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. 

Maybe Tomorrow

 Rosaleigh did not go into labor last night. I awoke at midnight to check the monitor and she was standing quietly just drowsing, no sign of first labor, pacing or looking at her belly. I slept until 5:00 am checked to find her the same, quietly standing. As soon as it was light enough to see she and Star were moved out to the pond pasture with Rosalie. Rosalie went right over to Valiant and showed so she was taken out and covered by Evan then put back in with the other 2 mares. The yearlings were moved into the other pasture so they could graze. I actually did this as training only taking one at a time. Asking for a few stops on the way and having them quietly walk behind me. Cabo was first. When he was turned out he waited at the gate until Dahlia was walked over. I cheated a little, Rosie was haltered and led but I just let Shadow follow on her own and she did. Once all 4 were in the pasture they moved out to graze. 

The stalls were cleaned and made ready for tonight then I walked over to mom's. A red eyed slider turtle was crossing the driveway and stopped right in the middle.

As Ruth was going to be driving up any minute I picked up the turtle and moved it off to the side of the road the way it was facing.

We had to stop and check out the progress of Mike's barn.

He had the lift working so demonstrated it for us.

It isn't really a people lift it is for getting all the heavy equipment needed for the next project. 

Below is the other room in the barn. That open doorway up at the top left will be where the mezzanine will be in this room. This will give plenty of storage space above and still have room to park tractors, jeeps, 4 wheelers and all kinds of stuff Diane wants out of the yard.

After the walk I left first for the Peoria post office to pick up the Berean mail. Skip cant be there tomorrow. From there I went to Sam's club to pick up cat food and more plastic cups. When the mail was dropped off at the Berean office I sent Joan a text to let her know I was on my way to the brake shop. She needed to drop off her car to get the brakes repaired and since it is on the way home I picked her up there so she didn't have to wait. 

When I got back Mark and I went to work repairing the breeding shed. We had a huge storm come through and it blew the aluminum panels off.

We started on it, Mark walked off to get something so I went mushroom hunting until he came back.

I found 10 nice size mushrooms but these 3 were found first all together.

They were rinsed off then put in some salt water in the fridge. I couldn't cook them tonight as we already had plans. We got the shed finished but I forgot to take a picture of that. Mike arrived to work on the waterer of the mare paddock and got that fixed. That paddock can now be used and we have lots of mares that need to come in for breeding. At 5:10 pm we left for Alexander Street Steakhouse where we were meeting Amy and Ken. That restaurant has an April special of an 8 ounce steak, 3 shrimp either grilled or fried, the salad bar and a side for $30.00. It was good we weren't in a hurry, the service was pretty slow but we enjoyed the salad bar. It really is the best one in Peoria in my opinion. Not that we go out to eat much. Below are our salad plates. 

The steak was very tender and delicious.

It really was a wonderful time to just sit and visit while enjoying foods that we didn't prepare ourselves. The restaurant charges 3% extra to use a credit card so we brought cash. We didn't get home until after 8:00 pm. I went straight out to the pond pasture to bring Rosaleigh and Star in. Rosaleigh is on the foaling camera again but again she is just very content to stand quietly. There is no sign of pacing or looking at her sides. She is not in labor yet.

Maybe tomorrow

Waxing

 I went out to check the mares early this morning and it was a good thing I did. Rosaleigh is waxing.

But that isn't the reason it was a good thing to go out early. As I was checking on the other horses I found Missy laying against the bale in the shelter with her back legs sticking through the gate and her tail sticking under the shelter. She was cast and could not get up. I got her legs free of the gate and opened the gate wide, got a lead rope on her and tried pulling her but she was just to heavy. I called Mike but he didn't answer so called Diane. She was going to go out to the barn to get him but just then Missy made a huge scramble and made it up so let Diane know I didn't need help. Then looked over past the last shelter and saw two of the yearlings were out. Disco/Cabo learned how to escape the pond pasture last year. I though he might have forgotten as he was grazing all day with the other 3 yesterday but not only did he escape he took Roseberry with him. They were both good, came right to me and let me halter them and put them back in but before I did I shut and locked the gate going into the pond pasture. They have lost their grazing privilege in the pond pasture until I can figure out where he is getting out. Mark came down with a bad cold yesterday that wasn't any better today so he stayed home from church. David had the morning message. This was about carrying our cross. He explained it so well. Click HERE to watch that message. At lunch our church's nameless IT guy let me know that the Wednesday night family night was posted to AC Central. Gabe Stickling had that very personal message. I'll post it on the Wednesday blog but also post it here if you would like to watch it just click HERE. The afternoon message was a little shortened and was by Craig Stickling then after the message he told us a little about the Elder winter conference. Click HERE if you would like to watch that. After church Joan took my car to go try on dresses at Faith's house while I took the wheel chair van with mom, Nancy and Mackenson home to mom's house. As soon as I got home the taco meat was finished and put in a crock pot the rest of the food loaded up for the barn. I drove first to the foaling apartment. Rhoda was going to work with Iris on Cookie and was taking knots out of her mane. 

Rhoda and Iris took Cookie to the round pen for a real riding lesson.

About then Ella arrived. She was so excited to be here and was excited to help me out. We checked the udders on both Rosaleigh and Star, then got Rosalie out and put her in the outdoor arena so Ella could work with her a little before Mike saddled and bridled her up. Rosalie was so well behaved. She had been out at Middle Grove and had not been ridden for 2 years but behaved perfectly.

I just have to brag on both my daughter and the mare. Rhoda did all the training on Rosalie and what a wonderful riding horse she turned out to be. At 3:30 pm I needed to get to the barn to start cutting up peppers, onions, shredding lettuce and get the supper going. We try to eat around 4:30 and usually everyone arrives early. Supper was finished and ready right on time. Stephanie's Aunt Kathy and her husband Mike (whom we have known since childhood) came for dinner tonight. They are going to use the barn, the apartment and 4 campers for their Kieser weekend in June and needed to see how it would all work. After supper we took the tour and Kathy thinks it will work out just fine. The volley ball players arrived just as Mike and Kathy were leaving. Soon the barn was filled with people, both children and adults. The kids have just as much fun as the adults on Sunday nights. Before it got dark today Rosaleigh and Star were brought into the stalls and I have them now on the foaling camera.

Rhoda saw Rosaleigh rolling today and she was probably getting the foal in position. She is standing quietly this evening eating hay and there is no sign yet of any labor but it is raining outside now and I sure didn't want to take a chance of delivery outside tonight.