THERE IS LIFE OUT THERE

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

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

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

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

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

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.