Yesterday the filly seemed to be doing pretty well. She was urinating every time she was given IVs meaning not only is she getting fluids enough through the IV line, she is drinking well. Last night she was out grazing with her mom around 8:30pm as she was grazing, fluids were skipped and she was just given her meds. This morning she was laying down in the arena and Sanna is in the stall begging for the air conditioning to be turned back on. It is a worry that they were separated and another worry that when the filly was asked to get up she was pretty lethargic. Once in the stall, she got a big drink of water and went over to share Sanna's grain before hooking her up to an IV line and putting her grain in front of her. She is eating well, much better than a couple of days ago and her weight looks much better making me think she really is on the mend and maybe this morning is a fluke.
Yesterday bills needed to be paid at the shop and a few hours were spent at Meister's juggling money around. The Bridlewood roof is now finished and paid for. Mark is financing it. This will only take me 2 years to pay off unless Sangria's filly sells. Bridlewood was built in 1978 and this is the second time to paint and repair the roof. We have not yet paid for the mowing, raking and baling of our first cutting hay, Chuck will need to be called for that figure and we still owe the vet for Sanna's filly plus 2 ultrasounds. Each time I call for that bill it is not yet figured up but Chris, the guy that works on the books, thinks it will be more than $2000.00 but less than $3000.00.
The heat was again oppressive, reaching 99 with high humidity. When Mike came over to move in a round bale for the middle paddock we see a huge puddle by the automatic waterer. It is not leaking, Ribbon was continually putting her face in and splashing water out. The horses are getting hosed off but in Ribbon's opinion not enough.
French Fry needs to be checked today and covered if still in, Ylse should be coming in and Eliza is suppose to be covered today. We do not want to ask Raven to work in the heat meaning only one will be done. Hopefully French Fry is out.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Widow Date
Yesterday even though the actual temperature climbed up to a steamy 98 degrees it didn't stop a good group to make a trip to Norris. Beth invited all the widows of the Peoria church for lunch out at the Herman Lake in Norris, IL. The Jail ladies (not inmates, volunteers) stayed the night at Norris to help get everything ready for these very special guests. Jenny, Diane's daughter, catered the meal. The bus picked them up at church at 9:00am and drove them first to the Old School Center in Farmington, IL where they Spark gave them a tour of that huge facility. As I am not a widow and not a jail volunteer, my camera was sent along with mom for pictures. The first picture is once they were off the bus and into the elevator. The camera fogged up so bad getting off the airconditioned bus.
The next picture is in the big theater room.
Norris, IL is the next little town south of Farmington and once back on the bus it didn't take long to arrive at the Herman Lake. This is one of Herman Pond Management's trophy lake. Nate raises multi species of HUGE fish. Mom was given instructions to get pictures of the widows pulling up these huge fish but she was too busy SWIMMING to think about action shots. The ladies not only went fishing but most of them went down the water slide, took boat rides and had a really wonderful time. The next couple of pictures are getting ready for lunch, then sitting down to eat.
What a wonderful place to spend a very hot day!
Everyone had such a great time, Beth decided to make it an annual occasion.
Church last night was moved to the fellowship hall as a transformer blew and there was no electricity in our Peoria church building. We arrived a bit early, sat down near the front. Before the service started, more chairs were needed, People started streaming in. Some of the brothers started pulling racks of chairs out of the storage and lining them up, this went on until the fellowship hall was FULL. Ken Hoerr had the service speaking on the tribulation to come. Of course after the service everyone wanted to stay and visit, we didn't arrive back until after 9:30pm and the filly needed to be given another 2500 lactate ringer IV. Finally by 11:30pm I crashed in bed. This morning the filly seems a bit better but I'M STILL TIRED!
The next picture is in the big theater room.
Norris, IL is the next little town south of Farmington and once back on the bus it didn't take long to arrive at the Herman Lake. This is one of Herman Pond Management's trophy lake. Nate raises multi species of HUGE fish. Mom was given instructions to get pictures of the widows pulling up these huge fish but she was too busy SWIMMING to think about action shots. The ladies not only went fishing but most of them went down the water slide, took boat rides and had a really wonderful time. The next couple of pictures are getting ready for lunch, then sitting down to eat.
What a wonderful place to spend a very hot day!
Everyone had such a great time, Beth decided to make it an annual occasion.
Church last night was moved to the fellowship hall as a transformer blew and there was no electricity in our Peoria church building. We arrived a bit early, sat down near the front. Before the service started, more chairs were needed, People started streaming in. Some of the brothers started pulling racks of chairs out of the storage and lining them up, this went on until the fellowship hall was FULL. Ken Hoerr had the service speaking on the tribulation to come. Of course after the service everyone wanted to stay and visit, we didn't arrive back until after 9:30pm and the filly needed to be given another 2500 lactate ringer IV. Finally by 11:30pm I crashed in bed. This morning the filly seems a bit better but I'M STILL TIRED!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Karin's Camping
Church was moved to the fellowship hall and will be at 7:30pm instead of 7:00. Mark needed his clothes brought to the shop as he had a late estimate and while waiting for him to get ready I found Karin's camping video. She was camping at the Middle Grove farm. Weird to camp right in a horse pasture but they had a lot of fun.
It is pretty desolate out there more than a mile from any electricity and the horses are all thrilled when someone stays. They stick around the camp begging for attention.
The video shows quite a bit of the Middle Grove property, the creeks, the trails and most of all the HORSES!
The next video is when she had one of the many youth groups out to the Hanna City farm.
And the last video posted is taking a youth group from Maquan, IL to the Middle Grove farm for a camp out.
Thanks Karin for all your hard work. The volunteer hours you put into these outings are in the hundreds, no thousands. Can't wait to see your vaulting competition video.
It is pretty desolate out there more than a mile from any electricity and the horses are all thrilled when someone stays. They stick around the camp begging for attention.
The video shows quite a bit of the Middle Grove property, the creeks, the trails and most of all the HORSES!
The next video is when she had one of the many youth groups out to the Hanna City farm.
And the last video posted is taking a youth group from Maquan, IL to the Middle Grove farm for a camp out.
Thanks Karin for all your hard work. The volunteer hours you put into these outings are in the hundreds, no thousands. Can't wait to see your vaulting competition video.
Back on IVs
Yesterday Sanna's filly was again in distress, Dr. Hoerr had to come out after work to insert an IV catheter and he gave her 2500 ml of lactate ringers then left us with 11 more bags. Each bag holds 5000 ml and she was to have 2500 every 2 hours until midnight. That was on top of the rest of the days work.
Eva Jean is holding the box of processed Bible studies, 2 weeks worth filled the mailbox to overflowing and we had to work overtime.
The day is just starting to lighten enough to go out looking for Sanna and her filly as this morning they were not in the stall. They were found over by Raven and both standing but the filly is very lethargic, at least she is up. Instead of putting her back in and starting the IV's I'll let them stay out a bit, it is the cool 80 degrees right now instead of the 97 yesterday.
The camera was finally downloaded. The picture below was taken during Monday's walk with Rachel carrying Braelyn for weight training.
Someone donated this Jeep for Tim to take back to Haiti. This was MADE for Haiti, notice the periscope, much needed as they drive through the river beds. What a wonderful donation, a BIG THANK YOU to whoever did THIS.
Mike got the IH tractor working and brought it over to teach Mark how to drive it so we can get the pastures mowed now that the John Deere is not working. We are not used to driving such huge tractors.
Even before Dr. Hoerr left, Lisa Waibel brought her children out to see the puppies and ride Cindy. They want to free lease Cindy for a bit to see if they really do want a horse long term. Mike and Diane drove up on the 4 wheeler as the Waibel's were getting ready to leave and Diane gave the younger ones a ride on it while Mike mowed the back pasture. French Fry was checked, she is still in but we did not cover her, we will try this morning while it is still a bit cooler. We are expecting another VERY hot day with heat indexes at 115 degrees, actual temperature 98.
French Fry was still in and covered, Raven was hosed down and will need it again later. These black horses really suffer in this heat. If the stall area had the airconditioning installed he would be one given preferential treatment.
Eva Jean is holding the box of processed Bible studies, 2 weeks worth filled the mailbox to overflowing and we had to work overtime.
The day is just starting to lighten enough to go out looking for Sanna and her filly as this morning they were not in the stall. They were found over by Raven and both standing but the filly is very lethargic, at least she is up. Instead of putting her back in and starting the IV's I'll let them stay out a bit, it is the cool 80 degrees right now instead of the 97 yesterday.
The camera was finally downloaded. The picture below was taken during Monday's walk with Rachel carrying Braelyn for weight training.
Someone donated this Jeep for Tim to take back to Haiti. This was MADE for Haiti, notice the periscope, much needed as they drive through the river beds. What a wonderful donation, a BIG THANK YOU to whoever did THIS.
Mike got the IH tractor working and brought it over to teach Mark how to drive it so we can get the pastures mowed now that the John Deere is not working. We are not used to driving such huge tractors.
Even before Dr. Hoerr left, Lisa Waibel brought her children out to see the puppies and ride Cindy. They want to free lease Cindy for a bit to see if they really do want a horse long term. Mike and Diane drove up on the 4 wheeler as the Waibel's were getting ready to leave and Diane gave the younger ones a ride on it while Mike mowed the back pasture. French Fry was checked, she is still in but we did not cover her, we will try this morning while it is still a bit cooler. We are expecting another VERY hot day with heat indexes at 115 degrees, actual temperature 98.
French Fry was still in and covered, Raven was hosed down and will need it again later. These black horses really suffer in this heat. If the stall area had the airconditioning installed he would be one given preferential treatment.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
No Relief
The heat just stays and stays, there is no relief in sight. It doesn't even cool down at night. Sanna does not enjoy being hot and stands in front of the air conditioner trying to keep cool. Yesterday while hosing off her filly, Sanna decides that was for her and came quickly to the hose knocking into the mirror of my car and breaking it. That will teach me to park the car close to the barn. Another repair bill!
Rhoda came over after work, helped replace the puppy bedding, then carried all the pups outside for their first ever solid food. They loved the puppy food but today we need to soak it longer. Mike and Diane drove up on their motorcycle so while Diane was playing with the pups and visiting with Rhoda, Mike helped get French Fry covered then backed the trailer into place and unhooked the truck. Phil wants David Sauder to drive it in this morning.
Sanna's filly looks better and seems better, trying to stay out of my range when the meds were brought in. She would not eat any grain but did drink well once the water buckets were cleaned and filled.
Today Eva Jean and I will be swamped at work. We will have to pay for the play from last week where I was sitting on a beach reading books instead of down processing Bible studies. At least our office is air-conditioned.
Rhoda came over after work, helped replace the puppy bedding, then carried all the pups outside for their first ever solid food. They loved the puppy food but today we need to soak it longer. Mike and Diane drove up on their motorcycle so while Diane was playing with the pups and visiting with Rhoda, Mike helped get French Fry covered then backed the trailer into place and unhooked the truck. Phil wants David Sauder to drive it in this morning.
Sanna's filly looks better and seems better, trying to stay out of my range when the meds were brought in. She would not eat any grain but did drink well once the water buckets were cleaned and filled.
Today Eva Jean and I will be swamped at work. We will have to pay for the play from last week where I was sitting on a beach reading books instead of down processing Bible studies. At least our office is air-conditioned.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Dalia, Mattie, Bridgett In Foal
Philip dropped off Braelyn for our morning walk, she got a bit fussy in the stroller so first Ruth carried her a bit, then Rachel, they are using her as weights to help with the aerobic exercise.
Scary news this morning, a phone call came from the people that bought Lily's filly. They have Lily at their place until the filly is weaned and Lily was colicking when they arrived to feed. Surgery is not an option with Lily, too much scar tissue from the last colic surgery so we were praying the banamine would work. If not she would have to be put down and what a loss that would be, not only is she LILY, but she is in foal to Raven. By noon the call came that Lily was much better, actually acting normal and hungry.
Dr. Hoerr arrived for ultrasounds, we had 2 outside mares and 2 of our mares to be done, plus Jamie Stone wanted coggins drawn on Dakota and Myrrcedes along with their shots. Eliza was our only disappointment, she did not take and is coming back in season. Sure hope she will settle this time. She was given a shot and should be ready to breed in 4 days. Dalia IS in foal, we will place her for sale to help cover some of the vet costs on Sanna's filly. Both outside mares were also pregnant. Mattie the HUGE Clyde cross mare was diagnosed with twins, not just twins but identical twins as there was only one CL meaning only one ovary ovulated and both embryos were the same size. One had to be pinched off, mares are just not made to carry twins.
Then it was time to show Dr. Hoerr Sanna's filly. He actually saw how she will go up under Sanna to nurse but not latch on. She did this twice while he was observing. He drew blood then took her off one of her meds of which has side effects such as a depressant and loss of appetite. Actually by this afternoon she is bit brighter. Dr. Hoerr recommended we put her on calf manna, a milk rich grain that a young foal will digest well.
Scary news this morning, a phone call came from the people that bought Lily's filly. They have Lily at their place until the filly is weaned and Lily was colicking when they arrived to feed. Surgery is not an option with Lily, too much scar tissue from the last colic surgery so we were praying the banamine would work. If not she would have to be put down and what a loss that would be, not only is she LILY, but she is in foal to Raven. By noon the call came that Lily was much better, actually acting normal and hungry.
Dr. Hoerr arrived for ultrasounds, we had 2 outside mares and 2 of our mares to be done, plus Jamie Stone wanted coggins drawn on Dakota and Myrrcedes along with their shots. Eliza was our only disappointment, she did not take and is coming back in season. Sure hope she will settle this time. She was given a shot and should be ready to breed in 4 days. Dalia IS in foal, we will place her for sale to help cover some of the vet costs on Sanna's filly. Both outside mares were also pregnant. Mattie the HUGE Clyde cross mare was diagnosed with twins, not just twins but identical twins as there was only one CL meaning only one ovary ovulated and both embryos were the same size. One had to be pinched off, mares are just not made to carry twins.
Then it was time to show Dr. Hoerr Sanna's filly. He actually saw how she will go up under Sanna to nurse but not latch on. She did this twice while he was observing. He drew blood then took her off one of her meds of which has side effects such as a depressant and loss of appetite. Actually by this afternoon she is bit brighter. Dr. Hoerr recommended we put her on calf manna, a milk rich grain that a young foal will digest well.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Hot Almost Unbearable!
How thankful we are that church is air-conditioned but what a shock to our system when we get home. Sanna and her filly were hosed off before changing out of our Sunday clothes. The filly was definitely weaker, once hosed off she reached under to nurse but just couldn't seem to latch on. They were taken into the stall and 150 cc's of Sanna's milk was force fed successfully. She then ate a few bites of grain. She will need feeding every hour and maybe we will see an improvement.
French Fry the Saddlebred mare is still in and was covered, then hosed off with cool water and fly sprayed before putting her back. Raven was also hosed. He LOVES cool water.
Heather from St. Louis emailed the picture below of her 2 Raven offspring. They are both Blue Roan's out of her bay roan mare Jackie.
She wrote how happy she was with both of them.
Mike came over and moved 3 round bales in, one for French Fry's paddock, one for Kim's mares and one for the middle paddock.
Sanna's filly was given another 90 cc's of milk at 3:00 and again at 4:00pm. Each time it seems to stimulate her appetite and she walks over to either try to nurse or eats a bite of grain. So far no luck on her latching on. Hopefully by tonight she will be nursing.
Amy Koch and 2 of her grandson's Parker and Brady came over to see Emma's pups. Emma was well behaved. Darcy had to show off a bit for them.
The apartment stinks today, as it is too hot to work outside, Mark is clear coating the bedroom and bathroom door.
French Fry the Saddlebred mare is still in and was covered, then hosed off with cool water and fly sprayed before putting her back. Raven was also hosed. He LOVES cool water.
Heather from St. Louis emailed the picture below of her 2 Raven offspring. They are both Blue Roan's out of her bay roan mare Jackie.
She wrote how happy she was with both of them.
Mike came over and moved 3 round bales in, one for French Fry's paddock, one for Kim's mares and one for the middle paddock.
Sanna's filly was given another 90 cc's of milk at 3:00 and again at 4:00pm. Each time it seems to stimulate her appetite and she walks over to either try to nurse or eats a bite of grain. So far no luck on her latching on. Hopefully by tonight she will be nursing.
Amy Koch and 2 of her grandson's Parker and Brady came over to see Emma's pups. Emma was well behaved. Darcy had to show off a bit for them.
The apartment stinks today, as it is too hot to work outside, Mark is clear coating the bedroom and bathroom door.
Update from Canada
Lori, Chloe's owner sent this nice update: Hi Judy, I just wanted to send you a quick update on Chloe. She is magnificent! I could not imagine life without her. She has a very sweet personality and is so easy to work with. This spring she was taken to a petting zoo nearby, they also board and train horses. She was introduced to all sorts of animals... pigs, goats, mini horses, lamas and all sorts of birds, even emus. The experience was really good for her. While she was there she was trained to drive for six weeks and she was amazing. At two years she was measured at 15 2hh and about 1100 lbs with a very beautiful thick long mane and tail. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to own such a fantastic girl, talk to you soon, Lori.
Thanks so much Lori, we love hearing about Raven's offspring and how much they are loved and by sending pictures made us SMILE!
SOLD
This one is sold, hurry there are only 5 males and 4 females left. Of course they cannot leave until mid August at the earliest.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Bringing Home the Blues
Karin took some of the Heart of IL Vaulting team to a vaulting competition in Iowa and did those girls ever bring home the BLUES!! Even RIBBON got scores of 8 out of 10 for steadiness. Almost the first thing out of Karin's mouth as she exits the truck is, "have I told you how much I LOVE this horse?" Mia, Crystal Bakers daughter won first place in her class and first place in her division. Bethany went against a professional and WON! Sarah, Hanna and Anni were in the same class along with other vaulters, Sarah took first, Hanna took second and Anni took third. It is amazing to think our little Heart of IL team can go up against vaulters that compete regularly and not just do ok, but win. Good SHOW TEAM!
Crystal Baker told us she is not a camper and would prefer a hotel but Karin talked her into it, letting her stay in the living quarter trailer, telling her the camp ground would have flush toilets and showers but when they arrived they found out this was a primitive site, no bathrooms at ALL. Only a port-a-potty set up. Crystal was smart, she called to look at a pony for purchase, once she looked over the pony used their bath AND took a shower!
Mark helped change the puppy bedding, then we took off for Peoria. Rhoda arrived shortly after we left finding ALL the puppies out of the box, wetting on the floor. She gave each puppy a bath and a few more pictures were taken before we started adding inches to the sides of the box. Around 3:30pm Sanna's filly just wasn't looking well, I started milking Sanna and realized this mare has not been nursed on for a while, this milk looked like milk from a cow that is drying up. Every hour Sanna was milked to encourage her to start producing again and the filly force fed. After the 3rd time she actually walked over to Sanna and latched on nursing for a couple of minutes. We are not out of the woods yet with her but this was so encouraging. Rhoda helped hang plastic over Sanna's stall and turned on the air conditioner to help her cope with the heat. Mike and Diane arrived and stayed a bit visiting. The John Deere tractor broke while mowing at Middle Grove. The International Harvester tractor is at Mikes being repaired, the Yanmar needs to be worked on, it is a good thing the skid steer is still running.
The last set of meds still needs to be given along with one more shot and banamine, time to get busy.
Crystal Baker told us she is not a camper and would prefer a hotel but Karin talked her into it, letting her stay in the living quarter trailer, telling her the camp ground would have flush toilets and showers but when they arrived they found out this was a primitive site, no bathrooms at ALL. Only a port-a-potty set up. Crystal was smart, she called to look at a pony for purchase, once she looked over the pony used their bath AND took a shower!
Mark helped change the puppy bedding, then we took off for Peoria. Rhoda arrived shortly after we left finding ALL the puppies out of the box, wetting on the floor. She gave each puppy a bath and a few more pictures were taken before we started adding inches to the sides of the box. Around 3:30pm Sanna's filly just wasn't looking well, I started milking Sanna and realized this mare has not been nursed on for a while, this milk looked like milk from a cow that is drying up. Every hour Sanna was milked to encourage her to start producing again and the filly force fed. After the 3rd time she actually walked over to Sanna and latched on nursing for a couple of minutes. We are not out of the woods yet with her but this was so encouraging. Rhoda helped hang plastic over Sanna's stall and turned on the air conditioner to help her cope with the heat. Mike and Diane arrived and stayed a bit visiting. The John Deere tractor broke while mowing at Middle Grove. The International Harvester tractor is at Mikes being repaired, the Yanmar needs to be worked on, it is a good thing the skid steer is still running.
The last set of meds still needs to be given along with one more shot and banamine, time to get busy.
Friday, July 15, 2011
French Fry In
French Fry the outside mare that came in for breeding while I was in Michigan came in season today and was covered. We were told it would take 2 of us to hold her but were pleasantly surprised when she stood very well for Raven not moving at all until he was finished.
Instead of taking Steven's truck and the stock trailer to Middle Grove to pick up Dalia and Eliza for their ultrasounds Steven and I took Sanna and her filly to Hoerr Vet clinic. She just didn't look right to me and I wanted her checked out before the weekend when a emergency vet call costs WAY more. Our appointment was 2:45pm, we arrived just a couple of minutes late but neither vet had made it back yet. Then came the emergencies, cars, trucks and trailers with dogs, cats, horses and goats all started arriving needing vet care NOW. Sanna's filly wasn't an emergency so we were the ones that waited but that's how we would want to be treated if we had an emergency so we were patient. By the time Dr. Pallen was able to draw the blood work, it was getting past dinner. The blood work came back that yes there is a problem, her white cell count had more than doubled in the few days she was home. The antibiotics she is on is not working. Dr. Hoerr and Dr. Pallen put their heads together and came up with 3 other meds to give her on top of 2 of the pills she is already one. This poor filly is now getting pills shoved down 3 times a day, shots 2 times a day and banimine paste once a day. At least she is not dehydrated, she is drinking well, not sure how much she is nursing though as she doesn't feel well.
Once we were cleared to go we still needed to go to Farm and Fleet for my syringes and needles along with some probiotics for her tummy. We arrived back at the farm after 6:30pm. Dr. Hoerr is coming on Monday for ultrasounds and will draw blood on her to see if the new meds are working and her white blood cell count is coming down.
The pups were playing so cute tonight. These 2 were having a ball chewing on Emma's ear and nose. They were crawling all over her growling as they attacked her ear, nose and throat.
The other pups were all busy nursing while these 2 were molesting their mother.
After they were finished nursing most of them hunkered down for a nap but 2 of them started play fighting, they are just so ferocious at this age.
Instead of taking Steven's truck and the stock trailer to Middle Grove to pick up Dalia and Eliza for their ultrasounds Steven and I took Sanna and her filly to Hoerr Vet clinic. She just didn't look right to me and I wanted her checked out before the weekend when a emergency vet call costs WAY more. Our appointment was 2:45pm, we arrived just a couple of minutes late but neither vet had made it back yet. Then came the emergencies, cars, trucks and trailers with dogs, cats, horses and goats all started arriving needing vet care NOW. Sanna's filly wasn't an emergency so we were the ones that waited but that's how we would want to be treated if we had an emergency so we were patient. By the time Dr. Pallen was able to draw the blood work, it was getting past dinner. The blood work came back that yes there is a problem, her white cell count had more than doubled in the few days she was home. The antibiotics she is on is not working. Dr. Hoerr and Dr. Pallen put their heads together and came up with 3 other meds to give her on top of 2 of the pills she is already one. This poor filly is now getting pills shoved down 3 times a day, shots 2 times a day and banimine paste once a day. At least she is not dehydrated, she is drinking well, not sure how much she is nursing though as she doesn't feel well.
Once we were cleared to go we still needed to go to Farm and Fleet for my syringes and needles along with some probiotics for her tummy. We arrived back at the farm after 6:30pm. Dr. Hoerr is coming on Monday for ultrasounds and will draw blood on her to see if the new meds are working and her white blood cell count is coming down.
The pups were playing so cute tonight. These 2 were having a ball chewing on Emma's ear and nose. They were crawling all over her growling as they attacked her ear, nose and throat.
The other pups were all busy nursing while these 2 were molesting their mother.
After they were finished nursing most of them hunkered down for a nap but 2 of them started play fighting, they are just so ferocious at this age.
Rachel's Puppy Pictures
Rachel Sauder of momentscapturedbyrachel came over today to take pictures of Emma's pups. Above are the 4 female puppies and below are the 6 male puppies.
They are just so cute right now. Below are pictures of the male puppies.
Below are the 4 female puppies.
These puppies are for sale for only $800.00. They can be reserved now with a deposit to hold the one that is waiting for YOU. They will be ready to leave their mom in August.
Vacation Pictures
Finally found my camera cord and was able to download our vacation pictures. At least the ones on this camera. This camera was lost for a while, then found the last day UNDER the tire of our car. Amazing that it still works. Now if only the internet would start working long enough to download them.
After playing hard all day at the pool and beach we went in to Holland and stopped at the batting cages. Everyone had a great time.
David and Stephanie are not mad at each other in the picture above. We were laughing at how they always get along and somehow got this picture snapped.
Below is one of our trips in for ice cream at Captain Jack's. Ben, Taunya and Addyson are enjoying a refreshing treat after a hard day of batting cages.
Below is Mark and his three sons all walking slowly to the restaurant after finding out the wives were going to be late.
The last picture is Mark working in the living room. He is suppose to be ON VACATION!
This morning even though it was 5:00am and the dogs were sure we were suppose to be up it sure felt like 4:00am. Funny how only 1 hour can confuse ones prospect of time. After our walk, I helped Mike move in a new alfalfa bale for Raven and a bale for the middle paddock. Sanna was grained and her filly given meds. Mom cooked breakfast for Diane and I, then it was off to hook the truck up to the living quarter trailer for Karin's vaulting trip.
Rachel came over to take pictures of the puppies. She will have a cd of the pictures later today. There are actually buyers waiting to see pictures of them.
Steven Marchal is taking the trailer to Middle Grove today to pick up Eliza and Dalia, their sonagrams are scheduled for Monday.
After playing hard all day at the pool and beach we went in to Holland and stopped at the batting cages. Everyone had a great time.
David and Stephanie are not mad at each other in the picture above. We were laughing at how they always get along and somehow got this picture snapped.
Below is one of our trips in for ice cream at Captain Jack's. Ben, Taunya and Addyson are enjoying a refreshing treat after a hard day of batting cages.
Below is Mark and his three sons all walking slowly to the restaurant after finding out the wives were going to be late.
The last picture is Mark working in the living room. He is suppose to be ON VACATION!
This morning even though it was 5:00am and the dogs were sure we were suppose to be up it sure felt like 4:00am. Funny how only 1 hour can confuse ones prospect of time. After our walk, I helped Mike move in a new alfalfa bale for Raven and a bale for the middle paddock. Sanna was grained and her filly given meds. Mom cooked breakfast for Diane and I, then it was off to hook the truck up to the living quarter trailer for Karin's vaulting trip.
Rachel came over to take pictures of the puppies. She will have a cd of the pictures later today. There are actually buyers waiting to see pictures of them.
Steven Marchal is taking the trailer to Middle Grove today to pick up Eliza and Dalia, their sonagrams are scheduled for Monday.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
SoftBall, KickBall, VolleyBall, Beach, Pool
Today was David and Stephanie's last day, they wanted to hit it all so right after breakfast everyone but the 2 babies and Mark and I to watch the babies went to play softball, then kickball back to feed babies, then volleyball, pool, beach, bike ride, in to lunch, a trip to jump off the pier, and finally dinner. Rhoda baked cookies for dessert and we all shared a small container of icecream to top off the day. Right after dinner Dave, Stef, Mark and I loaded up very quickly and started the drive home making it by 10:00pm.
The dogs were thrilled to see us, we could hardly get in the door, the puppies are barking and waddling around like they own the world. We walked out to see where Tim Reinhard cleared ground for our new outdoor arena. He has a 200 feet long by 100 feet wide area scraped and ready for lime. The lumber for the fencing will be ordered after the puppies are sold but we should have a wonderful outdoor arena in a couple of months.
Unpacking I realize my crocks are still in Michigan and will call Rhoda to see if she will bring them home. We are heading to bed!
The dogs were thrilled to see us, we could hardly get in the door, the puppies are barking and waddling around like they own the world. We walked out to see where Tim Reinhard cleared ground for our new outdoor arena. He has a 200 feet long by 100 feet wide area scraped and ready for lime. The lumber for the fencing will be ordered after the puppies are sold but we should have a wonderful outdoor arena in a couple of months.
Unpacking I realize my crocks are still in Michigan and will call Rhoda to see if she will bring them home. We are heading to bed!
Public Beach
Yesterday after our huge breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, tortilla's and fresh picked berries we loaded up 2 vehicles and headed off to the public beach which is only about 2 miles down from us but to drive to it took about 20 minutes. The convenient bridge is closed with the detour taking us out of the way.
While laying on the beach watching the waves roll in a helicopter came and we were able to observe their rescue practices of dropping people into the water and bringing people back onboard.
The sun was bright, the beach acres of white soft sand, the volleyball ok, the ice cream all 24 flavors of soft serve was delicious and the water was COLD! The van with the babies headed to home after lunch but our car stayed until the last volleyball game getting back to Castle Park in time to shower and leave for Saugatuck for dinner. We ate at The Butler a very old establishment and nice restaurant The boys felt the portions were small but Mark and I found them sufficient. The boys were just so hungry from the activities of the day. After dinner we walked the long boardwalk along the bay looking at the hundreds of different boats tied up. Of course we needed to stop for ice cream at one of the many ice cream shops along the boardwalk. Addyson had a wonderful time looking at the ducks, boats, and dogs.
The evening was cool, ever since the storm we needed sweat shirts to stay comfortable during the evening hours.
An update came from Steven that three mares were teased with none in. Raven is again busy. This season he has stayed busy all spring and most of the summer.
Once back to the house, we headed straight to bed, morning came way too soon. I feel like I've been run over by a truck! Maybe after a few cups of strong coffee breakfast will be started.
While laying on the beach watching the waves roll in a helicopter came and we were able to observe their rescue practices of dropping people into the water and bringing people back onboard.
The sun was bright, the beach acres of white soft sand, the volleyball ok, the ice cream all 24 flavors of soft serve was delicious and the water was COLD! The van with the babies headed to home after lunch but our car stayed until the last volleyball game getting back to Castle Park in time to shower and leave for Saugatuck for dinner. We ate at The Butler a very old establishment and nice restaurant The boys felt the portions were small but Mark and I found them sufficient. The boys were just so hungry from the activities of the day. After dinner we walked the long boardwalk along the bay looking at the hundreds of different boats tied up. Of course we needed to stop for ice cream at one of the many ice cream shops along the boardwalk. Addyson had a wonderful time looking at the ducks, boats, and dogs.
The evening was cool, ever since the storm we needed sweat shirts to stay comfortable during the evening hours.
An update came from Steven that three mares were teased with none in. Raven is again busy. This season he has stayed busy all spring and most of the summer.
Once back to the house, we headed straight to bed, morning came way too soon. I feel like I've been run over by a truck! Maybe after a few cups of strong coffee breakfast will be started.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Mare in for Breeding
The owner of the mare coming in today does not want her stalled and wants a companion for her. The best horse to use as a companion is Paris, she is not aggressive and knows how to stay out of the way. Hopefully Mike or Steven will use her and not one that will defend her territory.
It is a COLD 62 degrees this morning, not a cloud in the sky. Looks to be another beautiful day as mum aunt Clara would say. This break has been good for our family, it is so nice that the weather has co-operated. Only one morning of storms, one day of extreme heat and the rest of this trip is predicted to be great, a high of 78 today and tomorrow high of 82 with no clouds.
Our cell phones here do not hold a charge more than 10 hours, last night three of them started beeping low battery. The first time Mark got up and figured out which phone was making the noise and plugged it in, the next one we just laid there and let it go dead but it seemed every few minutes it would beep. The last time I got up to find the offending phone. The phones are taking the place of dogs waking us up.
It is a COLD 62 degrees this morning, not a cloud in the sky. Looks to be another beautiful day as mum aunt Clara would say. This break has been good for our family, it is so nice that the weather has co-operated. Only one morning of storms, one day of extreme heat and the rest of this trip is predicted to be great, a high of 78 today and tomorrow high of 82 with no clouds.
Our cell phones here do not hold a charge more than 10 hours, last night three of them started beeping low battery. The first time Mark got up and figured out which phone was making the noise and plugged it in, the next one we just laid there and let it go dead but it seemed every few minutes it would beep. The last time I got up to find the offending phone. The phones are taking the place of dogs waking us up.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Volley Ball at Castle Park
David, Phil, Ben, Rhoda and Sarah played volley ball while the wives were in watching babies, Ben made the video below of the game. Too bad we didn't have 10 kids so they could have a decent game.
I didn't bring enough library books, only 7 and even though I tried to stretch them out, they are finished. I found the AD Chronicles by Bodie & Brock Thoene at the Alpha Park Library. The first of the series was already checked out but got the next 7 and can hardly wait to read the first one, then continue with the 9th when home.
Today was beautiful, sunny, warm, low humidity and just plain pleasant. Mark and I went on a hike through a nature preserve just down the road from us. We saw 2 deer up close and another bounding through the woods. On the way back as we were walking by the side of the road we came to bushes and bushes of black raspberries. Of course we needed to take a berry break. Later Mark went back and picked a bowl full for our breakfast tomorrow. The kids started at the pool, then let me watch the grandkids while they walked to the dunes, climbed them to the top and ran down them. The dunes here are very steep.
If you look at the boats in Lake Michigan below Ben, it shows how steep and high these dunes are:
Below is Sarah at the top of the dunes:
Rhoda took David & Stephanie along with Phil & Anna's pictures at the top:
After dinner we drove into Holland for ice cream and fudge and met Ray and Marcia Bower, who just happened to be there at the same time with the same craving for ice cream. We had a nice visit before leaving for Walmart for more groceries. With 10 adults and 3 little ones we seem to need to go shopping every day. Wouldn't you know, Marcia and Ray ended up there also.
Once home each person needed to try all three flavors of fudge with a good cup of decaf coffee. What a great end to a good day.
I didn't bring enough library books, only 7 and even though I tried to stretch them out, they are finished. I found the AD Chronicles by Bodie & Brock Thoene at the Alpha Park Library. The first of the series was already checked out but got the next 7 and can hardly wait to read the first one, then continue with the 9th when home.
Today was beautiful, sunny, warm, low humidity and just plain pleasant. Mark and I went on a hike through a nature preserve just down the road from us. We saw 2 deer up close and another bounding through the woods. On the way back as we were walking by the side of the road we came to bushes and bushes of black raspberries. Of course we needed to take a berry break. Later Mark went back and picked a bowl full for our breakfast tomorrow. The kids started at the pool, then let me watch the grandkids while they walked to the dunes, climbed them to the top and ran down them. The dunes here are very steep.
If you look at the boats in Lake Michigan below Ben, it shows how steep and high these dunes are:
Below is Sarah at the top of the dunes:
Rhoda took David & Stephanie along with Phil & Anna's pictures at the top:
After dinner we drove into Holland for ice cream and fudge and met Ray and Marcia Bower, who just happened to be there at the same time with the same craving for ice cream. We had a nice visit before leaving for Walmart for more groceries. With 10 adults and 3 little ones we seem to need to go shopping every day. Wouldn't you know, Marcia and Ray ended up there also.
Once home each person needed to try all three flavors of fudge with a good cup of decaf coffee. What a great end to a good day.
Nice Update on a Raven Colt
Hi Judy,
My Boy Rohan....I just love him. He is in that stage where he has to taste everything, pull everything off the fence, and his nose is on EVERYTHING and I mean everything. He isn't scared at all. I throw my shavings bags out in the wind to scare him and the next thing I know he's picked it up and carrying it around in his teeth trotting back and forth. Hilarious. ..He puts both front feet in the horse tank and stands there and paws and splashes. I'm afraid he will get hurt but I guess the worst thing he can do is tip the tank over and its a Rubbermaid one.... I bought him one of those Amazing Graze treat bin things (they are at KV Vet supply) and are like a giant green cone thing and they have a hole in it and they have to roll it along to get a treat. I kid you not he mastered that in about five minutes. I thought it would scare him when I put it in his stall. He is way smarter than I expected as never having had a Friesian.. I didn't know.. I started reaching over his back both directions to make him bend to once side of the other and lean on him a little. He gets a cookie, will just do it standing there if I'm out so he thinks I will give him one. Tooo funny. If I take my grey horse out to mess with him and put him in the crossties in front of Rohans stall. Rohan's nose does not leave the front bars of his stall until I am done. Can't wait to get him under saddle.
Vicki
Thanks Vicki so much for the update. There are Friesian crosses and then there are RAVEN Friesian crosses!
We woke up to a beautiful morning, actually the kids played games late into the night meaning the morning is ours. Breakfast will be a bit later this morning. After the storm it much less muggy and hot which made for wonderful sleeping weather. The forecast today is bright sunshine, 0 percent chance of rain and high in the low 80s PERFECT!
My Boy Rohan....I just love him. He is in that stage where he has to taste everything, pull everything off the fence, and his nose is on EVERYTHING and I mean everything. He isn't scared at all. I throw my shavings bags out in the wind to scare him and the next thing I know he's picked it up and carrying it around in his teeth trotting back and forth. Hilarious. ..He puts both front feet in the horse tank and stands there and paws and splashes. I'm afraid he will get hurt but I guess the worst thing he can do is tip the tank over and its a Rubbermaid one.... I bought him one of those Amazing Graze treat bin things (they are at KV Vet supply) and are like a giant green cone thing and they have a hole in it and they have to roll it along to get a treat. I kid you not he mastered that in about five minutes. I thought it would scare him when I put it in his stall. He is way smarter than I expected as never having had a Friesian.. I didn't know.. I started reaching over his back both directions to make him bend to once side of the other and lean on him a little. He gets a cookie, will just do it standing there if I'm out so he thinks I will give him one. Tooo funny. If I take my grey horse out to mess with him and put him in the crossties in front of Rohans stall. Rohan's nose does not leave the front bars of his stall until I am done. Can't wait to get him under saddle.
Vicki
Thanks Vicki so much for the update. There are Friesian crosses and then there are RAVEN Friesian crosses!
We woke up to a beautiful morning, actually the kids played games late into the night meaning the morning is ours. Breakfast will be a bit later this morning. After the storm it much less muggy and hot which made for wonderful sleeping weather. The forecast today is bright sunshine, 0 percent chance of rain and high in the low 80s PERFECT!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Huge Storm
Here in MI a tremendous storm came roaring off Lake Michigan. The wind was blowing so hard trees were falling all over town. The booming of the thunder shook this house. Once it blew through, the rest of the day was sunny and warm. A long walk on the beach was in order, then off to town to meet the girls who had gone shopping. We had a nice meal, then drove to a batting cage and took turns hitting the balls. After working up an appetite at baseball we drove to an ice-cream shop for some delicious soft serve ice-cream. Walmart was next on the list, we were out of eggs for breakfast. Driving into town there were many huge trees uprooted, down and blocking roads. The fence along our path up to the house also blew over. We meant to get pictures but each time into town forgot to take the camera.
it was a long day with a very colorful sunset over the lake.
it was a long day with a very colorful sunset over the lake.
Sunburn
The sun was bright all day yesterday, even with lotion on some of us burnt. This old house does not have air conditioning, perhaps most of the time up here in Michigan air conditioning isn't needed but yesterday that would have been nice. The heat made the usually happy babies a bit fussy. Most of our group started on the beach,then migrated to the pool area. A few walked all the way to the lighthouse. Mark and I swam in Lake Michigan, very cold or as mom would say, so refreshing. The waves were fun, coming in rolling. So far I haven't found the camera cord. Too bad it must have been left at home.
Steven Marchal called with an update on Sanna's filly, she is on the mend and will be coming home in a couple of days. That will be the last time I worm a baby using panacure for the first worming. Even if the worms are resistant to ivermectin, it is a much safer product. What was really sad, is that she didn't even have any parasites!
Mom called with an update on the puppies, all are well and all of their eyes are now opened. As soon as we are back from vacation pictures will be taken of each one and placed on the website. These puppies are in demand, 3 different customers are waiting for pictures so they can make their choice on which one.
We had our big steak dinner last night,then celebrated Mark's and Anna's birthday. After dinner the kids took off for a volleyball game.
This morning we are hearing the rumble of distant thunder but it is far off and no sign of rain yet. The storm may be way out on the lake.
Steven Marchal called with an update on Sanna's filly, she is on the mend and will be coming home in a couple of days. That will be the last time I worm a baby using panacure for the first worming. Even if the worms are resistant to ivermectin, it is a much safer product. What was really sad, is that she didn't even have any parasites!
Mom called with an update on the puppies, all are well and all of their eyes are now opened. As soon as we are back from vacation pictures will be taken of each one and placed on the website. These puppies are in demand, 3 different customers are waiting for pictures so they can make their choice on which one.
We had our big steak dinner last night,then celebrated Mark's and Anna's birthday. After dinner the kids took off for a volleyball game.
This morning we are hearing the rumble of distant thunder but it is far off and no sign of rain yet. The storm may be way out on the lake.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)