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Post by SandyG on Dec 13, 2009 15:39:02 GMT -5
What a nice day today! Pam and Bridget came over to clean barns and so while they were here, I moved a couple of round bales to make sure all will have good hay out of the coming winds. I put another bale in the Gelding's side of the barn and two bales behind the old barn for the "tough girls". With gate help, its a breeze to move bales! Many thanks, you two!
And then while they were here, I did Laddee's short morning procedure. Both women were also in awe of that mare. She stands so well and is so understanding. Words fail me - she is just such a remarkable horse. My heart could not love her more.
Hoping your Sunday was enjoyable. The sunshine is pure medicine, isn't it???
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Post by jetmech on Dec 13, 2009 18:48:43 GMT -5
It was a perfect day to clean out the box stall and then watche Laddee go through her "ordeal". Everything that Sandy has said about her is true and then some. I sure would not put up with what she does nor would I put up with it without alot of kicking and biting!!!!! She just stands there and when Sandy gets more warm water to wash her face and soak the wounds, she faces the lights to absorb the warmth. She is UNBELIVEABLE!!!! She knows how much she is loved and she knows that she can trust. What we humans have to learn about what life truly is all about. I love you Laddee and thank God everyday that you are here with us. Everyone of those days is a gift to all of us.
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Post by SandyG on Dec 18, 2009 10:36:47 GMT -5
Received this email from the new "Mom" of "The Old Coot" who is now called Charlie. It brightened my day and I thought it would do the same for you. I am so happy we were able to get him out of those backwoods!
Charlie is really doing great. He is so funny if I don’t get the barn door open at night right away when they get their feed he goes over and works at trying to get it open, he enjoys his barn time but if I leave him even for a few minutes after he gets done eating he is right over to the door to try and get it open to go back outside. I will give him a hug for you. He definitely has made my work brighter.
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Post by SandyG on Dec 21, 2009 8:08:56 GMT -5
What a kill joy! I just heard the forecast for the week and it sounds like major snow and then major arctic air right on Christmas!!! I need to change the channel on the radios in the barns!!
So nice outside. Almost balmy. I'm moving horses around today to get Laddee into a bigger pasture and Dude in a pasture. Have to verify electric fences before all of that but the goal is to give them 5 days or so before the weather hits to become friends with each other. We'll see how that goes!
Many thanks to Pam and Bridget who continue to care for that Dudely! His pen is cleaned and the box stalls are ready for another blast of bad weather. Not much fun when "it" is frozen to the cement, is it? Thank you, Ladies. Job well done!
Hopefully you are all preparared for the upcoming weekend and celebrations. Remember to remember this Season.
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Post by tracy1 on Dec 23, 2009 10:20:50 GMT -5
Driving Miss Sandy . . . some day it will be a movie . .. full of surprises . . .Did you know she ate cucumbers and radishes? I had no idea . . . I've been a vegetarian 26+ years and those are too hard-core for me to eat by themselves - pretty impressive - and there's plot twists - "Pull in here - I need Mt. Dew!"
Sandy was in full, take-charge, 'Mom' mode when she found I 'only' used hiking boots in the barn because, after all, they weren't warm enough . . . but I argued other things I had bought that were supposed to be warm weren't, either, and I was tired of wasting money on stuff that didn't deliver. In spite of her splitting headache she decided I needed guidance getting the right stuff. So while getting a ride to the supermarket was part of it, she hauled me into Fleet Farm, marched up and down the shelves like the coffee buyer in the commercial testing the wares from various sellers of coffee beans, checking boot 'ingredients' and decided THIS was the right thing.
I am now ready for alpine adventures. Thank YOU, Sandy!
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Post by SandyG on Dec 24, 2009 9:25:55 GMT -5
We are set for the day! All is well and Mama is greatly relieved!
Funny how the bad memories of finding Miss Bette buried under the snow came flooding back as I walked to the barns this morning. Funny, how my hands were shaking as I searched to see her in the new snow drifts. Funny how I had worked to push those memories and fears out of my mind since late yesterday afternoon.
And funny, how happily I called to her when I saw her standing quietly, alone, in the barn munching on the round bale. Out of the wind and the snow. She is smart and safe. She looked at me in surprise and then she, too, remembered. And this little mare came up to me and allowed me to hug her and say a prayer of thanks.
All is well. Everyone is safe. And frisky! There are snow drifts and it is warm outside. Perfect for Unit and Spirit to play "Catch!" and exercise those young legs and hearts. While the blind ones listen. And the old ones watch. And everyone remembers.
All is well. They think it is just another snowstorm. They have no idea of the banquet I have planned for them tonight. On Christmas Eve . . . . .
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Post by jetmech on Dec 24, 2009 11:31:46 GMT -5
And, at midnight, God Blesses the Animals. He also watches over all those that care for all of His creatures.
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Post by SandyG on Dec 28, 2009 11:56:39 GMT -5
What is the definition of a "non-event"? I have one!
It is walking Dude into the pasture behind the old barn which houses Beauty, Jeri-Ann, and Babee Joy. We walked in, I removed his halter, hugged him and said, "Go be a horse, Dudely!". He walked to the tank and took a drink then walked outside.
Beauty met him at the door to the barn and they smelled each other's noses. And so Dude pooped. Turned to smell his steaming deposit and then he and Beauty walked over to a round bale and commenced to eat it. Jeri-Ann and Babee Joy raised their heads and looked at him, looked at each other, and then returned to eating their own round bale.
THAT is a non-event! 
Happy Birthday, Danielle! I read your articles in The Country Today frequently. Good for you! You seem to be enjoying your journalistic career. Hopefully your day is a fun one!
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Post by Shar on Dec 28, 2009 23:11:07 GMT -5
Happy Holidays everyone! Just wanted you all to remember to enjoy the season... just because there is snow, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good ol' fashion winter ride! This picture is of my boyfriend's 3 year old niece (who of course, every chance I get, I am trying to turn her into a western cowgirl!) and I taking advantage of the not quite so bitter winter weather! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and an even better New Year! Attachments:
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Post by Shar on Dec 28, 2009 23:17:36 GMT -5
And of course, the first Mytalisha's Dream Christmas card with all of us Fellenz's sisters involved in the barn... (I'm not wearing my Mytalisha's Dream hat, because I made them as presents for xmas and gave them to them that day).. from top left to right to bottom... Me and my sister Jessi (Romeo's 'real' owner), Mya and Lisa, and at the very bottom Takara. The name Mytalisha's Dream came from the "founding members" names: My(a), Ta(kara), Li(sa), Sha(r)... Again... HAPPY HOLIDAYS! May your days be merry, your stomachs (and your horses' stomachs) full, and everyone (including horses) stay warm!!Attachments:
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Post by SandyG on Dec 29, 2009 9:35:33 GMT -5
Speaking of boots, have you tried your new winterized boots yet, Professor? This morning is a perfect day for it - cold air and the treads on the bottom of those boots should give you some traction.
This weather is what we mean by "clear and cold". Beautiful night skies and beautiful sunrise sky - but so cold you barely want to poke your nose out of your neck scarf!
Everyone is frosty and standing at their places - without even being tied! - for their breakfasts. The twins are now the first ones into the barn. How cool is that - when coming into the barn was an act of trust and an event that was full of snorts! Now, we go to our places and look back at me to see what is taking me so long!
Dude is content. He loves the big girls and they tolerate him. What a wonderful relationship. Everyone gets what they need.
Handsome is fine on the Helen Keller side. A big too big for that side, but Unit is humming she is so happy to have him near her again! And Spirit is trying to understand where her friend went! Remember in grade school when your best friend forgot all about you to ride on the bus next to "him"
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Post by doxowner on Dec 29, 2009 13:18:38 GMT -5
Sandy and Professor, I bring you tidings of great joy! They're called "boot traction aids" and they're worth every penny (about $15-20 at Scheel's, GanderMountain, Cabela's). I bought some to slip over my boots two winters ago when I slipped trying to catch a chicken and slammed my knee down hard on a slippery rock! We, too, have an ice rink over at the barn, but these little fellas keep you upright and steady. Easy does it. . . . . .  |
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Post by tracy1 on Dec 29, 2009 14:26:32 GMT -5
Lo! the item soundeth good! I have Yak Traks but I put them on once last year and they fell off the same day, got lost in the snow, and didn't show up til spring, so not much use. I'm thinking one needs a paid of these for every set of outdoor footwear . . . the barn, work . . . so not putting them on/taking them off 10 times/day. . . so I'll give this a try . . .
There's not that much ice around my house . . . mostly deep, knee-jarring snow, but the road's a mess, 15 mph creeping along, trying to get to the state highway . . .
Robin, are you getting away this winter at all?
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Post by SandyG on Dec 30, 2009 8:54:46 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip, Robin! Good to hear from you - have a great New Year's!
I just saw the extended forecast and wrinkled my brow, to say the least.....cold!  So, Thursday evening I'll put the heavy blankets on (the horses and my bed!) and leave them on until it gets back up to double digits, which looks like it will be a while!
Its at times like this that I am so grateful for all of your support. The fact that I have heavy blankets with insulated belly bands to put on PONY! - who gets so cold! - and little Gracie and Appaloosa Mare and Ladee and Lanna. The rest don't seem to want or need them, but I have blankets for them, just in case.
Never fails. When the weather turns cold like this, I'll throw the blanket up on PONY! and he will turn and lick me as I am buckling it up on him. He is so grateful to be able to relax in his warm little igloo. We'll see how Laddee reacts to the blanket this time. I'm guessing she is smart enough to just stand there instead of readying herself for the harness.
New Year's Eve will be very, very cold so please bring extra clothes and a blanket or two with you - just in case, please. And make sure your cell phone charger with the car adapter is in your car with you, too!
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Post by tracy1 on Dec 30, 2009 9:03:07 GMT -5
And a candle and matches, flashlight, flares, a first aid kit, plans on how to construct a snow cave, a snare to catch fresh food, a mirror to signal passing aircraft for rescue . . . you might have to wait it out til spring if your cell phone is out of range . . . a few Jack London novels . . . Hey Sandy, whatever happened to this Uhas guy, whoever he is, who said Jan. would be warm . . ? It's 43 today in N. Cal. ...  |
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So, Thursday evening I'll put the heavy blankets on (the horses and my bed!) and leave them on until it gets back up to double digits, which looks like it will be a while!