news of the day...

Yesterday, the lake looked like a mirror... I am just so happy to have it back and not look out over the "great white tundra"... People are returning to their camps, raking up the winter messes, taking shutters off the windows, and all the usual "spring work". I notice each weekend, it gets a little busier.

I didn't "capture him" very well, but that white line you see across the picture, is a loon taking his morning cruise. He probably enjoys having the lake all to himself, I would say within a month, he will have to share it with boats once again. But for now, it's all his....

Finishing details are happening around the house, and according to Ken, they will be done probably within a week. THEN the project is ours (scary thought!!!) This week they laid the plywood down over the upstairs "false" floor. I have been interested in seeing this done, because I really couldn't figure out how it would all look in the end. They kept assuring me that I wouldn't even notice it was a false floor and I found that hard to believe. Now that I see it, I think they're right, when finished you won't even know that it's been built up. (this is the hallway looking into the two bedrooms)

This is the master... bathroom to the left and the closet (were Ken is working) is to the right... no floor just yet.....

Here the first piece goes down. I couldn't stay long enough to watch it all happen, but when I go today, it will all be done.

And this shot was taken out the bedroom window.. we will have a nice view of the field when we wake in the mornings!!! I will be able to see the horses... we have to take some trees down and do some thinning to see the barn... but everything in good time.

Monday evening there were three more "graduations!!!" Another "six weeks" starts again next week.... told you my life is marked in six week sessions....

this is the "puppy class"












And the first of the Advance classes... (this was Banjo's class)

Here's "my" Banjo baby!!! (notice that he has already creased his hat???)




















And this is the second Advance class ( the gal on the end to the right... is Kathleen with her latest service puppy Harvey)

And now I am off, I need to get a walk in with the dog's, make a "grain run".. do barn chores and start the new Wednesday night obedience classes later this evening..... fun!!!!!

wisdom from an old farmer....

Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

Meanness don't 'jes happen overnight.

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig- tight and bull- strong.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere Tractor.

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

You can not unsay a cruel word.

Every path has a few puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyways.

Don't judge folks by their relatives.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging.

Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

The biggest trouble maker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every morning.

Always drink up stream from the herd.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered.. not yelled.

Forgive your enemies, it messes up their heads.

Good judgement comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgement.

Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' someone else's dog around.

Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

MY students!!!!!

I know that I have the VERY best job in the whole world!!! Being a dog obedience instructor brings me so many joys and blessings, that I can't even begin to share it all with you. Aside from the wonderful dogs that I have the priviledge of working with, are the wonderful owners... many of whom turn into dear friends. Such is the case of these two students.....

This is Rick and his beautiful boxer, Mindy....this past weekend, they attended a two day seminar and Mindy is now an official therapy dog!!! She and Rick passed the course and test that is sponsored by Therapy Dog International. Rick already has some ideas of "where" he and MIndy will be "working"... so I know there are going to be some pretty wonderful stories to share in the near future!!!! Congratulations to you both.... excellent work!!! (and I am sure that Kelli and Gus are very proud of you two....)

And this is Oliver!!! who is owned by another student/friend of mine. This weekend, Mary and Oliver were entered in a two day dog show, working on their second Rally Obedience title. Mary has reported that not only did Oliver earn two legs in the Advance Rally class, but he placed first on Saturday and third on Sunday!!! This is a long way from the puppy class that Oliver did with me, but I am so proud that I am a part of his obedience career....Excellent work you two....one to go for that second title!!!!

Told you I had the best job!!! Stories and "reports" just like these make me so very happy.... and I just had to share them with all of you!!!!

Easter blessings and random things...

Had I gotten up a tad earlier I might have gone to the sun rise service at church. But since there were horses to tend to, and I didn't feel like rushing about, I took some quiet time with the Lord and watched the sun rise over the lake. It was a wonderful, personal time to spend in prayer and be mindful of what Easter is truly about. Christ the Lord has risen today!!!!

The Easter treats aren't as "fancy" as they might have been in the past, but I still had to get a little something for the "kids". We never were that much into "baskets and bunnies", but it's always nice to find a special treat... even if you are a "big kid"....

The day was very cool and bright. Attendance at church was near bursting.. wish that could be the case every Sunday!!! I did have a new outfit to wear (thanks to Kas helping me shop... I "hate" shopping, but really did need some dressy clothes).. still, I couldn't help but wish that I had my comfy jeans and warm sweatshirt!!!! Service was wonderful, and we had a nice visit with friends afterwards in the fellowship hall. Then it was off to my parent's house for a great dinner with the family.

My little niece is such a doll. It is such a blessing to have a real youngster around. Here she is playing "flower girl".... she is very entertaining!!! I can't believe that she will be three in just a few months, time certainly has a way of flying by....

After a very nice afternoon with the family, it was time to head home and do chores. My dear "barn fairy" Betty had done all the stalls, and I dare say, a ton of grooming, because every horse looked very clean!!! All Ed and I had to do was feed and bring in for the evening.

Do you see something wrong with this picture??? Like one little horse on the WRONG side of the fence!!!! Miss "Tude" was out again!!! honestly I don't know how she does it!!! I am just glad that the grass isn't richly green, and she probably hadn't been out very long!!! Fortunately she stuck close to the barn, and came running in when we called for her... but I will have to be careful. Founder is a real problem with these minis, and green grass can be a huge factor... so, when the grass begins to come in, we will have to fix this "escaping thing" for sure!!!! (maybe if she drops some of that winter coat, she could actually feel the zap of the fence!!!)

I have been enjoying a real treat the past couple of mornings. Our church's women's group met this past week. One of the ladies brought a big batch of home made donuts!!! and they were just wonderful!!! I can't even remember the last time I had "real home made donuts!!" When I was a little girl, a lady named Mrs. Hutchins made the best home made donuts, and I don't think I have had them since she has passed away. I would really like to learn how to make them, and I plan on finding out one way or another!!! course that might not be such a good idea, but I think I will just the same.


Yesterday afternoon, we filled the water tank yet again. I have no complaints about this tank... it got us thru the winter, and even though it can be a "pain" hauling it to the camp, and then trekking it back to the barn... it is way easier than trying to transport buckets of water. However, this task is beginning to "get old".. but Ed is thinking that he might have a way to get water to the barn from the well now that we don't have to worry about hard freezing anymore. SO.... there is a chance that this is the last time we haul water from the camp... that would be a great "improvement"...

Another Easter come and gone. It was quieter than some, and better than others (like the year that Nate was deploying to Iraq or last year when my dear Ed had been in the hospital!!!!!).. but for what it "was"... I am truly grateful...

Happy Easter.

aaahhhh.....they're back!!!!

This evening, as we were coming in from church... a big full orange moon was just beginning to rise over the lake. I stood outside for a bit, admiring the moon... and what do I hear...

the singing of the loons!!!!! They are back on the lake!!! it wasn't until I heard their beautiful song that I realized how much I have missed them all winter...... you can bet I will sleep with the window open a crack tonite, just so I can listen them!!!

welcome home loons!!!

another graduation...

My life, it seems, is marked in "six week sessions"... that is, all my obedience classes are six weeks...

and tonite, the Wednesday night group had their graduation!!!! This is the puppy class....

And this is one of the advance classes.....

everyone did such a great job... and next week, a new session begins again.....

I stole this picture from Sadie.... thought it was a cute one of her and Silver.... she certainly loves that old boy.....

news around the farm...

Life has been pretty much chugging along here on the farm. Some days, there doesn't seem to be much to blog about, so for those of you who haven't had much to read... sorry about that!!!!

But, yesterday seemed to come up with some news.. so here we go

I went down to the barn to do chores, Annabelle was waiting for me. She has turned out to be the perfect barn cat!!! As I arrived, she greeted me at the door with loud "meows" and followed me all about, She even kept the seat warm in the "gator" while I mucked the stalls. Betty told me that over the weekend, Annabelle had a small (mouse) gift for her!!! Good girl, her "job" as barn cat is to keep them little critters out... and though she hasn't presented any gifts to me, I am happy that she has gone to work!!!!

and it seems that the guinea hens have begun their work as well. Look what I found!!!

I know that they do lay and I guess their eggs are pretty good, but since I have no idea how "old" these eggs might be, I am a bit leery to try these two. Now that I know they are laying, I will keep a watch for eggs, and if I find some that are fairly fresh, I might just give them a try. They are a bit smaller than a chicken egg, but they are quite pretty looking. The trouble with the guinea's is they will lay pretty much any place, I found one egg in their stall and the other on a pile of hay in the ally way. I guess they won't (or don't) use a nesting box like a chicken might, so it is hard to know when the egg was laid. We are down to three birds, and if they keep "running away" from home, we may have less than that!!!! Several times over the past couple of weeks, they have left the farm and I have found them at the various neighbors. I don't want my birds to become pests.. and there is one road that they cross which is quite busy. In fact, one of them was almost hit last Sunday... I don't know why they must cross the road... we have 30 acres here... you would think that would be enough room for three little birds to find something to do!!!! Ed and I have talked about fencing them in, and I think we will... but, the idea of the guineas was for tick patrol and if they don't free range, then they can't get the ticks... so, I don't know what the answer will be. If they just stayed home, then everything would be OK...


What do you think of my kitchen?? Yesterday, Ed and I (along with the guys) began to plan out the kitchen. Ed needs to know where things will go so he can get the electrical wires in place, and I need to know.. just so.. I know!!!

Sadly... I am a very "visual" person, so even though the guys make lines on the floor for the cabinets and the like, I still couldn't "see it".

Then Ken cam up with the idea of building a mock up.. and you know, that really did help alot. It's a very open kitchen, which is what I was hoping, because nothing is "worse" than to have friends over, try to visit with them, and yell your conversations from the kitchen!!! We shouldn't have that"problem" in this house!!!






The day was a bit grey and rained off and on... so, the guys had the woodstove chugging to take the damp out. It did a pretty good job!!!

Nellie and Zoe certainly appreciated it!!!!!

the lake....

Friday.. April 3

Monday, Arpil 6th

and this morning.. Wednesday, April 8th!!!!

NOW... THIS is SPRING!!!!!

a model is "born"...

We have a star in our midst... this month's issue of the "Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar" has some mighty fine articles and information.. as usual. But one in particular is...

OUR wonderful ol' boy Silver!!! well.. the article isn't about him, it's about contracts and boarding issues and the like... but the picture that goes with the article is of Silver!!!

As you all know, our neighbor Dusty is a photographer, and she asked if she could set up a shoot in the barn. I wasn't even going to be home, so I told her, "go ahead and use anything you want".... well, what she decided to "use" was Silver. She said he was the perfect model and there is a good chance that he will be in future shoots....

So, now, Mocha, Tonka and Silver have all had "Dusty photos"... hope they aren't subbing Duke too much!!!!! (oh if you happen to pick up a copy of the magazine... Silver is on page 30!!!!)

"poor" babies

Today was (is) Palm Sunday, Ed and I started the day out in church. then (along with two other couples) became "official members" of our "little" church, and it feels great to be settled in. We started attending as soon as we moved here, we already knew a number of the members, but it is such a friendly church, that even the folks we didn't know soon became friends. About a month ago, we were asked if we were thinking about becoming members, and both Ed and I said that we would like to. We met with the Pastor, and today during service we "joined".

After church, we headed down to the barn. Betty (my dear friend!!!) was there, she had all the chores done and was just enjoying the horses and doing an amazing job at grooming!!! (which they all greatly needed... mud men that they are!!)

I have been thinking about our pasture, and felt that we needed to block the boys out of the lower end. I fear that if we don't give the pasture a chance to dry out and green up, we won't have any grazing come summer.

So, the three of us, strung a line across the paddock area, giving the boys about a third of the pasture, and hopefully allowing the lower end to dry out and get a hold. I don't think the boys were too impressed when we cut them lose and they found themselves in a smaller area. (poor babies) but I think they will appreciate it later on....

After the work in the pasture, it was back to help the flyball folks pick up after the weekend tournament. Looks like they had a great time and everything went well. They were all pretty tired and seemed very happy to see a "fresh" crew arrive to help with the clean up. It didn't take too long to get everything picked up and then tucked away for another year....

Here's the latest picture of the lake.... the ice is going quick, I wouldn't be surprised if it is all gone by the end of the week.

setting up...

Woke to a very grey, very foggy morning, so much so, that you couldn't even see across the lake. But the ice is getting very thin and this kind of weather will make it disappear for sure!!! It's pulling back from the shore, and there are huge cracks and holes everywhere..... it can go anytime!!!!

However, for me there were things to do and places to go. This weekend is my dog club's annual Flyball Tournament. And every year, we use my truck and trailer to haul all the goodies needed in setting up the tournament. It's fun to drive the truck, and it's kind of cool to pull it into the big ice arena where the "tourny" is held.

It's nice because we can fit in all in one load. There's a lot of equipment needed for this event.

Are the "boys" praying??? Well, they could be, since the mats have to be secured to the floor and the tape was not sticking very well. This is Wayne, Scott and Rick hard at work... and hard work... there's no way this can be done without being on your knees!!!!

It's quiet now, but that won't be the case tomorrow and Sunday. There will be 40 teams of dogs coming for a weekend of racing.. it will be exciting, fast and loud!!!

Moxie played flyball when she was young, it was great fun and I miss the weekends that we traveled to the tournaments... who knows, maybe a future puppy will put me back in the races.....

shingle all the way......

Ken, Buzz and Eric start the last of the roofing project.....

No way would you find me up that high... I was "lucky" enough to even take the photo......

and here we are.... all done!!! including the upstairs windows in the garage.....

Back to "inside" work today... here the guys are getting the floor down in Ed's office area....

AND... we had our first "inspection" today... the rough plumbing and electrical had to be seen by the inspector before we put the plywood over the false floor...

everything passed with flying colors.... we are on a roll....

We also found out that we are officially on the list..... "Timberpeg" is hosting "Homes across the country" and has asked if we are willing to be one of their "open houses". Our date is May 17th and we are listed as "home under construction"... check out www.timberpeg.com/SpringOpenHome. We have decided to also use this date to invite family and friends to come and take a peek and I will be getting invitations in the mail soon. Kind of exciting.....

Happy birthday two Moms.....

As some of you may know (from reading blogs of the past) yesterday was my birthday and tomorrow is Deb's (Nate's Mom)... so for the past few years, Deb and I have had the great fun of celebrating together with our kids!!!! We feel so blessed to have such amazing "in-laws" (which is a term we don't chose to use .. their simply family)...

When I was done teaching dog classes, I went into Kas and Nate's house and found everyone there with a cake and presents!!! It was great fun.... we had a nice visit and some sweets and it was a nice way to close the day....

Happy Birthday to you Deb!!!!!






"birthday? have I had one of them yet? will I get cake too?"

It was another grey and rainy day, but it's just the sort of weather that makes the ice thin. You can't tell in photos, but there are big cracks and holes appearing all the time....Ed predicts that within two weeks the ice will be gone...

we'll see how close he comes......

good words for a birthday...

"I believe"...

A birth certificate shows that we were born. A death certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived!!!

I believe that just because two people argue, doesn't mean that they don't love each other, And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean that they do love each other.

I believe that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change

I believe that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in awhile, and you must forgive them for that

I believe that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe that you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life.

I believe that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe that you should always leave loved ones with loving words ... it may be the last time you see them.

I believe that you can keep going long after you think you can't

I believe that we are responsible for what we do, no matter what we feel.

I believe that you either control you attitude or it controls you

I believe that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences

I believe that money is a lousy way of keeping score

I believe that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and still have the best time

I believe that sometime the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones that will pick you back up

I believe that sometimes when I am angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel

I believe that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you have had, and what you have learned from them... and less to do with how many birthdays you have celebrated

I believe that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.. sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief

I believe that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become

I believe that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret, it could change your life forever.

I believe that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different

I believe that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you

I believe that even if you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you...you will find the strength to help

I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being

I believe that the people you care about most in your life are taken from you too soon.

And I believe that the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything......