Soft away the old year passes....

I've been reading a lot of reviews of 2011 on blogs, and my life seems pretty tame compared to others. There were some highlights, like going to Kamloops with my sister (and getting to drive the Dodge Charger) to visit my dad, who is in declining health.

I come by my love of dogs honestly

Another highlight was my trip to Red Deer with Janice, to watch the events of the Canadian Cowhorse Supreme and meet up with Crystal (Ranch Riding) and her friend Charlene, and Sherry (Fern Valley Appaloosas). Good friends, good weather, and good horses = a good but short vacation.

We had a few canine type highlights too- the Stock Dog Championships that Janice and I attended,

I loved seeing so many border collies all in one place- and everyone of them watching the sheep

and a lesson with sheep for our dogs: finding the right home for Sammi: 

and having a new little bundle of fluff in our lives- Merle!

As far as the horses go, it was pretty well all good, only a couple of hitches like Rio getting  banged up and coming off Gussie.  Getting Gussie back in February was for sure a wonderful moment (Thanks Pat! She is loved and cherished here!) 

Reunited with her daughter Velvet

Finding a new home for Velvet was a good thing, even though she didn't get to stay with Jessie she is now ruling the roost over in central Alberta. 

That helped me to buy my new custom-built-for-Beamer Wade saddle:

After riding it for a while, it really is a good fit

One of the greatest joys was the birth of Diamond Rio Peppy (aka Rio).

5 days old, in full flight

He quickly became a favorite around here, with his sweet disposition and cute heart shaped star.

With my husband working away from home most of the year, we didn't do a lot of things together other than routine farm maintenance, but we did work an auction together. A big highlight for Ted was getting together with his son (who had been adopted at birth) and family this year. We are blessed to have them in our lives. 

The only really sad thing that happened was losing our old cat Bubby, who had been with us through thick and thin, and was one of the best cats ever.

Like I said, it was a pretty tame year, but the older I get, the better I like it that way. The only thing I'd like to improve on for 2012 is more time in the saddle especially with Chickory. And getting together with some of my blogging friends for a riding vacation in Alberta. 

From Diamond Lazy H to all of you who read my blog, I wish for a happy and prosperous 2012, full of love and laughter, and not too many heartaches. 

Winding down

I didn't take any photos of our family and friends who came over Christmas, I was too busy just enjoying their company, preparing food and eating way too much, especially the sweets. I do have a sweet tooth, it's my downfall. One of our friends who is a professional photographer took some photos on Boxing Day and will share them with me after he makes a couple of collages. He did the new header- good job, Larry!
The horses got plenty of hay and extra hugs, the dogs got new toys, and all in all it was a wonderful Christmas, spent with some family and friends- and warm weather made it all that much more enjoyable.

Feeding time....

has become a fashion statement, apparently.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Some eye candy, Diamond Lazy H style

I figured since I will someday be riding Rio, I could put him on my header...... just for a change. Move over, Beamer, your little boy is growing up.

I reopened the pasture where Rio got injured, but not until I blocked off the area where I think he got hurt. He and the mares enjoyed romping around in the sun- unseasonably warm as it is all across Canada.

He sure is spectacular!

Gussie got out and floated along, 

and had a face off with Belle.

In this photo you can just see what's left of Rio's wound on his left hind. If you can look away from that stout little dun mare for a moment, that is.

She is definitely not stiff in the neck.

A good time was had by all......

including Beamer; I put him in the round pen so that he could see the mares playing. 

He kept an eye on them.

and did a little performing, too. Hold that pose, Beamer!

Winter Wednesday

Winter solstice- the shortest day of the year- yay, we're moving towards spring now! These 3 photos were taken at 8 AM this morning.

We got just a little skiff of snow last night, hopefully it will stay so we can have a white Christmas.

Christmas Eve, there is a new moon, so the only light will be the stars and the Christmas lights throughout the land. And the light in our hearts as we welcome Him whose birth we celebrate.

The world in solemn stillness waits, to hear the angels sing.....

This shot, the clouds look like angel wings.

Sunday- in motion

Today's Sunday Stills challenge was to photograph what Christmas means to you. I know what I wanted to do, but couldn't find it. Christmas for me is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Anything else- the tree, presents, decorations, parties and big dinners, are all just things that go along with such a joyful occasion. And since I don't have a nativity set worth putting out this year, I didn't get a photo to share. Didn't find any displayed around town either, although I heard of a good one but didn't have time to get up to see it. Our church is setting theirs up today, so didn't get that either. So, instead of Sunday stills, I have some other tidbits for you.
A while ago, I mentioned that I had submitted some photos for the Credit Union calender again this year. There were over 400 entries from 33 people, and they chose one of mine for November. Do you all remember this shot? Also, they are using the photos on their new website, and I was pleased to see mine there the other day.

If anyone would like one of these calenders, I have a few and can send some out. They aren't anywhere near as nice a calender as Fern Valley Appaloosa calenders, but there are some pretty shots in  it. This really is a lovely area.
I took Chickory out for a little longer ride around the hayfield today, a nice relaxing ride. She was on alert about a few things, like the car with the dog running beside it, and the mysterious lumps at the edge of the hayfield (last years round bales) but over all she is turning out to be a pleasure to ride. Her version of alert is ears up, stare holes in the object, and keep walking. Her body doesn't tense up. Yet.

Did you notice, no snow?

She is a thinker, which surprises me a little, I thought she'd be way  more reactive. She was very light to the rein and leg, but does not like to ride with contact on the reins. A few times she stretched her neck down and leaned on the bit, but a bump with my leg and a vocal reprimand fixed that. I know she is having some teething issues because I found one of her caps in the corral the other day. She will be 4 in April.

Another thing I like about her is that she isn't bothered by the dogs, she pretty much just ignores them even if they come running up from behind. Good Chickory.

Isn't she a stout little mare?  Gussie is a full hand taller than her, but Chickory is as wide in the chest. Strong back and good bone too. Cute doesn't hurt either.

Some Beamer time

I felt sorry for Beamer today, he's been moping around his pen looking like he is feeling sorry for himself, so we went for a little bareback putt around the field, then I turned him out in the pasture so he could roll in the tiny bit of snow we have and maybe get rid of some of the dirt that is still left over from the summer's dust. Sure enough, as soon as I turned him loose, down he went!

He managed to leave some of the dirt behind, but I think I still need to vacuum him.

I'm having a little trouble with my camera focusing quickly enough in action mode, I think it's a little too cold out for it; must be a California camera! So I missed a lot of good action shots, but did get a couple.

First one way....

then the other...

Funny thing is, if I walk away and leave him by himself, he follows me to the gate, and if I go away he gallops up and down the fence line. If I stay, he wanders around exploring smells and grazing. He is definitely not a loner. 

Back to normal

Just a quick update on Gussie, she seems to be back to normal. I washed her off this afternoon, and when it came time to put out the evening feed I was happy to see this:

She was standing with Coyote Belle at the (nearly) empty feeder, patiently waiting for hay to be put out for their royal highnesses.

Big Butt Brigade

As you can see, the girls are well fed. Other than that last bale, I feed straight grass hay, free choice salt and Hoffmans Horse Minerals, and water (with a tank heater). Nothing fancy, and usually I have no problems. One thing I meant to mention in my last post, my friend Carol over at All These Pretty Horses is a distributor for Dynamite Marketing and one of the products I ordered from her is Dyna-Pro, a probiotic- and I ordered it especially for Gussie. I used it on her years ago and it worked really well. It should be here soon, along with a couple other products. Check out her website, these are some really good products. 

You're disturbing my dinner.

The tree, and alfalfa issues

I got a good start on decorating the tree yesterday; I'm going with silver and red this year. My clear lights (all 400 mini lights of them) are getting kind of yellow unfortunately, so I'll probably hit the sales after Christmas and get some new LED lights for next year. I still need a few more decorations, I want some red mini poinsettas and maybe some bows.
So far- so far- the cats haven't torn anything off the tree.

As I look at this photo, I can see that there is still a lot of tweaking to do to make it just right- like I said, it's a start!
To change the subject, do any of you have a horse who is allergic to alfalfa? The last large square bale I bought had a lot of alfalfa in it, and Gussie reacted to it; her back end is pretty messy; not diarrhea but pretty sloppy. When I went to my supplier, I made sure I got straight grass hay this time; it's a little bleached from sitting in the swaths too long, but no alfalfa. I switched to it 2 days ago. When I fed last night, Gussie didn't come up, so I went to see what was up and she was standing with her tail out, looking a little snarky (you gotta know her; she has nostril curl down to a science when she's crabby). I got a couple of my oils (DiGize and Peppermint) and applied them to her tummy and walked her for about 20 minutes. Even lunged her at the trot- she figured I was crazy and was quite offended that she had to work! But at least she seemed more comfortable afterwards, and regained her appetite. She's usually the first one at the feeder, so when she doesn't come up, you know she isn't feeling good.
Fortunately this morning she seems much better. After I wash her up after work today I'll better be able to monitor her.
Forgot to mention, I got Polysporin eyedrops for Chickory- couldn't find the ointment which would have been easier to use- and it did the trick.

Monday

I didn't get up early enough the other day to see the eclipse, but the moon has been shining brightly in the mornings when I go out to do chores.
Today was a beautiful day, sunny and warm; it seemed like a good day to bring the tree in to the house. You know you love Christmas when you will rearrange furnishings in three rooms to have your tree in the perfect spot.... and oh how beautiful it smells in here now, the tree is a very fragrant Balsam Fir. I'll let it sit until after work tomorrow before I start decorating.
My plan this afternoon was to ride Chickory- well that plan literally went to s**t when I noticed that one of the mares (**ahem** big, and red and roan**) pooped in the water trough.... the water trough that I had just filled yesterday.... 80 gallons.... so I had to bucket it empty and clean it. No sense leaving it where it would get pooped in again, so I moved it to a spot where they don't hang out, which meant moving panels, relocating electrical cords, and bringing out a longer hose to reach the new spot, and then refilling with fresh clean water. By that time the sun had slipped behind the mountain and it was time to do evening chores. I guess today was all about relocating things! Tree, furniture, water tub....
Beamer seems to be walking fine today, and Rio's wound is rapidly healing. The only oil I'm using right now is Lavender, which helps tissue regeneration and will help the hair grow back.

Sunday Stills

It's the three year anniversary of Sunday Stills, and I want to thank Ed and Linda for getting this rolling- it has been a lot of fun over the years, and has really helped me to get involved with photography.
As with the first year, the challenge is to photograph our pets. I don't consider horses pets, so no shots of them. But I do have plenty of pets!

Thumper and Pearl. Thumper is the great mouse slayer, and Pearl rules the household, and never goes outside.

Foose is aloof although he has been known to cuddle with Pearl, he prefers not to be held. But he does have collapsible legs....

He has a very quiet little meow and will come and pat me gently when he wants out.
Then there are the three hooligans:

all sporting their Christmas jingle bells. Merle is finally getting long hair after shedding out all his puppy hair. Reba is 10 years old now, and still going strong.

Tess seems to think she's joined at the hip with me, she sticks close by me.

She turned 5 in October. 

That's my crew! I look forward to seeing all you lovely pets.

Done!

Nothing like facing a growing list of things to be done to light a fire under me to get going. It was a beautiful day today, and I managed to spend most of it outside. Started splitting the woodpile in the morning, then took a break and went out with the dogs to find a Christmas tree. This one was a contender:

I was looking for a small tree, but you know how that goes- the next one we found was this one:

Tucked away in the ditch, I checked it out- very nice! And dog approved.

It was only about 10 AM, and the sun hadn't hit this narrow valley yet. Too bad you can't smell it- divine!
It looks even better at home, but I'm going to have to chop a foot or two off the bottom.

Remember that big pile of wood in my last post- well it's all split, except for 11 chunks that I left for Ted to wrassle with.

I spent some time taking photos for tomorrows Sunday Stills and have a couple of outtakes for you:

Thumper was in fine form today. I think he likes having his photo taken.

Beamer got in a bit of a wreck today; I was taking photos outside when I heard a ruckus; he had rolled next to the fence, and had gotten his back legs through the panels. By the time I got over there, he had gotten up, still with one leg in the panel, but pulled it out. He is a little gimpy, but I don't think he broke anything. Sure gave me a scare.
I had plans to ride him, but that put an end to it, so I rode Chickory instead. I took the dogs with me and we headed out to the hayfield where I usually ride Beamer; here's a horse of a different color than you're used to for my ear cam:

She did really well, volunteered to trot a few times but was easy to correct and seemed to enjoy getting out. There was no calling to her buddies, even when they called to her. I can't wait to hit the trails with her next year- Janice, better plan some time off! Sure would like to put her on cows too, with Doc's Hickory and Peppy San Badger on her papers she should love working cows. There may be some plans afoot at the local arena to do a working cowhorse clinic. Sure hope it happens!