the past few years, in search of the "new house".. this show in Manchester was quite small and some what disappointing, except for the fact that the company we are currently talking to was there. We had a nice chat with one of the owners of the company, and according to him... our figures should be coming in by the end of the week.

Of the companines that we have looked into, so far, this one seems to be the most promising... course "the numbers" will say it all. They also seem to be on a good time frame, and if this comes together, they could be working for us this summer.... time will tell I guess.

I have to admit, I was quite impressed that once we said our names, they knew who we were and what our house was (is) and could easily talk with us about it. This is a fairly small company and is based in New Hampshire, which makes us feel good... dealing with a "more local" company.... I am a little "worried" about getting too excited, as the first two didn't pan out... but, I do know, it's a work in progress and just need to go thru the steps, and enjoy the journey.

Saturday was Groundhog's Day.. and the chubby little fellow saw his shadow once again... six more weeks of winter!!! As much as I was hoping for an early spring... (wanting to get that big guy of mine out and working!!!) my "pile" of winter projects needs attention. I have two big items that I really want to finish before good weather calls me outside once again.

This morning we woke to a fresh layer of snow... suppose to change to rain in a few hours.... so, it's been a wonderful quiet morning of coffee and quilting. Ed is off to work on the barn.... he is designing doors this week, and if it goes according to plan, the two big end doors will be done, and the building will officially be "weather tight"........then the "fun stuff" (for me) can begin.... what kind of "latches, lighting, walls, hangers" do I want ...... and I can also start putting together the other items that I will need... wheelbarrow, forks, buckets........ I have been watching for the sales... they usually come around this time of year, and it will be a good time to start collecting things.....

Three new dog classes begin tonite in Saco.... hard to believe that it was before Christmas when I last taught there... really, the winter is zipping by......

finishing the high spots

We at the point of getting things finished up on the "high side" of the barn. Trimming out the copula, roof flashing etc. and I can't believe how these "men folk" just get the work done.

Even "my" Ed is getting so he is pretty comforty being so high off the ground, and worked from the lift and a roof ladder to assist Ken at the top.....

Steve worked from the staging and got the front trim work done....

But Ken still "beats all" as he takes a little break...................

badge day

A few months ago, my friend Alex (who I have known from the horse world for years!!!) asked if I would be able to attend "Girl Scout Badge Day" with a couple of dogs, and do a little demo on dog obedience. Well, I am (at heart) a show off, and any time I can go and do something with the dogs.... I am all there!!!!

Today, after we finished teaching classes, Moxie, Camille and I headed over for badge day. The "little" girls there couldn't have been cuter, and were such great sports with regards to my demo. Course, Moxie and Camille couldn't have been any happier than to be the center of attention.

Now, what does one do with regards to an "obedience demo", well, certainly show the dogs off a little (but honestly, they were both pretty tired from classes, so I have to admit, weren't at their very best!!!) But, more than that, I want to try and have the girls understand what it is like to "train".

So, I came up with this idea... using M&M's as "treats" and coming up with some strange sounding words, I showed the girls what it might be like for a dog to learn a new word and then receive an award after figuring it out. Here is one little gal that was happy to volunteer and figured out that "Moo-be-shoo" meant "please sit in the chair"!!! Then I had the girls pair up, one as trainer the other as trainee, and we came up with two different words... "cheerios" meant lay on the floor and "Pinnocho" meant twirl around. The girls had mini packs of M&M's to offer as a reward, and judging from the laughter in the room, I think the idea was a big hit. However, I do think there was some "serious" moments where the girls were actually thinking of what it might be like to be a dog trying to figure out this "training thing".

After our "training game" , we had some question and answer time and in a flash, it was all over!!!!

For Cami the best part of the day came at the end, when she was surrounded by all the girls scouts, though, I doubt she had her fill of the patting.

And special thanks to Cindi!!! who, took these photos so I could post the blog!!!!

Tazzy

Tazzy has this silly black and white stuffed toy that she just adores. It's nice because none of the other dogs are that interested in it, so she basically has it all to herself.

I caught her playing with it the other day, it was hard to tell where the dog began and the toy ended... she was certainly having a good time for herself......