celebrate Maine festival

This past Saturday at the Raitt farm, the "celebrate Maine Festival" was being held. I had heard that it was quite fun, and the fact that Becky and Butch would be there with their team, I told Ed we had to take the time to go.

"sadly" Saturday was already jammed packed with things to do, I had a private student in the morning, the camp to get ready for new people, and the usual barn chores. Ed wanted to get some work done on the house.. but we took the late afternoon and went. I wished we had gone a little earlier, because when we arrived, things were actually closing up. The craft part wasn't as big as I thought (or hoped) but what we found out, was it was a huge Barbecue cookoff. And from what we were told, this was a "really important" one... the winner would be heading to the nationals.

Now I don't know much about this "BBQ" thing, to me it means having friends over and throwing something on the grill!!! But for these folks, it's huge and they are serious!!!!

We talked with one group for quite awhile, they have their own secret sauce and calculations for how long the cooking process is, and he ONLY uses apple wood in his cooker.

And this is his cooker!!! all made and designed by him. This particular gentlemen has traveled all over the country and was even seen on the Food TV channel. I guess he has come quite close to winning a spot in the nationals, and was really hoping this would be his year!!!

The governor of Maine had to declare this event as a cook off, so that it would qualify these entries as part of the nationals. There was also a 200.00 entry fee for each person there.




I wished that they would be able to "vendor" the food that they cooked, but I guess there are special permits and the like needed to be able to do that. So, basically for the "on lookers" all you could do was watch them work, and see what they were cooking. We didn't go back on Sunday for the big "cook off", so I can't tell you how "our friend" made out, maybe if he won and I see him on the Food Channel I will remember him.

But the thing that "got me the most" was the fact that if anyone is going thru life, thinking that there isn't much "to do".. then they are really missing out on things. It seems to me that if you have an interested in just about anything.. there is a "group" for it, and that you can get as serious as you choose. Personally, I didn't really understand the qualifications for this, but you can see what people have "invested" to be a part of it. The same with me and dog shows, or the few quilting competitions I have been in.

Life is pretty interesting!!!!!

simply, a nice day

Today was simply a nice day. The weather was beautiful, warm, breezy, low humidity. Ed was feeling more like him old self, and spent much the day working on the house. (I just hope he didn't "over do it") I putter around the barn, rode Tonka and after that hitched Mocha and went for a little drive. It was so nice to have a day to "breath"... the up coming week looks busy, so I took today for the gift it gave me and for simply what was....

so.... I got caught!!!

Today was the day that Ed had the "blasting" done on his kidney stones. We were at the hospital bright and early this morning, and we were back home around mid day. The proceedure went well, and "we" just have to wait now and see how well the stone was broken up. The doctor seemed confident with it, but there is a bit of a "grey" area when it comes to getting these stones broken up into passable pieces.

When I got in last night from dog classes (and playing around at the barn for a little bit) it was fairly late. I quickly listened to the messages on the phone, one being from our dear friend Rick. Basically Rick wanted to wish Ed good luck and I heard something about "Letting him know how it went", and then ....honestly.... I deleted the message, telling myself that I would call Rick when we got home, and went onto the next message.

So, this afternoon, once we got back home and Ed got settled, he fell asleep. He was a bit sore and still tired from the day, and after he fell asleep, I went down to visit with a couple of our camp neighbors. When I got back, Ed was just waking up and was starting to feel hungry. It wasn't quite supper time, but I thought I would get something made for him (and Sadie) and then run down to the barn and do chores and just play around with the horses for a while.

I thought that maybe spaghetti would be a good supper, I grabbed the box, and (unknown to me) it was already open, most of the spaghetti spilled all over the kitchen floor. Great.. nice mess to clean up and it meant that there wouldn't be enough for the three of us. OK, plan two... maybe "sloppy joes".... I began to brown up the hamburger, and don't know exactly what I did, but a huge "chunk" of it, "hopped" out of the pan and landed on the kitchen floor... much to the delight of the cockers. I turned to Ed and Sadie and said ..."I give up".. and then the phone began to ring.

Sadie answered the phone, and it was Rick... checking up on Ed and then making sure we were home.... he said that he and Kelli would be here in about an hour with our supper.... our supper????I got on the phone... "supper?" I asked Rick... "ya... didn't you get my message last night".. I said sure,but that I didn't call him because it was so late. And he said, "well Kelli has supper all made for you folks and we're bringing it up"...

Then it dawned on me... maybe I should have listened to the whole message that Rick left. I couldn't bear to tell him that I had actually deleted his message before I even really listened to it all.... but either way, supper was on it's way.

When Kelli and Rick arrived, he looked right at me, and said ... "you didn't' listen to all of my message last night..did you?"... well, no way could I lie and had to admit that he was exactly right...
sorry Rick!!!! I got caught !!!!!but, we were so surprised and pleased to have them come, and convinced them to stay and enjoy some of that very yummy supper with us, and have a visit!!

We had such a nice evening together... Kelli's supper was AMAZING... including dessert, and we just had such a good time talking about all sorts of things... it was nice for Ed to be able to relax and enjoy such a nice visit after this extremely long week.

With any luck.. Ed is now on the mend, and perhaps this event of stones can be behind him. and even though we already knew it.... we know it even more... what wonderful friends we have!!! and many thanks to the rest of our family and friends who have called and have been very concerned for us during all of this!!! We certainly appreciate all of you....

thank you again Kelli.... it was so. GOOD!!!!!

it's August??!!!

Things are going well at the farm, though I have to say, I feel like Titus could be doing it quicker. Now, don't misunderstand that, Ed is working as hard as he can, it's just that there is "so much" to be done, and I have to honestly say, it gets discouraging. Not, that I didn't expect that with a building project, your silly if you think that building a new house is "easy". Pretty much what we have expected has happened... it's just that it is a long project. I am beginning to have "fears" of our mid-October move in date, and now I find myself thinking, "if we can be in by Thanksgivings"....

Course the weather hasn't been so helpful, though now we are in a beautiful stretch here. Ed is up and gone early in the am, and hardly stops enough for lunch. His kidney stones are of no help, and Thursday, he goes in for the blasting. We hope this will be the end of them for awhile. He really tries not to let it effect him, but I am the one that makes him stop and take a break... I can see it in his face when he has had enough. Fortunately, he does listen to me!!!!

Perhaps you have noticed that the lift we now have is a different color. We broke the other one!!! Well, not really, but it did break. Ed and I were doing some painting Sunday afternoon and as we were up in the air (not very high) he said to me, "that lift shouldn't be making that grinding sound"... next thing we saw were little plastic parts and pieces all over the ground. Monday morning the lift rental people sent out a tech who simply said, "I;ll get you a new one"... and the old lift was taken away and this new one arrived in its place. This one is much nicer to work on and I'm glad that it's safe.


This week's focus has been all the eves of the house and garage. As of today, the guys will have them done... and then, as far as I know, pieces of siding will begin to appear. I have a feeling that it's another one of those projects where all this prep and detailed work has to be done, and then suddenly the "easy, big, fast stuff" happens and you see huge differences. The best thing is, we won't ever have to scale these heights to do any painting!!!!

It's also funny the way they "chase the shade" around the house. In the mornings, the back of the house is nicely shaded, and then it moves to the side and by late in the day, the front is shaded. With the warm summer weather (finally) I think working has been fairly comfortable. As a rule there is usually a nice breeze that blows across the field and we haven't had too many high humidity days... so, that's all been a real plus with this. Certainly much better than trying to do it in February.. which is exactly why Ed and Ken have kept their focus on the outside work for now. They'll be plenty to do inside when the weather gets cooler!!!



As we were bringing the horses in last night, I got this shot of the full moon from our hay loft. Actually I wished that I could have left the horses out, it was such a nice night. But not living on the farm yet, I don't like the idea of them being out when no one is around. When we are "there", nights like this, I will leave the barn open and let them come and go as they please.

So, "hello August", looking back over the past year we have actually accomplished quite a bit.. since it was just last August when we moved, and the house hadn't even been started yet. Guess, this is a good lesson for me in patience and persistence... I will remember it well.

watching the grand....

DOGS!!! Kas and Nate have gone off to a wedding, so we are "grand dog sitting"... never realized just how big a Chessie is, until it lives in a very tiny house with you!!!! I had a lot to do at the farm today, so it meant loading everyone up in the truck.

have wondered just how many could fit in the truck.. the answer today was.... eight!!!!

Work is going well with the house, despite the pain that Ed has been dealing with. The latest kidney stone is a whooper, and tomorrow he heads in for surgery that will prepare him for another "blasting" which will happen next week. All the vinyl siding has arrived, and all week, Ed and Ken have been working on getting the house ready for the siding.

Ed was hoping that there might be some of it up

this week, but between the weather, and his health, they have fallen "behind in their schedule.

Even still, just the Tarvex makes a huge difference in the look of things... it's so neat and white... can't wait to see what the real thing will look like...

I also REALLY can't wait to have some of these piles put into place!!! It will be so nice when you can truly see the front of the house!!!

York Days dog show...

Tuesday evening, our dog club had it's annual obedience demostration. The weather was perfect, the crowd was huge and the event was successful for sure. We had a wonderful time, and got some great photos of some of the dogs....


Gus and Mindy

Camille

Hydro

Charlie

Banjo and Oliver

Tatter and Camille

Chance

so, about Sunday...

Late Friday evening, we got a call from Butch. He wanted to try and come to see us on Sunday, and see about getting Tonka and Duke together as a team. We actually had several plans for Sunday, but I told him that if I could "clean the calendar" I would let him know. We had to find someone to do ushering at church for us, and I had to re-arrange a drop off with regards to a foster cocker spaniel, but a few phone calls and we managed it. Butch was also looking for some hay.. they haven't had any "hay days" where they live and he was getting a little bit panicky about his hay situation... another phone call (to Belinda) and we even had that "problem" solved!!!

I got to the barn fairly early Sunday morning, wanted to get the chores done, and even take Mocha out for a little drive before the arrived. Betty was there too, and and we got those things done. Becky and Butch arrived around 10:00.. we chatted for a bit and then went to work.

Since Butch really had not worked with Duke much, and I have been having some trouble with him, we started there. Duke can be a bit strong with me, and also has this "habit" of just heading to (and in) the barn whenever he likes... and when 1800lbs is heading to the barn... it takes something to change his mind. Butch decided to try another bit in his mouth (kind of like a pinch collar on a dog) and that did help alot. Then we did a good amount of ground driving, up and down the drive and out along the street.. we must have worked a good two hours, and I had the chance to work with Duke in the barn yard and convince him (with Butch's help) that we DON'T ever go in the barn, unless the human says so!!!!



After that, we took a lunch break, and then pulled Tonka out. He was in a good mind, and we did just a bit of ground driving with him and Butch felt that we could begin our "team training". At first, he drove Tonka and Becky took Duke and the two of them ground drove around the farm, keeping the horses side by side. Then Butch put the boys together and ground drove as a team. They looked awesome, and got along quite well with each other.

The next step was seeing how Tonka (mostly) felt about have a pole placed between the two of them, Butch found a long "stick" left over from house construction and as he drove them, he would slide the stick up between the two of them. Neither horse had anything to say about that. So, it seemed like a cart would be next in line.

Butch started with our two wheel fore cart. He felt that if he got into any trouble, it's easier to handle the horses with a smaller vehicle. At first he drove the cart from the ground, but with in a very short time, he jumped into the cart and he and the team were off. He made several loops around the field and the boys looked like they had been a team their whole lives. You can't even begin to know how excited I was when Butch came by and said..."hop in with me"... and away we went. What a thrill to be riding behind that team... OUR team!!! I have waited such a long time to do something like this. I did some driving with them.. which is a bit different from driving a single horse... and then Butch took turns taking everyone for rides. It was good practice for the team, and such fun for all of us.

Nothing doing though, I just HAD to see the guys in front of that beautiful wagon that Dave made for us. Besides, Dave was there and I so wanted him to see the team with that wagon, and get one of the very first rides!!! While the team rested, Ed, Dave and Butch took the pole set up off the fore cart and put it on the wagon. Then the three of them hitched the boys to it (we took the extra help in the hitch, just because there were some adjustments to make and also to be sure the boys were going to be good with that wagon!!!)

Again, Butch made a couple of passes around the field with just him and the team, and then came by and said..."hop in!" I jumped up front, and Ed and Dave hopped on the rear, and away we went.... and that gorgeous wagon rolled along perfectly!!! We probably spent another hour or so working with the wagon and the boys, everyone (well, Dave, Butch and I) taking turns driving the team, and simply enjoying the efforts of our work. I was a wonderful afternoon and certainly a day that I will not soon forget.

As we were beginning to finish up, a thunderstorm rolled thru, so it was a good time to wrap it up. The boys were getting tired (especially poor Duke who had been in harness all day) Becky and Butch sill needed to pick up their hay and drive the two hours home again, and it was already 6:00pm.

Now, "ALL" I have to do is continue to work where Butch left us off... sadly, Monday and Tuesday were already jammed packed with things that needed to be done... so, I didn't get to working either of them then... maybe today, I can get somebody out... there's just never enough time!!!

Also, I haven't said too much about it, but Ed is being bothered with kidney stones again, and has to go in for another "blasting" next week. This is his second round of "blasting".. he had to do this a year ago, so that is weighing on my mind, and I am always watching him to make sure he isn't over doing it... especially with working on the house... we both will be glad when he gets this behind him.

the tractor show...

Can anyone explain why there are some weekends when there seems to be "nothing fun to do" and other weekends where there is so much to do, that you race around, trying to cram everything in, and still enjoy it?? I don't know why it is that way, but such was the case for us.

I was at the barn bright and early, and caught this wonderful sight... all the little barn swallows were out of the nest and working on their first flying lesson. After about two trips around the field with the parents calling back and forth to them... they were gone!! Now I could easily "see .. the empty nest" and it's been kind of quiet around the barn with no sound of peeping baby birds as the parents arrived with food. Oh well... I understand that they often return to their place of birth to make new homes, so maybe next spring we will have a few more families....

On Saturday we went to the Raitt Farm for their 14th (I think I heard) annual tractor and antique engine show. This is such a nice time, and there's lots to see other than tractors... but I do like looking at them!!! They have crafts and food, and "events" -- such as tractor pulls -- little rides for the kids, and all sort of family things. It's nice to see that "farm life" is alive and well here in the North East, and I get I real kick watching the kids (mostly young-teens boys) driving tractors around.

We met up with Dave and Sean, Kas and Nate, and saw several friends that we only seem to see this one time a year. Little "one lunger" engines ran and popped, and there were all sorts of displays of "things of the past"... saw mills, belt driven items and the like. You can see why the "poor horse" was quickly replaced with these "modern inventions"....

Isn't this a "sweet" little sleigh.. think it would look awfully nice behind a team of Percherons!!!!!The day was finally like summer, and the shade actually felt good!!!!

In the evening we went to spend time with friends at their camp, sat and caught up on the news, and just had a minute to relax..... seems nice.

Brown eyed cowgirl--- saw this bike and thought of you!!!!****

exciting blogs to come

I am just too tired to post tonite, but there are some great blogs coming up... and I will leave you with couple of "teaser" pictures.....

day with Tonka

it's a .......

We have some news... most of our friends already know part of this news, but for some of my "dear readers" this will be all new to you. A few months ago, our Sadie came and told us that she is expecting.. to be totally honest, this news was a "shocker"... Sadie is still trying to find her own "way in life" and "baby" wasn't exactly on the list. It took me some time to put this all together, but as time has gone on... I am beginning to look forward to the big event. It has meant a great deal to me all the support that we have all received from our family and friends. And since Sadie has moved back home with us... you can just imagine that the push to get into the house is even more so...

But today, I went with her to see the ultra sound.. and we have been given the news that (96% sure) there is a little GRAND DAUGHTER on the way... due to arrive around the middle of October. As I drove home, I can already see little riding chaps, a helmet... a child's saddle, and the first "walk, trot horse show class"... OR... junior handler with a cute little cocker at her side......

the future holds much excitement and joy......

congratulations Deb!!!

Last June, Deb brought Alice (Mocha's foal) to the driving clinic. Deb wanted to add to her horse knowledge and Alice was being... well, say we say, Less than agreeable when it came to driving. Deb worked with Butch, picked up some new ideas, and she and Alice did some amazing work at the clinic.

After the clinic they ran into another trouble spot, but Deb kept her cool and took a deep breath and continue on with her training of Alice. Part of which was giving Alice a little time off.

This morning when I opened my email, look at the great pictures that were waiting for me. Deb has Alice back in cart and reports that she is going well!!!!

We "horse folk" can certainly understand the thrill that you have when all of a "sudden" your hard work, patience and determination begins to pay off....

so.. I just want to send a huge congratulations to Deb and to Alice.. and wish them both many miles of happy driving...

I'll be sure to tell Mocha!!!!!!