Memorial Day....

Memorial Day this year was just beautiful... the weather couldn't have been more perfect. We had to meet up with Abbie's Dad since Mondays are "his" day, and after we dropped her off, went to the Memorial Day parade. I of course, took Norton along, parades are a great place to do "service dog" training.

 We met up with Kelli, Rick and Moxie.. and Kathleen, Bob and Monty -- and had a nice time watching the parade together and allowing the dogs to meet the people and see all the going on's. Norton thought the parade was quite neat....and watched if for a while.

 Then he got bored and "stole" the toy that Rick had brought to entertain Moxie. She didn't mind at all.....

After the parade we went over to "the" bridge. Rick has been talking about this footbridge that he discovered and thought it would be good place to try the dogs. The trouble is, the dogs don't have trouble crossing bridges... I do!!! This is a nice sturdy bridge, but I couldn't help but keep my hand on the railing.

And if you look carefully, you can really see what this bridge looks like. The dogs must certainly think this grate feels strange on their feet, I simply don't like how open it is. But, it is a good test for the dogs.

Rick took little Moxie over it several times and she just plodded along. I will certainly keep this in mind for any future puppies in training...

In the afternoon we went to my Mom and Dad's for a family cookout. My Mom is doing very well after her hip surgery a few weeks ago, and it was nice for us to all be together. We decided to pull out the old croquet set and give the game a try. We didn't finish because the food was ready part way threw, but we need to do this again.

Then after all that good food, it was time to get the doggies out for a little walk. Kas took her two, Becky too Amy and I had my four... we looked like a doggie parade.

Abbie's Dad dropped her off later in the day, and it was so cute to watch the little cousins playing together. My Mom has saved some of our old toys and the little girls love to play with them. I don't think they even make this Fisher Price garage anymore.

Abbie tried her hand at the croquet game....she got a couple of good hits on the ball.

And it seemed all to soon, the day was over and we were picking things up and heading for home. It was such a great day... family, friends, fun and food... we are truly blessed.

a trial run (er, drive)

Now, some of you know that Ed and I will be spending a few days next fall in Acadia National Park. We are going to take Duke with us and drive the carriage roads around the park. These roads were put in by the Rockefeller family for the use of carriages and our Duke used to be a horse that pulled the public carriages there. We figure since he spent so many summers there , he will be able to "show us around". We are already preparing for this trip, working on our driving skills and getting Duke conditioned for it all. I have been driving around the farm, but we need to practice "away from home as well", so last Sunday I called Becky and Butch and made a plan to go to their house and do some driving with them. They have a wonderful dirt road that they drive all the time and I figured it's a good place to start. So.... we loaded everything up and headed in their direction.

We've been to their house a number of times, and know how to get there, but I said to Ed, why don't we put it in the GPS.. just in case. Well, we're driving up the highway, talking and have a good time, and go right past the exit we're suppose to take. I said to Ed, we were suppose to get off there, but the GPS said differently. And since we had missed the exit, we decided to just follow what it told us to do. MISTAKE!!!!! There are two ways to Becky and Butch's.. the "main" road or the "back" road... guess which one the GPS chose... the back road!!! Which isn't a bad road.. it's the one that they drive the horses on... it's just that it's dirt, it's narrow, it has bridges that have no sides... oh ya... it also has water that very often goes over the road. And when we came upon this - not knowing exactly how deep it was (and pulling our horse trailer).. well... I had a melt down. But since there was no place to turn around... we took our chances and drove threw. All I can say is--- I'm glad we have a good strong truck!!! and we made it safely to the other side and FINALLY got to Becky and Butch's....

Duke was no worse for the wear, he hasn't been off our farm since we bought him, but handled everything like he's done it a million times. What a good boy......

Becky made a nice lunch for us, and then we began to hitch. Butch is working on this young team, and with all of us going out together, took advantage of it.

All hitched and ready to go, we started out on our drive. As I said, they drive on the dirt road that we had just come threw.. so as we started out, I knew what we were in for. Three bridges.. one cement and two wooden. Those had me the most worried. We came across other cars.. no worries, people walking dogs.. no big deal, a camp that had a generator running... no trouble.

And then came the bridge!! Elevators and bridges... I just have "something" about them. To be honest, I almost got out of the cart and had Ed drive Duke across. But, there are alot of bridges on the carriage roads, and I know I need to conquer them.. so, I held my breath and over we went. Duke was thinking the whole time "what is your problem???" We drove the whole road and yup came to the water, I wasn't even worried about that... but Butch's little team certainly was. Now we have know Becky and Butch for a few years, and one thing I have learned.... don't tell Butch what worries you.. or you'll be finding that you're doing it. And that's what his little team discovered. They said... "we don't like the water, we can't cross it"... And Butch said " let's go swimming!!!" He has such a great way with horses and by the time they were done, he had them in up to their bellies, and they were actually enjoying it....Duke was "mr cool" when it came to the water. He plodded right in and then enjoyed standing there watching the team have their lesson. The day was fairly warm, so he probably enjoyed cooling his feet and was thinking ---- better them than me. It was such a fun day, the drive was eight miles and took us most of the afternoon, and we got exactly what I wanted. Lots of different "things" and a drive away from home. Now, it wasn't without some "small issues".. Duke was very hard on the bit, so Ed and I had to take turns driving... he pulled on us so hard. However, we also found that we needed to make some adjustments in his harness, so with that being figured out, I am excited to get him out again and see what differences that makes. He also is going to be needing shoes, especially if we continue to drive this much over the summer, so that will be addressed very soon. And we defiantly going to make more treks to Becky and Butch's and practice our driving skills up there.

but overall it was a grand day, and what a nice time to spend with good friends and your horse, traveling threw the woods. Was it a lot of "hard work" packing, harnessing, unpacking... yup... was it worth all that... Of course!!!!

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.