it's NOT my fault.........

On Saturday evening, we went to dinner with the Flagg's. It was Sean's birthday, and not that we need any "reason" to go to dinner (we go almost every weekend!!!) but it's always nice to "have" a reason to go!!!

Being the "animal people" that we are, the conversation always takes on a theme of pets at some point in time. Dave and Deb have two dogs, two cats, two sheep, and various chickens and the what not, so we always have much to chat about. At one time, they had a Welch pony named Thunder, they owned him for 39 years, and he passed just a few years ago. Since then, they have been on the lookout - more or less - for some sort of equine to add back to their family. I gave them the website for the farm that I got Tonka at, and every so often, Deb pops onto it and takes a look.

She told me, at dinner, that she had seen minis on the website and that there was an open house for the farm on Sunday (yesterday).. so I promptly say... "hey let's go up and see what they have!!!" Now, I know better than to go alone to a place like this, so we took Sadie with us --- for adult supervision..........

The moment we arrived, Deb and this little grey mini mare, just seemed to hit it off!!! Her name is Alice (like in Wonderland) and she is three years old!!! and I need not lengthen the story with words,,, because you already know.... this little mini is now a "Flagg"!!!

Now, Dave was actually thinking of a horse more for riding and driving. So, he went down to look at the big guys, and found this beautiful Belgian X named Bobby. It wasn't too long before we saw Dave, helmet on, saddle on horse.... off riding "into the sunset" (not really, but it sounds good). Then Dave asked if Sadie, Deb or I wanted to try him. So, Sadie and I took a little spin on him, and told Dave we both liked him very much. Well, I need not say more... because Bobby also became a "Flagg"!!!!

So, now that leaves one little mini left. She is actually the mother of the little grey foal. She is a chocolate dapple, 13 years old, her name is Summer, she can take small children on her back and she drives. Do you all know where I am going with this?????

Yes... her last name is "Walsh"!!!!!!!

As it proved out, Sadie was not much in the "adult supervision" department.... nor was Ed!!!! Dave and Deb weren't much help either, because they have offered a place for Summer on their farm until we get ourselves up to Acton.

This morning I did, for one brief moment, wonder what in the world was I thinking.... a very brief moment............ :-) let the comments begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

toys

I recall a few blogs ago, that I made some comment about "boys and their toys..... the difference being the price between them. Well, as it turns out, I really have little to say, because I find myself in the same situation.

When I was a little girl, I was given a "tonka" truck and horse trailer, with two horses. I can remember spending hours in the dirt pile, driving my truck around, making pastures for my horses, houses, barns, etc. My friends were often playing with their "barbies", but I preferred my truck and being "barbie's" neighbor, the one with the horses.

I don't know what happened to my truck, probably just got lost somewhere in the shuffle of growing up, but a few Christmas's ago, Ed found this truck, trailer and horses on e-bay, and bought it for me!!! What is really funny, is this trailer came with a black and a white horse... (my old one had two black horses)... the fact that we own a black and a white, just makes it seems so odd!!!!

So, here is the "big girl" version!!!! And I just love hooking onto that trailer, loading up one (sometimes both) of the boys and driving to a lesson, the beach or where ever!!!!

Actually, if truth be told, and the gas prices weren't so high, I would probably spend even more time pulling the trailer about...just because I like doing it so much!!!!

I wanted to try and set up a shot with the boys beside the trailer (like I did with my toy truck), but that would require another person, and I just couldn't come up with anyone this week. So, you will just have to "enjoy" seeing the boys together in the paddock!!!

My lesson with Louise went well yesterday. I found I have a ton of work to do with Tonka ... sort of already thought that..... but, I look forward to working with him. I am going to need a lot of Ed's help with this, because some of the ground and dragging work really needs a couple of extra hands. As Louise said, "you want to drive in safety and training.... not in prayer!!!!" and there's a lot of truth to that statement....... I will be sure to keep you all up to date on our progress....and I look forward to offering rides when we are ready!!!!!!!!

quilt drying day

I think that living in Maine, (New England) we have the very best!!!! What I mean- in this case- is the weather!!! We seem to get a little of everything from the cold and snow to the warm and grand. After a couple of hot and humid days, the thunderstorms rolled thru last night (much to Camille's dismay, she hates them!!!) and this morning brought the most wonderful weather!!! Warm(ish), dry, bright sun!! perfect for washing the couch quilts and drying them on the rail. Those poor quilts take such a beating, I find them on the floor, spaniels and cats lay all over them, people use them... and then I chuck in them in the wash!!! But there is nothing like drying them outside.... it's the best. Besides, makes a pretty good picture!!!!

The dogs and I had a grand walk today, and I am finding the benefits of all this walking is far reaching. When Hunter was in the ER the other night, the vet was extremely pleased at "how fit he is". And my regular vet even made the same sort of comments when we went for their spring visit. In fact, he shared with me that the number of fat dogs he sees, seems to be on the rise!!!! I guess that's not surprising since I am forever hearing on the news how Americans are not taking care of themselves, would only stand to reason that it would trickle down onto our pets!!!! Anyways, I am also finding that I am my best "walking advertisement"... for again today, I was stopped and asked "where did you get your dogs trained, because I am looking for a trainer" I really should carry some business cards with me, because I am asked this at least a few times a week. Good for business, and my summer run of classes is almost full.

I had been thinking that a "cat tree" out on the new sunroom would be fun for the kitties. They love it out there, with all those big windows, they have a grand time. I feel a little bad that I have decided to make them "indoor cats", but having lost two cats and never knowing what became of them, is just something I can't go thru again. So, these guys are stuck inside for my selfish reasons. Today, I "caught" Dancer and Nora having a grand time on the ladder that we left out there, and it got me thinking... I could buy one of those expensive cat trees, but maybe it would be just as good to find an old ladder, paint it up or whatever, and have that for them to climb around on!!! It would work out just as well, and might look different in my "decor".......... I have so many ideas of what would look good out there, that I probably will end up filling it with all sorts of things. It's were the baby turtles are at the moment (got to think up a couple of names for them!!!) ... I need to be careful not to fill this room up before its complete!!!

Well, time to get out to the barn and check on the big guys, Tonka and I had our lesson yesterday... he was NOT at his best. I think I might have forgotten to bring his brain with us, because he acted as though he had never done any dressage work in his life.... it's just like the dogs, and I suppose everyone is entitled to an off day..... glad his was on a "lesson day"... Laura had quite a conversation with him......... tomorrow I am meeting with another horse friend, Louise, who is going to help me with the harness..... I am sure there will be a story or two in that.

Hunter, baby

What a strange weekend this turned out to be!!! It started out when my friend, Julie, called to see if I could be on "puppy stand-by". Some of you may not know, but I am a great "puppy mid-wife" and I have helped several friends deliver their puppies. Julie always calls when she has a litter on the way (she raises German Shorthair Pointers) and we have spent many late night/early mornings together!!! So, I was pretty excited waiting for "the phone call to come". Sadie said that she wanted to come along as well, since she will be studying that sort of thing in college next year and thought it would be good to see it all done.
So, the weekend went along, but I was a little worried about getting into anything too big, just in case Julie called.

Ed snapped this shot of Hunter and Dancer around supper time on Sunday. Moments later, Hunter got off the couch and began to act as though he was having a seizure. He has had a couple in the past, not bad ones, so I didn't get too upset when this all began. But, as the moments went on, something just wasn't right with him. I still can't even really describe it, but, knowing my dog, I knew something was up. I had Ed call Julie and tell her not to count on me being there, because I was headed to the ER with Hunter. Bottom line, after they did some x-rays and a general exam, was he had some sort of stomach pains, but for no real reason. Basically sent us home with keep a close eye on him, bland diet for a few days, contact the vet if anything else came up. He is almost back to his old self this am, ate his rice for breakfast, barked when Ed popped in a minute ago, but also being a little quieter than usual. Strange........ on top of that, Julie called, and so far, there are 13 new pointer puppies in the world this am. Her girl did really well, and Julie got some help from another friend, so everyone is in good shape there.


Turtles...... Kas and I went to Zoo Creatures on Saturday, to see what we could find out about the turtles...... yes, that word has an "s" on the end, she found another baby this week, so we now have two. I set up Titus's small tank for them, and we talked with a "Turtle expert" at the store. He gave some baby food to get them started with and went over all the best ways to have their tank, etc. I ended up with another complete set up, and then even did some up grading with Titus's tank with a better filter and such for him. The turtle man gave me some good ideas and easier methods for cleaning, and now that I have two tanks to keep track of, I was pretty happy to get that advise. I am happy to report that both the babies are eating well, very active and seem pretty happy in their new home. AND, Ed and I even got the beginnings of an outdoor pond for them... so I hope within a few weeks, I will have a nice outdoor place for them.
It was also back to the sunroom work again. The weather on Sunday was rainy, so after church, we got started on the bead board. This was tricky to work with, I dare say, even a little more than the ceiling was. We got a good start on it, finishing up two walls, before Hunter did his thing!!!! It looks really nice and I think its a good choice. I hope we'll get a chance to work on it a couple of evenings this week, because that will finish it up. Then its just window trim and the floor and this project can be taken off our list!!!!

It's Monday, I feel tired and not with it, but after the weekend and all its "strangeness"... I guess I have a good reason........

"field trip"

As previously reported, we spent Memorial Day afternoon with the Flagg's on their farm. Deb had a few surprises for me.... one being, one of her hens is a Mama to three little chicks. I don't remember "what" kind of chickens these are, but they are very small and quite endearing for chickens. (I am not a huge chicken fan). These three little babies aren't any more than little fuzzy balls, but they do a good job keeping the yard clear of tics and all sorts of other "bad bugs". I had a fun time, just watching them peck about the yard and keeping up with their Mama.......

Then Deb offered to take me over to the nursery where she gets alot of her plants for her garden. She had been telling me about the tortoise that lives there, and knowing that I AM a fan of turtles, she thought that I might enjoy seeing this tortoise. Was she ever right about that!!!! It's an African land tortoise, he is 7 years old, and weighs about 50 lbs. His name is Linus!!!! In the warmer weather, he lives outside with a small dog house for comfort, and in the winter, he lives in one of the greenhouses on the property. He's very cool and very handsome!!!!!

They also have a small outdoor pond there, and I "discovered", in the gold fish pond, were two red eared sliders!!!! One was a little bigger than Titus and the other a little smaller. They certainly are happy living outside in this good weather, so I spent some time talking with the owners about how they did that, and needless to say, I now have some ideas of what I would like to do for an outside pond for Titus!!!!! Just add another item on the "project list"!!!!!!

On Tuesday, when everyone got back to work, Kassy called me and said that she had found a baby turtle in the parking lot at her work!!! This didn't' totally surprise me, because a co-worker had found one about a month ago. She asked if I wanted her to bring it home.... why not.. I thought, better than getting squished by a car.

I knew that it was going to be little, but just how little is beyond me. There is no way "it" can go in with Titus right now, I fear Titus would like it was a great little snack..... just to give you some idea of its size.... Sadie is holding a half dollar in this picture and you can see, it's smaller than that. SO.... I have been doing some research on how to keep a baby, and think I need to call "Zoo creatures" (where we got Titus) to find out the best way to keep him. I am going to set up Titus's small tank for him to live in for awhile!!!!

It seems to go like this for me..... that once I have some type of animal, the rest just seem to find their way into my life.... look at the cockers!!!!! But I hope this way of turtles doesn't go too crazy on me!!!!! They are fun, but I will say again... they are a fair amount of work!!!!! I'll let you know if and when Titus gets his outside pond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Memorial Day

Even though the town of York has grown greatly since I was a little child, there are still moments when it has it's "Norman Rockwell" feeling.... the Memorial Day parade being one of them for sure.

The parade starts early... 9:30 AM... and this year the weather was grand. So Kas, Sadie and I along with 7 cocker spaniels, walked up to the center of town, grabbed a couple of bagels and coffee, and settled in for the big event.

I was happy to see a number of other folks doing the same thing, in fact, I thought the crowd was pretty good!!!! But, I was even more impressed with the patriotism that seemed to be present this year. LOTS of cheering for the service men and women who marched, and lots of applause and proper respect shown when our flags passed by!!!

The firemen had a good showing.... looking very prim and proper in their "dress blues".... recognize this good looking guy!!!! (bet you didn't know that Ed could "clean up" so good!!!) and that's Chris in the forefront... the Chief, good friend and neighbor!!!!!







Course, it wouldn't be Memorial Day without Nate, so "mini Nate" had to step in and do his job!!! Here is the family photo.... Charlie, Kas and Nate!!!!

After the parade, we went out to celebrate with the Flaggs!!!! Had a wonderful cookout - the first of the season - and then Deb took me on a "field trip" to show me something quite wonderful!!!! But, that will be in my next blog..... so, stay tuned!!!!!!!!!

change of plans

Our original plans for the holiday weekend, were to go to the Oxford Fair grounds for the Maine Draft Horse day & auction. Sadly, there were some terms between the horse club and the fairground that could not be met, and the event had to be cancelled. Fortunately, Kim thought to call me Friday evening and tell me this news, because it saved Ed and I from traveling up there only to find this out!!!!

So, with Moxie and Dancer supervising from the front door, we tackled yet another project from the "to do list". Take down the shrubs from in front of the house, that have grown much too large and were in pretty sad shape.

It was (is) a big job, but the right equipment and the two of us working together, we got a good part of it done on Saturday afternoon. We filled up both the pick-ups, a small trailer and the big tractor trailer with branches and shrubs.

After carting that over to dump in Portsmouth, Ed couldn't wait to get on the tractor and start pulling up the stumps. Once we have them all out, and dumped, he then plans on rotor tilling the entire front lawn, and re-seeding it. The next step will be to pick out a "white pickett fence" to go along the road, I don't like it being so open to the road side, even if there isn't that much traffic and we don't use the front door as a main entrance.

It's hard to believe that 20 years ago, we planted 14 small shrubs, I couldn't wait for them to get big enough to make a hedge, which, we were told, would grown to about 4 feet in height. Well, for some odd reason, these hedges went way beyond the 4 feet, and when they began to take over the lawn and make it hard to see when pulling out of the driveway, it was time to think of a new game plan.

It certainly gives the house a different look, but when it's all said and done, it will look quite nice.....

Silly me.......I thought weekends were for relaxing, guess I thought wrong!!!!

the vet cometh

Today was "vet day" for the horses, Dr. Mike came out to give them their yearly shots, do their coggins tests and file down their teeth. It's always easier on man and beast to give a little calming shot, just enough to take the "edge" off. Even though both horses are very good about being handled, getting two shots, having blood taken and a file put to your teeth is enough to make even the best a little crazy.



Silver took it all in stride, but at nearly 30, he has seen many "spring visits". Here Dr. Mike is getting his blood and doing his "calming shot".





"Poor" Tonka, well, maybe not, he probably had a nice little sleep after we left. But he looks pretty pathetic with his head resting in the stall corner and his droopy eyes!!!






Its been a busy month of vet visits. All the dogs needed their check ups as well as the horses, so for the past few weeks, I have been taking them in... two at a time. Helps span out the bill!!! and makes it easier to handle.



I love having all these pets, but financially its a big responsibility keeping them healthy!!!!! But, we wouldn't have it any other way... they bring such joy to our lives!!!

and for the record, Trevor can count his lucky stars.... the cross stitch people sent me a new pattern, so I can finish my project... he's one lucky dog!!!!!!

Nate's "new" truck

So, what do you think of this little beauty. This is what will be waiting for Nate when he arrives home in November!!! I guess for some time now, Nate has been wanting an "older" pick-up and he has always liked the body style of the '80's. Kas thought it would be fun to find one for him over the summer and have it ready when Nate is home again.

She picked up a second job (part time) and began to save her pennies and look around for the "perfect little truck", but she never dreamed she would find it so quickly or one that is in the great shape that this little truck is!!!!It's a 1984 and has been "babied"... it has even been shown in a couple of truck shows!!! and the young man that owned it, really didn't want to part with it, but just doesn't have the time to keep it. Kas took Ed with her to check it all out, but the truck speaks for itself!!!

There is only one small glitch - as far as Kas is concerned - and that is, it's a standard shift!!!! Kids today don't know how to drive a standard!!! so, Kas is going to have to learn.

I love driving standards, my little beetle is one, and I just like the "control" you have driving one, but, if you don't know how to do it....control is not what you feel.

I tried giving Kas a little driving lesson, but because its not insured or registered yet, we basically could only go back and forth across the street. She did manage to move it a few times without stalling it, and I know once we can get it out on the road (or in the school parking lot!!!) she'll catch on how to drive it. Course, then, she will probably fall in love with it, and good luck to Nate to ever have a chance to drive it!!!!!!!

I also see Ed "eye balling" it, he likes this body style too, and has already told Kas that if Nate doesn't like it, he'll buy it off her--( I hope Nate likes it.... we DON'T need another truck or vehicle !!!!)But Kas is pretty sure that Nate will love it, in fact, she already let the secret out and has sent the pictures to Iraq!!!!

So, if there wasn't a million reasons already for Nate to hurry home...... here is another!!!!

phone calls

One thing that has been a huge help with regards to Nate's deployment, is the fact that he has been able to call Kass, Deb & Dave, on a fairly regular basis. This has been a real blessing for them (us) because even the shortest of phone calls, says that he is safe and it's going well.

It just "boggles" my mind though, when I think about it, especially when he calls on Kassy's cell phone. One call I can partically remember is when we were on our way home from church, Kass is riding in the truck, and talking on the phone half way around the world...with little trouble. The time difference is hard enough to comprehend... let alone "where" he is at the moment. Deb. sent me a picture of the "base" Nate is at.... just plain brown desert with tents... not much to look at... and yet there is phone service and other basics.... amazing in many ways, but certainly not the way we are living day to day!!!!!

We just can't say enough of what all your prayers and well wishes mean....please continue because it is definitely what gets us through.........

On a lighter note, I just had to post this picture of our old apple tree... in full bloom and it is just beautiful!!!! I love this old tree, in the fall the apples, (which are a bit annoying to mow over) are a favorite with the deer. We have had as many as six deer feeding from it. They aren't exactly "tame" but they certainly aren't bothered by us or the cars and can be such fun to watch. I must remember to get a picture of them when the arrive in the fall.

We also have a number of very special pets under this tree, so that in itself, makes it close to my heart. I feel a strange sort of comfort thinking that they are safely tucked under this grand old tree. And as the blooms go on, they drop from the tree and it's all white underneath, so we have a good show for a few weeks!!! (Certainly not the way things look in Iraq!!!!)

I have really enjoyed the spring this year, maybe because it was a year ago that I was facing surgery and had a "scare", the sort of thing that makes you sit up and pay attention to life, and appreciate the fact that "you" are well. I heard a quote once that I will never forget...... "if it's a problem, that can be cured with money..... then it really isn't a problem"... and that's right. Sometime you might not have the money, so its seems like a big problem, but if you think about the things that can't be solved by money.... then you get the big idea. And on that note.... off for my walk with the gang.

camp weekend

This was our first "official" weekend at camp, and as much as I would like to say we sat around, and sipped cold drinks, and played in the lake....... the only ones playing in the lake were the loons!!!

This was a "working" weekend... and did we work!!! With TWO cottages for rent this summer, there was a TON of sorting out and cleaning to make ready for the season.

The back camp wasn't too bad, since it was closed up nice and clean, all that was needed was to do mouse patrol, and go over the fine details .

but the front camp--which belongs to Ed's Mom and will be rented for the first time this year--needed a lot of organizing and clean up. I was SO happy that my dear friend, Kim, was available to help us out. Kim cleans houses for a living (AND if anyone needs some help in that department... I HIGHLY recommend her!!!! you won't be able to keep up with her!!!!) Between the three of us, we got a lot of work done.... personally, I am exhausted, but the cottages sure look wonderful, and we can rest easy knowing that they are ready to go. It was a good weekend to do that sort of thing, because the weather was cool and rainy, so I suppose it was better to get it all done.

Officially, the summer has begun and I am looking forward to having "real camp weekends"..... good friends, cookouts, long walks with the dogs.... and playing in the lake.

Trevor, Trevor, Trevor.......

TREVOR!!! I adore all my little spaniels.... and I am, by trade... a dog trainer. Upon occasion... I have to remind myself of these two facts, especially when it comes to Trevor!!!

He is my little trouble maker. And in the past 48 hours, Trevor has been on a roll with his trouble. It started when he ate my cross-stitch pattern!!!! The one that I have 3/4 of the way done, and is suppose to be a present for my niece next month..... THEN he decided that he would try the sheet rock out on the new sunroom. I heard him getting into mischief and I should have checked on him..... but it wasn't until he went past me with a chunk of sheet rock in his mouth, that I went and checked....sure enough, right by the door, a little patch had been torn off.......

But, today, took the prize... he started with a roll of toilet paper... (bad enough.)... and ended with.... Ed's paycheck!!!!... at least I think he ate the paycheck.... it's not where Ed left it, and its no where to be found. So, based on Trevor's track record.. we are assuming it's him again!!!!

Now, I will accept some of the blame here... first, I know he has a "thing" for paper, and needs to be watched... and second... with the rainy weather, and a schedule that's been a little too busy the past couple of days... he hasn't had a walk in a few days.. and that always leads to some trouble making. Usually when he is well walked and has something to occupy him... he's good.... but if not......

Fortunately.... the toilet paper is replaceable.... and I called the company that made the cross-stitch pattern and they are sending me another copy of it (thought it was pretty funny that my dog "ate my copy"), the sheet rock thing can be covered by trim.... and that my hubby...who is extremely good natured --- was able to bring me another paycheck.....

And that Trevor lives in a home where ... for all his faults... he is dearly loved, because I wonder how it would have been for him if he wasn't ..............

M&M's (mom & mom's?)

I like chocolate!!! and if I had my choice of candies, I would pick "m&m's" anytime of the day!!! I usually keep a bowl full handy and find that a number of others like them, too.... when the bowl is empty.

I think the reason why I like them so much, is their small size. I also like the way they melt, and one of my favorite things to do, is to put a couple in my mouth, and then sip coffee.... I know, a little strange, but it sure is yummy.

Now, Kas and Nate know the things I just told you, so for Mother's day... this wonderful box arrived in the mail!!!!! they are personalized M&M's!!! and they say... "we love you... Kas & Nate" and "thanks, Mom" (tried to get a picture to show you, but the camera can't pick up the small print!!!)

Not only are they my favorite little candies, but they came in four small bags, so I can share as many (or as little) as I wish!!!! and I can read the little note just before I pop one in my mouth!!! They sent a box to Deb too... so now, M&M's = Mom & Mom!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to one and all..... enjoy

It's HERE!!!!!

So, after a winter of waiting.... the harness has arrived!! and today Ed, Tonka and I went to get it. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was.... maybe the fact that I was up at 5:30 am... would give you some idea!!!

Tonka loaded like a gentleman, and we were on the road by 8:30. As I suspected, the harness came in a big box (remember, its from the Amish) and when they first showed it to me... it looked like a lot of leather straps!!! But, it didn't take Chuck too long to sort it all out and have it assembled to try on Tonka. They had us unload him right in their parking area, and began to fit it, making all sorts of little adjustments here and there. I tried to watch it all, but really was too busy making sure that Tonka was being a good boy... which he was!!!!

It's pretty obvious that he has been driven, because he was not at all "bothered" by the harness, or any of the "fussing" that was going on around him. Once, everything was in place, they had me walk him around a bit, and he was as calm as could be. They have Belgians, and right away, their "girls" (five of them I think) came to the fence to watch the whole thing. I think Tonka was pretty taken by all those girls watching him, he certainly wanted to stand and walk well..... show off!!!!

could he be any cuter!!!!!

After he had some time to get the feel of the harness and the "Meader's folks" were happy with the fit and such, we put the driving bridle and long reins on. I got a chance to practice some ground driving with him. I have to say, its much easier with the entire harness that it is with the surcingle. I find the reins are out of the way and it just seems "safer" in some sort of way. NOT, that it improved my handling... though, I am getting better each time I practice, but I was happy to have a "spotter" on the end of the lead line. (especially when a motor cycle came roaring down the road, he isn't too fond of them)

It looks like I will be spending a good part of my summer, just where I am in this picture... at the back of the horse (that is when I am not ON the back of the horse!!) We have a long way still to go, but I can almost picture that buggy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

military spouse day

Today is "military spouse day".. and it's the first official one. Next year, you will see it printed on your calendars... like Mother's Day is... and it will be on record as an "official day"! It make me happy and proud to think that the spouse's- who are the main support of our troops- are going to have their own special day.

Here, because of Kas, when I hear the word "spouse" I immediately think "wife", but actually I know better, because there are a huge number of the men folk that are the spouses, and are keeping the home fires burning while their military personal are away.

However, no less should be said about the families either!!! and not just the kids... or the "in-laws", but the "family" that raised that person to become the people that they are!!!

Raising kids is tough... I can say that... I have had the experience. It's tough enough to raise them "decent".... there is nothing "average", about raising an "average kid". We already have so much "against" us just outside the house doors. So, how do you do that... not just raise that "average, good kid", but someone who is willing to take that one step more and go onto something like the military.

Well, I have two answers to that.... number one is God... having a strong relationship with the Lord, knowing where you belong with Him is the bigger part, and then second is the child. There has to be something "different".. something "special" about a kid that is willing to take on this responsibility. Those two things have little to do with how they are raised, except for the fact that their parents recognized this, in some manner, and did their part in pulling it out and nurturing it.

So, as much as I say "hurrah" for the spouses, may I also say "Hurrah" to the families..... like Deb and Dave..... who raised such amazing young people.. and who will ever be, the quiet strong force behind what really keeps this country... (keeps us)....safe in our beds at night, and our daily business at day..........

Happy Military Spouse..... Military FAMILY ..... Day!!!!!

happy is the man......

who takes a day off from work, and spends it on his tractor, fertilizing his field!!!

This summer, we have a man who will be coming to take the hay off the field. We are excited and so is he, he will get some hay for his cattle, and Ed and I will have the chance to see what type and how much hay the field is able to produce. Since we plan to use it mostly as pasture, it will be a good test, and maybe, we will change our minds about how much will be pasture, after we see the yield. Either way, it needed a good douse of fertilizer and Ed was more than happy to get the job done.

We arrived fairly early in the morning, only to find our neighbor, Dave, already there and waiting for us!!! He would have had the tractor all ready to go, expect that he didn't have the keys!!! Dave is always interested in our "plans", I think he is even more excited than we are, to have us living there, he is always asking when the barn is going up and if I have decided on what type of house we are building!!!!








This is the kind of work that Ed could do all day long!!! He loves being on his tractor!!!! It was a grand day, very warm for May!!! Good thing I was there... reminding him to wear his hat!!! and drink lots of fluids!!! It's easy for Ed to forget time and "important matters" when he's working that tractor!!!!
Dave noticed that the roundpen needed some mowing and cleaning up. So, he got his John Deere running, I opened up the pen, and he was more than happy to run his mower around!!! He was right, it needed to be done, now I have nice short grass if I ever get the chance to get the horses up there...

Look at these two..... what's that old saying...



the difference between men and boys....is the price of their toys!!!!!!

YCKC show weekend

What in the world are these people doing??? If you have never watch a rally competition, this might look rather strange to you... but really, it's quite simple..... you see, before the judging begins in the rally obedience, you are allowed to walk the course, and see what signs (stations) you will be judged on. Most of us, as we walk the course, actaully behave as though our dogs were with us... so, as Ed, Kassy, Sadie and MaryJane looked on.. they found it rather entertaining, and could probably for the most part, figure out the names of the dogs that would be showing from the way the people were talking!!!!!!

I really enjoy this weekend of dog shows. It's like old home week, so many of my dog friends are there with their dogs, competing and just enjoying the whole dog show scene. It's not like I don't see these folks often, but it might be one of the few times, where you can actually spend some time talking and enjoying each other's company (unless you are due in the ring!!)

Here, Moxie and I are on the course.... she's doing well, staying with me and paying attention... (they say people look like their dogs.......

However, once in a while, she thinks that she might do a better job on her own.... and actually, she might be right, because on this course, (which we did at Saturday's show) I gave her the wrong command.... she did it perfectly, but "we" lost 10 points for not doing the right thing.... we did earn a leg towards our title, just not her usual high score.... silly owner!!!!!!

new title!!!!

Here, Moxie is with MaryJane... her breeder!!! MaryJane tries to attend at least one of Moxie's shows to cheer her on and just stay up to date on all her doings. Moxie is so funny whenever she sees MaryJane... she has, for all these years, always remembered her and gets so excited when they are together!!! MaryJane still has one of Moxie's sisters, and her Mother!!!

and here we are with our judge, Celeste Meade. Moxie finished her Rally Advance title on Sunday at the York County Kennel Club shows in Acton. On Saturday, she scored an 82 (out of 100)... we would have done much better, but I messed up on one of the stations!!! Moxie did exactly what I told her to do... too bad I told her wrong.... On Sunday, she earned her third leg with a score of 95, taking a third placement. (we look like we are bundled up for winter... even though the day was beautiful and somewhat sunny.... there was a very cold, sharp wind blowing all day long... doesn't take too much to get chilled) It was a fun weekend... guess we are onto Rally Excellent next......

pics of spring

After his work out, I let Tonka just have a few minutes in the ring. The sand was nice and warm and he deserved some stretch time after being such a good boy......

looking for that just right spot......

to have a nice little roll.....





the boys enjoying their lunch in the warm spring sun

driving 101

Today's workout was in "ground driving", with our harness "due any day now" I have been trying to divide the workouts between dressage and driving. Not that I am exactly sure what I am doing with the driving thing... but, between some good reading material and common sense, I think we are doing OK.

Now, I am certainly not "good enough" to be trying to handle a camera and a horse... but I so wanted to get a couple of pics for the blog... and since Tonka is very patient and a gentle soul, I figured as long as I stayed on my feet, and didn't drop a rein, I could probably get away with a shot or two. So, this is what it looks like from the back side of him.... there is a bumper sticker out there that says..."ride a draft and make your butt look small"... well, guess this picture says it all. Actually, this is pretty good, because even though I am taking pictures, he is moving in a straight line and paying attention to me!!! Turning is the hardest, because if I pull him up too quickly, he just spins around and looks at me......like......





"What in world are you trying to tell me!!" or in this case, "Are we working, or are you just going to play around with that camera thing?"



The equipment I am using to "drive with" right now are long lines and a surcingle... I just use his riding bridle for the moment, but our harness with come with all that... less the bit, because his bit is a special order thing.... he takes a 6 1/2... which I can tell you, was one hard bit to find!!!! You can easily get a 6 or a 7, but neither fit properly. I should have ordered more of them, because I just have the two, but I have been told that a couple of different companies are expanding their bit sizes, so I just keep hoping that one day here, I will be able to get one without too much trouble.

The long lines and surcingle are working well, but I can't do any sort of "pulling" with them, so I am anxious for the harness.... I know pretty much how to start all that, and an old tire will more than likely be one of his first "pulls". I know the folks up at Meader's will be a wonderful resource of information when it comes to all that. I really don't believe Tonka is going to have any issues with that, he really seems to understand all this, so I do believe that somewhere in his past, he has done this before....

But, we have the whole summer ahead, and I will certainly keep everyone updated on the training.