another turn in date.....

It's hard to believe, this sweet little baby....

 Is all grown up...... and has been given his turn in date... Thursday, May 31st. It's onto college....

 We took Norton in to say goodbye to our friends at DownMaine Vet clinic. They really didn't get to know him much, because we got him as an older puppy... but it's nice to know that these wonderful folks are always there for us. Norton's "exit visit" was perfect...

He hopped onto the scale like a pro and got a "clean bill" to move on...

So, now.. the goodbyes begin.... can't believe we're already at this point!!!

when dreams come true

This is my good friend Betty and her beautiful Welch cobb, Quinn. They went to a "fun" horse show just a short time ago, and from what I know, did a driving course together. Bettty reports that Quinn did very well (he's just 4 years old). And from these photos, I would say they did really well.

 I don't even know how long Betty and I have been friends. We met long ago in the "dog world" when she had her first Newf, Josh. And Betty is just one of those friends, who I don't see all that much, but when we do get together, we always pick up right where we left off.... you just have to love friendships like that.

Betty has always loved horses. And when we first came to the farm, she was here often. Helping out in all sorts of ways, and was a huge help to me when I was getting Mocha back into driving mode. It was her wish to one day have a horse of her own and when she found Quinn, it seemed like a match made in heaven.

Because she is busy with Quinn now (and boards him at a barn closer to her home). We again don't see each other as often as I would like. But she is always sure that I know what is going on in her horse life.. and I love that. So, here's to you my friend.. may you and Quinn have many happy miles of driving and blue ribbons in the future. (and keep the pics coming so I can brag on you!!!!)

Celebrations

It would seem that our past few weekends have been full of happy celebrations.. last weekend a wedding and Mother's Day, and this past weekend a baby shower for my cousin Meaghan. It was a perfect day for a shower, and I was excited to be with family that I don't get to see that often.

 I met up with my sisters, Becky and Rachel at Rachel's house, and then we all walked over to the shower. Sadly, my Mom (recovering from surgery) Kassy (who was at a wedding) and Sadie (who had to work) wasn't able to join us....

I thought this was such a good idea and wanted to share. Danielle (who helped arranged the shower) hung this picture frame from a swing set. And then, as each guest arrived, she took their picture to make a memory book of all the guests for Meg. Very sweet.....

And here is the beautiful Mom to be. She and her hubby have decided not to know what they are having.. so the gifts were all great surprises....

 Abbie wasn't sure why this wasn't a birthday party.. it had all the right makings... people, good food, presents and a cake.. so she really wanted to help out with the gifts. Meg was so sweet and said yes... but after a bit, Abbie thought playing outside was more fun that looking at "baby things"...

It was such a nice time, so well thought out. There were several little girls there, and they all had such a fun time outside together, while the adults visited. This little toad that the little girls found was a huge hit (I'm so glad they didn't bring him inside!!!)

Abbie got to try her first trampoline... she thought that was so much fun. It was just a wonderful afternoon, and we are anxiously awaiting the news of another new family member... joining us in July.

Start of summer..

Our weather lately has been quite the thing... either cold, rainy and sort of yucky.. or bright sunny. I'm in hopes that the whole summer isn't going to go this way, though when the weather is good, it's delightful. Course Ab can always find something grand... like how her barn boots make it possible to walk threw the deep puddles...

Or how a plastic Easter pail works great for collecting the eggs....

She take this morning chore very serious, and likes to count and see how many treasures we are left. She loves fresh eggs, and even told her Tee Tee that "her" eggs (bought in the store) were a bit "yucky".

Well, it's hard to believe that Norton is beginning to get ready to head back to NEADS. I have received the "time to get ready" note. So, we made an appointment at the vets to have his "out going/in coming" exam done. Abbie assures him that everything will be fine at the doctors.

 He hasn't really know the DownMaine staff.. we got him when he was pass all the puppy shots, so except for a few "hello" visits and being weighed... he hasn't been there....but he makes friends where ever he goes...

He looks bigger than he actually is. People guess his weight to be around 70 pounds, but he really only comes in at 58. Must be all those curls.....

And just another morning on the farm. I guess what really "gets" me are the outfits that are picked out each morning. Abbie is really into dressing herself, and I love to see what she chooses. Most always a tu-tu must be part of the ensemble.

just making sure her boots still work....

And always ready to lend a hand.... she loves to open the shavings bags after "you get the poop out first, Baby"..

 Rake is a bit on the big side....

But she'll make sure that the horses have a nice soft bed... and pretty much the routine of the days continue....

Happy Mother's Day

I didn't mention in the previous blog..but we have had an entire week of rain and grey weather. So, when the sun came out for the wedding yesterday and for Mother's Day today.. what a blessing that was!!! Kas and Lauren (Nate's sister) had made arrangements for us to attend a Mother's Day brunch at a wonderful restaurant. Three families got together... us, the Flagg's and Lauren's in-laws. We don't have the chance to pull all these families and extended families together that often, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.l

Because we were such a large party, we actually ended up with our own little room. That was wonderful... the breakfast was buffet and we commented later how sort of annoying it must be for the folks at the tables always having people walking back and forth to the buffet lines. This way we were tucked out of the way, had room for Abbie to move about and we could have a real visit.

I can't even begin to tell you what was on that buffet line.. actually to tell you what wasn't there would be easier. But let me say, I did make a few trips to this chocolate fountain... it had all kinds of fresh fruit and things for dipping.... yummmy!!!!!

The day was so pretty and Abbie had great fun checking out all the gardens and things...

And of course, had to do the family photo shoot!!! After brunch we checked in with my Mom and Dad. Mom had a hip replaced just a few days ago, and Dad had a slight run in with his plow and cost him 11 stitches. Both are doing well, but for my folks, are in the "slow"lane, so I wanted to be sure all was well with them... and it is..They take good care of themselves and are active people, so to be laid up like this, isn't something they are used to.

We got home later in the afternoon, and since I hadn't had Duke out in harness for a bit, decided to do that. We really need to get serious about working this summer if we are going to make that Acadia trip next fall. He was such a good boy.

I even got Sadie and Abbie to go for a little ride with me. Tatter followed behind....

Abbie sure loves hanging out at the barn. She isn't afraid of anything (which has it's good and bad points).

Just as we were finishing up at the barn, the skies grew dark and a little thunderstorm rumbled threw. It was almost hot, so the rain cooled things down a bit. At supper time when we went out to use the grill... this rainbow appeared in the sky. What a great way to end Mother's Day.... I am very, very blessed.

a wonderful wedding...

Today we attended the wedding of Marci and Chris.. Marci is the daughter of my dear friend Kim. Norton went along as well.... Marci extended a personal invitation for him.

Kassy found this wonderful bow tie and since Norton always looks like he is wearing a tux... it was just a matter of adding this finishing touch. I must say, he was a very good boy and we received many (many) compliments of "you have a dog with you". by the way, the Pastor that did the wedding ceremony also has a a NEADS ministry dog... named Sawyer.

Here's Kim... the mother of the bride. She looked so beautiful... the whole wedding was beautiful. Marci and Chris did most of it themselves, it was simple, elegant and fun. Ed and I really enjoyed ourselves...

 Marci and her Dad walking down the isle together......

Lovely ceremony....it was sweet and simple. I have been to some pretty big weddings, but I have to say, I like the small ones better.

The reception was held at the church as well. We knew many of the other guests, so we enjoyed visiting with folks that we haven't seen in a bit. The food was excellent, and (thank you Marci)... the music was kept low enough where people could actually talk. I have to say, we have left weddings and other type parties because the music was being played so loud that you couldn't hear the person next to you, or even think for that matter. It may sound silly to even mention this sort of thing, but really... it's important in my book.

Marci and Chris made the rounds and talked with each guest. It was just such a fun day.... and of course, we wish them much happiness and a long life together....

just down on the farm

This past week we had what they were calling a "super moon". Which means the moon was close to the earth and being full it was quite spectacular...though I thought that the full moons we see in the winter time, with the moon shining across a snowy field might be just a tad better than this  one was. Either way, it was great to see and I got a few nice photos of it.

Sunday was a very pretty day. We went down to the old house to retrieve some boxwood shrubs that we had planted there. Kas and Nate wanted them moved so they could do a garden and before just hacking them off, asked if we wanted them. Boxwood is a favorite of ours, it reminds us of Colonial Williamsburg - where they have beaufutiful hedges of boxwoods.

They are muture plants, so I don't know if that means they will do better or worse with the move. But they already have more space than they did at the other house... so I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Today has been very grey and rainy, giving them a good drink of water.

The Guinea hens found  it all very interesting. They notice anything new on the farm. Too bad they don't notice the hawk and fox as quickly.. this week alone we have lost two. It's a dilemma for me, I like them to free range to eat all the bad buggies  and I know they are at risk. I'll probably end up buying more, which seems to be the routine each spring. But I will say, I have seen only one tick this season (on me!!!) so I know they are doing a good job.

We have opened up the little chicks "house" and are letting them roam around the stall that we keep these chickens in. They are so cute and are getting bigger each day.

Mama bird is doing a great job raising them and we are really enjoying watching them grown. I'm thinking their going to be colored like the mom.. but of course, I don't know if we have boys or girls yet.

This is our newest adventure. It's an incubator and inside... 21 guinea hen eggs. We found a nest of eggs that one hen seemed to be going into each day. The last time we had a clutch of eggs, I left them - upon advise of our "birdie friends" and sadly, a fox came and got all the eggs and the hen. So, this time, we took the eggs and will see if we can't hatch them out.

From what I read, unless your guineas are penned, they really aren't great moms. If they are free ranging, that is what they would rather do. And if they do nest, they are real victim to the wildlife (as we found out). So, we'll see if we have any better luck being guinea hen parents. We'll candle the eggs in about a week to see if we have any chicks inside, but right now, it's wait and see. It sure would be fun to hatch our own rather than buying them.

After a full day of running about looks like one little chick is ready to settle down and take a snooze... sounds like a plan to me....