Wonderful Representative

 Another cold morning, the fields were full of frost. Rosaleigh acted like she wanted to join the other mares in the pond pasture but when I let her out she changed her mind. The video below shows her indecision. 

She and her colt were put in the middle paddock and the back gate locked so she can't join them today. We picked up Rhonda for church as Spark went to the jail. Tim Roecker had the morning message. Click HERE if you would like to listen. Gregg Rumbold had the afternoon message. Click HERE if you would like to watch that. 

We got home around 2:00 pm and just rested a bit before I loaded up the food for tonight's meal. On the patio next to the step this snake was trying to warm up in the little bit of sunshine. 

I had to politely ask it to move so I could walk up the steps.

Mark brought over 8 pounds of hamburger and grilled 24 nice thick burgers. Just a note for myself we really needed 10 pounds, we ran out of burgers for the last 2 late comers. They were really good. Tonight we celebrated Addyson, Abe and River's birthdays.

Mark picked up a cake from Costco and it was a lot more than our family could eat so we sent out a family text and by the end of the evening we had enough others come that the cake was gone. Mike and Diane went to Middle Grove after church and brought back Blueberry and Sally. Blueberry was supposed to be due the end of this month but is for sure not pregnant. We will need to start teasing her and she was put in the paddock next to Valiant. Sally is here to help with training young ones. She is with Blueberry tonight but as soon as the cabin field is open she will go over there along with the other riding mares. I needed to leave while it was still light outside to bring Star Temple in tonight. She is finally starting to bag up. To keep her company Cookie was brought in and put in the stall across the aisle. Star still needed the burrs removed from her mane and forelock and is really shedding. She was given a good groom and the burrs removed. There is now hair all over her stall and me. Her mane and forelock are both very thick.

Cookie was next. She didn't have burrs but had so many thick fairy knots in her mane we couldn't brush through it. All of those knots were removed.

I have both horses on the monitor. Cookie would prefer to be outside with Missy but she is the smallest horse and hopefully her stall tomorrow will be easy to clean up. Star has settled down and is happily eating out of the feeder  Today is the last day of the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI. Valiant had 2 of his offspring in the FHHI demo. The one on the left is Ribbon's last foal by Valiant and the one on the right is Easter Lilly's colt by Valiant both all grown up.

They are both massive but they are not only HUGE they are gorgeous and have wonderful minds. They really do a wonderful job representing the Horsemeister horses. Thank you SO much Brandee for sharing the picture.

Annual Work Day

 After yesterday's heat the storms last night dropped an inch and a half of rain and dropped the temperature over 44 degrees. It was downright cold this morning with a brisk wind. I moved Rosaleigh and her colt outside to clean their stalls but put them in the outdoor arena as the paddock was pretty muddy.

The colt was so funny trying out his very first buck.

I didn't have a lot of time to stay and watch. Once the stalls were cleaned they were moved back inside until the paddocks could dry a little. I still needed to cook breakfast then get over to mom's for the annual lake work day. We had a wonderful turnout of kids and grandkids and got even more done then Joan had on the list. Even the young ones worked hard.

The dam was the biggest job, the guys needed to cut down all the saplings. The excavator was used to haul up the cut trees and branches. It was also used to tear down the fishing dock and helped build the brand new one. The next biggest job was to repair the damage done when the retaining wall eroded into the yard. The gutters were cleaned, the logs inside were all wiped down, all windows inside and out cleaned and so much more. If you would like to see the pictures of the day click HERE. I also made a video of the work day as so many people were working on so many different jobs.

We were finished with most of the projects by lunch. Mom bought pizza for everyone. We had chips and desserts but the special dessert was cotton candy. Joan got the cotton candy machine out and everyone that wanted some got some, even mom.

Below is a picture of the finished retaining walls.

Below is a picture of the brand new fishing dock.

The dock was finished after lunch. About that time the apartment booked for 6 days, they are bringing 2 dogs with them and wanted to make sure there was a fenced in place just for dogs. When I explained there wasn't that but we could shut the barn doors to the indoor arena and they could run free there they were happy. That meant I needed to get the shovel and clear the ground at the front doors so they could slide shut. They hadn't really been shut since the pandemic as we quit showing then. Once those were sliding open easily I went in the apartment to make sure there were no dead stink bugs and I found a few. Once that was done Mark and I stopped over at mom's. I had left a sweat shirt there. Ruth was with mom and they were enjoying root beer floats. After visiting a while it was time to go home and rest. The iris are blooming by our patio. What a beautiful flower.

The rest of this evening was to get the pictures off the phone and on the computer.

Missed Us Again

 The golf cart was still out of commission but Star was near the fenceline so I just climbed through then made my way through the wet grass to check her udder. Still no sign of pending delivery. Rosaleigh and her colt spent the night outside and did great. I walked over to mom's then walked the route with Diane and Ruth visiting, stopping to admire the horses, then Mike's barn before heading to Joan's house. The retention pond is filling up and this morning a goose pair has staked it out for a nesting site.

This is probably the same pair as last year and maybe a few other years. They are usually successful and last year raised 6 goslings. We hiked back to mom's house. Someone ordered a load of pea gravel for the work day tomorrow. That was dumped at the end of mom's drive.

On the way back to our house I found just one small mushroom, picked that, cleaned it and added it to an omelet along with onion, peppers, sausage and cheese. Today was laundry and cleaning day here. My birthday gift from Mark arrived today. He had given me a gift card from Amazon and within an hour I had spent the entire amount plus $28.00 for temporary fence posts.

Sarah and Nolan have signed up to help at a camp for foster children in Lacon, IL and want to take Missy and Cookie and give pony rides to the children. It helps if we have a defined area making a temporary round pen so the children will stay out until it is there turn and the ponies stay in. Now I just need to find the electric tape. We have plenty and I think it is in the stall area. I needed to be at mom's house by 4:00 pm to relieve Rachel. The day had turned very hot. Diane and Rachel had the doors and windows open but the house was at 82 degrees. I couldn't get the thermostat to work so called Mark. He had me down by the furnace turning the power off then back on while he reprogrammed the thermostat.

That worked and by the time Joan arrived home the house was cooled to 78 degrees and mom was asking for her blanket again. We had predictions of bad storms tonight with large hail. All the trucks and cars were brought inside, either the garage or the indoor arena. Sarah arrived with her girls and some of their friends and of course they wanted to see Rosaleigh's colt. 

He certainly likes people and they all like him. This was before the storms and it was still very hot. The young foals can't regulate their temperature so they were brought inside to keep him out of the sun. When I got back from mom's I went straight to the barn to check and he was nice and cool. They were given more water, hay and more bedding then left inside because of the predicted storms. Before going into the house Star Temple's udder was checked as I didn't want her delivering outside tonight but that is still as flat and she is much happier outside with Rosalie.

The storm was East of us and went around to the North of us. We only got wind, rain and could see lots of lightning. Below is about 2 minutes of rain, wind and lightning.

It is pleasant and makes for great sleeping weather. We are thankful the tornados and hail missed our area.

Outside

 I went out early to check on Star but since I didn't have the golf cart, that has a flat tire,

climbed over the fence of the pond pasture to start looking for her. Rosalie was in sight but no sign of Star Temple. That kind of scared me thinking maybe she tried to deliver somewhere in the woods and was in trouble. I thought maybe she was in the far paddock shelter so hiked to that through the wet grass but she wasn't. I was just about to call Mike to bring his 4 wheeler when I saw her standing next to Rosalie over by Valiant. Where she came from I have no idea. Rosalie wasn't just standing by Valiant she was showing to him. She was led out of the pasture, tied at the breeding stand and Evan covered her. She should be out tomorrow as today is a week since she showed first. Mark came by with cat food just as I was putting Evan away and I asked if he would help me with the next job. I need to move Rosaleigh and her colt outside this morning. Rosaleigh was so glad to be out of the stall. The colt was initially afraid to step out but with Mark helping (man handling) him we made it into the paddock. He stood for a moment then realized he could move those long legs of his and tried out a canter. 

We went in and I made an omelet for breakfast using some of the mushrooms we found last night. I found 6 more this morning but saved those for our dinner tonight.  Our walk now starts at 8:30 but I needed to quit the walk early as Mark and I needed to be at Iris' school for grandparents day at 9:30 am in Morton, IL. We were just a few minutes late. All 4 of Iris' grandparents arrived and we all had a nice time.

When we got back I started on the stall but only took a couple of wheel barrow loads out before going back in the house for a drink of water. Mark left for his therapy, then to Costco to order the birthday cake for Sunday and next to Wiltons mortuary to find out how much it is going to cost to bury us. He came home a little discouraged going with the very cheapest casket, no vault, the opening and shutting of the grave, the flowers on top of the casket and a stone it was more than $17,000.00. Death really is big business. He is tempted to go back to cremation but we already bought the cemetery plots and that would just be a total waste. There's always the manure pile! Sarah and the girls came over this afternoon to see Rosaleigh's new colt. He was sure happy to see them.

He loved being scratched and petted.

Sarah took some of those pictures above and also the 2 pictures below.

Eden and River decided to go to the playground but Zion stayed to help me with the stall.

On the walk over to the playground the yearlings came up begging for attention from Zion.

The yearlings pictured from left to right are: Dahlia, Shadow, Roseberry and Cabo.

When we got to the playground of course the trampolines are first to be played on. Zion showed off her back AND front flip.

I got home just in time to make some fish coleslaw and mushrooms for our supper. 

 We missed communion in Peoria and the make up was tonight at Skylines. There was quite a big group. Mike and Craig shared the service. It really was a touching and wonderful ending to a wonderful day.

They Are Home

 It was starting to rain when Joan sent the message with the weather and that she needed to leave early we probably wouldn't walk. I wanted to call the vet office to make sure I could still pick up Rosaleigh and her colt. The clinic opens at 8:00 am and I called right at that time. Chris answered, checked on the colt then told me he was doing fine and I could come. I pulled out just a few minutes after but with the Smithville bridge out and driving through the rain instead of a 30 minute trip it took about 40 minutes. They had the door open and ready for me. I didn't realize when I grabbed a lead rope that the snap was broken so had to tie that on Rosaleigh's halter. She was very anxious to get out of there and practically dragged me to the trailer. The colt still isn't following well and it took 2 helpers to get him out to the trailer and then in the trailer. I would have taken a picture but it was still raining and we were getting soaked. When I got home the trailer was backed into the indoor arena for unloading. The colt fell out of the trailer right in front of Rosaleigh and I jumped out quickly to move him before Rosaleigh stepped down. Thankfully she waited until he was out of the way. I just looped her leadrope over her neck then had to man handle the colt to get him through the arena, out the side door, into the stall barn and into a stall. Rosaleigh followed but by the time I got the door shut we were both (the colt and I) breathing hard. Rosaleigh  settled down and stood quietly while the colt nursed then laid down to take a nap.

I filled water buckets got hay in from the other barn spread more stray in their stall and then just watched. I wanted to make sure he would be able to get up easily before going down to the house. After about 20 minutes he jumped up went right over and nursed again before laying back down. It was about 11:00 am when I finally got down to the house to eat some breakfast. Mark had made his own hours ago then was leaving for Weaver Farm to go to a free meal and listen to a Peace of Mind seminar. He had a chef salad there and Wiltons talked him into another meeting tomorrow afternoon. I just ate the left over mushrooms for my very late breakfast then needed to be at mom's by 11:45 am so Joan could take the kids to play practice. The rain stopped and the sun was peeking through the clouds when I went out on her deck to fill the bird feeder. It was so pleasant out there with the peaceful views and birds singing. 

Above is looking towards Rachel's house and below is looking toward Joan's house.

Joan and Mackenson had removed all of the landscaping stones that had collapsed and carried them up putting them against the house on the sidewalk.

They also dug out a lot where the ground had collapsed. Hopefully we can reassemble everything on the work day. Joan arrived back about 5:20 pm giving me just enough time to run to the barn, fill water buckets, clean the stall and refill Rosaleigh's hay. The colt seems to be doing fine. He was trying to canter around his mom today between feedings and naps. 

He is curious, playing with the buckets and checking out his mama's feed. He is already enjoying scratches. His cord was still damp so that was doused in iodine. Hopefully that will dry up soon. The vet bill came to $628.33 and I was thankful to pay it to get back a nursing foal.

I also checked on Star but left her out, her udder isn't full at all. By the time I got back in the house to get ready for church it was 5:50 pm and I had exactly 15 minutes to shower and get ready for church. Tonight Daniel and Lexi shared with the church their story. If you would like to listen to that click HERE. We ate at Culvers afterwards for a very late supper. We could see lightning as we were driving home and now we can hear the rumblings of thunder. 

Best News

 I thought the colt was nursing but when I went out at 5:30 am I could tell he had not. He jumps up goes right to the correct area but was not latching on. I tried to get him to nurse but finally left the stall at 7:40am to clean up and get ready for the Berean office. 

When I walked into the house there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers in a cute vase with a card from Zion, Eden and River. They were so pretty I took them over to show mom.

At mom's I explained to mom and Joan that I would be calling the vet clinic as soon as they opened at 8:00 am to tell them he has not nursed and Rosaleigh has not expelled the placenta. We got to the Berean office at 8:45 am and went right to work. Skip and Marvin are both gone and there was  quite a lot to do. Below are a few pictures of busy Berean volunteers.

Not pictured is Shirley R, she was very busy, running the postage machine, getting all of the advanced studies ready to go and filling Bible studies. All of them worked on wrapping Bibles.

When we finished we enjoyed a 'real' treat. Shirl made that ooey gooey butter cake and check snack mix. Since I skipped breakfast I took plenty and enjoyed every bite.

Meanwhile I had called the vet clinic and they recommended bringing Rosaleigh and her colt right in. I called Diane to see if Mike could do this as it would take me at least 2 hours to finish up here, drive home, then hook up the truck and trailer and load up and drive the 25 miles to the clinic. He still hadn't nursed but thankfully Rosaleigh had expelled the placenta. Mike loaded them up and got to the clinic about 10:45. I'm not sure all what they did to the colt but it sounded like they were treating him like a dummy foal. He didn't really have those symptoms other than not able to latch on. 

Mom and I stopped at the Hanna City post office to drop off the Bibles and studies going out then reached mom's house around 11:30 am. I was so surprised when Joan met us in the garage, she asked me to come help her with something but I couldn't hear her so followed her in to see what she needed help with and that came the next surprise. The room was filled with family and they started singing the happy birthday song. The table was filled with a wonderful lunch. They really surprised me.

Diane made the salad, Rachel made the cupcakes pictured below which was our dessert.

We also feasted on pulled pork, coleslaw, oranges from Barbara, and vegetables. 

I wondered how they knew we would be home and Joan explained Shirley called them when I left. What a party, I truly was surprised. When I got home the stall needed to be cleaned and the placenta buried in the manure pile. It was really hot when digging and then found out it was 90 degrees out. Sarah and the girls stopped by to give us some delicious scones Amanda made. Of course I had to try some of that too. On the way down to the house I found a few more mushrooms. Those were cleaned then added to the ones from last night. 

They were cut in half soaked in egg and milk mixture then coated with ground up Ritz crackers and fried in olive oil. They were delicious. I took a plate over for mom's house. Joan and Berlica were just leaving for the shower to help set up but both got to try some. Mom enjoyed them too as did Ruth. I explained I was ruining everyone's supper at the shower eating fried mushrooms just before dinner time but they were too good to pass up. Even after we ate there were still some left. Ruth, mom and I left for Faith and Andrew's wedding shower at 5:20 pm. That shower was very well attended. The food was exceptional. They served 2 kinds of soup and had a salad bar. The desserts were more cupcakes from Rachel. She makes those cupcakes so realistic they look like real flowers but taste amazing. I didn't think to take pictures of the food but there is enough food pictured here already. I felt like we were eating all day long. Below are a few pictures. Below is the most creative gift and of course it was from Loretta and her family. Actually though her daughter Michelle put it together. 

Iris and Elisabet were busy bringing the gifts from the gift table over to Faith.

When they were about half way done opening presents they stood up and shared their engagement story with us. Faith told me I could share it.

The BEST news came once I got home. Dr. Hoerr sent a text that the colt is nursing and I should be able to pick them up in the morning. What a huge relief! I am SO very thankful. 

A Colt

 I was up at midnight checking the camera and all was quiet. The next time I checked it was 1:15 am and Rosaleigh was right in the middle of delivering, laying down and pushing. I watched on the monitor as the foal was born then got dressed, got the towels and headed to the barn. This is a strong big colt. I got him almost dry with Rosaleigh's help

Within minutes he was struggling to stand.

I didn't pay attention to the time but it was probably around 1:45 am when he was able to stand and take a few steps.

The stall was cleaned up and fresh straw put down. Rosaleigh's water buckets were filled and while I was working Star's stall was cleaned up too. Mark came down to check on the foal. The video below is of right after he was cleaned up, his struggle to stand and his first few steps. 

I left them alone then, hopefully he figured out how to nurse. It looks like on the monitor he is nursing but I'll check that out better later this morning, right now I need to get a little more sleep.