WELCOME HOME

 Joan sent a text at 6:10 this morning asking me to bring over the blood pressure cuff. Mom wasn't feeling well. I went straight over. Mom's blood pressure was low but not terribly low. 89 over 61. She just couldn't seem to get comfortable and was nauseous. We talked a bit about the co-op picnic today then I left for home but as soon as I got home Joan sent a text to the family to come now. Mom was dying. When I arrived Joan was kneeling by her bedside talking to mom telling her, "mom I think you are going to see Jesus today." She was praying asking God to just help mom feel comfortable. Mom seemed to stop breathing and we couldn't feel a heart beat so thought she had died but then she started breathing again. Faith came over with her stethoscope and could hear a faint heart beat, and then at 6:45 am her heart stopped.

The siblings here at the lake all arrived quickly and we were all so thankful she could die without pain. We sent texts out to our families. Anna arrived and offered to flip the apartment. Sarah and Nolan and the girls arrived. They were heading to St. Louis. We tried calling the coroner's office but they were closed so called 911 and explained it wasn't an emergency but that our mom died. They sent 2 officers at first who asked us for her dnr paper. That took a while to find but Diane found it. Next a Sheriff arrived, he checked things out, visited a bit then left just as the coroner arrived. He contacted the funeral home for us but couldn't tell us when they would be able to come.  The co-op picnic was scheduled to start at 10:00 am and just then it started raining. We were hoping the funeral director would arrive before the picnic guests and it almost worked out. Amy arrived just in time to help. The funeral director brought a helper and arrived around 10:00 am but since it was raining we had the co-op guests go into the barn. They loaded mom up and left and we were left with lots of decisions. We tried buying a casket off Amazon, Costco and Sam's as that was mom's wishes but couldn't get one delivered in time. We made phone calls and sent texts to people that would want to know. Taunya dropped off cinnamon rolls and sticky buns from Trefzgers and Stephanie brought a meat and cheese tray, fruit tray and vegetable tray. We were very glad for all of the food as none of us were thinking of meals but snacking as hunger hit. It was sprinkling on and off all day and only got up to 66 degrees but that didn't stop the home schoolers from using the lake.

Joan had a fire going for them to warm up after swimming. The playground was also very busy. The co-op loves coming for the picnic and it is very well attended.  I left for my house around 4:00 pm, the sun had come out and I wanted to get Basilea covered as this morning she was showing to Valiant only when I tried she kicked at Valiant so was put away. Mike will help and we will try tomorrow morning. Mark and I went to Gils for supper tonight. After supper Diane, Joan and I walked. Oh how are lives are going to be changed. Mom really was and of course still IS special. Karin painted the picture below of mom and dad on mom's 94th birthday.

We can see them now and hear dad saying, "Mrs America, what took you so long? Welcome HOME!"

Cold and Rainy

 I was up before 5:00 am because I heard neighing, the sound of neighing that means there are probably horses out and I was right. I stepped outside and immediately went back inside to get a coat on. It was only 36 degrees out. Basilea, Thalia and Valerie were out and over bothering Evan. I ran, well walked very fast over to them, grabbed Basilea and Thalia's halters and led them over to the breeding shed. Valerie just followed right along and into that paddock. We use that paddock for when we are breeding a mare with a foal by her side so was empty. I quickly checked to make sure Blueberry and Izzy, who were also in the same paddock were where they needed to be (they were) then went back to the house for my first cup of coffee. I checked on them as I was enjoying the coffee.

They weren't hungry at all as they had been out all morning grazing. Diane knocked on our door around 8:00 am, time had gotten away from me and I was late for the walk. When we got up to the apartment Dahlia was also out standing quietly waiting for me to put her back in so she could get a drink. She was with Missy and Cookie and they were still in. There were no gates open and no fences down so I don't have any idea how she got out. She has learned to be submissive and is now well behaved. I only needed to have a couple of crabby old mares discipline her for a few days and her whole attitude changed from a bully boss to a submissive yearling. When we reached Diane's Mike was already out with Shadow. She came with us all the way to Joan's house and back. 

Right after breakfast I needed Mark's help to move in 3 more bales. When he was moving in the first bale he noticed the bale spear was starting to break at the weld. He was able to get all 3 moved in but with each one the break got bigger. We went inside and ordered a new one. We had 2 downed fences that HAD to be repaired so I could put the 3 big Friesian mares back in the paddock. Mark got the tools ready we walked out and just as we got to the fence it started raining. We went back inside to wait it out. Within a hour the sun came out so we went back up and was just getting started when the rain started back up. Back inside to wait. This one was a short shower so we went back and were able to get the first one done. Valerie was very interested in what Mark was doing.

When he started the saw Rosalie, Valerie's older sister, came over to see what was happening.

Valerie is 4 years old and Rosalie is 13 years old. They are about the same height but Valerie will fill out more as you can see by the picture below.

We had to take another break before we fixed the second board as it again started raining.

We were able to finish that when the sun came back out. Earlier I locked Evan in his paddock and moved Basilea and Thalia into his pasture so they could have access to water. They kept squealing at Evan over the fence and I finally figured out Thalia was in season. Basilea was put in the paddock next to Valiant, Mike was called and he came to help get Thalia covered by Evan. That was successful and was written down. Izzy was teased, she is still not willing to go near either stallion so we can't tell if she even cycling.  Evan, Valiant and the two nursing mares were given their grain. Rosaleigh's colt is now fighting his mama for her grain. I will have to give him his own bucket.

We had an early supper as we had skipped lunch and I was needed at mom's by 5:15 pm. When I got to mom's she was out on the deck watching the two geese families on her beach and enjoying the lake. One couple has 4 goslings and the other just 3 now. I think both had hatched out 4 but one is now missing and presumed eaten. By the time I got home tonight it was raining again. The tomato plants were brought back inside tonight, it is going to be another cold one. 

Unexpected

 I went straight to bed last night when we got home from the fellowship hall and slept until 3:20 am then got up, wrote yesterday's blog and updated the website before going back to bed and sleeping until 5:30 am. The sleep was needed. We met at mom's for our walk. The Baltimore Oriels are back. Joan had a half of an orange filled with grape jelly out for them.

Today during our walk we talked about schedules for the coming week and the co-op picnic which is supposed to be Friday but the weather report is not good a high of just 64 degrees with showers. Saturday is supposed to be much nicer up to 78 with sunshine but Joan isn't sure if she can change it. We shall see. After the walk, the mares were turned out into the pond pasture. Basilea went straight over to Valiant but that was just to greet him. She is not in season. Below is Valerie with Blueberry behind her.

Below left is Thalia and right is her dam Basilea.

They are both here to be bred.

I brought back all the meat from the barn freezer for family night and started cooking that in the house. At 1:00 pm Joan needed to leave to visit the oral surgeon. She has been having trouble with the crown placed a few weeks ago. When I was walking in Beth sent a text on family chat that AmyBeth's father-in-law died very unexpectedly. Her daughter Ariya found him and started CPR but he was pronounced dead. We are all just shocked. I think he is younger than we are. Please pray for Barb, his wife, AmyBeth's family, and especially for Ariya. When Joan got back I had enough time to cook the rice for tonight. I made wild rice seasoned with teriyaki sauce which matches well with the teriyaki chicken. Diane and Mike and Mark and I did family night tonight. Stephanie came to help and everything went perfectly. We had plenty of food, more than enough desserts. Gail brought her rhubarb dessert. 

We served 110 people. The talk tonight was on Gateway Woods. I took mom home, Joan stayed late to clean up and will bring my car home. 

Berean

 We were busy this morning at the Berean office. As we were getting ready for the prayer Kathy asked to read a letter to us from a prisoner. 

This way Marvin could pray for the writer of the letter. 

Skip couldn't make it today but had dropped off the mail earlier. Below are some pictures of the morning.

Gail sent the most delicious rhubarb dessert for our treat today. That was so good we almost fought over who got the biggest piece. Thanks so much Gail it really was amazing.

We stopped at the Hanna City post office on the way home to drop off the Bibles and studies going out today. Later Mark and I drove to Sam's club to pick up the water and food for Family Night. We drove from Sam's to the fellowship hall to put the water and perishables in the fridge. Carol and Ron had all the tables set up for us. Tonight was the concert for the Co-op at Bethany. We watched that from home. Diane stayed with mom as both Joan and Ruth had either children or grandchildren in the concert. It was VERY well attended. 

More Horsin Around

 We were all able to walk although Rachel flew out to Gulf Shores today. I think she needs a vacation. Not just us 4 girls walked. Mike brought along Roseberry for the first round.

She got a little spooked at Joan's electrical service box but didn't do anything other than sniff it.

He put her away and on the second round he had out Shadow.

After the walk and after breakfast Mark and I went to work in the popcorn machine. The top was taken off of it so we could check out the wiring.

I was almost 100% sure it was a loose wire. That really was the case.

Of course I had to pop some corn to make sure it really did work.

Mark and I both enjoyed some then the rest was taken over to mom's house. We put the top back on it and I cleaned it up. I'll use it on Friday for the co-op picnic. Rosaleigh and her colt were brought in for their grain. The colt was haltered, tied and his hooves picked up. He is a pro at this now. When I turned him loose he wanted his mama's grain.

I took a video of him getting into her bucket and chowing down.

When they finished the bucket they were turned out to graze in the big field. Rosaleigh wanted to graze but the colt wanted to check everything out first.

They were left loose while I brought in Star Temple and her filly. Star no longer worries about me working with her filly. The filly stood for her haltering but fought when I asked her to lead. She was tied back up and her hooves picked up.

She is a fiesty little filly but is starting to accept the tying and is good for all for of her legs to be handled. They were taken out to the outdoor arena. Mark was busy mowing around the outside of the fields and the horses pretty much just ignored him.

 I took a couple pictures of Star's filly. She has such action when she trots.

My next job was to go get Dahlia from the cabin field, give her a leading lesson then put her in with Missy and Cookie so they can teach her some manners. When I got to the cabin field they were all the way at the bottom. Dahlia saw me first and started coming but Roseberry actually beat her.

I then drove to the DMV in Pekin to renew the license plate sticker for the 2 horse trailer.

Sarah arrived with her three girls and saddled up Cookie for them. The girls did the grooming.

They also fly sprayed her.

Zion rode first.

The other 2 girls got to ride but I needed to check out the batting machine then drop off a hat for Joan to give to Faith as it was left at the barn during the bachelor party. When I got back Zion was ready to walk the trails. We followed with the golf cart.

Mike wanted to go to Middle Grove to pick up Bulu and her colt and I wanted Basilea and Thalia here to start teasing them. We left for Middle grove about 5:30. As soon as we arrived I haltered Oliver the stallion and had Mike tie him to the trailer. He really is a good boy. He stood quietly for haltering and his leading is top notch.

Once Oliver was tied up at the trailer. Basilea and Thalia were haltered and put in the front of the stock trailer. Then Bulu and her colt were put in the back. Mike took Oliver back to the truck to give him a carrot for standing so quietly.

Above is another picture of Oliver and below is Madiera and Harli.

Above is Harli and Dancer, below left to right is Tessa and Sheena.

Above is Oliver going to check out the trailer and below Jury is watching Mike hand out carrots. She got hers first. 

Above is Dancer, Madiera and Harli, below is Aiken.

Above left to right is Sheena, Oliver and Holly. Below is Lily, our first Friesian cross. She is the matriarch and the boss of the entire herd.

Below is Mike giving Oliver a carrot then walking around the trailer to video some of the mares.

We drove home and could see storm clouds coming. When we got back Basilea and Thalia were put in the paddock next to Valiant. Bulu and her colt were driven over to the cabin field. Below is the video of them unloading.

I took a picture of the colt before Mike put him in. He is half Friesian, his sire is Valiant and his dam is a big 16.1 hand Thoroughbred mare Bulu. This colt is going to be another big one. He is also for sale but he needs to be named and registered first.

Below the 3 yearlings are very curious to see who is coming into their paddock.

Below is Rosalie, coming up to greet me as I was leaving for home. She is as kind as she is beautiful. She is a Lily daughter!

I sure did a lot of horsin around again today, I'll be glad when bedtime arrives. Right now we are hearing a lot of thunder but so far not much rain.

Wonderful Day Wonderful Life

 Mike sent a text that he wanted Evan in the pasture so he could clean out the front of his paddock this morning. I thought he meant after church but he wanted to do it this morning before church and had it done in about 20 minutes. Evan loved being out on the pasture and the grass is long enough he was left out. His back gate is left open so he can come or go. We picked up Rhonda for church and arrived a couple minutes after Joan. Randy and Kathy brought Nancy and she was SO wound up and excited. Randy was making more than duck calls this morning, according to Nancy he also sounded like a cow and a few other animals. She was thrilled to go down to Sunday school with Joan. Gabe had the morning message. Today was also the senior breakfast and he had taught them all 4 years so knew them all well. This was officially his first message off the pulpit. If you would like to watch it click HERE. Tim Roecker had the afternoon message click HERE to listen to that. Amy and Ken were in Peoria as Amy is helping at Sarah's wedding shower and the meeting on that was at lunch. Joan needed to stay late for the Jamaica trip meeting so she took Mark's car home from church and we took mom's wheel chair van with mom and Mackenson. We only found out later Mackenson was supposed to go to that meeting as he is also going to Jamaica. I stayed at mom's house until Joan made it back at 2:40 then went over to start cooking the Sunday meal. While I was doing that Rhoda and Lee along with Sarah and Nolan and the 5 grandchildren were here. Rhoda was working with Valerie 

Sarah took the picture above and the video below of the training session.

I'm sending her away for training later so anything Rhoda or I do will only help. She is not a spooky horse but is so big and had not been handled much as she spent most of her time growing up at Middle Grove. I so much appreciate Rhoda being willing to work with her. 

Sarah took her daughters over to the cabin field to visit with the yearlings, Rosalie and Sally. Mike and Diane were there with carrots. They even did some grooming on Roseberry getting some of that winter coat off of her. The pictures are from Sarah.

Above River is grooming Roseberry. Below Eden is coming with the curry to help.

Above Eden is feeding Sally a carrot. Below Zion is feeding 3 of the yearlings carrots.

Above Zion is petting Rosalie, below Zion is giving the yearlings attention.

Diane helped load all the food up on the golf cart. I had to go back for butter and strawberries and when I did saw 2 pairs of geese parents each with 4 goslings heading to the pond pasture. By the time I got the camera out the first pair had made it to the water followed closely by the second pair.

Supper was served at 4:30 at the barn. Amy and Ken arrived after the prayer but made it in plenty of time to join us at the table. We were missing 3 families although Phil and Kensley came later. The evening was beautiful and Joan made a big fire.

Almost all of us migrated to the fire, even mom came out to enjoy the evening.

Rachel was telling us about her experience with an Airbnb guests that pretty matched my experience yesterday and it turned out to be the SAME guest.

Mom was laughing so hard tonight at some of the funny stories.

Andrew and Faith joined us at the fire in time for s'mores.

Above Faith is cooking marshmallows over the glowing coals. The new electronic door latch came today and Mark was able to install that and he put the old lock back on the master bedroom door in the barn. I'm thankful for the wonderful day in church, the delicious meal at dinner and the wonderful fellowship at the campfire. What a wonderful life we live out here.