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......

another one

When we bought the land in Acton, and decided that we would work towards our "dreams of a farm" , one of the first things I did was take this to the Lord in prayer, and asked Him that if the farm could be put to His use, I would be a willing "partner".

I have done "foster care" for rescue for years, and time and time again, have thought, "I could take that dog (or one more) if I only had the space to do it". With the farm within reach, that thought comes to me more and more, and I have even put that idea into the planning stages of it. I am feeling that it might be one of God's uses for the farm (which for me, how cool that would be).

I certainly seem to "attract" them, for here we are again...

This is "Cooper"... a 5 month old springer spaniel... who had been bought as a gift for a wonderful 80 year old lady!!!! And who, tried very hard to make it work... but wisely decided that this little chap just wasn't a good fit for her. Being in my puppy classes and trying to decide what to do, and having major guilt about "dumping him into a shelter"... I opened my mouth and said whatever she needed to do, I would be willing to help her out.

Well, on Monday, she took me at my word, and brought Cooper to me in order to find a new home. He really is a great little guy, all house broken, crate trained, very friendly and happy..... and FULL of energy!!! (thank goodness Tazzy has energy to burn, because she is one that can actually make him tired!!!!)

So, I am putting the "word" out.... any one that might be interested in him is going to be carefully "screened"... they need to be fully aware of this puppy's energy level and know what they might be in for. And because he is so nice, he just deserves the best that can be found.

As I write this blog, word has come in from cocker rescue about another little chap that needs fostering... I am trying to decide if I have the space, time and energy to take him on as well...... I am thinking I could really use that farm right now!!!!!!

the copula

One of the things that I really wanted with our new barn, was a copula on the top. Not only is it a "new england barn" look but they do aid in the ventilation of the hayloft, and if there is a lot of "green" hay going in... ventilation is one thing that you need.

Course, I wanted a copula, but I wasn't about to go up there and put it on!!! so, fortunately, Ken isn't too afraid of heights and said that he could manage it for us. Steve was also a great help, but even he didn't go out on the roof, he worked from up inside the copula!!!! Here, the guys are finishing up the roof and getting the ridge cap in place... it's hard to see just how high they are in this picture, but note that they are above the tree tops!!!!

Ed worked off the "lift" and handed the guys any of the tools or what ever they needed (he is also the one that got these shots!!!)

Nice one here... looking over the whole field.....

Here's Ken.... "we" do have him tethered... (won't catch me standing up like that!!!!)

And the copula... all in place!!! We are going to put a weathervane on the top.. but, it's being custom made, so it will be a little time before we have it. Guess we'll hire a "cherry picker" to do that job. One thing for sure, it's doubtful anyone will be able to steal that nice copper top!!!!!!



Sure looks pretty in the setting sun.......

snow dogs....

"Camille"
"Hunter"
"Moxie"
"Moxie and Hunter"
"Trevor"

What better way to spend a snowy Sunday afternoon, than playing with your dogs at the farm!!!!!

it was a party

"Someone" said they thought that Ed was going to be the "peak" man when it came to the roof.... I DON'T think so!!! That honor went to Dan... who can climb that roof (and any height that we have had in this project)... almost as good as a "monkey".... I'll tell you, I can hardly look long enough to take pictures as I watch him calmly climb around or go from one spot to another!!!! You certainly wouldn't catch me atop this barn... and I feel pretty lucky that we found Dan to help out with this!!!!! We also have had Mike, and of course Ken and Steve working on the barn, they're pretty comfortable with heights, but no one seems to be able to out do Dan!!!!






This little corner of the barn is currently known as "Bill's kitchen"... when he can, he has been coming up and making amazing lunches for the crew. Yesterday, both Bill and Faye showed up with lunch, (actually Faye did all the cooking) and brought with her a pot of beans (which everyone likes, but me!!!) some wonderful cole slaw, and fried chicken.... was it ever good!!!!

Here everyone takes a break and enjoys some rest and excellent food. This is what makes putting on roofs a bit easier!!!! By the end of the day, the roof was completely on, the driveway side of the hayloft is all closed in, leaving only the field end still open to the weather, But that will soon be cured. Once the ridge cap is in place and the copula is on.... a few doors and windows, and the main part of the barn will be closed against the weather. We still have the lean to roofs to do which are over the stall doors on one side and the tack room door on the other.... then interior work, and time for horses. All in all this project has gone fast during the winter months in Maine..... hope the house will go this well....

raisin' a roof

Silver

These "old" pictures of Silver were posted by my friend Traci on her blog and I just loved them so much, that I wanted to share them with all of you...

The "little guy" on his back is Traci's son Dillon. (who now is well into his teens!!!!! and no longer a little guy!!!).. it was the first time that he had ever been on a horse and I remember he wasn't one bit afraid. We had only had Silver for a few months, but being the sweet fellow that he is, anyone could (and did) ride him. He always took such care of who ever was on his back... including me!!!

As most of you know, Silver was my "first horse".. I had ridden a number of years and ever since I was a little girl always wanted that horse of my own.... took me a "few" years to do that, actually it was Ed who sort of prompted me to do it!!! (nothing like a supportive husband!!!)

Silver was about 18 when I bought him. My trainer found him at a schooling stable, where, he had had enough of being a "schooling" horse and it was time for him to find someone to love. I knew that my riding talents would one day "out do his", but I always told him that I would be his last home. And I intend to keep that promise!!!! Though seeing these pictures of him with Dillon, and watching him this past summer give rides to Rachael..... I have thought that he would have made an excellent therapy horse!!!!!

He is "officially" retired now, he is pretty "creeky" and I worry about him tripping or whatever. He can certainly keep Tonka in his place and I am just so excited to get him up on the farm with those big pastures for him to roam in.

So, Silver, old boy.. you are the topic of two blogs this day!!!

I love you old guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!