Why Not Nikker?

Warning...Not A Horse Post...Or A Happy Post...

2012-02-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

I am going to post about the passing of my Grandfather.

My heart hurts.
It doesn't hurt for me, it hurts for my dad. He lost his father this week.

My Grandfather was his hero. As a father should be to a son.

It's funny the things you will always remember... Places, smells, sounds...
The things your mind grabs at a moment in time and steels away in your memory.
I will never forget when we got the call to say Grandpa Bill had died (the first person I knew, who died...), every time I see mashed potatoes and green beans together on a plate I think of him passing. Family Feud was on when we got the call Grandpa Dick had died. I was on Barrel Horse World when I found out about Grandpa Billy and Uncle Scoooty...
And when mom called me to say Grandpa John P. had passed away 99.9 F.M. was playing the national anthem.
I find it fitting.
He was a WWII veteran, who rarely talked about his time in the service. But would share a story here and there if he felt it relevant.
The State of Idaho honored him not too long ago....it was a proud day for all of us.
He was also kind, loved kids. The younger the better.
He had the nicest eyes, they always had a sparkle to them...almost like a boys eyes. His smile was quick and genuine.
And his laugh, more of a chuckle really...warm and inviting.
The King was the only beer for him.
He always had Cope.
He bled Ford blue.
He loved fishing, Dad says he was the best Bass fisherman he'd ever seen.
He really was a hero and an exceptional man.
And I am proud to have called him Grandpa.

***Edited to add his obituary link.***

Softhearted Mindy...

2012-01-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

Yeah, if you know my sister and animals you know it's true!

This little story just goes to prove it! (0:

Mindy got a phone call from a friend that told her this mare was bred similar to her Good Barrel Mare Breeze and was not being cared for. She was free to anyone who wanted her, papers and all. Mindy said, call some of the previous owners...

The friend said, already did. No one is interested, but she needs rescued.

Mindy made a few calls to no avail and dismissed it as not her problem. Then her vet called. He is the vet that the Humane Society uses to check animal complaints. He told her that he thought that she should help this mare...after all she was bred kind of like Mindy's mare...

Mindy made few more calls...

She got a few people that told her if she would get the mare and feed her back up, they would try and help her find a place for her. So Mindy called the first friend and they went with a couple of bales of hay to look at this mare.

She wasn't as bad off as Mindy thought she could be. She had brought a couple of blankets with her just in case...

So she unloaded the hay, spread it around the pasture for "Bay" Breeze and the mare that was with her and blanketed Breeze. She told the owners mom, she would be back to pick up Breeze as soon as the weather cleared and she could get her trailer out of the driveway.

So now Mindy has Breeze in her front pasture fattening up and waiting for a new home. I don't know if she is broke, but she has been used for a brood mare several times. The gray horse is a mare out of her and by Billy Montana (or a son of his...I am not sure which) and is very competitive in Washington Pattern Speed Horse. The Roan is a gelding out of her, by Blue Drifting Smoke...Fiona's daddy.

I know times are tough all over in the horse world, but if anyone is interested in this mare, please comment and I will get you in touch with my sister.

Here is all the information I have on her as far as her pedigree:

The mares name is Sweet Sence Abreezy. X0527186.

Her sire is Super Sence Amillion. 2892831.

There are a couple more horses at this residence free to any home... )0: Papers, maybe. Underfed, definitely...

I Found Easy's Sale Photos

2012-01-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

I had to download a transfer form from APHA to send to Easy's new owners. It wasn't easy or fun.

I honestly don't think APHA and AQHA horses are different from each. I see it really as just a color thing, not a physical or mental attribute issue.

The breed association websites however are sooo different. And AQHA is definitely far more user friendly and their forms are structured for your typical 8x11 papers sizes. APHA wants you to print on 8x13. Who has 8x13 paper laying around? Not me...not even at the shop.

So I had to shrink it and then write as small as I could to get it filled out.

It must have worked out though. Haven't heard from the new owners, so no new pictures of Easy.

But I dug through some old (very old) e-mails and found the names of the people I'd sold him to in 2007. I then went to FaceBook and entered their names... The mom's page was set to private, but the daughters wasn't. And there in her picture albums was a for sale album and there was Easy! (0:

So I borrowed them! These were labeled as last summer. So he was a 5 year old.

The only thing that I don't like about these pictures is/are his feet. I don't mind a barefoot horse, matter of fact, I REALLY wish I had horses that could be barefoot 365! But I haven't had much luck with that...)0: And what I don't like about them...well I am not totally sure...just something isn't right.

Easy's new owner did tell me he had gotten him at an auction, but had talked to the owners. I wasn't really too terribly upset that he was ran through an auction, but was really happy to hear that the sellers were there trying to ensure that Easy was sold to a good/decent home.

I have also talked to a few people I know that rope, and they are familiar with Easy's new owner. He is a horse trainer/trader...but is known for putting horses to work and selling with honesty. That makes me happy! (0:

Snow Plowed!

2012-01-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

Sunday Chad jumped on the tractor and I start my Sunday chores. Which of course involves the barn...and on my way there, I saw these.

Moose tracks! I have seen our tall dark visitor once this year already, so I wasn't really all that surprised. (0:

We are apparently on the winter route for this particular cow. I haven't seen her since the snow has fallen, but suspect I will. I am trying to keep my camera with in reach just in case. Hope my diligence pays off!

The girls and Hee-Haws get some kind of enjoyment out of Chad and the tractor. They like to watch and see what he is going to do, then they decide if it's worthy of their time. This day...well, the decided it was worthy of their time! They watched him blow up the driveway and then they waited...

And when he came back down...well they waited for the snow to start hitting the fence. And when it did, then scattered. Ran a circle and then poised themselves for his return. They repeated this for all four of Chads passes by them. Once he moved to the other part of the drive way, then went to eating the fresh snow that had made it into the pasture.

Fiona and Tari were the ones most interested in the fresh blown snow, but everyone took a bite. I can't imagine what they could be missing in their diets that this blown snow would give them... So I have decided that it's just their inner child playing a little bit. (0:

Fiona's inner child is on the verge of getting shocked. It makes Chad SO MAD when he sees her using the fence as some sort of stringed instrument. It make me laugh when she does it. But I know for a fact that she needs not do this and does need shocked...

But if I forget to turn off the fence, then the dogs and I tend to get shocked. It hurts like he!! and so I try and not to set myself up for sparking.... But it may be coming!

Isn't she cute when she is being naughty?? I'm quite smitten with this horse...there is a chance that I am one of those people that believe their kid can do no wrong! (0:

I am going to put off turning on the fence for a few more days, then I will have to turn it on...

And Fiona will be fixed for a few weeks. Then she will start her good girl phase...and we will start our little game all over again! I like to think of it as the circle of life. (0:

Isn't she just cute!

Tari too! (0:

I couldn't get the others to put their heads over the gate, guess they were just camera shy.

Have I ever mentioned I love my truck?

Well if not... I love my truck! (0: Yes I do!

Next April, I will have owned it for 10 years. How crazy is that?? Better than that, it will have been paid off for 6 years. How crazy is that?? LOL!!

Seven says she'll see ya later!!

There's No Such Thing As Too Much....

2012-01-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

Jack-Jack! (0:

Just ask him, he'll tell you!

I like this picture, only because I can really see his whiskers and the change in the texture of his hair from his nose up his forehead.

And a picture of Patron...just so he doesn't think I'm playing favorites... but.... Jack-Jack ALWAYS comes to say hello and Patron only does if he thinks I 've got treats... (0:

Tundra Ponies

2012-01-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Took this pictures as I was feeding the girls and Hee-Haws this afternoon. It was about 4:30 p.m. or so and the light was fading fast...

So these pictures color is a bit off...but you get the idea. Cold and snowy.

Although they do have some ice sickles on them, no one is shivering or showing any signs of being cold...last year it got so rotten with negative temps here I went out and bought everyone a new blanket.

Well everyone but Remi. She wasn't here when I went on my blanket buying frenzy and she came with a really nice winter blanket so she is covered too.

The blankets are on stand by if needed...stalls and covered runs are ready too. But I doubt they'll be needed... Got lots of good hay and wind breaks so they should be fine...

We have certainly had winter come on late and serious here this week! It's not a very heavy or wet snow. Just kinda dry and light. Which makes it good for shoveling. And drifting...had a little bit of that early on, but the wind has stopped! Thank God!! We still need to plow/blow the driveway...but we are just 4x4-ing it until the weekend.

It's not packing, so there shouldn't be a problem...just going to take a few hours to clean it up! (0:

Even when it's nasty, the dogs think they should still go for a run. So all bundled up I run them with the Danger. Freezes the crap outta me...and hairless Seven is kind cold when we are done, but these high energy dogs need a release!

I just hope the snow stops before I have to take the tractor to clear the rail beds for the Danger! Wouldn't that be crazy? Snow blowing a community trail so you can drive on it to run your dogs! That'd get the neighbors talking...

And probably me committed to the looney bin by my husband!

I took all the dog pictures from the danger, so the camera had a hard time focusing through the Plexiglas windshield.

And just to show how little snow we had on Sunday...

Here is the only picture I got to take before my camera battery died...

Stay warm!! (0:

Hey There!

2012-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to announce that it's snowing at our house! (0:

Beggars!

2012-01-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I went out armed with my camera, a decent day, time on my hands, and a few Apple Asses.

I had hoped to get a few side/profile pictures of Fiona and then anyone else who would let me.

I didn't have a chance... They swarmed me just to get some love.

Apparently theses short days have really made them feel like I don't love them any more.

So they were posturing trying to get me to get "that" spot when one of the donkeys found the pocket with the treats.

I am not sure, but my Hee-Haws may have some blood hound in them.

My dreams of decent pictures went down the drain...

Here is the product of my day...

I give you pure silliness!

Just Got A Phone Call...

2012-01-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

From a man that just bought a horse I sold in 2007! (0: Don't worry, it has a happy ending...

Now I don't want to think of myself as a backyard breeder, but I have bred a few mares and sold the colts. I would like to think that I put more thought into than, "Hey this thing has a uterus, let's fill it up!", but I can't guarantee it. I was young once...

I use colts as their gender, not some generic term for a baby. I bred several different mares at different times wanting a filly. And I kid you not, every single mare foaled out a colt. Even by stallions whose colt to filly ratio was really low. Heck Speedy was supposed to be a girl! I have just decided that I suck the estrogen from the foal while in the womb. How I don't know, but seems to be a super power that only I posses! (0:

There are three that I really wish I still had. Different life circumstances forced their sale, but over all, I have no real regrets... I did the best that I could in finding them a new home and they were all halter broke, good for the farrier and vet, and UTD on all care when they left. This roan colt/gelding is one of them. I only sold him because he was a colt...initially, but as time worn on, I really wished I hadn't sold/advertised him.

So this particular colt was out of Horse Girl and by Fiona's daddy Blue Drifting Smoke. We called him Easy, because, well he was the easiest colt to get a long with I'd ever met. There was nothing about him that was sour, nasty, lazy, or unpleasant. He was an all around good guy. I sold him to some people in Oregon on time. I kept "custody" of him until he was paid for in full. Loved every minute of having him around and had he been a filly I would have kept him. But alas he was a boy and I had already seen and spoken for Fiona by the time they picked him up, so no backing out...it was a done deal.

He was supposed to be a barrel prospect for a teenage girl. She wanted to futurity him and then take him to college and compete. They kept me up dated for a couple of months and then just kinda disappeared. Which is understandable we all have lives...

So tonight I got my first update on Easy Stud Muffin (that was his nickname) in probably 4 years and it was pretty much all good. This man seemed happy with him all the way around and is going to make a heading horse out of him. He told me he may never be a top heading horse, but he is pretty sure he is going to be one that he can put anyone on. I can't be happier that this colt/gelding has found his place with someone who will give him a job and add value to him in the eyes of others!

Thanks for listening! (0:

Here are some pictures of Easy up until the day before he left. In no particular order of course!

I Got The Movie Buck For Christmas...

2012-01-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Now I know that there have been oodles of blog posts about this movie. I have read a few of them...but as is usual for me and many things, I was a little late to the party.

In my mind, I was thinking...if this is another "Horse Whisperer" I am so going to shut this darn thing off. I was pretty happy to see that it wasn't and it made me smile to myself when I found out he actually worked on that movie! At any rate, I enjoyed it. Chad enjoyed it, and it gave me some things to think about.

Most importantly it made me think about me and my relationship with my horses...and how my horses reflect me. I thought about this a lot this last few weeks. I have come to the conclusion that, well I have a small herd of under achievers. In that I mean I have coddled them (well, maybe Fiona more than the others, but just the same...) and have kept them from really doing anything because I didn't want them or me to fail. Fail in who's eyes? I don't know.
Now I know in reality the only failure they give a rip about is my failure to grain them each night.
But God forbid someone say something bad about my special horses or my lack of talent. Who is going to say these mean things? Again, I don't know. I guess some troll living under a bridge...but if we don't really "try" anything we won't fail. On the flip side, we will never succeed either...
Maybe these last few years of no real riding buddy has made me crazy...you know like Tom Hanks in that movie where he ends up talking to a Volley Ball? (0:
I ride a lone 99.99% of the time so having to self motivate and get outside of my box is hard and I am afraid getting harder.

As I think about this I find it absolutely S.I.L.L.Y. that I have become this way! When I was a kid I had a Quarter/Appy mare that I was (and still am) sure hung the moon. And no one in the "horse world" I bumped along on the outside of as a kid saw it. Family and friends alike thought my parents should have sold her and gotten me something more practical, I guess you'd say.
But I didn't care what they thought and when we decided to do something, well I just put my head down and went at it, until we did whatever it was that was that I thought we needed to do. She wasn't trained really, she may not even have ever made it to what some people considered broke...
We showed 4-H, did some local Jr. Rodeo's, and High School Rodeoed. Were we good? No. Were we bad? No. Would I trade those experiences for anything? No. Did I care what was being said about me and my horse? No....and there were "real people" with real unkind things to say.
I took some time, looked around the house and barn...
And I think I have found my "big girl" boots and I'm pullin' them on just like I used to!

(I would have said panties, but my dad reads this blog...he may not want to have that mental image! )
Once the weather finally becomes spring, I'm going to take a few lessons from The BRC and hit some local game shows. And of course the trails...but I do that anyway! (0:
And now I hope I haven't announced too much of a plan...

In short what I saw in the pasture while looking at the girls (who are sound and rideable...Sorry Horse Girl, this excludes you), I didn't like, but I didn't hate it either... At least I have good healthy clean slates (excluding Remi...she does have some baggage, but I am now sure she likes me!!) to start working on!
Funny what an 89 minute movie will help you see!

Another thing that came to me in one of those light bulb moments is that I have been to a couple of clinic's with a clinician who trained under Buck Brehnamen (sp?). I had to watch the movie twice for that light to come on, but it finally did!! (0:
I really enjoyed myself and learned a lot of really good stuff during those clinics. So if we were playing Seven Degrees of Separation, I can easily link myself to Buck Brehnamen.
All of the pictures that are in this blog are from the last Greg Elliel clinic I attended in 2005 (I think)!!
(0;

The cute little bay mare in these pictures is one of Mindy's horses. Her barn name is Boney. I cannot remember what her registered name is...but she is either a daughter or granddaughter of Streakin' La Jolla (probably spelled wrong and I am too lazy to look it up...sorry pedigree people) and I think Beduino was in there too... She was a pretty nice little mare, but not what Mindy was lead to believe she was buying... She came from Virgina and I believe had been on the track. Mindy put work, time, money, and tears into her and then traded her (not straight across though) to the breeder of her Good Barrel Mare Breeze for her Chix horse. He still has her and loves her to pieces! Gives Mindy updates about once a year and everything!!!

New Years Resolutions?

2012-01-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

For me, no.

Why?

Don't we all need personal goals, something to reach for, something to hold ourselves to?

I think we do! If we don't hold ourselves to something, we don't get anywhere, or so I think. I am just not sure that making a list once a year is the way to get anything done.

I think Al Swearengen of Deadwood The HBO series said it best. Of course I am going to paraphrase but the jest of it is:

A sure way to hear God laugh, is to announce your plans.

So I'm skipping them and keeping little to do notes in my head! (0:

Happy New Years Everyone! Here's hoping that 2012 is happier, healthier, and more prosperous than 2011!

The Christmas Pictures!

2011-12-31T07:36:00.000-08:00

Seven wondering if there is any reindeer poop in the yard...

Wyatt, not quite ready to open presents...but we kinda forced it on him. Poor little guy!

Still too sleepy....

But then, some one helped him open his very own garbage can from Grandma Sue and Poppa John...and his mood went straight to good! He L.O.V.E.S. putting things in the garbage. He calls it Gar-Gar...and will pack stuff to the garbage whether it's good or bad.

So getting one that is his size and all for him was the best... Of course once he opened it, he was done opening everything. He just wanted to do Gar-Gar!

He found himself a garbage bag, lined the thing and went to work!

Then he packed it to the "big" garbage, dumped it and came back for more!

Mindy and Fred.

Mom opened an new Acer Tablet...the affordable version of the !Pad... Also the Droid apps offer more free stuff than Apple. And free is good! (0:

Dad was soo excited to get beans. Man he must be getting old! (0:

I actually put these in with his real gift to give it more weight and sound, just in case he tried to guess what he got!

I'm clever like that!

He said something to the effect of...you little snots...blahblahblah. Is what I heard. This was the only thing that I heard him talk about all year that he would like to have. Of course we all went in on it...but it was my idea...and Chad's shopping that got 'er done... Next year Kacey or Mindy can figure out what to get him. I think it nearly gave me gray hair!! (0:

So this gun is called The Judge...and it's fitting. Because when we were kids, dad was the judge, jury, and executioner when we were in trouble... We will call mom the bailiff...oh, and the jailer... (0:

Oh, the memories...

Can you spot the little boy? It would probably be easier if the camera were focusing on him..

....getting more paper piled on him...

Oh, how he loved it! He was trying to get dad, aka Poppa John to bury him again!

That kid's got the best smile!!

Then we went out to see what they had done to the place where dad grew up.

Schmidt's Mill, back in it's hay day had a large lumber mill, housing for the families that worked there, and even bunks for the single guys. It's been gone for a while now...and the property was for sale. Then the lady who owned it donated it to the state, or forest service, or some government entity of the sort.

And those powers that be, decided to put in a bird sanctuary. Complete with ponds, boat ramps, spill way, and camp grounds....

...guess they are waiting on Mother Nature to fill the thing. The orange line will be floating buoys to keep boats and swimmers from floating down the spill way into well...something I am sure. This is the other side, I guess for run off of the water side. I didn't get any real good pictures of it, but it just sort of ends with a small pond about a quarter mile away. That pond has always been there and we used to try and catch turtles from there when we were kids.

Change happens, and I am sad that dad's old stomping grounds are gone...and worse yet, they are gone to birds and camp grounds... I fail to see them getting much use. It's not much of a destination spot up on "The Hill" and the locals will just go home once they are finished enjoying this wild bird refuse... Not camp. Heck last time I saw a population sign, I think it said 800+/-...seems like there are better ways to spend money.

Have I ever mentioned that I hate birds? They are dirty... Okay, maybe I like birds of prey...they are fun. But that's it... Chickens are tasty....mmmm, Grandma Jo's fried chicken...

Wyatt getting to be taller than his dad for a few! He really likes being tall. Which is good because I get he is well over 6 foot when he is all grown up! (0:

Under the bridge! Oh, how happy he was when he realized how close he was to the ceiling!

He tried and tried to touch it, laughing the entire time. It was funny!

Then he wanted to slide, so his mom tried to help him! The great thing about kids this age is that any attempt at what they want is usually good enough.

Sliding down the spill way was sooo fun for him, and a little bit of a work out for his mom. There just wasn't enough snow to really slide on, but they got down by shear leg power! (0:

Once at the bottom, Wyatt got to wave at Uncle Chad and Poppa John. They seemed like they were sooo far away. And then he found something fun, left behind by the construction people...

A broom!! Wahahaahhoooo! He swept and swept and laughed and laughed!

He did such a wonderful job!

This kid loves to work, even when he is playing he is playing work! I tried to get him to ride the broom, just like his Aunt Nikki does, but he didn't want to!

And then we tromped up the spill way to head to Grandma Watson's for dinner. That would be Wyatt's Great Grandma Watson....

Everyone can breath a sigh of relief as I left the camera in the car and was too lazy to go and get it and take more pictures while we were there...I gave Chad the option of getting it but he declined.

Men! His camera phobia kept me from having any pictures of myself...Thank God! Yikes, I really hate seeing pictures of myself! (0:

And that was our Christmas weekend!

Sorry to all my FB friends who have seen some of these there...but what can I do? LOL!!

All the Chrismas Eve Pictures!! (0:

2011-12-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

There was no snow at Christmas this year... )0: This little bit was all there was to be had!

As is the normal at my parents house, we take the dog's out in the neighbors hay field and run their legs off... my dogs need it, they LOVE going on vacation to Grandma Sue's! (0:

And let their minds vacate their bodies and cause tons of grief for all of us.

Wyatt leading the way to the field.

Seven doing a drive by...this dog can run ALL day long!

Mindy and Dad rolling a bale for Kage...he loves hunting mice! (0:

Aunt Kathy, Freddy, and Wyatt strolling along... Wyatt showing us where Lewis and Clark met the Nez Pierce on the Weippe Prairie.

Ridin' the bale!

Neighbor dog Daisey enjoying the outing.

It's not a dingle berry because it's not hanging...but it's funny to me and Wyatt tried picking them! His dad was less than amused at his desire to pick up elk poop... PARENTS!

This may be my favorite picture I took all weekend. ( The one above, not below! Hehehe)

Abbi

More mousing...this time Chad and Dad keeping the needy dog happy.

Running!

Wyatt and his momma played this game a lot. Hat on!!

Hat off!!

Checking to see if his momma noticed the Hat Off part! (0:

Chad and I's gingerbread house...we made a dog house... front side above.

And the back...

Fred and Mindy made a car lot...Wyatt helped eat candy of course! (0:

And an early 2nd birthday cake for Wyatt, because Grandma Jo, Karen Sue, and Kathy Jo won't be able to make it for his "real" birthday in February.

He loved blowing out his candles! His mom let him do it twice and he couldn't have been happier!

Huff and puff...

Then drool! (0:

Why wait when you can drive right in?

Mom tried working around her grandson and get us all a piece of cake before it got nibbled on or soggy!

Mmmm, mmm, good!

Moving in to share some sugar with Grandma Jo!

Almost clean!! (0:

The presents were great...

....he loved everything!!

And he had clean up in the bag too!! (0:

He was the only kid this year as Kacey and her clan didn't make it for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, which was a real bummer...

And my Brother Brad (the neighbor) and his family were out of town too. So Wyatt was the only Wee Human, but he seemed to have fun any how, and of course we all loved watching him!

So just one more round of "people" stuff...then I'll be done... Promise!

Hope Everyone Had A Great Christmas!!

2011-12-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

I'll bore you with some Christmas pictures a little later on!! (0:

I got this lovely gift a wee bit before Christmas from my blogger friend Karen over at Restoring Joy. She had read my complaints on Tari's hostile treatment of the other girls and offered up some help. I of course gladly accepted!

Karen said all of her mares and readily eaten the supplement without hesitation.

Excellent!! (0:

Little Miss Tari was a poop the first day I offered it to her. She took a bite and then threw her pan. She then ran the Hee-Haws off of their grain and they in turn went to hers. They gobbled it right up and were even more pleasant than normal the next day ... Well okay, maybe their mood was the same, but they loved it! (0;

Second day, second try. Caught Tari and stuck her in the stall. Sprayed some water on her grain, then added the Mare Magic and stirred. Gave it to her and left her to eat while I ran the dogs. When I returned most of her grain was gone...so I hand fed her the rest. I repeated the stall tactic for 4 days, and on the 5th day grained her with everyone else. She ate it all! (0:

So she is now eating her Mare Magic without force feeding and does seem to have mellowed out a bit!

I will keep her on this until she goes to Barrel School in the spring. I will then give The BRC the option of taking her off of it or leaving her on....

She will be living in a stall and paddock by herself with buddies on each side but no one to bully, so I don't know for sure if she will need it. We will cross that bridge when come to it I suppose!! (0: But for now, Tari the Terrible has been tamed by a little herb!

Yeee-Haw!!

A Guy Once Told Me....

2011-12-17T06:11:00.000-08:00

....that mice don't like the smell of Pine Sol.

The guy is my dad...

Besides the fact that he is my dad and I think he's pretty smart. I listen to his advice/wisdom because he has frankly been on the planet longer than me.

It also helps that dad is a heavy equipment operator and in the logging hay days he was living in a 15 ft. camper out in the middle of no where without running water and electricity and was definitely in prime mouse country.

So when he told me a few years ago that to help keep the mice outta the house clean with Pine Sol and even leave some out in a small cup, not only did I do it, I also stored away those pearls of wisdom for later use!

The above picture is my tack/feed room. It's not big, but it's big enough. You can see Kage in his "man coat" showing off the space.

The first project Chad started when we moved into our own little slice of paradise was work on finishing the tack room for me. So it is insulated and mostly walled in with particle board.

I keep my feed and treats in garbage cans, usually with the lid on them. I admit that sometimes I may not get the lid on correctly but for the most part, they are kept closed.

My biggest issue with cleanliness is of course feed spilling out when I put it into the buckets. I usually don't let it get too bad before I sweep it up and I try to keep the door closed when I am not in it's general vicinity...

So how pray tell did I end up with mouse poop all over the place?

Last year I had some renegade squirrel that the dogs and I chase about the place, but not a drop of mouse sign anywhere in this room, plenty around the hay...

(Kage listening for the mouse...) But this year, blammo...a mouse is in my horses closet! Every evening I open the door, and Kage bursts in. He isn't the fastest mouser, but he really enjoys the hunt...and sometimes the kill too. He sniffs, and I move something, then he sniffs a different spot...and I move something else.

We do this for a few minutes, then I go about my duties..

This last Sunday however, I thought enough is enough. It grosses me out that the little rodents are in the tack room. They can have the entire barn, but just not this space.

So the first thing I did, was think... PINE SOL!

Well before the Pine Sol is unleashed on their delicate little nostrils, I think clean this place up some...

Much to Kage's delight I begin pulling EVERYTHING out of the room. He ran, sniffed, hopped, sniffed, wagged his tail, sniffed...and found nothing.

Bummer...

Once everything was out, I swept. Keeping my eyes peeled for the place where this little pooper was getting in.

I really didn't see anything that looks any different than it has for the last year.

This blue lid above is where I put my 1/4 cup when I give the girls oil. I couldn't get a picture of it...but the little varmint (or so it looked to me...) licked up the remaining oil in the lid....then it pooped. GROSS!

But now I am getting off course...

This above picture shows the one spot that could be in my mind, considered suspicious.

But I was there when Chad put his had through the insulation trying to keep from falling from the bucket he was standing on while stapling the insulation. It looks just like it always has.

I even climbed on a bucket to see if there were any "mouse signs" on the ledge.

There weren't.

So I finished sweeping off my shelves and the floor. Took the trash out. And headed to the house to get my Pine Sol. I took the blue lid with me.

Let's see them lick this now, I thought to myself as I marched!

So will Pine Sol alone work? Don't know yet. I know that I can't use any kind of poison. I'd end up with sick/dead dogs and a broken heart. So it's going to have to be the hard way for their extermination. I am not stopping at just assaulting their noses though...

I am also going after their hides! (0: I opted for this kind of trap just in case Kage sticks his nose in one. Those wooden, steel, spring jobbers would probably do him some real harm...and then there's Seven. Good Friday, she has been in more freak accidents in her 13 months here than any of the other dogs...ever. So if Kage isn't in danger of being nabbed, it's her. Abbi is far too smart to get into that kind of trouble.

So we will see if these work. My biggest fear it finding a mouse that got caught, but was able to run around the tack room for a few laps before it expired.

Yikes...

A barn cat would help, but I've had 3 in a year.

Seven wants to play with them (Seven had a house cat that had to weight 20lbs at her old house. And that old cat would let those pups jump all over her. When she was done, she said so and they got the message. So Seven is cat broke/friendly, but if the cat isn't dog broke it just won't/doesn't work.), and Kage wants to eat them. He can learn that it's not "his" cat, but if the cat is of weak constitution it won't hang out long enough for me to teach the dog it's our cat.

It's not a good life for a cat...or at least a cat that wants a human friend. A half wild mouser may work... But I will think about that in the spring...

For now, it's potions and traps!

***After nearly one week of just Pine Sol, I still have some mouse droppings! Grrr. It's pretty smelly in there, if you ask me so this weekend I will put out the mouse traps. Kage has quit trying to hunt the room like he used to though. So either the Pine Sol is covering the scent or the mouse is coming in less and less. I have also made a concerted effort to clean up every pellet of food I drop...but still I see the poop... ***

I really wish I had had this on Vetrans Day...

2011-12-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

I got this in an e-mail from a friend of mine whose son is in the air force. I wish I had gotten it earlier, but thought it had some good stuff in it so am sharing... I am not sure all of the facts are correct, but truly hope that they are! (It does kind of jump around some, but this is exactly how I received it...)

ARLINGTON CEMETERY

On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was, "How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns"
All three contestants missed it!

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance. Very fascinating.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the unknowns and why?
21steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number1.

3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the
path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.

After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft, Joe Lewis {the boxer},Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty..

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.

The First Poem I ever Memorized

2011-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

MICE

I think mice are rather nice,

Their tails are long,

Their face is small.

They haven't any chins at all.
Their ears are pink,

Their teeth are white.

They run about the house at night.

They nibble things they shouldn't touch,

And no one seems to like them much.

But, I think Mice are rather nice.

I have no idea who wrote it...and really no idea if this is really how it goes...but it's how I remember it from the first grade. Mrs. Gibbars class. Back when I was "the smart kid", or so I thought at the time! (0:

Is this really how I feel about mice? Uh, no.

More to come...

Hay Hay Hay!!!

2011-12-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Seems like a good topic being that it's winter and all. Heck my whole day, week, month, world revolves around feeding right now.

Too much...are they wasting copious amounts?

Too little...are they getting enough to stay warm and happy?

And now...is Tari getting too much sugar?

Yikes...

When is spring again?? (0:

Above is a small round from my "old" hay guy Jack. It was advertised as a 400-500lb bale. Jack made his hay for himself and sold off the rest. It was good hay and the girls ate it pretty good. But it was baled pretty loose and they made quick work of it as far as tearing it apart.

It was fairly hard to keep the waste under control...but we managed.

Cost $25-$30 per bale. It really just depended on his mood some times.

Last fall Jack sold all of his cattle. This fall, he sold his place. So I had to find a new source for my small round bales.

This bale (above) is from my "new" hay guy Gary. Gary sells hay. Gary used to be a truck driver who dabbled in cutting horses and cattle. He harvests his hay crop, sells it and then goes to Arizona for the rest of the winter.

This hay is advertised as 500lbs.

It's also $30 per bale.

This hay is wound tighter than an 8 day clock. It takes the girls much longer to get it torn apart. And eaten. They don't love it quite like Jack's but I am sure that's because Jacks was an Alfalfa mix. This is pretty nice clean grass hay.

It's pretty easy to see that there is quite a difference in what one old cowboy says is 500lbs and what another says it is. I had a suspicion that Jack's hay was light. But until I got Gary's I wasn't sure of it. Jack's hay would (with some manipulation) fit into my round tub. Gary's doesn't no matter how carefully I try and set it into it...

And there is also the fact that I can feel the hay land when Gary sets it in the back of the truck...

Neither of these two old guys is my small square supplier...(0:

The square bale guy is Glenn. He is really more of a hay broker...the squares that I am feeding right are not local, it's from Montana. St. Ignacius Montana. Glenn delivers my hay and stacks it for me. If I could find this quality hay locally AND get it delivered and stacked, I would...but thus far, it's a no go. Although, if Tari really needs to be taken off of Alfalfa, I may have to do some shopping next summer... )0:

I hate shopping. I like telling someone what I want and then having them bring it to me! LOL!!

I suppose though, I could try just telling Glenn that I need some good grass hay... Get a quote, then call some local guys 'round the area and price check. That's what I will probably end up doing.

He was $30 per ton cheaper with this mix hay stacked and delivered.

That price difference paid for my rounds. (0:

Yahoo for me!

Totally off topic...but aren't donkey noses cute? I mean REALLY cute? This is Jack-Jack's nose. It's really picture worthy wouldn't you say??

Patron's nose...also picture worthy!

And that's all I've got on hay. For now! (0:

Please, please...hold the applause!

Am I The Only One?

2011-12-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

Who keeps more than one water tank in the same pasture?

Chad informed me that there is something wrong with me on Sunday when I was telling him how much ice I took off of the Hee-Haws mini tank. I had begun my explanation to him as to why I had three out, when he cut me off...

He didn't really seem to care. He told me that "normal" people keep just one, and they just make sure that it's full enough for all the animals, no matter what the size.

Really?

What is normal, Mr.?

I am not sure if that will ever apply to me.. And further more, the mini tank, is actually Fiona's favorite spot to drink. Fiona happens to be the biggest horse out there...and size isn't a problem for her. (0: But if Fi is happy, I am happy!

Granted, in some ways it does make three times the work...but on the other hand, I know everyone is drinking for the most part.

They do have to wait on me to break the ice some times, but the "big tank" has a heater and it's always working.

They always have "liquid" water available for the most part... (The Hee-Haws would be the only ones falling into the most part part. It's just a neck length thing! )

Maybe the metal tank I can't explain easily...but I'm not going to try! They seem to drink more from the "cold" tanks than the "warm" tank...but I totally feel all three tanks have their own place and function in my pasture!

And since Chad isn't the one draggin the hose in and out of the barn...nor is he the one cleaning them OR breaking the ice, does it really matter what he considers "normal"?

Now I just have to ensure I don't get too sick this winter to take care of them and I can keep my smirk on my face when he decides to point them out to me!

Day After Turkey Day Fun

2011-12-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

Just a little behind on posting these last pictures....oops! (0:

I have had my camera for two years now, and still can't take pictures indoors with the flash. I suppose that it is time to get my disk out and actually watch it... I am sure there is info on there that I could have used a really long time ago.

I have several picture of Wyatt, that could have been really good if his Aunt Nikki had only learned to use her camera correctly...

Oh, well...his birthday is in February, and by then I will have learned how to use my camera correctly for that visit!

This one is really from Thanksgiving as is the one after it.

Seven knows that the Wee Human gives treats. Wyatt is pretty good at a one for me one for you...half for me half for you type of deal. Then when he is finished with the food entirely, he just clear cuts the table top. That of course is the dogs favorite and she will watch and wait for just as long as it takes for that to happen!!

Once it warmed up we got out Speedy and his pasture buddy Hi-Ho. Hi-Ho is in her mid to late teens and is missing her eye on the right hand side. You would never know it by her demeanor. She is the second one eyed horse that I have been around. And it is truly amazing how they adjust. You would never know that she is missing an eye. The only odd thing she did was swing her head side to side to watch my dogs when they were following her while I was leading her. I doubt that she ever had dogs following her anywhere, and my dogs follow what ever horse I have in hand or am on...nothing vicious intended. And once she figured that out, she stopped watching them.

We saddled Hi-Ho up and led Wyatt around for a few minutes, but he really wasn't too into it. He wanted to chase Seven around the yard. It's way more fun! (0:

For now that is.

This kid is sooo going to the NFR in something! LOL!!

And of course here are the gratuitous Speedy shots. He really is growing up, also haired up! He is one Speedy little Yak! LOL!

This colt is a hunk! L.O.V.E. him! He is kind, level headed (as level headed as a baby can be...he is still a dork, but so not panicky in the least...), and has a ton of personality. He also knows that little ol' Hi-Ho is the boss. It's too funny to watch.

My effort to show the size difference...

Just before bed...giving his Seven dog a hug. They are such good friends!

Notice the gross color, I have oodles of these...some are much worse than the ones I've used!

And that's a rap! (0:

A Turkey Day Fun and a PSA

2011-11-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

When operating an ATV or ORV of any it is ALWAYS a good idea to wear a helmet. It is also ALWAYS a good idea to wear a safety restraint when ever your vehicle is equipped with one!

Speedy and his friend Hi-Ho. Yes Hi-Ho as in Hi-Ho Silver. (0:

Wyatt watching me take pictures of Speedy and Hi-Ho from his front porch.

Wyatt helping work on the motorcycle with his dad and Chad.

He decided that maybe it just needs some fuel...

Seven and Hanks ball....

Hank following Seven and his ball.

Kage..

Abbi!

Finally a running motor cycle!!

Mindy and I and our barrel work! (0:

Mindy and Chad doing some barrel work.

Turning for home...

Getting a little light in the rear-end...

...and over she goes!

Chad's side landed down. Mindy was the one injured the worse. She has two black eyes and knots on the back of her head, her elbow and leg. Chad had two knots on his head and a bruise on his hip...

Due to the roll over, there was a change in driver and we played for another hour before we went in to ice,aspirin, adult beverages, and a fantastic dinner.

Tari The Terrible

2011-11-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Nikki, "Tari, you are NOT being nice. I thought you were supposed to be NICE when you came home and got over the heartbreak of weaning Speedy."

Tari, "Me, really are you talking to me??"

Nikki, "Yes you. You are the ONLY Tari here that I am aware of!"

Tari, "I'm just trying to whip these guys into shape....they seem to be a bunch of slackers lacking any sort of direction."

"Let me breath on that finger and warm it for you..."

Nikki, " Sucking up won't help! Too much more whippin' and you are going to find yourself living alone with no one to whip... Keep that in mind would ya? Maybe try employing the walk softly and carry a big stick method of leadership...."

Tari, "I will take that into consideration...later...when it's convenient for me...."

Before Tari was in foal we lived and the Landlords place and there were 12 head of horses, donkeys, and mules. The herd dynamics had Tari in the top 4 of the heard. But Tony, Mave, and Jamison were above her and pretty brutal when it came to discipline. They also really didn't allow anyone under them to boss anyone else around. I guess they kind of expected the rest of the horses to act as drones...

I couldn't wait to get out of there and have a nice happy fairly quiet group of girls.

Well apparently Tari took the ToMavIson book of beating down your herd mates. Even in foal she was being a tyrant. I added a supplement to her feed and I am assuming that the supplement along with her advancing pregnancy mellowed her out quite a bit.

I sort of figured that the entire motherhood experience would probably help her out a lot....not to mention Breeze Bomb would give her a good dose of humility while they were together...

Well, the first day home was pretty quiet. However each additional day has gotten louder. First I blamed it on her swollen bag. Surely that makes her crabby...and although she does still have a bit of an udder, I am pretty sure that she is in no way suffering any sort of residual pain from weaning Speedy! So I have marked pain off of the list of reasons why. I am also starting to think that she is nastier than she was when she left. Maybe Breeze Bomb had an adverse effect on her and she couldn't wait to get away from her and punish the other girls for all that she had been through in the last 6 months.

Whatever the reason she is being a beast, it is pressing on my last nerve! If we had the other side of the property fenced, I am certain she would be over there right now, with the Hee-Haws. They seem to be the only ones she hasn't taken to picking on. Now, currently no one is missing hair and she isn't actually hitting anyone when she kicks. But really, its probably going to escalate to some sort of damage to the others eventually.

I do still have the Hee-Haws pen up that is across the driveway from the pasture. If it gets too bad, I suppose she may find herself in there. It's not a lot of room and I am not a big fan of cleaning a pen in the winter, but she may end up over there before too long! If she does end up over there, then she will be 100% alone because there is no way I would subject the Hee-Haws to living in a small space with her... And it goes against EVERYTHING I believe to keep a horse alone with no other horse contact. Ugh!!

And if the rude, nasty, bossiness of it all wasn't enough... the squealing she does... Good Friday, really. It's so not good sounding and unnecessary. The others know what she is doing when she starts backing up at 50 mph, do we really need the attack cry too? I don't think so!!

I tried reintroducing the Metabol-Ease into her grain, and it has been drama central. She won't eat it at all. She flat won't eat her grain. I know for a fact at The BRC's house she was on plenty of different supplements, so this can't taste any worse than anything else that she has had. Can it? Also she has eaten it before...like for 8 months or so. This should be just fine, shouldn't it?

Stinkin' horse! I love her, but right now I would like to sell her, strangle her, give her away, spank her silly....

Maybe after the rest of us tough out her leadership skills for the winter, going to work in the spring will make her a nicer girl.

Who knows, and one can always dream...can't we? (0:

Any suggestions on mood altering drugs- just kidding, about the drug part, but supplements would be appreciated. There has to be something that would help...she doesn't seem to be sad, miserable, or depressed...she is more like a bully. Nickers to greet you and asks to be loved on. Will also halt all violence when yelled at...

Mares....

Evicted....

2011-11-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

Right out of the lovely state of denial I was living in and thrust into the harsh reality that it is in fact winter. When we left for work yesterday morning, there was quite a bit of snow on the ground. About 5 inches...should have done something about that when we noticed, but decided not to... When I got home even more there was even more. We probably ended the day with 10 inches of snow. Because our drive way was not plowed I had to Evil Knievel it down and into the garage (something I profected last year, as it would wait to snow until I was at work, and then proceed to dump 8 inches of snow).

I was lucky in that I didn't have to put out a new round bale nor did I have to fill water... All I had to do was get the tractor hooked or mostly hooked up to the snow blower so that Chad could move some snow. That drama ONLY took the better part of 45 minutes bacuase the blower was burried in snow. Yet another draw back of living in The State of Denial I suppose.

I was unable to get the PTO attached, because the cover that protects it is a real pain to get off, my fingers were froze, it was dark, and my husband would be home at some point to fix it all... I got the rest of it together and into the barn for easy assembly for Chad. Go Nikki!!

Frosty The Snow Chad got a pretty good start on the driveway this morning and should be able to finish it off tonight...I could work on it, but it gives him ulcers the way I do it... Lets just say that I am not the perfectionist that he is! (0:

Next up is to jump in line with all of those Last Minute Lulu's and Les Schwabs and get the snow tires on all three of our rigs... shouldn't be too bad... Yeah right!

Oooops! LOL!!

Kacey Did NOT Tell Me To Blog This!

2011-11-19T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hahahaaa!! I love you sister dear! Thanks for all of your help!!

Dad Said, Blog This....

2011-11-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

....I am not sure if he was serious or not, but here ya go Daddo! I kind of think that we- my family likes fire. Not on the criminal side of like, but just in general. (0:

Friday afternoon we decided to burn the big pile...it's the one we made last year! A little bit of a wait, but at least we got it going! (0: There is a ton of dirt in the pile because we were literally pulling the worthless trees up by their roots and piling them up. This is what we did after picking up Mindy's good barrel horse Breeze and Speedy and Tari the Great Bay Whale! (0:

This was a week ago and the pile still has hot spots in it that are smoldering. We are going to try and break it up this weekend and wait until spring to relight it!

Making Babies Cry II

2011-11-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

We arrived at my house and unloaded everyone. Breeze looked around for Mo, called a few times and then settled in to eating her hay. She would take a few bites and then call, but all in all she did well that first afternoon. We texted The BRC to check on Mo. He was still calling his momma, but seemed alright other than that. After evening feeding, it was cocktails, bon fire, and off to bed.

The plan was now to get Mindy, Wyatt, and the horses on the road as early as possible. Figuring that would give her more time to get them settled in the day light once she got home. Our plan in loading them was just the opposite as the first time. Put Breeze in first, tie her so that she could look at Speedy and then get Speedy loaded.

Breeze hopped in and then started calling for her baby. She had been pretty quiet all morning, but once in the trailer she started looking for her boy again.

Speedy and Tari were next up.... Well Speedy anyway.

Speedy decided that leaving the stall wasn't really working for him. Not that I blame him, many horses have said uh, the ground isn't quite right here... You see, I still need one gate panel to make it possible for horses leaving that stall to exit without going into the barn. So the leaving of the stall and hitting the cement has stopped several horses in there tracks. I am not a fan of the barn isle being cement, but at the same time haven't gotten enough stall mats to line that walk way with. We just make do... And after a little coaxing Speedy made do too! (0:

This colt is pretty level headed and really not a Drama Queen...once he found the ground safe for walking he headed right out. Hats off to The BRC and her family, they did a great job of getting Speedy halter broke and broke to lead. He doesn't lead like a halter baby ('cause he isn't!), but he leads well and gives well to pressure.

Speedy lead the way right to the door way of the trailer, then he couldn't figure out how to get in...again. He would march boldly up to the door and stop, front legs touching the trailer. He would then drop his nose and look like Mindy had lost her mind as she asked him to step up.

We kept asking, he kept trying. We changed our approach a few different times, just to see if it made it easier. He kept trying but just couldn't quite get his leg up. Through it all, he never quit trying, he never tried to turn away and refuse, and he never fought. Not once, he just kept trying.

And if I didn't already think he was the greatest thing since sliced bread, I would have after this!

We finally ended up putting Tari in and waiting for Speedy to get all of his appendages in line and in the trailer. It really didn't take all that long, because Breeze would have told us if we were wasting her time... She has no patience for time wasting! (0:

Once Speedy was in Tari stepped out. Then Mindy removed his halter and she stepped out. The door was closed on Speedy and his momma went to grazing by the trailer. He called and she barely lifted her head... Then Mindy loaded up Wyatt and headed out of the driveway.

Speedy kept calling, Breeze was looking at him like he had spun a screw...she was the one missing someone, not him! And Tari kept eating. We moved around so she could get the good grass and her colt drove out of the drive way calling the whole way...without a single answer from his momma.

This isn't the first time I have been part of a weaning, and I do really prefer the cold turkey approach...I think it's easier... I know others will disagree, but for me, it may be the only way to go! So that being said, I have never had a mare act so blah about her baby leaving...

Tari was so calm, cool, and collected about the whole ordeal I turned her out with the other horses. I had originally planned to keep her in the stall for a few hours and then move her out to the pasture. But thought what the heck, no time like the present....so out she went!

Tari knew everyone in the pasture, except Remi...but I figured that since Remi isn't aggressive so things should go fine.

And fine it was. There was some trotting and loping. A few squeals and then eating. The donkey's decided to keep their distance just in case, but that didn't last long and soon everyone was mingling.

And still there was no calling from Tari. I began thinking that maybe Speedy was a terrible baby or that Tari was heartless...

I called Mindy who was on the road and had been for over an hour. I told her about Tari's lack of worry. She thought it was odd too, but assured me that Speedy was doing enough crying for both of them! Poor little Speedy!

I sent a text to The BRC and let her know Mindy was on the road and all had went well. I asked her how Mo was doing, and she said less tears that morning and that he was settling well. Good news for Mo! (0:

We were out working on the pasture and I kept waiting on Tari to speak. I waited and waited. And just when I decided that she may just very well be truly glad to have Speedy gone, she broke her silence.

She called once. Then silence. The other horses crowded around her ears pricked. No answer. She called again. No answer. And she was done.

I walked over to the pasture and she came up. I checked her udder...and it was full. Must have reminded her that she was missing someone! (0;

I heard her call a few more times that day. But no drama. Just a shout out for her kid ever so often.

Mindy called to let me know they had made it home. Speedy was still certain that his life was over, but other than that, he was in fine shape. Breeze of course was happy to be home and Chix and Sally were very excited to see that the horse trailer had actually brought someone with it.

That first afternoon was all the calling Tari did. I was and am glad that she took it so well. She really is a gem.

Breeze went back to work on Monday. Mindy is happy to have her horse back, I am not entirely sure that Breeze is happy to be back to work....but such is the life! (0:

Tari on the other hand will probably get to keep being a slouch. This stinking Day Light Savings Time thing makes it dark when I get home... Oh, and it's getting cold... Gross!! (0:

So all I have is weekend riding. But such is life in North Idaho!

Next year though, she will get a rude awakening. Tari The Great Bay Whale will be enrolled in The BRC's barrel school for mommies and mares that need jobs. She will be off of easy street and into the working world.

Stay tuned! LOL!!

Making Babies Cry

2011-11-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

Friday was "the big day" for Mindy's good barrel mare Breeze and Breeze's chromed up formerly nameless Firewater Flit/Frenchmans Guy colt. As is common for us, our plans changed a few times. Initially Mindy was to leave The BRC's farm with Breeze and Speedy and head home, and I was to load up Tari and head home. B.U.T. the parents decided to come up and see Wyatt.

So our plan changed to picking up Breeze and making her chromed up formerly nameless baby cry on Friday. We would make Speedy cry on Saturday when Mindy and her rig rolled out of my place. That way the parents could see Wyatt and Mindy and Speedy and we wouldn't mess up The BRC's farms schedule.

I had originally planned on getting LOTS of pictures, but The BRC and her dad were ready for us and had stuff to do when we left. So there was no time to get some conformation pictures or just cute baby pictures. )0: Oh, well... we are making babies cry aren't we?

The babies are big, they are healthy. They have haired up like little yaks and definitely have a good start on them. So other than the comfort of their moms and nursing, they are really won't be missing anything they need. The BRC's dad trimmed up the mares and foals last weekend, so everyone is ready to roll.

So roll we did!

Speedy of course was ready and willing to be caught. Breeze's chromed up formerly nameless colt walked off...then he trotted, and tossed in a little lope just for good measure before he let Dick catch him.

Rumor has it, it's his moms fault.

So I have been calling Breeze's colt "the chromed up formerly nameless colt" because he finally has a N.A.M.E. ! Yahoo. The BRC has a barn name for him any way! His name is..... Mo! (0: Check out the picture below for the inspiration for his barn name!

I can assure you you that this ridge/mohawk is all natural! (I asked! LOL!)

Unlike Speedy, Mo has a buddy that he is being weaned with. A cute little strawberry roan colt. No pictures of him, because we were in a hurry... Oops! He is a cutie and the two boys should do just fine together!

Once we got everyone caught, we marched to the horse trailer. Mindy had borrowed a stock trailer so she had two box stalls more or less. Which was actually pretty darn handy as it turned out!

We decided that the best thing to do was load Tari and Speedy first. It would be easier than making Breeze wait on Speedy if he didn't load right away.

It turned out to be a good decision as Speedy had a hard time getting into the trailer. He wanted in, but it was hard to hop in. He finally got it handled and we turned him and his momma loose in the front stall.

Breeze jumped in and after tieing her up, we drove off.

It was that simple for the most part. The BRC and her dad led Mo and Roany out to a paddock and turned them loose together. The BRC said that Mo cried and cried and couldn't care less about Roany. Breeze called a few times and I could see the trailer rock every time Mindy stopped. But for the most part she rode quietly the entire hour to my house.

Breeze settled pretty good and really didn't worry herself too much that night. She did have Tari and Speedy right next to her, so I think that helped her a lot. Her poor 'ol bag was pretty tight in the morning, but there is not much you can do about that!

Poor Breeze!!

'Round The Ranch

2011-11-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

These pictures are in no particular order...mostly because it took me 2 days to upload thanks to our less than slow wireless card.

It seems as though when we have time to do some things at our place, we don't have the money...and then when we have some money we don't have time... Then the money gets spent and here comes the time back around. Seems like a cruel and nasty cycle...well frankly, it is! (0:

Our little Ranch...or is it a Ranchette or a Farm...or a Farmette...

Well out little place is full of trees...all second, maybe third growth trees. All most all tiny and very close together... We call them "Pecker Poles" and I don't really know why...so don't ask! LOL!!

So we finally had some time a couple of weekends ago and got around to adding the 5th wire to our fence. Yes, the wire I told Chad we wouldn't need if we spaced our wires good enough to keep the Hee-Haws in. Well, we didn't space our wires good enough, and the Hee-Haws got out a few times. Subsequently, they spent most of their first year at home, in a pen separate from the horses.

Not really the way we wanted them to spend there days, but several things had to fall into place before we could right my wrong and let them out with everyone else. So now I am happy to announce, The Boys are in with The Big Girls and they couldn't be happier...the girls could care less.

Then the following weekend we had time and money...what a shocker... So we rented a Mini Excavator and went to work removing debris that was laying around as well as little trees. That lasted about 3 hours, then the Mini Excavator virtually stopped working. Chad looked it over, checking for hydraulic leaks, or any other signs of trauma that would cause the boom arm to stop functioning. Nothing could be located, so that ended that. The rental co. that we use, isn't open on Saturdays. So we finished some clean up and tended the fires we'd built. So much for forward progress!

After speaking to the rental co. we found our problem... There is a switch under the floor mat that adjusts what each leaver does, and sometimes it will get giggled into the neutral position. A simple flip of the switch will fix everything. And sure enough it did, and because we lost time, they said keep it for another weekend. We said OK, and thank you! (0:

So last weekend we went back to knocking out little worthless tress and trying to "build" a pasture. Chad was getting better everyday, but we still have a long way to go... It's very much been a learn as you go type of experience for us! (0: We do have a small check list for our next home...if there is one...and it includes pasture already in! (0:

We are still one horse down right now... Tari The Great Bay Whale isn't home yet. But that will change this weekend as it's weaning time at Twin Willows Ranch! So Breeze Bomb will leave her chromed up little fella without a name behind and Tari will leave Speedy. But Speedy does get to go home with Breeze, so they will probably be able to comfort each other on the way home! There will be no comfort for Tari...unless the Hee-Haws short stature makes her feel better! (0:

The Barrel Racing Chiropractor was able to purchase a weaning buddy for her chromed up nameless colt. So that will help him out a lot! Mindy and I have looked high and low for a buddy for Speedy...and let me tell you it ain't easy! First you have to have a budget...then a lot of people want to spend your budget plus... Then there is the question of old or young... What a P.I.T.A.! We are still on the hunt...but for now, Speedy will just get to look over the fence at Sally. Which won't be soo bad for him! We will keep working towards getting what he needs and what Mindy wants! (0:

So that does in fact mean that this blog will have a few baby pictures on it here shortly!!

Whoot, whoot!! (0: In hind site, I should have driven the hour plus that it took to get to the babies and gotten more pictures...but there are only so many hours in a day...as if everyone already didn't know that!

So that about does it for the my updates right now...well except the obvious...the girls are hairy, the Hee-Haws are hairy, and the weather is getting colder. Oh, yeah...and the days are getting shorter and shorter. Bah!!

Mindy and Wyatt will arrive tomorrow to get the weaning started. Besides the making babies cry aspect, we can't wait to see the Wee-Human and his momma!

Wyatt is finally starting to talk...now he has always communicated, but his vocabulary is growing and I can't wait to hear it in "person". He says big words like purple, yellow, popcorn, and hot momma! His friends Big Wyatt and Allie Girl taught him the hot momma phrase, and OMG is it cute! (0:

Enjoy the last few pictures without me blah, blah, blahing you all to death!! (0:

Quote I Found...

2011-10-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will.

The Price Of Love....

2011-10-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

...I can honestly say that when it comes to my girls, I thought there probably wasn't one. In this last year of living "on our own" shall we say, I have tried different supplements, grains, and hay providers. Working on what works best for me and the girls. Of course I have noticed it in my checkbook, but I enjoy feeding them my way without explanation, complication, or drama.

When Tari the Great Bay Whale was carring Speedy, Mindy asked me to feed a certain grain and vitamin supplement. Mindy has done a ton of research on this kind of stuff and decided that this would be best for mare and foal. So I jumped on board and started feeding everyone that way!

So on Thursday I rolled into the feed store to pick up my usual, the price had increased. Increased AGAIN! I have been buying grain about every 4 weeks. And for the last 3 trips, it's increased every single time I have been in. $.50 here, $1.00 there, but this time was different. When I first started buying this grain, it was around $16.50 a bag....when I went in Thursday it was $19.49. So I said wow, up again huh? Lady says really? Yeah I say...it was $18.49 last time I was in. So she says, let me double check, I could have made a mistake...

So she looked...and she had made a mistake, this grain should have been rung up at $22.49, not $19.49. I have been buying the alfalfa mix...the grass mix was the $19.49 bag. So we unloaded the alfalfa and reloaded the car with the grass... I do love my girls, but not at $22.49 per bag. I have seen several threads about feed going up, and I get that. But really? In 4 weeks almost $4.00? Uh, love 'em but apparently I do have a price limit on my love for them...

So this weekend, I read up on comparable grains at a more reasonable price. I don't want them to go without grain, especially in the winter, but I am not going to feed them gold... I still need a place to live!

I am pretty sure that I have found a suitable replacement that is low in sugar, no molasses binders, high in fat, and protein. (0:

Oh, the stress of the freedom of buying feed for my horses!!

Need A Good Laugh?

2011-10-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

Go here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nightmaresfearfactory/6083870376/in/photostream/lightbox/

This Could Be One Of My Favorite Pictures I've Taken!

2011-10-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Look closely...and let me know what you think! (0:

This is Remi's eye by the way!

A Visit With The Boys

2011-09-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure what me and Blogger did, but these pictures are in reverse order. It took me a while to get these load, because I have an air card here at home...and some days it's slower and other days it's even slower...

So enjoy then backwards! (0;

Mindy and her boys. Little Speedy lead the way all the way from the pasture to the barn. His mom Tari the Great Bay Whale and I behind him. He never once looked back to check on us...he was full speed ahead not checking on anyone.

Leading the pack, I think he will do this for the rest of his life! Nothing but good things in line for this colt! (0:

For the life of me, I couldn't get a good confo picture of him. Speedy has his momma Tari the Great Bay Whale's personality.... Love me, love me, love me!!

More of me looking at Speedy's butt...

And still more, or technically the first of the rear of the colt.

Wyatt lovin' him some Speedy! (0:

Breeze Bomb and her boy. Look who is turning into chestnut! (0:

Poor ol' Breeze maybe the Great Red Whale...but we won't tell Mindy! (0;

Wyatt snugglen' up!

If you have ever seen any video or too many photos of Speedy's dad, you would recognise the lead in the mouth "thing". He comes by it genetically! (0:

Breeze's colt, who doesn't really have a name yet... Poor dude! He is pretty darn handsome.... I think they should have his barn name be Nitro, 'cause his mom's a bomb! (0: Hint, hint, hint BRC!

Speedy L.O.V.E.S. his halter, I am pretty sure that he'd put it on himself if he could!

Speedy sayin' hurry Grandpa Dick, I need my halter on pronto!! Grandpa Dick, is The Barrel Racing Chiropractors dad.

The boys...getting pretty close in size right now. Wonder how they will finish!

No, Tari the Great Bay Whale is not rebred! She just looks like it! (0: Breeze is also open...the colts really messed with the girl's figures! LMAO!

BRC's colt gave us a little bit of a show... Speedy just stood at the gate waiting for someone to put his halter! (0: Heheheee!!

Just leaving...getting ready to show off. Note his momma has her tail up, she helped with the show... Call her the show producer! (0;

This colt is soooo flashy! Mindy being his humane "Grandma" couldn't be prouder...and me being his humane "Great Aunt" is in total agreement! These pictures don't do justice to either colts color or conformation any justice...

But it's the thought that counts right! (0:

I Some Of You Have Read This Before....

2011-09-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a horse," or, "that's a lot of money for "just a horse". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest m...oments have been brought about by "just a horse,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "just a horse," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman/man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse" just smile, because they "just" don't understand.

Puppy Love

2011-09-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

I have an admission to make... When summer hit, and the bloggers I follow started posting less... I became addicted to Barrel Horse World Forum. Sorry! I have admitted that I have a problem, so it's the first step to getting my blog moving forward! (0:

In being wrapped up in that forum, where I read much more than I commented or posted, a thread was started about Pit Bulls. Of course it had a negative beginning, and there was a split with "haters" and "lovers". I commented that these dogs used to be called Nanny Dogs in the '40's I believe and are family animals. Also NOT all have dog aggression problems...I then posted a couple of these pictures of Wyatt and Seven.

Several people did not like the fact that Wyatt and Seven were "kissing". I get it, we were all raised differently and view things differently. I appreciated there concern, mostly because they weren't upset that Seven was a APBT, it was the mere fact his face was that close to ANY dogs face....

That being said, if anyone is still reading this blog, and you aren't found of these pictures. Don't look. I already heard it all over on BHW...

I personally think these are cute...and this kid loves "his" dog! (0:

Good Night Uncle Scoooty

2011-08-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Warning! I wrote this for myself, let it set, then decided to post it. If you don't want to read anything that is not about my pets and anything happy.... Don't read this!

Thursday August 25th, my Uncle finally succumbed to his brain cancer. He was 49 years old. He left behind his wife of 25 years Kathy Jo (yes, Scoooty made it to his 25th wedding anniversary, and Kathy Jo's birthday as well!), his loyal dog (who about two weeks ago, started refusing to go for walks with my mom),a loving family, friends, and comunity.

Scoooty was known to everyone in his Home Town, because most people there, have practically been there their whole lives. And those who haven't are always filled in some way some how... So Scoooty's family owned a small service/gas station in the Home Town. Scoooty worked there for quite some time, being a kid in the time frame I am speaking about...I don't know when the beginning was, but sometime while he was still living at home and going to school; moved on to early adulthood until the end of the service station's days, I really don't know how long that was... But really it doesn't matter. Scooooty worked there...It was the kind of service station that pumped your gas (unless you requested otherwise...and I doubt anyone ever did) checked your tire pressure, checked your oil and fluids, and washed your windshield. It was also the kind of place where a 14 year old kid with her newly issued drivers license could pull up and blurt out, "Grandpa Dick said not to turn it (the truck) off until I got home, because we left the lights on all night and the battery needs to charge... He also said to have you put $20.00 in the tank and he or Grandma will be in later today and pay for it...." and they smiled and filled you up to $20.00....sent you on your way. No matter that they most certainly could have jump started the truck if the 11 miles you had just traveled wasn't enough charge. They were what you call good people.

I really don't know how old I was when I came to the realization that Scoooty looked an awful lot like young Elvis Presley. I was old enough to know Elvis was dead and there was no way he could be Elvis... But for a long time, I pretended that Elvis was in the Home Town and washing my moms windshield. I also at some point realized I could look up his nose when he leaned over the car... So I did... Every chance I got. I don't know why...mostly I am sure because although I knew it wasn't "nice" I could do it... I never saw anything of any note... I am sure of that because I don't remember anything else about it!

At some point in his late teens early twenties Uncle Scoooty was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. Of course it spread through the Home Town like wild fire. My parents have never ceased to amaze me as an adult looking back at my childhood.... There explanation of what happened was plain and simple.  Scoooty (he wasn't my Uncle then...had to marry Kathy Jo first) has a chemical imbalance, its not common, but not too uncommon either. It strikes men most commonly in their late teens early twenties and is treatable. With medication he should be normal.  Don't listen to the gossip, he still is who he was... Of course I am paraphrasing from my childhood... But, if mom and dad said, it's all good... Well it's all good.

Again time line fuzzy... Aunt Kathy Jo decides she luuuuuves Scooooty, and after some time Scooooty luuuuves Kathy Jo.   Matter of fact, he luuuuves Kathy Jo so much that he can't even tell her that he has eaten dinner already when she invites him over for pizza. And just to save her feelings, he eats a couple of slices...with Kathy Jo and The Wyatt Girls. He would later divulge his secrete to Kathy Jo and we would all laugh about how kind hearted he was... Of course, I was still quite certain that Scoooty was a dead ringer for young Elvis and thought it was pretty cool that he and Kathy Jo were together.

Finally they get hitched. Scoooty's dad retired and sold the service station and Scoooty became a full time house husband (matter of fact, once we girls got into adulthood, we would call Scooooty for recipies) while Kathy Jo worked with the Elementary students in the small Home Town. It is then that we got to really know who Uncle Scooooty was.  Yeup, he wasn't just the guy whose nose I got to secretly look up... He was not only V.E.R.Y. smart, he was pretty darn funny, and totally a kid at heart.

We (my sisters and I) learned that he was a big fan of burping and farting. He often said, "Whats the big deal? It's natural." Now my self...farting not so much...but man do I love to burp. So letting an enormous belch out with Scoooty was not only kosher, it was appreciated. Often in the early years, we would have burp-a-thons. Just good old fashioned fun I tell ya! (0:

At some time Scoooty let me in on a little secrete... It's something that I have thought about off and on through the years... He said to me, "Now you know that everyone here in Home Town thinks I'm crazy. I mean certifiable, and you know what? That's alright, life's more fun when everyone thinks your nuts." Scoooty used his diagnosis as a toy, if someone in Home Town thought he was nuttier than squirrel poop...he let them believe he was. He would smile at them just a little longer than others...just because they were that naive and he was really that smart.
Off and on through the years Scoooty would get tattled on by one of the Home Town goody-goodies/busy bodies. (I am sure these were the same people that would complain if we ran our horses up the road...gravel road mind you, and they were shod. Of course in my kid's mind's eye....they were faceless old bitties and crotchety old coots...) Kathy Jo would scold him, and he would simply switch directions and move on. He could look those people in the eyes on Sunday at church or Tuesday at the Post Office and not hold a grudge. He was kind to them and polite. Scoooty knew how to treat people and make them feel important and special reguardless...

Good Ol' Uncle Scoooty was up for most anything. Especially if there was a chance that Kathy Jo or her Big Sis Karen Sue would be annoyed. When his father got sick, he was there to lend a hand with anything "The Old Man" needed. When Kathy Jo's dad got sick, he was there for him too. If Ol' Bill (as he called him) had a good idea and needed someone to execute it, he called on Scooooty. And when the dust settled it was Scoooty who got the butt chewin' giggling all the while. He was there when his father passed away. He and Kathy Jo held a vidual by Charlie's side until he passed. He loved his dad... He and Kathy Jo were there for her dad, too when the end came.  He loved Ol' Bill as if he were his own father. He also loved hunting, fishing, old school country music, hymns, kids, old people, and God. Scoooty loved life!

When the first diagnosis of cancer came, he didn't complain. He just delt. With Kathy Jo by his side they went forward. Never grumbling, never angry. He joked about being radio active. He smiled. When the second one came, same positive attitude, some approach. He said its in God's hands. That was all he needed, his family and his faith. The third cancer diagnosis was no different than the others....but scarier (if that is even possible) for the rest of us. It was brain cancer. He had a tumor on his right frontal lobe. He let Kathy Jo shave his head, laughed about how now his hair was like Ol' Bills, who was in the army and always wore his hair high and tight. Once the tumor was removed, he joked about his beany the made him wear. His scar looked like a horse shoe. He called it his lucky horse shoe.  Onward and upward!

18 months after the lucky shoe scar was made, the tumor returned. Same spot, fast growing, but removable. Done deal. It was removed. A chemo wafer was put in place just to get treatment started as early as possible. Recovery was blasting along and then small things started going on. Things that made everyone worry. Another PET scan revealed that less than a month after the second tumor had been removed, a third had taken its place. There were no more operations, there was only time to prepare for the end.

Aunt Kathy Jo took Uncle Scoooty home. They planned his funeral. They went fishing. They went for drives around the area looking for game. They had a steady stream of visitors. (And when those visitors would be leaving and casually say if there is anything we can do let us know... Scoooty replied the same way every time, "Pray for a miracle." It was the closest thing to a complaint that he ever uttered....) They held hands. They laughed. I am certain they cried (how couldn't you?) although I never saw it. They prayed. They loved each other until the very end.

When departing Scooooty never said good bye. He didn't like it. It was too permanant. He always said good night.... So after each visit home, when departing for our "other homes" we always told Scoooty good night. Nothing is permanent...and we always return....

Next Saturday we will lay Uncle Scoooty to rest.

95 Degrees... Hope These Are Accessable! (0:

2011-08-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/WhyNotNikker#p/a/u/1/tzssrte9UqQ

http://www.youtube.com/user/WhyNotNikker#p/a/u/0/0ubh_V4KG5s

Don't Have Much To Report....

2011-08-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

But got this today and it made me laugh! Hope it helps someone else's day!!

In my never ending quest to improve your intelligence, this week's Public Service email concerns capitalization of letters and context. Please pay close attention.

In the world of hi-tech gadgetry, I've noticed that more and more people who

send text messages and emails have long forgotten the art of capitalization.

For those of you who fall into this category, please take note of the following statement...

"Capitalization is the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a

horse and helping your uncle jack off a horse."

Is everybody clear on that?

The Boys!

2011-07-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

As you scroll through these, you may think...hey, these are not in order! And you will be dead on! I posted the pictures that I liked best first! (0:

Hats off to Stacry for some super shots!!

These first three pictures are of the Barrel Racing Chiropractors baby. They are calling him, Pee-Wee or Squeaker, or Tiny, or something along those lines! Please feel free to tell us all his name in the comments family of the BRC!

He has the nicest hip and kindest eye, but his momma isn't a snuggler, so right now so neither is he. )0:

And here is Speedy!! He L.O.V.E.S. people, thanks to his momma... Tari the lap dog!

Scary picture of me...notice my butt has a tumor... Ugh! It's the bag that had carrots in it. Can't leave that kind of stuff around!!

Stacry lovin' on "her" baby and momma! Stacry is the BRC's sister...and not a total horse person, but she loves her Speedy...Also known as XL... Thanks to Tari's brand and his size!!

Speedy tried to bite me! Grabbed his lip, and the little dork was not the least bit detoured! He is a spunky one, with a lot of determination! Born to be a winner, I just know it!!

Breezy, AKA the Bomb gettin' some treats from her Aunt Stacry and Aunt Nikki!

Seven was sooo excited to see her little bro Speedy. Speedy, not as happy to see Seven... and the other colt, tried to kick her... Not that Seven noticed, she was busy being a pup! The Farm is Seven's favorite place to visit! She gets love from the dogs (less Josie) and BRC's husband Ken! She runs and runs and just has a blast!

Stacry's pup, Cinnamon, AKA Cinnamonster playing with Seven. In 45 minutes they wore each other out!! Wish they were closer so I could wear our dog out faster and more consistently!

The end! We actually the beginning picture...but like I said, I put the best pictures first...'cause I can!! (0:

Hope you all enjoyed Speedy and his bro!!

Got This From Facebook....

2011-06-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Chad calls Facebook the Devil's Web Site...maybe it is, maybe it isn't...
Anywhoooo, there is a page that I "belong" to called Find Sandbox...it's a page that was dedicated to finding a kids horse stolen from a large roping...it was on Fugly and several other blogs... Shortening the storey some "M" posted this today and I L.O.V.E.D. it... Made me think of Mindy and a few other friends right now... So sharing it!! Aren't ya all so lucky!! LMAO!!

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;

...Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

[Reportedly inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa's children's home in Calcutta, and attributed to her. However, an article in the New York Times has since reported (March 8, 2002) that the original version of this poem was written by Kent M. Keith.]

Catchin' Up!

2011-06-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

First let me apologise for the laps in posting! I really wasn't bogarting Speedy... yeup, Tari + DTF = Speedy! I had a little surgery when he was two weeks old... to get that nasty goiter/nodule outta my throat. A partial thyriodectomy. It was monstrous, measuring 2 inches long and 1/4x 1/4 as far as front to back and side to side.

Labs came back good! So yippee for that!

Although before surgery the blood work came back that my thyroid was functioning on the low side of normal, it was still normal...my energy level has increased and I actually feel pretty darn good. (Just shy of 3 weeks post-op...thought it would take longer to see/feel a difference if there was one..) More blood work later on, just to make sure the remaining part of my thyroid is doing it's job...but for the most part, onward and upward.

So on Speedy's fourth week birthday he went to Deer Park to meet his little brother! His little brother is out of my sister's good barrel mare (Beduino/Cabashan*SP* bred) and by a Frenchman's Guy/Firewater Flit stallion. This little guy was born on June 1. Neither parent is APHA, but boy did they give him some bling! (0: His mom is Mindy's Barrel Racing Chiropractor friend.... Long story as to how everyone ended up with someone else's foal... (0:

His birth mom- Mindy was calling him Monster, because he gets mad and literally backs into you firring both hind legs. Spank him and he will come around to the other side and try it again. His mom- Barrel Racing Chiropractor, didn't like that name one bit. She said it would brand him as a bad boy for life! So as of right now, one week later, I don't know if the little piece of eye candy has gotten a name.

I'm going to go out there weekend after next, so I will get a few new baby pictures and get the scoop on his name...if he has one! (0:

Neither mom was impressed with being roomies at first. There was lots of running. And babies calling to their moms, then more running. Then each girl took an end of the pasture. It's about 2 acres and is fenced in no-climb and hot wire, so its pretty safe. (There are also no other horses near them. The rest of the BRC's horses are across the drive way....so they can look, but not touch!) It took the girls 2 days to remember that they knew each other (had been pastured together for 8 months...) and that neither one was interested in the other's baby. Now they are buddies and the babies have started playing with each other without moms interfering! (0:

I'd say these two boys are living the good life right now!!

Speedy and his momma on his 4 week b-day! I'd say she did good, really good! I know his dad is some one famous... But I think she knocked it out of the park, too!

This Boy's Got Some Moves!!

2011-05-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my awful lawn...its on the list of things that need worked on...

Just as soon we get Seven to stop chewing up everything that fits into her mouth and to stop trying to dig holes EVERYWHERE, it may look more presentable...

Or at least like we give a doodie! (0:

This picture does not show the dogs going after the colt, rather the colt going after the dogs.

They would lay down and he would charge. Of course none of them would stay on the porch either...

They like being attacked I suppose! (0:

Hope you enjoyed the action! (0: These are 30 some odd of the 260 that I took! LOL!! He is just soo fun to watch...and I am pretty sure he knows what the camera is too!

Love watching this dude grow!!

For His Momma In Washington!

2011-05-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Attitude!

2011-05-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

This colt was born with a lot of attitude! He is pretty sure that he is the boss... So on his second day out and about, we started explaining to him that he may be mistaken! (0:

But we made sure that first Mindy's two "boys" got to meet each other. True to most babies, he appreciated being able to have Mindy and Wyatt being at eye level. Unfortunately his appreciation for his other mother didn't last long...

As some folks like to say... It got a little bit western around here!!

His "Worlds Best Mom" barely even batted an eye as the rodeo started. She was really more interested in me putting down the camera and giving her a little love.

His expression never got wild or scared, he just didn't want to comply with Mindy's wishes... So he found himself in the stall, on his side... Where he decided that complying was sooo much easier that being flanked to the ground.

We will continue his lessons on what nice boys do! He needs to be a nice boy, because bad boys don't get too far these days! (0;

Once he and Mindy came to an agreement, all was well with the world! (0: We had planned on taking him and his momma out into the (desperately needing mowed) lawn, but the sky's opened up and the torrential down pour that ensued saved him from the halter and butt rope! Lucky dude!!

And as you can see from this last picture, the rodeo didn't affect him in the least bit!

We Didn't Need Those Extra 8 Days!!

2011-05-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Looky what I found this morning! (0;
Silly ol'Tari didn't give but one small sign she was getting close last night....each little nippie had one small dot of wax on it...and that was all. At bedtime check, she was munching her hay with a calm lazy eye, and at 5 a.m. this morning, there he was! (0; Up moving around, dry and already nursed...way to go Tari!! Whooot, whooot!!
Yes I said he...bummer dude!
Luckily my sister was in town on other business, so she got to see the baby brand spanking new!
He had his new baby vet check this afternoon and had a few blood draws...Mindy is going to insure him...so instead of just IMG(??The blood test to see if he was getting his colostrum and using it properly) he had to have another one as well.
Tari is a fantastic first time momma! Of course I am a little bit partial but, Dr. Peters even said so! (0: Dr. Peters also said in two days he should be walking totally up-right. Just a lot of baby folded up inside momma. Of course we already new that just by looking at her yesterday, didn't we? (0; She is not nervous...but is attentive and allows everyone to handle her colt with only a watchful expression. If we didn't know better, we'd think that she had done this before!
Man I love this mare!!
No name yet for the little guy, but he is a true ball of fire and is pretty sure he doesn't want to miss a single thing. Its pretty exciting 'round here now!! (0:
More pictures later!

9 Days And Counting Down!!

2011-05-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

15 Days And Counting Down!!!!!

2011-05-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Distracted....

2011-05-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

I've tried not to get too "personal" so to speak here. Focusing on the horses, dogs, and donkeys. Peppered with Wyatt, Chad, and various other family members...we all have some sort of drama, but that's life...so my drama, I have decided to keep- mine. Not today...

I am totally bogged down with the inevitable loss of my uncle.

They told him and my aunt last week that at only 3 and a half weeks post-op, the brain tumor had returned and there was not an option for a third surgery. Yes, third surgery. The tumor is growing at an alarming rate...
He has in 7 years, had 3 separate cancer diagnosis....
There was nothing more they could do for him, he would not see his 50th birthday or his 25th Wedding anniversary. Not once has he said, why me, oh poor me, or the like... Always, smiling and looking for the bright side of everything, and telling everyone who asked that it was in God's hands.
He went home to die last weekend. Surrounded by his family and his dog. His good days are quickly being replaced by... well you know.

I'm terribly sad...we all are.

*********************************************************************************

To fill in a few blanks from the last few blogs....
Fiona is progressing. Jess says she is spoiled...and too big to be this spoiled.... She has thrown several fits while standing tied. Or supposing to be standing tied. She has scraped herself up and blacked her own eye acting like a brat... Bad Nikki, I knew she needed tough love, but maybe a little bit more than I thought. Big dummy anyways.
Jess did say she despite all I've done to her (yes, he has no problem telling me where I have failed but I am okay with it...) she is giving her head well and fairly soft in the bridle. He also said he is pretty sure she will make a good horse if I don't screw her up anymore.... (0:
Sally is his favorite... Mindy's too! (0:
Mindy's other mare Emma got the what for the other day. He said that someone had let her win a couple of big fights and it was going to take a while to change her way of thinking... For the record, she came that way... Mindy isn't responsible for that mess... Jess says either she will get it, or she will GET it...

I have my baby stuff 90% together and will be starting the nightly ritual of bringing Tari into the barn and turning her out in the morning this weekend. We are getting pretty excited to see her filly! (0:

I have been trying to fit up Remi, but the weather has not been cooperative. Last week, we had 4 days of snow. Barf. But I am glad that we aren't suffering from flooding, tornadoes, and the such like other areas!
Seven got to go on her first "Big Girl" ride with Remi... She did great. She of course had the other dogs with her, so she could see and do with them. But we were out in the big wild wilderness, off leash and out of my arms reach! Chad's pup may actually be a good dog after all! (0: (Just as long you don't look at where she is tearing up the flower bed...grrrrrrr!)

WTH?!?

2011-04-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Kage is howling mad...

Abbi's feeling half spun...

Seven's less than enthusiastic, about it...

SNOW!! On April21rst! Not cool, not cool at all!!

Oh, Look!! Something Shiny.....

2011-04-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

I really have some sort of adult ADD right now. I will start a project and then something shiny distracts me for a millisecond and I've got 5 things started and nothing near completion!
Checked with my husband and he verified, I have spring fever. Who would have thought it? (0: Especially since it has snowed here every freakin' day of April so far....Well when I started this it was true, now we have Friday and Saturday under our belts as snow free mornings!! Wooot wooot!!
Throw on the porch light to go out and feed and fear what will be illuminated in my back yard....3 days in a row there has been about an inch of snow, all melted by the time I get home, but still. Goodness, enough already!

Big Little Momma Tari has began bagging up! Pretty exciting! By the all mighty horse calculator she is due May 28th. So I've got to start getting my foaling kit together as well as lots of foal friendly bedding. I was going to try and have the stall floors poured with concrete before the little GIRL arrives, but running short on time so the gravel with stall mats on top will have to work until this fall... I'm blaming the weather on this not getting done in time for the due date!

Mindy and family were up for dad's birthday, so Mindy got to tell me how huge Tari was and rejoice in the bagging up with me. She was literally normal the day before Mindy got here and Hootie McBoob the day she arrived. Crazy mare!

While Mindy was here Remi and I went to a barrel race. We didn't race, and neither did Mindy. Her Chix horse is with her Barrel Racing Chiropractor for 90 days. The BRC is finishing her for my sister...you may also remember that BRC is the one who bred Mindy's barrel mare. Breeze is due 17 days after Tari. We're considering hauling both mares and foals to the BRC's place and letting the little ones grow up together out on pasture there. Then when it's weaning time Mindy can take Breeze home and not listen for her calling her foal... Much that is. Don't tell Chad, but we haven't really decided when Mindy's filly will go home. She isn't a foal person...but I like the youngsters, and Chad's just caught in the middle, I guess! (0:
By the time the filly's ready to wean, we will have all of our pasture in and I see no real problem with separating them and feeding two pastures here...but maybe Mindy will be so awe stricken by her filly, that she won't be able to leave her here. Only time will tell.

Sooo there goes that shiny thing again! Yeah, so Remi and I were at a barrel race. All of the things complained about by said spoiled brat about the mare really didn't happen. Still haven't had a problem with loading or unloading or standing at the trailer. And we were there for a solid 5 hours all together. When I rode her, she was on the muscle a bit. But nothing that made me think about my own mortality.
We took 3 times only runs...well trots. I have some mechanics that I need to work on when riding her, and she needs to just relax and do her job. I am proud to report we didn't hit a barrel at our nice jog and when she decided loping was a better option on the last run (trot) we went into the third on the correct lead! Hahaa!! It was fun and started and ended on a good note. The game shows start here this weekend, and although I won't be able to make this one, several others I will... Oh, so exciting!

Finally got the farrier headed out on Saturday...shiny thing again...this morning! (0: Had a few scheduling conflicts and am a wee bit late getting them tended to. But they have just been eating and hanging out, so no real harm done. My farrier's son Bubba (don't know his real name) got married last weekend, so there should be some funny stories. Jim's stories are funny, especially if/when his ex-wife shows up. (0; He is never mean about her, but he sure makes fun of her! Love it, love it, love it! (0: They haven't been married for 20 years, and both are remarried, so it's just harmless poking...

Interesting fact (to me) about Jim. He grew up in Arkansas (home state of Grandma Wyatt) and has eaten raccoon before. Also squirrel and possum. He said none of the fore mentioned tasted like chicken. No, I don't want to eat any of them.
I like dead cow. It's tasty.
I like dead pig. It's tasty.
I like dead chicken. It's tasty.
All other meats are pretty much gross. Although I do eat some sea foods and think bison is tasty, I don't do venison- this includes but is not limited to, white tail deer, muley deer, elk, and moose (all of which I have tried out of politeness). Bear and bobcat sausage are also kind of disgusting. I would however like to try rattle snake. I don't know why, I just would. But just a little bit, not a lot. And I may need a napkin to spit it out in if it's nasty... (0: 36 going on 12, yeup that's me.

Found a local cowboy to ride the girls. They got this next week. He has ridden a horse for me before, and I got good results. He unfortunately like SO many other talented people has issues. His is he likes to drink, so he has gotten into some trouble in the past. He was apprenticing for someone in Texas years ago and has never said why that ended, but I'm sure it's because he likes his whiskey.
He is talented and has worked for some of the bigger/better places here, but always ended up being fired. He gets them going in the arena/round pen and then takes them in the mountains. PERFECT! They also have some cutting cattle around where he is at now. It's a little bit rougher than a high end barn, but I am confident that things will go better than the did at the first place.
Why you ask... Well he is broke, on probation, and hungry for work. I have committed 3 horses to him for 30 days, and if all goes well another 30. Dangling the carrot in front of the donkey so to speak. Those 3 horses are Fiona, Sally, and Emma.
Emma is Mindy's and is a whole other story.
Well better get myself to getting the girls together for Jim's arrival! (0:

Quote...

2011-04-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

~ Vince Lombardi ~

***Disclaimer***

Although it was terribly funny to watch the dog lead the donkey. This is in no way a good idea!

On the other hand, it was funny as all heck to watch and she did work VERY hard on getting him turned around and headed in the direction she wanted him to go.

After all of her effort she laid in the yard and watched them graze.

Very strange relationship this dog has with the Hee-Haws!

TWO WOLVES

2011-03-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil” - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"One is Good” - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied,
"The one you feed."

I Pitched 'Em All!!

2011-03-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

I really don't know how people who write for a living do it! Or Raising Rainbows, who posts nearly everyday.... I will start a post, be interrupted. Start another post, need pictures...and before I know it, I will have 3 or 4 posts going at once. Then I will try and work on one and realize my "mood" when I began that post doesn't match the mood I'm in right now, so it literly seems as though there are two authors. Hmmm, maybe there is medicine for that...or maybe I need some dicipline...

Anyhoooo, I tossed out all of the saved posts and am just going to cram what they said (more or less) into this post!!

After attending the Charmayne's clinic last year, Mindy and I decided that maybe getting some reigning training on our horses would help or cause. I contacted a trainer here, locally. A trainer who has taken horses and people in several different events to Quarter Horse Congress and placed very well. This trainer has reiners, halter horses, huntseat, and western pleasure points. And lots of them. We both talked to the tainer, I personally know some of this trainers clinents seemed like it would be a good fit.

It wasn't the worst experience of my life, although my sisters head may be ready to explode about now. One horse ended up not being broke enough basically and got kicked out. They did "no charge" for that horse, but it still leaves you wondering! The other was there for, say boot camp and instead the trainer seems to have been bringing her on slowly, rather than polishing what was there and hammering out some issues.

Niether horse is where we expected them to be after 30 days. So Sally is at my house while I look for someone to "cowboy up" and teach her how to work and to like it. Chix is now at the barrel trainers to be finished on the pattern. The barrel trainer watched the first trainer ride and then rode Chix. And at the walk and trot Chix was fine, she sort of fell apart when speed was added. The barrel trainer wasn't impressed.

I just don't know what went wrong....

Hauled horses to the vet. Fiona, Remi, and Sally. Tari and Horse Girl's vaccines came home with me, and once Tari's filly is on the ground she and Horse Girl will get their teeth done.

Dr. Peters was interesting as always. I like that he remembers my horses names. He of course has the chart to reference, but it's the thought that counts! (0: He asked about the Dash Ta Fame incubator. Made me laugh...he remebers her name really though! Who could forget Tari? We chatted about due dates and what Mindy was going to do with her baby.

He floated all three of the girls I hauled in. Sally and Fiona had some caps that needed removed, and then they got the "usual".

Remi's teeth were a mess. Go figure... He estimated her age at 12. Mature, I told him! Mature and wise! (0: He liked her, he appreciated her story of how she got to my house....we talked about people who haul down the road, but don't do any dental on their horses. Then we talked about her saddle soar scars. He said its one of his pet peeves... Mine too!

Then after I was settled on the money side of things he and his wife invited me to check out a brood mare that he had done a skin graft on. Left rear hind...when the owners had found the mare, she had her leg through a smooth wire fence and had just calmly worked it back and forth until she had exposed her bone. The wound and the graft were pretty impressive. The mare had been at the office since November and was due to foal at the end of this month. She was a big round (obviously, I know...) gray mare with the kindest eye you have ever seen.

We gave my sister Kacey's cast-a-way cat a nice name hoping it would make it, well...nicer. Her name is now Pookey. It didn't help. She still bites. She is still crazy. She and Seven race through the house and make Chad nuts. Occasionally, they have a real tussel where the cat bites the dog on the snout like she means it. That is the only time I interveen. All I need is for them to get into it and have Kage come in as the closer so to speak...

Seven is now the best dog she can be... She has been spayed. It was a lot less drama then I had anticipated! Whoot, whoot!

Next stop puppy classes!!

The pictures on here of course where of Sally's introduction into the herd.

She has been with all of these horses before at one time or another. So although it looks not so nice in some of these, it's all worked out for the most part now.

Still a few bitchy moments here and there, but it is a bunch of mares you know! (0:

I am sure that Sally misses her old rutine and friends, but by the time she leaves...she will miss these dorks! (0:

As of right now, I am looking for a trainer to send Fiona and Sally to. Someone to teach then how to work... Sally's future is wide open as far as Mindy is concerned, I'd like to see her scoot around a barrel... And Fiona, well Fi is definatley a barrel prospect...but if all she wants to be is a trail horse, that's ok too.

Anyone got any suggestions? (0:

Mindy and I agree that we would take them back to Mario if he wasn't a 16 hour drive away.

I guess really I am still whining that the local trainer didn't knock our socks off...You hear all of these horror stories, not that I think this one is neccessarily that, but think it's an exageration. Then, OMG...you're the one getting less than stellar results!

And there you go, three would be posts randomly covered in this one! (0:

Maybe I'll have something more interesting next time! LOL!!

The Weather Is NOT My Friend!!

2011-03-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

It's gross out.

I have a few small posts I am working on, but here I am at work not wanting to work.
Sooo, I am doing a work related post! How cool is that?!???? (0:
I feel like it fits, because without this lovely place I couldn't feed my horses, my dogs, the devil's cat, or the Hee-Haws!

So first I will post the e-mail we got from our customer. I would like to say first however, not all of our customers are this cool. This guy keeps us up to date on how well things are going and forwards all of his customers e-mails that praise the product we make for him. It's nice because we are what is considered in the industry a mom and pop shop. Chad H.A.T.E.S. the term, but until we can afford to or luck out and find someone to grow into the position of good reliable employee we will sadly remain a mom and pop shop. The economy is so bad, that we can't find anyone to work, I find that odd. I could go on for hours, but I will spare you...

Chad and Nikki,

I just received a couple of pictures from a customer and they illustrate how your extended shafts are used to build a variety of gear drives to fit unique requirements. I just sent this unit out a few days ago.

Here the gear drive is used to create a bridge over his steering rack and pinion and over his frame members thereby allowing him to install a very large supercharger [2500 horsepower] on his existing chassis without modifying it.

I thought you might enjoy seeing your parts in use.

T

I wish I had software on here that allowed me to put a pointer on here to show you the three parts we have on this. But I don't. Chad says I don't need it...)0: But right here is a prime example of me needing it!!
That was last week. Then today, we get another!!

Chad, Nikki and Friends (HaHa! He thinks we have friends...)

About 30 of the competitors at the big Drag Radial Race this past weekend at South Georgia Motorsports Park were using our product. All gear drives at the race were ours, no competitors. Also every single car with a Procharger supercharger was equipped with our gear drive.

The first picture below is Dave Hinzman the runner-up in Outlaw Radial [very fast cars, 175+ mph in the eighth mile. Zero to 175 mph in 4.5 seconds].

The second picture is Steve Jackson the winner in Outlaw Drag Radial. The final race in Outlaw Drag Radial was between these two gear drive customers. We couldn't lose.

Nikki please note both are Mustangs.

Thanks for all of your help.

T

T used to work for John Deere. He retired and started doing superchargers for short track/quarter mile cars. Great retirement, huh?! (0: He is an engineer and math wizard. He was talking to me on the phone and finding an angle dimension that was missing from a print... OMG, my head was swimming as he was telling me how he was finding it and working out some crazy math formula! Algebra I am good with, but geometry and calculus, not so much!
He is such a great person, I cannot say enough nice things about him! He remembers that I'm a Ford girl, was interested to learn that my Dad's Dad had actually worked at the Ford plant assembly line before WWII. Asks about the dogs, Hee-Haws and horses when he calls to check status of parts or place a purchase order... Tells us about his grand kids, wife, partner/brother and has even invited us to come to AZ. and visit when winter gets too much for us!
Super happy we got to work for him! He rocks!!

Now I have to get back to work because Chad has walked into the office 3 times now and whispered BLOGGER in my ear... Wait until he gets on e-bay later today!!

Revenge will be mine!! (0: