VISITED BY AN ANGEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.