Early Morning Visitor

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Heron Arrives For Pond Fishing

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After flapping my arms like a bird ...
it takes off and lands on the barn roof
to see if I really mean it.


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Still not sure,
he goes for a more distant view
on the roof of the house.

~~~

He'll try, again, tomorrow.

Camera Day ~ Dressage Clinic

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"Floreal"
Danish Warmblood

~~~

Yesterday, it was Dressage Clinic Day at the Equestrian Center. Even though it was a hot day, I grabbed my camera and was soon sitting in the sun clicking as many photos as possible.

These horses were special ... they belong to my friends. I was really proud of them. In spite of the heat, they gave their best.

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Floreal

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Floreal, born in Jutland, Denmark,
is the son of the famous "Olympic Ferro".

Floreal is just getting started
and is already thrilling us all.

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Floreal with his devoted mom, Peggy
and his rider/trainer, Mary.

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Alfredo, the Dressage Clinician, works a new dressage horse,
a beauty, and an absolute calm, tranquil horse.

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Mary
Rider and Trainer

After a day of riding one horse after another,
Mary takes a break in the shade.

~~~

And now ... the big one!

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"Tango"
Dutch Friesian

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With the sound of Tango's thundering hoofs,
we ended a wonderful day.

Hey! I'm Back!

Where did you go?

~~~~~

I wish I could tell you that I've been cruising the world, sitting on some sunny beach or even lazing around home watching the soaps and eating chocolates. Unfortunately, that just ain't so.

Thanks to you who wondered where I went. Geez ... it's wonderful to be missed!

Well, we've been playing in the mud, .........lots of mud.

Remember my long ago *tale of woe* about those horrible rains we had and complaining because poor Royal was tromping through the mud. Everything was such a dreadful mess!

And ... I was getting soaked while digging trenches in the rain to keep the water out of the barn.

I definitely was not my sweet, adorable self.

And the poor animals were getting so tired of this “Sunny California” stuff, while they were up to their knee caps in mud. They desperately were searching for higher ground.

It's been dig up, dig out time around here. Serious dig out.

It has taken us about a month of clearing out the muck and yuck, putting in still more drains, packing that miserable California clay, and adding decomposed granite.

We've been attacking the entire barn areas, upper hill pathways and upper turnouts.

Just walking to the top of the hill is a workout, but to haul the clay down the hill and the DG up the hill, well that's undue punishment for living at the bottom of this hill.

What?! No room for power machines, you say?

Oh yeah, this has been done the old fashioned digging and heavy wheelbarrows way.

We actually had temporary insanity ... thinking we were going to do it ourselves.

With a quick trip to the nearby Equestrian Center, we begged and pleaded with the work crew to help us out. Drama works!

We were now ready to stand by and watch. That didn't last long.

The first of four trailer loads of DG dumped in driveway.

With the mountains of DG and two commercial dumpsters in front of the house, we knew we were improving the neighborhood.

But nothing compared to the ambiance and aroma as when the dumpsters were finally filled with all the yuck and muck.

And, yes, we do clean up after our animals. Rain does that, you know.

The guys arrived at the crack of dawn ready for hard labor. After the big dig out-clean up, it was time to start hauling the DG to the top of the hill.

They had a real system. One pushed the wheelbarrow while the other two pulled a heavy rope tied to the frame until they finally arrived at the top.

I lost count how many trips they made.

Then came the noise makers, the earth pounders, the DG pounders and some kind of noisy floor sander looking thing.

It's possible we could have set off a good ol' California earthquake!

They pounded their way up the hill ...

... and back down the hill
over and over again.

The alpacas wondered what in the world
happened to their peaceful kingdom !

They finally reached the summit ...
Royal's favorite hang-out.

The upper pathways were finished
and with the next rainstorm
it should no longer resemble a ski slope.

All the turnouts now had drains everywhere.
Things were looking good.

Now it was time to do the barn.

Just what were we going to do with Royal?

With 6 workers, 3 pounding machines and DG dumped outside his stall door,
just how much could a boy take?

Check out the video. Is Royal cool, or what?!

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Royal's Grooming Crew

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Keeping this boy all spiffed up is a group project.

The girls are pretty fussy about things,
especially when it comes to Royal's overall presentation.

Yikes, Mom!
Did you know Royal has mud on his hoof?!

Ok, I've got it covered back here!
~~
April believes in doing a very thorough job.
She pretty well checks on all details.

Eventually things meet her expectations.

Royal stands patiently while being poked all over
by two Canada geese. He rarely even moves.

And when things finally meet their approval,
there is hardly a spot of dirt left.

~~~

Finally, he wanders his way back to his stall.
And, usually trailing behind are his two grooms,
just in case there might be an itsy-bitsy bit of dust.

This is a serious job, you know.

And ... when the shoer arrives,
well, all I can say is he'd better get it right.

But then you've already heard about that.
If not, click below, you'll see what I mean.
"Pete and The Girls"

Royal's First Movie

Royal

~~~

Royal's mom has been trying to learn how to make a movie.
Below is try No.1 ... about this handsome boy.

We would both be simply thrilled if
you could stop by YouTube and check it out.

Just click on his name below
and we'll hope it takes you there.

Midnight's Royal Ebony

We both thank you!

Old Photograph Tag

Calamity Jane

~~~

Past Photos Tag Game

~~~

I have been tagged by Callie at MidWest Horse.
We are to post "old photos" of ourselves and
then tag other friends to do the same.

~~~

Well, here goes.
Not sure how old these photos are supposed to be,
but I had to get a ladder, reach to the top shelf in the garage,
blow the dust and cobwebs off the boxes ... to find these photos.
Sooo ... it's a good guess they weren't taken yesterday.

Here I am in Mexico on my first equestrian outing.
Notice the riding attire and perfect equitation.

I do recall I had bug/mites/insect bites
from the horse blanket.

But all in all, the creature was sweet,
I'm not sure he moved, but at least I didn't fall off.

I know you are wondering if I'll be able to
clear the 3' jump around the corner.

This is my young colt, Viking, a sweet, sweet boy.
This was my first horse and I was thrilled
to jump right into his training program.

~~~

Now, it is my turn to tag friends
for the fun of seeing their old photographs.

Drum-roll and here they are:

Turkey Creek Lane

Carpenter Creek

Mud Ranch's Real Dirt

Smellshorsey

Oh my, there are just so many friends
whose photograph albums I'd like to see!

I do hope they all get ... tagged!

Happy Birthday, Mark

It seems like only yesterday

I was surrounded by your smile

And held my dear sweet baby boy
so closely in my arms ...

I studied every line and toe
upon your tiny feet ...



I thought you'd stay that way forever ...never thinking you'd grow up.

~~~

But then the day did come ..
away from home you moved.

So empty was the place you left
... so impossible to fill

I truly thought my heart would breakBut knew the time was here.

How proud I've always been of you
You are what I knew you'd be

A grownup charming VIP
But still a son to me.

I'd like to turn back the clock
and have my child, again.
But even so, some things don't change
no matter how the years may go.

You'll always be my little boy
The babe that filled my arms.

How happy now to wish to you
Another year of joy.

And in your memory box you'll find
your very first birthday candlealong with well worn books and toys.

~~~

Each one to me a treasure
of my one and only son.

~~~

Happy Birthday, Mark !

I Love You,
Mom

To My Valentine

~~~

My heart to you is given
Oh, do give yours to me
We'll lock them up together
And throw away the key.

~~~
by Frederick Saunders

~~~

To the wonderful man in my life,

who shares my love for all our creatures ~ great and small,

and the person who has made my world a beautiful place to live.
Each day with him is ... Valentine's Day!

Spread The Love Award and A Very Happy Valentine's Day To Everyone!

What a lovely surprise to receive this award from my special friends
Victoria at Teachings of Horse and Callie at MidWestHorse.

I wish to thank them for thinking of me.
How delightful!

The award was designed by Mica, whose idea it was
to share this gift with our blogging friends.

What a wonderful world it is to connect with people
in the blogosphere and become friends along the way.

So now, ... I send this award to all of you in appreciation
for having taken the time to browse through my pages
and for sharing your lives with me.

~~~

May your Valentine's Day be filled with love.

The VOTE Is In! ~ The Envelope, Please

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Mousetrap wants to thank all of you wonderful people
who helped him to make such a serious career decision.

The vote totals were:

0% = Move To Hollywood
55% = Stay On The Farm
37% = To Ask For Raise
8% = Retire

He has decided not to move to Hollywood.
However, it did require some concessions on his behalf.

1. MouseTrap now has his own personalized Director's Chair
2. He is available for all "Cat-Calls" in Hollywood.
3. He has a Star on Sunset Boulevard

The Management willingly granted all requests
knowing that MouseTrap was essential to the farm.
~~~
There were, also, a few necessary
changes made to MouseTrap's farm contract.
1. no more night duty
2. unlimited sleep hours
3. no more pest patrol

We are happy to report that MouseTrap is happily back
to running the farm ~ and living his life of leisure.

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Once again, everyone is happy on the farm.

What?! They are not?
Is that another fracus I hear?

Oh no, we're back to contracts, again.

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Hey!! Have you heard of Aflac?!

We need to talk.

Mouse-Trap Considers New Career

MouseTrap is seriously thinking
about show-biz.

It has something to do with being
the official Biotin-Plus Cat
for all of their ad campaigns.

Nevermind, that it is a horse product.

His fantasy is to have a career similiar

to Morris, the 9 Lives Cat.

That would, of course,
include a personalized chair.

Therefore,
MouseTrap has been reviewing
his responsibilities around this farm.

It seems there are too many,
and, thus, he is thinking about
moving on to other opportunities.

According to him, this is his work list.

Supervising the entire hay barn,
and being on constant guard against
all manner of beasts, both large and small.

Sharing all meals in a timely
and courteous fashion.

Thoroughly washing up before
returning to work.

Holding down all bales
of very heavy shavings,
and keeping them neatly in place.

Guarding the entire farm from the roof top
for invaders, vagrants and intruders
or any threatening mice or other wild life.

To be prepared and in constant alert
for any coyotes
that wander into the coyote cage.

To keep dad company at all times.

Being the official guard and door man,
which includes keeping the geese out,
and the house cats ... in.

To keep dad's work gloves warm
for those cold mornings.

To carefully guard the family silver
from possible thieves during the night.

MouseTrap is seriously considering the
possibility of a career change,
as well as fame and fortune.

MouseTrap would greatly appreciate
your help in making this decision.
Should he stay on the farm
or seek advancement in the city?
~~~

Please help by voting in the box
on the top right hand side of the page.
~~~

MouseTrap thanks you.