High Tailed ~n~ Steppin' High

Stupidity lives on...

2010-05-12T11:18:00.001-05:00

Just had some idiot owners tell us that their German shepard, who was growling at us, had only ever bitten him. Aparently the dog didn't bite him hard enough because he was still breathing.

Not to mention the poor horse that came in on emergency last night. He'd torn his leg up pretty bad, evidently sometime yesterday morning, although his owners didn't see it until last night. Side note: it hadn't been in the clinic for shots or anything in three years.

People astound me. I mean serously, why have animals if you're not going to bother taking care of them or training the to not be holy terrors when we have to handle them.

Dog bite

2010-03-17T20:48:00.000-05:00

Monday the 8th I was attacked by a rather ferocious dachshund who had decided she didn't want her nails trimmed. I was the unfortionate recepient of her wrath. Ok, ok it really wasn't all that bad. I did get a small cut on my left index finger, it did however bleed alot and swell up for six days. Tues I decided to get the first of three rabies shots you know, just in case. While I was there I went ahead and got my tetnus shot too. I mean, if your going to have to suffer may as well get it over with all at once.

Team roping crazy

2010-03-11T09:34:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday we found a roping horse for Chris. We were able to purchase him ( he cost more than any of my horses) so now he's got roping on the brain 24/7. I'm really happy for him because that's how I feel about showing.

~Hectic Mornings~

2010-02-22T21:47:00.000-06:00

If anyone out there in blogger land thinks they have hectic morning syndrome allow me to ease your mind, unless your family name is Fike you're safe. My recurring morning maddness is either a hedious family curse or a really sick joke from mother nature. I haven't decided yet.

Today's adventure finds us with a soggy backyard and an unearthly auroma that would make a skunk smell sweet. My morning began as usual, Bible reading, working out, Feed the horses...this is where the trouble started. I pulled on my knee high rubber boots and my heavy down jacket to brave the bitting Texas wend and started for the barn. I tried to keep the dogs out of the water puddles in the back yard, but the puddles are like magnets pulling the dogs into them. I went through the gate to the pasture closing it behind me in an attempt to keep the dogs out of the mud. (The only thing worse than puddles is mud) I managed to keep Cole and Jesse out but Beau and Roper snuck through an opening in the fence. So their feet were covered in mud in a matter of seconds. I went about feeding horses and cats, trying to keep an eye on Cole and Jesse, I knew exactly where Beau and Roper were, under my feet. After I fed, I slopped through the mud to put hay out witch almost cost me a boot. (I hate mud) I had to get the hay from the shed outside the pasture, so I left the gate open to get back through when my arms were loaded with hay. Cole saw this as an opportunity to get into the field, play in the mud, and eat the cat food. Luckily I caught him before he made it to the cat food, getting the entire bowl last friday was enough for him. Somewhere in the mix of cats and dogs and mud I lost sight of Jesse. So I put the other dogs in the garage and started down the driveway. I spotted him not too far down the street, and hollared at him. He as usual came bounding up. Once I got him in the garage I began feeding, put Cole in the house and started dipping up dishes. I caught a wiff of something foul, but couldn't place it. I though maybe it was something in the air outside. Then I caught another wiff, this one stronger, closer. I first suspected roper, but continued with feeding. Then after I'd put Beau and Roper's dishes down, and Jesse came up to get his, it hit me. Full force. Eyes watering, throught closing, stomach trying to empty it's self, gaging, nausiating, putred, knock a buzzard of a gut waggon stench!! I flung the door to the house open trying to gasp at fresh, breathable air, scrambeling to get my boots off. Success! I jumped inside, melted against the door and sucked in air.
While in the shower I contemplated what to do with Jesse, the lesser of the two evils, face his stench to put him in the kennel, or allow him to stink up the garage for the rest of the day. I went with option one. I got dressed, made my coffee, put coffee, purse, and coat in the truck, and locked the back door. I was planning on wearing tennis shoes to work but I didn't want to wear them through the puddles so I pulled on my rubber boots and carried my tennis shoes.
With one large breath I turned the key to the garage door and flung it open, called Jesse, and slammed the door befor the others escaped or the fumes knocked me over. Once at the kennel I was faced with another delema, I got Jesse in ok, and the gate latch was fixed but the chain to wrap around was being used to hold a water hose off the ground. (I woln't comment on whose brilliant idea that was) As I struggled to free the chain my tennis shoes slipped from my hand and right into a puddle. (I hate puddles) Of course they were soaked, and my only alternative was to go back to the garage and face the stench once again to find a pair of boots to wear. I gaged, I choked but I survived.
When I went out to feed I had more trouble unlatching one of the stall doors. (once again I woln't name names as to the fault of said latch misshap) The horses were all in the field and feeling fresh from being cooped up all day yesterday. So as I was trying to get out of the field I had Kristo trying to play "bite tag" with me and nothing to defend myself with. I did make it to the truck in one piece but my head almost exploded when I got stuck behind someone doing ten miles under the speed limit. Needless to say I arrived at work frazzled and of course late....sigh
Lets hope it's not going to be one of these mornings all week. As for the rest of you in blogger land be thankful for your last name and that it doesn't carry this curse.

Pet owners

2010-02-10T11:49:00.000-06:00

No upr cat doesn't pee in the sick as an attempt to mimic you.

No your cat doesn't care who takes him to the vet.

Yes your dog/cat can still see, eat, sleep, and run with his e-collar on.

No your dog will not pee differently after you castrate him.

Yes it will still hurt even you put your dog under anisthesia to cut his nails back into the quick.

Back in Texas

2010-02-04T18:54:00.000-06:00

Well we're back. We got in late tuesday. Wednesday was crazy at work. We got the cats spayed/neudered so no worries about kittens.

Cole is watching me post lol! I'm getting a bit of a cold so it's off to the doctor I go. Yuck! Oh well need meds. Elvis tore his blanket off so I get to buy him a new one, and it's been raining and too wet to ride. Fun. Today was crazy at work again! Long day, I feel like death....warmed over. We're sitting by the fire, nothing makes you feel good like a warm fire!
-Posted using My iPhone

Relatives and such

2010-01-31T21:30:00.000-06:00

Anyone who knows me knows how careful and possesive of my animals I am. I want them handled a certain way- the right way- my way. Well Chris' cousin brought her new b/f and his two kids to assult my dogs today. They rubbed all over them, kissed them, and even slapped them! People I didn't even know were here kissing my dogs! My dogs! That I kiss! That sleep in my bed! My dogs!!!! And when they got my boys all excited, they played too rough, and got bit too hard, they acctually had the nerve to slap my dogs in front of me!! Chris had to hold me in the chair, I was comming unglued! I wanted to slap all of them and yell at them to stop touching my dogs. I absolutely hate it when people that I do not know touch my dogs uninvited by me!!

- Posted using My iPhone

By the way...

2010-01-29T12:07:00.001-06:00

I did get the great Dane puppy! His name is Cole younger.

- Posted using My iPhone

Still on the road

2010-01-29T12:03:00.000-06:00

It is 11:53. We are in Missouri still at least 2 hours from mayfeld. I'm completely exhausted, we both are, well I should say all four. Jesse and Cole are with us too. They are being very good. Jesse scared the poor women at mcdonalds when he got out for a potty break. ( don't eat yellow snow) the truck is iced over

The road is a mess

There are cars on the side of the road everywhere. Please pray for our safety.

- Posted using My iPhone

Longest night

2010-01-29T00:33:00.000-06:00

IT'S 1:07 AM. MY BACK HURTS, I'M BEYOND TIRED, I'M SICK OF SEEING ICE ON THE ROAD. WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO KENTUCKY TO VISIT WITH CHRIS' SICK GRANDFATHER. JUST LAST WEEK HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PANCREATIC THEN STOMACH CANCER. WE HAVE BEEN IN THE TRUCK SINCE 10:30. A USUALLY 2 HR TRIP TO OKLAHOMA CITY HAS TAKEN ALL THIS TIME, AND WE'RE NOT EVEN THERE YET. THANK YOU GOD THAT HWY 44 IS FINALLY OPEN!!

New Puppy??

2009-09-13T16:45:00.000-05:00

At work on friday a Great Dane pup came in. While he and his ower were waiting. I was making friends, we all know how much I love Great danes espically pups. I was chatting with his owner as well. Then she mentioned that she was going to have another litter soon. Like around my Birthday soon!! I though what a great birthday present. I told Chris, he was less than thrilled with the thought of another dog in the house, but I'm wearing him down. lol. Hopefully I will have a new puppy by Christmas!!!!

where the wild things are...

2009-09-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

I just want to leave you with this one mental image. Take one 150lb Great Dane, get him all wound up and what do u have? An overstimulated, clumsy, able to jump the back of the couch in a single bound, crazy, blur of black; also known as Jesse on crack apparently, although I don't know where he got it. ??? And yes he did jump the back of the couch from a standstill, twice!

New Shoes

2009-08-31T20:42:00.000-05:00

Last night after working all day at the Library, I quickly changed into something more comfortable i.e. my sweats and flip flops. When I changed I just quickly kicked off my shoes in the bedroom and headed for the couch. Some time later, we were getting ready for bed, when I noticed my shoe, my new Jessica Simpson shoe that I had waited for months to find cheap enough to buy, in the floor, in the living room. Not were I had left it in the bedroom. Thank goodness, no damage. Then I noticed it's mate also in the floor, in the living room, although not so fortunate as it's partner. It had been chewed, not severely, but badly enough to never be worn again. My poor sad shoes. I was sick, I wanted to cry. I jumped on eBay, and miraculously, found a pair. For $45.00. Not good. I put in an offer and haggled my way to $30. If only Chris would let me buy them; But as you all know I married Prince Charming. He said yes. My replacement new shoes are on their way to me even as I type. Hurray for eBay and Happily Ever After.

~Crazy Dayz~

2009-08-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, it's been awhile. life just got a bit hectic, wait when isn't it? As you all know I have been working at a vet's office. I completely love it! There's always something going on from abscesses to pop and cows to brand. Here are some tips to tell if it's going to be a good day or a bad day. 1) if you get blood on you in the first 30 min, it's going to be a bad one. 2) if blood get squirted in your face at any time, it's going to be a bad one. 3) if one of the dogs staying over night has left you a "present", it's going to be a bad one. 4) if you arrive in the morning to three dirty packs, two surgeries, and a pee puddle at the front desk it's going to be a hectic one. 5) and finally if you make it through your cup of coffee without smelling anything foul it just might be a good day. Yes, all of these have happened and will continue to happen, but even my gag reflex cannot stop my coffee habit. Thank God for coffee, it's what keeps me going.
I have to share this story from last night, It reminds me why I love my animals. I went for a ride and after getting off Midknight I went inside to start dinner, leaving Chris outside to feed the horses. The entire time I'm inside grilling the chicken, and broiling the potatoes, roper is watching me intently. I remind him that he's not allowed in the kitchen and tell him to get out. He goes and in a minute is back; just watching me. Chris comes in and helps me finish, then we sit down to eat. After we finish, we're all laying around watching TV when I hear the unmistakable sound of a plate rattling on the counter. I holler where's roper and Chris jumps up. He rounds the corner into the kitchen on one side as roper rounds the corner out of the kitchen on the other, with a chicken breast in his mouth. Chris catches up to him and yelling "drop it" and roper ducks next to the love seat. Chris snatches the chicken out of his mouth, tearing it in the process witch left roper with a little less than half. All the commotion roused the other two, so everyone got chicken because what else could we do with it. Meanwhile I'm on the couch laughing hysterically. Finally Chris joins in not too upset that he wouldn't be having chicken for lunch today.

Work day two

2009-06-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

Ugh I'm at the library again..... don't want to be....was only suposto work today not yesterday, but got called in yesterday and now I'm here today too!! lucky me! I don't want to have to take trash out but I'm prolly going to get stuck doing it. blech! So my weekend's basically gone. When I get home I really need to ride some horses. I also need to make cookies for the guys at work and finish watching the Lord of the rings the Fellowship of the Ring. Maybe go to Walmart. Hopefully Chris has gotten some if not most of the weekend housework done. It's not much to do, because A) I'm O.C.D. about the house and B) We're hardly there so it's never messy. I really hope the horses will behave so I'm not out there all night :(

Library

2009-06-20T17:23:00.000-05:00

At the library today. I wasn't originally scheduled to be, but I'm here and now I have to be here tomorrow too. On the one hand I don't want to because I want to go home and lay around but on the other hand this job isn't hard and I enjoy it, plus I get paid. Hopefully I can have some money this payday to start getting the patio set up. I'm really wanting to put some lights up, a big grill, tiki torches, more chairs, and another table. I really want to have a great spot to beat the heat and have summer barbeque's. I'm considering ceiling fans too, anything to make it a summer get away. We also really need to get the pool in working condition it's about halfway there right now. I finally have girlfriends and we're going to see the proposal tonight!!

Update

2009-06-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile. Let me quickly sum up the last few weeks. I went to Panama City for a week. That wasn't nearly long enough. I got to see most everybody, just not as often as I'd like. I miss them all terribly. I wish I could afford to go back more often. I went down to Fort Worth to see the Region 9 show. Sarah was competing. She did awsome! I started my new job at the Vet's office officially on June 1. I really love it there. There's always something new going on. I stay busy and I'm learning alot. I'll have to get on again later when I have more time.

Haircut!

2009-05-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Today was interesting. I got my hair cut. It's different than I've had it before but I like it.

I also got a call from a vet's office today, I have an interview at 9:00 tomorrow. I'm not sure if I want the job or if they'll want me for the job but keep your fingers cross for me.

~I can't believe it!!~

2009-05-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Chris finally let me cut his hair. It actually looks really good. Well of course it does, I have plenty of practice, and Elvis never complains. I doubt he'd let me take a pic just to put on here but I'll try anyway.
Just as I finished writing this my dogs, Roper and Jesse, just tried to kill each other. So I got to jump up and scream at them while pulling them apart. aah..never a dull moment around here.
Other wise nothing new around here. We watched movies and Chris let me go to Old Navy and get the raincoat I've been eyeing. We also went to Cavanders and got Chris a new shirt, I found one I wanted but it was too big :(

~Just another day...~

2009-05-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning somehow Chris turned his alarm off and didn't know it until almost 7:oo am when he woke me up my yelling "oh no! it's almost seven". (he has to be at work at 7) We jumped out of bed and rushed to get him out the door. He called his boss and told him he'd be late. Luckily he didn't into trouble I'm not sure if it's because he's in Mr. Conn's good graces or maybe it had something to do with the brownies I'd made the night before that he grabbed on his way out the door.
I had to be at work at 9. not anything to report for my day at work. I got some movies to watch over the weekend, then I ran into the commissary and bought some more brownie mix. when I got home I got Kristo out and worked him. He's really coming along nicely. I lunged him with the saddle on and he didn't buck at all. I have to bathe and re braid all of their tails today, not to mention I really need to get their feet trimmed.
I let the dogs run around in the horse pasture once I had the horses in their stalls. Silly me thought all the mud had dried up. I thew Beau's ball and finished the horse chores, and started walking towards the house when I noticed every one's muddy feet. Uh oh, time for a quick rinse. As anyone with dogs knows they love water (most of them do) but hate bathes. I still don't understand why this is; But I had to wrestle them one at a time over to the hose and clean off their feet. The end result was clean puppy feet and one soggy human. "ugh now I need a shower."
In other news we now have two bird's nests on out porch. One by the bedroom door and one by the living room door. I don't know why they chose doorways at new homes but evey time we go out either we disrupt them. I only hope they don't get too protective of the eggs when they come and start dive bombing our heads.

~Library~

2009-05-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

On the one hand I'm really enjoying my work at the library. It's fun and the people there are really great. All the other aids have a good time working there. The guys and gals coming and going are usually nice and friendly. There are the occasional rude customers, and the few that sneeze or scratch before handing me their ID card. But Hey! that's what the huge bottle of purell on my desk is for. On the other hand I've gotten use to staying at home, and working is tiring. I had so much to do today, chores in the house and outside with the horses. I did get Elvis worked at least. I have to work tomorrow then I'm off Friday again. I hope the weather stays nice I need to work Midknight and Kristo tomorrow. On the upside the horses have finally shed their winter coats and are all sleek and glossy except for their muddy feet. I got the next episode of House and Baby Mama in my netflix yesterday. We stayed up too late and watched both of them last night while eating way too much Taco ranch soup. ugh we were so stuffed. Today for lunch Chris came home (yay) and we had soup again, and also for dinner. In fact Chris is still in the living room watching True Lies as I'm on here, well by now he may be sleeping. Well I'm falling asleep so goodnight.

~Running late~

2009-05-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

Why is it that I'm always running late? It seems all I do is check the clock and pick up the pace with no success. I was planning to be up by 5 I didn't get up until 6. I was planning to be feeding the horses at 7 but that didn't happen until 9. Oh wait, I know I have animals. That's why I'm always late. The dogs were in fine form this morning too. While I was reading my Bible and then working on the grocery list they were busy chewing up Chris' shoes. And while I was feeding the horses, mucking stalls and filling water buckets they were running off. So after I finished one thing on my too tight schedule I got to run around and try to find them. Jesse and Roper had gotten behind the field. Roper can slip under fences and get back on his own but Jesse couldn't so I had to go after him and bring him back. Luckily the electric fence isn't working right now, because I had to go through it and show him the way back then I had to escort him through the pasture because Kristo was a little too curious. He came trotting up scared Jesse to death, I had to find a stick and swing it at him to get him to go away. He didn't like that and showed me so by kicking out at me. (little turd)Both dogs had to skip breakfast because they were not back when I was serving. Now I have to be at work by 12 so I have to shorten my to do list if I'm ever going to make that on time, and sitting here blogging isn't helping so ta for now. Hopefully I can finish out my day uneventful, but I doubt it. Ill be at work until 9 pm, and that's just too long for nothing to happen.

~Sunday~

2009-05-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

Today is the last precious day of yet another weekend. It has been a lovely, quiet day. We went to church and cracker barrel. The Church service was really good, about the benefits of being saved. I got some house work done but mostly I read my new book. "The undomestic goddess" by Sophie Kinsella. I really these lazy Sundays where one can curl up with a good book or movie and guiltlessly do nothing. Chris went to play basketball so I had the house to my self, until now. He's back and sore and I must get off my duff and get him some dinner. Tomorrow starts another work week although for me it's not a full week I work monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I like my job at the library, it's kinda fun, the other staff are great, and I get new books and movies when I want.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!

~Home~

2009-05-02T15:42:00.001-05:00

I'm finally home from my Alaskan Adventure. It was wonderful! I went sledding on Wednesday, souvenir shopping on Thursday, and cooked out with Jared, Amanda, Cody, Bekah, Bob and Barb on Friday. I left early Saturday morning and got home on Saturday afternoon. I spend the first flight wondering why anyone who would travel with small, screaming children. I mean Hello! they make children's Benadryl for a reason! On the second flight however, I got some reading in. The landing was a bit rough but otherwise a good trip.

me and the plane, me and Bekah

me and Bekah again, Bekah and Cody
me feeding Bella the baby yak
I just started my new job at the Shephard AFB library on Wednesday. I really like it. everyone has been really nice and It's not hard work. It's part time and the pay is good. So I can be home a few days a week to.

I think the boys really missed me becaue Jesse slept in the bed for the first few nights. Not that it's terribly abnormal for him to be in the bed, he usually prefers the foot of our bed to the dog bed.

I bought my plane ticket on Wednesday for Florida. I can't wait in just a few weeks I 'll be back to see all my friends. I leave on may 25th.

The last few days have been so rainy here. I'm not complaining, we need the rain. I just wish I could ride. I've only ridden once since I've been home and we all need the work.

Well I must go my boys (Chris and the dogs are) in the living room watching a western. I have to get dinner ready and finish washing dishes, I got all I could in the dishwasher.

~update from Alaska~

2009-04-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

In case I didn't mention this I was bought a plane ticket to visit my sister(Bekah) and her husband(Cody) in Alaska. I am here. I arrived at 1:30 am their time that would be 4:30 am my time. I had a momentary panic attack at getting on the plane alone but Chris sat with me at the gate until I had to board so I felt better. I navigated my way around the Seattle airport and arrived safely. My first day here was an adventure Bekah and I squished in the back of their airplane and Cody flew us out to a glacier. On the way we say Moose and wild sheep. We few over the glacier then landed untangled ourselves (Bekah and I were in the back seat meant for one) and hiked to the glacier. We took tons of pics which I haven't uploaded yet. Day two we ate breakfast at a place called the noisy goose (and it was) then drove out to Cody's parent's house. I got to bottle feed a baby yak. (pics of that to come) That's where we are now on day three we are going to ride a four wheeler out to the bluff in just a bit so I must go.

~recent obsession~

2009-04-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

So my latest obsession has been eBay. I spend way too much time on there. But I've gotten some really great deals. I mean, I got a few new pairs of Jessica Simpson shoes for around $20, some new skirts, horse blankets, and even saddle pads for less than $10. In my excitement though I forgot that all this costs money, less money than from a store, but money none the less. I'm proud of my bargain hunting, I just don't think Chris will be to thrilled. Oh well he knew I was a clothes horse when he married me.
I may have a job soon though, I interviewed at the library on base yesterday. It went well, so now I'm waiting to hear back about whether I got it or not. Can you imagine me as a librarian? yeah, neither can I. Oh well it's a starting point and money, so I can't complain, well I can I just won't. Besides it gives me a place to wear all the new things I bought. So they were all reasonable purchases after all, someone please explain that to my husband.
I'm so excited I leave for Alaska one week from tomorrow! I can't hardly wait! I've got to start organizing, and packing, then re-packing because I packed too much the first time. Hey you never know I might need sandals in Alaska, OK maybe not the sandals, what about one of my new skirts? OK, OK, I get it jeans, boots, and sweatshirts, nothing else. Man, this is gonna be hard.
Well I must go start my lists, laundry, and the rest of the house chores . I 'll try to post again before I leave.

~yesterday's ride~

2009-04-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

Was fantastic! I tried to get on Midknight Tuesday but with little success. I put my Wintec saddle on him. I lunged him and got on his trot was good but when I asked him for the canter he got tense. He would rush forward with his head between his knees but not bucking. I got off thinking the saddle might be too far forward, slid it back and got on again. Same thing. So I got off again, pulled the saddle off him and checked him over. He was a little sore in the poll and in his right shoulder nothing major. So I gave him and rub and checked the saddle fit. The saddle wasn't allowing him to move his shoulders freely, I believe that was the biggest part of the problem. I them stretched his front legs forward, when I stretched his front leg he pulled against me and self adjusted his shoulder so it's all better now. I put some sore no more on his poll and gave him yesterday off to rest. I'll try to ride him again today and see how he does.

Any way back to yesterday's ride. I got Kristo out to lunge him, and decided he needed a haircut so I did that then lunged him. He did so well that I decided to introduce something new. I brought out my saddle and put it on his back then lunged him again with it on. I wish I'd had a video camera, he was so animated in his gate and excited to have the saddle on! He didn't buck even one time. After I worked him I got out Elvis, gave him a haircut too, and rode him. We worked on circles and reaching through the back, bending, and a nice easy canter. He did brilliantly, except for a few stumbles. (I really need to get the farrier back out.) Then I got Midknight out gave him a quick haircut, and checked him over. He seems to be doing fine, ready for today's ride.

~Been Awhile~

2009-03-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

It's been far too long. I have been busy but also my life hasn't been to interesting as of late. Beau and Roper ran off last Monday and Roper got something stuck in his foot. That cost us a trip to the vet and about $100. We never did see if anything was in his foot but eventually he stopped limping. We bought them new ID tags and when they ran off yesterday someone called us. Definitely worth the money. So all the "children" are home safe now.
I've ridden Midknight once last week and once this week. The first time I rode him he bucked like heck. That was FUN! He didn't get me off though. Then this past Tuesday I got on him again. I could feel his muscles tighten under me, his head was up, his nostrils flared, I knew he only had one thing on his mind. I decided not to press my luck. I got off and clipped a lunge line to him. He stepped off into a brisk trot and then with a lunge forward and a leap into the air he threw his heels to the sun, a very stunning display of what he is capable of when bucking. I was most thankful that I was not on him at the time. He ran a few laps one way then the other. After he'd settled down a bit I got back on him and had a great ride. We trotted and Cantered both directions without a problem. I haven't ridden as much as I'd like to this week and today it's raining. Oh well always next week.
My latest obsession has been shopping on eBay. Not that I didn't shop on eBay before, believe me I did. But without having friends to hit the stores with here I've found myself bargain hunting on that great flea market of the web. Where else can one browse Saddle pads and Jessica Simpson shoes at the same time. I am currently hunting a denim skirt for church. I've found a few I like now I have to get the best deal and sneak them into the house around Chris. I say sneak but it's not like he doesn't know. I mean the account shows every pay pal purchase. (darn online banking) So I must resort to my best "honey, look how much money I saved though" and "I really do need a new skirt". This doesn't work as well with saddle pads and polo wraps considering I really do have enough they're just the same boring ones I've had for ever, and I wanted new ones. Chris, however just rolls his eyes. I love him. The only problem I'm running into is not having a job. Not having a job to wear all those new shoes to, not having a job to pay off bills, not having a job to rationalize spending more on shoes, purses, skirts, whatever the current "thing" is. I've been filling out applications so much that I'm sick of writing my own name. Whatever the "right" job is I hope it works out soon. With the grass growing we need a weed eater, grass seed for the horse pasture, and all kinds of other homeowner expenses. Cross your fingers that nothing breaks until I get a job.

~Churches~

2009-03-08T21:48:00.000-05:00

We have finally found a Church we really like and we've been going regularly. http://messiahbaptist.blogspot.com/

We are very happy with it. We went through some interesting situations to get here though. My story pertains to one church in particular. (The name has been omitted to protect their identity)

We showed up there a few Sundays ago, walked in the door behind a man wearing a cowboy hat. I should have taken that as a warning and left. Not to say there is anything wrongs with cowboy hats I own several. We were greeted by one older talkative man and then the Pastor. He informed us that a most of the congregation had been sick and there was some antibacterial hand gel in the back should we need it. (I could have walked out right then) Chris though we should give it a chance though. I believe I have talked about this experience before well, this is the rest of the story.

One day we were on our way home from a Team roping or some other event and noticed our mailbox had a slight lean to it. Chris got out of the truck to investigate. All he found was a track from this same church. We assumed the mail lady bumped the mailbox and that the track had blown away and was resting against the post. We had received some info in the mail and thought it could have been that something fell out. (clumsy mail lady)

A few days ago I was visited by this pastor. There he informed me that it was he who had hit my mailbox and didn't leave a note. The track was his way of letting us know who'd done it. I was flabbergasted standing at the door looking my culprit in the eye after more than a week of blaming the poor mail lady. He did not offer us a new mailbox or any help fixing it merely another track and an apology. I didn't know what to do, roper did however. He marched right out that door and peed on the man. I could do no more than watch in horror/laughter.

The moral of the story? trust your dog's instincts about a person or a parson as the case may be.

Laughing.

2009-03-06T12:51:00.000-06:00

I'm really learning a lot about the little things in life that make it all worth while. Like having a horse nicker softly at you, or a Dog lick you in the face. However being licked awake out of a wonderful dream isn't so pleasant. Roper's true meaning in life is to jump on our heads and lick our faces. Every time I get on the computer he's not far behind waiting to climb in my lap and wash my face. Then of course is Jesse he prefers to climb his 160 pound body onto the bed and nudge or just flat out squash me off the bed. He has an enormous head and he loves to use my too full bladder as a pillow thus forcing me off the bed. As I groggily make my way to the kitchen for coffee(what makes me human) there's Beau trying desperately to get me to the door so he can go out and play ball.( Because even at 5 o'clock in the morning playing ball is fun.) Of course where Beau is there the other two are also. Jesse's favorite thing to do is walk right in front of me and then stop because he has no idea where "we" are going. Every time he does this I am reminded of something my mother always said. you see, we (me and my sister) use to do the same thing to her. She said "someday you will have kids and they will do this to you." No, I don't have kids in the literal sense but she was right my "kids" do it to me. (how did she know that?)

My morning routine includes feeding the horses and dogs. The horses are first and that soft nicker is the polite reminded that they are hungry. It quickly turns into loud whinnying and thrusting of every one's head over the stall door. Then Kristo shows his impatience by pushing against the stall door trying to break out. After I feed them I turn them out. Elvis of course is first, Kristo and Midknight do not like this one bit; and they show it. Midknight by pacing and Kristo by bucking and rearing. (yes, in his stall) Then they two go out to play in the field. Next I feed the dogs.

Lately the dogs have been running off during their morning out time so I have been making them wait until I go out to feed the horses. They don't like it. They were being obnoxious this morning so I put Jesse and Roper in the garage. Chris called and I told him where they were and he said "be careful, Jesse has been known to not be able to hold it." So I blame him for what happened next. I got off the phone and got changed, and headed for the garage to let the pups out. There I found Mt. Everest and one of the great lakes. So I laugh because there's nothing else to do. I am so blessed in my wonderful husband. He's willing to clean up all the mountains and rivers. Thanks Honey!

Amazing!

2009-03-02T19:39:00.000-06:00

I got to ride today and it was Amazing!! I worked Kristo first and he did a great job! He walked, trotted, and even cantered on the lunge line with hardly a misstep. He got a little frisky but settled down in the end. I put him away and pulled out old faithful, Elvis. he did really well lengthen his stride and we even got a few steps of shoulder in mostly shoulder fore though. At any rate it was better than we had been doing so I'm happy. I can't wait to work Midknight tomorrow. maybe Kristo again too. I love my horses they keep me sane!

Overslept!

2009-03-02T13:09:00.000-06:00

This morning I awoke the first time to Chris leaving for work instead of our usual morning coffee and Bible reading he and I both slept through the alarm. He finally woke up at 6 and was rushing around getting ready for work. As he was leaving I offered to walk him to the door I was pulling some sweatpants on because the house was cold when I scratched my leg with my own fingernail. I don't know which nail, or how it happened I was still half asleep all I know was it hurt like (well u know the rest). I then went back to bed only to be awakened by Jesse jumping off the bed and the sound of Roper trying to hurl. I ran to the door to let him out but it was too late he couldn't make it. I then tried to get him out of the house and he ralphed again. on the kitchen tile. I shuffled all the dogs into the garage and crawled back into bed. I was awakened once again by my phone ringing, Steph called to chat. It was then that I realized it was 11 am and I was just waking up. This was bad my poor horses hadn't been fed, neither had the dogs. I rushed around to get them all fed, then Chris came home for lunch and I've been on the phone with Steph all day. So lets just say my productivity has been around nil. I am now trying to recover as Chris has PT today and Steph has class so I am left to my own devices which will be Riding, cleaning house, and working out.

~Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My~

2009-02-27T22:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I decided to brave the still somewhat chilly Wind of spring in Texas. Lately it has been warm and sunny; but yesterday the wind began to pick up bringing a cold front that has sent the air into the thirty's. I thought to myself the wind isn't that bad and Elvis, my trusty steed will be brave. (mistake) Steph was on the phone with me while I was tacking up giving my encouragement. The plan was to ride while on the phone. My blue tooth was not charged however, so this left the old fashioned way(phone crooked between shoulder and ear). Steph was the first to get on and try it out. Sheba did not seem to think the idea of talking on the phone while riding was so grand. So after a minute of waiting on the toolbox of Steph's truck while she mounted (me aka the phone), then listening to Sheba's arguing to play with her Friends instead of work Steph had to get off. We agreed to ride then call afterwards. I got on my less than patient steed and headed off into a "walk, trot, easy walk, trot, I said walk darn it!" We managed to calm down and settle into a walk then off we went into the trot (this time on my cue). We made a few circles that looked like, well, sloppy actually, then finally found our stride and made circles that looked like circles. He was doing so much better so I though a canter would be ok. The first direction was fine a bit quick at the start then eased out after a lap or so. The second way however was where Elvis caught sight of the lion in the trees. (as you know lions are very predominant in Texas as the open prairies remind them of the Serengeti) With the speed and agility of his ancestors he changed direction and bolted toward the barn, this propelled me out of the saddle at least a foot causing me to loose my stirrup. Every muscle in his body was tense changing his gate to being tight and rough, tossing me around like a rag doll. His head was high and I was bouncing with every stride. As I managed to pull him to a halt I looked around for what had startled him but the lion had vanished in it's stead was a mere leaf, a simple reminder that lions are everywhere and we should always be on guard.

Morning Chores

2009-02-24T10:51:00.000-06:00

There's nothing like opening the barn door to two faces that are suposto be in stalls. (thanks Chris)

The last few days...

2009-02-24T08:01:00.000-06:00

Not too much has been happening around here. I had a meltdown on Saturday. that's not exactly uncommon, I can get a little emotional. I'm really learning a deeper understanding and dependence on the Lord. It's hard and sometimes I don't understand. (OK most of the time I don't understand) As I sit here and watch the sunrise I am reminded of the verse in Psalms "Be still and know that I am God". Sometimes that's just what I need, to be still and not try to do everything on my own. So with that in mind I took a breath and decided to work on the things I can do. I rode. It was fantastic!! I plan to do it again today, it's Midknight's turn.
We recently drove the thirty something miles to Lawton, OK just to go to Chick-Fil-A. Yes, we need help, we have no life. But it was worth it! I got some new shoes too and Chris got some wranglers. So all in all good day. For Valentine's day we drove to Decatur to the NRS center and bought Chris some cowboy boots they were expensive, and picking them out was.....interesting. See Chris has a narrow foot and he doesn't know exactly what he wants. He would put a boot on and say, " what do you think?" I'm like "I don't know it's not on my foot! What do you think?" I had to check his foot and make him walk around like a little kid. It was funny! I love him!
My children (the dogs) have a death wish (mainly Jesse and Roper)they have been on a destructive bend lately. I've threatened them that if they chew up anything else I'm going to kill them. Jesse even ripped off Cheda's ear, Chris had to stop me from killing him on the spot. (If you've known me for awhile, chances are you've met Cheda, he's my lifelong companion, he's been all over the world with me.) Anyway that's my life as of right now.

~New Beginnings~

2009-02-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

This morning I am in my usual routine and it feel great. I still have no job and I'm beginning to wonder if I will or if I really want one. My house is clean and my animals are happy that I'm home. I don't know if I want to leave. I'm beginning to reconsider getting back into selling Mary Kay. The last few mornings have gotten me out of sync. Sunday we slept in and went back to Messiah Baptist, I really love it there. I feel like that is were God has called us to be, I keep praying for His guidance. Monday, Chris had the day off because he graduated from BIC (basic instructor course) on Friday. We invited the Pastor and his family over for dinner. It was a blast! The kids are great and we talked like old friends. We showed them our farm complete with dogs and horses, the kids loved that. Chris even gave us a roping demonstration. I cooked a ham for the first time (no, I didn't kill anyone) with a few sides and brownies with ice cream for dessert. We are still working on the leftovers. We cleaned the whole house too, it wasn't that bad to begin with but it was nice having Chris' help. Yesterday I slept in, then did the chores, and ran some errands. We had a pretty good size storm last night with lots of wind, lightning, and some hale. I of course was terrified that there might be a tornado (thanks mom).

As for the humor of our weekend, Roper got sprayed by a skunk on Sunday night. He had to sleep in the kennel all night then get a bath (lemon juice, peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap). He was really soft afterward though. I say was because he stayed that way up until this morning around 5:30 when of all things he got sprayed again. I had let the other two back inside but he was late as usual. When he came to the door I let him in, got a whiff of him and kicked him back out. He managed to get some of the smell in the house though. I fabreezed the furniture and had candles burning all morning. The smell is gone now, thank goodness. He is now in the kennel awaiting his bath or execution, I haven't decided yet, but if he keeps barking it may be the later.

~Married Dating~

2009-02-07T21:13:00.000-06:00

Some people tend to thing that once you're married you are somehow trapped, no more fun and adventure. Let me just say spending Saturday with the one you love is always an adventure. We started our morning reading our Bibles and drinking coffee. Then had a nice long talk while curled up comfortably on the bed where we fell asleep. That's one of the most wonderful things about Saturdays, just being able to lay around doing nothing in particular, watching the horses run in the field(and they were!). Our evening plans included picking up a few groceries at the local supermarket and exchanging some curtains at Walmart. (ok, ok I know not the biggest adventure) Chris went to pick up some shavings for the barn while I took a shower. I still take my time and get dressed up just for him even if we're only going to Walmart. (I think that helps a relationship no one should just let themselves go) We got our groceries and headed to "wally world" where we got new curtains (He even helps pick them out),two five dollar movies(Robin Hood Men in Tights and High Crimes), a race car game for PlayStation2(I know seems childish but he wanted it a I told him that I'd beat him), some Valentine's candy, frozen pizza, and cheesecake. This may sound like much, but for me this has the makings of a great evening at home. It may even beat an evening out ;)

I'd better go I've got to keep my promise and beat Chris. Plus the pizza's done

~Clumsy Me~

2009-02-06T18:54:00.000-06:00

Thursday in all my efforts to clean the kitchen I managed to get a little sloppy. I was washing dishes when I remembered a dish containing leftover roast, potatoes, and carrots. I pulled it out of the refrigerator removed the lid and poured it in the trash. Easy enough task for apparently anyone other than me. My trash can has one of those convenient foot petals I put my foot on it to open the lid. When I poured the food into the trash some of it missed the can and splattered down the front, onto my pants, then on my foot. It was cold, had bits of coagulated fat in it, and looked something like vomit. The instant the cold "vomit" hit my foot I screamed, kicked off my flip flop and dashed to the sink to drop the dish in so I could change and clean up. In my panic I tore off my rubber gloves getting the mixture on my hands (further grossing me out) then yanked my pants off and ran for the bedroom to change. I had to run, the blinds were open,a fact I forgot until my pants were already off, and there was no way I was putting them back on. This has made me even more grateful I live in the country, hopefully no one saw me. otherwise my neighbors have gotten to know me a little too well.

Friday I had one of those days were I did nothing but sit around and read all day. I love those days! It's so nice to just do nothing occasionally. I read Confessions of a Shopaholic. really a good read, light and funny.

Early Mornings

2009-02-04T07:06:00.000-06:00

I just love early mornings! I didn't always. I was just itching to get out of bed this morning, it surprised me. I use to be the one begging for five more minutes. I've really come to enjoy them now though. The day is perfect, unblemished, and ready to be written. It's a peaceful time to be alone in a quiet house with just your thoughts. Of course I hate to be alone and I'm really not in a quiet house, but the snoring from the dogs doesn't interrupt too much. So I have this time for reflection and time with God just to be still and know that He is God. It's truly wonderful. I think everyone should try it. As I'm writing this I can see out my window and the sun is just peeking above the tree line it's beautiful! Well I must go and start this day. Horses to feed, stall to muck, exercise to inflict, (yes I have become a masochist, I exercise daily)and dogs to play with, *sight* my work is never done, but I love it!!

Ta Darling

2009-02-03T15:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was interesting. I finally rode my horse I haven't been able to ride for a few weeks and I loved it! It's weird how you get away from doing something and you forget how much you miss it until you do it again. I'm planning to ride today too. In fact that's where I'm headed next.

The dogs were good for the most part yesterday. no one ran off, but Roper and Jesse did get into a fight. I was in the barn turning the horses out when they started. I yelled at them but that didn't work so I grabbed Kristo's water bucket and doused them. That did the trick. no more fighting.

I also interviewed with the employment service company today that went well. there was a spelling section on one of the forms I had to fill out. Lets hope that doesn't count for much. They sent my information to a company in Electra which isn't too far away from my house. So keep your fingers crossed that I get an interview there.

Well that's all that is new for now...going to ride....yay!!

~weekend adventures~

2009-02-02T06:59:00.000-06:00

Saturday started out like any other day with Roper bounding on the bed to lick our faces, and Jesse trying to worm his way in between us. Chris gets up first to feed the horses and let the dogs out. I get up to start breakfast. I started biscuits but made the batter to thin so change of plans and now we're having pancakes. This means Chris has to cook because I don't make pancakes very well. And why should I learn, Chris makes them very well, like my dad's. After breakfast Chris started working on my truck while I cleaned up breakfast. He worked on the truck all day and it is running wonderfully. I spent the day playing with the dogs, watching Chris work and loafing around the house. All in all a good day.
Sunday we tried a new church. that was interesting. we walked in and were greeted by the ushers. Then the pastor, who informed us that there was extra germ-x in the lobby. Apparently several people in the church had been sick lately and they didn't want us catching anything. This was the first time my reaction was to run out the back. Then the service started and everyone got quiet... except the little kids who only got louder. This was the second time my reaction was to run out the back. Then for the special they brought out the base guitar for a "country" (and I use this term loosely) version of a hymn. This was the third time my reaction was to run out the back door. I managed to stay through the entire service, the preaching was good except he spent the service off on rabbit trails. (those darn rabbits) We went to IHOP for lunch and then home too meet the farrier. He was late. I think that is like job criteria to be a farrier, being late. I would make a good farrier in that respect. Elvis was of course his usual patient self. He would stand there sleeping with his eyes open. Midknight was less than obedient. He kept trying to use the poor farrier(Brett) as a springboard to rear off of. Literally Brett had his hoof between his legs and Midknight was trying to rear. He was somewhat successful until he backed into his stall wall. I don't know why he was behaving so badly, except to say that he tends to "test out" new meat. The farrier hung on and Midknight sighed, lowered his head, and gave up. Ah Kristo's turn. "He's not really stable on three legs, he doesn't put weight on you he sort of falls over" I warned Brett. But hearing isn't always believing. So Brett picked up his hoof and Kristo nearly toppled over. "See what I mean? He's also a contortionist" I warned again. This too had to be understood by doing. So Brett picked up his hoof again (this time he make sure Kristo was stable) Kristo tried to turn to see what Brett was doing. I held his head as best i could, but this is basically what Kristo looked like: head facing me, neck wrapped around Brett's back, one leg up, the other three sprawled in every direction, and wiggling. Working with him is always an adventure. *sigh* While we were outside Jesse was rearranging my house. Chris went in first spanked him and put him in the garage, then came out and told me what Jesse had done to the blinds (mainly pulled them off the door and chewed them up). I was unaware that Chris has already spanked him so I walked through the house calling him, I finally checked the garage, pulled him out spanked him and put him in the yard. I was letting the other two out of the kennel when I asked Chris why Jesse was in the garage. That was when I learned we has spanked him twice. "whoops!" After a trip to wally world to get new blinds which turned into new curtains instead, we crawled into bed watching The Princess Bride thus ending our weekend.

The "water hose" story

2009-01-30T17:17:00.000-06:00

As per my cousin's request:

so yesterday morning started out like any other with roper jumping on my head until i crawled out of the bed. I threw on some jeans, a long sleeve shirt, then another, a sweatshirt, and finally a jacket. (I like the cold; I don't like being cold.) I stumbled into the kitchen and poured myself a cup of coffee. I didn't get to finish it because the dogs were begging to go out, so we went to feed the horses. I dipped up and passed out feed with no trouble, then I grabbed the water hose to fill the buckets. As I grasped the hose I heard a cracking noise, "funny" I thought "oh well". I placed the hose in Midknight's bucket and turned the spigot on. At first nothing happened then I heard the water rushing toward the end of the hose. But something was keeping it from pouring out. Ice. so I turned back to the spigot. Mid way between the bucket and the spigot I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. The water hose, it was lifting up in the air. All of a sudden it began shooting ice pellets at me, poor Midknight, and all over the barn. Then the water came rushing out, once again all over me, poor Midknight, and the barn. I grasped at it. Missed! Sputtering at the water i finally caught the wild hose, plunged it back in the bucket, and surveyed the scene. Midknight was at the back of the stall snorting, so was Kristo, but Elvis was standing next to his door rolling his eyes at me as if to say "you idiot".
I was wet and cold feeling like a drowned cat but i finished the morning chores. I even learned something... when your husband tells you he drained the water hose, don't believe him.
Thanks honey.

Home on the Range

2009-01-30T14:54:00.000-06:00

My life is pretty normal, if you consider having 3 horses and 3 dogs normal. I will say this, my world is never lacking for adventure. I have 2 pure bred Arabians their names are Elvis and Midknight. I have one National Show Horse (1/2 Arab 1/2 Saddlebred) named Monte Kristo. All of my horses picked me. Elvis is my mischievous fathiful friend, he's always there for me and never lets me down. Midknight is my sensitive guy give him your heart and he will never let you down, give him your whip and get ready for a rough ride. Kristo is my brat he lost his mother at an early age and was raised by humans, (if you know horses at all this explains alot) but he's curious and into everything. Just the other morning i went into the barn to feed and found him standing in the isle way waiting for me he had pulled his stall door off it's hinges, was unhurt, and had re-arranged the barn more to his liking.

My dogs, they are the reason i get up in the morning. No, seriously it's hard to sleep with a 65lb blue healer on your head (roper). Jesse (great dane weighing 160) is a mama's boy. His entire goal in life is to get me on the couch so he can lay in my lap. Then there's Beau (yellow lab) he's the best dog in the world. he actually obeys. He also would play fetch until his heart gave out, no matter what the weather was like.

My husband Chris is in the United States Air Force he's stationed here in Wichita Falls, Tx to be an instructor. His passion in life is Team Roping. We are currently working on getting him set up with guys to rope with and a horse. (oh joy a Quarter Horse in the barn with my Arabians) I'll try to forgive him but I can't say how my horses will feel. I really don't have anything against Quarter Horses so long as they don't have a bad attitude. I've met a few that did and it turned me away from them.

So this is basically my life, everyday is a new adventure. There's bound to be a few laughs, hope you stick around to find out.