New List

I erased Cool's name from the dry erase board in the feed room today. I moved everyone under her up a space. It was not as momentous as I had expected. Just a new season. Passing from one era to the next always means leaving behind and forging ahead. God promises Good will come. In faith I wait.

As spring approaches new life is always around the corner.
I had dug up a bunch of spring bulbs last fall/summer thinking I would replant them somewhere else. I left them lay until they appeared ruined. Thinking I could go ahead and stick them in the ground somewhere I put them away in a safe place. Guessed right? I have no idea where they are. The other day I was heading to the house from the barn. I bent over to clean some leaves and dead stuff out of a the flower bed by the back deck. Searching for signs of new life, daisy spouts or whatever might give a hint towards coming sunshine; what did I see? Yep, several surviving daffodil or tulips or whatever are poking their green heads up out of the frozen ground. I am not sure what will bloom, but despite my carelessness God has redeemed my blunder and allowed fresh growth to appear. As always He is the Creator Redeemer. And I am forever grateful.

Truth be told, their is much in this spring that will bring change in my life. Today I wait for my Jesus to redeem, restore, rebuild, and renew all that lies behind. And with each passing day in the new adventures that are unfolding I trust He will provide courage, mercy, and strength.

Mad Cow...I AM NOT A HORSE

Pay attention Vic...this is a cow. I am wondering maybe your screen the contrast or color adjusted. It is a PC so I guess I can see where you might make the mistake, but sheeesh. I may need to send Poco for therapeutic counsel; he is so distraught. I can only say I am glad it was not one of my hormonal mares, especially the filly who caught the dig. I would have to order horsey Midol by the case lot.

Poco n Me Along Plumcreek

Started out as a simple trot around the ring; until I decided to take a stroll around the yard, which led to a tromp across the snow covered corn field, and then a walk along the creek bank. Wow! What a morning. And the Glory of the Lord shown, and rippled, and chirped all around.

Sunday Night Lights

The Florida gang in front of one of our favorite restaurants

Oops, just published before I wrote anything. Silly me. I have already backspaced four times and not written twenty words. May be a brief post. Here at Stillwater Farms the lights this Sunday night are dim. Drew is watching rural TV at its best, Jer has retired for the evening and I am due to follow shortly. My energy meter ran out early today and a long nap and two cups of coffe could not refuel it. No worries.

Sadly I missed the benift concert for Ian. I wimped out due to the weather, well there was another reason. Jer had friends over who were going to go with us. Plans changed and they had to go home early so their dad coming to pick them up would conflict with us being in town. The combination of that and everyone being Friday tired kept the Drew Kimmel clan at home. I heard that the concert was a huge success and that many $$ were raised. Praise God!!

I am going to start serious work on preparing to move this week. I may not get past the planning stage, but even that would be a real step in a positive direction. We have lived here over 22 years. Hard to believe really. I had never lived anywhere more than four years prior to this. Compound my 22 years times six other people's stuff and you may have an idea what I am up against. Even with two and one half of the seven having moved out, very little of their "stuff" went with them.

I need to be gentle with myself this week though. Jer has two basketball games, a practice; I have home group, and a doctors appointment. Monday after school we go straight to the Murphy's for Jer's tutoring. Yikes. But Lynne and I have a small plans for Wednesday and Friday morning. Lynn is the woman who has been helping me around the house. OK, she cleans, does laundry and all the other tasks that I don't do. Ali still gets my groceries and comes in a few hours a week but her growing family and work load keeps her from working the hours I need/want. I have already been going from room to room making mental lists of what I want to move and what is going to the garbage or to a moving sale. Considering my mental capacity I would do well to commit theses lists to print of paper.

Nine thirty, time for me to shut off the lights completely. Thank you Lord for being patient with me today. Thank you for a good word this morning from Mark. Thank you for a wonderful family and great friends. Bring all my sons into your Kingdom. In your Name,
Amen

Leap Year Babies

What do those who are born on February 29th do about their birthdays on the in-between years? I mean I am sure they, or their parents, the day the are born, just have to pick another day to celebrate, March 1 or February 28. I have wondered about this in the past but not to the place of serious thought.

For some odd reason I wondered about this birthday dilemma today, out loud, to a friend. I do not think most of us really give a hoot. I know I never did before. But babies will be born today and will not have another birth DATE for four more years. When you are small you could care less, I mean who at one year of age knows the difference between one day or the next. You eat, sleep, poop, go to grandma's; could be any old day. It's when we get older that we/I crave the adulation that comes with God allowing us another year here in the fallen world.

Anyway, Happy Birthday to all you leap year babies out there. I could give you several of mine it you'd like to catch up...

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Baby Mia

I had the tune in my head but could not remember the right words. The wind was bitter; the sky gloomy(most of the day), and I had make the trip to Kittanning TWICE today. So what made the day beautiful? I guess the pricking of my spirit with the knowledge that we can be content in all things. And content does not mean just enduring, putting up with, or eeking by. But I believe it means a relaxed peaceful enjoyment in our lives as they are, sort of an "as is" kind of acceptance.

The icy wind that bit at my cheeks, dove under my collar and around my neck and reminded me how alive I am. The hardness of the bricks under my boots as I tromp from one end of the barn to the other allows even my feeble legs to feel sturdy and strong. Warm horse breath on the back of my neck brings a smile to my frozen face as the huge creatures bend their graceful neck to show their appreciation for the days hay, and a clean stall. Well not so sure they care about the clean stall, but truly they want a neck scratching or muzzle rub just like any house pet. Each with their own personality they give and receive affection on their terms and in their own manner of demonstration.

Today life felt good. Every day God is good; all His gifts are good; so no matter what every day is good, regardless of how I feel. Knowing this and walking it out in faith is an exceptional thing. But today I did not have to just go on in faith. Today God blessed me with the deep inner sense of "yes, this day is Good." Which made the day all the sweeter. Not a special day by any means, a little wearing by some standards. But crisp clean air, dinner smiles and laughter with my family, and a little damp horse breath, all bathed in the Grace and Glory of the Lord came together to create on beautiful day in my neighborhood.

Is it any wonder

In case anyone is wondering...we did make it home safely. I am truly happy to be home, cold weather and all. I missed my horses and I did miss my other kids, and my friends. You know me, I could not stand the fact that I was enjoying all that sunshine and warm weather when my dear ones were freezing their way through icy dark days. Took some of the fun out of it all.

Seems like we are to get another blast of winter weather. Drew says big storm tonight. He is snoring right now which is kind of funny since he was sure he was not going to be able to fall asleep so early.

I am beginning to feel a bit better. I know God is the same today, and yesterday, and will be the same tomorrow, but still I waver, wondering if all will be well. From my perspective some days just do not seem like hope abounds. But it does. Not because I believe it does but because He says it does. My believing has not one thing to do with it. My believing only changes me. When I choose to believe, I choose faith, and faith builds hope. All empowered by the Holy Spirit yes, but it is our/my opening my hand and heart to receive that allows God to do the work He chooses to do. It's like Dorothy, there's no place like home, and what we are searching for is usually in our own back yard. Heh?

And Vic, what happened today?

North: Night Two

I love being here...

Mom and Jer lounging in the villa



Horse and cowboy gag at Arabian Nights...poor quality pic but very funny


Much better accommodations. Tonight we are nestled into deep cushioned Hampton Inn beds. Bathroom is well stocked; right down to a packaged make-up remover wipe. Oh yea. Extra towels, complete with nap, and on the large size. Hand towels and washcloths. Yippee!! The quilts on the beds DO NOT slide to the floor every time you inhale or exhale. I believe the cotton fibers are the saving grace factor compared to the low grade high sheen polyester of last night's linens.

Drew and I figured out how to gracefully get to choose which hotel we stay at without having to seem like snobs. Since we lead and our loved ones follow as we drive; we simply drove until exhaustion and hunger became such powerful forces that all other modes of reason were defunct. We searched the Internet for a Red Lobster, not a fourth Cracker Barrel, to serve as our dinner stop. And surprise, surprise a Hampton Inn was perched demurely on the hill across the highway from the restaurant. After gorging our selves on shrimp and pasta at the McDonald's of seafood all the weary over-full travelers could think of was a hot shower and bed. It didn't hurt that it had begun to snow while we were dining and the darkness was thick and damp. "how 'bout that place up on the hill over there?" the innocents inquire. "Why yes, that would probably due, might be a little pricey though."
"Oh, who cares, we are cold and tired, and its right there..."

And here we are.
I know I am keeping Drew up with my key pecking. Truly we did not plan the hotel caper, it just worked out that way. But the lesson learned should be remembered. Ya think?

Of course I do believe God rewarded our willingness to give so unselfishly last night and Drew and I even discussed how we did not want to have bad attitudes but wanted to be a blessing to our family. It gave us an opportunity today to talk a bit about how seek ways to humbly serve. OK, not that it was a long discussion but it did happen. Our God is so good and so patient with me and mine.

Tomorrow we make our last push home, through the forecasted storm. I am ready and prayerfully our angels will be also as we slip slide north to Shelocta.

North: Night One

Here we are at the Motel 6. Keep in mind I am a bit of a hotel snob. I dearly love the folks we are traveling with but, their choice in overnight accommodations is a bit on the well... cheap side. Not even any soap in the tub, let alone shampoo or nice lotion. The beds are adequate, sheets fair, two small pillows. Alas, as always an opportunity to for grace to abound and me to die to my flesh. Oops, Drew just found the soap, so yes to soap, not to shampoo. 'Course I have shampoo in the bag.
Again, vacation, traveling all provide many chances to test our faith and our willingness to die to our own feeble flesh. Living with other folks in a big home in the middle of a big field can be challenging but traveling in a car or even two cars with friends or family, sharing a small home with almost no yard will really stretch ya. On vacation we all have our own preconceived ideas of what the holiday should provide for US...ourselves. I know I did. I guess I may have left my "serve my family" convictions at home. Jesus expects us to take Him and His rules of behavior with us even on vacation.
Understand, I/we all had a great time, most of the time. But my selfish heart did spend some of the time grumbling about silly disappointments and interrupted naps. Ha...I want to expound my my computer battery is low and the cord is stretched across the room only two thirds of the way up the bed, means my arms are uncomfortable to the point of cramping. Guess I will have to continue True Confessions tomorrow. Know that God does not allow us to walk long in selfishness if listen even from a distance. Thank you God for pulling me back and drawing me in.

Photos, Fotos, and Pics

No Jer, Don't Jump!!
Drew and Sandy @ best steak house in Orlando. Probably why he is smiling

Sandy and Cynthia...while the drugs were working...

Jer having an absolute blast at Sea World


Jer wanted his picture WITH the horse, as in pay the money stand on the other side of the railing.
Leaving for home in the morning, should be in Shelocta some time Friday. We take a lot longer to make the trip then back in the old days, no more driving straight through. Less kids, more kinks in the knees and hips...

Sunny Saturday

Jeremiah turned 12 on Wednesday. So hard to believe. Here he is serving his cake and modeling his new shirt form Uncle Glenn and Aunt Sam.
I only have a few minutes. I am supposed to be napping; we are leaving for dinner at 4:30 and then off to the rodeo. Yesterday we went to Sea World, we have pictures on Jer's camera (he got for his birthday) I will post them soon. Today has been a relaxing day 'cept for now that I have to power nap. Not something I do well.

Much later in the day...after my nap; we got back from the rodeo. We went to dinner at Smoky Bones and then to a local rodeo that is always going every year when we are here. I have to shut out the light and get some sleep. I want to write just seems like I can't get the energy and time at the same time.
God's Grace abounds. Always.

Sunshine State

I can hardly peck this out knowing all my nearest and dearest, except for just the few who are here, are suffering the wicked woes of winter in western PA. Ya like my alliteration? I won't even say how nice the weather is hear, like the mild temperatures, the bright sunshine. Had to put my contacts in so I could wear sunglasses. Sorry, shouldn't have said that. We are supposed to get some strong thunderstorms, if that makes anyone feel any better.

The picture above is from Jessica's. Jer and little Ian.

Today was a good one. Just hanging out, napping, eating at the Bahama Breeze. YES! Still, I am so tired most of the time. As I said before I hope to find my way back and beyond to my sweet spot with the Lord. I have been lazy and negligent. I need so much more of Him.

Southern Virginia/St. Augustine FL

Rural Southern Virginia

View I would see from our balcony if it was not dark..



Here we are lounging in the Hampton Inn, Hillsville VA. Jer is in the tub; Drew is watching the weather channel; and me I am anxious to reconnect with my writer's self. Ha...Yea Vic, I get blog withdrawal too, but I am all about the accolades. And yea Rob, I just used the Google spell check to check the spelling of accolades, found I misspelled withdrawal.

St. Augustine Florida: arrived around six-thirty, ate at a restaurant across the street. Barnacle Bill's Beachside, a little corny of a name but a pleasant waiter, good shrimp, pole beans, and other southern favorites for side dishes.

Now, back in the room, the new Willie Wonka is playing on the TV. Drew is starting to snore. The air conditioning is chilly and I may have to put on socks. The temp to day was warm but it was the sunny that blessed me. Willie is weird. All day I thought of things I wanted to share, but now I guess I am just tired.

We spent last night at Jessica and Matt Millers. Little Ian is growing and cute a can be. Jess made lasagna and had a birthday cookie for Jer and presents. I love stopping there, but wish we could spend more time there. Their home as a sweet peace about it. Jess is a woman of God who demonstrates a servant's heart. Tomorrow we only have to drive a little less than two hours to get to our vacation villa. Villa is what the Brits who own the place where we stay call the homes. Jer is already planning his swimming time. I think Jer and I may turn off the television and get some sleep. The last two times we stayed in St. Augustine we stopped at a nearby farm/stable to see my horse Cool's mother and father. I know it sounds weird to visit a horses's parents, but the Paso breed is a small one so a lot of owners know each other. I got hooked up with Micheal Bruce, the stallion's owner through friends. Oddly Cool's mama is kept at the same barn, not a common thing since they are owned by different people. We have not planned on stopping this year, but on the way down I got to thinking about Cool and how it might be nice to see her mom. Supressa passed her looks on to my horse almost identically. Only a small white snip on Cool's face shows the difference. I guess Cool had one white foot too. Her mom is a pure bay. I tried to buy her a about three horses ago, but her owners did not want to sell. I think seeing her would almost be like seeing Cool again. Anyway, I'll see how Drew is in the morning

OK, time to get ready for bed. I pray you all make it through the next frigid day or so. I wish you all could be here with us. What a party that would be huh? So strange to be here with just the three of us. Once we catch up with Uncle Glenn and Aunt Sam our group will be better. Cynthia will be down on Wednesday to complete the ensemble.

God's grace has abounded and I am sure of His presence. Traveling can be a challange but we have done well. I am confident in His ongoing mercy. I hope to use this time away to nourish my alone time with the Lord. I know I need to make some big changes, but all big things come in small pieces. Faithful in little faithful in much. I need to take small bites.

HIt 'n Miss

Hi ya...sometimes I got it and sometimes I do not. Thanks Rob for posting my note. I am in bed and should be sleeping but I thought I would try and check my mail and since it worked thought I better check in real quick. I guess the "splitters" have to do something with my line from somewhere, or maybe there is a splitter in the line that needs repaired by someone more techie than my telephone man. Now I do not remember. Either way he, the telephone man, said it would be early this week. I am so glad you all carried on without me. Nothing like a comfy viritual living room to snuggle up in and relax with friends. Got to get some sleep since it is WAY past my bedtime. Got stuck watching House after the game and well here I am.
I am praying about dramatically changing my diet. Yuck. But, I am at the point where I would do almost anything to feel better.
And Rob, I used my Google spell check, there it is big as life. Thanks for the tip. Any thoughts on why I cannot send outgoing mail from Outlook?

I need my Savior, I need change. Thank you Lord in advance for the work you are about to do.

M I A, not Mia...

Jer playing basketball
Friends from Canada

I am not missing in action, I am missing in inaction. I am dragging around, wallowing in my own crumbs...What the heck does that mean. Beats me, but I have been lax in my writing, not for lack of stuff to say, 'cause certainly God gives me reason to exude His praise or comment on His creation daily, hourly really. Nope, just laziness I guess. I have had a couple of relatively profound thoughts, a bit presumptious huh? Anyway, a couple, a few thoughts have wandered through my seething grey matter begging to be released into print; but alas, when the time comes to write I am just too darn tired. And the thought provoking ideas have vanished into mylan mush. Ha, Ha, that was funny.
God is so very good though. My chores are all finished for the morning. Even took Zulu for a walk up on the hill. Vet says a fifteen minute walk every day will help the swelling in her leg. Means I have one with a bad knee on stall rest: NO WALKING of any kind and one who needs walked every day to help heal her bad leg. Good thing our Good God allowed there to be Vets to keep it all straight for me. But my morning chores are done, I have dinner in the fridge, my dog is sleeping at my feet, yep on the couch so don't sit on it if you don't want dog cooties. Heh. I had a couple scrambled eggs for breakfast and they came out just how I like them; nice and yellow with not brown cripsy edges or anything. The phone only range four times while I was trying to eat them, so they were almost warm by the time I finished. Now I am down for a nap, early so theoretcially I can get up early and DO something. I am feeling at peace. Except my spell checker is not working today and I know Rob will find all my misspellings...I simply even after forty plus years of trying cannot spell and truthfully at this point I just do not care. Ahhh, that felt good to get off my chest. Now to nap. Jesus really makes me smile. 'Cause He loves me and I sure do not know why....

Moon Beams

Tonight as I was closing up the barn after doing the chores, which today for some reason seemed more pleasant than usual, I had to turn back after turning out the lights and get my sweatshirt. I had tossed it somewhere and forgotten to grab it before heading out. It was dark out hence it was dark in the barn. I knew the general area where the wayward hood had been pitched but was not sure exactly where it lay. It was interesting because the overhead lights for the barn are not right near the door I use to come in and out of the barn. So once the lights are out I have to walk half way up the center aisle to turn them back on. The light from the bathroom, that is not really a bathroom, will shed some light into the hallway but not enough to find a lost sweatshirt. The moonlight peeks through the cracks in the walls, doors and thorough the rafters in the roof, again enough to light the way for basic stumbling around.
Standing in the shadows with soft worship music playing and horses munching their evening hay, a sweet peace invades my soul. I have just enough light to see my way in, and out. To find my shirt I flick on the overhead florescent lighting. I grab my lost garment, turn off the lights, and find my way back to the door.

It occurred to me how when I am feeling lost, or am in a difficult place for whatever reason God always provide enough of whatever is needed to make it through the darkness. Sometimes to my dismay, just enough, not more or less than is needed. In my impatiences I want the whole picture. I want the lights blazing and the whole barn lit up. All I really need is to get out of danger or get into a safe place. I feel like this thought is a bit ambiguous, but the notion seemed strong earlier. Just that sometimes we/I need to be content with just a lit up pathway, not a vision of the whole journey, destination, or future adventure. God only promises Grace for today. And His Grace is always enough.

Pushing Through my Easy Life

Through what? I mean we/I have it made. Thirsty? Open the fridge; turn on the spigot. Hungry? Order takeout; pop something in the microwave. Too hot? Too cold? A little adjustment on the dial and my home becomes warmer or cooler. Heck, I can run the furnace and open a window if I want. I am living the good life. We, a few of the Kimmels, ate dinner at Cozumel's a restaurant up town, after church on Sunday. One of our favorite places to chow down; the food is great, big portions, served hot, and brought to your table by one of the kindest men I know. The owner-operator waits on tables, greets his guests and goes out of his way to make sure each diner feels welcome as well as satisfactorily stuffed.
Even as causal acquaintances we know he has experienced much personal tragedy in his life. As Drew was paying the bill this week I walked up on a very sober conversation. The outside temps this past Sunday did not rise much above ten degrees and with the wind the "felt like" temperature was much colder. Drew was getting a geography lesson on the trials of the poor in Mexico. He must have commented on how different the weather has been the last few years. You know, "I remember when I was a kid it snowed five feet and the wind blew both ways" Heh ha, you know how Drew goes on, but this was different. Our host was describing how it has gotten much colder in Mexico. Homes down there he said do not have furnaces and are not built for cold weather. In recent years the winter temperatures have been getting colder and colder dropping as low as zero in the moutians. He said, "it is very bad. People are dying." In lower lying areas temperatures in the thirty's are not rare. In a country we think of as being hot and dry, dessert even, I was shocked. Maybe not shocked, I wish I had been. But I was saddened. I could see the pain in the man's eyes as he talked about his homeland. A whole portion of a country unprepared for the frigid temperatures of a new thing called winter. As Americans we know that poverty is widespread in Mexico, but freezing to death was not something I had ever considered would be a problem.

How good I have it here, and how much I still complain, inwardly and outwardly, when I can get an ear. God have mercy on my ungrateful heart. Make me aware of the true troubles of others. Prod my feeble heart to pray to those who suffer. Call me to fast and pray for those I know personally who suffer real need and for those whose needs I know of but that but will most likely never meet. Our world is both very large and very small. Because I get to dine out after church I saw one man's suffering in another man's eyes. Do not allow me to quickly forget what I saw, what I heard described. Half a continent away lives a friend of a friend. My neighbor who I must love as myself. More than i love myself by the Grace of God.

Two Words

Frig Id

We all Like Sheep

My dad's sheep in the picture, he had to give them back to the folks he got them from. Woolly animals would not stay in their pen, kept going astray so to speak. He was unable to build a stronger bigger enclosure. A pen for their own protection, where they were fed, watered, cared for, loved; not content, they strayed. Again and again. In my dad's case it was his loss. Sadly, He and his wife had grown attached and had plans to breed the sheep for spring lambs, and have them sheared for the wool. Plus, they can be sweet pets. From God's perspective, as we read so often in the Word, we are the silly sheep who refuse to stay where we are safe, and fed, and protected...loved with a pure and sacrificial love. No, we wander off on our own; thinking we know of a better place. We sneak off on the advice of a liar and a cheat; our own sin and the temptations of the wily snake himself. Ahhh. If only we could see the boundaries have been set in pleasant places. The moat has been dug not so much to keep us in but to keep danger out. Our Father, our Shepard is so good and so kind. Please let us heed His warning and stay in his greenest ot pastures where quiet waters flow.

John is in his own room and doing well. He is frustrated with the inconvenience of it all and has had some significant pain from time to time. Janet said at one point he said his heart hurt. When questioned my the medical folks he said his heart was thirsty. John is always thirsty. He had just woke up for the first time or so and his sweet heart needed a drink. I spoke with Janet briefly, she is weary, and a bit teary, but relieved to have so much of the bad stuff behind them. It is possible they may even come home tomorrow. I think that is just incredible. God has sustained them and bore them up. He is more than able to carry them the rest of the way through, but let us not presume but continue to lift them all up so they might find rest and refreshment in the Living Waters of His sweet Spirit.

Talking the Walk of Grace

OK, now which of my fine friends is going to remind me that I did not mention once in my last several posts how Good our God is?! Wow, I am so slipping. Whine, whine; one of my pet peeves is whining. 'Just got done adjusting Jer on whining, and reading back over the last one, boy was I a whiner. God's mercy floods me daily and daily I whine about the mundane and immaterial. We/I walk in the Grace of God with every step I take, with every breath I breath, I should be talking, preaching, singing about His Mercy with every ounce of being. Are breath and breath spelled the same? My spell checker is not working, I want to get this right.

John Shilling is doing well. Resting, really resting as they have him fairly heavily sedated. Janet called me this evening and reported that all had gone well. The surgery itself lasted several hours but the procedure to fix the narrowed aorta should last only fifteen to twenty minutes. Janet thought she overheard a doctor say that John's took twenty-nine mintues to repair. Beause of the increased risk of puttiing him on a heart/lung machine they clamp the artery while they work on it. The surgon then must work as quickly as possible because the clamping cuts off the circulation to the lower extremities. Not good if this goes on too long. Janet says in the ICU they kept checking his feet and legs with both responding well. Her and her family were on there way back into the hospital after eating dinner when she called. I guess they were to spend a few more hours with him and then try and rest for a few hours. John will remain sedated utill sometime tomorrow. He is in a cardiac IUC one of four patients, and while they are aloud to stay with him as long as they like, because he reamains unconcious they are going to try and go back to the hotel for a few hours. Janet says if she can't stand it, she'll make Ed take her back to the hospital. I had to laugh the way she said it.
She is tired but walking in that Grace, incredible Grace. She is an example to me of a woman who trusts her God. Thought there was much anxiety to be had, she still remains steadfast in her confidence that God is near and holds fast to her little boy, and to her mother's heart.

Thanks so much for praying. We should remember as the next few days pass to continue to hold them up as the hospital can be a wearying place. Though no discharge date was given as of yet I believe they are hoping for early next week. Praise God. Also James and Lily are staying with Dave and Jer, doing well except for evenings when Lily cries for her mamma a bit. James is an excellent big brother so I know he will be a big help.

Tired of Sick

Today is John's surgery day, supposed to start around seven A.M. I haven't heard anything yet. I was supposed to go down this morning with Cynthia but with all the flu going on at our house we deemed it best if I stayed home. Jer was home sick from school Monday and Wednesday. Yesterday I spent the whole day sleeping, and eating ibuprofen to stave off the headache. Now, I am sitting here watching it snow while Drew sleeps in the couch. He was up sick last night, went to work for a while but now he is back home. The TV has been on for several hours which about drives me nuts, but whatever. I have the FOOD channel on. I swear I get fatter just watching Paula cook. She uses a stick of real butter in EVERYTHING she prepares.
Anyway, I am anxious to hear from Cynthia or someone.
I have chicken thawing in the kitchen, gonna make some soup.

Mia and boarding school...she should learn to stand still when she is supposed to, move forward when I want her too, allow me to sit in the saddle and go anywhere I want her too. She is at a Paso Fino farm so she should be taught to travel in the right gait, meaning she won't bounce me to death. Hopefully when she comes home I we will be able to travel the trails and have a blast. The folks where she is use the trails for much of their training, exposing her to all sorts of fun stuff, streams, roads, bikes, cars, kids; all the things that spook a horse. I did get an email from the little girl who is training her and she said she was doing real well. Drew is leaving, later...

Mia's Gone to School

All went more than well. She loaded OK, after twenty or so plus minutes. Ned was a big help. He actually led her into the trailer. We just took it real slow and let her move forward as she felt comfortable. A large handful of horse cookies and a bucket of feed helped lure her up the ramp, but once she decided she was going on, on she went. Now, once she was on and closed into the on board mini-stall she was not happy; tore the hay bag down and nearly pawed a hole in the floor. Once we got moving she settled right in and only made a fuss when we stopped to pee and coffee up. Unloading was a breeze and she settled right into her boarding school stall. Made friends with her neighbors and was immediately spoiled by the gang of twelve year old girls hanging out at the stable. I think she will have a grand time. I am beat. Nite all. Nite Mia. Be a good girl.

Mia Goes to School

We are off to Ohio this afternoon to take Mia to a trainer. I am soooo excited. I will miss her tons though. I will post pics of the trip if I remember my camera.

What I started saying yesterday...not until we venture into the scary unknown can we have victory. As long as we sit on the bench or in the bleachers, my usual observation spots we not only miss the real action but also the rewards that come with a job done. Does not even have to be well done. Getting off the bench has rewards all its own. God cannot use us on the sidelines. We must get into the game.

Super Shooter

Congratulations Jeremiah!
Last night at their second game of the season Jer scored two baskets. Wow! He was so excited, and the crowd went wild, a crowd of some odd fifteen parents or so, but wild we went. Fear has held him back, fear of missing the round red ropey target. OK, that was corny. Cute but corny. He has struggled with his lack of athletic ability amongst a team of younger, lighter, more agile peers. Last season was his first year to play organized sports before a crowd. Now riding horses competively could be sorta the same thing, but that is just about you and your horse, no worries about invoking the ridicule of a bunch of ten year olds you attend school with every day. Lately he has been dribbling, passing, and coming up with the ball on defense much more than last year. Last year he was also one of the younger players. Currently he is the oldest, and the tallest kid on the team. The coach designated him as team captian, a job he did not seek out or desire. He knows their our guys on the team who are better players and more knowledgable about the game. But, last night he came into his own.

Isn't that how it is for all of us. When we step out in faith into the unknown fires.

Warm Weather Woes

What on earth could be woeful about today's wonderful weather? Warm winds whistled over the crusty mud, some places almost beginning to dry, almost. Bright sunshine teasing winter white skin. Away from the calendars, or before five thirty in the evening, one might have mistaken today for a spring day. The time I got to spend outdoors was greatly enjoyed, and my gratitude to our Lord was acknowledged. Still...the unseasonal heat wave wreaks havoc on livestock and humans alike. Horses are delicate creatures when it comes to digestive health. The sharp ups and downs of the thermometer confuses and stresses the equine mental and physical makeup. Stress affects their digestive systems and which can lead to colic. Colic is the scariest word in a horse owners vocabulary. Well, maybe not the scariest word but one of the top five. Acute surgical colic is what brought down both my mares this summer and fall. Cool woke up ill after a bout of crazy weather changes. No vet would testify to any medical research or data that supports a definite connection between weather and colic, but mine and others have indicated anecdotal evidence supports owners claims. I guess I could add my story to the list, with Cool anyway. Ginger was another story, though I do believe stress played a major role in her disease too.

So as wonderful as today was, and I enjoyed it immensely, I have to admit my nervousness. Since we lost Cool we have begun a new preventative feed change. Whenever we know the temps will or have dropped or risen dramatically over a short time period, we mix a warm bran mash with the horse's morning or evening feed. Working like bran does, it keeps their digestive track moving and hopefully prevents any colic trouble. What I did not mention was that colic is digestive but largely and small intestine centered, and generally simply means abdominal pain. The seriousness of it can vary from a very uncomfortable horse to one that is thrashing and rolling in extreme pain. The true causes are unknown but may number into the hundreds and rarely does the vet or the owner discover to a certainty the culprit. Most cases of colic can be handled by an owner with vet phone assistance, or farm call. Rarely does the animal need to go the a hospital and even less frequently does your animal require surgery. Whoa, I did not intend for this to turn in to a colic tutorial. Anyway, colic's bad, and this wonderful weather may be a factor some times. That being said, I am going to bed. Like all grand gifts from our Lord, was must be remembered is that our eyes must be on Him. Our joys must be acknowledged as Heaven Sent, and our sorrows laid at the foot of the Cross. We need the sunshine and the rain. Both are blessings, both can produce joy or pain; Jesus is Lord over all of it.

And oh, I have not heard from Janet; I should have called her. I will get an update early tomorrow. Thanks for praying.

John's MRI

Today is the day they are taking John for the MRI; next week on the 17th is the surgery. So, just pray all goes well, he is calm. I guess he is beginning to get a bit fearful. More importantly, he has been suffering from more frequent symptoms. Nosebleeds, extreme fatigue. Feeling crappy. I just want to make sure we pray for him and his parents and siblings, that fear stays far away, healing comes, and/or the surgery goes well and without any complication or problems. Thanks didn't write last night and wanted to get that out there today, since I had the dates wrong.

Ratatouille with Jer

Watching a movie with Jer, Drew is in Harrisburg at the PA Farm Show. He went with a good friend of ours. So with Ned in town at his new digs Jer and I are home alone. We spent extra time in the barn. I had to doctor up my two black horses. Zulu's old wound on her hind leg has been acting up, it was quite a nasty cut originally, I thought it was all healed up, but seems like it has reopened and gotten sore again. I cleaned it up, disinfected it, and have been keeping it wrapped. All that takes extra time and energy. With Dory needing her leg hosed down for fifteen minutes every day twice a day, I am thinking I am running a hospital instead of a stable. I guess it is the same either way. I am caring for those I love. My baby Mia should be going to Ohio this weekend and I will be down to a simple six horses. I am looking forward to an easier time of it. I remember back when I had only two, or a few horses. Life was much simpler, less work, and certainly less heartbreaking. I am not sure how to reconcile with my losses. As I am said before I know they are not human, but my animals are such a part of my life. They are large animals you know. I am getting sleepy and my creativity is waining. Maybe there are no words to say what I am feeling.

Oohh, the power plant is making a really loud noise. I DO NOT like living so close to it. It almost sounds like it blew up or something. Sometimes it blows off steam or something. I sounded like a tornado, you know like a train in the back yard. Over now, but very creepy. VERY! Tonight was the loudest I have ever heard it, and all the windows and doors are closed.

Like I was saying before, its not like I am getting rid of any of the horses I have, but sometimes I miss the easier days. Between breaking my collar bone and getting the thyroid trouble this spring, I wear out so much quicker than in the past. The past week I have had the whole bruised rib thing to contend with, though I am thinking it is on the mend. Problem is when I am in the barn I think I should be doing stuff in the house; when I am in the house I am thinking about all the stuff in the barn I should be doing. I do need to figure out a plan to get something done somewhere so I am not so overwhelmed all the time.

I want us all to start praying regular like for John Shilling, Janet's middle child, younger son. Unless we get the miracle we hope for he will be having open heart surgery later this month, on the seventeenth I believe. He has problems with his aorta artery. Not quite a blockage but a tightening, or closing of a section of that main artery that runs from the heart. I love him like a grandson/nephew depending on the day and how old I feel that day. Of course Janet calls me grandma Sandy, so I guess that tells the tale. Maybe I can get her to post the link for the medical site that describes the problem so we could all pray more specifically. I have it somewhere. I can look too I guess...

Something happened in my family this weekend that I am going to have to deal with, can't go into it. I know that is cheap, but I need prayer and wisdom. I hate confrontation, or adjusting someone else. I don't suppose there are any of us that love either. Huh? But I will be held accountable for what I do not stand up for. Can I end with a preposition like that? 'course grammar rules are not typically one of my concerns are they. Just my little way to make light and change the subject. I need to start laying down some of the stuff that stresses me. Like this thing I have to confront "someone" on. The work in the house and barn, with moving and all I have to cut our possessions, junk down by like sixty-plus percent. No pressure there. OK, now I AM rambling. Good nite dear friends.
Oh, great little movie by the way.

Fisherman John at Grandma Sandy's pond

Finding Friday

Hannah and Dory riding in the arena, on a warmer day...

New briefs: Ned has moved into his apartment in Indiana, for this semester anyway. Wednesday he packed is pickup and we loaded up my car and filled his tiny place with Ned stuff, from floor to ceiling; which by the way is a short six feet four inches from the floor. Tall folks need not enter standing upright. Ha! But it is just perfect for him, and very close to campus. I miss him something awful...honestly wonder who came up with that expression, makes almost not sense anyway. But it is a bit quieter, and I miss his laughter and smiles.
Vet was here today to do the exam for Mia's vet certificate so she can travel to "school" in Ohio. Dr. McFaddin, also examined Dory's bum leg discovering a small chip on her right front kneecap, on her growth plate, which should be OK... in four to six months. So I am already racking up the vet bills in 2008 and it is only the third of January. I pray this is a less expensive year. With building the new house and all, I cannot afford another year like last year. Some of the kids will have to find new homes. But who? How on earth to you make a decision like that now. The good news with Dory is she does not need surgery and she will be sound enough to breed in April, even if she cannot be ridden. Sheww. I think the vet thought I was gonna cry when she started explaining about Dory. Later we went over Cool's necropsy report and discussed possible explanations for why she go sick. There are a few theories but nothing truly conclusive. I do know that God does knows, and that His allowing this will be used for my good; pain is the great persuader of our need for Him and His grace.
I included Hannah on Dory because she has been the only one to ride her since she came here and we have been calling her "Hannah's horse" I am sad for her mostly. They work well together. Both graceful and lean, with a touch of earthy elegance. I am praying for Dory's quick recovery for both their sakes.
OK, Jer has a basketball game tomorrow afternoon, during nap time of course.
Rob, so many places, so many miles, I pray God's peace floods you often and fills you with a sense of His goodness and grace. God is using you mightily in the live of those you touch, know His pleasure is on your labor.
Janet thanks for commenting on the cat, what a hoot that was. Welcome back.
Vic, always the voice of encouragement and confidence in the wisdom of the Lord. And a few good jabs at Rob.
I read my Bible today. Psalm 23 and also 25. Good words. Meditating on the meaning of quiet waters or "stillwaters" as I like to call this little horse farm of mine.
A place of rest and refreshment the note said. Amen to that.

Happy Baby Pics

Sounds like we are all in dire need of some of Sandy's happy pictures. Oh dear, Drew is upstairs, I will have to get back to you. He will want the light off, but I do have a good picture. I am uploading it from my phone right now, will try to get it up asap.
I call this one "Cat in a Bowl"

Technically bad photo, but one of my favorites
Saturday Night and I ain't Got....

Ain't got what you might ask, well I ain't got hives, or warts, or fleas; Lucy might but she keeps them to herself. Ha. I ain't got nobody bugging me, right now. Ned is out with some friends; Jer is in his room listening to Odyssey CDs. Drew is snoring on the couch and I have been trying to search the Internet for some info on the nephrosplenic ligament in horses. It is a ligament that connects the spleen to the kidney. Cool and Ginger both got their large colons wrapped up around this ligament, displacement its called, causing their digestive systems to slowly self destruct, which ultimately caused their deaths. I been missing Cool and was trying to make sense of it all. So I guess what I ain't got is my horse.
Mostly, I can deal with the loss, Grace abounds; but some days, like today it just all seems to cruel. The pictures, I love to look at them, but they don't have her musky horsey smell. I know I did not lose a human relative or friend, an animal is just an animal...but they can also be dear friends. She gave me her best and that was a challenge for her. Cool was not one to give anything easily. She had deep seated fears and insecurities and she kept her true self all to her self. Until she allowed me in, tentatively, slowly she allowed herself to trust me. And eventually, I think she even loved me some, as best a horse can. All that long day she remained calm as I stood near. Ned had told me to stay close to her and I did. Up until they led her through those swinging doors I had my eyes fixed on hers. Walking, moving caused her great pain. Every step up until those last few had been halting, forced. When I asked her to move forward that last time she did, without the earlier hesitation. So much so that it caught me off guard, almost startling me. My breath stuck dry in my throat as she disappeared behind the swing of a door.

Sorry for the blue post, its been brewing for a while.

Here We Go




Well here we all are, some of us anyways. Ned has more pics; I wil have to get him to email me some of the ones he took. Gabrielle is in the pretty red dress, by herself and playing with Ned, Ben is relaxing on the loveseat in the kitchen...of course I got him with his eyes closed, and Drew doing what he loves best.

I started this blog entry yesterday, or maybe Christmas night, not so sure. See, I did a dumb thing yesterday. Yea right, like what on earth could she do now?...Bent over to hook a strap on Zulu's coat, never a problem when she is in her stall or cross ties; out in a turnout right next door to a handsome gelding, well all bets are off. I bent over, not thinking, really really not thinking, Zulu and Joey are starting to get into it, her back feet fly, and...so do I. All my air is pushed out of my lungs and even hollering for help is near impossible. Jer says I screamed like a girl, but I cannot imagine that. Ha! Sheldon and Jer were in the barn; Jer ran for Ned and Sheldon helped me gather up what was left of myself. I sat for a minute and then decided to hobble to the house. Poor boys, they must have been scared to death. I know I was.
Several hours of ER time later, I was pronounced break and bruise free. Internal bruises anyway. I have a small two--three inch hoof shaped bruise on my abdomen and a much smaller purple mark on my elbow. I cannot imagine what broken ribs are like 'cause I am having enough trouble laughing, coughing, or ahhh moving.
More later...I think that's enough for now.

So far so crazy

Pictures tomorrow. Everyone is in bed, asleep? Hopefully. Drew is waiting for me to turn out the light. Allen's gang was here, what fun, but crazy. The GRANDchildren days have begun. Yippee! But, Wow!
Pictures and stories to follow.
Happy Jesus Birthday. Good night dear friends.

Just for You Rob

Gift for Kaleb that I assembled yesterday, even remembered the batteries

Hummmmm....what to say, what to say!
My day started for real around 6:50, fresh coffee made by Ali, already brewed in the kitchen. Played with Isabella, wow what a cutie! Watched Jer pout his way through a haircut. Ned says Jer is old enough to have control of his own hair, hence no haircut. I say when Jer can control his hair, he can have it as long as he wants. Run Jer up to the bus at 7:30, back to the house to yack with Ali and suck in another cup of coffee. Oops, forgot, short conversation with Ned before he left for work, before I took Jer to the bus. To the barn, hay, water the equines, heckle Sheldon while he picks the stalls, I usually clean two while he does the other three. Sew a horse blanket, heckle Sheldon some more. Take Sheldon home. Bake some cookies, you know the kind where the dough comes in a tub and you just glob them on the pan and remember to take them out of the oven. Wrap a few gifts. Nap. Fix dinner. Wrap a few more gifts for some friends whose home I am to be at by 4:00. Do evening horse chors. Send Jer back to the house to change, way too much poopie mud on his pants to "wipe" off. Drive Jer to Murphy's to meet Ben for tutoring. Taks stuff to Goodwill. Pick up gift certificates, stop at CVS for three small gifts, back to Murphy's. Get Jer and visit with the coolest family around. Drive through, YackDonalds. Eat in car. Dollar Tree for gifts for Jer's little friends, and teachers at school. Martin's; me in car, Jer gets the soda for his class party. Home. Sit on couch with Drew. Up to bed. Blog for Rob. Day over. Ahhhhh

This is the tree that Ned built....
Complete with the ornament tubs that I should have moved for the photo.

Snowy Days and Mondays

Yes, I have not been diligent to write. I have not even checked my email for two days. I must share tho, Ned stopped on his way home from work and bought me a Christmas tree. I have been wanting to get one but have not been able to get out when it has not been raining torrents or snowing a blizzard. Plus, it takes a few more muscles than I have to get it in and out of the truck, drag the stuff out of the attic, trim up around the bottom of the tree with a hack saw, stand on your toes hanging by one hand from the ceiling to top the bristly green giant. Now, my living room is strewn with boxes, ornaments, plastic tubs, and fake greenery; but I have a fully decorated Christmas tree, with red and green lights, pointsettas. and a red bow tied to the top. Thank you Ned; today you were my hero.

Early to bed early to rise
(older photo that serves here)

I went to bed last night around eight-thirty. Yes, I was up before six. Laid in bed for a while until restless guilt drug me from my favorite comfort zone. I need the Lord this morning. Every morning right? What really woke me today was some serious anxiety. Racing heart and thoughts, shortness for breath, pounding chest, and of course my personal favorite, that sensation in your head like it is just going to implode. Whine, whine, whine, yep that's...not gonna be me today. I need to get in the word and read the truth of God, not my personal reality which screams this day is gonna suck. Ha! Sounds like me. But the God who lives in me is more than able to equip me to rise above the trouble in my personal land, and bring victory to my body, spirit, and soul.

Jesus, captivate my thoughts and fill my mind with your word, your truth, your thoughts, that I might live this day for your glory, the good of my family and friends, and the furthering of your kingdom. Amen...

Meet Lucy the Cat...
That cat on the wall, that cat on the wall, that cat should not be on that wall, oh no she should not.

Not much to say, I have been busy in my own slowwww motion way. Yesterday was a big horse day, spent much of it in the barn, rode Zulu, the big black mare. I only rode for a little while, until the torrents of heaven opened...again. But I spent some time doing horse and barn maintenance. Janet came out for a while, we were gonna ride until the leaky sky nixed that. I had been on Zulu briefly before she arrived. So I worked on braiding up a few tails for winter. You braid strips of cloth into their tales and then tie them up, like in half. It keeps the mud and ice from ratting them up too badly over the winter months. I still have a few to go, as it can be a bit time consuming. Janet played with Joey, giving him a good once over grooming. We tidied up the tack room and swept up a bit. It is always fun, and relaxing to hang out and do horse stuff. I was outside from around seven thirty until after two thirty. So I was bushed. Drew brought dinner home from Bruno's which was a real blessing.

Today was almost as hectic. I had a Dr.s appointment in Elderton around eleven, took over an hour. Came home, ate lunch, slept, and Janet came back over today to do some more horse stuff. When the weather changes rapidly like it has been these last weeks it is very hard on the horses, causes them stress. The stress can effect their digestive system which I have explained is very delicate. We mixed up ground bran and water and stirred it into their regular feed, giving them a very mild laxative of sorts. Kinda keeps them from getting bound up which is what can cause real problems.

After that I came in, finished up dinner, fed the gang, the gang of two and got ready to go meet with a contractor for our house. Can't share much about that yet, but will in the near future. Pretty exciting stuff. We are going with a little bit different plan, but I am confident in God's hand in the project and am content to let Him lead. Funny, I give up a few of my desires to achieve a greater good. in other areas of the final production. Kinda sounds like a good lesson in there somewhere.

Nothing pithy or all that spiritual tonight. I am tired, and I need Jesus. Doc said I look OK, but have to have a couple of tests run. This aging has some interesting side effects. Gotta get some sleep, morning comes fast.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Another Family Gathering

Here we have my family oh...forty seven years ago or so. I think that's my cousin in the bassinet. My mom was so beautiful.
Yep the cutie in the back is me right beside my grandpa. Ah, what a memory, well maybe the picture triggers some later memories, but I do have some that go way back. I may have been two or so. Don't know if this was a holiday or not, but back then every family meal was a little on the formal side. The table was set, tablecloth, napkins, all the silverware lined up properly, butter on a dish, all the food in/in its own serving dish on the table. Look, even candles. No burping, ever.

Ha, my mom would just choke if she saw my dinner table. Food served from the stove, butter sitting in the wrapper right on the table, only as much silverware as needed; no spoons unless there is soup or applesauce. Sometimes the day's mail or newspaper lying around spread out, 'course that could serve as a tablecloth. And burping, you might think it was required. I do not prefer it, but I have grown accustomed.

Like right now, some burping is going on, but at least we are not at the dinner table. Watching the World Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas on TV, so maybe burping is appropriate. Some guy just left his horse and landed hard and into the rail around the outside of the arena. He was competing in a steer wrestling event, missed the calf but nailed the railing pretty good. The horses are beautiful, of course I am wondering if that one got a thumping. Their job is to keep their rider safe and out of trouble. It was not a bronc event.

A fine thing happened to me this morning. We broke into small groups at church to pray for an upcoming outreach. I was blessed to be in the same group as My son and got to listen as he prayed. I was blown away by his maturity and love for the Lord and the ones we hope to reach with the gospel. God often gives us little gifts of joy to temper out a day's grind of the ordinary. We must listen and look closely so as not to miss the small blessings. Blessing of sweet words spoken, a kind thought, a bluebird in a neighbors tree, no junk mail in the box...well haven't seen that one yet, but you get the picture. I am practicing recognising and enjoying the everyday. Because the everyday is the life we live; it should be the life we enjoy. God has ordained it, it has to be good.

A Family Christmas Portrait
Scary enough for you Rob? Ha. No...its not the Adams Family. My mom and dad, and my brother and I about oh, thirty years ago. At Christmas too, so the pic is seasonally relevant. I am on my was down for a nap. We had the company Christmas party last night and everything went real well, except that we were late, the last ones to arrive, no not true, the next to the last ones to arrive. Doug and Cynthia came in a bout five minutes after us. So no one was there to greet our guests. Yikes! Did I ever feel like a heal. Our tardiness did not keep anyone from enjoying the appetizers or getting a bar drink or two. I was glad to see every one relaxed and having a good time. I wonder if they would have even noticed if we did not make it? Maybe when the waitress brought the bill?

Sleep coming quickly.

Been two hole hours now...

OK, just got home, well an hour or so ago; had a wonderful time at Ned's birthday dinner. He thought it was going to be just family, and Hannah. We surprised him with just a few friends; the Snyder gang+spouses and significant others, Molly and Andrew, Sarah, and Josh. David was away, Meg working. The cool part, Ned was surprised. No one is ever surprised, at least not any party I have ever planned. Well, I do remember one for Skip when he turned 75, but that has been awhile. Ned thanked us over and over. He was so sweet. Truly incredible what the Spirit of God can do. What has happened in Ned is so fun to watch, and so God. That I have had to do nothing is even better; it has been all the Lord. I am tired. The cold really takes it out of me. All that energy my body uses to keep itself warm is draining the pool usually tapped into for other things. Like maybe walking, speaking clearly, brushing my teeth, which I have not done yet. This blog will drive Rob back to the Japanese, pretty dull stuff.

Oh, here's a funny; a few months, maybe six or more, I bought a book, Organization for the Creative Mind. I loved it, dove right into the first chapter or so. Laid it aside and promptly forgot all about it. At the time I thought it would revolutionize my cluttered mind and home, I was that impressed. Today...I needed a safety pin to fasten the sleeve of a flannel lined jacket I wanted to wear to the barn. I knew I had a pile of them, but where. I looked in the half dozen or so places they should/could have been. Nope. I started rummaging through a box, in a cupboard I have not been in for ages. Ned is in the other room on his computer when I start laughing our loud, alone. I explain that I have figured out my problem and hence what causes the him and the rest of the family to live such a kaotic life. The book, the one I loved, that would change the way I think and live, was in a bag, in the bottom of a box, in the back of a cupboard I never go in. Maybe I should just read my Bible. I know what pile of clothes its under, beside what chair, in my room, by my bed. I would only have to dig around for a few minutes...Good thing God loves me, Good thing He has a sense of humor. Ha. Ha. Good thing He blessed me with one too. Bundle up and burrow in. Hold on to the Fire of God.

Ooops, I got the title wrong, and the premise; time management, organization, same ting, but you get the idea.

Hey guys...I posted my brains out last night; where in the heck are ya'll?

If you see Ned on Thursday be sure and wish him a happy 21st birthday!!

A Pile of it
OK Vic, If I had the energy I would laugh out loud. Ha...if I thought my nerves would have stood it, than yes I do wish I had been there. Truly though, it does not sound a whole lot different than me trying to get out of bed in the morning. "Oh Jesus, help me please, just help me get my feet onto the floor, I know you can help me lift my head off the pillow. Thank you, oh no there it goes again, buried back in the softness of it all." Roll over, pull the thick squishy quilt over my head. "Please help me not to hit the snooze, AGAIN..." It can get worse after that. I even get up, late, wake Jer, and crawl back in bed. The standing upright can be a challenge, down the steps, make the coffee, check the temp to know how many layers I need pile so as to not freeze to death feeding my equines. Back up the steps, start to squeeze into the under armour, sit back down on the bed, fight, fight, fight, the temptation to lie back down, even on top the covers, half dressed feels soooo good. Well, you get the picture.

Today the blacksmith, ferrier, horseshoer was here. Now that we have a barnful it takes five hours or so to get them all trimmed and reshod. Means five hours of standing holding one horse after another while Jeff picks up their feet, trims the hoof one at a time, pulls off the old shoe, nails on a new one, trims the nails, refiles the hoof to look nice in the new shoe. Not everyone gets shoes, only the horses that get ridden a bunch. We took the shoes off Poco, Jer's pony, since he has not been ridden so much lately, pulled the back shoes off the big black mare, since she isn't doing much either. Turns into quite the production. Except to go in once to pee, I was not in the house from eight in the morning until almost three in the afternoon. Bless you Janet, it you had not been here to relieve me and help hold the kids, I am not sure I would have made it. I even got you to hold the hard ones. Of couse Poco is not so big and bad with that chain tied under his upper lip. No don't anyone get all PETA on me, its humane, just a wee bit uncomfortable. Keeps 'em manageable in case they want to kill you, which he, Poco, does when Jeff is nailing on the new shoes. All of a sudden our sweet little pony turns into Jack the Ripper, really. So yea Janet, you are the best to come stand around in the cold for hours on end holding on to the angry end of a half a ton of angry horse.

I was almost too tired to even eat lunch, I found some leftover potatoes in the fridge, nuked 'em, and curled up on a heating pad just to bring up my body temp to somewhere near normal. Honestly thought a tough day, bad day, in the barn is better than a good day almost anywhere else. I have really found my sweet spot. Drew may be the one shoveling it up above, but I'd rather be shoveling manure than any indoor chore I can think of. Huh. Who'd a thunk it? God has poured His blessings upon me. Equine therapy, nothing better.

Here's a pic of me and my girl in Lexington VA at the one and only Paso show we ever went to. One was enough, not my game. But she sure looks purdy don't ya think? I miss her bunches, days like today, maintence stuff where she was such a good girl, just doesn't seem right for her not to be here. First time Jeff had been here since we lost her. When I told him about her light being burned out the next morning after her passing, I thought he was going to tear up. Again, the mercy God has poured into my life amazes me. That I should have such dear friends and horse folks in my life simply blows me away. The every day little blessings are the very best. They make life dear, precious, and sweet. Jesus physical hand in our lives comes in so many surprising ways.

Big Night Out

The night on the town in the City turned out to be quite a night. The party was held in the Hilton Hotel on the Point in Pittsbugh in the largest ballroom between New York and Chicago. Nine hundred guests enjoyed a delectable dinner, dessert, and dancing; well not all nine hundred danced, we did not. I guess last year The Clarks played; someone else did this year, but they were good, kinda retro rock. Each table sat four couples, eight people; four ribboned boxes from Sacks Fifth Avenue and a lovely wreath decorated the tables. The picture above is less than half the room and it does not show the dance floor; the tableclothes were white but other than that you can see how fancy it was. The company, Rosebud Mining Co., the business hosting the gala spared no expense to ensure all thier guests had a wonderful evening including a room in the hotel. Not all of us had rooms in the Hilton; we were sent a few blocks up the road to the Omni William Penn, which was simply WONDERFUl...100+ years old but with every modern convience. Our room even had bathrobes hanging in a closet half as big as Jeremiah's bedroom. I could wear one for free but if I wanted to take one home it cost $96. Ha! You can go on line and order on for yourself.
Too tired to continue...

Lobby William Penn