Friday, April 24, 2009

So little time...

so many... books!
In real life, I am a part-time Assistant Librarian :) And the Library Director has done a very, very bad thing... she has re-arranged all the books in the library. This means every time I go to find a book I have on my list to read, I find a new book that I want to read... so I was up until 4 am (yawn) trying to finish the book I was reading because I just couldn't put it down!!!

so many... soft ball games!
Both my girls play softball - for different schools. Yes, it sure does make it interesting. But it is a nice way to sit in the warm sunshine (ok, most days, when it isn't windy and cold) and enjoy the out doors and visit with friends you haven't seen all winter because we all have been hibernating next to the wood stove.

so many.... chores!
I was cleaning the barn last weekend and put my allergies into overdrive. I was sick in bed for 4 days. I'm finally human again - my daughters don't agree, but my husband does :)

so many... horses :(
There are so many horses out there looking for good homes. Fortunately, there are many nice, sensible, sound, honest working horses out there it is a buyers market. Many people can't give away their husband-safe, kid-safe horses. They just can't afford to board, feed, etc. Looking for a horse? Have the knowledge? Have the means, even in this economy, to keep them? You don't have to look hard. Horses with issues are showing up even more. If you don't know horses, have someone you do know go with you. Someone you trust and who will be honest with you and not get you in over your head. Heard a few of those stories around, also.

So many... ROCKS!
I live on the edge of a state gravel pit. Seriously. We grow rocks around here better than most people grow, well, anything! It's one of the spring chores that I love to see most of all. If my teenagers give me a hassle and don't want to listen to Mom, out to the fields to pick up rocks!!! It's a wonderful conditioner for them for softball. They are NOT allowed to chuck them at each other or the animals. That is big, big trouble. Then they have to clean the dog pen and help with wood. Great attitude chores!

So little time to ride. Sigh. Too many things. Clean the house. Feed the dogs. Clean the bird cage. Wash the dishes. Fold the laundry. Hang out the towels. Pick up the kids from softball. Go to work. Pick up the truck from the garage. Clean the stalls. Fill the water tanks. The list is never ending.

However, if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out the Everything Equine event in Essex Junction, VT this weekend. Saturday and Sunday. It's not even close to the big even in Mass in November, but it's a nibble at the edges of the good weather to get you pumped up for the riding for the summer! I'll be gone all day Sunday with my good friend and riding buddy. We are leaving early (yawn) Sunday morning and making a full day of it. It will close at 4 pm, but we plan on stopping for dinner, just the two of us, before heading back home to play Mom for the week! :) I can't wait!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

It's a sad state in the horse world...

My boys are so glad they belong to me. I'm sure there are others out there - I know quite a few - whose horses are well cared for and loved. However, my in box is OVER full of sad news. The mustang sanctuary out west who has dead horses all over the place. Others struggling to survive and no means to feed them. (There are rescuers out there helping them, thank god.)

The pony in Maine who went from very good to the fire, to, well, maybe the frying pan? Depending on what you read and who you listen to, this is a man trying to do something for an emaciated pony, who might have a spotty record of taking care of his horses himself. This does not harden me to the fact that he is going all out to take care of this pony, but what about the others in the pastures out back who aren't in dire straits but might not be far behind? I hope the care and attention this pony receives rubs off on the others in his care.

Then on to the Polo Ponies. O.M.G. In the International Eye. Ok, forget the international eye. Someone cared for these guys. The grooms, the riders, the vets, someone. (Ok, let me enjoy my little bubble of innocence - let me believe that someone did care for each of them.) I am proud to say that, nationalities, views, teams aside - all the pictures that I saw (and yes, I do realize that we don't ever see EVERYTHING), everyone was pitching in and caring for the ill horses.

So, before I head back to bed with my hot water bottle and my box of puffs plus with lotion, I have to say two things...

ONE: If you know of any animal that is being neglected, abused, tortured, abandonded, PLEASE, PLEASE! report it!! If you can't find someone in your area who will take it seriously, contact me. I promise you that I will find someone to help you.

TWO: If you can help, even $5 - contribute to a REPUTABLE, honest rescue. If you need someone to help you find one, I will be more than glad to help. The economy is struggling to raise, money is still being guarded and people are still not loosening the proverbial belt to any degree. Help when and where you can.

I'm off to bed. A full day tomorrow and my head still feels like it's going to explode. The rain is a good thing, but the pollen count, the chickens, the birds, and my allergies are killing me. Sinus head ache, runny nose, watery eyes, etc. Good old chicken soup and warm tea and a box of kleenex - they are my constant companions for the last couple of days.

Good night, horses. I hope you all have warm shelter, plenty to eat and clean water. Leave my bubble alone, will you. I want to sleep tonight!
Lynn :)