Prep Class update 2

prep class finished up around 2pm (right on schedule)....potty breaks and we were on the way home! yay!!!

Waco Prep Class Update

Arrived in Waco Monday night after we left late, hit RAIN, and a piece of heavy equipment that was being hauled at about ohhh 15 mph down a highway where the speed limit is 70!! Line of cars....I'm sure everyone in that line was just as pissed off as we were!

So....my good directions and navigational skills got us to the hotel in one piece! YAY! GO me!
Arrived at hotel....checked in.....D.B. went to find her sister while I chilled at the hotel. Her sister ended up being at work still, so we ran around the closest Highway (so we didn't get lost) and found Cheddar's ( I have eaten here before, but D had not) They have great food, good prices, and great service, ALWAYS. D loved it, it was a hit! I went back to the hotel and D went back to her sister's house.
Got up LATE on Tuesday am(7am is sleeping in for me) and wandered down to the hotel lobby for a 'decent' breakfast.
Walked across the parking lot, YES across the parking lot ( how cool is that) to the building where our class was. Found the suite where we were supposed to be (I swear it was 300, but it was 330) and...waited.
People finally arrived to unlock our room and in we went. 1/2 the lights didn't work so we had to rearrange the room so we could all see!
Bob's class was good! It always is!!! It's a lot of info and by the end of the night last night my brain was killing me from info overload!

Obviously up and at it this morning already. Eating breakfast and blogging so you all can read what I've been up to for the past 2 days!
More class today...should be heading out around 2pm......hope for an uneventful trip home!!!

Have a great day all!

River Walk Pics 10/30/09

Amazing Hotel
Nifty Seat!

Texas Flag

First Part of the River Walk we saw after walking between some shops

Where we ate lunch/dinner

© Do not Copy Photos Please!!

10/30/09 - San Antonio

After a very late night - we all woke up early and went to San Antonio VIA a short stop in San Marcos to see CASPER after a trip into EDNA to go to the Pharmacy - YIKES!

Mom wanted to see Casper, since we weren't going to be taking him to a show when she was her. He was heading to Waco with my trainer as a 'buddy' for another horse she was taking
So....we got to San Marcos to find Casper still in his stall, thank goodness! We were worried he might have been gone already since I couldn't get a hold of Mary.
We arrived to find him clad in a HOT PINK SHEET, and a very feminine Sleezy with big, bright, bold hibiscus flowers. My mom said I had a gay horse! Everyone at the barn insisted he was not gay and that he was just comfortable with his masculinity!! What a riot! Put on his black shipping boots and a few carrots later off he went to Waco! (everything went well all weekend while he was there, thank goodness....lots of compliments about him Mary said)

From San Marcos a QUICK trip to the San Antonio Rose Palace to see a friend (crossing my fingers) show. Not sure we'd get there in time though. With many complaints from the passenger seat (mom) and the back seat (DH) I was given 30 minutes to hang with my friend before we MUST HEAD to the River Walk! What ever! Got there 2 minutes before Connie went in for her last class...GREAT TIMING! See pics here she's the one on the small bay!

OK...hugs and congrats and pointers to Connie and off we went!
NOW - lemme just say.....I had not planned on the San Marcos trip...I had planned STRAIGHT to River Walk for most of the day and then a mid pm jaunt over to the Rose Palace to see Connie. However, plans changed so we were now headed to River Walk via the Rose Palace. I had directions from the River Walk to the Rose Palace......so...how hard would it be to just follow the directions backwards, right? W R O N G! ! ! ! ! The final road we needed was NOT on any of the big signs on the highway. So, after much raucous from the passengers and back seats about getting lost I pulled off the highway into a Whataburger and happened to pull up next to a motorcycle cop! Rolled down windows and said...HAY...can you tell us how to get back to the River Walk? Nice guy! Turns out we were only about 5 mins in the wrong direction!! Props to the navigator (yours truly) for not getting us TOOOOOO lost!
So, a few turns and BAM there we were. Street parking not look so good, so we opted to pay to park in a garage.
Mom lead the way and we found the (dirty from all the recent rain) RIVER WALK! Even with the dirty h2o it was a pretty sight!
Had lunch at THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS (i know....we found about 3 other places we'd have liked better after we got walking around, AFTER we ate!). Then walked around and took the really cool but MUCHO expensive boat tour. Gorgeous city! Lots of fun!!! Late night....got home very late! Friend in town was nice enough to run to the house mid afternoon and let the doggies out. Poor things....would have been in kennels with legs crossed trying to hold it till we got home! Pics in the next post. Please don't copy and use them for yourself.

Congrats to Alex and Glowin Easy!

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/nov/02/am_ag_marlow_110409_71972/?business

Friday Fills Ins

1. Plans and schedules, can't live with out 'em!

2. I'm happy when things go as planned.

3. The last thing I drank was h2o.

4. One of the most valuable things in my life is the 'stuff' you can't touch.

5. I like hamburger and bell pepper on my pizza.....but I also like ham and pineapple.

6. Dear November, please don't bring the hurricane that in down south right now, PLEASE!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going home and hanging with my DH, tomorrow my plans include going to watch Mary show Casper and Sunday, maybe a day to relax!!

For Hunter in Training

ENOUGH SAID! :)

10/29/09 - Touchdown

Mom arrives! Yay!

Left work early....well...LATE! Meant to leave at 12:30....had a few policy holder who needed some help, so stayed a bit late to finish up.
Then, trip to Bank, and then grocery store for a few last minute items so we'd have food in the house....then fill up the gas tank so I don't run out on the way to Houston........
FINALLY make it home at like 2:15 (need to leave home by 2:30 to get to airport in time)!
Needed to shower and change....grrrrrr running late is my biggest pet peeve!
Then...need to run by Wal-Mart pharmacy in Edna to pick up an antibiotic for my mom 'cause she thought she was getting an infection and her Dr. was nice enough to call in one...... Get to Pharmacy and.....no Rx yet...WTF? I said...it was called in about 2 hrs ago and my mom called and asked if you could PLEASE it ready by 2:30 *it's now 2:45* because I have to get to the airport to pick her up......Grrrrrrrr....... SO....3pm I finally make it out of Wal-Mart and on my way!
Didn't get money back when I used debit card at Wal-Mart cause RX was mucho expensive!
So...no money for toll road.....
Call DH and ask him to find me other directions...NO answer....call again, no answer.....and again...no answer.
NOW...I'm already peeved I'm running late cause of policy holders, errands after work and the Pharmacy people...so....yeah...poor guy got it taken out on him *insert nasty message left on his phone*

Stop at Buc-ee's in Wharton (the one with out the sunscreen) and get a drink and got just enough cash back to pay tolls (most places minimum is $20.00 but Buc-ees redeems itself for not having sunscreen by allowing me to take out $10.00!)
So....flying (the Mazda sprouted wings, I swear) to Houston getting there only about 15 mins after moms plane lands. Good! Was afraid I was going to be about an hour and a half late with traffic and all....
Head home.....chit chat a bit.....eat dinner...go to sleep to be well rested for busy day on FRIDAY! :)

Very Busy..sorry!

Very busy long weekend with Mom down from New York.
Will post pics and updates as time at work allows!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween! :)

Busy

Long time no post.
Sorry
Lots going on in my world right now, most of which has not been good.
The sudden death of a good friend last week really shook me up. It's not something I had time to prepare for and deal with, so dealing with the loss is an on-going issue.

Pretty busy at both jobs, meaning I'm exhausted by the time I get home from day job after working my night job the night before.

My mom will be flying in tomorrow afternoon, yay!
Not going to get to do what we planned on. I was supposed to be taking Casper to our first show. However, after getting sick a few weeks ago he's depleted my 'show fund'. So, my trainer is taking him to the Margarita Classic Paint Show to get him out and about and see how he does in crowds of people and horses. I'm sure he'll be fine, but we need to know!
SO, our plans now include a day trip to San Antonio, an afternoon or am at a dressage show in Houston, Judgement House in Edna Saturday night, and hanging out on Sunday.
Mom heads back to New York on Monday, DH will be taking her to the airport. Not near a long enough stay, but better than nothing at all!

Hope everyone out there in blog land is well.

Somber Friday Fill Ins

1. The crickets sing Amazing Grace.

2. I hope know how much you are loved and missed, wherever you are.

3. I want to get far away from the numb feeling that has taken over my normally "sunflowers up my butt" attitude that came with the terrible news on Sunday 10/19/2009

4. A long life full of happiness and love; this was a dream.

5. But as for me, I miss her, terribly.

6. It's my favorite season, fall, where I come from.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying busy, tomorrow my plans include also staying busy and Sunday, I want to do all I can to make sure Jennifer has a great show in memory of Megan.

Megan and Megan

---------

Article one and article two

There are murderers, serial killers, rapists, child molesters running the streets and this young, vivacious woman is killed and taken from us. WHY? What a waste.....she was such a positive, vibrant person with so much to give and her time on earth was cut short while terrible people continue to live, and enjoy all the comforts this world has to offer.
Devastated friends and family mourn the loss of this precious life.
Rest in Peace Megan, rest in peace. I hope you are jumping big jumps, and riding amazing piaffes on the most majestic of steeds.
You are severely missed.

Peace Prize Obama

Ok, I knew if I waited around long enough she'd say it for me so here it is

Peace Prize....huh??

Friday Fill Ins

1. Sweet dreams were those that included horses!

2. I would love to do something that is just especially for me.

3. Silliness is NOT a 4 letter word.

4. I will be at a horse show with my MOM, R, and CASPER this Halloween. Oh, and Connie too!

5. Outstanding or not I'm going to practice showmanship with Casper at Mary's on Monday!

6. The clock to read 5 o'clock is what I want rigth now.

7. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting to bed EARLY, tomorrow my plans include getting started on a baby blanket and Sunday, I want to catch up on work!

2nd overnight at new job.....snore....

Ok..... I had to replace the first set of tooth picks holding my upper eye lids up with fresh new ones....first set snapped under pressure!
I can finally see to post again.

Briefly..... yawn.....

Worked over night again last night at part time "support my showing habit" job.

Prior to that I was up at 6:30 am yesterday (Wednesday) am, worked all day at 'regular job'. Got home after short (LOL, it was almost an hour) detour at new clients place one road over from us. Arrived home to find that doggies needed out badly! Poor Cheyenne was in the back of her kennel with hind legs crossed going "I've gotta peeeeee!" Not really, but you get that idea!
Let the critters out, woofed down a bowl of cereal.....got in bed with Tucker, and tried to sleep.
Just about the time I was dozing off....slam (car door). Slam, Slam (more car doors?) Surely Robert wasn't opening and closing every door of the truck upon his arrival home? - SIDE NOTE, HE DIDn'T have SCHOOL LAST NIGH OR TONIGHT - TEACHER OUT OF TOWN. So, I left him at new clients house to chit chat. Next thing I know I see lights, bright lights.....
WTF? I leapt out of bed and looked out the window (windur if ur in the south) and there were at least 3 vehicles next door, and DH's truck parked at end of drive. Tucker started to growl, and bark....and it was all down hill from there. SO, NO nap last night before 'getting up' at 9:30 to get ready to go to part time over night job.
Let's recap - Up at 6:30 am Wednesday, no nap in PM, off to other job 10pm...work till 7am, then head to 'day job' until 5pm (which will NEVER GET HERE, I think the Grinch has stopped the clock).
So, you can say I'm one pooped puppy!

Oh, and tonight, BEFORE going straight home and going to bed I must make a cameo appearance at a friend's B-Day party to drop of gift and grab some dinner. That it's HOME and BED for me! If it's anything like Tuesday night was after this same experience, I will sleep soundly like a babeee and not wake till the alarm goes off in the am.
Cheers to all, have a good afternoon/evening!

Act badly and get.....your own TV show

and a new football contract.

I'm going to guess you have NO idea what I'm talking about, right? RIGHT!

Michael Vick....the one and only dog fighter extraordinaire is getting, in addition to his new football contract with my now LEAST FAVORITE NFL TEAM the Philadelphia Eagles (I have been an eagles fan for years...till now! Go Steelers!) he's getting his own REALITY SHOW!!
Why doesn't he take some of that 1.6 MILLION he's getting for his first year and put it to good use helping rehab all those dogs he abused!

Reality? You want to talk about REALITY? Why don't we talk about the 66 dogs that were RESCUED from Vick's property. The life those dogs had to lead until April 25, 2007 when Police and animal-control officers seize 66 dogs (53 pit bulls) was terrible. Worse, I'd imagine than any of us will ever know.

Now, in addition to his MULTI MILLION DOLLAR (over 5 mill for 2 years) he'll be making a large profit off his reality show.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel he should really step up and give back to the rescue groups that have take in his dogs, and do something to end dog fighting here in the US.

And..while I'm stiring the pot

And, I'll put my two cents (not sense) in about the home-schooling debate as well.
I have given SERIOUS thought to homeschooling when my husband and I have kids.
I've talk to one too many 'overworked/underpaid' teachers who are sick of having to 'teach to the test' (I'm speaking of the TAKS) as opposed to teaching for learning and what will best prepare the kids for the future.

There are, IMHO too many children in the classes for them to get enough out of the experience. You have the kids in the class that goof off, disrupt class, and the teacher has to spend 1/2 the class period asking little "Johnny" to stop doing what ever he is doing that is disruptive. Then, you have the highly intelligent kids who always have the answer, and I speak from experience when I say that those who don't catch on to a particular subject matter as quickly don't feel comfortable answering questions because the "genius" of the class knows the answer and will make you feel "stupid" if you get it wrong.

One of the posts on the blogs that are talking about this now, Hunter In Training, The Milkman's Wife, My Sister's Farm House, mentioned something about homeschooling when the kids are young and then putting them in public school when they are Jr/High school. I have seen this first hand, and feel terrible for the kids it happened to. Good friends of my ex and I home schooled their children until one was in 8th and one was in 6th grades. They appeared to be well rounded, well educated children who were highly aware of right from wrong. What happened when those kids went to public school shocked the heck out of me. the older one was a girl, and she started being very rebellious, developed a smart moth, and lack of respect for herself, and her elders. She said it was because "that's what all my new friends do". The younger of the two, the boy didn't have quite as dramatic of a reaction, but it was close. IMHO if you are homeschooling to prevent your children from the "horrors of public school" and are going to allow them to take part in some of the public school experience and home school the rest you would allow them in public school when they are in Pre-K, Kindergarten, etc when they play with clay and blocks, and finger paint, and then bring them back to your hopefully structured curriculum when they are older. Just my thoughts folks.

I feel when you take on the JOB (and yes, it is a job) of home-schooling you have to work harder than parents in public school to make sure your child is well rounded. In public school they interact with different types of people, and partake in different activities in one location. Home school parents have to put forth a bit more effort to get their kids out and interact with others and get involved in activities so they DON'T become the sheltered hermit that can NOT live as a productive member of society.

Do I believe that is a right and wrong answer here, NO! You decide what works for your schedule and your children. I believe that there are just as many pros and cons for everyone on either side. But PLEASE don't criticise someone just because "they home school" or they "send their kids to public school".

I'm gonna go out on a limb here....

I found an interesting post at HunterInTraining this morning, here is the link

I may be setting myself up for some.....interesting discussion here.....but...

I have traveled around the United States. North, South, East, and West.
My observation of the use of the English language has been very 'regional'.

Never have I observed such 'abuse' of the English language as I have in the south. (go ahead, have at me, but be nice).

"I seen BobbyJoe at the meeting last night"
NO! "I saw BobbyJoe at the meeting last night"

Growing up in upstate NY, I honestly do not remember people talking like that, EVER.
I'm in no way, shape, or form saying that ALL people in the south do not know how to properly use the English language. All I'm saying is that I hear more improper use of the language in the South.
Anyone else have a take on this?

OOps, I forgot

....to bring my camera! Drat! OK, one more day and I promise I will have rainy day photos for all to see!

Worked 'new' part time job last night.

Didn't get nearly as much sleep as I did the first night I tied this. Mucho more slow moving this morning. I think, and I may be wrong, but you could compare me to a sloth this morning!

For those who MAY not know ......... Sloths are extremely slow-moving mammals found in the rainforest canopies of Central and South America. Sloths also sleep upside-down for up to 18 hours at a time. Sloths are nocturnal and sleep curled up with their head placed between the arms and the feet drawn close together. Their hair is grayish brown but, at times they look grey-green in color because they move so slowly that tiny camouflaging algae grow all over their coats.

Yep, that's me! Moving so slowly I will grow algee!

rainy, rainy, RAINY weekend

I took some photos of our RAINY weekend..but, left the camera at home.

So, I will share tomorow.

Busy day at work!!! No time to post till 2 mins till time to go home! Now that's CRAZY!

Friday Fill Ins

1. I have a history of saying "yes" to tooooo many things at once!

2. Just what in the heck is this whole thing about is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) COLD pizza for breakfast!

4. I hate seeing dead animals on the road.

5. So that's it, that's what flowers are used for, erasing things!

6. Getting 1/2 of my list accomplished this weekend is better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going home early and doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include hunting for horse food and running errands in town and Sunday, I want to relax in a bubble bath surrounded by candles and 'storm' music (YEAH, RIGHT, keep dreaming)!

For Hunter In Training

And Anyone else who might need

a little 'pick me up' today!

Take it, put it on your blog, and PASS IT ALONG!

TDI PNC License exam......

Drum Rollllllll please!!!

I passed! YIPPEEEEE!!

I needed a 70.....and I got a 79! Wooooohoooooo!!!!

After a TERRIBLE evening where my DH messed up my study plans!!
(the ONLY saving grace of the evening was I ran into Bridget, her daughter, and BF at the restaurant where I was eating and they made my evening!)

SO.....filled out paper work when I got back to the office. YAY.

NOW, Life and Health prep class 9th, 10th, and 11th

Exam the following week!

Yippee!

Weekend in short, and Today

Weekend - Saturday was spent driving around the eastern 1/2 of Texas, I swear!
We started in Edna, and headed to Rosenberg. Took care of two of our clients (1/2 set with borium) and they then told us about a great sale on boots at the local Baskins.
Ended up spending WAY too much money there! But, got great boot deals! I was in need for sure, so was Robert. He was in need, badly! He about walked out of his boots!!!

Sunday - Slept in (till 9am!!) got up, cleaned house, went and picked up Harley and moved him to the pasture across the road. :) Spent afternoon studying, studying, studying for my PNC Insurance Exam tomorrow in Corpus.

So, if I'm quiet today and tomorrow...that's why! Study, Study, STUDY!!

Friday Fill Ins

1. One week ago I was probably sitting here at my desk typing my Friday Fill Ins!

2. Time didn't have much meaning to me when I was young.

3. Mama told me I'd understand when I got older, and I do.

4. We go together like peanut butter and jelly you and me.

5. Take your time enjoying each other, sometimes life is too short and you don't get enough time to do that.

6. This too will pass.

7. And for the weekend tonight I'm looking forward to returning some things I bought that I didn't need, tomorrow my plans include working, working, working, but I get to see Casper again, and Sunday, I want to Chillax!

Was going to save this for another day, but....enjoy

Just A Horse

Author Unknown

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 not once did I feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments 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 dark.

Those who think it's

"just a horse"

probably also use 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

makes me a better person.

Because of

"just a horse"

I rise early,

take long walks

and look longingly into 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 from myself and the

worries of the day.

I hope that someday others

have the opportunity to

understand that it's not

"just a horse"

but the thing that

gives me humanity and keeps

me from being

"just a woman".

So the next time you hear the phrase

"just a horse"

SMILE.

You are one of the blessed few who understands.

9/21/09 photos

Casper Loping LEFT!!
Dressage horse in Training!!

Look at that extended trot!

I'm to handsome

Getting Dizzy!

Tuesday

up at 6am!

Mary was also up, and we conversed over the coffee pot in mumbles and grumbles :)

Left at 6:30 in the middle of a torrential down pour! NO joke. It was raining ELEPHANTS and RHINOS, not puppies and kittens!

Directions and Coffee in hand, I head out.....

Made it to 35 N no problem! I'm on that road all the time at Mary's place!
Made it to exit 227, Slaughter Lane no problem....well marked...

COULD NOT FIND MOPAC EXPWY...not there.....
Drove till I found a mom and pop (looked like an old shed) convenience store and asked directions. Apparently the road I passed about 10 miles back while still on Slaughter WAS MOPAC, but labeled LOOP 1! YIKES! got back to loop 1 (at least I was on the correct end of town, or so I thought!)
I drove to where SHOULD have been the address according to the map.....nadda! It was a BIG open field.
HUMMMM
Got out paper work and called the AFO where I was supposed to be....explained where I was.
Was told "oh, you are on the wrong end of town!!"
Keep coming on Loop 1 till you get to Braker Lane.....at Braker say on feeder road through the light, we are on the right, can't miss us! I'll let Bob (guy giving class) know you are going to be late." CRAP! Wrong end?? Darn Google Directions!
Ok...so, I was told I had about 15 miles to go...not so bad, right? It was 8:10 when I talked to lady at the AFO. I figured for sure, even with traffic and weather, I'd be there by 9!
WRONG ANSWER!
I drove 4 miles in one hour! Apparently when it rains during rush hour on Loop 1 traffic is REALLY, REALLY, REALLY slow.
Called AFO at 9....umm where is that road, I'm at X exit?
"Oh my, you are still on other side of town. Traffic must be terrible. I'll tell Bob"
9:15 I pulled into AFO parking lot.
Found BOB's Class.
about 15 mins after me...in walks someone else. Nice to not be the only one late.

Class was fun! Learned lots! Bob is a mess! Very funny. Makes this BORING information as fun as possible. Doesn't make you feel stupid for wrong answers. Reminds me of a cartoon character but I can't put my finger on which one.

Headed back to Mary's at 4:30. Made 15-20 mile drive to where I got lost at in 30 mins! 30 mins! Took be an hour and a half plus that morning in traffic.
No work out for Cas. He got his teeth done today by Dr. Huffmann from Retama.
So, we dinked around with the other horses a bit. I ran two errands in town before I got back to Mary's. Cas' clip on his lead broke, so I got a new clip. Also, ran into Hobby Lobby in San Marcos to get some stuff for my niece's homecoming mums...there is another story in itself. TEXAS homecoming mums. Will post, with pics when they are done :)

Got to bed late - to be up early!

Monday PM in review

Monday......
Seems soooo long ago!

Left office at lunch time, 12:30
Headed home to finish packing, eat a quick lunch and head to San Marcos
Left home about 3
Arrived San Marcos 5:30

Mary was happy to see me, not sure about Casper though!
Mary tacked up Cas and to the outdoor we went.....

Not sure what I expected. Dr. Wells did Chirio and injected left hip......so I was hoping for better.
Supplement doesn't seem to be doing trick. Cas is still really 'snap, crackle, pop' like a bowl full of rice crispies with milk just poured on them. Talk to Mary, I think we are going to cancel the joint supplement and go with monthly adaquane injections. About the same price, and SHOULD work much better :)

So.....Mary starts out with him on the lunge. I see a bit of a difference. He's pushing with his hind end, getting his legs nice and underneath him....driving.

Mary gets on.......after about 10 mins of bending and flexing he is pretty soft and supple in his neck....

a bit fast in his gaits to start.....then after about 30 mins Mary asks him to jog. and when I say job people, I mean J - O - G - S- L - O - W. His neck is LEVEL with his top line (big smiles there) he is collected, with a pleasant expression on his face, other than a 'are you gonna whack my mouth' look once in a while. It was sooo nice to see such progress. 4 or 5 weeks ago he was not that soft/supple/relaxed.
Mary and I even started talking about the SAN ANTONIO stock show for his 'under saddle debut'. :) WOW!

Finished up in the barn...headed to the house.....got to bed late....10:30 or so...
Up at 6am Tuesday to head to Class in Austin... YIPPEE!

Weekd end stuff

Friday night saw us a Jen's house.....

Saturday found us in Port Aransas taking care of one of our clients' horses (8 horses and 2 donkey's) - then back at Jen's finishing up

Sunday found us running to Angleton to BCSO to check out a potential Catahoula Rescue foster dog - then some errands were run, met some friends in town around dinner time, trimmed one of friends' horses and finally made it home about 7pm to move the big square bale, let the dogs out, make some dinner and, CRASH.

Pretty busy but 'boring' weekend. No horse stuff going on.

OH, leaving this afternoon for training in Austin and to see Casper! YAY!
I will prolly not be around again until Thursday 9/24....so hope everyone has a great week! :)

Lunging Mosquitoes - 9/17/09

LOL, Just kidding!

Lunging Ransom, who was wearing mosquitoes?
NAH!

Lunging Ransom who was wearing lots of mosquitoes through his BUG SPRAY.....
YEP!

Jen had some stuff to do last night so I told her I'd run by her place on the way home and Lunge Ransom for her. She is working hard to get ready for a show on 9/27 and we didn't want to loose any momentum!

So, tacked Ransom up, black polos, blue pad, surcingle, side reins and off we went.
*noted that on his right side he was very sensitive to brushing...with stiff bristle and softer. Almost like he was saying 'umm that hurts, stop it, stop it, stop it'. *

Went down to the FAR END OF THE ARENA - his least fav of the two ends
Started going left....walking - no side reins
He took off into a canter and I let him get it out of his system.
Changed direction
Now going right - no side reins - walk
Again, takes off cantering......dadadum, dadadum, dadadum.....
Changed direction again - added side reins on 8 - now going left
Worked on transitions - walk/trot - trot/canter - canter/trot - trot/walk - walk/canter
Ransom was moving very nicely this way. Mucho impulsion, holding a nice frame, going some where...yay pony!
Right side, however....not so much.
He didn't want to hold the trot...he preferred to canter. So, canter we did....lots. Worked on transitions this way too, same as above. He was much better by the time we stopped and got carried back to the trailer to un-tack by the mosquitoes! It was nice not having to walk all that way back to the trailer!

Un-tacked, hosed him off.....did some cookie stretches....and turned him back out where he started eating grass right away. It has rained here...we have grass now! :)

FRIDAY fiLL iNs

1. My car is filthy! I feel like I live in it!!

2. Casper's vet visit, including teeth floating and shots is coming up next.

3. Lately, things seem CRAZY, but that's NORMAL around my place!

4. In the bathroom with the door locked is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.

5. What happened to the good 'ole days when a dollar went somewhere and people treated each other well??

6. My show outfit getting done in time, my mom getting here with out issue, and having enough money to go to the horse show with CASPER the end of next month is not impossible!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to showing Jen how to poultice Ransom's legs, tomorrow my plans include day trip to Port 'A' (working, not pleasure) and Sunday, I want to CHILL, RELAX, TAKE IT EASY (yeah right!)!

Casper Update

M. Wells - chiro extraordinaire/DVM
Paid a visit to my MONSTER today.
Actually, Mary just called and talked to me for a few mins.

Casper had something wrong with his 'butt' (for lack of a better work cause he used the fancy technical terminology) that was keeping him from being able to reach forward and thru with the last part of his canter stride. Sorry, best way I can describe it. It keeps them from being able to pick up a lead and follow thru with the stride all way.
So, Mr. W is going to inject this area.
We are going to give him Today, Friday, and Saturday off.
Mary will ride him on Sunday....
and I will get to see him MONDAY NIGHT! I'm so excited about that!
Mary said Casper was trying to grab the phone from her while she was talking to me.
I said he just wants to talk to him Mom! :) I miss him!

Jenn's Hauling Service

At your service!

A friend of mine broke down hauling her horses to Corpus on Sunday. She was stranded. Had no way to get back home (Victoria). So, after checking my schedule I decided I had time to go pick her up after work last night (Wednesday).
Got up at 6am to feed my critters....to work by 8:30. Left work at 5. Got to Corpus at 7. Left Corpus with trailer and horse in tow around 7:30/7:45 and got back to C's house around 9:15ish.
Unloaded horse, put him away in his stall.
Unhooked trailer
Hugs and Thank You's and I left about 10pm.
Got home about 11....let dogs out and CRASHED! Exhausted!!
Didn't open eyeballs until alarm clock went off at 6! YAY!

Show Clothes Cometh!

Ok, I did it. I ordered a CUSTOM show outfit. jacket and pants.
I have looked around for OVER a YEAR and have NOT been able to find ANYTHING I can afford.....until now!
Check on Connie Colvin's THE WINNERS FIT prices look VERY reasonable, product looks great!
I should have outfit in about 4 weeks, just in time for my Halloween day show with Casper!
Connie's price are amazing. I can't stress that enough! The least expensive CUSTOM I have found any where else is $500.00 just for the jacket, a PLAIN one I might add. Lambskin and 'bling' would be extra! YIKES!
I will keep you posted on the process...I should be getting photos during the making of the jacket.

for the Dressage Priness in Training!!!

Potential Fabrics for my show jacket

Fabric option ONE

Fabric Option Two

Either way, pants will be plain brown, jacket will have about 200 swarovski crystals for that added BLING!!

NICKELBACK 9 - 12 - 09

Back in June, Jen and I got tickets for ourselves and our DH/SO to go see Nickelback in concert. IN a word...... amazinglyawesomefantabulous!!
(feel sorry for the spell check machine on that one).

We started out the afternoon with a quick and comical (Notre Dame vs. Michigan) lunch/dinner at George's Pastaria and Devine Catering. Hands down the best Italian Food I've had since leaving up state NY! If you are in the Houston area and on the hunt for Great Italian....George's is my suggestion! If the tall, dark haired Italian gentleman is watching football while serving you, please root for the other team as your experience here will be very FUN!

We got there a bit after the concert was scheduled to start, but that was ok. No one was really interested in seeing the first two bands, although we did get there in time to hear a bit of Hinder! Photo above!

Got some Concert T shirts, grabbed some drinks...and went off to find our seats. Thank goodness we'd paid good money to get under the covered part because it threatened to rain all evening! Better safe than sorry!

On to Nickelback. WOW. Their music is really great. Their performance was amazing. The lighting and effects were awesome! Flame throwers, firework like explosions, fog......and there is a BIG BANG that starts it all and makes you jump a foot in the air! I know I did! Jen and her SO laughed at me. They had seen them a few months back in San Antonio and knew what was coming. I did not! Yikes!

The Drummer - Daniel Adair - amazing, totally amazing. Amazing doesn't even begin to put a dent in it. Between songs he performed a solo that totally rocked the Woodlands Pavilion. My arms would have been ready to fall off, but he kept going and going, and going....like the energizer bunny. And, he's for sure nice to look at! Yummy eye candy! Photo above and Below.

There was a bit more alcohol involved in the whole production that I would have liked. I think the lead singer, Chad Kroeger forgot that the NORMAL PEOPLE that attend his concert have to get on the road and DRIVE home. In addition to the gigantic rolling table of beer that was brought out and passed around the first 10 rows "the PIT" there was a case of ice cold Grey Goose vodka that was passed around as well. Please have ID if you want the Grey Goose, was all that was said. So, a bit too much drinking going on.

My DH snagged a t-Shirt that was shot out of the "t-shirt cannon" much to the dismay of the little teenybopper girls sitting next to us.

Chad, to the surprise of EVERYONE in attendance grabbed a stool, an acoustic guitar and busted out with the first 1/2 of Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places". EVERYONE in the crowd was singing along, loudly, I might add! It was very entertaining! Over all - truly a great event. Will for sure go see them again.

Unfortunately, they aren't going to play in the US anymore this year. This concert was their last in the stated. They are headed to Australia, and Japan to finish out the rest of the year! Will be looking them up in 2010!!

I leave you with the lyrics from the Hinder song I enjoy, and got to hear/see while waiting in line at the t-Shirt Booth!

"Lips Of An Angel"

Honey why you calling me so late?

It's kinda hard to talk right now.

Honey why are you crying?

Is everything okay?

I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud

Well, my girl's in the next room

Sometimes I wish she was you

I guess we never really moved on

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But girl you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

It's funny that you're calling me tonight

And, yes, I've dreamt of you too

And does he know you're talking to me

Will it start a fight

No I don't think she has a clue

Well my girl's in the next room

Sometimes I wish she was you

I guess we never really moved on

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But girl you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But girl you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

And I never wanna say goodbye

But girl you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

Honey why you calling me so late?

I leave you all with this......

Always Remember

Never Forget

Friday Fill Ins

1. That's a _ terrible way _ to be.

2. _ Hay, grumpy CRAB; I'm over here!

3. The possibilities include: _ include.....humm I seem to have forgotten!!

4. _ Yankee Chili (not texas Chili, it just has meat and beans!!) _ is one of my favorite cool day recipes.

5. How will you know _ what time we are leaving on Saturday?? Not till J and R call and say "we're on the way!"

6. _ Cloudy with a chance of meatballs _ and a stormy sky.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _ getting home EARLY!! _, tomorrow my plans include _Nickel Back!!! _ and Sunday, I want to _ get my sewing machine and start making stuff _!

9 - 11 - 09

ON the 8 year "Anniversary" of 9/11/01 I feel compelled to post a few pictures and ask everyone....
Do you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when the terrible attack was made on our country?
I do....
I was in Poolesville, Maryland. It was my day off. The rest of the girls were out in the barn doing chores. I was sleeping on the couch. The phone kept ringing, and ringing, and ringing. It was the mother of one of my co-workers. She wanted to know if we knew what was going on. We didn't. I turned on the TV...and then ran to the barn to get my friends and co-workers. We all sat, in awe and watched.
That's where I was......where were you??

My Turn - 20 questions!

I think it's more like fill in the blank..but ok here goes!

1. My ex ... isn't speaking to me, can't blame him i guess.

2. Maybe I should ... concentrate on getting my insurance license so my boss will HUSH!

3. I love ... the fact that CASPER is ok, my mom is coming in October and I will be taking Cas to his first show with her here!!!

4. People would say that I am ... a nice person.

5. I don't understand why ... people are so mean to animals.

6. When I wake up in the morning ... I'm happy to be happy!!

7. I lost ... lots of things...wish I could find 'em!!

8. If I had my way ... my dog Tucker would live forever because I can't stand that he's getting older and I'm closer to being with out him.

9. My past ... was a WHOLE LOTTA FUN!

10. I get annoyed by ... people who can't plan accordingly!

11. Parties are ... more enjoyable at my house because I don't have to drive home!

12. I wish life was not ... so hard sometimes!

13. Dogs ... are truly man's best friend.

14. Cats ... have never been my favorite critter.

15. Tomorrow... is FRIDAY! YAY!

16. I have a low tolerance ... for ignorance and tardiness.

17. If I had a million dollars ... I'd share with friends and family but keep enough to be comfortable!

18. I'm totally terrified of ... trying things for the first time, I hate it!

19. My spouse is ... (you caught me on a good day) working very hard trying to pass his TCLEOSE so he can be a peace officer.

20. My life is ... BUSY!!

R A I N

Photo of the day

9/9/09 - UPDATE

Alright everyone! Here is the Cas update.

HE'S FINE, YES FINE!
I talked to (ok, sent txt's back and forth) Mary this morning and she said he's FINE.

So, thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. Big man gets sick it's scary!

Hope everyone has a great day!

It's still raining here in South Texas! YAY!

Mary Called, AGAIN

Ko,
Marry called again. Said she gave him some banamine and with in 15 mins he was perky and looking for grub.
Weather here has changed dramatically in the last 24 hours and Is having a bad effect on my tummy too!!
So, she said she walked by his stall and he was laying down.
This is odd cause Cas NEVER lays down.
She hollered at him and he got up.
Eyes looked a little dull, and he confirmed tummy ache by looking back at his tummy after getting up.
So.....Banamine it was....
She said she walked him around a bit and he was sluggish...
After about 10 mins he was walking better, eyes perky, looking for treats.
Put him back in his stall...he was looking for hay and playing in his water bucket.
Tony walked through the aisle and gave pm snack hay and Cas was pissed because he didn't get any....poor boy!

So, it looks like he's feeling better. FUNNY....my gassy tummy is better now too. Maybe we are having sympathy pains for each other....
Mary questioned my gassy tummy as pregnancy pains...I told her "I sure as hell hope not, I've got too much crap I wanna do" As in....SHOW CASPER!!! DUH!

W O R R I E D

About my pony!! I hate that he has an upset tummy and I'm not around.....but, he's in good hands and only about 33 miles from Retama.
Hope he doesn't have to go.......

He'll be fine....
Sending good vibes his way......
Good Pony karma......

The Critter of the day is......

and we know why!

Uhoh

Mary Called......
Cas colicing.....

Asked if wanted to haul to vet or give banamine/walk

I said give banamine and walk and see what happens......

Keep you posted

Roberts First Police Academy Test

Well, my hubby had his first Test last night.
Keep in mind, he got a 48 on this same test (well, not the same exact test but his first test) last semester.
84! He got an 84!
He was wayyyyyy excited last night when he got home.
He's been working very hard, going to a tutor and putting in some solid study time.
He spent lots of time studying last semester, but apparently they give you lots of info that you don't need, mixed in with the stuff you do need and....it's hard to figure out what's what.

His tutor has been a great help! She was VERY excited last night too!
Smiles all the way around here!

Will post pics soon of the hogs Robert and Royce killed on Friday 8/4/09

Labor Day

It was nice to have ANOTHER day off! Office was closed! YAY!

Got up....relatively early considering this was one of my few chances to sleep in for crying out loud!

Fed our critters, and ran (drove) over to Jen's house. Got there JUST as farrier was pulling Romeo out of his stall. I said "wait, I think Jen wants him to go barefoot, lemme call her and you can talk to her". He said, ok! Called Jen, they chatted. Mr. Farrier happy we saved him some hammer time and seat cause it sure was hot out, even at 10am!
Fed J's critters, inside and out! Cleaned up FLOUR mess kitties left. I'm sure in protest of no love and affection over the weekend. Totally neglected! :)
Went to R's tutor to study for his TEST AT COLLEGE today!
I bailed about an hour after we got there. Took T's kiddo (11) and went to town!
Academy for Lunch boxes (for T and Kiddo), and a new big mug. I got a pair of PRETTY SHOES for ME and a flashlight for R for school. YAY!
Then.....Hobby LobbY! Ohhh what a dangerous place is the Fabric department at Hobby Lobby! Lots of pretty fabrics....yikes! Spent way to much anyway!!
Then...ran by Sonic for a snack.
Headed back to T's house......got back about 5pm to find R and T's brother T grinding sausage from the hogs R and R killed Friday night on their hunting expedition! I said...."that doesn't look like studying to me!"
Got inside, talked to T.....found out that R had taken practice test online and got an 80! YAY!
Ended up staying at T's house until about 10:45......eating, talking...hanging with friends! T and her daughter A are a total mess together! I laughed so hard my cheeks (on my face!) hurt! LOL!
Good time....but late, late night for early up and at'em in the am....yucky!!

Weekend Catch - up 3

BBQ TIME~!
YAY!

Got up early to finish cleaning up and cooking for the afternoon feast!

We had a house full of people!!!
Highlight of the party...M left her key in her bike, causing it to drain the battery but we SWEAR she didn't leave it in the on position. R and T had to.....PUSH START her bike! Push start! This meant that they had to PUSH her bike down the road with her on it while she tried to start it. It was VERY funny! Good laughs had by all watching. Let's hope M's BF didn't get too mad at her for killing the battery!

Great food, great company. Good time had (i think) by all that attended! We were one short, she bailed on us and went out of town.....but that's ok.

Weekend Catch-up part 2

Saturday 8/5/09
Met Jen at IHOP for a good morning breakfast.
Shared some stories....laughed about the ODD COUPLE/FAMILY next to us. Guy and his kid, and two women. Couldn't figure out if the women were a couple.....or if one of them was there trying to pick up the guy with the kid...it was strange! Lots of giggles.
Then, I spyed a very attractive guy sitting behind Jen. There were 3 half full plates of food on the table. ONE belonged to him...but the others?? He was looking around like he was waiting for the "one who went to the bathroom and never came back to the date". Poor guy. Felt bad for him. Way to cut to have been left! About 3 mins later.....woman and kiddo come back. Whew....that explains it!!

Went to Lori's and got a hair cut/highlights and low lights/and eyebrows done. Love it all! Anyone in the Victoria, Texas area looking for a new hairdresser....she's your lady!

Went and got groceries after hanging out with Connie a bit.
Went home....
Started to cook for Sunday. We were planning on having some people over for a BBQ!! FUN!!

R stayed out a little later than he should have at the Diaper Party and ended up sleeping on the couch....yeah.... Felt bad for Tucker...he bounced back and forth between the bedroom and the living room all night bless his heart.

Friday 8/4/09

FrIdAy 8/4/09
Took the day off work so we could go do our weekend horses. Robert had a "Diaper Party" to go to. I knew (I'm a planning-oholic) that we would not have time to take care of all of our clients and for him to get to his party. He missed the last one (yes, two in a month) so, I didn't want him to miss out on this one too.

What the heck is a diaper party? I have never heard of this. My co-workers have never.....my best friend has never heard of it...... what the heck? Strange.
I am, admittedly a Yankee. We don't have Diaper Parties just for guys up there. We have a BABY SHOWER, either for the momma to be, or for the momma and daddy to be.
Strange.
Almost feels like 'double dipping for gifts here'. What are your thoughts on that??

W - O - N - D - E - R - F - U - L = casper!

Phone rings at 7:28 am.....it's trainer.
My heart starts to race as I hit grab it off my night stand.
Is he sick? Hurt? Colicing and needs to be taken to Retama? Broke something? All the bad things that could have happened to him are running through my head.

"Hello?" I say, my voice bit shaky
"Good morning," said Mary " I bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth!"
"No," I replied "I know you are busy"
Hadn't talked to her since last week, thursday maybe....
"Well," she said "I just wanted to call and give you an update on your boy. He's wonderful. Absolutly wonderful. He's had some REALLY great rides since we last talked. He's getting that left lead every time."
"OHHH GOSH, that's great Mary! I'm so happy"
"Barry was watching last night, and he confirmed what I was feeling. He said he's elevating his shoulders some, which is a great start int the right direction."
YAY, that means he's lightening up on the forehand, and pushing from his butt....yay!
Conversation continued for a few, and we hung up.
Now, what a better way to start someone's day than by calling them and telling them her horse is WONDERFUL. I love it.
Thanks Mary, for making my day!
Called her back after I left home to remind her that my MOM is coming for a visit the end of October, and she's coming to watch me show Casper in something. Asked if she thought he'd be ready to at least do Halter and showmanship. She said yes, but said the Margarita Classic Paint Show is that same weekend, and that is where she will be. That's a bummer, but I can bathe, band, and show at least in halter classes solo! Thank goodness! :)

To sew or not to sew...that is the question!

I made this quilt over the weekend for a good friend's new baby. He is a police officer..thus the theme! Enjoy the pics!

Sometimes you feel like a.........YEP, that just about sums it up!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a.......

GREAT DANE!

Now I know why momma wouldn't let me have one when I was little! Those things are HUGE!

Rescued a Great Dane over the weekend.
R got a txt message Saturday PM from Friend......asking us to help them with their dog.
Long story short after a few phone calls to a rescue friend in Houston, she hooked me up with a Dane Rescue lady down in Rockport.
Early Sunday AM call to set thing in motion.

Ended up picking up Bones around 11:30 am, and driving to (almost) Rockport to meet Keesha.
Bones doesn't know a whole lot, doesn't have many manners. didn't want to load in the car, doesn't know how to walk on a leash. BUT, is a big uber goober sweetheart who for sure deserved a great chance at life and finding the right family for him. A BIG thank you to Mary in Houston, Keesha in Rockport and the Dane Rescue Group in San Antonio that have taken the time and resources to help this handsome fella. You are all greatly appreciated.

reFlective Friday - from Hunter In Training

Ok...haven't don't this before....is there method to the madness?

I LIKE.....that Casper is doing well at the trainer
I Don't LIKE.....that it's expensive and it's so far away

I LIKE.....that my BF is getting to spend time with her SO tonight
I Don't LIKE.......that I don't get to hang out with her tonight

I LIKE.........that my DH is going to college
I Don't LIKE......that it's REALLY messing up our schedule and such

I LIKE.......the fact that I only have 2 more hours of work left!
I Don't LIKE.....the fact that I have 2 more hours of work left!

I LIKE.........the fact that it's FRIDAY
I Don't LIKE.....the fact that weekends are only 2 days long and the work week is 5

I LIKE.....that a friend sent a saddle
I Don't LIKE....that it doesn't fit my horse

I LIKE.......that we are finally buying a house and not RENTING
I Don't LIKE....all the bills and such that come along with that!!!

I LIKE.......that things are looking up for taking CAS to a show in October
I Don't LIKE.....that we may not have the $$$ to do so

I LIKE......reading my blog, and others' blogs
I Don't LIKE....that not everyone is able to update on a regular basis...I'm nosey, I want to know what everyone is up to!

OK.....TAG.....Who's NEXT......
JacksonsGirl and Pony Girl
Have at it!! Have fun!!! :)

fRiDay FiLL iNs

1. He was a GOOD BOY! CAS WAS GOOD FOR MARY YESTERDAY.

2. Getting Fall Photos from my mom is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend found out last night that 59 REALLY does go NORTH of VICTORIA after 6pm!

4. Yankees aren't as bad as Texans think, to be honest with you. =)

5. Appearances can be deceiving.....just because they look like million bucks doesn't mean they are worth it!

6. The last person I gave a hug to was Robert when I left for work this morning, normally it's Tucker but I was avoiding Chicken Breath!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finding appropriate fabric in Victoria, tomorrow my plans include work and work and Sunday, I want to support Robert's study sessions while I make a blanket for a friend's new baby!

My Handsome MAN!

More CASPER photos