OH MY

It has been forever since I last posted hasn't it. Sorry all...but life got really busy.

My job is going really well. We are extremely busy now and expecting to get busier over the next couple weeks. We are down to 3 girls again as Eve has moved to the night shift. But that is working out really well. We had found, with the 4 of us, that we had lots of extra time on our hands. Down to 3, we have just the right amount of work to keep us busy for the most part.

Home life is going well. Kids are even more settled into their long days without Doyle and I home. Bailey and Shayne have not missed the bus once - which is fantastic. Melissa is learning lots about household management.

Shayne and Melissa both have celebrated birthdays this week. Shayne is now 14...went to take his Learner's License test and missed one too many questions, so has to re-take it on Thursday. Melissa is now 19 and is anxious to get out on her own - the right way this time.

Hyde and Gunner had a good fall at Dale's. Gunner is far surpassing our expectations, especially with his rough start. Hyde, on the other hand, has stalled in his training. Both boys came home last weekend for a 6 week break over the holiday season. It has been great having them home but I can hardly wait to see them back with Dale pushing for show season success. We had Barb Glazer of Glazer Photographer go out to Dale's at the end of November and take pictures of the boys working cows so when I get them back from her, I will post them all over the place!!!

I have a pile of everyday pictures to load up on the website as well as on the blog...so keep checking back.

Carrie

Girls and posing 3

How it all started!!!

Here are the great pics. Keep in mind that my girls don't get a long very often...so these are great to have.

Girls and posing 2

Then came Bailey. The little "Miss Thing" in my house.

Definately wanting to follow in Melissa's footsteps, she has been trying to imitate her as much as she is allowed to at the age of 11.

Here are a couple of her cuter poses.

Girls and posing

First it was Melissa. The webcam became her best friend. She would sit here in front of the computer and just click off picture after picture. Am thinking that ANTM was partially to blame for this newest fad.

when the webcam broke - she took to using the regular camera.

Conceited??? maybe just a bit. LOL But she is a pretty young lady that's for sure.

Shayne is growing up

Well, my kids just keep getting bigger and bigger. Amazing how that happens hey?

Shayne will be 14 in December. He has his first girlfriend - Breanna. Have not met her yet but have said hi to her on the phone. He said they are keeping it "a secret" from everyone at school so they won't get bugged.

He is also almost as tall as me...give him another 6 months and he will be...not that it will take much seeing as how I am only 5 ft 1. But with a mom this short and a dad that is only 5 ft 8...really...how much of a chance does he have???

Here is his newest picture that he had Melissa take.

Hay crop in Alberta

While it looked to be a great year for hay...it actually has turned out to be a bad year.

The first cut grew really well - nice and high and green. Some farmers were lucky and got it cut and baled before it started to rain...but most of it got rained on.

The second cut, however, did not happen. If a farmer did get a second cut, it was very minimal...and it turns out they are keeping that.

Due to all this, I have heard rumor that some farmers have doubled the price of their rained on first cut bales - asking as much as $75 a round.

That is going to make this year another tough one. We have 3 hay guys that we buy from so we are hopeful that they will have enough for us.

The breeding fee confusion

I have been working on setting my breeding fee for Hyde and Gunner and am just confused as to how to set it up.

I know I can't go for the big buck right now even though their pedigrees are fantastic as they haven't reached the show ring yet. But I also don't want to get it too low.

I am thinking of setting it at $750/mare. This will be broken down into $150 for booking fee (non-refundable) - $100 for chute fee (will be paid to Dale) - $500 for actual breeding fee.

What is the consensus? Is that too much? Too little?

Now my next question is: how do I pick the mares that will be bred to them? With their pedigrees, I am thinking we may get more interest in them than what we have decided on for numbers actually being bred. Dale and I talked this over and decided on a maximum of 10 mares each.

HELP!! LOL

My "honey do" list got worked on

As every wife does, I always have a "honey do" list sitting here for Doyle to work on. He also has his own "to do" list of stuff that he would like to work on. So this week, he did a combination of them as some of the items were the same.

It was FENCING time.

He went and got the post pounder from his boss and spent 2 1/2 days pounding posts along 5 lines of fence. He also made a new line of fence which is great.

He has a little more work to do one the new line - which is where the white gates used to be. He moved that entire fence line back about 40 feet. Which will make this winter a lot easier to move hay as he can get the tractor and hay into the hayshed without TAKING DOWN THE FENCE. This new fence is really nice too - 2 plank when finished.




He also repaired a lot of old broken down fencing - took off the old wire - put in new posts and will re-string with wire over the next couple weeks. One of the fence lines he put new posts in will not be wired until spring so that the horses can eat off of the two pastures at the same time. We are really hoping that will last them until December.

Doyle also pounded a post in at the round pen for me - now to put boards up in those two sections and I will be able to use it again.



We also designed our foaling stall for Dolly. She is due at the end of March which up here in Canada can still be pretty cold. It is going to be 24 x 16...with insulated walls and we will put 3 plexi-glass windows in so she gets some light. Doyle is going to get his buddy out with the bobcat to dig out the old dirt in there and then pack in new claybased dirt and then we will put sand down.

We also re-designed our mare/foal pens for when we get to the breeding stage of our stallion ownership with Hyde, Gunner and Molson.

Fuzzy beasts

Winter must be just around the corner. The leaves are all gone...the green has disappeared from all but the really well protected grass. And THE HORSES LOOK LIKE FUZZY DICE!!!

Here are a couple shots of the fuzziest of them all:

Lucky - age 31.



Molson - age 1



Gidget - age 2

Angel is home

On Oct 7, Melissa and I went over to Jay's to pick up Angel. We had been hoping that someone would be there to show us what they had done with her as part of the agreement behind the breeding lease was that they would ride her for us - we are in desparate need of another really good quiet riding horse.

No one was around that we could see so we just went out to the pasture to catch her. She was very easy to catch and load which was a nice change.

After we got her home, we turned her out with Lucky in the small pasture. She could meet and greet with everyone else over the fence - which turned out to not be a great thing as she was rearing, striking and kicking at everyone so we just turned them out together. Things settled down really easy once the others realized that they couldn't just chase her off - that she would stand her ground.

Melissa then realized that she wanted to ride her so spent the next 20 minutes trying to catch her again. But managed to do it without too much trouble.

Once she was caught, Melissa tacked her up to go for a ride...but then the trouble started. Angel was BAD. She kept trying to bolt, refused to turn, and was just down and out hard to handle.

Melissa then put her back in the arena and I went out to try to help her figure out the problems. We tried riding on a loose rein and just using leg aides to turn - but that seemed to make her bolt. So we tried just using direct reining techniques but she would rear. When she did that, Melissa would push her into a lope to make her work harder for being bad. We tried to work on big circles and serpentine curves to see if it was just tight circles that were the problem...but it didn't seem to be.

During the week, Melissa rode her a couple more times with no better success. She switched saddles to see if that was a problem. Switched bits and even went to the sidepull (bitless bridle) to no avail. The one thing I am proud of though is through this Melissa is not giving up...when Angel would misbehave before, Melissa would just get off and put her away.

I called Jay to get an update from him as to what was done with her. Randy, Jay's partner, called and said that they hadn't really done much with her this year due to her having the foal, but he would be willing to come over and help Melissa with her and if Melissa wanted, he would take her back for 2 weeks or so and get her going for us again. He said it sounded to him like she had reverted to where she was last year when they picked her up.

Will keep you updated.

Update for Oct on the boys

Well, I am a little mixed up on my chronological order in doing all these posts this time but here goes with my update on Hyde and Gunner from Oct 3:

Dale and Hyde were already in her massive round pen warming up with we arrived. So we walked over and through the cattle pen and up on to the seats and hunkered down to watch him work.

Right now she is working on getting more controlled, collected and immediate stop. She has been letting him stop with the cow so that she could get the stop/turn happening as the cow did it - working on confidence. Now she wants him to start coming to a complete stop before the cow does. When he does it - man he is explosive in his turn or his jump ahead to go straight with the cow. I am not sure I could stay on one of those turns. She also has started doing a figure eight pattern at the reverse. It is really neat to watch her and listen - she has gone back to talking to me and explaining everything in great detail as it is happening. I also noticed again that she is very quick to pat once they have done something correctly...but also as quick to discipline if they are continually doing it wrong.

When he was done, she did exactly what she said last time. Got off him - put me on and had me ride him out and open and close the gate - talking me through it all step by step. After we were through we did a bunch of sidepassing....which I was totally doing WRONG. NO wonder Skeena couldn't figure out what I was wanting her to do. LOL We spent probably 15 minutes on it. She said I do have the technique down but need to be more assertive with him. He had me figured out in about 3 minutes that I wasn't as demanding as Dale. LOL Go figure hey? She did say that my leg aides are great as well as my confidence in doing the normal stuff - also said I look very relaxed which was great. She told me to keep practicing at home and to try to strengthen my left leg as she could tell by how Hyde moved that it isn't as strong as my right. I think that has to do with my back issue because I did notice today that when I was using it - my back hurt on the right side. So will have to discuss that with my chiropractor.

We untacked him - and she had me do lots of it this time and put him on the hot walker.

Then it was Gunner's turn. He sure is one built little man. Dale also had me help tack him up - well...just put his splint boots on. I was holding them and she said "put them on"...and then had to tell me how because I have never used them. I had the basic idea down but not the exact placement.

Gunner is working great. She is working on his turning - front legs crossing over each other properly instead of just HOPPING around cause he thinks it is quicker. She also has started the reverse figure 8. He isn't as speedy as Hyde at anything yet but that is to be expected as he is 5 months behind on the cattle work. His main problem today was his stop. he just wanted to keep moving. So that was what they worked on. Go and stop. Go and stop. But is he ever more relaxed about everything. Never got into a dither even when being told HARD to stop NOW. Dale worked 2 cows with him. On the 2nd one he did great with 3 perfect stops. So she quit right then.

I didn't get up on him today as after riding Hyde my back was not happy. But next time - I hope - I will ride them both.

So all in all a great visit.

Is it still a "new" job after a month???

It sure feels like it. The days seem to be either getting longer or shorter - depending on how much work there is and how well I have slept the night before.

We finally are set up in our office. We are all together - which is new. But we got new desks, computer monitors, keyboards and SUPPLIES!!! It sure is nice not to have to worry about things like that at this place.

We also got our "assignments". We will be starting to put in all the employees (DFL - Direct Field Labor) timesheets on a daily basis. There are currently just over 1800 men working for Bantrel at the Refinery. They are starting to "man up" (meaning hire more workers to get the job complete on time) - and we should have just under 3000 men by then.

This means a lot of work for us timekeepers. They have actually asked us to put out feelers for 2 more - one for day shift and one for night shift.

It will be a big learning curve this week again with the new process. This new process also means working 6 days a week - which sucks cause I won't be home to get much done or play with the horses much but the paycheques will be FANTASTIC.

NEW LOOK

Well, I finally got busy and did something this week. I changed the look of my blog - as well as the addy for it - to match my new website.

The Supreme and Dale

Dale showed this last week at the Canadian Supreme. It is one of the largest shows for reining, cutting and working cowhorse in Canada.

She showed Hyde's sister in the Open Cutting Futurity. She made it through to the 2nd go round but not to the finals. Which is too bad because this mare is AMAZING.

She also showed her 4 year old mare "OUT PLAY EM" to a 4th place finish in the Canadian Supreme Open Maturity class.

I am very happy for her and just wish I could have gotten down there to watch her and cheer her on.

She has e-mailed me a couple times to remind me that next year at this time both Hyde and Gunner will be showing there!!!

Confidence comes slowly

Bailey's confidence in handling the horses has been slowly building over the last couple months. She stunned me a couple weeks ago when she "asked" to ride Sonny.

Things are progressing a lot faster now that she has done that.

On Friday, after I got home from work, she asked if she could go catch and brush Molson. I said okay...knowing that Molson likes attention.

About an hour later, she came back in and said "Molson wouldn't let me take him out of the pasture so I let him go and caught Sonny. I took him into the barn, tied him up and brushed him and cleaned his feet. He was a very good boy Mom". Needless to say I was speechless to start with. But then went "that's great!!!".

Saturday dawned with chores on the horizon so no horse stuff.

Sunday, Bailey's friend Tamara was coming over to ride. Bailey asked if she could go outside and I, of course, said "sure". So off she went. About 15 minutes later, I hear "MOM" from the front door. I look out and she has her own horse, Skeena. this mare normally runs from anyone lately to avoid being caught. I asked how she managed to catch her and she grinned and said "I had oats". LOL Priceless.

So she took her and brushed her up and then put her in a stall to await Tamara's arrival.

The two girls took turns riding for about 3 hrs. That is one patient horse cause the two girls can't reach the stirrup so they have to climb up pulling like crazy on the saddle in all sorts of different places. Guess Doyle will have to build a mounting block. LOL

they turned her loose and came in to warm up (we are into the bite of fall up here in canada).

I had people come and look at Sonny - and Bailey beat us all out to the pasture and had him caught and was bringing him into teh barn for us. They were impressed with that.

AFter they left, the two girls again caught Skeena and even tacked her up. I had to tighten the cinch and they rode for another hour.

I guess Bailey's fear is slowly going away. And alot of that is due to Tamara but I think also to Sonny for being such a good boy for her.

Week Two down

Last week marked week 2 of my new job. It is going great. Learning LOTS. Have had 3 days of training and did a workshop.

The guys have been fantastic to do stuff for. They are very understanding with how little time we have had (we meaning Eve, Rhonda and myself) actually doing the work that we were hired to do.

We have caught the payroll department up completely now (filing - checking the daily timesheets, etc.) so they are starting to cross train us on the actual payroll work. This is a great boost to all of us - and something else great to put on our resumes.

We also found out that we were not hired on a temp contract basis as we were told in our interview. We have been put on as permanent timekeepers. Which means that when this job is finished in August - we will be asked to go to the next build.

That build is in Fort Saskatchewan (same distance from home for me) and is scheduled for completion in 2010. So that means another 3 years of work.

That is great for all 3 of us.

Honesty when selling

How much do you tell?

When you are selling horses...do you tell everything about the horse? Do you tell just the good? Do you tell some of the bad - but say what you have done to correct it?

Sometimes I think I am too honest and say too much. But I don't want someone to buy from me - get the horse home - and then run into a problem that I knew about.

I know it could be holding my sales back.

Doyle thinks I do it so that I won't sell. Meaning Sonny. LOL

Hmmm.

Down two more

The fourth Saturday of every month is the big horse sale at the Tofield Auction. I loaded up Dusty and Paris on the Friday and hauled them in...not that I normally sell at auctions, but they have been for sale since they were weanlings and no serious bites on them.

Needing to downsize, this was one of the ways to go about it.

Had lots of interest in them from the people looking the horses over in the stalls. One of the main comments was how quiet they were and accepting of everything. One gentleman asked how often they leave home - due to their quiet nature - and I said this is the first time. He was amazed and called his friend over to look at them as well. Maybe they ended up being one of the buyers???

I set a reserve on them and both exceeded it...and both went to homes...so I am happy in a way. Definately didn't get what I was asking for privately but what can you do.

Good luck to their new owners...they got some great little horses to play with.

Bailey went riding

It seems to be an impossibility but Bailey actually asked to ride Sonny the other day.

This is my little timid girl...wanting to ride a green horse rather than her well broke - well behaved mare.

Interesting hey?

She didn't ride for long but it was long enough for her to realize that as long as you keep yourself in control and don't show your fear then you will be fine.

She even rode IN THE YARD and not in the arena which seems to be the only place she will ride her mare.



So this is a boost for her and one for Sonny. He was very well behaved - even reversing for her when she has no body weight to put behind the request in the saddle. LOL I would say he is coming into himself as a well behaved man.

Carrie

p.s. I know she needs a helmet - now that she is really showing an interest we will go get her one this weekend.

One week under my belt

I made it - at least through the first week.

It was quiet for the most part. Spent the first day in orientation. Then the next two in the file room. They are very behind due to the number of employees...so it has been great for them to have us three new girls there to help them get caught up.

We, meaning myself, Eve and Rhonda (the other two new timekeepers), are doing individual training with the head timekeeper which is great. Eve went down to the live site on Tuesday as she already has her CSTS course (Construction Safety Training System). Rhonda took hers on Tuesday and went to the plant site on Wednesday while I took my course.

I went to the plant site on Thursday and had a blast. I forgot how much fun it was there. So relaxing even when swamped. The guys were all great and very understanding when I got a big flustered and had to figure out where I was in the system (Pat was helping someone else). But I managed.

The computer system so far seems easy - only 4 screens that I really have to worry about. One is to move men from crew to crew. One is to find out what their time was for the day - and to check to see if they have been paid properly. The other is the "employee information" page...you see when they started, payrate etc. The fouth is the paycheque page just in case you have to print off a new stub for them.

Most of the work seems to be straight forward. If a foreman comes in and wants a man moved from his crew to someone elses, you do that. You also help the foremen put in the guys time every day. they do it but you help if they get stuck - mostly getting stuck is forgetting their passwords. LOL

Thursdays seem to be the busiest though as that is paycheque day. All the guys get is just a printed paystub (all direct deposit). So if there are problems, we go into the computer and see if we can figure it out. If we can, then we send a copy of the paystub to payroll for it to be fixed.

So all in all, I think the job will be great.

Doyle's (hubby) work trailer is also only about 10 feet away from the one I will be in so we will be able to see each other throughout the day. He is also going to spoil me compared to some of the other employees I will be with. I have use of his fridge, microwave and he will be stocking up with pepsi for me as well so I won't have to buy it from the vending machine!! Guess it can't hurt to have connections. LOL

Carrie

New day - new job

Well, my first Monday of getting up early didn't start off so well. We had a small power outage on Saturday and I thought I had set my clock right last night - but NOPE - not me. If anything will go wrong and can go wrong - it will - to me. LOL

So I slept in until 6. Supposed to be gone by 6:30 but I have 45 minutes of routine stuff to get done. So I was a little behind.

Melissa had to go to St. Albert this morning and while I got her there - she was 15 minutes late. I then had to go back all the way across the city to get back to my job.

The wildcat strike is still going on so the company I am now working for only has 15% of it's workforce there right now. So at least I am going to get lots of good training instead of "here ya go". LOL

I am working this week from 9:30 - 5:30 - instead of 7 - 5:30. But we are still being paid for the full 10 hr day - which is great.

So tomorrow is another day. Hope it goes as good as this one.

Carrie

Weekend activities at the Ranch

We spent Saturday on fall cleaning. Leaves are turning faster than you can say "boo"...so that makes us want to get all the outside stuff done as well as some inside stuff done quickly.

I cleaned the house on Saturday morning and got a good supper going. My sister and her family (including her MIL and FIL from Nova Scotia) came over for supper. My 2 year old niece is just adorable.

She had to go and see the "baby kitties" and then she had to go "ride the horsey" with Melissa. So up she got on Sonny and round and round the yard she went...first by herself and then with Melissa. I was amazed - she has NEVER been on a horse before - and just wanted to keep going. She even told Melissa - "let's go ride that one now"...and was pointing at Gidget.




On Sunday, I had a webdesign client come over and we worked on his website. Got a few pictures up and made some design choices...so now just a matter of entering text, pictures and pedigrees and we will be good to go.

It was also a weekend of "steel toed boot" wearing. I did really well - wearing them for 6 hours on Saturday and 7 hours on Sunday...and NO blisters.

Carrie

YIPPEE - I'M DONE

Friday was a nice day - both weather wise and work wise.

I had a lot on my plate to get finished before my job was completely finished though. Got ALMOST everything done that was on my "to do" list so I was happy with how I left.

But, of course, not all can go smooth.

As we were leaving the office, Amber went to lock the front door for me and BROKE IT. Well, almost. LOL the latch at the bottom of the door dropped too soon and the door was stuck. Took 3 social workers and one admin (me) to fix the problem.

We then all headed out to the Bullpen Sports Bar for an evening of drinks and gossip.

It was a very nice way to end my sojourn at that job.

Carrie

Heavenly Angels

On Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 2 pm, Semi Sweet Doc (AQHA chestnut mare) and Copy Roan Bar (AQHA red roan mare) and Odie (unkwown pedigreed dog) crossed over the rainbow bridge.

All three went extremely peacefully...for which I will be forever grateful.

Semi was my "pretty lady". She was also my "grain pig". She will never be forgotten for her toughness in the face of adversity - and she faced lots this year (go back to the earliest posts of my blog to see her injury). Her whinny everytime you went outside was just so joyful - and made my heart sing everytime - even though I knew it was more because that meant she was getting grain - but it still was a beautiful sound.



Copy, my "copper kettle" as I called her. My poor old lady. She lived the life of a queen here. I never asked of her more than she was willing to give. She also had a lot of firsts under my ownership - she wore blankets in the winter. Had her halter changed to a nice one from a ratty old thing. She also got to feel what a brush felt like at times. she also lived her last 3 summers WITHOUT a foal at side - got to be just a horse - not an incubator.




And little man Odie. What can I say. He was a cool old dog. 12 years old when we inherited him along with the purchase of our farm. He taught our dogs how to protect the property, how to accept all the CATS with dignity. And was always the first to meet my parent when they came for a visit - even if he was deafer than a doornail for anyone or anything else.



All three were buried together on the hill out back - friends forever.

I have spent the last couple days in quiet contemplation. Looking out the windows at the horses...walking amongst them just patting and hugging those that will allow.

I know I did what was best for all three of my cherished friends...and while it will be hard for a long time to go out and not see them...I know I can go out to their grave and talk to them.

Carrie

2nd last day

at my old job was today.

It was a relief to go in and not have anything "up in the air"...no "nastiness" to deal with about anything.

It was pretty relaxed which was perfect after yesterday.

We had a "good-bye potluck" lunch for me...and people I hadn't worked with for a long time came...it was a great time.

And I got a fantastic going away gift...something I never expected. Montana Silver Horse shoe earrings. they are beautiful.

Then I got the story behind them.

Apparently, Betty Ann and STacey sent Amber out to buy me a gift. Told her to go to Cole's Western Wear...and to buy me SPURS AND A WHIP. Poor Amber!!! She said "absolutely not" as she blushed. But off she trotted and picked out these stunning little earrings.

Everyone was very pleased. And then the question started "Does Carrie have pierced ears?" Can you believe that after 2 1/2 years, no one knew for sure. It was "I think so"..."maybe not"..."can't see her ears because of her long hair". Connie's comment was the funniest though, she said "well, the rest of us do so why wouldn't she". LOL

In any event, I do have pierced ears. Just never wear anything other than my little diamond studs. Guess now that I have these I will switch them out every once in a while. They definately won't just sit on my dresser with my belt buckle I got for christmas (that is actually very nice - i just don't wear belts). LOL

Carrie

UH OH - strike???

I have been a little concerned this week with my new job.

There is a "wild cat" strike going on with all the trades here. And one of the job sites affected and one of the companies affected is where I am supposed to be on Monday.

After calling the HR department on Tuesday, I finally got a response today on what I am to do on Monday.

I am to report to work at 9:30 - not 7. And work until 5 - not 5:30. At least on Monday. They will assess the situation for tuesday at that time.

Apparently the workers have been told to GET BACK TO WORK.

I hope things work out...otherwise I am in a bit of a spot for finances. EEPS

Carrie

Wednesday Woes

Wednesday dawned dark and dismal. Forecast called for cold and rain for most of the day. My first though on hearing that on the radio before I got up was "typical".

After the kids went off to school, I played on the computer for a bit...then got BUSY on the house. And it just sparkled by noon. I did the kitchen, family room, living room, dishes, cleaned the fridge and the stove.

And all to keep myself busy so I wouldn't mope while waiting for the vet to arrive at 1.

Doyle came home early from work and my girlfriend Sharon came over so I would have some support.

The backhoe arrived at noon and went to work.

At 1, the vet arrived and she did a thorough exam on Lucky - who was scheduled to get her teeth done. Vet determined that there was nothing we could do for her teeth. Suggested a mush grain diet for her and just hay in the winter for "something to do". Vet also determined that her overall health is fantastic for her age (31 years old).

Then it was on to Sonny (black gelding that I have for sale). He needed his teeth done as well. Vet really liked him and his personality.

then it was on to the rough stuff. We went into the stall with Semi and Copy and they were given a small shot of tranq. Then it was Odie's turn (our old man dog).

We lead them out to the pasture (after getting a couple pictures of the old girls). Both were good on their final walk. They went very peacefully over the rainbow bridge. We stayed with them for a little while and talked about them with the vet - told her their life stories...the good and bad parts that we knew. And she cried a little bit with us.

We went back to the barn where Odie was slowly slipping away. The vet helped him cross over too. It was extremely peaceful for him as well.

It was a very hard day for us all...but we know it was for the best. All three of these loved pets were here until they showed us that they just couldn't be anymore. And I think we gave them the best there was to be right to the end.

We will never forget them!!!

Carrie

Friends and Foes

The internet sure has a lot of great uses. It helps bring people together...is great for information gathering too.

But sometimes, it can hurt.

It is easy to remain anonymous in everything you do online. If you have enough "online personas"...you can do and say anything you like...to anyone you like...with no one the wiser.

I think those that do that are some of the nastiest people on earth.

If you are not "human" enough to do it up front and personal...then there is something wrong with you. If you are doing something that would not "make your momma proud"...there is something wrong with you.

In this day and age of all the violence, at home and abroad, you would think that people would try to be more humane - nice - to others.

Maybe I am just not very realistic in my thinking. I am definately not a "church goer" but sure preach to my kids and to friends "do unto others as you would have done unto you".

Karma is a bitch and sooner or later it will get us all for things.

Carrie

New website

Well, it is up and running.

http://www.acutaboveperformancehorses.com

Many thanks to Paige for helping edit things - even stuff I have had wrong for a couple years. OOPS

And even more thanks to Belinda for helping with the background and for making my cool logo.

I will be playing with that to get some business cards made and putting it on some stationary.

Carrie

V Day

is tomorrow.

The Vet will be here at 1 pm.

She is scheduled to do Sonny and Lucky's teeth and then put Semi and Copy down.

Backhoe will be here at noon to dig the hole.

We have decided to bury the girls next to India - my 2 year old that broke her leg 2 years ago. I picked out a couple nice big rocks to be moved over there as well...Doyle figures he will be able to move them on the weekend after we get the graves leveled a bit better.

My girlfriend Sharon is going to come over so I have some emotional support during all this. Doyle will be at work and the younger two kids will be at school. Melissa isn't sure if she can handle this so I would imagine she will be inside the house or will take Skeena out for a good ride during all this.

I will be taking a pile of pics tomorrow of these two wonderful old horses.

Carrie

New job and boots

Well, I went and completed one more part of my new job today.

Had to go and do a D&A Test (drug and alcohol). Didn't take very long and was absolutely painless. And was passed with flying colors.

I also took my boots back and got a new pair. Couldn't find anything smaller than a ladies 5 so will have to do with that. But these ones are a little wider so no more pain in the toes and the heel portion is built different so even with my huge blisters, I can wear these.

I also found "heel guard" things that you would normally put in the back of a ladies dress pump shoe and will try those if I need them.

Carrie

Finally some video

After trying to get video uploaded here at Blogger for over a week...I gave up and went to Youtube.

While it did finally load - it took 45 minutes - and completely shut me out of every other internet thing I could possibly do. LOL

And all for an EIGHTEEN SECOND video.

But here it is in all it's glory.

It is of Hyde and Dale working one cow.



Now to hope this works.

Carrie

New website

Well, as I can't get any response from my website host company as to what the problem is with my website (can't upload any changes), I am very quickly building a new site.

New name is "A Cut Above Performance Horses".

I have played with 4 or 5 different ideas and keep coming back to the same basic layout - which isn't good. Paige calls it my "default". LOL

I really need to take some courses and learn how to make graphics and backgrounds.

Many thanks to Belinda for making my logo. It is great.

Carrie

One almost gone - one almost here

Times are a changing.

I have 2 days left at my old job. They are having a pot-luck lunch on Thursday for me and have invited people from the other offices that I worked with. This, if the other ones are anything to go by, will be a "speech and gift" thing. And then, on Friday, a few of us are heading out to the bar for a bit of a bash - more relaxed and only those closest to me coming.

I have said good-bye to some of my co-workers as I won't be seeing them and that was hard enough one on one - I can't imagine saying good bye to a bunch at a time.

While there are parts of my job that I definately won't miss at all, it will be a week of needing kleenex for sure.

Less than a week to go for the start of my new job. Haven't been told what time to arrive for my orientation but expecting that anyday...if I haven't heard by Thursday, I will call them. Am a little nervous but also excited.

Have been getting the kids used to doing things on their own in the morning as well as myself - up at 5:45 today. By Friday I will be up at 5 am - YUCK. Not a nice thing that's for sure.

Carrie

Halfway to Heaven

Well, we have one part of "d-day" done. I have booked the backhoe for Wed am to come and dig Semi's grave.

Now to call the vet to come as well.

This is alot harder than I thought even though I know it is for the best.

Semi has been such a love the last few days.

I turned her out into the pasture with the other horses on the weekend and bring her in in the am and pm for her grain. This morning she was waiting at the gate. She is such a sweet old lady.

I will really miss her

Carrie

Sonny's success

Sonny has been "working" his "fat off" for 2 weeks now.



Melissa has been riding him. She has gotten over her nerves on him once she realized that if she gave him shit for being a jerk, he would cave and be a good boy.

They have graduated from lunging and then riding in the arena at a walk and a trot...to doing the basics (circles and reverses) in the arena and then heading out on the roads for a mini trail ride.

Melissa even braved our "circle" which is actually a rectangle. LOL It is a 2 mile long by 1 mile wide circuit around our roads here. And one mile of it is a major highway. Sonny apparently acted scared of absolutely everything - the hay bales that could be hiding a moose - the trees that may reach out and grab him - and the long grass the is harboring horse eating gophers.

She said he was hilarous. But never balked once she asked him to go past all this scary stuff.

She took him part way tonight and she said he was fine with everything.

I am sooo proud of my black man. He will make someone a great little horse with some more miles on him.

Carrie

Boots and Blisters

Well, in getting ready for my new job, Doyle found me a pair of steel toed work boots. I have worn them off and on for a couple of days with yesterday being a long day in them - at least 5 hours - which is nothing when you think that I will be working a 10 hr day or so.

This morning I paid for it big time. Didn't realize it until I put the boots back on...but I have BLISTERS on the backs of my ankles. Right where the top of your running shoes would hit.

I tried everything I had at hand here at home. Thicker padded socks...bandaids under the socks. Nothing helped.

I didn't realize you could be that sore.

When the boots were on - I couldn't even pick my feet up off the floor and FORGET ABOUT WALKING. That was a stiff kneed - pick the feet straight up and down - frankenstien walk if I ever had one.

Doyle came home early from work and we tried everything with the boots themselves. Switched insoles...longer laces so we could tighten them up more (thinking that if they were tighter my feet wouldn't slid in the boots). No go. I couldn't even handle the boots on by this time.

So the next plan of action is to go and try on different brands and styles of boots tomorrow night with Doyle. Maybe we can find one that will work better. And maybe fit better. Doyle figures the ones I have are too big.

I have "itty bitty" feet. Normally wear a girl's 3 1/2 runner but buy a 4 1/2 to get my wide and high arches in them. These boots are a 5 in ladies and we think are just too large...lol So we will try a smaller pair tomorrow.

Carrie

Travelling man

Dale has been taking Hyde on field trips.

He has made one trip to Claresholm to a clinic. It was a day trip so he could get used to being away from home. She said he was a very good boy...and she even used him as a turn back horse for one rider.

The next trip was just this past Sunday. It was a competition in which her assistant was showing. Dale used Hyde to pony her show horse - just to show him it was okay to be doing that kind of work. She said he never batted an eyelash.

Then it happened - Hyde showed some SPUNK AND ATTITUDE. Dale thought she would take him for a little tour of the place and was out in a green belt. There was a group of mares and Hyde started talking. Well, that is just not allowed so he got in trouble. Normally he stops right away...but not this time. So he got in even more trouble and he rebelled.

Going so far as to REAR STRAIGHT UP and almost over backwards. Needless to say Dale was stunned and furious with him...and he got a huge tune-up.

I am glad it happened when he wasn't showing!!!

Carrie

Fun times

Melissa and I went down to Dale's on Monday to see the boys. We got there early so got to watch Dale work a 3 year old futurity horse. That was neat neat neat. She had to correct him a lot for his head placement to start with but after she really got after him he was awesome to watch.

Then it was on to the boys. She grabbed up Hyde first (her assistant had warmed him up)...and it was off to the round pen.

All FRESH cattle too.

She has gone back to the basics with him as we had been pushing him a bit to see if he could possibly do a futurity class but he just isn't there yet - mentally or trained to that level.

He worked really well...was very attentive and only had to be told a couple times to add some new stuff in to the program. He is very good at rating the cows and moves off them on his own. And man is that boy fast. A couple times I thought he was going to jump right out from under Dale. His turn arounds are very speedy too.




After Dale was done working him...I asked if I could sit on him. Her response "of course, he is your horse". So I up got and she gave me a couple pointers...and then said "I am going to go get Gunner...you have fun". And off she went to the barn.

Hyde and I felt each other out for a few minutes and then it was off to the races. Not literally of course. But we did some reversing, some big circles, some really tight ones...then some trotting - he is either really rough - or I can't ride anymore. More than likely I just can't ride. LOL I also felt comfortable enough to lope. Probably on the wrong lead but we did it.



In watching the video - he sure isn't as comfortable under me as he is with Dale. So I have a lot of work to do.

When Dale got back, she said "sit on Hyde in the middle of the round pen and I will work Gunner around you.

That was interesting - especially considering the first cow she let in came right up and sniffed Hyde's nose. The thought going through my brain was "OMG - I CAN'T RIDE HIM IF HE JUMPS TO CATCH THE COW". Dale called to me and said "put your hand on his neck infront of the saddle pad and he will know to stay still and not work the cow". As soon as I did that, he relaxed. What a cool feeling.

Gunner went to work - rating cows and doing some turn backs. I think that little man is faster than Hyde. But he is funny to watch. He sits on his hind end and pops around the turns...looks like a small rear. But he sure is interested.




And Dale is sooo keen on them both it makes it worth the big cheque every month.

After all was said and done with Gunner, Dale told me to move the cow out of the round pen with Hyde. I laughed nervously. She said "keep your rein really loose and your hand really high and Hyde will know that he is just to push the cow and not work the cow." She then told me what to do with my legs etc. to keep him in position. I sure will learn a lot from her over the next year.




We moved the cows out and Dale asked me if I was going to open the gate. I said not this time - my sidepassing knowledge is very limited so we spent the next 5 minutes learning that. She said that it would be my turn next time.

I then got to ride Gunner back to the barn and around the barn yard. He sure is a little guy but very responsive.



I can hardly wait to go back again.

Carrie

New doctor for myself

I have gone back to my old chiropractor in Red Deer. It is a little bit of a drive - just over 1 1/2 hours one way. But boy am I ever glad.

I saw him for the first time on our first day of vacation and felt great for almost 3 weeks. That in itself is amazing as I normally don't get more than 2 days of relief.

He took a bunch of x-rays (low back, hip and shoulder) to compare them with the results from the people I was seeing in Edmonton.

On Sunday, Melissa and I drove down and saw him. He showed me my x-ray and said there is a little bit of change from the x-rays he took of me 5 years ago but nothing major. Just mostly muscle damage from things never being put back properly.

So he did another major adjustment and I was pretty sore but we were spending the night at a hotel and we made sure it had a hottub. So spent a good hour in it and got loosened up.

Saw him again on Monday and he said things are feeling a bit better joint wise but still not great muscle wise.

He told me to "get active" and I would start feeling better. But it would take a while - maybe a year or so - but I would SURVIVE. I am soo thankful I went back to him.

Carrie

Sizes of the youngsters

Before I turned everyone out after getting their feet done, I thought I would get measurements of everyone.

Now these have to be taken with a grain of salt as they were standing outside on the grass and were not caught. LOL

I am also going to add in Hyde and Gunner as I consider them part of my youngsters (their measurements were takne on the cement).

Hyde - 14 hh at the withers - no hip measurement (he is 3)
Gidget - 13.2 at the withers - 13.3 at the hip (she is 2)
Dusty - 14 at the withers - 14.1 at the hip (she is 2)
Gunner - 13.1 at the withers - no hip measurement (he is 2)
Paris - 14 at the withers - 14.2 at the hip (she is a yearling)
Molson - 12.1 at the withers - 12.3 at the hip (he is a yearling)

What a difference in everyone hey?

Carrie

Long weekend

The long weekend dawned bright and sunny - thank goodness.

Doyle and the kids took off early for Doyle's mom's. They took the new trailer and the quads.

I stayed home and did horse stuff.

Farrier showed on time and we did up all the horses. It was great. We did them all outside for the first time...and besides a couple jumps...everyone was really well behaved.

i also managed to get everyone wormed.

After the farrier left, I headed into town and picked up Melissa and we went and did the "school lunch" shopping.

Bought alarm clocks for Shayne and Bailey because once I start my new job they will be on their own to get up and off to school.

Melissa and I watched a movie on Saturday night and then headed to bed.

Carrie

Vet visit and hard decisions

After getting off the phone with the farrier, it was time to go and let the horses go...also time to load up Semi into the trailer to take her to the clinic for her ultrasound to see if she was FINALLY in foal.

Took 3 of us to load her - she is definately back to normal. And then we were off.

Got into the clinic. Talked to Dr. Doyle...the vet who looked after Semi's chest injury. She asked how she was doing. I told her about her face problem and she said they would look at that for me too.

Once I got her inside the clinic and into the stocks, Dr. Doyle did some visual and motor type tests on her and determined that it was not a stroke but some nerve damage to her face. She said it may or may not reverse itself...and that there was nothing that could be done for her to help her out.

The other vet did the ultrasound and found NOTHING. No baby. But also NO problems. She did a very thorough repro ultrasound - even compared the size of her uterine cyst from what it was like 2 years ago when the AI'd Semi for me to have Molson...and it hadn't changed. So no reason that they could see that she wasn't in foal.

When they told me that, I told them that I would probably be putting Semi down due to all her issues. They then did a small but, again very thorough, physical exam - checked her legs (knees, hocks, fetlocks) and said the arthritis would probably really start bothering her. Her knees are the worst. They also said her teeth are horrid (which I knew) but not to the extent that they shouldn't be done again.

So we made the decision that we would be putting her down.

I am still looking for someone with a backhoe to come dig her final resting place and then will make the appointment. Copy, my red roan mare, who is not doing well either (and is medically unmanageable) will be put down with Semi.

Friends forever.

Carrie

Farriers and frustrations

Got up the morning of August 27 and waited patiently for the farrier to arrive.

Had moved Semi into the barn the night before and let the big group meander into her pasture - which they did happily - so that everyone was easily caught and brought into the barn for him.

By 9:30 I had made my first phone call - had to leave a message. Called him again at 10:45 and left yet another message.

At 11:50, he called back and he said "Did we have an appointment???"

I said - umm...yup. We made it after the last time you cancelled on me...with very short notice. You gave me the date and time.

He said - sorry...I forgot to write you in my book. So can we do another day?

My response was that I could only do next monday which is the holiday and I know you don't work weekends. He said that he would come on Saturday for me cause he felt bad. Then he proceeded to tell me that his rates had gone up - to $40 a trim.

Now my frustrations with all this is - he is a great farrier. But turning into not so great of a business man.

I have a very hard time getting farriers out here because I live "in the middle of no where" according to most of them. I am 35 miles to the nearest city. But only 2 miles off one of the major highways in the province.

I don't get it. I pay whatever the farrier asks for because I know I am over a barrel.

I know I will keep waiting and waiting for him - and paying his ever increasing rates - but what else can I do???

Carrie

Back to work

Well, it was back to the daily grind after our vacation. And what a couple of weeks it was.

The other Admin took her days off that she had accumulated while I was away plus a vacation day so that left me holding down the fort for 5 days. During that time, I went on a job interview for Bantrel Construction.

They do "oilsands" construction...building oil and gas refineries.

It was a very interesting interview. Very short and to the point. I then went home and stewed about it over the weekend.

Finally, called them on Tuesday as they had said I would know either way by Monday afternoon if I had gotten the job.

Turns out that their HR department in another city was to let me know. They finally did after they found out that I had not received the OFFER PACKAGE.

So I am off to another job starting the 17th of September. While exciting it is also scary. I hate the "new" part of a new position. But never seem to have problems acclimatizing myself.

It will be an interesting position in any event. The job is at the Petro-Canada refinery where Doyle (hubby) works and we will be seeing quite a lot of each other as apparently, our working trailers are within a 5 minute walk from each other. Not sure exactly whether that is a good or a bad thing. LOL

The job is temp - until mid summer 2008 - with a possibility of being asked to go along to the next build.

So we shall see.

Carrie

School starts soon

TWO MORE WEEKS!!!! SEPTEMBER 4!!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!

Too bad it is such an expensive time of year.

We gathered up the school supply lists and headed to town today. Spent 2 hours at Walmart and gathered up everything the kids needed - except for backpacks and lunchkits. I am pretty sure we have enough of those laying around now.

Went for lunch and then home to get everything labeled and organized.

Doyle arrived home with the mail and inside was Shayne's time table and school fee list. OUCH.

I can hardly wait to get Bailey's. Oh...also have to remember to pay Bailey's bus fees or she won't have a way to get to school.

MONEY MONEY MONEY

TTFN

Carrie

Last camp out before work starts - and more kid problems

On Saturday, we received a phone call from Doyle's cousin Cal and his wife Lorraine. They are in town from Nigeria where Cal works building oil and gas refinerys.

It was a good thing the trailer hadn't been unpacked or unhitched as we headed out around 4 pm for an overnight visit.

On the way there, I had some sunflower seeds. The kids all asked for some. Immediately after eating them, Shayne said "the roof of my mouth is itchy". We told him to have a drink of water. 5 minutes later he started complaining of "heartburn" type symptoms, so we stopped in a little town to get some Tums and Rolaids for him. Well, that didn't work...and the heartburn by this time was so bad Shayne was crying.

Then the itching started. I had him lift up his shirt and he was blowing up with little tiny hives. We took off for the nearest hospital - 20 minutes away.

When we arrived, they called the doctor and when he arrived he took one look at Shayne and gave him a shot of antihistemine. Wow...did that ever work fast. It also made Shayne very sleepy. He had a good hour sleep at the hospital while we waited for Doyle to come back (he had taken the truck and trailer to his cousins to set up before dark).

In the meantime, Melissa had asked the doctor about a new cast (it was put on horribly wrong and then cut to make room and then taped back together). He laughed and said "yes but not tonight...I have company over and my dinner is still cooking. Come back in the morning and I will do one.".

Doyle arrived back and picked up Shayne and I. We went and had a great visit. Shayne slept for 12 hours that night...but is feeling great. Melissa has a brand new cast and now no pain from her arm. So all is good.

ttfn

Carrie

Hyde and Gunner - August 2007

Well, it was a month and a day between visits to Dale's to see the boys. I was very excited as Dale had been telling me that they were advancing by leaps and bounds.

Hyde is getting very quick in his turns and is just amazing. And Gunner has finally had his "come to Jesus" moment and is working nicely for Dale (finally!!).

When we arrived we had a little chat with Dale - just catching up. Also introduced Shayne and Bailey to her as they had not been down before. Then Dale said "want to see my new pet?" She laughed and said "I have a duck...named Flower". Flower was born in a flower pot on her lake lot. Momma duck took off so Dale kept Flower. She had him in the house but he now lives in the barn as Dale is away at a futurity in Oregon this week.

We started this time with Gunner. Boy what a difference in attitude. He was actually interested in working. He looked happy too. Very calm and relaxed. Dale is working the mechanical cow and also tracking cows with him now. Her main comment was if he continues with the learning and not fighting, he could well be better than Hyde. That is exciting.





Hyde blew me away yet again. His speed and agility is something to watch. He isn't quite working on his own yet but soon. Dale doesn't correct him very often. And he is prepared for every move that the cow makes. And you can actually see him set himself up - it is just amazing.






Dale and I also discussed Hyde showing in October. She isn't sure if he will be ready...said he probably could be if she really pushed him...but she doesn't want to. Doyle and I told her that the final decision has to be hers as she is the expert. We don't want to push him and blow his mind. She said she would push a little bit more than she is now when she gets back and we will make the determination on the show around September 3. So keep watching.

I am just stoked about all this still.

TTFN

Carrie

Week 2 of vacation

It all started out great. No more injuries at home to report - which is always peaceful.

We spent Sunday in Osoyoos. It wasn't a great day - overcast and not overly warm. Doyle and the kids went to an amusement park and had a blast. I stayed at the campsite and surfed the net!!!

On Monday we were up early and broke camp and headed back to my parents. Took some nice scenery pics along the way.

Tuesday we spent a quiet day at my parents for the most part. Mom and Dad went into town for mom's hair appointment and shopping. We met up with them for spaghetti again...yum.

Wednesday dawned bright and sunny and it was decided to spend the day at the beach in Riondel with Mom and Dad's neighbors. It was a great day. Lots of swimming in the lake and then did some tubing and waterskiing - or rather everyone else did while I soaked up some more rays. Had a great BBQ dinner. Long windy drive back though. Doyle normally does the driving but he and dad imbibed a little too much.

On Thursday we headed out for home. Went as far as Radium Hot Springs. Spent a few hours in the hot spring pools and just relaxed.

On Friday we were up early and headed for Olds to see Dale and the boys. All is well there (will post more later).

Then after calling my chiropractor in Red Deer and hearing that it would be an hour to two hour wait for a treatment we made the decision to go directly home.

Melissa was very happy to see us pull in the driveway around 7 pm. And we were too.

TTFN

Carrie

Trying days for a mom

Hey all,

It has been a long couple of days while on vacation. Got a call from Melissa a few days ago telling us that her cat was limping. She decided, against advice, to give her some advil...not knowing that it was deathly poisonous for cats.

On Friday, we got a frantic phone call from Melissa saying that her cat hadn't moved from the bathroom floor for 2 days and was vomiting all the time...so she got her friend's mom to come out and take her to the vet. Word from the vet wasn't good...kidney damage etc., but that they would also be looking at other possibilities for her being sick.

On Saturday, Melissa called again saying first "I fell last night and think I broke my arm". And then "Princess isn't getting better and the vet said I may have to put her down". At which point, Melissa broke into tears. Princess is her very first pet.

I, being the calm cool collected mom as always, blurted "get your ass to the hospital". Oops...wrong thing to say to an upset hormonal 18 year old. LOL She started to cry harder saying she felt so bad about poisoning her cat and that it would be her fault if the cat died. I calmed down enough to say "you didn't know...and we worried about her". That helped among some other stuff I said. She told me that the vet would be calling her later that day or in the morning.

So she toddled off to the hospital to find that she had, in fact, broken her left arm just above the wrist. She told me that the guy putting on the cast got it a bit tight so he had to split it and in doing so, cut her arm with the cast saw. Stupid small town hospitals. When she told me that I again said "get your ass back to the hospital for a new cast". My girlfriend, who picked her up from home, took her back and spoke with the doctor and the way the cast is split is fine...but I really think when I get home I will take her for a 2nd opinion on that.

Melissa called again this morning. She is home, very sore...but very happy that her kitty, Princess, is home with her and may be on the road to recovery. Vet sent her home with strict instructions on feeding (prescription food etc.) amounts to be fed, how often etc. If she doesn't eat it all in the next 5 days then we could be in trouble. Melissa was also given a list of things to watch for - attitude - lethary etc. She is also to keep track of litter box visits.

So I think Melissa will be a very busy girl this week.

I sure wish I was there to give her a hand. And sure hope that nothing else goes wrong - especially with the horses. Not much I think she will be able to do with a broken arm.

TTFN

Carrie

The start of week 2

Well, we left Christina Lake this morning (Friday) and travelled to Osooyos (have no idea how to pronounce it so you can all just guess). It is in the "desert" part of BC. A few more hours away from my parents place yet.

The campground is on a little bit of a hill but just as nicely set up as the last one. We have a fantastic view of the lake.

We spent the afternoon at the beach after getting set up and are now back at the campsite and I am waiting for supper to cook. That is the part I LOVE the most about camping - Doyle does most of the cooking. LOL

We are now comtemplating renting either a boat or a seadoo for a few hours tomorrow but as I am scared of the water, I would prefer to stay on land. And I sure can think of more things that we could do for the rates they all charge around here.

As you can tell, there is actual WIRELESS internet here at this new campsite that does work. I will post more later as the holiday continues.

TTFN

Carrie

Vacation travel time

As Doyle made reservations for us at Christina Lake campground, we were off from my parents nice and early on Wednesday morning. All the lots are privately owned (which seems to be a common thing here now) but some are rented out when the owners are not here. Some of the sites are just stunning with how they have been set up…patios, bbq’s, fences. It is like a little summer community. The beach is very nice too – sandy with WARM water. The kids are having a blast – spending most of the day in the water. I have gotten a few good pics and have put the video camera to good use. Doyle went and rented some kid bike helmets and they all went for a bike ride while I did up the laundry and tried to get on the internet here at the campsite. Not sure of the problem, but no one could get it to work. The next campsite supposedly has free wireless internet so I will get online and upload all this.

TTFN

Carrie

Vacation - the first few days

Saturday morning dawned cloudy and cool…which is perfect weather for travelling in my book. We started off just an hour late – which is better than normal for us. LOL

We headed off to Red Deer to see Dr. Smith (my chiropractic genius) to see if he could figure out why I haven’t been getting better. I took with me the 3 reports from Dr. Harris, Ann (my IMS therapist) and Lisa (my massage therapist). He read them over and then took me into his x-ray room and took a bunch of pics. Said he would compare them to the results I brought with me. He then proceeded to give me a fantastic treatment. He got things to move that I KNOW haven’t for a LONG time. I felt relief immediately. I am going to see him again on our way home and get his opinion at that time as to what can be done for my poor body.

After leaving Red Deer, we travelled south some more, by-passing Calgary and all it’s congestion. We ended up spending the night in a road side rest stop by Skookumchuk as all camp grounds in the area were full (what else should we expect for the August long weekend).

Sunday morning we headed out to mom and dad’s in Wyndell. We arrived around 10 am…startling all. They weren’t expecting us until at least 3. LOL Ha Ha – got the last laugh on that one.

The afternoon weather was bright and sunny so we headed to the beach at Twin Bays for some water fun…or rather so Doyle and the kids could have some water fun. I sat on the beach and soaked up some rays.

On Monday, the forecast was for rain so we loaded into the truck and headed over the “Pass” for Trail. We did some shopping at WalMart (groceries and some trailer items that we realized that we did need after all). Then went to the Colander for spaghetti. Aunty Linda and Uncle Marvin met us there for the 4th year in a row. We caught up on all the kids and grandkids and had a great visit. We then headed to Fruitvale to visit with Aunty Ilene and Uncle John, who normally also join us for spaghetti. Uncle John is recovering from surgery (hip replacement). It sure is good to see him more upright and in such good spirits.

TTFN

Carrie

p.s. pics will follow once I get home

LOL - forgot to post all this before I left

Semi is back from Sharon and Roy’s and in fantastic shape – if you don’t look at her poor mouth. Here’s hoping she is in foal. That will be a stunner if it gets all the chrome from mom and dad.

It was a busy week getting ready to head out on vacation. With working full time to do vacation cover off, it made getting ready a little harder. Doyle spent much of the last weekend and week finishing the new wood fencing so we could move the big group of horses (including Dolly and Semi now) out to lusher pasture. As well as get Sonny and Molson out onto their new pastures as well.

Molson has been a bit of a character to deal with this last week too. We had brought Sonny in from the main herd as he was being a pain in the ass. At the last moment we decided to try putting Molson and Sonny together. It is a great mix. Sonny is very patient with Molson even when Molson is being a brat – meaning when Molson is either biting or kicking Sonny for DARING to come up to me for petting. Apparently I am Molson’s person – not Sonny’s any longer – or so he thinks.

The trailer packing finally came together on Thursday. We had attempted to try it out for a night – to ensure that the air conditioning worked – only to head back into the house after the power went off due to a storm. We had a couple of them during the week which made the grass come back in nice and green again.

Hay this year should be a good crop up here…or at least the first cut. Prices won’t drop I don’t think though with the farmers getting used to charging the higher prices for the last few years.

Anyways. Time to head off for today.

TTFN

Carrie

Wow - time is flying

I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. And this will be the last one for a little while again as I am headed out in the morning for vacation.

Things here have been HOT. Our weather has been unreal this year. I know most of you in the states are used to hot weather but we, up here in Canada, are not...or at least not used to it happening like this day after day after day.

the horses are all doing really well. We have finally managed to get the fencing under control to the point that we could move the big herd to a new larger pasture - that actually has grass. And Molson and Sonny are now pasture pals and doing great - also moved to a new pasture.

We brought Semi home on Thursday night after breeding her to my friend Sharon's stallion, Peppers Gunsmoke. Here's hoping that this one took!! Her chest is doing great - still a little scabby in a couple places though so we are still looking after it as well as we can.

Still no luck selling anyone but that's okay - they can wait until I get home. Melissa, my oldest, will be home while we are away and she is comfortable showing them but not actually selling them. So if anyone does come out, she will just tell them that I will be home around the 20th and they can call then.

Dale is still thrilled with the boys. So that is always a bonus. I keep watching the video I got of the last visit down there and still get goosebumps watching Hyde work the cows.

Well, time to run off to bed. We are off early in the morning to my parents in BC - hauling the new "mobile guest house". It will be nice to see Mom and Dad and the little brats (Shayne and Bailey).

Will write when I get home and show off the beautiful BC scenery that I, of course, will capture on film in all it's glory again this year. LOL

TTFN

Carrie

Short update on the boys

Got another short update from Dale this week.

She said Hyde is just going by leaps and bounds through his training. She is now comfortable adding more speed to his cattle work. Her thoughts on this is to add just a little bit more speed but make sure the horse doesn't lose his form. Once he is comfortable at the next speed, then she will add more.

She also said that she thinks Gunner has finally turned a corner with his training. She decided the other day to turn on the mechanical cow. Well...that got his attention. She said he softened up on the bit, shows more attention to what she wanted, and just went for it. She said she also noticed a softening of his expression and his attitude. It sounds like this is exactly what he needed to happen. I am SOOO happy.

I can hardly wait for the next update!!

ttfn

Carrie

I RODE ON SUNDAY

Such a huge event at my house that it is going to get it's own post.

I received a phone call on Sunday early evening from a guy wanting to come see Sonny as a possible horse for his wife.

After speaking with him, I went outside and grabbed Doyle. "Haul my saddle to the barn - I need to ride Sonny to see what all he remembers".

Not sounding too good yet hey? LOL

Anyways...went out and caught the fat black thing. Brushed him up, tacked him up and climbed aboard. After spending the next 10 minutes adjusting my stirrups (remember I don't ride much)...it was off the races.

Or rather...off to walk very slowly around Sonny's little pasture (which is around the same size as an arena). We did some reversing, leg aide stuff, and even trotted for a minute or two.

It felt really good to be back in the saddle...but I sure wish I had more balance and confidence in myself again. I just am soo unsure of things...especially on the horses here that don't have the miles on them.

BUT I DID IT. And I will do it again this weekend. I will ride Skeena on Saturday afternoon I think (she is Bailey's well broke mare) and then will try Sonny in the afternoon and do both again on Sunday.

No time like the present to get going.

ttfn

Carrie

Selling horses

Is an ongoing thing here on the Ranch. Not that we have been having much luck lately.

The market, while some are saying is getting stronger, is still pretty weak for me. Lots of hits on the ads I have posted all over the net, a few inquiries, and just a couple of visits. And NOTHING sold so far.

I am really wanting to sell off half of the horses here...sure don't want to feed all of them through the winter. No rain so far since the first hay crop was cut is going to make the 2nd cut very scarce and expensive.

Guess I may have to make some hard decisions come early fall.

TTFN

Carrie

New Semi update

Well, it has been almost 3 months since Semi hurt herself. She has sure been through the wringer this year.

Her face is still all weird at the muzzle...but it doesn't really seem to be affecting her eating ability. It does seem to take her a little longer but she gets the job done.

Her chest is still healing really well. I will take a new pic of it on Sunday...but this is the last one I took. I can't believe I forgot to post it...it was taken at day 72 (so just a little over 10 weeks).




She is also letting me catch her once again. When I turned her out to pasture she decided that freedom was a nice thing. LOL

ttfn

Carrie

The fun continues

Tuesday dawned bright and early - and can't forget HOT.

The heat wave just isn't going away. We sure need some rain or my pastures are going to be toast.

Doyle went after work to pick up our new "guest house". It is a 27 ft Jayco travel trailer. NICE toy!!! I think I will enjoy camping now as long as we can find a place with POWER.

This machine comes almost fully equipped - surround sound stereo/home theatre system and air conditioning even.

Here it is pic by pic:

The outside:



The master bedroom (queen size bed):



The kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, freezer, oven)



The back bedroom (double bunk on bottom - single on top).



The living room:



It also has a 3 piece bathroom inside (tub/shower) and an outside shower...which I think is really cool.

We will be giving it a full test run when we go down to my parent to pick up the kids.

So now to go shopping to outfit it!!!!!

TTFN

Carrie