LIFE HURTS SOMETIMES

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.