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Monday, March 28, 2011

Of Course!

My poor horse ...
He was smothering in his winter coat by 9 am in 50 degree weather going up to 70's I had to get that coat off! So I take the time to shave him, even his legs as they were chapped, the cornet band is NOT healthy, and we needed to see the angle of his legs for a good spring shoeing.

I got it all done, then the weather turns to freezing!   I mean snow, and even a cold that harms cold crops! I've got him all bundled up in a blanket AND a rain coat! It's a lot of work as it still gets into the 50's as a high and the rain coat or the blanket has to come off by mid day.

His feet are looking much better, now if mother nature would just calm down and give us our spring back all would be perfect!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Not a typical week.

While today is only Wednesday, it is early and I sit at my desk with time to spare.
I have not gotten an e-mail in over 24 hours! Yikes!
It is not our business going down the tubes, it is not that the world hates me, it is my server has lost my e-mail and insist it does not exist.

There are days you just have to laugh in order NOT to cry!   I have lived in several states amongst several years over 10 so not to include ALL my years with this e-mail and somehow I (as an e-mail) no longer exist.

I would appreciate if the world doesn't get too upset at me, as I have been VERY upset with my server, I have tried communications, calling, e-mailing, I am at the point of sending snail mail to get help!

I will try again today but please call me if anyone needs anything.

So Daddy... I did not get your picture!  but don't try to send it till I have this figured out!
Mother! I haven't forgotten you, but I have no idea is anything is LEAVING my computer, I only know NOTHING is coming in.

Dear Sisters... as we do not talk everyday I do at least respond to emails without attachments, I apologise if you have sent correspondence and gotten no word back.

to the rest of the world... I'll be in touch as soon as I can!

COMPUTERS! and people wonder why I enjoy my simple life! ha ha ha....

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

My weekend...

no I have not been posting pictures as of late, but life is a little full at the moment!

With over 70 degrees here Navarre starts to sweat early in the morning, so it was time to shave off all that hair.
These are the during pictures... as I have YET to find the time OR an assistant to assist me with trimming his legs.

Whats the big deal? well LOOK at all that hair on his legs... is your horse THIS hairy?

My poor ragged child... My mother NEVER allowed my hair to look so bad, SO OFF it goes!

Yep! Mane and all.  WHY? because just look at it! Just before I moved the kids to my barn, he litterally ripped out a full braid of mane.  so it's taken this long for it to grow out 6 inches.  SO ALL THE REST HAS GOT TO BE EVENED OFF to the same length.

BRAID his hair everyone told me... NO he's not that kind of horse I'd say... But it is the only way to save a mane that long.  OK.. so I tried it! Sure enough I WAS RIGHT... He is NOT that kind of horse. HE rubbed, pulled, and had the hair gone down to the roots in a day!  

ALWAYS listen to your own voice... WHY I listened to the crowd I have no idea! LESSON learned.





ONE good strip up the neck!   After all I didn't want to ROACH his mane!


ONE good look at Jerry!   DUDE! DAD! aren't you going to help me out here?

a hint to all you people with blue eyed horses... I did NOT cut the forelock above his eyes... he needs some type of natural protection.

as far as ME in the photo... wind and HAIR in my face.... I was doing the best I could.  Besides better in my face than his, so... life goes on and the work must be done.





I can almost feel a breeze on my skin! AHHHHH

It's a facebook thing?

Will You give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'
Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As t......hey began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW.

IF YOU COULD CARE LESS, THEN HIT THE IGNORE BUTTON --- IT IS YOUR CHOICE

Red Friday is here and for support of all our troups till everyone makes it back home saftly, and for evryone who will serve this great nation after!!









While my tiny airport is not a place I am willing to go, I am willing to wear a red t-shirt, blouse etc... on Fridays.
When Jerry and I travel, I am always amazed at home my sweet heart stops no matter where we are and shakes the hand of solders (normally alone in travel) still in camo?  But he tell them THANK YOU! and we are on our way.  It makes me feel good and I enjoy the surprise on their faces each time.   To all the SERVICE people out there! Thank you! 

Friday, March 18, 2011

my recent book ...

Crying with Cockroaches  Argentina to New York with two horses. 

I have but started this book, but I itch for the next free moment I have to pick it up again.  It is not a book most would be SO intrigued with ... but for me... it is like reading my own dream.

While Argentina to New York is something I love to hear from motorcyclist ... Hank! I think of you each time!  His Journey...   , (  you must go to his blog... check it out, but ... as I have taken you to the END of his journey... scroll down to the bottom, press archives... and start at the very beginning... This too is a great electronic read)  Make a note of this site... as he will add to the blog on other trips.  This is a nice man who like Jerry and I loves to travel... but Hank is a REAL traveler, as where Jerry and I are vacationers compared to him!  His life is what a life should be! (as I see it) 

Doing the same on a horse is...to me is UNREAL!   It has been done, it has been attempted SEVERAL times by others, and few have accomplished such a ride. a video of this woman, it is a must see! 

I love to travel! but being alone as a woman with only the companionship of two horses... this book is incredible to me as is the WOMAN that did it!  only 58 pages into the book and I am hooked!  my hat goes off to Marianne du Toit, I wish I was half the woman she is... 

I have spoken of a TINY trip I have always wanted to do... I would love to take my two horses and ride from Fairview NC to Joelton, Plesantview TN or even as far as Franklin to see my family, friends, at one time I wanted to ride down the parkway to Florence AL where my father is from.  But there are no longer relatives there for my visit.    

I would be terrified just riding a horse on roads I have traveled in Mexico, which are now an issue for tourist,  much less a woman alone with horses.  The open road I once traveled with Jerry and later again with my Father have now been overcome with evil, Americans have been killed and no longer do I dream of going back to such places.  I remember them for the glory they once were.

What ever your passion is... Hank and Marianne are both examples of what you can do with so little.  Life should always be an adventure, these two are humans that push their limits as we all should.




Wednesday, March 16, 2011

it must be said.

Japan.  My heart goes out to everyone in that country.  Native, visiting, others around the world that were there OR have love ones still there!

My rant is not one the typical American will want to hear! But take note people!  Japan is being honorable in their pure wish of survival.  They wish only good on each other and are NOT RANTING to their government to do more, or hurry up, they are taking personal responsibility for themselves and welcoming any assistance given to them.

This is how Americans should be acting in emergency situations... but instead the typical American starts ranting on what the government did not do, has not done, and how slow they were.  They start looting goods from stores, stealing from neighbors no longer able to defend their property.

Instead in the horrible situation of " Katrina" the citizens made fools of themselves yelling about how no one was helping them, no one was doing anything, and even today... how people have forgotten.  I can tell you no one has forgotten Katrina or the aftermath of the destruction, BUT I also will not forget how many yelled, screamed, and cursed the rest of the country for not doing enough.  

I have to take responsibility of my own actions.  Why is the government suppose to be responsible for everything!   It is not! It is for assistance not a lifestyle or life supporter.  Get with it people and take note of how well Japan is handling the strongest earth quake in charted history! Take note on how well and organized they are handling the tsunami that only amplified the effects of the earthquake.    These people are my heroes in modern day.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

It is a cold, wet day!

While I sit at my desk... the sky is gray, the wind still, but cold settles into my body.

It is hard to regulate an old house made of stone with no insulation and real plaster walls.  It is the time of year we like to start cutting back on our outrageous electric bills, conserving it for winter months alone.

We don layer after layer, in the chill of our little place in order to not need as much of the poorly executed wall baseboard heaters...   I often wonder how they were ever the heat of choice; but a place like ours, tiny, tight, and no closet to spare there is little space to put the two units necessary as central circluation in this place.

I can only await a brighter day so I can be outside enjoying mother nature instead of in any house regardless of its structure or insulation.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Monday Visual

This was my weekend....

Trees in a bag... through the mail. 

While they look dead... they are NOT... a wonder awaits.

they must soak... 2-24 hours... 

A started.... garden area... 

A few cold crops in the ground... 

red cabbage... 

Chinese cabbage... 

regular cabbage.

broccoli, and other sprouts...

edit to my Monday Visual... I was worried how I was going to afford mulch for the garden.  When just my luck, road work is being done at the estate... So I asked if they would dump the chips at my garden site instead of hauling them down the mountain.  PERFECT... FREE... and just what I needed!   Thanks guys! 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

What a day...

While I had hoped to update yesterdays post with a photo or two, life rolled fast yesterday and I never got the camera out.

I got the gravely...
Got a few rows STARTED...
BUT a dear friend... Karl... stopped by  (Karl is the man that completed my barn, did all my custom work etc) He is someone I now consider a friend, and thus when he showed up with a new car and lots of news I stopped my working, as we walked and talked as people should with friends.
I then had riding for the kids in the neighborhood! While the mothers took care of me providing the social drinks!  An enjoyable day.

It was a day with friends, neighbors and such fun!

I will take the camera today... do much work and update the site as needed.

Sorry for the delay but I enjoy stopping work for people.  In todays time so few stop work for anything, when in fact the most important things in life are other humans.

I can only hope each of you can experience the same companionship in your days.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

First decent day in weeks expected!

It is early yet...
I have a truck full of planting materials to unload, horses to tend to, and a gravely to go pick up.
I then have several 6 trees to plant, and a friend to help out later today after accomplishing as much as I can on my own.

There are no pictures this morning but I do hope to add them later tonight to show the accomplishments of my day.

We shall see as I will update you on my success or failures later!

while I am out and about here is a little tidd bitt from my new employer... me at blakehouse  I am just happy she is as excited to have me... as I am to be there!  here is yet another connection at meet the inn keeper.  Innkeepers...

Much love to you all.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Long time no type....

Yes ... here it is... March 9th and I have posted nothing! It was not to punish family, friends, or followers.  It was because I needed the time to concentrate on me, my schedule, my necessities, and what is in front of me.

Follow this....
I get up at 4:30 make coffee, leave the house by 5 check on horses in the dark, make sure they have enough hay and water till I get back (later in the day) In the summer this will not be an issue! I will fill the water for two days at a time, hay will not be as necessary as it is right now due to wind chill, cold and wet weather we are having.  ( horses create heat from their hay) With no issues... this allows me time for two more horse stops before I have to get back to the house, shower, and leave by 7:15 for work.

I work till ? 2 pm? ( my schedule allowance)  I go back to the barn... and any other animal stops I have for mid day...
run back to the house.
Help Jerry with Pirates' Lair shipping...
Play with the birds...
Go back to the barn at dark... AFTER any other animal stops I have for the day.

I go to sleep just after the sun... and get up and start it again... Depending on what the B&B needs. As of right now I am only training... on days I am not in training... I am up at the same time just to get my body adjusted, and testing out foods for the Inn.

Cleaning my house top to bottom each morning and night to get in shape....

We all wear several hats!  I enjoy all the hats I wear! hope you enjoy yours.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

March

March : named after Mars... the god of war, presumably signifying that the campaigns interrupted by the winter could be resumed  


The Germanic equivalent for the Roman god of war  is Tiw.