A Long Day's Night

Off to sleep. Babies are in bed, Jer too. A long day, yes, but not a bad day. The boys are I are getting into a routine. Of sorts. My house is more or less baby proof. I have gates, a swing, two cribs, bottles, baby toys, diapers (lots), and a myriad of other baby stuff.

I have not been on a horse in almost two weeks. I am hoping to end that streak tomorrow morning.

OH, and the big, big news...Ned and Hannah Caldwell got engaged this past Wednesday. We are all so very excited. It has been a gentle breeze of fresh air blowing through this otherwise stressful week. Congratulations my to my son and his sweet new fiancee.

One Week

One week has passed since Drew, Bev, and I began sharing the responsibility of caring for Allen's two young sons. The boys parents are unable at this time to do that. Drew has helped in countless ways but the physical care has been mostly Bev and I. I am the more fortunate one as I have Jer, friends, and other family to help me with my shifts. When she is on duty she is on her own. Please pray for her strength and endurance. We are all having fun and are overjoyed to be spending so much time with our little grandsons/nephews, but it is wearing and has more or less turned my old life upside down. But God in His goodness has provided wisdom and grace for every challenge. I will post a few more picture as I was snapping away this morning, but am going to take a much needed nap at the moment. My two little men just went down for afternoon naps. So instead of doing anything that needs done. Sleep beckons.

Quick Updates

Lucy the Cat before her grand adventure

Well...my usual beginning words. Or maybe "OK" or some other air/space filler to get my mind moving in the general direction of thinking and typing at the same time.

1st: I have a drs appointment in Black Lick at 2:00 this afternoon and must leave home here in a short time. I asked to be put on a waiting list so I could get in sooner than my scheduled appointment and of course they called yesterday for an appointment today. If you know me you know I NEVER schedule anything at 2 PM except a nap, of an N.A.P. meeting as Drew says. But I am resting in my chair with my feet propped up, which means I will not be able to bend them when the time comes to stand up. Feels good now, but we all know about that whole gratify my now pay later sentiment...

Ok, Allen is moved along with his beautiful family, and his lovely mom. I am excited for them. I know it will be a huge adjustment for all but he house is very tidy, newly painted and plenty big. Updated kitchen and other features with an old farmhouse feel. Our whole family pulled together and got the job done with no fussing or fury. A major miracle if you ask me. Moving is stressful under any circumstances and we typically excel at chaos and confusion, but for us A+ for the day. Ben Murphy and Randy worked the Indiana end with Bev until the rest of the fam minus me and Jer made it to town. I went to the farm but pooped out before they went on into town. Jer had a furious cold and was stuck on the couch, which is were I joined him after the first leg was complete.

2nd: I was pitched off my filly on Sunday. All is well, I am only bruised and not broken. Praise God. We were in the arena so I landed on sand. Twisted my neck a bit and banged my tailbone, which by the way I have hated my entire life. No matter how chubby I get my silly tailbone still extends past my rear end and makes sitting uncomfortable. Makes landing hard on your back even more uncomfortable. Ha. The horse was not truly at fault, just spooked as two year olds do. She went one way, I went the other way. And, the ground came up real fast. As I laid on the ground looking up at her she sort or just looked at me like, "Oops" and then took off at lightening speed doing laps around the ring. I think she thought if we caught her her she was going to get her butt kicked. Not likely, since it took me at least ten minutes to even make it to my feet let alone raise a hand to spank. No worries, Jer got back on top in only a few minutes and I followed after a brief respite collecting of wits and breath.

I was supposed to be brief. Cat is hobling along. House is coming. I know I need to get some recent pictures. Jer goes back to school in a couple weeks. Wow, quick summer. I love our new horse, took her out this morning she will make quite the trail horse. Dory is not yet pregnant, still waiting on her to say, "yes" to her man. Benign enough Rob?

I bought my book for care group, means I intend to read it and attend the meetings....

Riding Away

Jer, Sonny, and Christy @ Crooked Creek Horse Park last June

Update on Lucy the cat...her front right leg was crushed just below her shoulder. Most of the bone was broken or shattered. In a surgical procedure the good doc cleaned out the bone fragments and stitched it up as best he could. Her scar is probaly at least four inches long, a crooked sort of way. She limps significantly; her leg kind of just hanges there, though she uses it as a support without putting a lot of weight on it. Oddly they feel she should recover well; the soft tissue forming a new joint of sorts. Right now she is half starved and eating every minute she is not sleeping. I should get a picture to post. Not to graphic now for my squeemish readers. I could look throught some older ones to see if I have a "before"

I rode three different horses today. Wow, what a day for me. I took my first lesson in a few years from Jer's instructor. I had a blast, learned a ton, and can't wait until the next one. Jer was sick today so after Christie rode Sonny to "school" him, I got him after he was a little worn down. I want to learn to canter without feeling like I am going to kill myself. We did not do that this morning, but I am on my way; and what I learned has already helped with Baby Mia.

I rode her this evening. I have been having trouble getting her to take the bit. Not sure why. So instead of fighting with her this evening, I hooked her reins up to her hackamore and rode without a bit. Truthfully she was just fine without the her nasty bit. Of course I will not let her win this battle long term, I was alone though tonight and will wait till I have help to go for round two. I am not one to let the horse "win".

Summer was the other horse I rode today. I had not gotten her out since last Saturday and thought someone should take her for a spin. We did not stay out long, but Lindsey wanted to ride Poco, so I kept her company on our new black mare. Jer was sick so I was on my own most of the day. Hopefully he will be feeling better tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning at eight we will meet here and travel up to Distant PA to gather Allen and his family and move them to their new home in Indiana. They will be living with his mom in a big farm house on south sixth street. It will be a big adjustment for all of them, but I know God will grace them for the transition.

OK, I must get some sleep for an early up tomorrow. Thanks to Ben Murphy and his crew who will be helping Allen's mom Bev get her stuff moved to the new home. I love my church.

The Leg....acy

Our lost cat is home again. I went and fetched her from the animal hospital yesterday afternoon. Her face shows most clearly the weight she has lost. Previously she was one hefty kitty, not obese or portly, just stout. Now her little cheeks are sunken in. She wants to eat constantly and then sleeps like, ah, like me after a hard day...or any day. Simply, she really zonks out. There I go with that word really. The vet sewed her leg back on, leaving the joint to rebuild itself with soft tissue. I spose it will never be right, but she should have limited use of it. The story of her journeys unknown, but her return home is welcome. Her legacy as a Kimmel cat will contiue on.
Hence the title, leg...acy.
I have been shopping for lighting fixtures on line. I know what I do not like; some I kinda like; so far nothing I love. Johanna, HELP!
So many things to decide on. Some of it is fun, but for me who can hardly decide which socks to wear, it can be a tad tedious.
Rode my baby Mia this evening. Drew tagged along at my request. She can be a bit rambunctious, but today she was very well behaved; after we got her bitted up. At first I had no problem with her, but the last few times she started throwing her head up and be a real snot. I think I am doing something wrong, 'cause she is normally a people pleaser. Jer has been trying to coach me. He can do it with no problem, but I still have some trouble with my right shoulder and cannot put my arm up over her head to hold it in place. Either way it took Drew and I both to get the job done. And Drew got his first foot stomped on injury. I apprieciate his willingness to step up and help even after she stepped on his ankle...hard.
OK, I need to be praying for more self discipline and list making. I feel I am getting lost in the fuzzy headed fog again; just stabbing here and there at a blurry mental list of chores that need to be tackled. Not finishing any one project leaves me feeling frustrated and disappointed in myself.
I know God has ordained my tasks and my daily mission in life. I need to spend time trying to hear His plan and then work at pursuing it.
Nite now.
sek

Too Late Baby Now

I had so much to share this evening. I had quite the day. But I am much too tired to spew it all out now. Not to be gross, but I don't think I ever even brushed my teeth today. I have been on the go since 7:30, yes I did have a nap; on the couch with my boots on. Passed out, slept, got up, back to the barn.
I was chewed out by a lady from the Indiana County Humane Society. Long, very long, story. I did not harm any animals, but took one in from someone who had adopted from there only to have the silly cat run off from my farm, get herself injured and taken back to the kitty Gestapo. My mistake, going to pick up the injured cat and take her to my vet to have her leg sewed back on. See what I mean, that is not near enough details to give you a clear picture, but it is as far as I can go at the moment.
But God's Mercy reigns. Now I am in my bed and going to close my eyes and sleep. Scarlett O'Hara did not have everything all wrong. Tomorrow will be another day. God's Mercy is new every morning. Hallelujah!

No Baby

Just a quick note, sorry for my lack of interesting or even boring chatter here.
My horse, Dory, who was pregnant is not longer, pregnant. I am taking her back to visit her stallion friend tomorrow. Though, I am not sure how much further I will continue after this try. I am worn out from all the messing around. Please pray that I will clearly hear from God how to continue from here. This "live cover" method is not costly as the AI was but it is emotionally wearing.
My vet has been very sweet. I believe she was almost more disappointed today than I was when she discovered that the baby horse was not more.
Off to bed now.
Oh, by the way. I have poison something all over my torso. Yuck.

Oops...I did it again...again

OK, Vic, you can quit talking to yourself, I am here now.

Jer's cell phone went into the washing machine with my barn jeans. It is now drying out on the chair in my bedroom. He, needless to say, is not very happy with me. He gave it to me tonight while we were riding in the arena. Before I got into the shower earlier I began to empty my pockets in the bathroom. Concious of having his phone also in my pocket, I could swear I set it on the sink or towel shelf. After showering I gathered up my dirty stuff and decided to stuff it right in the washing machine. Believing I had already taked the phones and other stuff out of my pockets, I never even checked them.

Later he asked me for his phone, I cofidently said, "its in the bathroom."

"No...its not," says Jer.

"OH sure it is honey, well check down in the kitchen. Maybe I took it out downstairs before I came up. I remember taking it out of my pocket. I just don't remember where."

No phone, anywhere. "OK," I nervously admit, "maybe its in the washing machine." It was. At least this one did not go into the dryer. I have done that before too.

Oh well, what ya gonna do. A middle aged mama, whose brains are shriveling.

Did I mention my mare is pregnant. Oh yea I did.

We are home from the nation to the north. I truly love it up there. I wish everyone could experience it just once. Even you Vic. There is a bed and breakfast just up the river from were we stay. It is much more civilized than the cabin/cottage life. Canadians call them cottages, and you go on a holiday, not a vacation. And, you say "AYE" any old place you want to in any conversation, in any setting. Its kinda cool. We all usually AYE for a couple of weeks or so every year until it wears off. I would peck out a demonstration dialogue, but I hate dialogue and I ready used up my weekly allowance of quotation marks in the phone in the washer bit.

Suffice it to say, saying AYE is cool. Try it.

Nuts, and I have poison something all over my torso and lower back. Some kind of Canadian poison leaf stuff. I am guessing anyway. It almost looks like Zorro attacked me with a red magic marker, except for the one place where the blotch is about as big around as a baseball. Not puffed out that big, just one two-dimensional. Itchy, yes. I am using this stuff called Zanfel. Works pretty well for the most part, which is why I think its some form of poison. Otherwise why would poison ivy medicine be working right? Only problem for each area that begins to clear up, two more show up. If this continues I may call the Dr. or be forced to try the one redneck home remedy of Clorox Bleach. And yes it burns and stings like...heck.

All that is left is to write something spiritual and I can call it a night. Oh, and the pictures above are a few more Canada pics. Drew in skis, on the dock. He ended up removing them, getting in the water and then putting them on again. Which is the way you are supposed to do it in the first place. Actually, he is a very good skier. The other two are the kids all jumping off the dock one night.

My wisdom well seems to be a bit dry. But the one thing I do know is that there are very few things in life that show off the mercy of God than know I have good friends. That they love me, and want to hear about my mundane little life. God created us to be intertwined with one another, in such a way that we hold each other up. Laugh together, cry together, and love HIM together. For that I am grateful.

Oh and Happy Late Birthday to Rob. The big day was Saturday, so be sure to let him know...ahh...he's getting older just like the rest of us....

Corona

Sandy n Anna

Drank my first Corona today complete with a slice of lime. And, I liked it. Drew and Jer and I sat on the swimming dock with some of our Canadian friends. We spent most of the afternoon in the water or just sitting in the sun talking about nothing in particular. Well one of the guys did ask us what we thought about the candidates running for president. I shuddered inside and out just thinking about what Drew's answer would be...with good reason. He proved me right. Yikes, but then it is true that there is not much good to say. Fortunately, we had already had a good long day to that point. Ha Ha.

Well, tonight is our last night at the cottage. We leave in the morning around ten, head south towards Toronto. Several stops along the way have become routine in our journey, some for food, some for shopping. We found a new shop earlier this week. One rainy day we went to town to get lunch and "dumb around". On the way home we stopped off at an antique shop, which doubled as a bake shop/coffee shop. I ate one of the most delectable sweet crumbly pastry treats I have ever tasted. Butter tarts they are called. Imagine warm, sweet, and butter all in the same tasty treat.

OK, I am too tired to continue on. We have had a good week. God is good to me, this I know.

Thursday in Combermere

Today started with laundry. Don't feel too sorry for me, the Laundromat in Combermere doubles as a coffee shop/Internet cafe. The couple that own and runs the establishment are down home folks who retired to their dream. Well, they are retired and they run a laundromat that is also a coffee shop that sells free trade coffee in several flavors, also fresh baked goods, hot from some local oven. Racks of local goods are scattered about the steamy rooms. We bought socks milled in a family business somewhere in them thar hills. The owners help you load the machines, add the soap, and slip the coins into the slots. If you are reading and drinking coffee, or chatting with an elderly mountain person; when your washers are done they come and get you so you can load your dryers. Again, they put the quarters in, and when all the laundry is dry and the selecting of socks complete, and coffee cups are drained; you can square up your bill and leave with your warm folded clothes. Only in Combermere ON.

Today was Water Day. Skiing and tubing were the sports of the day. Whipping innocent children around in dizzying circles as they skim across the shimmery aqua water, amuses the adults and sets the young ones a giggling. Up here in the tranquil north country their are no nosey park rangers to inflict their Gestapo like rules on family fun...ahh huh. Anyway no one bothers you.

Later this evening after some artsy shop shopping we dined at a local Polish bar/restaurant which boast a mean buffet. OK, kids want to watch a movie and I have the only video machine available. Trying to upload one more picture but its not working for me. Drew and skis...

Oh, and you guys did real good keeping up the chatter while I was absent yesterday.
Go Vic, didn't know you had a specific agenda, but then silly me for not thinking that of you.

Biscuits n Gravy

Just finished enjoying a sumptuous breakfast cooked up by Ned n Hannah. Bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits n gravy. The day is rainy and cool, but a good time to relax and reflect. Sat by the dock this morning reading a bit and enjoying God's glorious backdrop. Now my belly's full and my heart content.
Played Pit last night with Kathy and her mom. Hannah, Ned, Jer, and I enjoyed the raucous trading game. Drew and Jr. sat in the living room chatting and sifting through farming magazines. Hannah kept the lead until we stooped for pie and coffee.
When we came home Jer got to see Jiffy Pop, pop for the first time, every kid should get that experience.

As far as the marsh...the bugs were only bad when be went ashore for a bathroom break. One foot on the shore brought our every swarming creature appeared ready for lunch. First time a restroom break ever required bug spray. Otherwise, only pristine hills, blue sky, and a scattering of water flowers. I have pictures, but I have not downloaded them to the computer yet.

Ned wants to check his email, and I need to stretch my legs and put on some day clothes. We may going for a drive since its raining and hit a few antique shops. See Vic we can meander and as long as you don't have to pee the bugs are not so bad in the marsh.

Pictures Maybe

I am going to try and up/download some pictures from tonight's fishing. We had a good time again. If only Drew and Ned could catch some fish though. Us armatures just used worms and hooks, but the pros use fancy lures and wonder wobblers or some such gizmos.

I reeled in a nice small mouth bass tonight, yep just a worm and a hook. But the river is beautiful and except for the jet skis and power boats very peaceful. Tomorrow we will go up the river the other way deep into the marshes that is always a good time, much more pristine.

I am only going to try and get one pic at at time to see if that helps. The Internet is kinda slow up here and often times out before I can finish a job. Whoops there it is first picture. Hannah and her fish, and Ned. Ha Ha.

OK, try again; I am going for two this time, and then I am off to bed.

We had the best nachos ever, probably not as good as some Rob has had in Arizona but for Canada, darn tasty. The chips were homemade, smothered with cheese, hot peppers, fresh green onions, and shredded chicken. Yummm, but not so good for 9:30 PM...

Second batch of pictures did not come up. Maybe tomorrow. No, got one of Drew, but not the scenery one. OK, nite all.

fishing n stuff

Just got in from a evening of fishing up river. Hannah and I caught the most fish, with her snagging the biggest. We had a fun time. The day started a little stressful, but has ended with peace and laughter. God is so good. Funny when I started praying instead of whining and wallowing in despair, moods improved and joy invaded.

The weather is cool and comfortable, not the blasting heat we had the last few years. I do hope we get enough sun at least one day for the fam to ski and tube. I am usually a watcher/spotter but it is a real blast. Drew's specialty is seeing how quickly he can dump whoever is desperately clutching the ski rope handle. We read the directions on the inter tube once just for fun...all the activities they suggest/instruct are dangerous are the ones our family considers are the most enjoyable. Huh!

Jer's hot dogs are cooked. So I guess I'll grab some grub.

Burlington ON

Had a great dinner. Now we are all snuggled into the hotel. A few more hours tomorrow we will be at the cabins. So far so good.

Canada Eve

Yikes, need to get up in seven hours. I think we are almost ready. Either I am getting so good at it that it went very smoothly, or we will get their with no underwear. Scary huh? I am my usual moderately stressed should increase gradually until we are at least 100 miles north, and then gradually subside until the day before packing to come home. Leaving vacation homes has permanently scared my soul for this earthly life. Recurring nightmares have disturbed my sleep several times a month for years. Odd yes, but true. Maybe for fun sometime I will narrate one out.
Not now, sleep beckons.

13 Days

Well,
As of yesterday afternoon, Dory was 13 days "prego" as Vic says.
Yippee. I cannot say how blessed I was. This was the 7th time in two years I have had a horse vet checked for pregnancy, and the first time it came back positive. I have the shower running as I have procrastinated beyond belief with my to do list for vacation. So I must keep this short. But YES the news is good. Rob, don't be too disappointed for I will include graphic details soon. I will have Internet in Canada. Go figure. But I will be in touch. I am taking that as a challenge to substitute the "uncomfortable words" with mac speak. Ha Ha.
Yes, you did good Rob, and God is awesome in the way He leads us into becoming more like Him.

Dory Day

Tomorrow is Dory Day. At least that is what I am dubbing it. The vet will be here sometime in the afternoon to determine Dory's state of pregnancy/non-pregnancy. Many friends have expressed to "having a good feeling" about the whole thing. I wish I felt so certain. I know whatever the turnout, it is by Divine Design as all of life is.

Jeff my blacksmith was here today. I just love him. I have learned so much from listening to his stories and advice. I try to gently pick his brain every time he comes. Plus, I can judge the growth/progress of my animals by his periodic visits. When he first started coming Sonny, Cool, and later my baby Mia, and Poco were all at different and sometimes difficult stages in their behaviour and development. Because he comes every eight weeks or so for the last three years I can see by how they behave for him, how he judges their behavior, and improvement in their manners and general development. Don't know if that all makes sense but it is always an encouraging day for me.

Rode Mia again tonight and again she responded well. I am anxious to get more serious about her riding when we get home from Canada. She too was very good for Jeff today. She is growing up very nicely. When I come home I also want to start working with Dory again. If Hannah does not have time to ride her I am going to put a few saddle hours on her myself. I think I can start slow and gradually get her used to having a rider again. She has been on sick leave since January because of her bad knee. She is such a smart little lady and very easy to handle.

OK enough horse prattle. I must get some sleep. Much packing to do tomorrow. Our estimated tome of departure is eightish Friday morning. Shew, in need of buckets of Grace.

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to the newly engaged. Ben Kimmel and Jen Picard have finally made it official, and a late spring wedding is expected. It has been a great blessing to watch the two of them together and to be able to share in their excitement. They have been together for almost seven years and as a mom I am experiencing the joy of seeing on of my sons pull of a very romantic proposal. The months ahead will be filled with much chaos and some angst I am sure, but for now we are all enjoying the glow of a sweet love that has already been tested in the fires of life. Life trials are not new to these two young people and I know God has great adventures in store for them.

I will post house pictures soon. I want this entry to stand alone.

Join me in praying for their future and God's grace to reign on their life together.

Hot Day

I guess you are right Rob, its a very busy time. I have not even been on my computer all week. No lazy summer days around here. My trip to Ohio went well. Jer was a great travel partner and only gabbed a good bit instead of constantly. Ha Ha. Mia is home and doing great. She is still a baby but she is a joy to ride and only gets edgy when something new comes up. And her edgy is not awful. I think she is going to make a great horse. She will be a blast on the trails.

No news on Dory until Wednesday. The vet will be out in the afternoon. I pray she is in foal. I know God will sustain us through all disappointment and trial. But besides the huge monetary investment we have in this it has been an emotional roller coaster. I have been giving her medicine orally for a few days and will continue until the vet check. It is a hormone to keep her progesterone at a healthy level for maintaining pregnancy, in case that has been a problem.

My house is coming along. Water and electric are connected to the house. The electric works, but the water line does not run all the way to the well, but I guess that is an easy fix for Drew. The front yard has been rough graded and after the porch goes on they will finish that up too, I think. The shingles are on the roof and a few walls have been studded in on the inside. I do not have pictures of the inside as they did that today, and I only heard about it from Drew.

I think Allen and Stacey have a place to live, his mom has rented a place out behind the Holiday Inn, a big old farm house I believe. It sounds wonderful. I am very grateful that God has provided. Bev will be living with them and will be a big help I am sure. I just love them all so much. I am very happy about the relationship that Bev and I have enjoyed over the years. I count her as one of my dearest friends. I am also happy that the kids will be closer. I hope I can be more of a support than in the past. I have struggled with not being able to be more helpful or being a more involved grandma. The driving distance has been a challenge for me. The animals take so much time too that getting away for very long takes some effort.

Well I have tried twice to post a few recent pictures but to no avail. I will try again another time.
Trusting God every step every day.

Real Quick

Phone is working about 70%. Some keys are still not operational. I have insurance and want to get a new one before I leave for Canada, since it can work as a modem and I will be able to keep everyone up to date on my "holiday"

Thanks for not expounding on the whole "public toilet" thing Rob.

My mare Dory is home; I just love her. She is so much like a big, very big; dog. We will know how her live cover experience panned out in two weeks.

I am going Ohio tomorrow to pick up Mia. I am very excited about that too. I should be able to take to the trails now.

Our house is coming along. I took some pictures of Drew laying the water and electric lines this morning, but left my camera on the kitchen table so I cannot upload/download them into my camera. I will try and get to that soon. I do not know why posting was so difficult this past week, seemed like I was so busy. Several no nap days, that was tough.

Pray for me tomorrow, as I will be traveling to Ohio and back in the same day with only Jer as a traveling partner. He cannot spell me behind the wheel of the truck. I will be pulling the horse trailer and that requires even a bit more of my attention...