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.