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Snow and a tale of two sisters…

Ah, the lovely snow we’ve accumulated in a sudden storm that was going to be “just an inch or two”… they said. “not much at all”… they said.

Poor Frasier gets snowballs stuck to his fur…

I’m debating pulling out the clippers this afternoon.

My new neighbor, who lives in the cabin on the hill behind This Old House, is on her way home from Pennsylvania right now with not one, but TWO puppies she adopted from one of our rescues down there. It’s a beautiful thing… these two sisters will get to grow up together here in Connecticut, right up there on the hill. Their mom was a lab and their dad is unknown. Mom was pulled from a kill shelter, pregnant… and cared for by our friend, an ACO who helps with our adoption events. Mom wasn’t particularly fond of being a mom in the beginning, and these girls and their siblings had to be bottle fed for a while until she figured things out. Or accepted her new roll?… Anyway.. she will be spayed and these two girls are the last in the litter to be adopted. All is well that ends well.

I hope I get to hug them a little later today…………….

Soaring

Bald eagles can be seen at the mouth of the Connecticut river during winter/spring months. There are several Eagle sight-seeing tours available in our area. One shoreline town about 15 minutes from here has a nesting pair in a tree not far off the road and down by a yacht club at water’s edge. Many photographers flock to the site and some folks fret that there is too much commotion and all the attention will disturb the birds. I hope not, so far all I see are respectful folks who don’t pester and the birds are far enough away that they don’t seem to mind.

This is the distance from the road, where people stand to view and photograph….

There are several of these….

This is the best shot I was able to get from so far away… there is a mom and a dad in the nest, hard to tell from this angle… they have returned, the same pair were here last year.

My friend Lillian was able to get this shot… magnificent…

In all my years of Connecticut living I have only spotted a bald eagle twice before.

So, these encounters so close by are inspiring –

As is the water and the shore’s inhabitants…

I could never live very far from the sea,

this I know to be true.

Rocking

Meet Galadriel (I wonder if any of my readers will know where that name comes from)… The Horse was originally sold in a Whitney Reed catalog in the 1890’s through 1915. I’ve never heard of a Whitney Reed Catalog, have you? Sound like a Sears and Roebuck. This particular horse could have been made anywhere in that time frame. I contacted two experts in the field of antique rocking horse restoration, and they both agreed it was a great find, but definitely the antique value degraded because it had been painted over and most of the tack was not original. SO, that meant I had free license to do what I pleased with it as it would only increase in value with restoration work.

I decided to leave the base as is, it is original, and I used only the medallions from the tack that he was found with, as they are also original. His eyes are what he was “born” with too. The rest was acetoned and painted over with Amitha Verma chalk paint, several shades of grey, with a wax finish also sold by that company. Painters tape was used to help me create the dapples. I ordered horse tail hair on line for the mane and tail and leather swatches from Amazon to make the new “tack”. Some upholstery tacks were used for attaching the new leather.

This is how I found him… oh, the joy of the find….

Before….

How to make those spots….

Restoration ( my version of it anyway) complete!

A potholder, a place matt and the thumbs of a grey suede pair of

work gloves are all part of this picture.

Mom asked for Snow, and other “stuff”

So my mom asked why I haven’t posted snow pictures here on the blog of our farm, etc…. I told her they’re all on Facebook and if she’d only just come around to the thought of a simple facebook page commitment, she’d get to enjoy all those pictures like everyone else… not to mention pics of her family and friends (some older than she!)… who embraced Facebook for that very reason. I tried setting her up, and it lasted for fifteen seconds. That’s no exaggeration, maybe 20 seconds to be safely accurate. A minor hissy fit ensued and the page was taken down. About 25 of her friends/family even friended her in that 20 seconds, welcoming her to the 21st century!… and yet.

So, mom, these snow pictures are for you, and then on to some other “stuff” to share, like recipes and a sneak peek at my rocking horse restoration project. Oh, how I have loved this project.

So… SNOW….

Frasier for good measure….

A great lemon bar recipe for those of you who like to bake, and love lemon like we do.. These are delicious. However, I attempted them with a gluten free flour to use in the crust.. the Crust.. was Dust. So, don’t do that. Follow the recipe given in the link HERE .

One of my family’s favorite soups will be served for dinner tonight – a perfect winter eve’s comfort food… although, it does involve Velveeta (is that even a real food? I don’t dare read the ingredients list). Because I only serve this a few times a winter season, we’ll look the other way, OK? Recipe HERE *not my photo

A sneak peek at the rocking horse restoration – before and after to come soon… almost done!

I’m too lazy this morning to figure out how to rotate the image.. but you get the picture… stay tuned!

The “C” word

So many people dread the idea – because it’s my generations time, I hear it so often. –OMG- I’m going to be 50. Holy crow, we’re FIFTY! HOW DID WE GET THIS OLD??…

I really and truly look at it as a blessing. So many people don’t get the opportunity. I can honestly tell you the only thing I have dreaded about becoming fifty years old was those heinous words I knew I would hear my GP utter as we wrapped up the 50 year physical…. “So the only other thing we should do is schedule a colonoscopy, a screening recommended to everyone 50 and older”. (gulp). And there it was.

Yes, I’ve been dreading the “C” word for many years… at least 20. I’m not exaggerating one little bit, either. I never thought… OMG, someday I’m gonna be 50!… no, I only thought… OMG someday I’m gonna be 50 and be told a colonoscopy is recommended because I’m 50! Now keep in mind, lest you think I’m nutz – As someone who has been a chronic worrier since the dawn of the ages, stress induced IBS has been a sometime companion throughout my adult life. Nothing drastic, just mild annoyances when major stresses… stressed. So the thought of someone looking up in there with a camera was terrifying… OMG, what would they see? It must be a mess in there!

And there’s all that embarrassment, or the idea of it, anyway.

If you’ve not gone through the ordeal already, I’m here to tell you… all those years of ridiculous worrying and the anxiety over the IDEA of a colonoscopy… were just a waste of precious time. Believe me when I tell you, it’s no big deal at all. NO BIG DEAL!!!!!!

The prep is better than it used to be, so I’m told. I had no problem drinking down the two 8 ounce glasses of salty lemony stuff. Holding your nose helps and drinking cold water immediately after too. The aftermath of drinking that stuff wasn’t horrible either. You just need to stay sorta near a bathroom for 24 hours. The hardest part for me was drinking only clear liquids or sucking on hard candies for that period of time, because this girl loves to eat.

The procedure itself – I have no knowledge of other than I changed into a gown, an IV was inserted, some pleasantries ensued… I was wheeled into a room with bright lights and friendly people who were joking about this and that and who’s going where on vacation and was a certain star related to me because we share the same name……………………………………….

And that was it.

I woke up and it was all over. The Dr. came in shortly thereafter and told me all was well. Yep… all those 20 or more years of anxiety over… nothing. The relief that comes with KNOWING there’s nothing is tremendous.

SO.. if you’re about that age and you’ve been putting it off, don’t. It’s nothing. And if they find something, those kinds of cancer are slow growing and the odds are you’ll be healed because you caught it early. It’s that simple.

Worry… it’s like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.

Palin? … or Progress.. …

If you dared to click on the post after reading that title, no, you won’t be subjected to another lengthy political rant because frankly, I’m too disgusted… her return to the arena produced it’s own sort of shock and awe around here, forgive me for resurrecting that phrase too…..

Maybe just a brief one – So.. If you’re still a Palin supporter after all this time… I have to ask you… WHY WHY WHY?… see transcript of her pathetic endorsement of Trump here. If he’s not regretting that action by now, there is no hope… at all.

And.. it gets better – if you really haven’t had enough… if you’re still standing strong in Palin territory – (can you see Russia?… just wonder’n) .. then take a gander at this… she flicks responsibility of her son’s assault of his girlfriend off on someone else…. The President of the United States…. shock and awe again. Read HERE

That being said.. I’m just gonna shut up and move on.. to progress… of the rocking horse variety.

You’re relieved, aren’t ya.

After discovering my rocking horse is indeed about 110 or so years old, but the paint was bastardized and the tack not original (actually vinyl and deteriorating quickly)… I decided to strip him of all the crud and give him a makeover. I used acetone to get all the debris off his frame, and my son and I pulled about 2,479 brads (tiny nails) out of his tack and stripped him bare.

Then I went to the hardware store for advice on the best paint to use – Amitha Verma chalk paint, clear wax and grey antique finish… I used painters tape to cut out circles and create the dappled grey effect with two shades of chalk paint –

… and this is where we’re at… Notice his new ears – courtesy of a grey pair of suede work glove thumbs. I’m waiting for a real horse hair bundle to arrive in the mail for his mane and tail, not the kind with hyde attached – no horses were injured in the acquisition of such hair – they regrow what is cut off, and yes I tell myself that regularly because I gotta believe it.

I’ve also ordered some leather. I’m not a saddle manufacturer, this is gonna be interesting. As for the base – I think I like it original, scuffs and chips and paint splatters and all. What say you?…

I found a Treasure at the Trove

Before I reveal my awesome find, a shout out to one of my readers who sells pieces at The Trove in Old Saybrook (you know who you are – don’t want to reveal your name if you prefer privacy) Is that your toy stuffed horse on wheels I almost bought? (black, very worn and much loved)… would love more info on it if so.

So the Mr. and I took a ride yesterday to browse The Trove, and as soon as I stepped inside the back warehouse/shop… there he was. I had been looking for him for years… and immediately I said out loud…OMG! There he is!!…. to which the shop owner was a witness and The Mr. knew immediately this wasn’t a good sign as far as he was concerned…

He’s not subtle.

I love the antique toy horses in all their forms and as a child, wanted anyone I could get my hands on. One friend had the bouncy horse and another had poncho, the ride along… I asked for a ride on those ponies any chance I got. I had my own collection of Breyer horses, and they sit in a barn in my basement today.

So.. most antique rocking horses, if you can find them, are expensive. I was thrilled to see the sticker price for this fella and they gave me 20 percent off. I wasn’t sure if this was an authentic older rocking horse, but it sure looked like it had all the right qualities. When I got home I found out it’s the real deal, and I got it for a fantastic price. I had planned on restoring it.. as in stripping it down and repainting, etc…. but when I found out it is actually an 1890’s horse, I just know I really shouldn’t strip it. The real horse hair tail will need replacing because it fell out in my hands this morning, (rot) and his ears are missing so I will find grey leather and give him new ones, but that might be the extend of my restoration plans other than soap and water before I bring him in the house. On the fence about just what I should mess with – replace the tack, leave it? add a mane, leave it bare? Any suggestions appreciated…. any antique rocking horse experts out there?

I found this one below for sale here in Connecticut, believe it or not… and it’s in far worse condition for five times the price. Same maker for sure… yet that information isn’t available, there are no stamps or identifying labels on these horses.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/707339-RL1116/Antique-Carved-Rocking-Horse-c-1890

KMax comeback and About That Quarter Horse

My daughters show horse, Max, had colic surgery five months ago. If the horse survives the colic and surgery, the recovery is a long process. The cost of colic surgery nowadays can be upwards of $12,000. and some folks opt to put the horse down simply because of the cost, let alone the recovery process. We had medical insurance on Max, so we proceeded with surgery, even though he was 19 years old. Max has done very well, thankfully, and at the five month mark, K can begin to ride him again – just a ten minute walk at first, building up to regular work routine within a few months.

On Saturday we took a walk around the ring. I expected him to be jumpy, spooky, high as a kite after such a long hiatus. Nope – he showed his quiet well behaved nature through and through – I loved this horse before for taking good care of my daughter in the show pen, and I love him more for coming through this ordeal like the super trooper that he is.

Max will be 20 years old this spring, so we’re not returning him to show.. he’ll live an easy retirement life here on the farm. Oh, how I wish all horses had such luck.

Both Max (left) and Opie (right) are Quarter Horses. It’s my favorite breed and I’ve owned several over the years – the main reason is their temperament. There are always exceptions, but the quarter horse is known for their steady, quiet, good natured no nonsense work ethic. They have been bred over the years so that there is a wide variety of body types – Opie is old school – I call him my cow pony – he’s short and stout. Max is taller and more refined, you can see it particularly in his head and neck, although those big ears are a throwback to… something else entirely. His build makes him more versatile for different jobs in the show pen – he was ridden both English and Western and carried it off pretty well.

P.S. … although it’s not the quarter horse culture way – I strongly recommend helmet wearing at all times when riding, no matter how sturdy you think your horse is. Too many very seasoned riders have suffered dibilitating TBI’s from falls off their horse – I discovered my helmet was taken over by mice in the tackroom, I’m shopping for a new one today.

It’s a beautiful thing –

Words of Wisdom for 2016

A friend sent this to their Christmas Card recipients – I’m sharing with you because I think most of what I read is pretty accurate. These are some of the words left by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, a well known motivational speaker who passed on this year.

1. Cooperation is healthier than competition. If you’re always in a hurry, always trying to get ahead of the other guy, or someone else’s performance is what motivates you, then that person is in control of you.

2. If you love people you don’t try to change them. Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.

3. Ignorance is not bliss. The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.

4. You are not a victim of the world. How people treat you is their karma: how you react is yours.

5. You find yourself in solitude. You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.

6. Rejection makes you stronger. Be grateful to all those people who told you no. It’s because of them that you managed to do it all yourself.

7. Self worth cannot be verified by others. You are worthy because you say it is so. If you depend on others for your value it is other-worth.

8. You don’t attract what you want in your life, you attract what you are. If you’re obsessed with defeating the other guy and winning at all costs, then you’re guaranteed to attract the vibrational equivalent of this thinking into your life – even if you do yoga and stand on your head chanting mantras every day.

9. There are no limits to what you can achieve – you are a no-limit person. when you argue for your limitations, all you get are your limitations.

10. Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find. Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world.

11. All that you need is already within you. You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now.

12. There is no end to personal growth. Individuals who use self labels are stating “I’m a finished product in this area and a I’ll never be any different. If you’re a finished product all tied up and put away, you’ve stopped growing.

13. Follow your heart and you will be successful. Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.

Christmas 2015

There were a few meltdowns and a squabble or two… because I do keep it real here. But all in all it was a lovely Christmas – some friends and some family – we were here, together, sharing laughs, enjoying some good food, and many thoughtful – useful- gifts were exchanged.

Right this very minute at 7 am on the 26th the mister is heading outside to take down the outside lights (he can’t help himself).. but I love our tree so much I told him it’s staying for another week. It’s been up since Thanksgiving weekend. Meanwhile our 93 year old neighbor has just put her tree up with the help of her sons and she will enjoy it through January. Which camp do you reside in? The early bird or the last minute into the new year Tree People?

I hope your holiday was a joyous one in the ways that you like to celebrate with the people you care about. May we all be blessed with a healthy, happy, politically and mentally sane 2016.