We opened the pasture completely up a few weeks back. Time for the "boys" to get as much grass as possible before the winter weather arrives. I love seeing them out, and it's saving big time on the hay bill. Abbie loves to see them so close to the house, and she often calls out to them.....
Honey (Denise's horse) is all settled in her new home as well. She likes hanging out with the big guys....
It is certainly fair time here in New England, and we were off to see another fair not far from home. Though, as far as "fairs" go... this one is more on the carnival side and less on the animal side. Really not my "type" of fair, but it sure was fun for Abbie.
She's into the rides, and is fearless when it comes to trying them. Because she likes to go.. I find myself trying rides that I haven't done in a long time....
Wasnt' too sure about the Ferris wheel.. but it does give you a good view.....
Abbie thought it was great. Now, this fair costs you a bit to get in, but all the rides are included int he price. Which worked out fine for us....
We met up with Kass and Nate... and then Katie and Craig... so Abbie had plenty of folks to do the rides with. As I said, we didn't see much in the animals... mostly did rides with Abbie
There were a few "not so traditional" animals as well. I admit, I felt bad for this giraffe, but he certainly was fun to see. I hope his whole life isn't from fair to fair....
And some piggies.....
and then more rides. I think our next fair visit is going to be "more traditional" (animals, quilts, canning...)
But who can resist that smile of joy.....
And of course, a wonderful memory....
This past weekend, we headed down to our local airport to view the model jet show. I am fascinated by the hobbies that people choose, and to say one's choice is endless is an understatement. Whether you love the world of animals, vehicles, sports or whatever, there is something out there for everyone!!!
These "little" planes and jets are quite something. And I say "little" because as you can see, there really isn't much little about them. Some are worth thousands of dollars, and I would think, you need to know what you're doing before sending one of these into the air.
Actually, my Ed has model planes, and at one time, he flew quite a bit. It's a hobby that I know he wants to take up again, (once our lives settle down a bit). We have a great place for him to fly here around the farm... just a matter of time.
Besides the planes, there were all kinds of other activities. They had set up a whole course for racing cars. From what I understand, this was a "real" race for the car folks, and some had traveled out from as far as California for this. I had hoped to show a picture of the race, but honestly these little cars were too fast for my camera!!!!
I brought Rylie along for some "work" time... course, you can see how far we got most of the time....
Kelli and Rick went along with us, they brought Moxie. Wasn't long ago when she was the size of Rylie, and now look. She's getting very used to these outings and makes a good role model for Rylie.
Back to the show... there were great food vendors... tents where you could buy almost any kind of model. Places were you could try you hand at flying... and then.. an air show. Done mostly by the models, but at one point, stunts were being done by a real plane with a model copying it's moves. Really cool.....
And then in for the landing... almost hard to tell that they aren't "real". There had been plans of a fire works show at night, but sadly the weather didn't co-operate. However, because this has worked out so well.. it's going to be a national wide, yearly event. So, I have a feeling the future shows are going to be even better.. and we'll be on the watch to go again.
Just didn't want this day to pass without remembering.....
Oh no... this look (with this smile) can only mean one thing.... my dear hubby has a building project... uuugghhhh. One thing about "my Ed".. he loves to build things, and really he hasn't a "good big project" since we did the house... but now he's onto one..
The garage. Because our garage is attached to our house, fire codes say that it must be sheet rocked. Until now, even though we have this great space.. our cars have lived outside. Which come winter, when you are pushing inches of snow off your car and scraping ice off the windows... it has been very frustrating to see this garage and know you can't have the cars inside....
so, when the truck arrived with piles of sheet rock, I'm not sure if I was happy to see them or what.... (I still have "sheet rock memories of the house!!!)
But this time, I must admit.. we hired it done. Ed "hates" to spend money on projects he can do himself.. but we really wanted the garage usable this winter.. and it's such a big job, it was wiser to have it done by the professionals....
We have been working at it and made good progress, but when the crew arrived, they had it done in days... and personally, not having to insulate the rest of it was fine by me.
Up went the sheet rock, on went the paint and... they were done!!!! Now, Ed only has to put a finish coat of paint on the walls, and then he can have his fun... decorating his "space"... (and I will have a car that will be free of snow this winter!!!)
Course, you always know that project one will lead to project two... and now the driveway and area is the next focus. Because of the lay of the land, the drive drops off too quickly, so fill has been brought in to "bring it up". Which also means the furnace must come up to grade...
And though our tent building worked well for the wood last winter... it won't make it threw another. The top is very thin and has several small rips, one good heavy snow will be the last of it. So, it's coming down and Ed hopes ---no has to --- get a wood shed built this fall....
We moved the wood that was left from last winter....and got the tent building down. Now the furnace will be raised, the fill spread out, and onto the rest... hopefully finished before the snow flies... is it ever completely "done" when it comes to a farm???
This weekend began with an amazing surprise!!! a visit from my friend Christina and her sister. Now, Christina and I go way back.. we met in the '70's, when she and her husband came to Maine on a scuba diving trip. We kept in touch for many years, and then as life does, we lost track of each other. Christina and Marty lived in the Bronx (NY) I thought of them often as we were raising our family, but I really thought about them after 9/11. I knew Christina was a teacher in the heart of New York city and after that horrid day, I tried to find them once again... no luck. Then on Saturday, when I got in from the post office, there was a message on our machine.. Christina was visiting and wanted to know if I was "still around".. I called her back right away. They drove out to the farm and we had a wonderful evening of remembering the past and catching up on the present. She had quite the story to share about 9/11 (she was mere blocks from the world trade center when it was attacked)... but mostly her life and Marty's has gone well. Now that we are connected once again, we're going to make a point of staying in touch, and one day, I hope to travel out to visit with them..... things like this are the treasurers in life!!!!!
a new puppy in the house, and a little girl who is totally in love!!!! Abbie couldn't wait to get up and outside with her "new best friend". Rylie is just as thrilled to have this little girl who sees to her every need.....
And for a while anyways, I'm not the one that will have to run and tire this puppy out!!!!!
Abbie couldn't wait to take Rylie around and introduce her to everyone on the farm. Poor Mona (cat).. now that Abbie has discovered that she can pick her up... Mona doesn't have much time on her feet when Abbie is around. She is such a patient thing......
Abbie had to introduce Mocha and Rylie.... ("my pony needs to meet my puppy", she told me)
then they said hello to the turkeys.......
And watched the big horses as they are now enjoying a whole new section of the pasture..... (they were too busy to say hi back).....
Some quiet time together.....
Later on Sunday afternoon, Denise came by to work with Honey and brought her little friend Ally. The girls had a great time together, I thought it was about time Miss Mocha got back to work, so we hitched her up.... and the girls go to "drive" around the farm.....
they enjoyed giving Mocha a little grooming session after their ride -- to say thank you for such a good time...I love how patient all our animals are with these little ones... they are certainly learning some great lessons here...Looks like September is off to a wonderful start.
sooo, here we are, another check in day at NEADS..but this one is also another goodbye, Bogey has been called back for advanced training. This is my third goodbye this year!!! We turned Ginger in, got Norton... turned him in, got Bogey.. and now it's Bogey's turn.....
Other than the fact that the "goodbyes" come more often, I don't mind working with the "older puppies"... basically, I finish up their basic obedience, hop up their social visits a bit and have lots of fun waiting for their call.... isn't he handsome????
We played together for a while (note... this really isn't the way you're suppose to play!!!) but one small session won't hurt at this point and time!!!! Then we were off to meet up with the rest of the "chapter" folks... bye Bogey boy.... we'll be looking for those future reports!!!!
At NEADS.... looks like a lab convention. Right now, there aren't too many other goldens or other breeds ... Labs are good steady workers and are preferred...
For the most part, the rest of the day went as usual... our trip into the hospital where we get a bite to eat, and go on the elevators....
This team should look familiar. Yup, that's "my" Norton!!! He had to be pulled from service work, because his hips did not pass "inspection". But, because he is such a good worker, he was adopted by Dave (our head trainer).. who uses him as an ambassador dog/demo dog/family dog. Norton will certainly have a very happy life, and I will get to see him often!!!
He can still schmooze the crowd that's for sure. Everyone is so drawn to him... Dave will have lots of opportunities to talk NEADS when Norton is around....
I can just hear Moxie... "ya, go ahead Norton.. steal the show".......
Elevator work is beginning to be old hat!!!!!
Now, onto the train station.... (hey, wait for us!!!)
Handlers get more training tips and ideas... dogs practice "unders"... there's a lot to this service dog stuff!!!!!
Do dogs look like their handlers??? Or do we look like them... I have never quite answered that question in my years of work!!!!
Ohhhh... my two boys together.....
Norton is telling secrets about me, I am quite sure....
and here's our group... that's (I to r) Vicki, Norton, Bogey, Moxie, Marv, Jackie and Monty....
Up and down on the train. Some day we plan on taking a real ride, instead of just rushing when the train is waiting in the station....
for me.. all too soon, the day is coming to a close...and this handsome boy and I are going to be parting ways.... ho hum, the part of puppy raising that I'm not excited about.
I remember thinking, "don't cry, just smile"... not so sure I convince myself.....
We wanted to get a good photo of our chapter.. only Bernice is missing,.. so this is (l to r) Linda with Marv, Kathleen with Monty, Me with Bogey (and incoming Rylie) Linda (chapter leader) with Jackie and Rick with Moxie......
"How do you say goodbye and let them go??" well, you hand the leash to Dave and watch them go to the kennel..... and you cry.... it's really pretty "simple"
And then, you take a deep breath and look at this little face... who is wondering "what's wrong with you".. and says "I'm ready to begin......."
And the group does it's inspection ... Moxie says hello.....
and since you have been crying anyways.. might as well cry some more.. as you pick up the next puppy and begin all over again...
say hello to...... Rylie!!!!!
