Never Too Old

I AM SO PROUD

2012-01-27T10:56:00.012-07:00

Angela at an early age with all of her dogs. She told us then that she wanted to be a vet and have one of every type of dog on her farm.

Angela with her White Coat, a ceremony at the beginning of the first year where students get their own white coat, stethascope and name tag. The start of their future.

Angela at 5 when Blue was born, and she was already showing lots of confidence.

first day on the steps of the Vet College in Saskatoon.

Can't find the right picture but Angela delivered triplet kids all on her own.

Again showing no fear and all confidence with the young horses.

Working with Fern Valley cattle, castrating, vaccinating and ear tagging

Staying with the little calf, making sure it was okay.

Teaching the dog the benefits of a good balanced diet.

Working with her chickens

Swimming with the turtles in hawaii, trying to decide if she wants to be a marine vet.

Angela has always loved frogs. Remember once we were visiting her cousins in Wpg at their cottage and she came back with her sweater hood and pockets full of frogs. Wanted to take them all home.

Whether guines pigs, rabbits, ferrets, etc. Angela loves them all.

I need to brag here a little. As a proud mom I want to let everyone know that my little girl Angela (dvm2012) received some great news. She passed her NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensicn Exam). All she needs now is to cross that stage on June 7th and receive her Degree and she will officially be Dr. Angela Oakley,DVM
WCVM Class of 2012. This is of course is not the final step to what she has always wanted but just another chapter. We should however, start from the beginning.
Ever since Angela was a young girl barely able to walk, she has loved animals and wanted to be a vet. She has a special gift. People say she got her love of animals and kind heart from me but I must disagree and say she got these special gifts from her Papa. He was an amazing man. He never said a harsh word or raised a hand in anger to people and especially to animals. He had animals following him home from walks, dogs just gravitated to him. Even my first horse, Big Red, who distrusted men from being abused, loved my dad. Red would do anything for him and Dad could do no wrong. Angela unfortunately never knew her Papa. He passed away when she was two. I think part of him remains with her and he would be so proud of her right now.
When Angela was a little girl, she would bring home all kinds of critters. We had many pets, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, birds, turtles, horses. If she could of, we would of had a virtual Noah's ark. A couple of stories stand out for me. Can't remember how old she was but she found a baby squirrel and I mean really small, probably just a couple weeks old. It had fallen from the nest so she brought it in, made a nest for it and looked after it. She hand fed it with and eye dropper every two hours, including during the night. She was exhausted but insisted on trying to keep it alive. Well as nature would have it, the poor little thing didn't last more than a couple days but it was then that we could see her compassion and committment to helping all animals. We have fixed birds, taken in stray kittens, and numerous other critters.
Her passion and committment toward being a vet really took hold when we moved our old horse Schiroc to Fernvalley and came involved more with Sherry and helping her with the animals and the day to day activities of the farm. Sherry was very willing and comfortable in letting Angela tag along and observe how she did things.Also growing up with Animals, especially dogs and horses, Angela became very comfortable around the animals of the farm. After a few years, she was actually allowed to participate in vaccinating and treating the animals. All three of our children have a love and respect for animals and nature, but Angela is the most committed to making it her life.
When Angela first started University, she was talked into going into human medicine instead of veterinary medicine. She tried this for one semester and realized her heart and soul were not in it. She returned to Veterinary and has never second guessed herself again. While in University she worked her summers doing research with the University working with chickens and dairy cattle. In fact, she has an article published about her findings with nutrition in dairy cattle. She collaborated with the Professor she was working for.
Then thanks to her Aunty Sherry she was able to volunteer with Onoway vet for a summer. This started at the time of the BSE crisis and after one incident, she agian was questioning whether she could do this. Another year of school and maturity and she again volounteered with the clinic and this time her mind was made up. After two years at the U of A, she applied to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon and was accepted for the graduating class of 2012. In the four years since starting vet school, she has worked somewhere in the field of Veterinary medicine. She took two externships in the US at equine facilities, worked on diary farms, mixed practices, helped on Fern Valley Farms and now in her last semester she is heading to Winnipeg to work at the Canadian Diesase control facility for two weeks. She is working with Animal Welfare department, checking feed lots, processing plants, farms, ranches etc. Angela has always been a very determined and focused young lady and we are so proud of her and know that wherever she goes for her career, she will do nothing but give her best and put the animals first.

She now has to love, two horses, one cat, two love birds, a school of fish and is hoping to add a puppy as soon as she settles into her first actual job after graduating.
I hope you have enjoyed this chapter.

SOME OF THE SAME

2011-11-16T21:16:00.014-07:00

The day I bought her.

Schiroc in her later years

Angela on Schiroc

Schiroc and I in our hey day

She and I would spend quality time together quite often

Schiroc in her younger years

Cowboy bob and his mighty steed

Miss Cara on Schiroc

My first ride on her

Peps the first day I saw her

After reading Sherry's (Fernvalley) blog today and seeing the honorable mention of Schiroc, I felt inspired to add to her story. I originally blogged about Schiroc on March 17, 2010 but only hit the surface of who this mare was. Now that I have lost her son Blue, I find I really miss her and all that she taught me. I bought her on November 11, 1983. She was just 14 mths old. A real wild filly but I fell in love with her at first site. Now I didn't know much about riding let alone training a horse. She taught me both. I learned patience, kindness, loyalty and friendship. She would do anything for me. She taught all three of my kids how to ride and respect horses. I was told right from the start that she wouldn't amount to much. She was so small and fine. She was appaloosa/quarter horse but had some Arab in her somewhere. Her sire was registered so was able to find her bloodlies on her sire's side and sure enough there was an arab way back in the line but she still had the small refined arab head. She would go anywhere and do anything. We did many cancer rides, jumping clinics, endurance riding, chased cows and whatever else happened to come along. I remember one insidence where a bunch of us were riding and they are all on their arabs or thoroughbreds and putting down my little appy. I siad she could jump over anything so we kept upping the stakes with each round. They thinking, oh this time we'll stop her for sure. Well three straw bales high and two bales proved to be too much for their horses. My little appy cleared those bales like nothing. Another time I had her boared at a friend's place and his arabs were chasing her and putting her in a corner so she jumped the fence and headed down the road to a fancy boarding place where they put her in a nice stall, lots of hay and noone bugging her. She was also boarded at a warmblood stable and the owner used to laugh at how this little horse put those big warmbloods in their place. She spent her last years at Fernvalley and that's where she taught my kids how to ride, presented me with my boy Blue and enjoyed her senior years. She died peacefully there and was cremated on the farm and so was Blue. She maynot be there in body but she is still there in another wrapping. My new mare Peps doesn't look like her much anymore but she still does things that Schiroc did and I know that she was sent to me so that Schiroc could live on forever with me. I have bred Peps to Cactus and am hoping for a new black and white foal this spring. I still hope to breed her to Phoenix, Chile's last son and see if we can produce another Blue. Peps and Chile are from the same bloodlines. HIs sire's and her dam's lines are related. Her story could fill many pages. Sherry has written poems about both of my wonderful horses. With her permission, I hope to pose these to my blog. My blogger name greymareschiroc was made for her. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

AUTUMN CHANGES SO FAST

2011-10-21T16:01:00.008-06:00

Autumns first bath

Time to play in the leaves

Here Mom, let me help you with that.

I've been meaning to update all week but like FV says, time management is an issue. With me too I guess. Since I last posted, it has been a very busy time. Was at a conference on the weekend, Friday and Saturday. It was too nice to spend all of a beautiful autumn day inside so snuck out early and helped hubby with the fall clean up. We live on a corner lot in a very old tree lined neighbourhood. Needless to say we get a ton of leaves to rake up every year. This year, I must say was a lot of fun. We had our own little Autumn helping us. Saturday she decided to help with the bags. As I was filling, she was redistributing. Then on Sunday, she decided it was play time not work time. She is growing up so fast. She is now 12 weeks old, 25 lbs, a foot high and two feet long. A little dog now, not a puppy. Then on Wednesday, it was bath day. After playing in the leaves and digging holes in the yard, she was not the pretty cream colour, more of a muted gray. So in the bath tub for a quick bath and then a blow dry. She wasn't sure at first, but in the end, she seemed to be fine with it all. We're going on three half hour walks a day now so I am really starting to feel the difference. My clothes fit better and I am feeling alot better physically too. Heading back out to the lake for the weekend and hopefully get a ride in on either Digger or Peps or both and maybe even talk FV into coming with me. I know Johnnie would love to get out. It seems all I blog about now is the puppy but really the rest of my life is pretty ordinary. Nothing new with my kids right now, everyone is just busy with their own lives. Angela (DVM2012) is coming home the first two weeks of November to study for her NAVLE, (Licensing exam). Should see her for abit though. I know she'll want to see both of her ponies, which means I might get a chance to go for a ride with her as well. Have a nice weekend everyone.

AUTUMN MEETS WINSTON

2011-10-12T19:43:00.010-06:00

This is one of Sherry's favorite of Autumn on the weekend. The kittens had ventured up the hill so she thought she could follow.

this is Eurus when he arrived home from Saskatoon. I am not that short, he is just a very tall horse.

Robert and Cara cleaning up the leaves

Autumn playing with Winston

Since the whirlwind trip to Saskatoon, it has been a very busy week.Eurs has settled in well in his new digs.It was Thanksgiving and we had 2 out of 3 kids home. Robert came up from Medicine Hat and our youngest Cara managed to find some time to spend with us out at the cottage. Brian and the 2 of them did some fall clean up. Raked and disposed of all the leaves, put the boat away for another year and positioned the snowmobiles to the front of the garage for easy access oncce the snow arrives. Helped Sherry (FV) wean the babies and also ran up the calves to be tagged and readied for the truck. Had fun, although I haven't run that much in a long time, so I was definitely feeling it. It was a good feeling though. I did some good exercise and got some fresh air and was able to burn off a little built up stress. Also our little girl Autumn got to meet Winston and Skeeter. Winston was a saint with her but Skeeter never was one for young pups.Took Winston a bit but wasn't long before he was down on his back playing with her. She also met some of the kittens and couldn't figure out why they wouldn't play with her like Elliott the cat did. Sherry also guided me through the procedure of giving Autumn her second set of shots. She is such a good girl. Pretty much house trained now. Hasn't had an accident in the house and has been left alone twice now and no problem. She sleeps about 7 or 8 hrs a night and I can leave the door open and she doesn't wander the house. So till next time, enjoy the beautiful "autumn" Ha ha

RUNNING BACK TO SASKATOON

2011-10-04T10:08:00.005-06:00

Elliott in the suit bag making sure he didn't get left behind.

This is how Autumn spent most of the road trip

Whew! What a whirlwind of a weekend. Had to take a road trip this weekend to pick up Angela's (DVM2012) horse Eurus from Saskatoon. She won't have alot of time this coming winter to ride him so felt it was better to have him home here than pay high boarding fees and he couldn't stay at where he was. He had been at a temporary location for the last week of September. Felt since we were going anyway we would return Mr. Elliott the cat back to her. She has been on an extended externship and vacation. So weekend started with hubby heading to Fernvalley to pick up the truck and trailer. I need to thank Sherry (FV) for loaning us her new trailer and her hubby's truck. We couldn't have done this otherwise. Hubby gets back to the city with the unit and we load up Elliott and Autumn who is just 9 weeks old and we head east. This is a 5 to 6 hour trip.I must say the trip went really well. Puppy waited till we got gas at Lloydminster, 2 1/2 hrs, east of Edmonton and then we stopped at a little place called Maidstone Saskatchewan for a lunch break. Got to Saskatoon at about 3:30 p.m. just when Ange and her brother Rob arrived from Winnipeg. Ange and I went and saw Eurus, who was very excited to see her and then went back to her place and unloaded the cat and the dog, who met two more cats. They didn't think to much of this fur ball hell on wheels. She stayed the night with Angela. I must say, it was really nice having a good night's sleep. The hotel was quiet and no puppy to look after. Mini holiday for me. Next morning, Ange met us with Puppy and we headed to Eurus's old location to pick up her tack and other tons of stuff and then head to get Eurus. He is located 40 klms east of Saskatoon, heading the wrong direction for us. After getting him loaded we head out for another 6 hour drive west, actually 7 because we had to take him to Sherry's sister-in-laws place which is about an hour west of Edmonton. Stopped in Edmonton first to drop off Puppy at home and then continued on. Eurus seemed no worse for wear. He travelled really well. Settled in to the hay right away. It was quite the adventure, but being parents, you do what needs to be done to help out your kids. I think Angela is very fortunate to have a very special Auntie who too cannot say no and goes out of her way to help her as much as possible. A big thank you to Sherry again and to her sister in-law Connie and Neice Rene for taking in Eurus whether it be short term of for the long haul, we don't know but appreciate very much all that everyone has done to make this unfortunate situation a much better experience. Although we miss Elliott the cat, things are somewhat calmer around here and Autumn is having no trouble keeping her self occupied. Looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving out at the cottage. Autumn had her vet check in Saskatoon and passed with flying colours. She can meet her new friends Winston and Skeeter this weekend. Should be fun.

AUTUMN IS HERE

2011-09-27T15:12:00.007-06:00

This is the Autumn the week we brought her home.

This is her and Elliott the cat during a time out

This is my little "EWOK"

Now this can be taken two ways. One the season Autumn has arrived with a bang. We actually hit 32 degrees (celcius) that is for the first time this year. The weather has been unbelievable this month. The colours are stunning. Went out in the boat the other night and the setting sun reflecting off the golden trees was breathtaking. I always enjoy keeping the boat in that extra month to enjoy the colours and peacefulness of the lake. Two, my little Autumn is now almost 9 weks old. I weighed her this morning and my scale must be wrong as it said the difference between holding her and not holding her on the scale was 16 lbs. She cannot possibly weigh that much. She is growing fast and her potty training is going well. Sleeps about 6 hours at night now and when she does wake up, she wakes us up to go out. The only time she has an accident is when she is so busy rough housing with the cat that she forgets. She knows she's done bad cause if you say her name and ask what have you done, she sulks and slinks off. We started walking on a leash this past week. We are now going around the block, although she'd rather go without but she is getting to fast for me to catch her now and in the city don't want to take a chance of her running onto the road. At the lake, she can run free. She loves to sleep on her back and her ears flip back and she looks like an EWOK from Starwars fame. I could go on and on about her. All I'll say is that is sure is nice having her around and having another dog in my life. "OUR WHOLE LIFE DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND DOGS, BUT HAVING AND LOVING DOGS MAKES OUR LIFE WHOLE" Truer words cannot be said

MY SWEET GIRL IS HERE

2011-09-19T13:01:00.004-06:00

Boy, what a birthday present! Picked up our sweet pup "OAKLEY'S AUTUMN" on Friday. We weren't home 5 minutes and she and the cat were wrestling and tearing around the house. Don't know how many laps they did. We've never really been into crate training, so potty training consists of watching the pup and trying to guess when she needs to go outside. The first night, everytime she moved, I got up thinking she needed to go outside. We took her to the cottage on Saturday. She loved it out there. She even got to go for a boat ride. Quite soemthing considering the other two were never allowed even when they were adult dogs. Another sign of this one being spoiled is I brought her into bed this morning. Mistake! Her morning nap happened cuddled up between the pillows. Don't have my camera here as I left it in the car when we went to pick her up or I would've posted a picture of this. So this morning there were four of us in the bed, me, hubby, Autumn and the cat Elliot. I have forgotten after 13 years, how much work puppies are but I'm sure when she's six months old and not the cute little fur ball she is now I will be wishing she was a puppy again. They grow so fast. Luckily the breeder sent home a CD of pictures of her as she grew for the first seven weeks. I don't have too many of my own yet. I will definitely have to get some of her in the fallen leaves. Won't be able to find her.

I'M BACK SORT OF

2011-09-07T16:00:00.004-06:00

It has been over a year since I last posted. Wasn't sure if I would ever again but things have a way of working themselves out. I won't bore you with the past year's events but certain ones from this year I need to express. First of all in March, we lost our dear golden retreiver Rosey rather unexpectedly. She suffered a severe seizure from what drs say was a ruptured stomach tumour. She was only 11. just over 2 mths short of her 12th birthday. I was devastated by her quick passing, but I knew having her humanley euthanised was the best for her. I couldn't see her suffer. Good news is we are bringing home our new puppy on the 17th of September. She will never replace Rose, just as Rose never replaced Holly, but there is room in our hearts for another. She is another golden retreiver. We will be setting Rosey's ashes next to Holly's under the willow tree at the lake very soon. Just this past Sunday, I said goodbye to my beloved gelding "BLUE". He suffered for years with unknown lameness issues. He saw chiropractors, equine massage specialists and many others until last June (2010), he was officially diagnosed with navicular disease by my daughter, Angela, DVM 2012 and a partner from a clinic she was working at. We tried a number of treatments, the best being corrective shoeing and arthritis meds. This kept him comfortable and fairly sound for a year and then this year, nothing seemed to help. He was having difficulty walking, getting up and was in alot of pain. He went very peacefully and thanks to Dr. Dave for making it so. Special thanks to my dear friend Sherry for helping me through this. She has been through this and truly knows how it feels. You need to know what the right thing to do is and when to do it even though it tears at your heart.
Blue was born at Fern Valley Farms on August 19, 1994. He was perfect. He lived his whole live there and became very special to everyone who knew him. He was a kids horse right from day one. I don't know how many pictures we have of him with 4 or 5 kids drapped all over him. He became mr reliable, mr safe for all who rode him. He looked after everyone and never complained. I lost Schiroc, Blue's dam in 2006 and now him in 2011. Someone once siad to me, We do not ask horses to be part of our lives, we ask to be part of theirs. I would like to quote Iian Shamir, the author of Advice from Nature series,
ADVICE FROM A HORSE
Take life's hurles in stride
Loosen the reins
Be free spirited
Keep the burrs from under your saddle
Carry your friends when they need it
Keep stable
Gallop to greatnesss
I learned alot of this from my horses and will continue to enjoy my mare Peps and my daughters horse Digger.
I will introduce you to the newest member of our family after the 17th.
Thanks for listening.

THERE IS LIFE OUT THERE

2010-08-30T11:32:00.004-06:00

My sister Donna and BIL Mike on their cruise, February 2010

Summer is almost over and I haven't had a second to catch up. When I last posted, I talked about my BIL Mike and his battle with cancer. This is where I will start my summer. Our beloved Mike finally let go and took his last breath on June 26th. We had a wonderful memorial July 6th with over 100 family and friends. Mike's favorite drink was Gibsons Rye and on special occasions he would pull out the Gibson's rare. It was sacrilege to add mix to this so on his day we toasted to Mike and with each toast a shot of Gibson's rare was to be enjoyed by all. After many toasts and many stories we all became much closer and understood who Mike was. It was a beautiful day and we will miss him dearly.

After this I needed to get away and recharge so I took my daughter Angela, DVM 2012 and we went on a four day back country horse pack trip in beautiful Lake Louise area. It was absolutely perfect. It was just the two of us with a guide and a cook. Although our first camp was destroyed by a grizzly, it made the experience even more special. We just made a cook tent and a camp tent out of what was left and had a great time. It was nice to spend some one on one time with Angela. The horses we had were two great appys. One was a young horse named Skyler that had never been on a pack trip before and after two days and 8,000 feet of climb, he finally slowed down and took things a little slower. The little appy I had was a rescue that the Alberta SPCA has rescued about three years ago from a reserve. His name was Sunchild and he was the owner's favorite and I was honored that she felt I was trustworthy enough to take her baby out. The trip was too short and I would definitely go again, only longer. The scenery was spectacular and the company and food exceptional. This outfit is first class. Timberline Tours, Sue and Paul Peyto

Angela and I on our pack trip to the mountains.

Then in August, hubby and I went back to Manitoba to the family cottage in the Whiteshell. The lakes in Alberta are pretty scuzzy except for the mountain lakes and some of the bigger ones in the north so we headed east to enjoy some quiet time and great swimming. Westhawk lake is a meteor crater formed lake so it is very deep and clear. Over the past thirty years that I have been going there, the water has always been very clean and you could drink the water. It is now starting to show signs of over use and the quality is not as great as it was but the swimming is still great. We spent hours sitting on the dock, listening to the loons, going fishing and tons of swimming. Hubby and i spent two evenings at a little lake called Hunt lake with our simple fishing rods, our earthworms and catching small fish. It was fun putting the worms on the hooks and catching fish. We had our Golden Retreiver Rosie with us and what a hoot she was. She quickly understood if the bobber moved, there was a fish. We would pull it up and she would play with the fish. Not hurt it but paw at it until it jumped back in the water. It was such a special time. I will remember and cherish this time forever. We took our time getting to Wpg. Usually we do the trip in about 14 hrs straight but this time, we stopped in Saskatoon to deliver items for Angela for school, headed south to a little place called Abernathy where my husband's family first started out in the early 1900's. Drove through the most beautiful country. Who knew that Saskatchewan was so beautiful. Everyone claims, Saskatchewan is so flat that if your dog ran away you could watch it for three days. Not so. Absolutely breathtaking. Coming back was a different story. We drove from Northwestern Ontario to Edmonton in 14 hrs. Our young Vet student became quite ill and ended up in hospital in ICU. Developed a blood infection from a previous surgery that hadn't healed well and then working with horses all summer picked up some strange bacteria. While she was in hospital her younger sister and I cleaned up her living space at the clinic and helped her repack her belongings and got her ready for her return to Vet school in Saskatoon. So thinking okay, time to head out to our cottage and to the horses for some riding time. Not. Started a reno of our downstairs bathroom. What we thought was a simple bathroom renovation is turning into a complete reno of the rec room as well. Taking longer and of course way more money than we thought. Hubby and I spent most of yesterday putting up drywall and putting in electrical. Trying to save a buck my doing it ourselves as much as possible. Well after the 12th sheet, the last two being 10 feet long, I was exhausted and physically beaten. Had a hot bath and went to bed and slowly hauled myself out of bed this morning. Every muslce and joint hurt. The day wasn't all work and no play though. Went to the local horse show with Sherry from FV yesterday. Only been in one other show in my life and that was many moons ago with my old mare Schiroc. Just a little local show but fun. Thought I would take my young Mare Peps, so entered her in a halter class for 5 yr and up mares. Peps is a bit of a flighty mare. Gets excited and nervous. Thougth this would be a good learning opportunity for both of us. Spent Saturday, cleaning her up, practising squaring up, trotting in hand etc. She picked it up really well. Get to the show, and unload her and she is as calm as can be. The whole environment didn't seem to bother her. We practised some more and all went well until her little buddy Cat left her side and did her class. Settled again once Cat came back. Took her to the gate to enter the arena for her class and bingo, the anxiety and nervousness took over for both of us, her more than me though. I forgot all about squaring her up in front of the judge. she did trot well though in hand but would not stand still in line. All the other horses are standing nose to tail, very quiet and here is Peps, standing 90 degrees to everyone else and taking me for a ride in circles. Really wanted Cat for security. Right at the end of the class when the judge in making her selections did Peps decide to stand still. Left the arena and she was good and quiet and well behaved again. She's never been in that atmosphere before so hopefully this was a good learning experience for her. We were probably the talk of the place afterwards, " What a joke that was" but I don't care. I had fun, spent some great time with my horse and learned alot too. At least I didn't have to crank on my horse before the class and after as so many others were doing. Peps and I were just ourselves. No pretense or trying to be something we're not. So during all these things over the summer, I did manage to get in some pleasure riding. Helped FV with getting the mares bred. Ran for re election to the Summer Village Council. Kept my flower garden and rose garden weeded and they're still blooming. My other horse Blue is doing great. With his new shoes and his arthritis meds, you can't tell that he has navicular and arthritis. He still is not 100% and will never be but at least now he is comfortable and hopefully pain free and when we do get time to go out, we have fun. Haven't ridden at all in August, but end of July I had a good ride on each of my ponies and actually Peps and I had our first gallop in an open space. It felt good. She was having issues leaving the farm but with FV's help got her going and we had a great ride. I've also started making jam and jelly. The apples and crabapples are a bumper crop this year.

It is now approaching the first week of September. Maybe now things will slow down, the weather will straighten out and I can finally get back in the saddle and enjoy the fall colours.
p.s. I will add more pictures once I get to my own computer. stay tuned!

SAD ENDINGS, NEW BEGINNINGS

2010-06-21T16:08:00.004-06:00

It's been awhile I know since I've posted. Been really busy but events in my life make me want to talk to my blogging friends. Firstly, my BIL Mike is not doing so well. According to my sister's facebook, haven't talked to her this week yet, Mike is confined to bed other than going to the washroom, which requires two people to get him up. He is having difficulty speaking and gets frustrated not being able to get his point across. She says he still has some fight in him from somewhere. Mike never gave up on a project, on people and now life. I know his days are probably few in number now and I want to thank him for being the rock in our family and helping the rest of us get through difficult times. He is truly a great person, the one who never said no, always there in times of need. I don't know how to add music to my blog, but I would like you all to listen to a special song. Johnny Reed, THANKYOU. This song I dedicate to Mike. Like FV says, we should say thanks to our horses, we should say thankyou to those we love more often too.
Now to new beginnings. My horse Blue has started on a journey to become a new horse. His old self again. His history in short is he has been lame on and off for years. We checked his feet, sent him to chiropractors, osteopaths, vets etc. and all those seemed to help him but never for long. My daughter, DVM 2012 came out with a vet named Barb from where she works and they took exrays, did some nerve blocks, even got some thermal imaging done and we have finally come up with why. He has developed Navicular in both his front feet. He also has arthritis in both his hocks. Well Barb and Angela started him on a program today of administering a drug called Teldrin, but instead of hooking him to an IV bag, they put a turnique on his legs and administered this drug directly to the site. This will not only reduce my costs considerably but he will get relief sooner. His next step is getting bar shoes with shock absorbing pads put on his front feet. He also is getting monthly Legend shots for his arthritis. He won't need Teldrin again for six months and then another six months after that and then hopefully just once a year. I will keep you all posted as to his progress. He has been such a good boy so far, putting up with all the needles, the numbing of his legs, standing for xrays and just everything in general. I am so proud of him and hope to have him sound enough one day to actually take him for a little ride. But if I can't, just get him comfortable for the rest of his days would be good too. So until the next time I just need to talk. Here's to the first day of summer and hope you all have a nice one.

I THINK SUMMER IS HERE OR AM I DREAMING

2010-05-26T14:51:00.007-06:00

this is pretty close to the boat we rented called the Nanika.

Peps and I out on the trails

I know it has been sometime since I last blogged. My days seem to be getting busier and busier. At work today and things are slow so thought I would take this opportunity to catch up. Where to start. I guess at the beginning of May. Angela (DVM2012) moved back to Alberta from Saskatoon for the summer. She is working at Westwind Equine Services and is living there as well. Only see her bout once a week. She and I have been taking Thursdays as our day to go riding. Have to work this week so she is on her own. She keeps her young warmblood Eurus at friends close by to her work so she sees him regularly. Got him back from the trainers and is really enjoying him. Very different that her wild child Digger.
The first weekend of May, both Ange and Rob were h ome so we went to the lake and to the farm. They took me riding for Mother's day, a week early but it was still nice.

Robert on Digger, Angela on Classy and me on Peps

Went to Winnipeg for a few days early in May to visit my brother-in-law who is dying from pancreatic cancer. Sure glad we went. He is deteriorating quite fast. Very thin and frail. He is in a hospice right now and my sister is bringing him home now for daily visits. What do you say to someone when you know you won't probably see them again. it was really hard to say goodbye so we just told him we'll see him again in August. Although it doesn't look like he will be with us that long. It was good to spend some time with my sister, one on one. She had to put her baeutiful sheltie Abbey down when we were there as well. She is a very strong person and I admire her so much.

Ange and I went riding and took out Peps for the first time away from the farm. She did awesome. Even managed to do our first lope. She really loves to walk out. the next week we went again only farther and much more different and difficult terrain. She never stopped once. Kept on going although she was somewhat tired when we got back. Increase our length of rides and terrain each time so she won't get bored and help build her stamina.

Spent the long weekend in BC with friends. We rented a 36 ft Grand Banks troller and toured the islands. Spent our nights moored in Poets Voce on South Pender Island. I've never been before and had such a great time. Landed in Sidney and spent some time on each end visiting all the wonderful book stores, shops etc, The hilight of the four days was seeing 5 different pods of Orca whales. They are such beautiful, mysterious creatures. Also saw one grey whale, bunches of Stellar sea lions, porpoises, seals, bald eagles and of course the chicken of the sea, those pesky sea gulls. If you're ever wanting a place to get in touch with nature and relax and rejuvinate, then head to Poets Cove. The scenery and fresh air are second to none.

Poets Cove Marina where we moored for three nights

Poets Cove Resort and spa

Interior of the Nanika

Heading away again this weekend. I have a Small Communities conference in Mannville, Alberta to attend. Part of my duties as an elected official is to learn as much as I can and put what I learn to good use. It is an election year this year and I have decided to run again. Why, when it takes up so much of my time. Well someone needs too and I've always said, either put up or shut up. There's those in this world who complain about everything, everyone, that they could do it better, but when push comes to shove, they don't step up to the plate. This hopefully is my last committment for awhile. I just want to head out to my cottage, which is close to the farm, and ride my ponies and enjoy some summer before it is gone again.

I LOVE MY PONIES

2010-04-26T12:25:00.003-06:00

Been very busy since Easter, hence the not blogging problem. Went to Banff middle of the month. Hubby had a conference so I got to hang out and have some quality me time. Did lots of walking, checking out the sites etc. there is this great wooded trail by our hotel, beautiful warm sunny day and as I'm walking thinking to myself boy this sure would be nice on horseback, and what goes down the trail in front of me, but the most beautiful dark golden palomino. Looked like a draft cross. Anyway, the thought of old time horse thief came to mind and I really started to miss my ponies. So I figured, there's a stable here in Banff. I'll just go and rent a horse and enjoy the mountains. I get there and see two beautiful appys and my heart is saying oh yeah, wouldn;'t it be beautiful to ride these trails; and then my brain takes over and says are you nuts. Why would you spend $45 an hour to follow nose to tail on someone else's horse. so I just watched the horses and went on my merry way on my own two feet really missing my horses now.
So this weekend, head to the Mane Event in Red Deer with Sherry from Fern Valley. Wonderful event, met so many nice people and was great to finally meet fellow appy breeders in the area. Came back late Saturday. Spent Sunday helping Fern, holding horses etc for the ferrier. Brought in my boy Blue who has had quite a bit of leisure time this winter. Still not going great. Was a real good boy getting his feet done and then although hated it, did free lunge for me to see where he was off. Seems to be in his back end this time. maybe stifle, hips. Will get Kevin out from Bluequine to take a look at him. Brought in my young mare Peps who hasn't had much attention the last while. I am loving this mare more and more. She has such a sweet temperament and is such a loving mare. This is the same one that I had my accident on over a year ago so I haven't had the greatest confidence on her, mostly my fault as she has been really good. Last time I rode her was probably over amonth ago. As I am bringing her up, had to pass by the two stallions. Of course she has to be in heat, so is stepping out pretty good, tail in the air, really flirting you know, so thought this could be good today but once I got her tied and started brushing her she settled right down. Get her saddled and in the round pen, lunged her abit and then go to get on and can't get the old leg up that high. Now what. I've never used any type of mounting help with her before so wasn't sure but found a concrete block so used that and she stood so well. Rode around for about 5 minutes, could tell she was bored of this so got off, opened the gates and then again, same problem, how do I get up on her. Cheated and walked her over to the hill and got on again. Didn't move an inch on me. This is the first time that she hasn't moved when getting on. We had a great ride, she wanted to jog the whole way so I think she's not going to be a problem in keeping up that's for sure. I felt so good on her. Wasn't nervous at all and my stomach didn't act up at all. Can't wait to ride again and see what this girl can do. Would be nice to have someone to ride with though. Maybe this weekend?
I don't know what it is but after spending time with my horses, I always feel refreshed, rejuvenated, just outright happy. Isn't it great what our horses do for us?

ONE OF THE BEST EASTERS

2010-04-04T21:05:00.010-06:00

Happy Easter everyone! What a beautiful one it has been so far. Usually everyone meets here for holidays but this year with Angela on crutches and unable to drive we decided to go to Saskatoon for Easter. Left on Friday morning and arrived there in time for lunch. Our son Robert, who too is on crutches, drove up from Hanna on Thursday. Three of Angela's room mates were there as well so I cooked up Easter dinner for eight on Saturday. Loved it.

Angela is on crutches cause she had the plate and screws removed from her leg and Robert is on crutches cause he again put his knee out at work. This time it did not go so well. Ended up at the hospital where they took xrays and put him in a rather cumbersome full leg walking cast and crutches. He will be scheduled for an MRI and then hopefully can get this situation fixed once and for all.

After our very filling dinner on Saturday, the five of us went to the barn to see Classy. Now I'm not the person to waste a perfectly good opportunity to ride a good horse. After riding her earlier in the year, I knew what a nice horse she is. Saddled her up and had a great ride in the arena with instructor Angela giving direction and hobbling around the arena. Wish I had a camera. The others showed up and my youngest Cara, who is a good rider but hasn't ridden in about two years steps up on Classy and within two minutes had her doing what she wanted. She looked great up there and she was so happy that she has decided that she would like to ride with her sister and have her teach her a few finer points of riding. Cara actually wished she could of ridden Classy longer but it was getting dark and quite cool so we called it a night and went for coffee/hotchocolate/london fogs and spent some nice family time together. Dropped Cara and Ange off at the house and then Rob, Brian and I went back to the hotel and sat and watched the hockey game in the bar. Rob even bought us the beers for a change. Spent some more time today with them this morning and then Rob headed back to Hanna and the three of us headed back to Edmonton. Brian fixed alot of minor but important things in the house for the girls. A constantly running toilet, sinks without running water and sinks with no cold water were all fixed, Angela's bike was fixed and the front and back yards were raked and leaves put in the compost. Brian hates to sit still so he thoroughly enjoyed puttering and fixing things. All in all it was a great weekend all around. We don't all get together much any more and we sure cherish the times we do. It's so hard to beleive that our children are growing up and starting lives of their own.

Cara on Classy. Look at that seat and posture. She's a natural and doesn't know it.

Just to add. I went to a meeting last weekend for a Appaloosa group that I have been a member of for some time but have never managed to actually meet in person. Enjoyed the education session put on by Dr. mavis Holyrod DVM on deworming and vaccinations. Angela and I were actually able to talk about medical stuff for a change. After the meeting was a social time but unfortunately I had to leave so was again unable to socialize with the group but will hopefully see alot of them at the Mane Event in Red Deer coming up the end of April that Sherry and I are participating in. We are showcasing the farm and the horses as part of the ApHCC booth. Should be alot of fun. Hopefully I or we can make one of the many trail rides that this group puts on every year.

This is a picture of the cake I made for our meeting. Ended up having to leave it there without even getting a taste. Sure had fun making it though.

P.S. Do have a nice photo of the whole family but was unable to get it off my son's camera. He will send to me tomorrow and I will add to the post.

VISITED BY AN ANGEL

2010-03-25T20:41:00.005-06:00

We're back from San Diego and what a beautiful city. The weather was perfect. Not a bit of rain. Our hotel was stunning. Hotel Del Coronado. Our room was in the Cabanas, second floor and we looked out onto the pool.Very sheek and expensive but the compnay was paying. We rented bikes and cycled around for the day. Saw alot of the island and spent time in Balboa Park. The beaches are to die for. I got so burned though sitting around the pool. Actually sat back and relaxed and read a whole novel in two days. The trip home was an experience. I had been watching the weather channel and knew that the Denver area was expecting a major spring snow storm so when we got to the airport and our flight was scheduled to leave on time, thought maybe the storm had passed. Wrong. We were half way into our flight to Denver to connect to our flight to Edmonton, when the captain announced that we would be heading to Albequerque (spelling?)as the storm was too heavy in Denver. We sat on the tarmack for an hour until they decided to try to make it to Denver. We got to Denver and then 2 hours later we were told that our connecting flight was cancelled. Needless to say we spent the night in the terminal. Hundreds of us. Got home about 12 hours later that expected without our luggage. They found it though and it was delivered to us today. Now to the point of this blog. Sat beside an older lady and didn't really talk much at first. We got to talking about family, travelling etc. and I must say she was a real blessing. As I talked with her, her facial expressions and mannerisms throughout reminded me very much of my mother. She's the same age as my mom. She lost her husband after 60 years of marriage and was coming home from visiting her son in San Diego for two months. Found out she was diebetic and with the long wait in albequerque she was feeling a little weak. She travels with her own insulin shots but didn't bring enough snacks. Helped her get something to eat and drink and from then on I just felt I had to help- her throughout the whole ordeal. We sat together in the terminal. I tried to find her a place to sleep but only managed a blanket. At least she was warm. Helped her through that and then all the way to the lost baggage counter. We asked if she needed a ride home and she told us her daughter was there to pick her up. You know I really wish I had asked her name and where she lived. She was scheduled for cataract surgery today and I would really like to know how she's doing. I feel so good and I know that my mom was there at some time during this whole situation. I feel so blessed to have met this wonderful lady. I thank her.

MORE ON MY HORSES

2010-03-18T11:18:00.004-06:00

Thanks to FV, I found the picture she referred to in my last blog. This boy was an outriders pick up horse so he could really fly. I don't think I've gone this fast in a long long time. This picture was probably taken about 33 yrs ago. I'd love to feel that much rush again.

On another note. I have been puppy less all week. My son Robert who works down in Hanna Alberta. Very small town, not alotof young people his age. Anyway he was missing our dog Rosey very much, in fact more than we humans, so he asked if he could take her for the week. This was the only week that he could as they are expected to start field work next week and he will be away long hours and sometimes overnight. His roommate, Christie, justs loves Rosey and the dog is loving it there. She gets double the walks, double the treats and double the attention. I may not get her back. It seemed really guite hilarious. I packed her an overnight bag, with her bowls, leash collar, blanket, and her two favorite toys as well as her food. We were joking as to what other dog gets to go on vacation. I miss her so much. I haven't been out walking all week. She'll be home for less than a day and then hubby and I leave for San Diego for a few days. He has a conference there and he usually takes me with him if he can. I love these small freguent get aways, Like mini vacations.

Up date on my brother in law who I posted about earlier that was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They went on a cruise at the end of February to the Caribbean. It was very nice but it took alot out of him. he had a couple bad days on the ship but the crew and staff were amazing for them. He has started chemo, only to help releive some of the pain. He was in pretty bad shape last week and was hospitalized. Dehydrated, low blood sugar, and other complications. My sister was sure that he only had a few days. She is off work now too as the strain of the illness is taking its toll on her too. We are on standby and if she calls that he is taking a turn for the worst than we are flying down to see him. If all goes well, we are scheduled to go down in early June. I just might try and go earlier just to be on the safe side. I want to be able to visit him when he's alert and still able to visit. This hurts so much as Mike has been a brother to me since I was about 10 or 12 yrs old. I'd like to go on a vacation with my sister after Mike is gone and hopefully get our girls to go with us somewhere and my other two sisters as well. We'll see.

FOR THE LOVE OF HORSES

2010-03-17T19:24:00.010-06:00

My first two horses, Jigsaw and Big Red,

Schiroc through the years and Blue

Peps the first day I saw her

Peps and me this winter.

Thouhgt I'd better fill in the blanks about my horses. A number of you have commented how nice Peps coloring is. She is different I'll say that. But her story starts many years ago. too many really but I will try and remember. Who I am begins with my mother as a girl. She grew up in the days of horses more than automobiles. She wasn't afraid of any horse. She would ride anything from the cantankerous shetland pony to the big draft work horses. She also challenged many of the boys at the Swift Current rodeo that she could ride the wild two year olds before they could. Well she did it many times. Well that's where I get my passion for horses, which I have passed on to my daughter Angela. As I said in FV's blog, my first horse was a screwed up pie bald track pony that I named Jigsaw. I think immaturity and no training on my part and his wild, cantankerous nature on his part, made for a bad match. After selling him, a year later I bought another track pony. Only this one was an outriders horse and they didn't get along and he threatened to send him to the glue factory so I again let my emotions win. My gut feeling was right. He was a great horse for me. Loved all women, all kids and only one man and that was my dad. He was a standardbred/arab cross whom I named BiG Red. I was heart broken when I had to sell him. The stable he was at raised the rent so much that I couldn't afford to keep him. I to this day wonder how his life was. He was a great great horse. I swore then that I would never buy another horse unless I could keep it forever. Years went by, forgot about horses, got married and moved to Alberta. I still have a picture of the perfect horse that I wanted when I was about 5 years old. It was a black and white appaloosa with a white blanker and large black spots. About a year after we were married, I found an add in the paper for a black and white appaloosa filly. Told my husband I wasn't going to buy her just wanted to look. Well saw her and my life changed forever. She was 16 mths old, barely halter broke, crazy thing but I had to have her. My wonderful husband not knowing how long horses can live, let me buy her. After the sale was done, he asked how long do horses live, thinking this was going to be a short lived affair. When I told him at least 20 yrs. he knew that horses would be in our lives forever. Schiroc turned out to be my friend, my teacher, my kids nanny and teacher and much more. I bred her to FV's stallion Chile Poivre and got my boy Blue who is affectionately known as the little prince around the farm although he is now close to 15 yrs old and 15.3 hands high. There have been many offers for him, but he will stay mine forever too. When I lost Schiroc after 24 years, a huge void was left. I looked at many sites, trying to find the right horse and my husband always saying no more horses. Well I can thank Sherry for filling that void. She found an add, no picure, just written add for a grey appaloosa filly. We took the trailer just in case, but I really didn't think this was the one. I even told my husband we were going to look at a horse for sherry. Well she walked around the corner and I almost fainted. It was my old girl reincarnated. As she has gotten older, the resemblance is disappearing but it is like the old girl is still with us as Peps does things sometimes that are so eery. It is exactly the old girl just in a different wrapper. Peps and I have had some difficulties, but I think now we are one. She is such a sweet girl and I love her very much and hope we can have the same relationship as my old girl Schiroc and I had. Peps is my last horse for me. I have blue and now her and if I do decide to breed her to either Cactus or Phoenix, I hope some really nice foals come of it and I can give the world what I have in both my ponies.

WELL WHERE TO BEGIN

2010-03-08T19:53:00.009-07:00

The famous Welcome to Vegas sign where everyone has to have their picture taken.

Our hotel Mandaly Bay, just a beautiful hotel, great rooms, Angela wanted to take her bed home with her. Very expensive. We got a great package deal. Only way we could afford this.

this was the view from our room. What a way to wake up in the morning. Hubby is an early riser so he would venture over to the McDonalds across the street and bring us coffee and breakfast sandwich.

This is Fremont Street at night. You must see this. It is amazing. A 4 block long tv screen when at night they entertain you. It was a tribute to Queen the week we were there. and there was a great Johnny Cash impersonator. Had the place just rocking. We were there three times. Cheap but very good food.

Thought I would blog right after we got back from our trip to Vegas. But didn't. Vegas was nice, don't get me wrong but for a girl from the prairies and a bit of a Defender of the Environment, I found Vegas to be somewhat decantent and waste full. Talk about not being real. all the Casinos/hotels are all copies of the real thing only in much smaller versions. I guess if you haven't seen the real thing, they can be exciting. It was definitely worth seeing once.The whole experience was exciting and very glad we went. Another highlight was going to Toby Keith's Bar and Grill. Great food but some really weird stuff. Our hotel was the Mandalay Bay which is located on the south end of the strip. The view from our room was stunning. The pool area was great and we really enjoyed the Shark Reef acquarium. Hey if I can handle Manhattan, I can handle Vegas. We detoured out of Vegas for two days and toured the Grand Canyon and Zion park. Absoulutely stunning. Well worth it. Was good to see the country and the majestic peaks. It was definitely a surprise to find so much snow in the area.

Had a great weekend this past weekend. The weather was gorgeous. Saturday's high was 10 celsius or 50 farenheit. Went riding on Angela's gelding Digger. Definitely know you've been riding on that boy. Really moves out. Then on Sunday, I saddled up my young mare and took her out of the round pen, off the farm for the first time since our accident in October of 08. The road was in great shape and I think she really enjoyed the experience as much as I did. Felt so recharged. I feel like I can do anything again. Finally got rid of all the demons. Can't wait for this weekend. Hope the weather cooperates.

Peps was not to pleased. She thought we were done. Hasn't gotten used to the off and on routine. Not the best picture but all I have from the weekend.

NEW BEGINNINGS AND SOME OF THE SAME

2010-02-10T19:36:00.005-07:00

Angela (DVM2012) with Blue when he was just a month old

Just thought I would update everyone on my boys. First my son Robert is getting quite settled in his new life living in Hanna. Work has kept him quite busy, reading, renewing first aid, safety training etc. getting ready for when they can get into the field and start doing some real work. He started curling there right away although the season ends soon. He says it a very sleepy town but once summer comes, he's hoping to be very busy working and travelling the province to really worry about finding enough to do in town. He is coming home this weekend for the family day holiday. Hopefully I can get him out riding with me. Load him up with more stuff to help get my basement cleaned out. It's amazing after 27 years in one place how much junk one can hoard.
Up date on my other boy Blue. (4 legged one). I posted earlier that Blue had a visit from Kevin and Sigrid from Blue Equine and how he had become the horse of old. Well he had a bit of a relapse it seems. When Angela (DVM2012)was last out we tried to head out for a ride. Blue seemed somewhat stiff bringing him up from his pen. Thought that maybe he was just stiff as hadn't been out much. Well the longer we went the more lame he became. He was such a brave boy. Tried so hard to go and didn't hesitate when I asked him. I felt horrible about making him go out. I got off him and we walked all the way home. Luckily it was only about 1/4 of a mile. Well called Kevin and they came out on Monday and low and behold, Blue had definitely done something. Kevin figured some of it could have been residual from the first time but he had pulled his stifle and was needing some adjustment to his back and neck. Less than an hour later, he seemed much better, moving out well and carrying himself better. Didn't get a chance then to ride him but hope to this weekend if the conditions permit. The weather is suppose to be good but that can also lead to bad footing, when its not quite warm enough to really melt the snow but just provides a slippery surface. Will wait and see. This is for FV, that if you had your indoor arena, I would be using it all the time. I would have used it on Monday and again this weekend. I would be putting the hours and miles on Peps. I know it takes more than one person using the arena to pay for it but just to let you know, I would be so in. I want to thank Sigrid and Kevin for making my Blue Boy better and if he disappears in the night, I know where to find them.

Robert riding Blue

Angela riding Blue and just look at that nice green grass and blue sky and bare armas. Oh will be so nice soon, we just need to BELEIVE. Do You Beleive?

The opening ceremonies of the winter olympics are on Friday. GO CANADA GO.

MIXED EMOTIONS

2010-01-31T21:21:00.006-07:00

Robert and i did a road trip 2 summers ago and this is in Writing on Stone Provincial Park in Southeast Alberta.

That same road trip only this time in Waterton Lake National Park. He loves to hike and he dragged up and down so many trails. I would do it again in a heart beat. We actually hiked into British Columbia on one of our hikes.

He and his sister Angela (DVM2012) and the dog on the nature hike to McGilverary Falls in the Whiteshell in Southeastern Manitoba

This is in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. No matter where he goes, he experiences the true natural side of the country

Snowmobiling in Whiteshell, Manitoba. One of his passions.

After all that hiking and stuff, one must relax and keep up the fluids. This is on one of the family trips to Cuba.

These last picturs are from different summers spent in the northwest portion of Alberta, working in bush camps etc.

As mentioned in an earlier blog, my son Robert, the oldest of my three children has moved away from home and started his future in Hanna Alberta. He starts his new job tomorrow with Tera Environmental Consulting. I am very happy and proud of him but also a bit sad. As parents, we enter into parenthood not knowing what our children will be like. What kind of person they will become. We spend our days, teaching, guiding, disciplining, and hoping that they will grow up to be good people,with good values, kind hearts and someone others will admire. Whether we are parents, grand parents, aunts, uncles or friends, we all have an input into how the children we are involved with turn out. My son has always loved animals, nature, the environment. Ever since he was a young boy he wanted to be a forest ranger. He could spend hours playing in the grass with his dinosaurs or animal figurines. He graduated this past April, with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation sciences,majoring in Conservation Biology and Rangeland Management. He has spent the last few summers working with different organizations, living in bush camps, trailers or whatever but always out in the bush, studying trees, grasses, weeds, etc. doing what he loves best. These jobs were always just for the four summer months and he always came back in September for school. He is now entering a new phase of his life; starting his career. It's only 3 and a half hours from home, but it feels like another continent. I'm proud of him and know that his dad and I did a great job in preparing him to start on his own journey. Here are a few picutes of him over the years, doing what he loves best.
As a mom, I guess I am worried, will he eat right, can he look after himself, and then part of me is saying It's about time, I've done all I can. Time for him to, as his Aunt Sherry says, "Let go of the rope". Thanks Sherry for helping to raise such a fine young man. I think we've done good. Now it is up to him. Good luck Rob.

IT'S ONLY JUST BEGUN AND ALREADY

2010-01-25T19:30:00.006-07:00

The new year has just begun and already the first month is almost in the history books. What a month it has been. Alot of stuff; good and bad happened this month. Where to start? I guess at the beginning. After a great Christmas, started the year at Fv's sisters for New Years Eve. A quiet affair but a nice visit. Started the vehicles at 11:55 and on the strike of 12, had our champagne, hugs and kisses and all headed off to bed. Great partiers that we are. Angela went back to Saskatoon and son Robert anxiously waited to hear back from a great employment opportunity. He got the call and is heading down to Hanna, Alberta to take a position with Tera Environmental as a Vegetation specialist in three days. This is exactly what he took in university for four years and is very excited. Was suppose to spend the first 3 or 4 days in Calgary for orientation etc. but received an email this week that it will be only 1 day and then into the field. He is very excited about getting back into the field. Not much snow there, very very dry area. So now we have two that have left the nest. Just leaves the youngest at home technically, although we don't see her much with University, extra curricular activities and the social life. She is thinking of heading east to Manitoba for school in the fall. Don't know if I'm ready to have all three gone. The house is already feeling empty. Thank god we have Rosie, our golden retreiver, gives us something to care for.

After loosing my mom over a year ago, I have been looking for something that I could get that would help keep her in my heart and thoughts. We grew up with a wind up mantle chime clock. The Big Ben chime. Now this clock was really loud but we grew used to it and it never kept us up. Well I found one very similar to it. It is not a wind up but a quartz. German made, the same colour, chime and almost the same shape. This one has a night time quiet switch and a volume control so it doesn't disturb anyone's sleep. It chimes every 1/4 hour and then the full hour count on the hour. I love it. Makes me feel good and reminds me of my mom. It is chiming now as I type this. It's funny how certain things from your past can mean so much in the present.

The weather turned from bitterly cold to melting which made the ability to ride my horses pretty impossible. When I did get a chance, all I got was APPYTUDE from my young mare. Going great until a bird flew out of the bush and that was all she needed to end the day. Just put on those appy brakes and there was no way she was going forward. Did manage to get her to some things that I wanted, thanks to FV so we ended the day on a good note. She is a sweetheart of a mare, very loving and gentle, never bucks or anything but boy when she brings forth her stubborn streak, the thighs and legs get quite a work out. I was pretty stiff the next day. Felt as if I had been riding for a week straight.

Angela was home this weekend for a couple of job interviews for the summer. We tried to go for a ride on Sunday, but Blue was pretty sore. We thought maybe just stiff from not going out for awhile, but the longer we went the worse he got. I think it is his shoulder again and am having Sherry contact Kevin to see if he can come check him out again. He was doing really good. The wind was really cold anyway so we would have turned around shortly after that anyway. Angela has the plaque so was quite under the weather for the most part.

Spent as much time at the farm on the weekend as I could. Helped muck out stalls, Ivomeck the cows, etc. I love working at the farm. It is different from what I do during the week and I always feel so alive, although tired, when I come home. Saturday night took the whole family, all five of us to Sherry and Martin's and my husband Brian, son Robert and daughter Cara along with Martin assembled S & M's dining chairs. My hubby loves this type of stuff. Hates to see anything unfinished. If there is something to be done, he is never shy in getting involved and getting the job done. Sometimes his enthusiasim gets the better of him, but at least he's always there, willing to help.

Sherry and I also went to the Horse owners and Breeders conference in Red Deer. It was a fun couple of days. Met lots of new people and some from the past. Horse people are always so friendly I find and love to talk. Some great educational sessions. We had some pretty hilarious times where we were laughing so hard, our stomachs hurt. Trying not to wake each other up with our snoring was a challenge and gave some great fits of laughter afterwards. Thanks Sherry for going with me and it was a great time.

There were alot of fun times, busy times and just good hard work times, but there was also a sad time. Why is it that those that deserve the best get the worst out of life. My brother in law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early this month. He is 57. It is unoperable and even chemo/radiation won't help him. The doctors have given him 9-12 months. I have known this man for most of my life. I think I was 11 or 12 when I first met him. He has been a brother to me more than my own brother has. He was always the shoulder to cry on, the one to give advice, or the one to just listen. If anyone needed a hand, Mike was there. He always put others first. Good Irish boy that loved a good drink, a fun time and good friends. It just isn't fair. Going to head out that way as soon as the weather is good enough for them to open the trailer for the season and then spend some good quality time with he and my sister. She is being so strong through this but I know deep down this is killing her too.

Well this month is almost done and February looks to be just as busy if not busier for me. We booked a trip to Vegas though for the 21 to 26. Taking Angela with us as she has not had a holiday since Christmas of 08. Our first time so if any of you have been and have any pointers as to what to see, where to eat etc. the tips would be great. We are renting a car and heading to the Grand Canyon, Zion national park for a couple of days. Want to try and see one show for sure but there are alot of other attractions in the city to see too. Will be a full five or so days. Looking so forward to it.

Don't have any pictures from the past month to share so have attached some historical footage. enjoy. talk to all again soon.

Angela riding Fernvalley's Jazz

Angela holding some of the kittens from the farm. They almost look like twins

Sherry Angela and I out for one of our too few rides.

Angela and Blue. Even at a young age, she had a way with horses.

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

2010-01-10T21:48:00.007-07:00

This is Angela with her two year old Eurus.

This is me and Peps on our Christmas ride.

This is Blue and I on our Christmas ride with Angela and Digger

This is a picture out our back window of our cottage. The moon was so bright, it was almost like daylight outside at midnight.

Well it's been a year now since I first started this blog. I've found it to be a great way to vent, or too just talk and meet new people and follow others stories. This past year was fun and eventful. From travelling to New York and visiting family in Winnipeg,to cruising Alaska with FV and hubby; to overcoming my fear and getting on my horse again to working with my young filly, I'd say it was a good year. The year ended with a great family Christmas. Our three kids were home and we spent the holidays enjoying family time and catching up. The weather was cold for most of it but Angela and I did manage to get a couple nice rides in. The first day we took the boys and went for over an hour. The next day she helped me with my young mare Peps and we took her out for a bit of a trail ride and she worked her two year old Eurus for abit. She also managed to get in some snowmobiling with her dad and brother. The first week of the New Year was hectic. Fell behind in alot of things over the holidays so spent the week doing laundry, cleaning, working, just gertting caught up. Heading to Red Deer with Sherry (FV) for the Horse Owners and Breeders conference Jan 15-17th. Should be very informative and a great way to meet and interface with other horse people. I'm not one for making New Years resolutions but I do want to try and blog more, ride more and enjoy life more as we never know what tomorrow will bring, so enjoy what we have as much as we can.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2009-12-18T19:39:00.010-07:00

It's been some time since I last blogged but like FV I have been so busy getting ready for the holidays.I've made two Christmas cakes, christmas loaves, shopped, wrapped, mailed, presents for both families. Mine and hubby's. Decorated the house etc, and managed to fit a couple of days in at the office. But I think I am finally done and can now just rest and get ready for the day. Best news is that our girl Angela (DVM2012) is coming home tomorrow for two weeks. So excited to see her. I know it has only been a month since we last saw her, but we so miss her around here. She bought her Dad a webcam for his birthday and that has really helped. We can talk to her now and see her.
I am so tired these days, probably cause we've had such cold cold temperatures for the last two weeks or more. Haven't been able to get to the cottage, which also means not getting to the farm to see my ponies nor Sherry or to help her out. Going out on Sunday to help get hay and do what we can to get her on the road so that she and Martin can go Christmas shopping. The temperatures aren't suppose to be as warm as they first predicted, which was around -5 to zero. Highs of only -12-16. Oh well, warm enough to see the ponies and get some work done. We are very anxious to see the finished product on the renos. Waiting for the big house warming party. A real one not a virutal one although the virtual ones sounded awfully exciting.
Other than getting ready for Christmas, it has been too cold to do much else so that's about all the news. Oh I almost forgot, hubby bought me a new range for Christmas. Our old one was in the house when we bought it and we have lived here for 27 years so don't really know how old it was. Moved into the 21st century though and got a smooth top self cleaning. No more sticking my head in the oven and inhaling all those wonderful fumes. Doesn't seem like much but I am really excited about it. It is a challenge though, the heat is almost instant and it is very hot. I've only had one mishap so far and learned from that one.
Not much else, just looking forward to having my family all together and spending a nice Christmas at home. We are hoping to maybe getting to Banff or Jasper of a day or so. The kids want to go skiing for a day and I would just like to visit the mountains and take in their beauty. doesn't matter how many times I go, the mountains still remain very special to me and my family. Probably won't hear from me till after Christmas so just want to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE, HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR and we'll talk to you all in 2010.

This is the road on the farm that we love to ride down both winter and summer.

This is one of the farms we pass on our way to Fern Valley and to our cottage.

This is Rosey and Winston playing before Skitter arrived. Now it is the three of them always rough housing around.

WHERE'S THE SNOW

2009-11-29T20:50:00.008-07:00

(this picture was taken years ago when my three kids were quite small. We love snowmobiling and this is one of our favorite runs. this is me and the three kids)

Well it certainly was a strange but nice weekend. Here it is the end of November and it feels more like September. We usually have snow at this time of year. We got a small dumping last Friday night and it has managed to stay somewhat. All it has really done is make things miserable. After the snow, we got rain, not just a little bit but the most rain in November in over 50 years. All this managed to do was make the ground very slippery. After suffering with a headache for four days and sitting through two long meetings, I was really looking forward to heading out to the cottage and spending some time with my ponies at the farm. Well went to the farm on Saturday and hubby and I helped Sherry and Martin feeding the animals, moving bales etc. Since her house is in total chaos from the renos we had them over for supper, homegrown steaks, shrimp, scalloped potatoes. Thought we would play one game of scrabble before calling it a night. Sherry was kicking our butts until the last round. I added a 2 letter ending to an existing word and pulled ahead of her by 15 points. She'll get me next time for sure. Sunday started out quite dreary, overcast, warm and raining. Still wasn't feeling good though. I think I have a touch of the flu. Decided to stay away from the farm and try and get some decorating done for Christmas. After all it is just 25 days away. Felt really quilty though driving home as the sun was shining, +6 and I didn't get on my horses this weekend. Convinced myself that the footing was probably still really iffy. I guess I could've used the round pen. But my stomach feeling the way it did for most of the day, it was propably a good thing that I didn't try and ride. It was anyway a very nice relazing weekend. Where is my title in all this. I love the snow. It creates a different painting all the time. The cold temperatures I don't like, but I love the snow. Sure hope we get some soon as this in between brown on brown and ice is the pits. Thought I would add a couple of pictures from around our cottage during the winter.

(this is out our back window of our cottage)

(annual Christmas/New years hockey game on the lake)

ANOTHER BIG STEP

2009-11-23T22:33:00.008-07:00

This past weekend was another great adventure and full of excitement. Angela and I returned safely from Saskatoon so on Friday morning we head out to the farm to see the boys. We saddled up Blue and Digger and went for an amazing ride even though many of our favorite trails have been fenced off now due to the quad/skidoo trails being promoted in the area. We did find a nice trail though that is usually very boggy and unpasable with the horses. Been so dry this year and with the cold weather, the swamp was dry and hard and we had no trouble crossing it. We were out for about an hour and a half. Was one of those cloudy, damp cold days but we didn't feel the cold. Came back from there and Angela helped me with my filly Peps. Rode in the arena for awhile, she brought Blue in to get Peps used to working with other horses. After about twenty minutes, we ventured out of the round pen and went on our first trail ride. Just a little ride, but Peps was great. Wanted to be in the lead all the time. That way Blue couldn't giver her the evil eye and intmidate her. Sherry was surprised we went the way we did. She calls it the rabbit run. She had a bad wreck some years ago on her mare Get Rich Quick when a rabbit darted across the road and spooked Richie. I felt we might as well get it over with first but no bunnies so all went well. Then after finishing with Peps, Angela pulled out her baby Eurus, all 16 hands of him I'm sure. he is one big two year old. After a short coffee break with Sherry we headed home and the partying began in ernest for Angela and her brother and sister. It was really nice seeing the three of them head out together for the same event. It was a sisters weekend and the only boy allowed other than for dancing was their brother. After Friday, and then again Saturday till the wee hours of the morning, we celebrated Angela's 21st birthday on Sunday with Brunch and tea and cake before she headed home to Saskatoon. It was a great weekend and now I'm counting down the days until Angela is home and we are all together again. 26 days and counting.

This picture was taken many years ago. Angela was a horsewoman right from an early age. My old mare Schiroc was a good teacher. Can you also see a pattern here with my horses. I seem to be stuck on blue roans. This is my boy Blue's mama and Sherry's old stud Chile Poivre, pictured on her latest blog is his Dad.

I think I will add old photos with every post I do just to make it interesting.
What do ya think?

BACK FROM SASKATOON

2009-11-20T20:15:00.004-07:00

I'm back from Saskatoon. Helped Angela drive back. Had a great two days. Although the bus ride seemed like the trip from Hell. This bus stopped at every small not even on the map town in Saskatchewan. Had to laugh though. Since the incident last summer on the greyhound bus in Manitoba, their security measures have supposed to be vamped up. At your originating city, they check all your bags, and all your carry on, which is supposed to be limited to one small bag with reading material etc. No clothes, weapons, sharp objects, no glass bottles. Okay I'm with this. Safety is paramount. What seemed ludikrist to me was at the first stop, 10 mins long, a woman gets on the bus with a full duffle bag and takes up the whole seat beside her and another woman gets on with a glass bottle of ice tea that she purchased in the store. Now both of these women were harmless but what is the use of security measures when the bus makes several stops and anyone can get on and bring on anything including weapons etc. Seems rather riduculous to me to go through all of these increased security measures and then let these things happen along route. Any way enough on this. My visit with Angela was great. We went to the barn to see Classy and she let me take Classy for a ride around the arena. What a blast. I felt so comfortable and at home on her. These abilities have been hiding now for some time and I think I have found them again. She is a great young filly with so much potential. she will make some lucky person a very good friend and partner. Check out the video. I also went for some great walks, stopping at the local Timmy's for coffee and checking out the two huge book stores, McNally Robinson and Indigo. Bad place for me to be. Can't go into a book store and not buy anything. Found some great Christmas presents. We went for dinner to a great Mexican restaurant and then headed to the local 50 some flavours Gilato shop for dessert. It was really great having some time with just her and I. Enjoyed our drive back and now she is home for a couple of days partying and visiting with her old friends from the U of A. The phone has been ringing off the hook all day. Before she leaves for Saskatoon, we are going to celebrate her 21st birthday which isn't officially until the end of the month. We had a great day today, but that's for another blog. Hopefully this weekend I will get to it.

TIME TO CATCH UP

2009-11-16T22:37:00.006-07:00

Excuse the quality, Sherry used her cell phone for these

I think I almost have the seat and position. My line is almost straight.

yes I know I said that after my trip to Calgary that I would post. I know it's been a week or so but honestly, my life is a blur right now. I should fill you in on the darker side of my life. I don't know if I have ever talked about this part of my life or not but this is what has been taking all of my time lately. I am the CEO (chief Elected Official) for our small summer village. We may be small, but we face the same challenges as do the bigger communities, only with a much smaller revenue. Our Council meetings have the same procedures and importance as the larger ones do. We've been having alot of trouble lately with a small organization within our village. Needless to say this has been causing much stress and contention. Well I finally had enough and had one certain person removed from our meeting. Boy it felt good to actually use the powers that be and are entitled. It is a three year term and I would say that 90% of the last two and a half years has been a great experience and I am proud of what the three of us have done. It is an election year in 2010 so don't know yet whether I will run again. Anyway enough of that. On to the brighter side of my life, other than my family. My horses. I have been quite envious of DVM 2012, and her success with Classy. The weekend was finally nice and nothing much else to take me away, other than going to get hay, help with feeding etc. but I love doing that so I don't find them chores. Saturday, helped Sherry with chores and then brought in my young mare Peps and lunged her and saddled her up. She hasn't had alot of attention lately so wasn't sure how she would take to things again. Don't know why I worry. She was an absolute doll. Well it was getting late so thought better of getting on her and set Sunday as my goal. Well after helping with hay and stalls etc. brought Peps in again and did the same routine, only this time I stepped right up and all went well. With Sherry's guidiance and encouragement, she helped me over a couple of small stumbling blocks. Near the end of our ride, I must admit I felt good and Peps was again a doll. I realize that it is not her, that I am afraid, but myself. I need to convince myself that I CAN ride. The accident was just a blip on the radar and that if I just relax and let my inner self take over that I will be out on the trails with her real soon and that our troubles are over. At my age, I guess my brain overthinks and takes control. I've ben letting it tell me what I can and can't do. I can't wait to get on her again and continue building a solid relationship of trust and confidence. I leave for Saskatoon tomorrow to visit with Ange for a couple days and then we are driving back together on Thursday for the big BAR NONE weekend. This will be the first time that all three of my kids have gone. The youngest Cara has worked them before but never been able to partake in the festivities. She and Angela are having a sisters weekend. No boys allowed. The last time they went out drinking together was when Cara turned 18 and they headed to the Darwell fair and the Aaron Pritchet concert. I won't say any more other than Angela owes her sister. big brother Rob will be there too. Hubby and i are staying in the city this weekend to be the taxi service. also Ange has to head back to Saskatoon on Sunday. Hopefully Ange will let me try Classy. Talk to you all when I return from Saskabush.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

2009-11-01T21:42:00.004-07:00

Been a very busy week and another next so thought I would update now before I leave.
Enjoyed another great weekend although shortened out at the cottage. Got a new ride on Saturday. No it's not another horse FV so don't worry. My hubby bought me a new bicycle.We rented these great bikes in Vancouver before we went on our cruise. Haven't enjoyed biking much over the years as it has always put a strain on my back and my wrists. I have had carpal tunnel surgery and now have arthritis pretty bad in my hands. And my back, well that's another story. This bike is called a comfort bike. I sit farely straight, not hunched over and my wrists are relaxed and it has great shock absorbers for the behind. I know it seems kind of silly to be getting a bike now just before the snow comes, but you can't beat end of season sales.
I still prefer horses to bikes, but can't have a horse in the city so a bike will have to do. My husband and I used to do alot of horseback riding when we were first married, but once the kids started coming, someone had to stay home. He's ridden once or twice a year just to say he rides. After last weekend, not being able to ride my horses, and being stuck around home with yard work and the weather I declared that this weekend I was either going to work Peps, take my boy Blue for a ride or both. Saturday was another miserable cold damp dreary day so no working with horses. But today the sun shone beautiful so I asked hubby if he'd like to go riding with me and he said he'd love too. Used DVM201's great gelding Digger for myself and put my hubby on my boy Blue. We had a great ride for over an hour and we want to make it a regular habit. He's not alot of help when it comes to the young horses so can't expect much help with Peps, but for riding I'll take his company any time, any where that he wants to go.
I'm off to Calgary for a convention for four days starting Tuesday, so life should be interesting on the home front. Won't see my ponies for two weeks but they're in good hands. Talk to you all when I get back.

BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND SORT OF

2009-10-26T09:35:00.004-06:00

Got my new van on Friday. Spent the day cleaning it inside and out. The fellow we bought it from was not the neatest person so there was alot of build up on swirches, handles etc. I'm abit of a clean freak when I buy something from someone else. No one can clean it to my standards. This way while I'm cleaning every nook and crany, I can check things out as well. There are a few minor fix ups, but other than that, my new van is awesome. Just love it. Rose loves her new bus too. Got in it on Friday afternoon, and wouldn't get out. Bought the coolest seat covers for it. If you're familar with Mossy Oak design, this is what I bought. So I have four captains seats covered in trees, leaves etc. Looks way cool.
With all the success that DVM2012 is having with Classy, I had every intention of getting on my young mare and trying to catch up. Well got to the farm on Saturday, and the weather was miserable. Gale force winds, cloudly, damp and just plain awful. Helped FV finish Eurus's and Phoenix's winter pen. Brought Peps out and spent some time with her. Went for a little in hand walk up the road to the top of the hill. The wind was jsut howling and she wasn't too impressed. She needs reminded sometimes of her manners and to listen to me. It went well.
Sunday woke up to a beautiful day, so thought this will be a great day to ride peps.
Look out the window and what do I see but my husband out raking. Thought oh well, here goes my day. Now we live at the lake, on a double lot with lots of trees and a forest reserve behind us. Needless to say, there are a ton of leaves. We usually get our kids to help us but none were available, so it was just the two of us. This was our last weekend to clean up as the weather is suppose to change by the weekend and there is nothing worse than cleaning the leaves in the spring after the snow and ice have left. Horrible job. So I spent this beautiful Sunday outside, raking and picking up leaves. By the time we were done, 5 hours later, my whole body ached and although there was still time in the day to do so, there was no way I could have longed or climbed aboard a horse. So Peps sits again and another good opportunity gone by the wayside. I don't think Sherry would have been able to help me much with Peps any way as she was quite tired from painting her house, which by the way is looking so great.
Today I am in the office, barely able to lift my arms, looking forward to going to the Rascal Flats concert tonight with FV and her neice Deanna. Next week I spend 3 days in Calgary for a convention.Doing this post at work, so unable to attach some pictures. Will add some tomorrow. Very busy this week, so hopefully will post again after my stay in Calgary.

OKAY OKAY I GET THE HINT

2009-10-20T19:44:00.003-06:00

Hi everybody. I know it has been some time since I last posted. My excuse is that I have been very very busy. This is the truth. I usually only get about 5 minutes just before bed to check emails (which sometimes can be up to 40 a day)and my favorite blogs. Thought tonight the rest can wait and I'll catch up. Where to start. At the beginning I guess. After our trip to Alaska, had to prepare for Thanksgiving. The Monday before, FV had an Osteopath out; Kevin and his wife Siegrid to look at by boy Blue. She'd seen him work on other horses and he also works with people, and she has had hands on experience with him as well. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical. He took one look at him and knew what was wrong. Worked with him for about 45 mins and the results were amazing. Long story short, Blue was back to being the horse he was before his fall. He was walking out, spinning on haunches and stopping square for the first time in years. I was so happy with him. Kevin heard my history of my fall ect. and took one look at me and knew what was wrong. Said I was crooked. Again after 45 mins. I haven't felt this good in years. I can toucgh my toes, do-up and undo my own bra, which you know ladies can be a little awkward having someone else do for you.Getting out of bed isn't a 10 minute adventure. I just feel amazing. So on Thanksgiving, Ange (dvm2012) and I went for a ride. Blue was feeling pretty good so gave him his head and he opened up. I think he really enjoyed it as much as I did. That feeling of the wind blowing in your face and the rush you get on a galloping horse;there's nothing better.
I am very busy these days with my position on Municipal Council. Between conventions, meeting with the Minister, the Premier etc. I am on the road a fair bit. It has been a very educational and for the most part very informative and enjoyable time. It is an election year this summer. Still trying to decide if I will run again.
As I mentioned in my last post, our daughter had an accident with our Montana Van. Well they wrote it off so we've been using our old 97 Safari van in the interm. We just finalized the purchase of a newer (06) Montana SV6. Pick it up on Friday. So excited.
My son got a job finally. After the cruise, he started applying. there is nothing really in his field so he became part of the Wholesale Sports family and is working at the new mega store in South Edmonton. Working in the Optics department, GPS, scopes, binnoculars, etc. They get alot of environmental/conservation studends so they know come spring that he will be flying the cope to work in the field again for the summer.
After our somewhat early bout of old man winter, the weather improved enough to melt the snow which meant yard work. We live in an older neighbourhood with lots and lots of trees. We spent last sunday raking and bagging leaves, cleaned out my gardens and cut back perennials. Was a beautiful day. Would of rather been enjoying it from the back of a horse, but it had to be done. At least I got to spend the day outside

New van

Me and blue

Angela and Digger

Well must go as one cute golden named Rosey is eyeballing me to go for a walk. She knows the time of day long before I do. I won't promise but I will try to blog more often.

THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN TO IT

2009-10-02T14:52:00.030-06:00

along the seawall in Vancouver

The view from our hotel room

Okay, Okay, I'll come clean. We had an amazing time on the cruise. Started the trip by going a day early and spending it in Vancouver. It was my birthday. Stayed at our favorite hotel, the Blue Horizon. If you're ever in Vancouver for a night, you should stay. Great views of the city. Ask for an upper floor room. Rented bikes and cycled through Stanley Park, took the sea wall route right to the end. Went to Granville Island. All in all a great day. Met Sherry and Martin on Sunday and we headed to the ship.

JPG">

These ships are amazing. Ours was even small compared to some. The first words out of Martin's and my son Robert's mouths were Oh Shit, this thing is huge. The first full day was at sea and it was very rough. All of us were feeling somewhat queezy for most of the day. I couldn't sleep for the rock and roll of the ship so I made the mistake of looking out the window and the bloody waves were as high as the window, and we were fives decks up. Survived that and our first stop was Juneau.

Red Dog Saloon

View of Juneau from the ship

This is where the story gets really interesting. My husband and son are quite the hikers so they spent the day exploring the countryside. Sherry, Martin and I headed to walk the town and go shopping. Now you all know that shiny things follow Sherry home, well wouldn't you know it the first stop, a beautiful shiny thing attached itself to her finger. I am attracted to shiny blue things and I really wanted a pair of tanzinite earrings. I knew my husband would be upset but Martin told me oh go ahead, if you really like them. That was it. I asked if I could be his wife as well. He just had to become a different faith. So for the rest of the trip while my husband and son were either off hiking or exploring the ship. Sherry, Martin and I were an item. That's as far as it went though girls. They went to their stateroom and I went to mine.
This is the jewellery set that my "new" husband said was okay for me to buy. Aint it pretty.

=
REd Onion Saloon

Stopping for coffee

famous Skagway Brewing Company

Main Street Skagway

leaving Ketchikan, view from the ship
Skagway was so quaint and beautiful as were all the stops. We visited both the Red Dog Saloon (Juneau) and the Red Onion Saloon (Skagway) which were both brothels in their early days. Tried alot of Alaska beer. Very good. Lunch was always a beer stop. I think of all the three, Ketchikan was my favorite. The legendary Creek Street, which were all small brothels built on stilts over the creek is now intimate, cosy shops run by long time residents. Sherry found her sweater that she had been looking for the whole trip in a small store called For Get Me Knot sweaters. Very appropriate. Thursday of our trip while exploring the beautiful Glacier Bay, my youngest daughter who was home alone, watching all the pets calls to tell us that she was in an accident with our van. Well we're about as far north a person can get with very limited cell service, although Sherry's worked just fine, so I told her to just deal with it, call the insurance, the police etc and we would see her in a couple of days. My remedy for dealing witha the stress of this, as I was petrified to tell my husband, was to drink lots of spiked coffee. Once I told him, felt much better. I think the baileys and amaretto in the coffee helped. As we left Ketchikan for our journey homeward to Vancouver, the night seas were not pleasant. My husband and son went to bed early and although Martin tried to stay up with us, he too succumbed to the seas and retired to his stateroom. Sherry and I felt that the only way to help us sleep through this was to spend the rest of the evening, into the wee hours in the Crowsnest, listening to awful Kareoke and drinking. She her martinies and me my Blue Cocoa Mojitos. Needless to say when I did retire to my stateroom, the rough seas didn't bother me at all. The last day was a full day at sea and the son shone beautiful for the first time since the day we left Vancouver. We had a great time and I want to thank Sherry and Martin for coming with us and keeping me company for alot of the trip and for getting us to our door safe and sound. Just found out that our van is a total write off so now am dealing with insurance etc. sure glad I had my vacation when we did as won't be venturing far from home for awhile. Resurrecting our old 1997 Safari Van to use till spring when hopefully can look at a replacement for my bus. Well this is my story and I'm sticking to it.

ships pool

our last sunset before reaching Vancouver

The famous Crowsnest Kareoke bar

another picture of glacier bay

Creek street (old brothles) ketchikan alaska

On Deck in Glacier Bay

this is my poor van. All this from trying to avoid a cat.

AM I LONELY YET

2009-09-09T17:22:00.006-06:00

Whether in the water

Or on land

Rosey doing what she loves best. Catching the frisbee

Me and my boy Blue

Hi everyone. Been awhile I know since I posted. Always seems that someone else or something else needs my attention. Well not today. I'm here alone. My hubby is in China with his brothers, my daughter Ange (dvm 2012) is back in saskatoon at vet school and my other two, my son who is home from his job in Lethbridge and who is also suppose to be graduated from University and my youngest, who just started University last week are both out for the night at an Ag Club event. (drinking party I'm sure) and both are staying over at friends for the night so it is just me and my Rose dog who always greets me as if she hasn't seen me for a month. Right away as soon as I walked into the yeard, she has her frisbee in her mouth looking longengly at me as if to say, "Come On mom, let's play".Came home today and she had 13 stuffed toys on the yard. Took all but two inside and what does she do. Lets her self in while I'm here on the computer and preceeds to take each one outside again. I guess I'll let her have her toys. I've been trying to put some miles on my young mare since she's come back from the trainers. I've been managing at least once a week. she's really good and my confidence is coming back. So much so that last weekend I didn't wait around for someone to be there and just got on her myself. Oh Sherry and Ange gave me what for, but you know sometimes you just have to git r done. Was hoping to get her out of the round pen and go for a little trail ride but that will have to wait I guess. Angela was home for the long weekend and brought her room mate with her. They enjoyed two really nice rides. Lent Sidney, her room mate my old 14 yr old boy Blue. He's the steady eddie around the farm. He's very laid back and will accept whatever his rider wants. If you want to walk all day, fine with him. He's abit on the lazy side so putting someone on him that really doesn't want to do much is just up his alley. But he will put out if you ask him too. So as the title reads. AM I LONELY YET. Not at all. The peace and quiet is great. Time for some ME Time. Looking forward to our cruise coming up with Sherry and Martin. I think I'll go open a bottle of wine and have a nice quiet dinner.

WHERE DID MY SUMMER GO!

2009-08-24T20:16:00.005-06:00

Can't believe it has been two months since I last blogged. Summer started with a bang. My youngest turned 18 and the celebrating seemed to last weeks. She finally found a summer job after much searching and panic. She's working in a retail grocery store. Got accepted to University in the fall so she is quite excited.
I spent alot of time out at the cottage and the farm with my daughter Angela. Every spare minute I could find we spent together. She is now back in Saskatoon for another year of Vet studies. Sent my young mare out to another one of Sherry's (FV) honorary neices to get 30 days. Turned out to be a little more work than was expected. Left her there for an additional two weeks. I'm sure glad I did. She's come along way. It is now my turn to get my confidence back with her. I've ridden her a few times and each time I feel better and better.
Went to Winnipeg to see family for what was suppose to be two weeks but came home early as the weather was not great and too many things happening at home. I spent the second week out at the lake, riding with Angela. Just before Angela left for Saskatoon, Sherry, her and I went for a ride. First time this year. Was really nice. Hope there are more of them.
My hubby leaves for China for ten days early September and then he and I and Sherry and Martin are going on our Alaskan Cruise. Looking so forward to it.
My son comes home from his summer job on the 30th. Will be nice to have him home. Don't know for how long as he is persuing other opportunities for employment.
All in all it was a very busy summer. Now that Angela is back at school and the youngest is heading to school, there will be more of a routine around here again.
Angela did give me whatfore for not riding Peps this week, and made me promise to ride her every weekend from now on. She should talk, her young mare Classy will be sitting almost a month by the time she gets her to Saskatoon. But she is right, I should be putting the time in on her as much as I can. Till next time. Keep smilin and ridin.
My husband asked me tonight at supper, If I could be doing anything at this moment on such a beautiful night, what would it be? Before I could answer he said, "You'd probably be sitting on the fence watching the horses at Sherry's or riding. What better is there I say!

A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND

2009-06-22T21:15:00.008-06:00

Hi everyone,

This month has just been a blur. I managed to spend a few extra days out at the Lake with my daughter Angela (chronicles Of a Vet Student). You probably all know that already. We spent our spare time, when she wasn't too tired from the Vet Clinic, just sitting on our front deck with a drink in hand catching up. Even though she is home for the summer, I don't see her much as she lives at the lake and I am here in the city. On the 14th I took my young mare to Sherry's neice Katie for 30 days training. I know it was the right thing to do but i still had some second thoughts about leaving her there. She is in excellent hands and now i cannot wait to get her back and start riding her again. Angela and I have been getting in some awesome rides the last couple of weeks. After over working Blue a couple weeks ago, he seems fine after the rest. Sherry wants him to be seen by the same fellow that she saw. Thinks he might be able to figure out the nagging things that keep popping up with Blue. Now for the part that you've been waiting for. Sherry gave me the most wonderful gift bag my prize. There is a journal,which she said would help me right down my thoughts every day and help with my posting. a set of four tea cosies, filled with poperi ? that when you place a hot cup of tea on them, the scent fills the room. Will try these tonight. If you don't mind Sherry I want to give Angela a couple to take back to Saskatoon for those late night study sessions. A very yummy scented Cinnamon bun candle. When its empty, I'm using it for a shot glass. A tin of Beaver nuts, (actually chocolate coated nuts) Thankyou my dear friend. You didn't need too you know. the next major event in this household in my youngest Daughter's 18th birthday. Now I will never be able to control her life, so she says. I'm not sure if I'llmake it through with this one. My wild child. Oh well, there is always alcohol!

Oh yes, someone else very dear to me celebrated a birthday on the 20th. My pooch Rosey, turned 10. Seems like just yesterday she was a pup. She got a sirloin steak for supper.

Rosey doing what she loves best, swimming in the lake, at the farm, and playing frisbee. Hope we have many more years together old girl.
Have a good week everyone

JUST WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT

2009-06-11T08:52:00.014-06:00

Hi everyone, yes I am still here. I've had a very hectic last two weeks. My youngest daughter Cara graduates from Grade 12 this year and her Grad was on Friday the 5th. You may think what is one day, well this grad has been ongoing for the six months but the last week was a whirlwind. Finalizing the dress, the jewellery, the shoes, how to get the hair done, etc. although these were all her decisions, the rest of us suffered along with her. The week started with the Academic Banguet. This was for all the students in the Advanced Placement program. Then there was Convocation on Wednesday the 3rd and then the dinner/dance on Friday. But it was all worth it. She looked stunning and the evening went off really well. Then there were the all weekend parties etc. Hopefully now she can settle down and study for those Diploma exams coming up.

Just got over that week and then it was my son's graduation from the University of Alberta. He received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. After five years it was a very proud moment for him and us as well. He flew in from Lethbridge for the day and is now back working in the beautiful grass lands of southern Alberta.

As you can see, the preparation and pictures are not a big deal for guys. One picture was all that was needed.

One thing I have to help take the stress away are my horses. After Cara's week, I enjoyed a nice ride on my boy Blue although he did show me that he's not ready to be called old man. Kept me on my toes. Glad to see he can still have some attitude and that I must remain awake. But that's a whole nother story which I will delve into another time.

Sorry it took so long for me to blog again but wanted to put both activities on one blog. Till next time

WE'RE ALL WINNERS

2009-06-01T21:17:00.002-06:00

Congrats Sherry for a beautiful filly. She is amazing. Just cause I got the day right doesn't make me the only winner. We're all winners for being sisters in our blogging community. I finally came to the conclusion that we don't need to be martrys to be successful. I'm talking about my lack of ability to get my young mare back to where she was before the accident in October. Always told myself that no one could train my horses for me. Must have a relationship with a horse. Well I've changed my tune. Been trying to work her on a regular basis. She's at the point where she just needs some time and consistency. Can't do that very well when I can only get to her maybe once a week. My daughter offered to help me so a couple weeks ago we decide she's ready to move forward. As soon as she was asked for something different, she bolted again and did what she did with me. Angela tried her hardest to stay on her and seeing her come off scared the bijesus out of me. So we both decided to send her to someone to finish her for us. She goes on the 14th of June for 30 days and when she comes back I am going to take a week's holiday and ride her every day. Then I hope I will feel like I've accomplished something good. I overcame my prejudice at having someone else train my horse and I realize now when I've bitten off more than I can chew and hand over the reins to someone else. At least I'll be riding her come mid summer and that was my goal from the onset. I want to be able to enjoy my later years from my two feet not from a wheel chair. Hapy trails everyone.

i DON'T WANT TO BE THE GROWN UP ANYMORE

2009-05-26T08:01:00.002-06:00

Have you ever just wanted to release the ties of adulthood, parenthood, responsibility and just be a kid again. That's the way I feel right now. I'm always told by my family that I'm the one that holds the family together, they could never survive without me but seriously sometimes I don't want it anymore. Keeping tabs on everyone's agenda, laundry, finances, personal errands and such wears me down. We were out at the cottage/farm on the weekend. Absolutely beautiful for a change. Angela and I went to the local greenhouse and bought flowers. Spent the day playing in the dirt. Just loved it. Then on Sunday we went for the most amazing ride. Found a whole new set of forested trails. When I'm out riding, I forget about everything else and it's just me and my horse. My daughter is living out there so I wanted to spend some time with her this week, but was told that I had too much to do at home and I need to keep a better watch on my youngest daughter until she finished school for the summer. Deep down I'm sure my husband was thinking more of his lack of ability to arrange meals, look after things etc. I was feeling abit down yesterday and my good friend Sherry said I should do something for me, like take my dog for a walk and go to the local book store/coffe shop. Didn't do that but I did go plant shopping again. I love flowers and playing in the dirt so I spent the whole day making up planters. I was initially just going to get a hanging basket for my dear elederly neighbour who turned 84, but decided to buy enough to brighten up my deck too. We've been neighbours for 27 years. She is my surrogate mother now. It was getting dark by the time I was done. Nobody said a word to me just let me do my thing. I'm feeling better today. Just might go get my hair cut. I love my husband and my children and my life in general but sometimes I just need more "ME" time and I'm going to start saying "NO" more often and doing things for me. There's got to be a happy median somewhere. Just got to find it. No pictures this time, just words.

I'M STILL HERE

2009-05-21T20:02:00.008-06:00

Peps and I having a chat and keeping in touch.

Sherry and I out for our ride on her birthday. These were taken last fall but we still ride the same horses, down the same road even now. Just imagine bare trees and no colour.

My pooch Rosie and her Baby before we took kitty to her new home.

It's been over a month since I last blogged. I have sat here many times staring at the screen wondering what to write. Started a couple times and then deleted. Nothing really much exciting happens in my life, in fact I find it quite mundane sometimes. But a good friend of mine convinced me that even though I think it as mundane, blogging is a good way to express my self. There have been some ups the last month. My daughter (chronicles of a vet student) is home now for the summer and working for the local vet. Absolutely just loving it. She hasn't blogged either in awhile as she is living out at our Cottage and we don't have internet, although her Aunty Sherry says she can use her computer, I think Angela is just so tired most nights and when she's not she's riding. She and I and Sherry went for a great ride on May 2nd, which was Sherry's birthday. Brought back many memories. Sherry and I used to go on the Alberta Trail Riders Association Canceer ride every year, which was always around her birthday. Was a great ride. The next week Angela and I went out for about an hour.Our annual Mother's Day ride. My first time at a distance since my accident. Even managed a rather long jog. Went to the annual Glenevis Spring Social. Great Dinner and dance. My husband and I used to go dancing every Saturday to the Looma Hall. We hadn't been out on a date for some time. We danced and enjoyed ourselves. He even learned to two step, thanks to Angela who came with us. We helped process calves last Saturday. I was in charge of filling syringes & keeping track of how many bulls, heifers went through. Really enjoy working on the farm. Find it very theraputic. After that Angela and I used our horses to follow the cow/calves out to the pasture and then went for a great trail ride. We both said almost simultaneously, who needs to trailer horses to a ride, we have our own Cancer ride. We rediscovered trails that we had forgotton about. There is so much property to ride on, it is so beautiful. Wish we had taken some pictures. My boy Blue has been going real well too so we went for an extended lope and I actually gave him his head and let him open up. I haven't felt the wind in my hair and bugs in my teeth for a long long time and it felt so good. My back actually held up really well. This past weekend, the weather was mostly miserable, but I did rescue one of the kittens on the farm and found her a home with my Boss at work. She lost her cat of 17 years. She and Peaches are a great pair. Nice to see her so happy. Feels good to give the little creature a chance at a good spoiled life. My only real regret is that my daughter and I haven't had alot of time to work my young mare Peps. We restarted her again this month. She's been off since October since the accident. I was really hoping to get her going again. the weather is finally suppose to improve so hopefully we will get some more time with her soon. I'm almost tempted to get on her myself as things were going really good before but I keep questioning myself and talking myself out of it. Although none of the foals expected this year are mine, I am sure excited about their arrival. Can't wait. My youngest daughter is graduating from Grade 12 next month so she and I have been shopping trying to complete the ensemble, shoes, bag, accessories etc. I enjoy spending time with her this way. Anyway that's been the good spots this past month. Now that summer is suppose to be arriving, I'm sure there will be more. One of my favorite things to do is to go bedding plant shopping (which is my Mother's day gift every year) with my girls and then spend the day planting. Hopefully this weekend.

some of the lillies that are coming up in my garden.

LIFE HURTS SOMETIMES

2009-04-19T20:55:00.002-06:00

After enjoying a great few days in New York in early April, and then spending some quality time with my family and horses, I though life was great and then something happens that sucks the life right out of you. I've been looking forward to my daughter coming home from Saskatoon for the summer and spending some quality time with her, working with the horses and just catching up. My son is graduating from University this month and my youngest is graduating from highschool. My husband just agreed to take me on an Alaskan cruise for my birthday in September. Boy life is great. yeah right. Something happended today that kind of sucked the life out of me. Was at the farm today enjoying the beautiful day and watching my best friend Sherry work with the two yearlings and really fighting her body's urge to give it all up. Sherry has suffered through so much pain and discomfort for so long. She is a real role model. Through everything that has been thrown at her, she never gives in. One of her expectant mares today died from complications of aborting her foal. I felt so helpless today watching her die, knowing there was nothing we could do for her. Here I thought my life was so good and then an event like this happens and reality hits you in the face. It was very sad and heart wrenching. I loved that mare like she was my own. She was the sweetest thing, when she was pregnant, and a force to be reckoned with when not. Sherry was so together through all of it. I am so proud of her and look up to her for alot of things. Yeah life hurts sometimes, but we all have to accept it, pick our selves up, dust our selves off and get on with our lives and look for the bright spots I guess. I'm looking so forward to the other two mares delivering beautiful babies for us to enjoy and by the end of summer I hope to be back riding my young mare again and enjoying life immensely.

WOW! WHAT A FEW DAYS

2009-04-08T17:08:00.012-06:00

Well I'm back from the bright lights of Broadway and New York City. We had such a wonderful three days. What a culture shock. Arriving at JFK wasn't anything different. the cab ride to Manhattan was another story. The cab driver we had was great. Took us on a great tour through Queens, etc. Looks like any other neighborhood in a large city. Got to Manhattan and the traffic was something else. Our hotel was situated very close to Times Square. So after checking in to our fabulous suite, we headed out for a walk. For a Canadian girl from Alberta, it was quite a eye popper of a place. People everywhere. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes and the lights and noise are non stop. We visited the usual places, Times Square, Central Park, Museum of Modern Art and the Natural History Museum, Top of the Rock in Rockerfeller Square. Took a double decker bus tour through Manhattan. We took our 17 year old daughter so you know we did alot of shopping. We were told it was very expensive in New York. Well depending on what, where and how you like to eat, we found some great places to catch a bite or have great coffee and cheese cake. Even clothes shopping can be had for those on a strict budget.

the view from the Top of the Rock (Rockerfeller Centre)70th floor. It was so windy up here, my husband was afraid we'd get lift off. Spectacular view. Great way to see the empite state building.

Times Square at night. Wall to wall people. The place to be.

hubby and I on the Staten Island Ferry. Best way to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

>When I stated on an earlier post about the carriage rides in Central Park. Well I was fully intending on doing the tourist thing and taking a carriage ride through the park but changed my mind when I actually saw them. The horses all look in fine shape and the carriages were good too, it just wasn't what I thought. There must be at any one time about 50 of these lined up and they head out nose to tail kind of thing. I always envisioned a more romantic private trip. They do a wonderful business. The only thing that really bothered me was seeing these horses late at night right in the center of all the action around times square. I don't feel there is a need for them to be out of the park and surrounded by all the noise and confusion. Even getting around the park during the day, they have to venture onto the streets into traffic. I can see how injuries and accidents can happen. Other than that I don't see a problem with the carriages continuing in Central Park.

We met so many nice people while we were there. Overall, New Yorkers are very friendly and love to talk about where you're from, what you've seen in New York and are very good at giving advice on what, when, where etc. One of the nicest people was a mounted policeman, can't remember his name, but his horse's name was Russell. He talked about how he became a mounted officer, and was very interested in hearing about our horses. Saw them a few times at night during our stay. Russell is the type of horse that doesn't get fazed by anything. Most of the horses used are either Percherons or Morgans, Russell is neither but is one of the best.

Our daughter is very much into theatre so really wanted to see a show. The first night we were there, found the Lyseum theatre, where the show REASONS TO BE PRETTY was playing. Well to buy tickets for Broadway shows can be expensive. There is a place on Times Square where you can purchase discounted tickets. We decided to check the box office at the theatre and sure enougn they were selling tickets for that evenings show at half price. What a beautiful theatre. Dates back to the early 30's. Was one of the first Broadway theatres. We tried to get tickets for the hottest show right now, which is WICKED. all the performances are sold out but they hold what is called a lottery before every performance. They hold back so many front row seats and then to put your name in and hope it is drawn. We tried but no luck. Was a fun experience anyway. Whatever your tastes, there is sure to be something on Broadway or off Broadway to suit everyone.

New York is wonderful. The whole experience is one that I think everyone should experience at least once in their life time. Central Park is the most beautiful urban landscape. Even better than Hyde Park in London. On a beautiful sunny day the place is just buzzing with Jazz bands, street performers, cyclists, loads of people and excitement. Spent a day touring Greenwich Village. saw the locations of many of the places from "Friends". visited "Imagine" the John Lennon memorial. Fresh flowers put on the site daily. So much to say. Took a ton of pictures and can't display them all. Must admit though that I am glad to be home and can't wait to take my pony to the most remote spot on the ranch and just listen to the quiet. I love the wide open spaces.

The apartment building from Friends!

The central walkway of Central Park on a Sunday afternoon

NEW YORK HERE I COME

2009-03-30T16:17:00.004-06:00

Haven't posted in awhile as there really hasn't been much to post about. Spring is finally here I think. Water running everywhere. Walked my Golden Retreiver today for an hour. She is now a black golden. Had a beauitul weekend at the lake and the farm. We were able to sit on our front deck on Saturday afternoon and enjoy a good drink after a hard days work at the farm. My husband Brian decided to help Sherry with some chores. When he starts something he is determined to finish. Decided to clean out Cat and Ande's shelter. Took out four bucket loads with the loader. While he was doing that I decided to spend some time with my filly Peps. She is a little bit of a bull dozer when it comes to being led. Walks all over me. We spent an hour with Sherry's help educating her on the finer points of being led. By the end of it all she walked down to her pen like an old soldier. She learned fast. Sunday morning woke up to another beautiful day. Had our morning coffee on our front deck listening to the birds and enjoying the peace and quiet. Decided to take my boy Blue out for a ride. So Rose (golden retreiver) Blue and I headed up the gravel road, which was very soft so perfect footing. On the way back, passed the same group of horses that we met on the way out but this time Blue decides that he is a big fancy show horse or something; head up, snorting to beat the band, tail straight in the air and pranced all the way home. Crazy old fool. Maybe its just spring and he feels good. I kinda enjoyed it myself too.
One more day and we leave for the bright lights of New York City. Leave april 1st. It is around 60 degrees F during the day so am looking so forward to wearing short sleeves, no coat and no winter boots. It will sure be a nice break, missing a few days of the mud and slush will be great. Hope to walk off a few pounds. When the Oakleys travel anywhere it is a forced march. So much to see in so little time. Have to make good use of all the day light. That's my husband's motto. He has been researching and making notes for a month already. Will tell you all about it when we get home. Everyone have a good week.

SPRING COMES WHEN!

2009-03-17T17:15:00.000-06:00

Here it is the 17th of March. happy St. Patrick's Day to all the Irish folk out there. Spring is suppose to arrive here at 5:44 a.m. on Friday. How they know they exact time is beyond me. It is still well below normal here and we just received another 1 or 2 centimeters of snow on Sunday, although those who live west of Edmonton didn't get any. I got a call today from a fellow from Nutri Lawn wanting to sign us up for lawn care. I told him to call me back in May sometime when I can actually see my lawn to know whether it needs care. I am so sick of winter. This is the first time I have actually hated winter. But in 15 more days I will be in New York City. It is 14 C there or 55 F and there is actually grass and flowers there. Will be a nice reminder of better things to come. My son Robert's graduation (Universityof Alberta) Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology and Rangeland Management; dinner and dance was on the weekend. It was two fold for me. One we are very proud of his accomplishments. It doesn't seem possible that 5 years have gone by and on the other it is sad to think that he's all grown up and possibly gone from us very soon. He will be working for the Nature Conservancy in Lethbridge this summer. He found a nice place to stay. I think it helped him alot when he mentioned to the fellow that his Uncle played Major league baseball in the 70's and 80's. this fellow plays for the Lethbridge Bulls. Rob's sister Angela came in from Saskatoon for it as well. A quick visit, but always good to have her home. Anyway that's life around here.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY

2009-03-12T16:31:00.000-06:00

what a gorgeous day today. The Siberian High has finally left. It's been bitterly cold this week. We are about 30 degrees warmer than it was on Monday, maybe even 40 degrees but who's counting. Even the birds are happy. Opened my door today and the sound of the chickadees and sparrows was so nice to the ears. It will be sometime though before we see any type of greenery, although Angela did find pussy willows while out riding the week she was farm sitting. Stupid trees, little did they know that winter was still here. Even the horses were fooled. Earlier in February, they were starting to shed already. Thought it was a good sign. Oh well, its almost the middle of March, and spring officially arrives on the 21st, so there's no way we'll have more cold weather right. God only knows. Thanks to my good friend Sherry (Fernvalley01.blogspot.com) for analyzing pictures from the past year of my riding. I know I didn't like what I saw myself doing and she pointed out today the same issues that I was having. I know Angela (oakleydvm2012) mentioned the same things to me earlier as well. I have had lower back trouble for some time and I think I have been compensating for this in my riding posture. The last two times that I have been out riding since I really hurt my back from my spill, my posture has changed and my horse had noticed as well. Both rides were amazing, felt the way it did from my younger riding days. I know even sitting at the computer or on the couch, I cannot slouch or do the old couch potatoe thing. My back hurts now if I don't sit right. Maybe this accident was meant to happen, just like it was heaven sent that I found Peps to replace my old girl Schiroc. Not only in appearance are they alike, Peps is more mottled, but still very much the same, but her mannerisms and escape abilities are almost identical. Anyway thanks Sher, I really do appreciate the critique. The horse with the yellow leaves for a background is my old girl Schiroc and the other one tied to the fence is my new mare Pepsi. Do you think they look alike?

Yes I AM ALIVE

2009-03-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've been asked where are the new blogs. Well I just haven't had much to say. I enjoy reading everyone else's stories and just feel I don't really have anything interesting to say. Been very busy with the day to day life of a mom and wife. My daughter Angela (dvm2012) was home for a week in February. Spent a couple days with her at the farm. She was farmsitting. We enjoyed some nice days. Went for another ride, 2nd time since my accident. Blue my gelding was so excited to get out as was I. We even managed not only a lengthy jog, but also about six or seven strides of a lope. Felt so good. Worked with my young filly Pepsi, (coming 4 this month). Lounged her and put the saddle back on her, first time since the accident. Angela put the saddle on her yearling, and the two of us walked Eurus and Peps down the road. Peps seems to not have forgotten anything. Took the bridle, saddle etc like a pro. Been doing alot of bending and giving to the bit with her. She is such a sweetheart. My son and I are quite the avid Oilers fans so we spent yesterday(Trade deadline day) glued to the TV; he had his cell phone programmed that every time there was a trade, he would be notified at school.Then spent last night talking and digesting all the trades. I find it a great way to spend time with him. He's so busy with finishing his 5th year of University, we don't get alot of time together. He graduates this April and could be gone from home not just for the summer but permanently. Not sure if I'm ready to have my first born leave the nest. He had an interview for a summer position working in the Ya Ha Tinda area near Banff. Riding horses for the whole summer.(Now that's hard to take) Angela and I told him that if he does get this position that we are coming for a visit on his off days and he is taking us riding. I've always wanted to go there. Someone still owes me a ride either there or somewhere close to the moutains, but I won't mention names, She knows who she is. My youngest is graduating grade 12 this year and is very much the social butterfly. We're taking a trip to New York City the first week of April. She's hoping to find a grad dress there ($$$) yikes. Also wants to catch a play on Broadway. Will be exciting. Regardless what everyone's individual thoughts are on the horse drawn carrige situation in New York, I do intend on at least checking it out and seeing for myself whether these animals are abused or not. If my first instinct and thoughts are that they are indeed abused, than I will refrain from this activity. I am hoping though that they are not as I am really looking forward to seeing Central Park this way. I would post pictures of my week, but Angela has not forwarded me any. She has them all on her camera. some can be seen on her blog, oakleydvm2012 and I will post others once she gets them to me. I know spring is around the corner as my boy Blue is shedding like crazy. He and his mom were always good indicators of season changes. His mom Schiroc was never wrong in the 26 years that she was with me. (it's been almost a year since she left me). He has her ability. So although it is -27 with that dreaded wind chill and there is 3 feet of snow on the ground, I see light at the end of the avalanche. Till next time.

A GREAT WEEKEND

2009-02-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

What another beautiful weekend. Spent the week looking for toys for the Fix and Arse at the farm. They've been taking their feedtub and carrying it off to all different locations of their pen. Bought two equi balls. one is lime green and apple flavoured and the other is bright blue with no flavouring. Well threw both of them in and Eurus (Arse) started right away checking it out. Licked it, kicked at it, rolled it around and then finally grabbed the handle and tossed it. Well what fun. Then his buddy Phoenix (Fix) thought he would check it out. You could just tell by the look on his face that he was thinking, It's okay but I'm a stud and it's beneath me to play with such things. Of course, once we got the camera out, they both decided to ignore the balls completely. My family thought I was crazy, buying these but hey if it keeps him occupied and the feed tub stays stationery, then I think I got my monies worth. Worked with my filly, Arctic Frosted Pepsi, Peps for short. Just doing groundwork and getting her used to work again. Worked with her on givng to the bit, bending and moving away from pressure. She was so good, I still can't figure out what went wrong in October. My daughter Angela, (oakleydvm2012) will be getting on her hopefully when she is home for reading week the end of February and we'll see how she goes. Peps is so gentle and good natured, it's hard to imagine how or why things went south. Oh well if we could read their minds, we'd all be experts at talking horse.

On another subject, Sherry (fern valley o1) mentioned to me some time ago about a book one of her bloggers suggested she should read on the Ghost Wind Stallions, (history of the leopard appaloosa) After some lengthy searching on the internet, found a single copy, slightly used from a fellow in the states, only trouble was he doesn't ship to Canada. so long story short, I have a brother living in Texas whom I had the book sent to and he forwarded it to me. Well I had a slow day at the office on Friday and got so enthralled with this book, was late leaving for the day. It is an amazing story of both horse and man and the trials and hardships they faced. Need to do some more searching to see if this line of appaloosa still exists. The last two known stallions both died without knowing whether they produced true Ghost Wind offspring. If any one knows of these horses, let me know. There is a museum in Michigan, the Ghost Wind Museum that I am going to check out. C'ing spots appaloosas picture of Harley looks very close to some of the pictures in the book. Must contact her.

Didn't ride again this weekend as we were busy yesterday with helping with chores etc; got a wonderful bath of trouth water mixed with sludge, but hey its only water and when I showed up today, both Sherry and Martin were off helping with a calving that went wrong so just worked my filly. Saw Blue and his buddies though and gave them cookies.

The rest of my life (other than my family) is too complex, aggrevating and not worth talking about and it is so nice to have my horses to recharge my batteries and make everything else barable.

I'M NOT TOO OLD

2009-02-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Remember my last blog, I was a little hesitant and apprehensive about getting back on my horse after my fall in October. The weekend was awesome, my daughter was home from Saskatoon for the weekend. Although the conditions were somewhat icy, she was going to ride in the arena for a little bit. I brought my gelding Blue in just to hang out with him and before I knew it, I said, I'm going to ride with you. Saddled him up and Sherry walked him down to the pasture for me as the road was quite slippery. My stomach was just churning and I thought for sure I was going to be sick. Angela offered to get on Blue for me first and he was just awesome. So I grabbed the reins, took hold of the saddle horn and stepped up into the stirrup. this is no small feat. Blue is close to 16 hnds and I am fairly short and with my back I wasn't sure I'd be able to make. One try and I was up. He took two steps and I knew I was back, although Angela did remind me to breath. It felt fantastic. It's like I was never gone, it all came back and Blue was so good. We rode around the pasture and then headed down the road. Was out a total of 20 minutes, and if the conditions were better I probably would of gone longer. It's probably best that I didn't. I thank my daughter Angela and my best friend for standing by me and helping me to overcome my apprehention. And of Course my boy BLUE. He is the kind of horse that you can depend on and trust fully and I know that I can put anybody on him and he knows just how to be with everyone. I don't think I'll finish the training on my 4 year old Peps. Angela has offered to work this summer and possibly take her to school with her in the fall to get some miles and hours on her. She too is a sweat heart and I'm sure with time I will feel as comfortable on her as I do Blue.

Am I Really Too Old

2009-01-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Before I start, just want to update my previous entry on the NYC carriage horses. Won't say much other than add sites for you to check if you wish. One I think conveys my thoughts pretty good is http://equinelaw.alisonrowe.com and the other is the follow up from the ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/013009.

Now for today's topic. Need to know if I really am too old. Start at the beginning with my old mare, Schiroc, which this blog is named after. She was the most trusted, best companion any one could have. Unfortunately, age started getting the better of both of us. Retired her and was using her son, who is 15 now as my riding horse. Got it in my head that I needed a new young one to work with so after many many prospects, my friend Sherry found an add for a grey and white appy filly. No pictures, just an add. Well talked her into going to see this girl and with trailer in tow, we headed out. Well as soon as I saw her it was Schiroc all over again. Looked so much like her. Gave this filly the winter off and started her fresh in the spring of 08. After loosing Schiroc at Easter and working with this filly I knew it was the right move. Training went really well and by summer I was riding her. We had been on maybe seven rides outside the round pen with other horses and all seemed well. On thanksgiving weekend, (Oct. 10th) I was out with my daughter and son and somehting happened, Peps spooked and all I remember is lying on the ground not being able to move. Now I have come off horses many times and always, cursed at myself, picked myself up, got back on and continued on my way. Well Sherry knew something was seriously wrong when she went to help me up and I was really nasty. (Sorry Sher) Ended up in the hospital black and blue and very very sore. Make a long story short, I broke three ribs and ended up fracturing my spine in three places. Needless to say I haven't ridden since, almost four months. My heart is telling me that I need to get back on a horse and get going again. So I thought this weekend, I would get on my old gelding Blue, he's 15, very laid back and an awesome boy. Although in his younger days, he airmailed me a couple times. My head and body (I'm 50 with fibormyalgia and arthritis) though, are telling me that maybe its's time to call my riding days goodbye and just work with my horses on the groung. I love Peps and she is a real doll. I know she didn't mean for this too happen as she has never shown a mean bone or response since I've had her. My question is how do I get over my apprenhension and get back to doing what I love to do and have been doing for over 30 years. Do I send her out to someone to finish or do I dig deep and get my confidence back with Blue and then continue on with her. I promised my husband that she was the last horse I would ever need and I really want to be riding in my senior years. I need your help her fellow horse people. How does one get over a tramatic event and get on with life. (Will post a picture when I get home to my computer)

ANIMAL RIGHTS VS. ANIMAL WELFARE

2009-01-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been a horse person all my life as well as an animal lover. I work for the Alberta SPCA so have seen alot of animal abuse and neglect. Made reservations for a trip to NYC in April. Of course, what is the most sought after attraction in NY. A horse drawn carriage ride thru Central Park. While studying the options via the internet discovered that a move is about in NYC to ban the horse & carrigae activities due to animal cruelty. Did some research and discovered, all drivers have to licensed, they have strict rules set out by the American SPCA, such as can only work 6 hrs a day. Must have a break after 3 hrs. with food and water being available at all times while at rest Can't work if it is too hot or too cold, etc. These animals are in excellent body condition. I see nothing wrong with horses working to earn a living as long as they are well cared for and not in any danger. Some of the protesters reasons are that the horses have to work in the wet cold snow, their food is damp, etc. What about ranch horses who work all winter, in all temperatures or police horses who work in the same conditions. Is this animal abuse? If this is abuse than all horses in the eventing world, ranch horses, race horses, pleasure horses should be retired to a pasture to become large expensive lawn ornaments. There are places in this world where horses work 24/7 with no vet care, proper food etc. In Mongolia for instance they have no vet care or concern for their horses. If they die, they eat them. In Cuba, horses, oxen etc. are the mainstay of that countries transportation, Without them, the average person could not travel, earn a living or haul food or water. What about dogs that work for a living in some pretty dangerous conditions? Rescue dogs, sled dogs, helper dogs for the handicapped. How far do these "animal rights" people want to go. What are your thoughts? I think horses, dogs etc. like to work. I know my ponies sure enjoy getting out. I will for the first time in four months get on my boy this weekend and we will both enjoy it, although I am a little apprehensive. But that is for another day. I will fill you in on why next time.

Let me Catch Up

2009-01-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would get into the 21st century. After reading other blogs and posting replies, thought I would set up my own. Don't know where to start. Start with a little background I guess. I'm married with three teen/adult children, who require more of my time now than they did when they were younger. We own a cottage lot on Lac Ste. Anne nw of Edmonton and we own a home in Edmonton. I work part time, for the Alberta SPCA, keep two residences, and help out as often as I can on the farm, Fern Valley Appaloosas. I also am on the council of our summer village. Needless to say I keep myself busy. I have two horses myself and our family has a total of four, a golden retreiver, three birds, fish and lizards. Don't know how often I'll post but it will be nice to talk to others when need be or just vent or express my thoughts. See where this goes.