The Hound of Claskerville

Emily had the tractor loaded with a bale before 7:00 am this morning. The fatty paddock needed a new bale. The fatties are Ribbon, Ayanna and Indy. Right after that Emily and Mike took the trailer to Middle Grove to pick up Walter and Winston. We have someone coming tomorrow to see the colts. The colts came right up to Emily and practically stuck their noses in the halter impressing Mike with how well behaved they were. They put bales out while they were out there. Even though we now have 14 horses at the Hanna City farm the herd at Middle Grove is still impressive. I think we have 40 or so horses now but no one wants to take the time to count them.
Jack and Jace came to visit grandma today. Emily brought Timmy over to play with the boys and they had a good time. Jace decided to measure Emma with a chain.

 Pretty obvious Emma is not at all concerned, she was careful not to move. 

 The boys played with blocks, toys, horses, shoes, pillows and finally the big balls. 

 There were 2 balls in the house and one outside on the other side of the fence in the sticker bushes. Timmy was told if he would go get it he could keep it. That didn't have to be said twice that boy was out the door quick.

 The boys spent a lot of time bouncing on the balls then started bouncing the balls off each other. 

 This evening was the much anticipated co-op play, The Hound of Clackerville. We had a big group go from here, Diane took all but one of her grandchildren, Ruth, Rhonda, Karin, mom and I went in our car  arriving a half hour early. Joan had saved some seats for us thankfully, even a half hour early the room was almost full. This was held at ICC and the place was packed, standing room only and the whole front of the theater, in front of the seats all the children were asked to sit on the floor to try to get enough room for the adults to have seats. The overflow seating was quite creative. This play was very entertaining and the word must have gotten out about how good the actors are. We truly had a top notch evening. The audience was so into the play that loud belly laughter kept escaping from just about everyone. These kids were THAT funny.

 Above is the cast and the director, below is during the play. Hannah was Ma Clackerville and played the part to perfection. She was so convincing as an old lady guarding her howg jowls and chitlins recipe from the big city spies.Watson and Holmes the 'terminators' were hilarious. The 2 fumbling bumbling cops even funnier. You get the picture! This play was well written and very well played.

A VERY HUGE thank you to the entire cast. WE can't wait for the musical which will be done next. Hopefully they can find a bigger theater, 

While working on this post the dreaded sound of boards being kicked accompanied by loud squealing meant quick get the winter coat on and find a flashlight. This had to be a stallion and sure enough, Valiant's gate was wide open. I'm walking around gingerly on the ice in my Sunday shoes, in a skirt and the barn coat trying to find the missing stallion. Valiant had gone right over to Evan to challenge him but was dissuaded by strong fences, heavy gates and most of all a STRONG electric fence. Valiant had kicked one board down into Evan's paddock but Evan and Oksana were out in the field. After Valiant was put away Evan and Oksana were called and they came at a gallop to make sure they were in the field and not outside. Of course all I could hear was the thunder of galloping hooves and see was the 2 sets of eyes reflecting the flashlight but they were right where they belonged. It was too dark to check them over and I didn't want to climb through the front fence because I THINK Emily electrified it. Some day I'll have to ask her.