tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64137915252479495242024-03-12T23:53:29.622-07:00Furry Four Legged KidsTales of being mom to my furry four legged kids, living in the boonies and the joys of being an adult.Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-65478641562900458292011-10-10T15:35:00.000-07:002011-10-10T15:35:18.290-07:002011 Ch 5 ~ Finally Picked OneAlso during the time we were working on the arena I was car shopping. I was very close to just settling on a Honda Accord, but couldn't find quite was I was looking for available at a price I wanted to pay. And I still wasn't thrilled with that choice. I've had 2 other Honda Accords, a '91 and a '00, both coupes and I loved them both, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't get excited about them this time around.<br /><br />Then I started looking at the Acura's. Man, those are some cute cars! So I started doing some serious shopping for an Acura. We took a break from the arena one day to run out because they had significantly dropped the price on one that was exactly what I wanted. Of course, by the time we got there, it was sold. *sigh* We stopped at another Acura dealership that was close by and they had a few options, though most were a little more expensive then I really wanted. One, a charcoal TSX with fairly low miles was a decent price so we went to take it for a test drive, but apparently there was someone trying to buy it already. Figures. The sales guy took us over to a different one that was just a few grand more, but had WAY lower miles and was a newer model that they had made some pretty good changes on. I was in love. It was pearl white with beige leather interior, wood grain dash, nav, every option, 18k miles. It was GORGEOUS! The sales guy went in to get the keys so we could drive it, but the <s>jackass</s> gentleman inside had changed his mind and wanted that one instead. We had other obligations that day and could not wait around for him to make up his mind so I just took it as a sign and we left. I was a bit bummed. But after sleeping on it realized it was for the best. It really was more then I should have been spending. I really was trying to be practical, a word that isn't generally in my vocabulary.<br /><br />Anyways, long story short(ish), another TSX caught my eye at a dealership a little ways north. They actually had several options that were what I wanted and mostly in my price range. We got there and test drove the one that I had my eye on, but it was a bit rough. The interior had some scratches and dents and broken pieces (stuff that drives me a bit nutty) and the exterior had not been well cared for. I decided it just wasn't floating my boat for being barely in my price range. I looked at a couple other cars that were on my list and one didn't have all the options I really wanted and it had black interior instead of the light interior, but they had dropped the price significantly on it so I had to take a peek. Boy was it clean. The miles were a bit higher then I wanted at 100k, but it's an Acura. My first Honda had over 210k miles on it when I finally got rid of it. The exterior of it was very nearly perfect and the interior had one tiny little scratch on the arm rest, the seats looked like they had hardly been sat in, every thing was clean, it smelled good, even the metal plates in the door jams still had the factory plastic covers on, by far the nicest and cleanest car we had looked at. It was a very basic TSX, but still had plenty of bells and whistles and I was able to check off all of my "must haves" and most of my really, really wants.<br /><br />We took it for a drive and it even ran better then the other TSX's I had driven. It was a nice car! Of course, comparing it to the TL's (V-6's, vs 4 cyl TSX) or other cars on the lot that were my favorite colors or had other options that I really wanted, it was hard to really appreciate the little silver TSX. But I just told myself that I would be perfectly happy with it once I got it by itself and wasn't comparing it to everything I COULD have. And I was right. I love that little TSX! And the best part...out the door, we came in right AT our "wishful thinking, but never going to stick to it" budget. Man, I felt so practical!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj5Hu7Z7bgm9Ap9q6-_kF2xwrwgTTfxVZTzBymBg0EkzfXKk7IbFJrutpqIFHjEO0Yg6Yi8_yZHM1bxhhVlYsbsC5YoeBjDrPUgB8MKvpOAR-U0BFCJ4pvrC5i86cJS2bFxB8jF5UOcmF/s1600/2005_Acura_Tsx-1-small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj5Hu7Z7bgm9Ap9q6-_kF2xwrwgTTfxVZTzBymBg0EkzfXKk7IbFJrutpqIFHjEO0Yg6Yi8_yZHM1bxhhVlYsbsC5YoeBjDrPUgB8MKvpOAR-U0BFCJ4pvrC5i86cJS2bFxB8jF5UOcmF/s400/2005_Acura_Tsx-1-small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657477186761739586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So I finally picked a car! And found a good one and bought it! Wow! That's only been 3-4 years in the making! lol<br /><br />This car also marks the first time in my life I've had a sedan. Which I guess is appropriate since I'm now 30 and all. ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-81758610703920412752011-10-10T15:31:00.000-07:002011-10-10T15:31:54.508-07:002011 Ch 4 ~ The Project<div>After selling my truck I had some dough to play with. Being me, I couldn't just be responsible with ALL of it, so I decided we needed to knock out one of our lingering, much anticipated and dreamed about projects: the arena.<br /><br />Of course, being February, the timing wasn't great, but we lucked out with a very nice dry break in the weather and we were able to get it done. And of course when I say "we" I mean mostly the boyfriend. I pretty much just wrote the checks and cheered him on. I did run the roller for an hour or so one day. That was an adventure.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We rented a big (to me, boyfriend wasn't real impressed) roller and dozer for the project. First we (he) leveled the pad off with the dozer and got it to slope the way he wanted for drainage. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ0dlOavwZSQ2ei-5YfWwefbmkpScM2_r3VwSXKJ16E3flQA46FpMOY0XruSSwl9ydh7SF24846aNVXDzkqKJ1-iWFL9G8-xXPd0vddg6emg6DJSI1ThmJxxnMPtKYOLEmpL1YDKEhFgI/s1600/Arena+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ0dlOavwZSQ2ei-5YfWwefbmkpScM2_r3VwSXKJ16E3flQA46FpMOY0XruSSwl9ydh7SF24846aNVXDzkqKJ1-iWFL9G8-xXPd0vddg6emg6DJSI1ThmJxxnMPtKYOLEmpL1YDKEhFgI/s400/Arena+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661989880120060130" /></a>After he had that right, he rolled it pretty good so it was solid.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLtbeYHNnnDs3-6wyBeMX6hF249X-1wk2jqYetFeqvDAk_2m2aglui9EcwNe88Btm9xWx9G7CxUa2SMIa2FXun3-wKpKScYqt3li2sgPvfAuc84QzQiIpqWHi0GX3DTOFQTFEZDxdp2dh/s1600/Arena+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLtbeYHNnnDs3-6wyBeMX6hF249X-1wk2jqYetFeqvDAk_2m2aglui9EcwNe88Btm9xWx9G7CxUa2SMIa2FXun3-wKpKScYqt3li2sgPvfAuc84QzQiIpqWHi0GX3DTOFQTFEZDxdp2dh/s400/Arena+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661989877835039698" /></a>When that was ready, we brought in a few truck and pup loads of gravel, leveled and rolled that. Because the weather was so nice for us we actually spent a lot of time watering the gravel so that we could get it compacted enough. Who'da thunk that it would be too dry in February in Washington?! <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PX5kGxHONVNDGmmENY1JtheyNBYpCf6DeH4G0GTp9a7L_LwClUab6FbXGi5J8f1pj-tAXqlwkpIRCna5P5v8eHfL0zuKJ_SGaINaipt-szo8BK9Tl0KWq6lku95-vskPMpKD-rmMrcYc/s1600/DSCN2159.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PX5kGxHONVNDGmmENY1JtheyNBYpCf6DeH4G0GTp9a7L_LwClUab6FbXGi5J8f1pj-tAXqlwkpIRCna5P5v8eHfL0zuKJ_SGaINaipt-szo8BK9Tl0KWq6lku95-vskPMpKD-rmMrcYc/s400/DSCN2159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661989878974153058" /></a>The boyfriend spread the gravel out with the tractor and the TR3 rake, to make it all even and nice before we rolled the crap out of it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQRVe8vnBiPImBnroan1am7d6nW3B4km-dx4UA1l-39Etss87iiwTrkAfp-f0Csw9zXwFoV9DCejY9njrLEOhN50FHmxmKBUMFy28VGxlcg4H7M3_wI01KXweFyFdvIfVayciiNb3mp7E/s1600/DSCN2178.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQRVe8vnBiPImBnroan1am7d6nW3B4km-dx4UA1l-39Etss87iiwTrkAfp-f0Csw9zXwFoV9DCejY9njrLEOhN50FHmxmKBUMFy28VGxlcg4H7M3_wI01KXweFyFdvIfVayciiNb3mp7E/s400/DSCN2178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661989165588302450" /></a>That was the part I got to run the roller on and since I was actually working, there are no pics. Those things are pretty weird! Needless to say, my passes across the pad were not all straight and perfectly lined up like his were. Mine looked a little drunk. Maybe a LOT drunk! lol<div><br /></div><div>The whole time we were working on this project we were checking the weather reports constantly. Hoping that it wasn't going to freeze too bad or rain or snow. Like I said, we really lucked out. After the base was about as good as it was going to get we started getting sand in. The dump truck driver was really great to work with and realized that we needed to get the base covered up before a storm rolled in and made it happen. He was so considerate of how he pulled in the driveway and drove nicely across the base so he didn't mess anything up and left as little evidence of his being there as possible. The extra care he took was definitely appreciated!</div><div><br /></div><div>We got the base mostly covered up just in time for a big storm to roll through and the rest of the sand was delivered in the snow.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr6up1qJpdcSIPto_ZAD9iiEINTzmwgeb7G_vhnHZV4xvjVfIKgQm0deLjLSPtxdWXB-VFxKGaZbjBliylLh5ItVT-DjtHQLPNRKY3_36A1LEPcbKevSmJCd2MvIpDAhk__SMTgi0OQyF/s1600/DSCN2193.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr6up1qJpdcSIPto_ZAD9iiEINTzmwgeb7G_vhnHZV4xvjVfIKgQm0deLjLSPtxdWXB-VFxKGaZbjBliylLh5ItVT-DjtHQLPNRKY3_36A1LEPcbKevSmJCd2MvIpDAhk__SMTgi0OQyF/s400/DSCN2193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661989154342297698" /></a>Once the weather cleared up a bit, the boyfriend got the sand all spread out and drug it a few times and we were ready to go!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz7BPiKdS7AZT1Ql8M7Qsxx8lMbQ_i-szCosQWTuxMwfe_w4j0dj9LhtJUoy8hd62PNW_T7rMGcAjbv_CUssGo968Lu9GVpf_B1NwGLEpe4X-Hx4iXUmo845C8C_7EVbLf_eSYTLdlin0/s1600/DSCN2220.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz7BPiKdS7AZT1Ql8M7Qsxx8lMbQ_i-szCosQWTuxMwfe_w4j0dj9LhtJUoy8hd62PNW_T7rMGcAjbv_CUssGo968Lu9GVpf_B1NwGLEpe4X-Hx4iXUmo845C8C_7EVbLf_eSYTLdlin0/s400/DSCN2220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661988442887705458" /></a>We don't plan to put rails around it. Right now all of our horses are broke enough that we don't need fence and we've got portable panels we can put up if we do end up needing them. Plus, this way we can expand it later when we get tired of loping little circles. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jBVYCBy9lirn-dvPwhWXaj7ojhwuNejUYaaDRAMPIA6FOrobIbp-BOEfukt_Gk6Er3_KUmB1xTZ_sNOgPJQUvAG5qHlgkgUF0eQ4MaUxeC-xcoGabgJwz_ERJk0rnmciJxEYbFd2nWcE/s1600/Arena+8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jBVYCBy9lirn-dvPwhWXaj7ojhwuNejUYaaDRAMPIA6FOrobIbp-BOEfukt_Gk6Er3_KUmB1xTZ_sNOgPJQUvAG5qHlgkgUF0eQ4MaUxeC-xcoGabgJwz_ERJk0rnmciJxEYbFd2nWcE/s400/Arena+8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661988436921307938" /></a><br /><div>I got my first ride in the arena on March 2nd! So far it's been a fabulous arena! Even with the massive amounts of rain we've had this year there were only a couple days that it was too wet to ride in. It drains great and has been excellent all weather footing! And let me tell you, having an arena at home so we can just tack up and ride is the most fabulous thing EVER!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div></div></div></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-37047834047322780612011-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:002011-09-20T10:28:13.510-07:002011 Ch 3 ~ Week 3So after how fabulously craptastic the first two Wednesdays of the year were I have to admit I was feeling a tad bit paranoid about the third Wednesday. I try not to be superstitious and paranoid, but you know bad things *always* come in Threes, right? <br /><br />I was a bit jumpy that day. If I could have bubble wrapped all the animals and stayed in bed all day I probably would have. But I could not, so I went to work and tried not to look over my shoulder too much. We did all survive the day totally unscathed. Yay! I convinced myself that one of the other minor (and too insignificant to even remember now) "bad" things that had happened over the weekend must have been The Third. And life went on. The third week was fairly uneventful. Whew! <br /><br />After that things really got going, though thankfully they were on the more positive side. Like I said, this has been one heck of a year. We fell in love with new horses, posted old ones for sale, the boyfriend and I duked it out at the last winter series show for the buckle and we got a very exciting property project going. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-36850553576678545122011-09-10T11:32:00.000-07:002011-09-10T11:32:44.958-07:002011 Ch 2 ~ The Second Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavYaWFetfuFC8L9R5yqRZBA1CWmlD1S0b9SkvfNzJuRwEnm74EVC-nJrlvEiR6SDdTpLEfYslgjJvaaL9ZEFly5dU3tZ9YDxGJOD3mr86O70PlgIA_K2OGklhWK-L60x86wOOt-hSILou/s1600/Cletus+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavYaWFetfuFC8L9R5yqRZBA1CWmlD1S0b9SkvfNzJuRwEnm74EVC-nJrlvEiR6SDdTpLEfYslgjJvaaL9ZEFly5dU3tZ9YDxGJOD3mr86O70PlgIA_K2OGklhWK-L60x86wOOt-hSILou/s400/Cletus+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650793254313679954" /></a><br /><div>So the second week of January 2011. One I certainly could have done without. Exactly one week after I was rear ended I came home from work to find the boyfriend more upset then I'd ever seen him. He could hardly even get the words out. Cletus had been hit by a car, killed instantly. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExeaLH2bPvzUvXNBhfmpZC5virkGGU6Dzyap7VLpNazBtS7TRWCzTjwTY14NVqxfwnj5jENnl8wZddlmg6bScl_yTB9fLnJR-O9NO_Qpe0cyne8fDMVDBCkpIKFtyk-OI_spe_2fBmKn4/s1600/2010-02-20+18.12.11+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExeaLH2bPvzUvXNBhfmpZC5virkGGU6Dzyap7VLpNazBtS7TRWCzTjwTY14NVqxfwnj5jENnl8wZddlmg6bScl_yTB9fLnJR-O9NO_Qpe0cyne8fDMVDBCkpIKFtyk-OI_spe_2fBmKn4/s400/2010-02-20+18.12.11+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650793035629643282" /></a><br /></div><div>It was surreal. I couldn't believe the words I had just heard. My Dude Man. I did not want to believe it. The boyfriend had already buried him, picked the prettiest spot on the property under a little fir tree and marked his grave with a nice rock. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBruehWiolyU9-7RRJRP_WWtqAgFw4HNPqL-GxG_u3M_wDJwMS30lZO5Mdh_DhJ4GLZPuibkBLQ27HXQIxNyH36v7NFLjoqlzlUh5cvS8dC9wmPMua4YOqx8R43qABH3sHa5Be47KLVj_/s1600/DSCN0204.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBruehWiolyU9-7RRJRP_WWtqAgFw4HNPqL-GxG_u3M_wDJwMS30lZO5Mdh_DhJ4GLZPuibkBLQ27HXQIxNyH36v7NFLjoqlzlUh5cvS8dC9wmPMua4YOqx8R43qABH3sHa5Be47KLVj_/s400/DSCN0204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650792906869101778" /></a><br /></div><div>It was an extremely rough time dealing with his loss. It's amazing what a gaping hole one dog can leave in your life. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3mQGcKBa6x3d12f5iXsFhJ0saDnmjmMVsKNrsZFaSGJvKm646mjZsOn2Q2wFx9biaCrhfUU86Lo3qF-aB0pFFx98SQHSbZvMJaQHXxy9j3iMAfCnmcf1vPOc6eIjwbkVzn4pCZFQTLkC/s1600/DSCN1743.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3mQGcKBa6x3d12f5iXsFhJ0saDnmjmMVsKNrsZFaSGJvKm646mjZsOn2Q2wFx9biaCrhfUU86Lo3qF-aB0pFFx98SQHSbZvMJaQHXxy9j3iMAfCnmcf1vPOc6eIjwbkVzn4pCZFQTLkC/s400/DSCN1743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650792434924043938" /></a>Everything reminded us of him. The house was soooo quiet without the two dogs wrestling and playing and barking at the neighbors. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge20HsiJhUErGT9_gQ5-lMV6syfp-9DoWtKyE9iVvXl2DmKvyBk9YFopV5a-JNjl879fI79ktHAtHvjdQJQ9NepjGA0IJJVcIW_W_dPD070SPA6ZOu6004Hww11kd1uRLND-JOJwSzEPq0/s1600/DSCN1477.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge20HsiJhUErGT9_gQ5-lMV6syfp-9DoWtKyE9iVvXl2DmKvyBk9YFopV5a-JNjl879fI79ktHAtHvjdQJQ9NepjGA0IJJVcIW_W_dPD070SPA6ZOu6004Hww11kd1uRLND-JOJwSzEPq0/s400/DSCN1477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650792178400517826" /></a><br /></div><div>Of course it didn't help they Cheyanne was feeling the loss too. They had been such good buddies. They played hard and constantly. Wrestling in the yard, chasing the horses, picking through the frozen poo, the most interesting thing around when everything was covered with snow. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgEKpNU5a7l_3G-du1Ugir1rwwTeppsWgUGIKhGrJGxC7RtrvS81W592SIKKww1YhnmuqkDwckIztv6QNSlMGBdGEstlPsHvDG4rXGL5LZ5nSzV5c6ByzFWY2l1F2-mKA7uTPOh_czGLY/s1600/DSCN1805.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgEKpNU5a7l_3G-du1Ugir1rwwTeppsWgUGIKhGrJGxC7RtrvS81W592SIKKww1YhnmuqkDwckIztv6QNSlMGBdGEstlPsHvDG4rXGL5LZ5nSzV5c6ByzFWY2l1F2-mKA7uTPOh_czGLY/s400/DSCN1805.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650791947013507858" /></a><br /></div><div>Chey didn't eat for a couple weeks, until I started hand feeding her and basically forcing her to eat. She just laid around, looking forlorn. That was just as hard to deal with. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBgYpjKXx3MqlbdSTOgdRrBhz8RjvpZj1JdlwWmF-JoPlVnbfu-81TbTwvfQmx2MKhzRJS8mT1YLasGusfw_JfK_o58G6gPjVkAbrBR9yMrwbe9vhlWfQwSmwuPHDyL6KatN4U2pOZR7O/s1600/DSCN1752.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBgYpjKXx3MqlbdSTOgdRrBhz8RjvpZj1JdlwWmF-JoPlVnbfu-81TbTwvfQmx2MKhzRJS8mT1YLasGusfw_JfK_o58G6gPjVkAbrBR9yMrwbe9vhlWfQwSmwuPHDyL6KatN4U2pOZR7O/s400/DSCN1752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650791590245290130" /></a><br /></div><div>The Dude was my buddy. He was the sweetest, friendliest, most affectionate and goofiest dog I've ever had. We had gotten in the routine of snuggling in the evenings when we were all stuck inside because of the winter weather. I would sit on the floor in front of the heater (my favorite spot when it's cold) and he would come snuggle with me. I would scratch his belly and play with him. Then when I would curl up on the couch and read, he'd put his head on the couch right by my leg (he knew he wasn't allowed on the couch) and stare at me with those big brown eyes and I'd scratch his ears and pet him while I read. His eyes would half close and he looked so content, just to be close and have a little love. He always chose sitting at my feet with his head in my lap over laying down to sleep or chewing on his bone. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLP552fvoTcl8SzKm-XsXCKQ_hWNBzMsnK71ZCUJmmC7K7xGe-oHyJKuVsx84VWQiJMhRcVjWssQcxfJ8Z4Up1QsV9o1KM5QpZ750aa5bJS6kga5AlE4Anj3AzKir3uL6-ELpoZL-hQFM/s1600/DSCN0418.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLP552fvoTcl8SzKm-XsXCKQ_hWNBzMsnK71ZCUJmmC7K7xGe-oHyJKuVsx84VWQiJMhRcVjWssQcxfJ8Z4Up1QsV9o1KM5QpZ750aa5bJS6kga5AlE4Anj3AzKir3uL6-ELpoZL-hQFM/s400/DSCN0418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650791247529770146" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div>I still miss him like crazy and would give just about anything to have him back. I do believe everything happens for a reason, but I'm still having a hard time figuring out why this had to happen. I am so glad to have had him in my life for the short time we did though. He was just a damn cool dog. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-12619399928916283632011-09-10T10:28:00.000-07:002011-09-10T10:28:18.720-07:002011 Ch 1 ~ The First Week<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyVefxUv8LIKTUSiTsEUQXJOTEkt0fYf1dDU-WIq-3raLedTOZqRwulAQouDL6E1YuFP8mo9D4OJTK23WoiCOI3EIiosRGNur5TQIY8ALTVijaDRdYrxWGh4xXX0BzGieFz1asbm7R5jH/s1600/Drivers.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyVefxUv8LIKTUSiTsEUQXJOTEkt0fYf1dDU-WIq-3raLedTOZqRwulAQouDL6E1YuFP8mo9D4OJTK23WoiCOI3EIiosRGNur5TQIY8ALTVijaDRdYrxWGh4xXX0BzGieFz1asbm7R5jH/s400/Drivers.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650778124226754146" /></a><br />I was determined to make 2011 a big year heading into it. My motto for the year was just "Get Sh** Done!". No specific new years resolutions, just "Get Sh** Done". Do something. ANYTHING that will get me closer to accomplishing my goals. Even little tiny baby steps are progress and get me that much closer to being finished. Anything helps. I was getting tired of having deja vu every time I looked at my project list and saw the same things again and again. I wanted to "Get Sh** Done" and checked off that blasted list so I could move on to bigger and better things.<br /><br />First up - the truck situation. Fuel prices were already high and just going to get higher. Every time I looked at how much we were spending on diesel every month I died a little inside. I had just paid my truck off and was reveling in not having that payment every month, but still, it was getting older. It was still a diesel 4x4 truck and nothing about those suckers is cheap. Not fuel, not oil changes, not brakes or tires or fixes. And we had 3 diesel trucks, all getting up there in miles. It just was not practical. At times I'd just shake my head at the stupidity of it, but other times I could totally justify it. We're country people and really USE those trucks. And it's Blue. I love Blue.<br /><br />This has been a pretty constant debate for me for years now. Getting a gooseneck trailer and not having a hitch installed in my truck was the beginning of the end for Ol' Blue. Since I couldn't haul the horse trailer with her I was having a much more difficult time justifying keeping her. The prospect of getting her paid off and having one less payment every month spared her for a little while, but in the end, I just couldn't do it any more.<br /><br />My main hold up had been that I didn't know what I wanted to drive instead. Nothing was appealing. Anything I wanted wasn't practical enough to justify selling the paid off truck. Anything practical just wasn't floating my boat. I test drove car after car after car after car after car (and so on) (and on and on, seriously, it was epic) and nothing spoke to me. My commute isn't exactly short and I do love driving so I "needed" something that I would enjoy being in. I just couldn't find something that struck that balance in practicality and fun.<br /><br />At some point in December in occurred to me that we had 3 vehicles. I didn't HAVE to replace her. I could just drive the haulin' truck until something spoke to me. Not ideal, since the haulin' truck isn't my fave to commute in, and it sure was nice not having to hook and unhook the trailer every time we wanted to ride, but certainly doable. And so the decision was made. Blue was to be sold. Right after one warranty issue was fixed. <div><br /></div><div>Of course with the holidays and busy schedules it was a couple weeks before we could get her in at the shop, but we got her in and January 5th I went and picked her up, planning to head home and clean her up for her photo shoot. But alas, it was not meant to be. On my way home I was rear ended by an old guy in a Buick. It was dusk and raining and they came out of no where. I had been sitting stopped at this light for a while with no one behind me when I saw an odd flash of headlight in my side mirror. You know the flash...when you know something's not right and crap this might hurt? Ya, one of those. </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily he was able to swerve and only hit the corner of my truck. And of course his Buick was way worse off then my truck. He couldn't even get his door open. But still, I was not happy. I had plans for this truck and this was not helping things! Plus, you know, accidents and dealing with all the insurance crap afterwards is not great either. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had a few weeks of chiro apts and got the truck fixed and then, finally, was ready to post her. I slapped the ad up on craigslist and went to bed. The next morning I had an email time stamped less then an hour after the ad was posted. This guy wanted her. Bad. I had the boyfriend call him to "talk truck" and, after working through some issues, the guy bought her and I put her on a barge to Alaska. I cried when I dropped her off. Then realized that I left my gate clicker and favorite cd in there. Doh!</div><div><br /></div><div>I got a picture from him a week later. She was safe and sound in Alaska, happy trudging through the snow with icicles hanging off of her. She always did like the snow. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>So the first week of January I was rear ended. Ugh. Never a great way to start off the year! But I still got the truck sold. After 6 1/2 years and 100,000 miles, Ol' Blue was gone. One giant milestone for me and one happening I could have done without. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, everything happens for a reason. Selling Ol' Blue was one of the "for the greater good" things. I didn't want to, but in the grand scheme of things, it made more sense to. And without asking or anything, I got a small settlement out of the accident for my troubles. Nice! </div><div><br /></div><div>The second week did not turn out so well...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-15094489405829817692011-09-09T07:41:00.000-07:002011-09-09T08:03:41.127-07:002011 Thus FarWow. I can't believe it's already September! We'll just skip over the whole "I'm a sucky blogger" thing again, cuz really...seems like every post from me for the past year or two have started out that way. <br /><br />I've had so much to write about for so long, but I've just been busy and the story that I felt needed to come first was not one I was ready to write so the blog just sat. With the exception of a couple random posts. <br /><br />But now it's September and I am really inspired to write and document this year and all that has happened. Boy do I have a lot to get caught up on. 2011 has been quite a year! There have been many exciting things happening, some really big bummers, some sad endings and fun beginnings. It has overwhelmingly been a year of change and progress. Most of it good. Or at least for the greater good. Certainly a couple things I could have done without. <br /><br />So, if there are still people out there that haven't given up on me yet, I hope to be back this weekend with tales of our 2011 adventures. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-16446849761389284192011-05-22T19:32:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:24:38.784-07:00A Funny Story...<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I just have to share this story because I think it's funny and hope you'll get a chuckle out of it too!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I decided that with all the pots I'm planting this year, the seeds that I started indoors and need to bring out to harden off and my <a href="http://furryfourleggedkids.blogspot.com/2009/06/dog-for-sale.html">bad luck with pots/plants and the dogs in previous years</a>, it would be best to block off the porch area to the dogs. I figured it would be temporary and one side already had a gate that we could close so there was just the stairway to worry about. I was just going to see what kind of baby gates they have available and stick one on there, easy peasy. But after a day of running errands and no baby gate and really needing to get it blocked off so I could get to work, I decided to just scavenge stuff we have and see what I could do. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is what I came up with...</div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-align: left; "><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJKrSSjvo7Wtl4eVVsoxUyLq6UOqYkq6W2IqE-_4_hakTah04A_mUEJxEJ7-F1WSXpRcQW6rLYi5XdsHwVHcvaR1Xtoiw48slCVdEk-tFsgUpn22xTKkCyUpeufWbiU_sM1ql0WhRmV8J/s1600/DSCN2427.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJKrSSjvo7Wtl4eVVsoxUyLq6UOqYkq6W2IqE-_4_hakTah04A_mUEJxEJ7-F1WSXpRcQW6rLYi5XdsHwVHcvaR1Xtoiw48slCVdEk-tFsgUpn22xTKkCyUpeufWbiU_sM1ql0WhRmV8J/s400/DSCN2427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609735300989711010" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">A roll of fence that we took down in the back yard when we bought the house. I was too lazy to cut a hunk off, so I just brought the whole roll over. Yes, I realize that the effort "saved" in cutting the fence was negated by the effort expended in moving the entire roll. After wrestling with that thing for a while I was really wishing I had just taken the time to hunt down a pair of wire cutters! </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">So after getting the fence in position I fastened it in place with none other then....</div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEon2ZyFZznVPALggLhG4e5HsRpYKqi4p_LZVmIGQejWluprPcWyOKbVAubFs0aimrswolWTe6gdW9JtZPWRJn8qUlOmfnq9my1LiuzBK16cpC-_Z853KwRS6WBUez_lsq69_z71GRhYG/s400/DSCN2429.JPG" /></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></div><div>Yep! Baling twine! Any horsey person knows that this stuff is almost as good as duct tape. And there is ALWAYS some around! But, I have to admit, it was maybe just a <i>smidge</i> ghetto looking. I reassured myself that it was free! And temporary! And easy to get the job done! And did I mention it was free? I figured I'd look a little harder for a baby gate later, but for now, I could get to work on what I needed to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's when I heard the Boyfriend banging away in the garage so I went to see what he was working on. Apparently, he'd had a very bright idea for the gate issue. I thought he was busy with other things, so I'd just gone ahead and done the ghetto fence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, 10 minutes later, he had this hung...</div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozrHS-8GgstUNFkrJ3LqDYfXufz3WRsMBwoyb19v4smb1hB3vFcWf4j0NDBM6iSlVYml9sVnUuqMElmDksOsdxNUnlNi8PKU8x3XXiIwVihJV41BPA9xtJZ7FmFBzhHVCvYZM9Luo-y4u/s1600/DSCN2432.JPG" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozrHS-8GgstUNFkrJ3LqDYfXufz3WRsMBwoyb19v4smb1hB3vFcWf4j0NDBM6iSlVYml9sVnUuqMElmDksOsdxNUnlNi8PKU8x3XXiIwVihJV41BPA9xtJZ7FmFBzhHVCvYZM9Luo-y4u/s400/DSCN2432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609734596215815602" /></a>He had stuck two of the garden border panels together, one on top of the other, then used some hinges and a latch that I had gotten for another project that we hadn't used and voila! We have a nice swinging, latching wooden gate that coordinates with the garden border all the way around the front of the house and doesn't look completely ghetto. LOVE it! And the best part? It was also free, made with things we already had laying around the house. </div><div><br /></div><div>And really, with all the time I wrestled with that darn roll of fence, it probably didn't take any longer to get done either.</div><div><br /></div><div>I try. But I probably don't have to tell you that my ghetto fence was taken down shortly after that gate went in. lol<span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div></div></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-90572069039631395292011-05-22T19:04:00.000-07:002011-05-22T19:31:11.083-07:00Sunday Stills Challenge - In The Sky<div>This week's Sunday Stills Challenge was In The Sky: planes, clouds, birds or anything you can come up with. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Boyfriend is rather obsessed with his hummingbird feeder and they have really come out like crazy this year for it so I couldn't wait to see if I could catch them with my camera. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtEAxjRdxlU1ulnFlSPVgEL5PjugdqNb_8WRzT0CjAPy_TG74hPk5g5qx9TTygVT8DsYZf-8gKafM5U9AMYD_DRw0ob8Owgs5Cs5trW147o5bkqFPU-vOO51DnAJ66zH3YZYpSuoBp0fs/s1600/DSCN2421.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtEAxjRdxlU1ulnFlSPVgEL5PjugdqNb_8WRzT0CjAPy_TG74hPk5g5qx9TTygVT8DsYZf-8gKafM5U9AMYD_DRw0ob8Owgs5Cs5trW147o5bkqFPU-vOO51DnAJ66zH3YZYpSuoBp0fs/s400/DSCN2421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609732536625121698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CJ6GsFM4MtDb_vs7BVTahBiBUb37Ql5DOm-vMZBgVPwhTx_ln6S_p2SgsHOuIwnQbOJ81FHlt5vxABvPQu7WCF7YTFvNpyPGtk0utWdmE7v30AzsjU6Lfd0Igk9xzVEHhtEOqN897inX/s1600/DSCN2420.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CJ6GsFM4MtDb_vs7BVTahBiBUb37Ql5DOm-vMZBgVPwhTx_ln6S_p2SgsHOuIwnQbOJ81FHlt5vxABvPQu7WCF7YTFvNpyPGtk0utWdmE7v30AzsjU6Lfd0Igk9xzVEHhtEOqN897inX/s400/DSCN2420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609732532321092130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gHyP-eST7R28Yr-Y9s_mT1bQ867Qdi2MTGAY0I8tiJ5TDZIWkLVeGVFgVzNgF3Oo9LNsGBabe33CefjPikvKKnT2u0Vov_40M5xtrSMMC77A3PXIvdnPC6bPfBpMRn5Bo6DZJBPk3a9u/s1600/DSCN2417.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gHyP-eST7R28Yr-Y9s_mT1bQ867Qdi2MTGAY0I8tiJ5TDZIWkLVeGVFgVzNgF3Oo9LNsGBabe33CefjPikvKKnT2u0Vov_40M5xtrSMMC77A3PXIvdnPC6bPfBpMRn5Bo6DZJBPk3a9u/s400/DSCN2417.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609731675300201634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KiuiX_pCCNDFT3qhyphenhyphenvrnNsq-C9Ew7m9Dacm-AFJ1y4T4LBfbmlmCZvqXxpNicsT8iiFw8JR8hzpN0jSV_-skuGDSUnva6fWUUwqrzBIsUOs8aKHlVMliY3dODan-a-HVlljVvkgQ2VJ4/s1600/DSCN2413.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KiuiX_pCCNDFT3qhyphenhyphenvrnNsq-C9Ew7m9Dacm-AFJ1y4T4LBfbmlmCZvqXxpNicsT8iiFw8JR8hzpN0jSV_-skuGDSUnva6fWUUwqrzBIsUOs8aKHlVMliY3dODan-a-HVlljVvkgQ2VJ4/s400/DSCN2413.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609731669014807474" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd229mF7dlsUTPwq0nxk4K6cK-O0TzWJZ_HBvNBizmc8aCh_wWuXZ942QHdVVhyphenhyphenK9cI_YGDpgEM5c7xLdUqX0RdyuJGIiaEr-PsDZIDxQ4naJpdgO8Q8TYJxTbEZRc6OO22HYHdOYh9NI5/s1600/DSCN2404.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd229mF7dlsUTPwq0nxk4K6cK-O0TzWJZ_HBvNBizmc8aCh_wWuXZ942QHdVVhyphenhyphenK9cI_YGDpgEM5c7xLdUqX0RdyuJGIiaEr-PsDZIDxQ4naJpdgO8Q8TYJxTbEZRc6OO22HYHdOYh9NI5/s400/DSCN2404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609731663818038466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL822BDLdwZYlOUxtHssWtZV2DifB44n0BhiFihfcu0VKMTO4yj9RhF3U2L7yMtNvDp3e8pdeQBQ6AuuOmibDsaSJ_jJCPl-FUoJv_db7MSptE-p5DAbDR6Sdl4BnQmyGlEuZWv17YAx5O/s1600/DSCN2403.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL822BDLdwZYlOUxtHssWtZV2DifB44n0BhiFihfcu0VKMTO4yj9RhF3U2L7yMtNvDp3e8pdeQBQ6AuuOmibDsaSJ_jJCPl-FUoJv_db7MSptE-p5DAbDR6Sdl4BnQmyGlEuZWv17YAx5O/s400/DSCN2403.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609731660231312930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9jKfCgGPgZIsi5BGzHB4HxWb7wHZKI4kRy6Jtvt6LObKK2D1RIVwmK_CQAdcwd6j_d9NLFIWgKvz5ZYv0FtiFXpYaSlHz2Mh1CQywVZjAINIPW19tGIee92HtYs0Y3tnPheb6YlwEyg6/s1600/DSCN2400.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9jKfCgGPgZIsi5BGzHB4HxWb7wHZKI4kRy6Jtvt6LObKK2D1RIVwmK_CQAdcwd6j_d9NLFIWgKvz5ZYv0FtiFXpYaSlHz2Mh1CQywVZjAINIPW19tGIee92HtYs0Y3tnPheb6YlwEyg6/s400/DSCN2400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609731658203003938" /></a><br /><div>Happy Sunday to you all, hope you had a great weekend!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-88965980970433400212011-05-01T18:08:00.001-07:002011-05-01T18:22:03.716-07:00SSC ~ Rust!<div style="text-align: left;">I wouldn't be my mother's daughter if I didn't do this Sunday Stills Challenge! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First we have a rusty old horse shoe from a few different angles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84vpdMQ6aZ91FysxuC9zM8m623I07naKMmgyyonlPpBeoqZXOIl5kqNELmgmGMf7XDt4wrqRGa1yYFIPjZ4Xss46NPfCABoFBR6JnOdCK99IP0b467HIK7fS1xW6kjFrd7C43UUlmKFjz/s1600/DSCN2342.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84vpdMQ6aZ91FysxuC9zM8m623I07naKMmgyyonlPpBeoqZXOIl5kqNELmgmGMf7XDt4wrqRGa1yYFIPjZ4Xss46NPfCABoFBR6JnOdCK99IP0b467HIK7fS1xW6kjFrd7C43UUlmKFjz/s400/DSCN2342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601920952304618834" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vCcqCbNpb_39C2nL-Q41aorkTPLNG4Sg1xv6GWkJj8kOmc44r5uIZH-sQ_E8gRRJDcF3rozXaungMlBeqldIORu325RMzUchVhiZSfLaaf7287Ob9aLM7up5oiC_R6JpwxxugTiyfKhb/s1600/DSCN2336.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vCcqCbNpb_39C2nL-Q41aorkTPLNG4Sg1xv6GWkJj8kOmc44r5uIZH-sQ_E8gRRJDcF3rozXaungMlBeqldIORu325RMzUchVhiZSfLaaf7287Ob9aLM7up5oiC_R6JpwxxugTiyfKhb/s400/DSCN2336.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601920944892845906" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLYilAo1sJNOh7uEt6F8HpYs5hMe6D8ft-0bNQMIQS8tTbu7aCoZBeIR0z6jwG6V9Zf07PVY_01-UwtpW3kSJaXrh0SFsLIOa0Q6H0NQxH1_sv33WZtzbw9ryX_B5scULyOvmh9UEgVK_/s400/DSCN2341.JPG" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the Boyfriend's rusty old Ford</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-BZctMK-7541_wZGViRLDAeEwTVT-dNjCPV1d_s7AAMgIjwicPAOjY07FcBIcb2hpdaia8m_6i9OYbf0BWI-td-cIReSyLGYIM_8vgRSdl92V2I9RX881FNWrvbzixEiQCHLK7PFtZAD/s400/DSCN2326.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601920941646508018" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div>All pics are SOOC, no editing done. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can't believe I haven't blogged since January 3rd. Bad Blogger! I'm hoping to start blogging again soon. I have so much to write about! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-59676628515741110712011-01-03T11:35:00.000-08:002011-01-03T11:46:48.781-08:00Happy 2011<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK-f9bFONpjyZOWcfxS0gd4kM_z5_S_sTX9fGYwWXiPXR7d1Y6_QtfvImByo-53QUvnU08Oaq6odJEyW5NmyKT1hBwVG6VwKyuaKG5eqIfTBWDSVBfaMObAhNR4E91M44t-qAgUMOAQY1/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK-f9bFONpjyZOWcfxS0gd4kM_z5_S_sTX9fGYwWXiPXR7d1Y6_QtfvImByo-53QUvnU08Oaq6odJEyW5NmyKT1hBwVG6VwKyuaKG5eqIfTBWDSVBfaMObAhNR4E91M44t-qAgUMOAQY1/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558047749077995698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can't believe it's really here already!<br /><br />I hope 2011 is a fabulous, prosperous and HAPPY year for each and every one of you!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-62535149845150272142010-12-21T12:35:00.000-08:002010-12-21T12:35:00.457-08:00Going Through The MotionsIt's that time of year again. Time to drag out all the boxes of lights and decorations. Time to see family and friends and buy gifts and bake and be jolly. And eat. Lots and lots of eating.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwta9WV3ad_1AhOhxA5wSSOwEqfXhm8yjhAXSC2YSFtiCRvt9xojmGCyrbAmtoWHMl6YxSGGCBUwgW5Ux-WpPcqsXXq8T7fZcb0UFEBDVdxxJEWOxbjR2oXqAALeBoT7J03fdiYrFDyEfy/s1600/tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwta9WV3ad_1AhOhxA5wSSOwEqfXhm8yjhAXSC2YSFtiCRvt9xojmGCyrbAmtoWHMl6YxSGGCBUwgW5Ux-WpPcqsXXq8T7fZcb0UFEBDVdxxJEWOxbjR2oXqAALeBoT7J03fdiYrFDyEfy/s400/tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551304279546540002" border="0" /></a>Do you ever just feel like you're going through the motions of Christmastime? <br /><br />My Christmas cheer seems to be coming and going this year. Right after Thanksgiving I had a few days of "Yay, it's almost CHRISTMAS!!", dragged all my decos down from the loft, started making lists for shopping and baking, all while listening to Christmas music and smelling my "Holiday Cheer" candles burning. <br /><br />Then it just disappeared. <br /><br />Most of December I seemed to be just going through the motions. I put up the decorations, got a tree, did some shopping, got my cards sent out. But I just wasn't feelin' it. I was feeling pretty darn Grinch-y. I just wanted Christmas to be over. I wasn't inspired to bake or wrap gifts or even finish up my shopping. But I needed to, so I just got 'er done. <br /><br />I was really just ready for this year to be done and just kind of "over" Christmas. <br /><br />I usually love Christmas time. I love the traditions and seeing family and giving gifts and decorating and seeing others' decorations. I love the whole spirit of this time of year. <br /><br />But for whatever reason, I just wasn't feeling that spirit. <br /><br />Some how, this past weekend, I got over it. <br /><br />I think it was when I was wrapping every one's gifts and sticking them under the tree. For some reason, it just doesn't seem like Christmas to me until there are lots of pretty wrapped gifts patiently waiting to be given under my tree. When I finished wrapping and got them all arranged under the tree, I smiled, turned on some Christmas music, lit my "Holiday Cheer" candles and all was right with the world once again. <br /><br />The pic above is our tree this year, pre-present wrapping extravaganza. Doesn't it just look naked without gifts under it? <br /><br />Besides being so bright you could probably see it from space... I some how managed to get like 900 lights on it. Maybe 850 since half of one strand went out and I'm not about to try replacing it. <br /><br />So what about you? What get's you in the holiday spirit? <br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-5452039512511511492010-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:23:06.842-07:00My New Buffardoo<div>As I may have mentioned before I have been some what passively looking for a new pony. I knew Midori didn't have the natural talent to take me places with the new direction we wanted to head (reining and reined cowhorse). She is great to tool around on and, while she is doing better now then I ever thought she would, she still has her issues. I've been keeping my eyes open and basically if the right horse came along, something that I clicked with for the right price and couldn't pass up, I'd get it. </div><div><br /></div><div>My trainer was helping me look, but nothing felt right. I wasn't bummed about it, I still had Midori. Another local trainer in the area had a couple young horses come home from getting started and one of them was small. He had consigned her to the auction in Reno during the futurities, but was afraid with how small she was and the economy the way it was that it wouldn't even be worth taking her down there. He wanted someone small for her that would show her and knew that I was kinda sorta looking. He wanted me to have her and was prepared to make me a deal that got me interested. </div><div><br /></div><div>I fell in love with her pretty much the moment I saw her. She is an absolute doll, so sweet and pretty darn chill for a baby.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meet Buffy the Buffalo Slayer. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiq8OwIMcKGB8tQDa2P9Jl9H1-WnlsO6lLgmboIaI2KmozWX8KK69ZKkk4tOzvNJ9x9Gdy-UrRmZR40ryVCML9IfgkP-JdkbfZReAL6rPMsulkczHF4LBMVX1Us86SzxM1FWC9VDJwScD/s1600/DSCN1590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiq8OwIMcKGB8tQDa2P9Jl9H1-WnlsO6lLgmboIaI2KmozWX8KK69ZKkk4tOzvNJ9x9Gdy-UrRmZR40ryVCML9IfgkP-JdkbfZReAL6rPMsulkczHF4LBMVX1Us86SzxM1FWC9VDJwScD/s400/DSCN1590.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534328550624599186" /></a><br /><div>It's the name she came with and unfortunately, it stuck. I tried to change it, but every one already knew her as Buffy and I'd been calling her Buffy for about a month by the time I actually picked her up. It was a lost cause. I usually call her by some variation of Buffy...B, Buffardoo, Buffardoodle, Doodle...anything but Buffy. lol </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4wr4qrZawBOvfbtqjSbjnw6J_8uaLfWqaSE7QHlzrerd6csRwZmD13NIv7KYZ5m_e7PDSxIB5yG1v39B_2uoXPoeApVeYekB2MYu8ejsiHq2Lb6_S-eBth1fUU5STe0FWlbbu4bG3RiB/s1600/DSCN1611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4wr4qrZawBOvfbtqjSbjnw6J_8uaLfWqaSE7QHlzrerd6csRwZmD13NIv7KYZ5m_e7PDSxIB5yG1v39B_2uoXPoeApVeYekB2MYu8ejsiHq2Lb6_S-eBth1fUU5STe0FWlbbu4bG3RiB/s400/DSCN1611.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534328171032345218" /></a><br /></div><div>She is a 2 year old out of a Shine Like Hail mare by Laredo Blue. My trainer has a gelding also by Laredo Blue and apparently he puts that head on a lot of his babies. It's not the cutest head, but it grows on ya. I just hope she grows into it! lol </div><div><br /></div><div>She is a really strange color and it changes almost weekly. She looks really gray now, but not too long ago it was going to be bay roan on her papers. I'm not really sure what to put at this point! I'm pretty sure she'll end up gray, but she's not quite there right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out that ass though! </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBopyrfWROywGUmg6AWPJkBUferCQkHzBRQrCTMvSab_fw4WuLXA-YVKjxvER7UVGY5KV4IdRo9iG06uM-fBGj40ppe6ua6dB3MVUiLqUb7E7VwyHiWuzmL2hvRQz4ny6uNf3L9OtPZpcH/s1600/DSCN1618.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBopyrfWROywGUmg6AWPJkBUferCQkHzBRQrCTMvSab_fw4WuLXA-YVKjxvER7UVGY5KV4IdRo9iG06uM-fBGj40ppe6ua6dB3MVUiLqUb7E7VwyHiWuzmL2hvRQz4ny6uNf3L9OtPZpcH/s400/DSCN1618.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534327766627505602" /></a>Love those nice Quarter Horse asses!</div><div><br /></div><div>She's got quite a chest on her too for how small she is. She was 13:2 at the wither and 13:3 1/2 at the hip when I got her. I meant to measure her today, but forgot. She is probably just over 14HH at the hip right now and in the middle of a not so flattering growth spurt. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CZCJKtZlRsOXGFbCqRtjyLR2OFsruv52Fl7Uz1w1wYLaysyXJBoTaHsU7nVbI-CZAoloPnLJLCDmeVhDia3eTlEhybWFdiS9O-E9wc08FJFRDSOoeJJCwBhOUrcNcABwUta28vmxPJET/s1600/DSCN1624.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CZCJKtZlRsOXGFbCqRtjyLR2OFsruv52Fl7Uz1w1wYLaysyXJBoTaHsU7nVbI-CZAoloPnLJLCDmeVhDia3eTlEhybWFdiS9O-E9wc08FJFRDSOoeJJCwBhOUrcNcABwUta28vmxPJET/s400/DSCN1624.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534327274931899858" /></a>Her mom was short, a little over 14HH, but stout and super athletic looking. She was shown as a 3 year old in cow horse and did well. I think she's pretty much just been a broodmare since. B's sire, Laredo Blue, is apparently not to shabby of a cutting horse. I don't know much about bloodlines and such so I won't pretend like I do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Doodle is a very curious pony. Of course, she's 2. She was in my face the whole time I was out there taking pics today.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrwcgn5i8pSrKVlZmFW7eh1nIJMQcKVd0np5umfkOCY-FcPhg6BvxtYNA7Kekneg2YkhhQvECxinDljzkd4o7tCb7bNEQpMeFogIc8pukiC3coEzsPLRReCnHnSt2iB9usG3ysWINE8lW/s1600/DSCN1627.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrwcgn5i8pSrKVlZmFW7eh1nIJMQcKVd0np5umfkOCY-FcPhg6BvxtYNA7Kekneg2YkhhQvECxinDljzkd4o7tCb7bNEQpMeFogIc8pukiC3coEzsPLRReCnHnSt2iB9usG3ysWINE8lW/s400/DSCN1627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534326868666828578" /></a>Like, reeeeally in my face!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSawWs_8sXwFjfiuezLCUoMPw9XRIHIgjloWvw8Ros-qT2JtLC-Re-Mr0oxcRWo9lFyKnwY_RpKEL4G5neVI3WtUmgY5sHDXmh5A6zDlo7Yv1z3chyDRo-cw9-J5TBIRTb4bbAR0z5V4xQ/s1600/DSCN1630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSawWs_8sXwFjfiuezLCUoMPw9XRIHIgjloWvw8Ros-qT2JtLC-Re-Mr0oxcRWo9lFyKnwY_RpKEL4G5neVI3WtUmgY5sHDXmh5A6zDlo7Yv1z3chyDRo-cw9-J5TBIRTb4bbAR0z5V4xQ/s400/DSCN1630.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534326514260769714" /></a><br /></div><div>Despite her small stature, she doesn't ride like a little horse at all. She has a big stride and since I am only 5'2" we make a good pair. People are always surprised when we walk up to them after watching us go. They don't expect us to be so short. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QQH3hBh2HaV7lnxFYSpLyudX9ELjdT7JqoCxbbuWdILTAHR0VTaNtjv8ZzIwhGuXV25oU01zMpLl1YHQtqJSDiC7XfFOPRHOFhDUs5dI6zmwN2N9nizvWMtCa8wDxeYZujEPc_JC-5sh/s1600/DSCN1308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QQH3hBh2HaV7lnxFYSpLyudX9ELjdT7JqoCxbbuWdILTAHR0VTaNtjv8ZzIwhGuXV25oU01zMpLl1YHQtqJSDiC7XfFOPRHOFhDUs5dI6zmwN2N9nizvWMtCa8wDxeYZujEPc_JC-5sh/s400/DSCN1308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534325725141088626" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">These last two pics are from the first time I saw and rode her. The last picture is the one that sold me on her. Check out that smile! I LOVED her from the very beginning. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTgPUuBnPjHA2cCl76WmY1it5QjS1Ibdv5fyK2zYs18_9ggtqnoFae-73pD-DK6cJpwdVAchc_8ShcfZQydEx90RSS18qcbYOjGUhrKbiaGc-JQfEhNr-u17pBQvWuCRI3cs3H4B_mko_/s1600/DSCN1315orig.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTgPUuBnPjHA2cCl76WmY1it5QjS1Ibdv5fyK2zYs18_9ggtqnoFae-73pD-DK6cJpwdVAchc_8ShcfZQydEx90RSS18qcbYOjGUhrKbiaGc-JQfEhNr-u17pBQvWuCRI3cs3H4B_mko_/s400/DSCN1315orig.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534324920174373922" /></a><br /><div>My goal with her is to do the NWRCHA futurity on her next year. I'm hoping she starts growing because I don't want to be looking those cows straight in the eye while I'm chasing them down the fence! If she doesn't grow and I don't feel like she's ready to go down the fence, I'll do one of the local reining futurities with her. She's already got a sweet little lead change, decent turn arounds and plants her butt when I say whoa. She is super talented and a total natural. I just need to get my stuff together and learn to stay out of her way! </div><div><br /></div><div>If futurities don't work out I still have her derby year. I'm not going to push her faster then she's ready to go. My first priority with her, above all else, is to raise a good, solid horse. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-77346041215728916042010-10-31T03:00:00.000-07:002010-10-31T03:00:06.377-07:00Sunday Stills Challenge - Halloween<div>Wow, it's been a loooooong time since I did a Sunday Stills Challenge! Way too long! </div><div><br /></div><div>I've got a bit of Halloween paraphernalia around my house and I was finally able to take a little time with my camera to get some pics of it for this challenge. Mostly just because I was procrastinating doing other things. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BOO!</span></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5lEfksFNZc-JsBv0qdjsg46d7-aJ81uYxyrdsmrd81MrTV1cS5rXS6Agp6m9K4YyTxBbDmZc12Sa-Se6m1cPvgGSZ_j1sdCiGw4f6Vzhl2RR-EIAGuK6ok8zGJQSpW1csgpGW6rAJvH4/s1600/DSCN1551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5lEfksFNZc-JsBv0qdjsg46d7-aJ81uYxyrdsmrd81MrTV1cS5rXS6Agp6m9K4YyTxBbDmZc12Sa-Se6m1cPvgGSZ_j1sdCiGw4f6Vzhl2RR-EIAGuK6ok8zGJQSpW1csgpGW6rAJvH4/s400/DSCN1551.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533954536618064322" /></a><br /><div>These last ones are some candle holders that I have. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZUFd28IdfhdqWGcXilNzElPzFcECGJl3fjKvMhvnBcbrX_XWTPSVIlBGC0U6XDH7FjnJixiGHsAYVIoMzrn1yP-9oKR4w3t0TTFbidG-kprmsD-83s5i8lNYU6i-51iC-IWaVdI7Wcu3/s1600/DSCN1562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZUFd28IdfhdqWGcXilNzElPzFcECGJl3fjKvMhvnBcbrX_XWTPSVIlBGC0U6XDH7FjnJixiGHsAYVIoMzrn1yP-9oKR4w3t0TTFbidG-kprmsD-83s5i8lNYU6i-51iC-IWaVdI7Wcu3/s400/DSCN1562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533954213274362146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11Eke86X8VCIHoMHXFoIHL88V2rKwUumcjLX7QEOhxXCJdaItS5dBoRyr10k6kUmUGdk_BnF2y7Plw-dOUi9jYL7coL-JEWKPvthZZ2mbqLFMydkpp2CpoIMUGE-4XeLvabeJbbxLC2L1/s1600/DSCN1565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11Eke86X8VCIHoMHXFoIHL88V2rKwUumcjLX7QEOhxXCJdaItS5dBoRyr10k6kUmUGdk_BnF2y7Plw-dOUi9jYL7coL-JEWKPvthZZ2mbqLFMydkpp2CpoIMUGE-4XeLvabeJbbxLC2L1/s400/DSCN1565.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533953837878768114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4kFRYaxQd8MDuX2xo18f5dRW7DZ9jqBPcYSG-lMZXlASHIlFm7k-v4mtZ71Z3MoSqsV0icfnk7ArYPizjkkNog222WVxLn0mzIZXUdKsnJEVLewOVGC6CKocL-XcBvWJ7cYk_ZmXFLq3/s1600/DSCN1578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4kFRYaxQd8MDuX2xo18f5dRW7DZ9jqBPcYSG-lMZXlASHIlFm7k-v4mtZ71Z3MoSqsV0icfnk7ArYPizjkkNog222WVxLn0mzIZXUdKsnJEVLewOVGC6CKocL-XcBvWJ7cYk_ZmXFLq3/s400/DSCN1578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533953381795360482" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Halloween!</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To see more Halloween pics go through the comments <a href="http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-14869278515135240032010-10-30T13:07:00.001-07:002010-10-30T13:22:32.769-07:00They Lived!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpGwe5DMyFKBqo8NpNdpx2Iadnhx1NNJROuEo3HNqTGWETek7JaHg5STgrHR0M4AT6SCrquWYRVTuYPMoL7muh9i_WN62E8QD071Wi-tPMyyJmmHTFQTFEzjJBJbaR_VEUuwPCsym2-tR/s1600/DSCN1376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpGwe5DMyFKBqo8NpNdpx2Iadnhx1NNJROuEo3HNqTGWETek7JaHg5STgrHR0M4AT6SCrquWYRVTuYPMoL7muh9i_WN62E8QD071Wi-tPMyyJmmHTFQTFEzjJBJbaR_VEUuwPCsym2-tR/s400/DSCN1376.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533935190089434546" /></a><br /><div>I actually had some sunflowers that came up this year! Wohoo! Last year I planted 3 packets of seeds and not one single one came up. I did start these inside first and then transplanted them to the flower bed. In late July or so. I was just slightly behind. Gardening and yard work isn't generally very high on my priority list. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took this picture at the end of September. They didn't get very tall or big, and the dogs took a few out, but they bloomed so I'm happy! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-31521880544548398332010-10-07T11:51:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:51:00.116-07:00That Marriage ThangI've been thinking lately about the whole marriage thang. I am currently teetering on the edge of 30 years old and not married. I don't have any thing against marriage, nor was it ever part of my "life plan" to be nearly 30 and unmarried. <br /><br />Actually, I believe my life plan went something like: graduate college with bachelors degree at 21, meet guy, fall in love, marry at 23, buy house, have horses, live fairy tale. May or may not have included kids, I don't remember. Never been much of a fan of them. <br /><br />Instead of that, life has gone more like this...go to community college. Meet guy some where in there. Buy car and horse that you need to continue working to pay for. Work 2 part time jobs, go to night classes, still a full time student. Take a little time off from school. Go back. Finally get AA after 4 1/2 years. Never make it to "real college". Get engaged to guy because we've been together for 3 years and that's what you do. Besides, I'm almost 23 and that's when I'm supposed to be married. Break up with guy after a month of being engaged. Date some more. Pass 23rd birthday, which is when you were supposed to be married. Buy yourself a truck and horse trailer to cheer yourself up. Continue living with parents. Date some more. Finally meet boy of my dreams. Move out of parents house into house with boy of my dreams after 2 years of being together. You're 25 by then. Talk about getting married. Buy house together instead. Talk about getting married some more. Buy new tractor instead. Buy new horse trailer. Buy new horse. etc. etc. etc. And now, here I am, owning a house, truck and horse trailer with boy of my dreams, firmly cemented in this relationship, possibly more then if we had that piece of paper telling us we're legally married. But we're still not married. Technically. <br /><br />I've never been one of those people that thinks it's "just a piece of paper". Ever. I've never NOT wanted to be married. I certainly never expected to be here and not married. But life has a funny way of carrying on and changing priorities. I'm happy. We are happy. We love our life. Neither of us has any thing against marriage. No previous marriages, no baggage with parents surrounding the idea of marriage. We do plan to get married, just haven't done it yet. <br /><br />It is strange to me when people that I haven't seen in a while ask if I'm still with the same guy. We bought a house together. We are in it for life, just as much as any of my married friends. Does not having that piece of paper making it legal or rings on our fingers make our relationship not as committed?<br /><br />Every once in a while I get the wedding bug, but it usually passes fairly quickly. It's just not a priority. I refuse to go to Vegas. Just not my style. I'm not opposed to a court house wedding, but I want to include my family and friends. That means doing the whole wedding thang which requires planning and time and money and that is probably the main hold up. There are other things I'd rather do with that time and money. We own and show horses. 'Nuff said. lol Besides, why mess up a good thing? <br /><br />And so here I am, almost 30 years old (OMG!!!), been together with the Boyfriend for nearly 6 years, and I have the whole fairy tale life I had envisioned (mostly anyways, there is always the crappy real life stuff that comes up, like work), with every thing I hoped for. Except that little piece of paper. <br /><br />I know at least a couple of my bloggy buddies have been with their bf's for quite a while and are not married. It's not uncommon. And this isn't a rant or anything, I'm just really curious about this. Why? Was it a choice to not get married? Was it something that just happened, like me? Why is that "piece of paper" so important? Or so important to avoid? <br /><br />It's a very curious phenomenon. <br /><br />To me at least. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-77347875290401295402010-09-09T12:08:00.000-07:002010-09-09T12:08:00.407-07:00A Place For Everything......and everything in it's place. That's my motto. Generally speaking. Most of the time. <br /><br />It's at least my goal in life. <br /><br />The Boyfriend? Not so much. <br /><br />I keep the house reasonably picked up: the kitchen organized with a "home" for most things, laundry put away (on good weeks), don't leave things laying around too terribly long, etc. <br /><br />Even things that don't so much have a <span style="font-style: italic;">specific</span> home, have a general area that it can usually be found in. <br /><br />So why does the Boyfriend have problems finding things? If he goes looking for things a few days after he left them laying on, say, the couch and it's not there, he turns the house, his truck, where ever he thinks he might have left it, upside down. Then finally mentions to me that he can't find whatever it is. I, of course, ask if he looked where it's supposed to be, as in, I probably put it away, did he look for it in it's "home". <br /><br />*blank stare* <br /><br />So of course I have to go show him where it is put away. Again. *sigh*<br /><br />I realize he spent years living by himself and things stayed where he left them and most things didn't have put away "homes" so much as spots on the floor where they were conveniently dropped. And stayed until he needed them again. And I cut him some slack for a while because it was a new house, he probably just hadn't really gotten used to where everything goes. <br /><br />We've been in this house 2 1/2 years. I don't think he gets that slack any more. <br /><br />He is a boy though. At work we call it "boy disease". As in, they can never find things if they are put away, or sometimes even if it is right in front of their face. They need us to go find it for them. And we do. 98.7% of the time it's right where it's supposed to be.<br /><br />Back to The Boyfriend...<br /><br />The most recent scenario involved a dremel bit that he thought he had purchased, but was doubting himself because he couldn't find it any where. If you saw his garage (his domain, I don't move anything in there) this would not be such a surprise. It's just a bit messy.<br /><br />If I do have to venture in the garage for something, I sneak through the piles of stuff, grab what I need (if I can find it), go use it, then put it right back, exactly where I found it (usually). We don't use the garage to park our trucks, we have a carport for that, so the garage houses his dirt bike, his Land Cruiser (off roader), a couple large old stereo systems, a surround sound system that never got hooked up, his tools, quite a few boxes of random contents that he has moved twice now and a whole bunch of <span style="font-style: italic;">stuff</span>. Every where. The walls of the garage are covered in cupboards, cubbies, shelves, hooks and basically massive amounts of potentially organized storage for said stuff. But it sits on the floor in piles, waiting to be organized. <br /><br />Ok now, where was I....Ah yes, the dremel bit. So he has mentioned the elusive dremel bit a few times to me. As I don't remember it coming in the house at all, I am not much help. I asked him if he looked in his tool box or his dremel case where, I would assume, it would have been "put away". <br /><br />Again with the *blank stare* Like, why would it be there? Why would I have put something away?!? Sheesh! <br /><br />So finally, he concludes that he must have imagined purchasing it (if you had ever watched the guy shop, you'd know that this is not an entirely unlikely scenario!) and during a trip to Home Depot over the weekend bought another one. <br /><br />A little while after we get home he comes in the house with an amused looking grin on his face. Apparently, he went to put away his new dremel bit so he didn't lose it and guess what he found? Yep, the one he thought he had bought, but couldn't find any where. Right where it was supposed to be, in it's "home". <br /><br />This is not the first time this has happened. That boy cracks me up! On good days anyways. It really is rather amusing. Most of the time. ;)<br /><br />My question is...Is this a general "boy phenomenon"? Or is it just all the boys that I associate with? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-48794122260962440332010-08-27T12:28:00.000-07:002010-08-27T12:28:00.819-07:00I Have IssuesIt's no secret to those that know me that I have some "issues". Some of them are laughable, some we'll just call "quirky" and others are downright annoying. I'm not going to delve into most of them because we just don't need to be airing that all out. ;) One that I do want to get into is my obsessive tendencies. <br /><br />While I don't mind this quality so much (most of the time), I'm sure others (the boyfriend, my animals, my trainer, my friends and family, my boss and co-workers) may be pretty annoyed by it. <br /><br />For what's now been almost two full years I've been rather obsessive about reading. It all started with the Twilight series, which I've now read multiple times. That segued into the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which led to the Sookie Stackhouse series, both read more through more than once, along with quite a few other random books in between. So that's quite a few books. <br /><br />But I love reading. I mean, L-O-V-E it. I'll take reading over tv any day. So I don't mind all that much that once I find a good book, I get rather obsessive about finishing it. It's not such a problem when it's a random book here and there. But I've been finding all of these excellent SERIES to read lately, some are 5 or 6 (or more!) books long! And while I love reading, it can be seriously time consuming! And it's not real effective to multi-task while you're reading. It's not like I can clean or ride my horse or drive while I'm reading. I've managed some cooking while reading, but it's not the best way to cook or read. <br /><br />Basically, bottom line is, I read every single spare moment I can somewhat responsibly manage. Which means not much cleaning gets done, many more fast food drive thrus are hit up or cans of chili cracked open for dinner, not much riding gets done and I all but check out of the world around me as soon as my butt hits that couch and that book gets in my hand. I have been known to avoid opportunities to socialize preferring to stay home and read. Again, doesn't tend to bother me all that much, but I'm sure it's rather annoying to those around me. <br /><br />Most recently I had the Harry Potter series forced on me. Like, really, I was told I HAD to read them, there were no excuses, here's the books, now READ. Ok, so maybe it didn't go <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> like that, but mostly. <span style="font-style: italic;">I swear</span>. <br /><br />Of course about half way through the first book I was completely hooked. Such a great series, even reading it at 29 years old! But 7 books, a few thousand pages and a month and a half later... Where the hell did summer go?! How can it already be the END of AUGUST?! And how have I not blogged since MAY?!?! <br /><br />Yikes. Time seems to just evaporate when there are books to be read.<br /><br />I know I've said it before (but I'm far too lazy to go find the post and link to it here), I need to quit. Cold turkey. No more reading! At least for a little while. I still need to paint my bathroom. And my bedroom. And my living room. And clean. And ride my horseS (story to come one of these days, hopefully). And take pictures. And blog! There are TONS of things that I should be doing with my time that would be WAY better uses of such a precious commodity.<br /><br />But the wheels are already turning on what my next book will be. *sigh*<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; width: 131px; height: 68px;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-49221982147299757162010-05-03T17:43:00.000-07:002010-05-03T19:49:48.299-07:00Our New Addiction<div>This year on our great new showing adventures we have decided to give reined cow horse a try. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the boyfriend decided he wanted to do the reined cow horse shows, mostly so he could do something and not compete against me. I decided that if we were going to be spending gas money to haul all the way there and for hotels and stuff anyways, I would rather just bring my horse along, pay a bit of extra money and have myself some fun with it too! </div><div><br /></div><div>And boy howdy is it FUN!!! The boyfriend is going down the fence, having done his first fence run ever in his life exactly two weeks before the first show. I figured since he had wanted to get away from competing with me I would just stick to the boxing classes this year, see how that went. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I should give a little background on what cow horse actually is. There are three parts to it:</div><div>1. Herd work - basically cutting, taking a single cow out of the herd and keeping it out of the herd. </div><div>2. Dry work - basically a reining pattern, though cow horse patterns are condensed a bit.</div><div>3. Cow work - which also has 3 parts, boxing - keeping the cow on the end of the arena to show you can control it, going down the fence - pushing the cow down the long side of the arena and turning it at least once each direction, and then circling the cow - turning the cow at least 360 degrees each direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>In my boxing class I only do the boxing part, not the fence run or circling. The cow work can get pretty crazy. I've done lots of boxing at shows and practice, so I've got that down. The rest of the work is often done at a full on gallop, balls to the wall, down the fence, inches from the cow who is (in theory) on the fence, with a quick dive around the front of the cow into the fence to get it stopped and turned. Then you have to launch back out to the side of the cow, keep it on the wall and run past it again for another turn. </div><div><br /></div><div> Can you imagine what an adrenaline rush that is? Sha! Just a bit of adrenaline! </div><div><br /></div><div>And then you get to circle! It's very exciting to watch and quite the rush to ride. I have done it a few times at clinics (read about that <a href="http://furryfourleggedkids.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-weekend-part-1-little-background.html">here</a> and <a href="http://furryfourleggedkids.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-weekend-part-2.html">here</a>) and it is just a blast! I'm itching to go down the fence, can you tell? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, the whole weekend was pretty darn fun. The shows are amazingly laid back, every one is super duper friendly and helpful and it's just darn good times. We had our second show of the season this past weekend and my last run, late Sunday night, was just a kick in the pants. I have no clue why, Midori was being a bit of a spooky dink, but I was laughing so hard at my silly horse that by the time I did my last stop on the dry work I paused and went...huh...I sure hope that was the pattern! I hadn't even really thought about it. lol </div><div><br /></div><div>The boyfriend was nice enough to video it, even though he got distracted a couple of times and forgot to move the camera. I just have to post it because I had so much fun on it. We nailed our flying lead changes. And we even got some pretty nice stops in! For us. Remember, Midori was pretty much a drill pony up until about 8 months ago. I think our run is pretty impressive for lessons and one month of training! We've come a long, long ways! Still have a loooooong ways to go, but we're making progress so I can't complain!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please note the scary, horse eating monster behind the gate that she is spooking at. You can see it when we walk in, the yellow thing poking up over the tarp. It was pouring rain and the cow guys were in full rain gear and hiding by the gate trying to stay out of the weather when they could. Apparently they were scaring a lot of the horses. Midori decided she wanted nothing to do with that whole end of the arena and I had to push pretty hard to get her down there the whole pattern and we bounced around a bit, but I guess that was probably part of why I had so much fun. I do love a good challenge with her! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, please note the nice shot of her fabulous ass after we finish our dry work and walk over to get our cow. Midori has a great ass, I've always loved it! </div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YaxxeQDzzYU&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YaxxeQDzzYU&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our dry work score was a 68 and our cow work was a 70, total 138. Not fabulous scores in the grand scheme of things, but I was <i><b>thrilled</b></i> with them. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-55303442725223689402010-04-15T20:12:00.000-07:002010-04-15T21:19:41.356-07:00Goodbye Old Friend<div>I need to say another goodbye. This one to a very good old friend of mine...my old horse trailer. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMNcwt-9QOzwB3Md8rNEUD-dsd4k7pOZOlRyPehZdMLnHBHxUHROi33kWsf2Aj1x-JiJ-EOV9lsdSodCUwrBKFC9aJ5rm82rKVyvg8VUezSpaDk_wBNoJJoUoUnh3EuwCqPL_x8HpxFxS/s1600/DSCN0132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMNcwt-9QOzwB3Md8rNEUD-dsd4k7pOZOlRyPehZdMLnHBHxUHROi33kWsf2Aj1x-JiJ-EOV9lsdSodCUwrBKFC9aJ5rm82rKVyvg8VUezSpaDk_wBNoJJoUoUnh3EuwCqPL_x8HpxFxS/s400/DSCN0132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460578631684795746" /></a><br /><div>I had this trailer for almost 6 years. It treated me pretty good, always got me where I needed to go and put up with a lot of crap. heh crap...get it? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, it was the first trailer I ever hauled, my first experience hauling a horse, my first big adult purchase. I have so many great memories with this trailer and before I said good bye to it I had to document all of it's...ummm..."character". Each bump and bruise, dent and scratch, a different memory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like this one...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5WqWs3wbu_C_fpdyl-Bb4ty0W5tApelwltOJEYfOv8GkCNExdolHTixT0NEShz02-04OI2VtvF7mKmy_kPOzQbHIpimonkInZCA0szP6lQIHRMdI2o8j0FOKp915GJf2L2OZ_2CkkAgf/s1600/DSCN0135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5WqWs3wbu_C_fpdyl-Bb4ty0W5tApelwltOJEYfOv8GkCNExdolHTixT0NEShz02-04OI2VtvF7mKmy_kPOzQbHIpimonkInZCA0szP6lQIHRMdI2o8j0FOKp915GJf2L2OZ_2CkkAgf/s400/DSCN0135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460578204546982018" /></a><br /></div><div>A nice big ol' dent right on the nose. It happened the first time I tried to park it in my soft dirt, 90 degrees off of a narrow driveway parking spot after I got my trailer brakes hooked up. I wasn't used to having trailer brakes and didn't realize that they would lock up very easily on the soft dirt. I jack knifed it. Oops! The boyfriend had installed the brake box for me, so it's kind of a sweet memory. The first truck improvement of our relationship. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there are these chew marks...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6HO3rdDQADf_BwpYfORor_NPPEd3uiS9YNNooYW6a70kS_6UfycHl_5w_dkEFz9joJnYHVgGo4V4yvMP7DfLhZi9OuEisiPMQTs1vd5TdQLVVvZXuinonMChrKJUwPh0P76RUlyziSCY/s1600/DSCN0138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6HO3rdDQADf_BwpYfORor_NPPEd3uiS9YNNooYW6a70kS_6UfycHl_5w_dkEFz9joJnYHVgGo4V4yvMP7DfLhZi9OuEisiPMQTs1vd5TdQLVVvZXuinonMChrKJUwPh0P76RUlyziSCY/s400/DSCN0138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460577544679298674" /></a><br /></div><div>The first time I pulled in to the boyfriend's mom's pasture to turn my trailer around after one of our first rides together and one of her other horses decided to visit the horses in the trailer and chewed on it. Kinda pissed me off at the time, it was one of the first scratches in my trailer, but I laugh about it now. Just adds character.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then there was the front wall...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zd51HiP-xy1O_htBUviclbS7MNVI51HRd3Ayb86VcJjzOv1qau2aXVPv7Ss87eu3UewZJpzOyT3y5v31pyPLhdb-tdJDdS3_MJydE7sp1H44ZUOtLJX5ECVvI2DMoiIb8Wlk4YxoPQKz/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zd51HiP-xy1O_htBUviclbS7MNVI51HRd3Ayb86VcJjzOv1qau2aXVPv7Ss87eu3UewZJpzOyT3y5v31pyPLhdb-tdJDdS3_MJydE7sp1H44ZUOtLJX5ECVvI2DMoiIb8Wlk4YxoPQKz/s400/DSCN0141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460576935970164338" /></a><br /></div><div>Oh, that darn front wall. As you can tell, many a horse fought with that wall. No clue what the issue was but my Midori was the only horse that EVER hauled quietly against that wall. I had a few horses come out bruised and bloody from fighting with that wall. It was annoying.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this divider...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw2qnd63SCqFevDDXaXFHWiTA9ZDnEqfzKcY_hFp6zmhczXXgokfn4wFNYqPbll2Oh-P-QnzdcD1glreFrdd4K2sy0Io_NTNWGc8TRNZ1Lt9Gw731yCdsTxp2WbGQTs-7vA1qgXMddQmh/s1600/DSCN0144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw2qnd63SCqFevDDXaXFHWiTA9ZDnEqfzKcY_hFp6zmhczXXgokfn4wFNYqPbll2Oh-P-QnzdcD1glreFrdd4K2sy0Io_NTNWGc8TRNZ1Lt9Gw731yCdsTxp2WbGQTs-7vA1qgXMddQmh/s400/DSCN0144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460576377164686754" /></a><br /></div><div>Oh the divider! Had a few horses get stuck in the front stall when the middle horse leaned on this divider and it got stuck closed. That was always fun. And then there was my friend's horse who decided to get stuck up on it. That's right...Up. On. It. That was really good times. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there was the branch that fell on it during a wind storm and took out all of these lights...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nFHZ7vtH4HTP2ljpq-6VBcAIC2FFUA1lUg_r5Q5noyK_lqdl4uMce-voNqEi_O1cSx07AffRYA8NvFTcyhxlYoA30VaHhzDlldtw8jJSOYvosUgbo4T-eYl2nzBp_WlXBk7RhkKK02-j/s1600/DSCN0147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nFHZ7vtH4HTP2ljpq-6VBcAIC2FFUA1lUg_r5Q5noyK_lqdl4uMce-voNqEi_O1cSx07AffRYA8NvFTcyhxlYoA30VaHhzDlldtw8jJSOYvosUgbo4T-eYl2nzBp_WlXBk7RhkKK02-j/s400/DSCN0147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460575749243665106" /></a><br /></div><div>And the fender that Sugar loved to chew on any time we left her tied for any length of time...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRkJD13ko5UDhBjNUCuYtobvB6Te9lfz5drLFwy1SJOf1sy0VaGE5wYK7PtUZIL2GAjGORlihyZ0v7-BY__XXJ__M73_LmuFqSYsAo7sAcJKVxe8Z6CpFiyy1JUF4H_PqHGftAhGYkIYe/s1600/DSCN0148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRkJD13ko5UDhBjNUCuYtobvB6Te9lfz5drLFwy1SJOf1sy0VaGE5wYK7PtUZIL2GAjGORlihyZ0v7-BY__XXJ__M73_LmuFqSYsAo7sAcJKVxe8Z6CpFiyy1JUF4H_PqHGftAhGYkIYe/s400/DSCN0148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460575374296976018" /></a><br /></div><div>And Sugar's tie spot that she would immediately chew on when she was unloaded...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym6G4cNGH0H25hG6ajO4pB0oKC-8SJFNYA6tMONGSl2dd-vc0EtRzPibMjUn2yMSuVkZba4Njm_EcxDcrR_nZPIWSNKz2jwNO6MRmY-8jkFTssEjTUg-vf-JQB0gOejIar7U01jrJ1R2e/s1600/DSCN0149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym6G4cNGH0H25hG6ajO4pB0oKC-8SJFNYA6tMONGSl2dd-vc0EtRzPibMjUn2yMSuVkZba4Njm_EcxDcrR_nZPIWSNKz2jwNO6MRmY-8jkFTssEjTUg-vf-JQB0gOejIar7U01jrJ1R2e/s400/DSCN0149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460574957618634658" /></a><br /></div><div>And the kick marks from my nice little mare any time a horse was loaded in behind her. Made it an interesting game since she was the only one that would haul quietly up front. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjuhee36hJJ2bYF_cknL3TFGw1tBaeZHVo_sQa5JuESKjQFLPNRmXPX45H6YgPoGoghM5r7P3kNiG81ITMYFN_bcShRyvF05pgliIBwX-242w1WCCAx69wtdnFCqcb1lMoJ2_f_u_JLD2/s1600/DSCN0151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjuhee36hJJ2bYF_cknL3TFGw1tBaeZHVo_sQa5JuESKjQFLPNRmXPX45H6YgPoGoghM5r7P3kNiG81ITMYFN_bcShRyvF05pgliIBwX-242w1WCCAx69wtdnFCqcb1lMoJ2_f_u_JLD2/s400/DSCN0151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460574069956083570" /></a><br /></div><div>And the little tack room that held an amazing amount of crap in a reasonably organized fashion...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHFhcC3As4I3ChTNfQIlpvkACZ8POIh1Mw8uBglKtLDsmM8tGjgQnIZgFYNLxoHEaRqgJXK_myPpXVFwIdi_00Ayx1toN8n812MrKN8BBL2kHMa9kidaDgk7dCc8IWgcDJC11kCGSpwnm/s1600/DSCN0156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHFhcC3As4I3ChTNfQIlpvkACZ8POIh1Mw8uBglKtLDsmM8tGjgQnIZgFYNLxoHEaRqgJXK_myPpXVFwIdi_00Ayx1toN8n812MrKN8BBL2kHMa9kidaDgk7dCc8IWgcDJC11kCGSpwnm/s400/DSCN0156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460573797578559874" /></a><br /></div><div>Though it may not sound like it, it really was a good little trailer for me for a long, long time. So many good memories with it...trail rides, a trip to the ocean, drill practices and meets, good times with friends and many, many opportunities that I wouldn't have had without it. It was a great little trailer!</div><div><br /></div><div>But something tells me I'm not going to miss it too much...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_KUXMS3aavaEkMXhyNM-5kDSnm1mNbkD3_Pa8iN-qnBvHF_cW8K35AoQ7EP1wcfZ7OL0qCgJDH3iuQWSShmS5mVgFE4s9LxOoBDM1p7ZUKXOWQ3NZZ3rD1761qHM73YG5Amnpm5N8-ND/s1600/GN.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_KUXMS3aavaEkMXhyNM-5kDSnm1mNbkD3_Pa8iN-qnBvHF_cW8K35AoQ7EP1wcfZ7OL0qCgJDH3iuQWSShmS5mVgFE4s9LxOoBDM1p7ZUKXOWQ3NZZ3rD1761qHM73YG5Amnpm5N8-ND/s400/GN.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460573466944627010" /></a><br /><div>Oh ya! Hello, new Logan! </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-13640387168912510062010-04-11T20:20:00.000-07:002010-04-11T21:06:31.604-07:00Howdy!<div>Oh my goodness, it's been entirely too long since I blogged last! So many blog-worthy things have happened in the last month and a half, but I just have not had the time or the motivation to blog about any of them. Very sad! I'll get caught up on all of it one of these days. I hope! </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the more note worthy things that has happened was this impulse buy...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5vBf1oAiWI2VtgIwr7aCwPw0tp6g3U55TGguT4KxWH40Qeit-7q-qk60fdsV-BYItr4jvvVtb6qAm4h72YcQHY_3SoBCSIjslI0WXdIBzlszsZsX9fJtwRMKqr4EVq8AsQpVom6VNfkI/s1600/2010-02-20+15.57.56+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5vBf1oAiWI2VtgIwr7aCwPw0tp6g3U55TGguT4KxWH40Qeit-7q-qk60fdsV-BYItr4jvvVtb6qAm4h72YcQHY_3SoBCSIjslI0WXdIBzlszsZsX9fJtwRMKqr4EVq8AsQpVom6VNfkI/s400/2010-02-20+15.57.56+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459093131339183554" /></a><br /><div>We have talked about getting another dog off and on for a while, but never really pursued it. Then one day we were just finishing up a bunch of errands and on our way home we just happened to pass a "Puppies for sale" sign. The boyfriend saw it, said the puppies looked pretty cute and suggested we go look. I kept right on driving. For a little bit. I did eventually turn around. After all, what does just looking hurt? lol </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vv71v76EL6HHUbTFpmsMlhiroCd1zwdB85567SqHiM8s6QN6estdJsVdjWfIDaMqkq48ve5tFPOH98FlzIq_gO5j60wJ6YBKK_Wmz6tUc_YidNpsIDyYyIAt1zUuGOcBsFO8HGvfu3jY/s1600/2010-02-20+18.12.11+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vv71v76EL6HHUbTFpmsMlhiroCd1zwdB85567SqHiM8s6QN6estdJsVdjWfIDaMqkq48ve5tFPOH98FlzIq_gO5j60wJ6YBKK_Wmz6tUc_YidNpsIDyYyIAt1zUuGOcBsFO8HGvfu3jY/s400/2010-02-20+18.12.11+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459092881796907202" /></a><br /></div><div>Obviously, the "just looking" didn't work out so well. And we came home with this little guy...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqHJf4baCMBvTvFLUovcpf9uNW7SINs0T3R0Zk9tJd8OiW8R1tqB97guQxYbbLi-liJeIrLE36eUflvUZ7xvktlau7JyU_kGOEOTa_offJ5KDkicv63Bw4fJEbrSX-UFa_KNQ77khDF-0/s1600/DSCN0244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqHJf4baCMBvTvFLUovcpf9uNW7SINs0T3R0Zk9tJd8OiW8R1tqB97guQxYbbLi-liJeIrLE36eUflvUZ7xvktlau7JyU_kGOEOTa_offJ5KDkicv63Bw4fJEbrSX-UFa_KNQ77khDF-0/s400/DSCN0244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459092670981567682" /></a><br /></div><div>Born January 1st</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6iVCHZJpwP-L9NszA1CY7ihyphenhyphenogoDfxNxJ1xj4kkbkKIU78P1VY1g92pN-Ca96DXN6mAMyJ2IskMMkReJaxzxdNZ7D84UYLqUUWPnzXagGSnlMJ2LDxN6c_zFm2KkZ709PapPqzsiiUar/s1600/DSCN0257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6iVCHZJpwP-L9NszA1CY7ihyphenhyphenogoDfxNxJ1xj4kkbkKIU78P1VY1g92pN-Ca96DXN6mAMyJ2IskMMkReJaxzxdNZ7D84UYLqUUWPnzXagGSnlMJ2LDxN6c_zFm2KkZ709PapPqzsiiUar/s400/DSCN0257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459092335683720306" /></a><br /></div><div>Border Collie and Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler) mix</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUsyTZjFr-a0DghffX_JGBvt6XEzzk8DNJv2gWjCkpgs-YufP7ayo2UZdk90N3tvUIqDyxUTY-7qwg5mmLFiwGIT0DKYOgMTObvnjjrkf7NX0remsAQgt4HP96GLiaH_IaSLVFT_qYo-l/s1600/DSCN0272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUsyTZjFr-a0DghffX_JGBvt6XEzzk8DNJv2gWjCkpgs-YufP7ayo2UZdk90N3tvUIqDyxUTY-7qwg5mmLFiwGIT0DKYOgMTObvnjjrkf7NX0remsAQgt4HP96GLiaH_IaSLVFT_qYo-l/s400/DSCN0272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459092032995174242" /></a><br /></div><div>Absolutely freaking adorable</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSqO2T9LXi6klnUe1sLxJgM2lOAPCIwsBz0sAi5h-eqnMhyphenhyphenlXmNHZELe_n-GmlJk4_K6U-tq-_IQx8I1aZrzZnhXfrkJqLRBCMMpWWXRIWnx2gW7deHc4nicLULOXRSf5eX-ELHZtkvRo/s1600/DSCN0285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSqO2T9LXi6klnUe1sLxJgM2lOAPCIwsBz0sAi5h-eqnMhyphenhyphenlXmNHZELe_n-GmlJk4_K6U-tq-_IQx8I1aZrzZnhXfrkJqLRBCMMpWWXRIWnx2gW7deHc4nicLULOXRSf5eX-ELHZtkvRo/s400/DSCN0285.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459091630475624738" /></a><br /></div><div>We have finally decided on the name Cletus for him. His full name is Cletus D. Pooper, but don't tell the boyfriend that. He hates that I all him Pooper. And the D stands for Dude, my other nickname for him.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfzFA7aF844Rvev73avY1uCfPpP79UDbkNPX7YOOiFg-rtUDcq7BmQo79xuWg6EU_MoUsloemVcWPMUP2pCH_WQLAirbdyaVNCJ_iwKeheUV9bwsVLINtSERryM9ebLTxjNQUYmxIIjCB/s1600/DSCN0324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfzFA7aF844Rvev73avY1uCfPpP79UDbkNPX7YOOiFg-rtUDcq7BmQo79xuWg6EU_MoUsloemVcWPMUP2pCH_WQLAirbdyaVNCJ_iwKeheUV9bwsVLINtSERryM9ebLTxjNQUYmxIIjCB/s400/DSCN0324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459091298347132482" /></a><br /></div><div>The parents weren't onsite, but we were told that both mom and dad were small-ish for their breeds. We figured he'd probably be about Cheyanne's height, but probably a little bulkier. But do you see the size of his legs and paws? I'm having my doubts on that!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2rOIqQqdwnh0YVerzfRN23eIqXffnhyphenhyphenjE61fB43UJmR2F4JzpbeZw4JpJr4pycVQrtogguwbV_t9Uwev4KOmN1AGdvnbRageu-TRkpoBJ77y2nAyy2qp-pYmijQySutZfGhLmvgzyW6s/s1600/DSCN0331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2rOIqQqdwnh0YVerzfRN23eIqXffnhyphenhyphenjE61fB43UJmR2F4JzpbeZw4JpJr4pycVQrtogguwbV_t9Uwev4KOmN1AGdvnbRageu-TRkpoBJ77y2nAyy2qp-pYmijQySutZfGhLmvgzyW6s/s400/DSCN0331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459090888517858562" /></a><br /></div><div>I finally got inspired to get my camera out today and got all of these pics of him. He was quite the sport, posing pretty for the camera! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4KoziBQu3mroT4BGjyZI5ntLUh6EN8Pz1rko5YLHxS-VNWpe7XJDPet5fIcrHvJ9WFiXV6WoDM2FU3aAvlDdOc2Oizj1nFJ6-k7El6S_QSqRtCss2BcXzVDpK7fWVPYlz2W7titvsVU6/s1600/DSCN0358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4KoziBQu3mroT4BGjyZI5ntLUh6EN8Pz1rko5YLHxS-VNWpe7XJDPet5fIcrHvJ9WFiXV6WoDM2FU3aAvlDdOc2Oizj1nFJ6-k7El6S_QSqRtCss2BcXzVDpK7fWVPYlz2W7titvsVU6/s400/DSCN0358.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459090497500537058" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I just love his eyes. When we got him they were this really cool almost purpleish gray. Now they are a really rich chocolate brown.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_-M1Jks6Tj4gG4fcM5NqUFjRuaU-GDwz29KpFrF5UDXUdLhQzWHNu2EmkpdKyyFLzePEv-1ZWnDJRj9SHeOYnY8ndbeHzCsEiuEQO5ktz4EOC9L8C9jxQ76JS2zQZCoMHP3wEoHD1y87/s1600/DSCN0371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_-M1Jks6Tj4gG4fcM5NqUFjRuaU-GDwz29KpFrF5UDXUdLhQzWHNu2EmkpdKyyFLzePEv-1ZWnDJRj9SHeOYnY8ndbeHzCsEiuEQO5ktz4EOC9L8C9jxQ76JS2zQZCoMHP3wEoHD1y87/s400/DSCN0371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459090124286970626" /></a><br /></div><div>And he has the cutest little bum!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7qLvyZc77j8LqPqDkQeOeZLo1EB8wuTWOqo1umjZBWSjKJOHd67AuvO7dbmOe9HeojoxIPfp5hhOgfDcEI15dEhCuSA0TbGTIuLwZHZWCIFimXzl7Wy3nxyE7B0OHukk5XETpq3zFOJy/s1600/DSCN0397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7qLvyZc77j8LqPqDkQeOeZLo1EB8wuTWOqo1umjZBWSjKJOHd67AuvO7dbmOe9HeojoxIPfp5hhOgfDcEI15dEhCuSA0TbGTIuLwZHZWCIFimXzl7Wy3nxyE7B0OHukk5XETpq3zFOJy/s400/DSCN0397.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459089752157062146" /></a><br /></div><div>And I wish so, so much that the darn wheel barrow wasn't in the background of this shot! I love him peeking out from behind the tree, but that blue kinda ruins it. Bummer!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL3eHilk_5_QXhotlXyzVwv1YoeOHh9qqhqTl19jK183n8hDAkcE-eGsj_9eoSGFGPuDX29Q4qKh1TctXsWXWPQeCoXTpfhseFN7H4z5zv9wIa0QcDqHRG-rmiUO1fR9BR-CAQ2YL7VhA/s1600/DSCN0418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL3eHilk_5_QXhotlXyzVwv1YoeOHh9qqhqTl19jK183n8hDAkcE-eGsj_9eoSGFGPuDX29Q4qKh1TctXsWXWPQeCoXTpfhseFN7H4z5zv9wIa0QcDqHRG-rmiUO1fR9BR-CAQ2YL7VhA/s400/DSCN0418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459089388028976834" /></a><br /><div>Hope you all are having a wonderful spring!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-65220545907588576892010-02-16T12:21:00.000-08:002010-02-16T12:21:00.682-08:00Another burning question...Shoes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjzPqNUjr-ji98IDA0PSVyY3FvoDYaIGcmJN2RBJIfuKhss3HMuvdoz1lNkJKEeMkzKCIleVbgR-TQ2h8v7UiQjBvn-hI1btffI0nDWmw5uaZIcJVhcaBzQsFC1aK5Sjg8C4xZRQep96I/s1600-h/running-shoes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjzPqNUjr-ji98IDA0PSVyY3FvoDYaIGcmJN2RBJIfuKhss3HMuvdoz1lNkJKEeMkzKCIleVbgR-TQ2h8v7UiQjBvn-hI1btffI0nDWmw5uaZIcJVhcaBzQsFC1aK5Sjg8C4xZRQep96I/s400/running-shoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438895296708610722" border="0" /></a><br />Since I've actually been sticking to a routine of cardio and strength training workouts for a couple weeks now, and have every intention of continuing that routine, I have decided that I desperately need new shoes. The shoes I have now are probably a good 8 or 10 years old. Not that they've been used much on those years, but they have seen better days and my feet are sore after running in them. They don't provide much support for my fairly high arch and the last time I ran I felt the beginnings of blisters on my big toes. Not so much fun!<br /><br />Plus, I'm always looking for excuses to buy new shoes. :-)<br /><br />The thing is...I have absolutely no clue where to start. I want something comfy and am willing to spend some dough for a real quality shoe. But what shoes are quality? My current shoes are Asics, which did treat me pretty good for a while. I know Nikes and Adidas can get expensive, but are they still quality? Is there some other brand that you love and would highly recommend? A certain style or feature I should look for? Something you hate and think I should avoid like the plague?<br /><br />While I am mostly concerned with the comfort and functionality of the shoe, I can't hate the color or style either. Since I'm pretty darn picky I have a hard time finding the right style/color/comfort/durability/functionality combo.<br /><br />I got some pretty good input on the last "burning question" about mascara, so I thought I'd pick your brains some more and see what we come up with.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-22113828880091259262010-02-14T17:51:00.000-08:002010-02-14T19:02:06.571-08:00What gets you going?<div>Another burning question...What motivates you to get going (and keep going) on your fitness goals? </div><div><br /></div><div>I've tried here and there to get in better shape in the past few years, but have just never found the proper motivation/reward system. I'm not in bad shape, which is probably part of my lack of dedication to the issue, but I know I could be in better shape. I'm not over weight, but my strength and stamina are severely lacking. As is brought to my attention at every lesson I take with my horse. My trainer makes fun of me, big time. And I don't blame her one little bit. I'd make fun of me too, probably have made fun of people doing similar pathetic kicks in the past. I know I'm pathetic, I just don't have the strength in my legs to do much about it! And usually run out of breath trying. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite my weaknesses, Midori was still coming along in leaps and bounds. Her spins were getting more correct, we had a decently reliable flying lead change, her stops were getting better, we had switched to a bridle and were doing really well one handed. I was very pleased! </div><div><br /></div><div>I was still considering getting a new horse though because Midori just wasn't where she needed to be so I could go play with the big kids this year. After some considering the situation and talking to my trainer about my options and Midori's potential, I decided that putting her in training for a month was my best option. She has potential and the trainer was confident that she could at least get her to a point that I could be competitive at the entry level, which is what I planned to do anyways. So off to training Midori went. </div><div><br /></div><div>But that still left the issue of my being a weanie. I certainly didn't want to waste that money on training because I couldn't kick and I could definitely see Midori flipping me the hoof after her experiences with the trainer, who has about 10 inches and probably 60 pounds on me. Not to mention riding horses all day 6 days a week. So I decided to put myself "in training" as well. But I knew I needed to figure out some sort of reward/motivation and way of tracking my workouts so I could see what I was accomplishing. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is what I came up with...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorKiOXn9rHORi_xD0cYfTxxdPWzwVzmZgadXqlfiRj5myzbkr0HtMh52APDKazr6QpJo5rdeB7yoQ43iRpIyLdsH-K37-aplJHdxwWOZsFZSsEr2LtDvqaqgpgYi3XGZhBO5aQPoWlzfn/s1600-h/DSCN9983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorKiOXn9rHORi_xD0cYfTxxdPWzwVzmZgadXqlfiRj5myzbkr0HtMh52APDKazr6QpJo5rdeB7yoQ43iRpIyLdsH-K37-aplJHdxwWOZsFZSsEr2LtDvqaqgpgYi3XGZhBO5aQPoWlzfn/s400/DSCN9983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438283115411048834" /></a><br /><div>Gold stars. And ya know what? It's working! My goal is a minimum of 3 gold stars a week, totaling 12 for the month of February. So far I'm doing pretty darn good. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is so satisfying and fun (in a totally pathetic, easily amused kinda way) to get done with my workout and go stick a star on the calendar. The calendar is in the kitchen so I see it often and it's a really good feeling to walk by and see lots of gold stars...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR-0t9aPtsNslKzoTiTS6wH4d616Ogmv-9cVw2ZqS0M4Le_arYKC6TyE5ecwlwqTcQ7DwIyZSJaW2xU_htE95E80FayZXWYdvQkUvKr_BSwMwL4mZMf0qnLWrc5crtKNdV39rsNTG2rFo/s1600-h/DSCN9976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR-0t9aPtsNslKzoTiTS6wH4d616Ogmv-9cVw2ZqS0M4Le_arYKC6TyE5ecwlwqTcQ7DwIyZSJaW2xU_htE95E80FayZXWYdvQkUvKr_BSwMwL4mZMf0qnLWrc5crtKNdV39rsNTG2rFo/s400/DSCN9976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438282743611525026" /></a><br /><div>Yes, that is a Twilight calendar. Surprised? I didn't think so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anywho, at the end of the month if I stick to it and reach my goal I plan to reward myself with...something. I haven't quite decided what yet, but I'm leaning towards a mini shopping spree. I do love me some new clothes! </div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the gold stars and looming shopping spree, the best reward that is surprising me at just two weeks in, is a visible improvement in the muscle tone of my legs. Definitely helps the motivation factor! And my stamina at my lessons. My trainer didn't even tease me at my last lesson! I even got my horse to grunt a time or two when I kicked her after she was naughty. Wohoo! </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I'm liking this gold star thing! Hopefully I can stick with it for a while! </div><div><br /></div><div>What gets you motivated? Do you post SI swimsuit models on the fridge and treadmill? Hang the bikini that you WILL get into this year where you see it all the time? Do you just have super duper self control and can stay motivated without little tricks? </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-37374777925912330202010-01-19T19:47:00.000-08:002010-01-19T20:18:39.564-08:00A Burning Question<div style="text-align: left;">I have a question for you ladies out there. And I suppose guys too, I don't want to discriminate, but probably (hopefully?) mostly ladies. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have recently decided that I need to explore the realm of mascara a bit. I have no clue what brought it on as I've been a Maybelline Full N' Soft girl for years and I'm certainly not dissatisfied with it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW8oRY81gjHDxUPQxm3wtpPEoZ87NwY5qXIrlDtKipblQid6dW8Lv-BWF7k24puLTt3FjziiPqGE4W4S-qGKIw232VpJ79O9AyhFnzFVHlP1BTLGOEiWB0ApK73DyqoX4T7cdHHvjrnA-/s400/Full+n+soft.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 238px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428664216201944498" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think I just feel the need to make sure that there isn't anything better out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>In doing some research on the subject I noticed something. Have you really looked at the price of makeup lately? $7-$12 for mascara at the drugstore? Wow. I would really like to know what exactly costs that much. I suppose someone needs to pay Drew Barrymore and Queen Latifah.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, where was I...oh yes, so once I got over the prices, I started looking around at the different mascaras. Full n' Soft, Long n' Lush, Volume Express, Volume Shocking, Voluminous, Lashblast, Lash Discovery, Great Lash, Define-A-Lash, Lash Out...wow. Where to even start?!</div><div><br /></div><div>There are the different brush styles...maybe I'd go that direction. This is the Full N' Soft brush that I've been using. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsmUuxr_KLNKG_zD-whn6sa3jhgzYsPlt45xFw9FMM0wair4Z-BVfppY-q8BY1dyAgT_0pcHg22ZftmdM820Ekjm54uU8zra0TPj5QErjSsUN7xUVld6grdc12IKggrPdIg3IuUWUOfBW/s1600-h/Full+n+soft+brush.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsmUuxr_KLNKG_zD-whn6sa3jhgzYsPlt45xFw9FMM0wair4Z-BVfppY-q8BY1dyAgT_0pcHg22ZftmdM820Ekjm54uU8zra0TPj5QErjSsUN7xUVld6grdc12IKggrPdIg3IuUWUOfBW/s400/Full+n+soft+brush.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428664174150632818" /></a><br /></div><div>It's great. I've always thought it was the way to go. I have no idea why though. So I picked a different type of brush. Something more like this...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfezdkF5Q2EZHinBdJ7GtesYd5RFtiVnlz1TgvPhal_4Y22_vMnc0VRS7DfyhUvrIbwigZwpi_xr1RMrG_-A92EADgxCloNdA8LVfTPj__YqRU8NblauP1jCjhgpWs4S1okdBJaHoShpA/s1600-h/Volume+Express+brush.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfezdkF5Q2EZHinBdJ7GtesYd5RFtiVnlz1TgvPhal_4Y22_vMnc0VRS7DfyhUvrIbwigZwpi_xr1RMrG_-A92EADgxCloNdA8LVfTPj__YqRU8NblauP1jCjhgpWs4S1okdBJaHoShpA/s400/Volume+Express+brush.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428664113598224530" /></a>Wow! HUGE difference! I think the mascara was Volume Express (also by Maybelline). My lashes are longer and thicker, for sure. Only problem is, unless I carefully brush and separate them, they look a little like this...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4N3sSyMJ_znzB1C6LlokJqMGejGHdXzRdckOYsnx1sEmk35W7oB_MpCWQpwgOyqMPUOPpyykqSnlPf0ft1hkoUws3r8KyR77wmgHI-m3JeFnfDyfnTAe6W67OwFb_lNSNPIUgJ2Rf3Lc/s1600-h/bad-mascara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4N3sSyMJ_znzB1C6LlokJqMGejGHdXzRdckOYsnx1sEmk35W7oB_MpCWQpwgOyqMPUOPpyykqSnlPf0ft1hkoUws3r8KyR77wmgHI-m3JeFnfDyfnTAe6W67OwFb_lNSNPIUgJ2Rf3Lc/s400/bad-mascara.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428664047047607458" /></a><br /><div>Yikes! I only wear a smudged/smokey look charcoal eye liner with Very Black mascara, no eye shadow, so if I have tarantula eyelashes, it stands out a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I like the longer and thicker eye lashes part, but not having to be so careful and take the time to brush it. I have to have waterproof mascara. </div><div><br /></div><div>So my burning question to all of you is...what mascara do you use? Do you have a tried and true? Something you hated? Suggestions on brushes to look for? Any tips or tricks? Anything at all? </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-30304250507221673712010-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:002010-01-17T09:14:56.658-08:00Sunday Stills Challenge - Moods and Emotions<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well howdy strangers! Long time no see! I have a confession to make...I haven't even picked up my camera in months. <i>Months</i>! I'm not sure exactly why, but I didn't even realize how long it had been since I really took some pictures until I picked up my camera Friday night with this SSC in mind. It felt weird in my hand and that made me very sad. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I'm back! And hoping it's a regularly back thang, not hit and miss. I really want to challenge myself to take better pictures and learn more about my camera this year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On to the Sunday Stills Challenge this week, which is Moods and Emotions. "This challenge is for you to get a shot that enables a response in the person who views your pic not one that is your personal emotion. For example if I see a pic of a tranqual stream or a sunrise I feel mellow, If I see a pic of a doggie smiles or a horse doing his rolling in dirt thing It makes me smile, you get the idea."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is definitely a challenge, but I know my pets always evoke some sort of emotion in me (good and bad, lol) and May Belle (aka: Chunk, Fatty, Tubby, Chubs...she's a little....um...rotund) was a happy and willing subject for me. Each of these pictures makes me feel a little different, what do they do for you? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chunk stretching out of her little ball to glare at me and the camera.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jGqatC_wUnSlySJS79IV1JhnzMYJS0iLdWTwlaUJCqgf5MSG9A4PNz2kTsC3jOQp6czUI4J_5v1GQSlgoLTs6Hi6kEoRgGzQh4YpQXqgrDeFakb1HBK5Xye0pvgplKYGg4zfV-HdNE28/s400/DSCN9907.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427752959396405890" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chunk on her back. You might think she's all sprawled out sleeping, but no...the dog is on the ground just out of the frame and she's teasing her.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWohbbKY-RowRAEzBeaueK5jEl4FRoHKvaLuokB07S5nopzTOodrizN4-DwbWt13NomRYyqqURDqM3DnxU8LULljHKvWkYb9iUjt6ETyOCes4YTBAJ-R2PkzNpN4w5SYHUlBSJJ8uSV-X_/s400/DSCN9948.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427752416000301442" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bath time!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_n7uWFi9fjjO2Oz6KfUxtDxwMqbobTEa90Y94Vk62HnNzH-gHWSJnX942a4I8Ui4lUhhF7LJvv4fkysANZh0wMGYzFlKXwByOXVdauaEUPZSstiGMT_sVmOsJ0_Apyn3Bvqf689OIaNB/s1600-h/DSCN9922.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_n7uWFi9fjjO2Oz6KfUxtDxwMqbobTEa90Y94Vk62HnNzH-gHWSJnX942a4I8Ui4lUhhF7LJvv4fkysANZh0wMGYzFlKXwByOXVdauaEUPZSstiGMT_sVmOsJ0_Apyn3Bvqf689OIaNB/s400/DSCN9922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427752175059242098" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">*YAWN*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyelSaVUH89QoTWZ_KyqJymstCg7oqbS79Xz5_3T8TBONIYWFGt5hMWF0eplZeilD5VhYiE39dhzASwZgU1PbhLEvM_spIUHyYs_pwOgVrvaeIrpg2AB0J4qwTUiLboEZMT4m9-2BYt8h/s400/DSCN9912.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427751742884197330" /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here we have poor, pathetic Cheyanne cuddling with her substitute kitty, the hedgehog, because the kitties are playing outside and she is stuck in the house. If that doesn't make you stick out your lower lip and feel bad for her, I don't know what will. :-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGbv0zs0P6XBackcRSASiGSg5iYpGxbZAt4o6z3UU3FU4szFjU3ZMZIzPeRVZNLX2S4GiT0Kw0NtmpV56sK9mWQ_mV_E94zz45HOJe4HQxSg2wggtmEmR0XPeALax98TL0JNf5qvO0rFJ/s400/DSCN9968.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427751446145012898" /><div></div><br /><div></div>That's all for this week! Hope to see you all again next week!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" /></a></div></div>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413791525247949524.post-13138099185208951122010-01-04T12:20:00.000-08:002010-01-04T12:20:00.177-08:00In Other News...<div>Well, now that I've gotten those posts out of the way, on to 2010! This year is going to kick some serious booty, I just know it! 2009...well, it just kinda sucked, to be quite honest. Maybe it's just because it went out on such a sour note, I'm not really sure. It wasn't the greatest year, so I'm glad to be done with it and getting a fresh start in a new year. Decade even! </div><div><br /></div><div>We started off the year riding our ponies. Doesn't get any better then that, does it? I was careful and used my "best judgement", but I rode. I got off regularly to check and make sure her guts weren't falling out (the exercise wasn't bothering her incision), since she had just gotten her stitches out and all, but it did just fine. We loped and she was enjoying herself, so I decided she would probably be just fine for the show over the weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>My goal for the first show of the year had been to finally, <i>finally</i> get our flying lead changes in our pattern. I was a little skeptical though. We hadn't had any lessons since the last show because of her lameness and surgery. The day before the show was the first real ride I had been able to have on her since the previous show more then a month ago. Yikes. While warming up I asked for lead changes and she did them with just a swish of the tail. I couldn't believe it. The pattern had changed for this show, the first time in years at the series, so I was ready to have some problems with Midori thinking she knew the pattern. And I did. She just knew that after 2 large fast and one small slow circle to the right, we were supposed to change leads and do those circles to the left. Unfortunately in pattern number 4 you stop and do 4 spins to the right after the circles. She was not about to stop. We had already changed leads (simple, as we had always done before) and were heading into the next circle, battling it out before she finally stopped. Damn. There went our score. Oh well. I finished the pattern nailing both of our flying lead changes. WOHOO!!! She was all sorts of confused when we walked out of there. That was certainly not the pattern she was trying to do! I was thrilled just for the fact that we got our flying lead changes. As you may remember, they've been a pretty major battle for us the whole time we've been together. We had a little "school the naughty pony" time, but for the most part I was pretty darn satisfied with the class, even though we didn't get a score.<br /><br />The boyfriend won his beginner reining class, had a fabulous run, and then two handed his bratty pony in our rookie reining class, getting him a no score as well. It was still a good day. I was just so happy to be back on my horse!<br /><br />Our lessons are going well. What few I've had. I did take a couple lessons on Sugar while Midori was out of commission. That was fun and a great learning experience. She is in a bridle so I had to ride one handed, which is always a challenge for me. It was good though, helped me relax a bit. We have been talking about getting a new horse for me because we're totally diggin' the reining thing and would like to get into it a little more. Midori isn't much of a reiner, so if I want to really get into reining, I'll need a different horse. Midori will still be my dink around with everything else horse, I still plan to do some cutting and rail shows, I'd like to do sorting again, stuff like that. Don't have a whole lot of cash floating around to put into a horse right now though, so that may have to wait a while.<br /><br />We've got some ambitious plans for 2010. I'm hoping this will really be the year that we get our barn situated. And our arena. I won't hold my breath though. Of course there are the requisite pay off debt, save-save-save, get on the blasted tread mill and get in better shape, get organized, etc. resolutions that are always around. And plenty of house and yard projects that we'd like to tackle as well.<br /><br />So here's to 2010! I hope you kick 2009's ass! <br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/135/C7E8B0C8416A59EB9037445DBA1A6FD7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Patcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08302479323000079386noreply@blogger.com3