Author: admin

The good, the bad and the hilarious

   We’ll start with the bad and work our way up.  A few nights ago, my daughter’s horse Max had a belly ache.  Meds didn’t help.  More meds didn’t help… and it was determined he was very sick and needed immediate transport to the Equine hospital (1.5 hours away) if he were going to survive whatever was causing the colic.  At 11:30 p.m.  Our vet had to sedate him because he was so distraught by the pain by the time his chariot arrived to take him to the hospital.  I have never seen a horse in so much pain that came on so quickly, it was a horrible, helpless feeling.

    He had surgery, where they found a large fatty tumor (melon size) wrapped around his colon.  It had shifted, and pushed his colon over. That’s why all the horrible sudden pain.  *sigh.  

   Survival is iffy with these things… and I am happy to report, three days later, Max is doing very well considering what he’s been through.  Thank GOD for equine insurance.  I won’t tell you what this cost… but most people who don’t have equine insurance put the horse down because they can’t afford it.  

Team KMax once again…

  I’ve been out in the garden today trying to wash off the stress with fresh air and sunshine… it’s a beautiful thing…and if you don’t already know it, gardens are restorative, they are healing.  If you haven’t started one of your own yet, when the season is right in your neck of the woods… for heavens sake, get out there and plant, nurture, tend.   It will do the same for you, I promise.

Saw this on Facebook.. and I just love it. Might even make a t-shirt
out of it.  I’d love to give one to each one of you, too…..

WARNING: This post may offend you.

   So, Cecil the beloved Lion is tortured and then finally killed by some asshole dentist in the Midwest who got a big thrill, apparently, out of watching a majestic and beloved Lion die a long slow painful death after he shot it with an arrow.  He liked doing it so much he paid $55,000.  for the -privilege-.

   Asshole.  He deserves all the negative backlash he’s getting because of it.   And I have zero tolerance for his “regret” now…  Hey Asshole Dentist – of course you regret it, you’re humiliated and your practice is in jeopardy.  I’ll say it one more time for good measure. Asshole.

    Some anti-abortion folks are actually outraged that there is outrage over the tragic death of Cecil.  They want to know why we’re not all showing as much outrage for the current Planned Parenthood scandal that’s rocking CNN, Fox, facebook, Anderson Cooper and wherever else this stuff can be spewed.

   I can only speak for myself, but here’s why I’m not outraged because there is more Cecil outrage.  Planned Parenthood is not selling body parts. Stop the hysterics here.    They do give  -donated –  fetal tissue to researchers who are trying to cure Parkinson’s, aids, cancers, etc. etc. etc.  For those of you who think Planned Parenthood is evil, you’re not being real in the real world.  Here’s why I say that…PP is responsible for making sure poor women have access to basic medical care including cancer screening, checkups and birth control.  That should be important to you if you’re anti-abortion.   They help them find resources when they are in crisis, such as abuse and rape.  According to material I’ve read on the subject that I consider to be reliable, Three percent of all PP activities include abortions – more than 90 percent of those are conducted in the first trimester when you and I might disagree that this stage of development is a viable life.

 ***To be clear, I don’t  agree with abortions at later stages when the forming cells inside the uterus is a viable life.  I understand you may not agree and you have every right to your beliefs and what you would ever decide should you find yourself in the  early stages of pregnancy after being raped, or finding out there is something significantly medically wrong with the developing fetal tissue or yourself,  or if you’re economically unable to care for a child.  But you don’t have the right to make that decision for me, nor does any politician or religious group.

  I mentioned economic feasibility above –  Think that’s not a problem?…. Don’t tell me all can be adopted until you honestly take a look at all the children living in below poverty level conditions in this country, all the children who go to school hungry every day, all those languishing in foster care after horrific abuse at home, all those looking to be adopted but not finding that family because they have issues of one sort or another.  Am I saying those people shouldn’t have been born?   No.  I’m saying why aren’t we more outraged and focusing our productive energy on  those lives that are here, now, aren’t getting the care or love or nurturing they need in order to live a decent life.   And don’t the homeless, the mentally ill count for something?   They’re already here, and yet they suffer.

Be outraged that we’re not doing more for those who are among us.   Unfortunately those who walk among us no longer include Cecil the Lion, may he rest in peace.

 

Lived Moments For Vicky

   Blog friend Vicky ( – visit HERE -)   is in the throws of more Stage 4 cancer treatment.  And to put it in simplest terms, it surely throws her.    She recently wrote that while recuperating from debilitating side effects, she’s living through others, enjoying pictures on FB, stories on blogs, etc.  Her advice is always to live your moments and she’s been doing that very thing herself.

  Won’t you share here in the comments section – an enjoyable moment or experience you’ve had this summer – If you’ve got a blog, dedicate a post to this and title it “Lived Moments For Vicky”. Copy and paste the link to your blog post in my comments section below this post.    A few photos you’ve taken or an uplifting experience or story you have to tell would be awesome.

  I don’t have the readership I used to here on this blog, but lets see what we can generate from those of you who still drop by –

Vicky – these pictures were taken yesterday in Newport, RI.  Not at the mansions, where so many venture – but down at the water, where people enjoy the simplest pleasures –  my favorite Newport experience.

OK, so I lied……..

  … not intentionally.  But today I came to this place and just wanted to blab on, so I guess I’m not  – letting it be –  as much as I originally thought.   Perhaps I’ll just write when it appeals to me and I won’t fault any of you for not stopping by… because who wants to visit a vacant space?  The main reason I started blogging was to document our journey for my family ( who might never bother with this blog ever, but hey, here it is regardless).   Really, it’s for me.

  SO … ME .. wants to share a few things with you today.    Let me tell you about my love of  JEEPS.  I’ve had two… a Laredo years ago when I was very young and madly in love.. .with my Jeep.  When it came time to trade it in for something more practical for our growing family, I cried.  And cried.   On the way to the dealership.. I cried.  AT the dealership… there stood the shiny new Toyota 4 runner… the TRAITOR vehicle..and I cried.  I cried as they handed me the keys and I handed them mine.   I hated that 4 runner probably because it severed me from my beloved Jeep.  I traded that in a year later. No tears shed.

  There were other BIG rigs after that – to pull a horse trailer and loads of luggage when we  went on family excursions and soccer games and baseball games and all the equipment and extra kids that come with it.

   The kids grew up some and I landed another Jeep as the hauling requirements lessened. This next Jeep was the Overland… I did love it.  The Hemi in particular.  BUT… even though I was back in a Jeep, there was something missing… Something…

   Time rolls on, the Jeep wracks up the miles, a few things start going wrong with the electrical stuff and the water pump blows.  Big recall comes in the mail.  That’s all the husband needs to say – Time to turn her in.   And… I see Jeep Wranglers in my sleep, I’m so ready to own one. My kids have their own vehicles now, no need for all that practicality.

    I stop by the dealership, get the numbers.  Now I’m getting excited.  There happens to be a YELLOW with black roof sitting right outside the office windows and my eyes keep going over to it as we’re discussing possible deals.  I am not a fan of yellow, on me, at least.  But something about it.  The Salesman says –  let me go get the keys – take it for the day, try it on.

OMG.

   I drive it around, I drive it home. Everyone is looking at it because –  BUMBLE BEE YELLOW to the 10th power.  I’m starting to like it.  Actually, I’m starting to love it.  Not because everyone’s looking at it, but because I CAN’T STOP LOOKING AT IT.

 And then there was Mike.

   “Good God you are not parking a taxi cab in front of the house every single ever loving day.   NO.   Not happening.  ANYTHING.. but THAT.    It’s a piece of fruit, it’s not a vehicle!”.

  You’re catching his vibe, right?

So I didn’t bother finishing out the day with my queen bee jeep.  I took her right back because  she went over like a  _______________________________  you fill in the blank.

   THIS…. is what I ended up with a few weeks down the road.  And can I just tell you… I am madly in love again.  Even bought her new sneakers.

     

  Now let me tell you about the Jeep Wave.   Have you heard of it?  Do you know it intimately? Even though this is my third Jeep, it’s my first WRANGLER.   Only Wranglers are worthy of the Jeep wave.   If you’re buzzing down the road in your Overland or your Liberty, don’t wave – you’re not part of the phenomenon.    And, to some, the Jeep Wave is only reserved for those who live the true Wrangler Lifestyle – meaning two door vehicles with doors and top off most of the time, mud and scratches and all that goes with off roading clearly visible on your TRUE Jeep… and there had better be some modifications.     For those die hards –  they wave only to those that apply.   A middle aged FOUR DOOR Wrangler girl like myself?  Not worthy of the wave.  I’m not joking you here – just google the Jeep wave and holy hell, you’ll see all the forums.  It’s actually comical.

  So, I rolled out of the dealership on Saturday in my beloved new 4 door Sahara Wrangler and  within five minutes I had passed three Wrangler folks who waved!  Then there was the middle aged woman in the brand new 4 door Sahara Wrangler who didn’t wave.  She’s probably been snubbed by the die-hards one too many times.  And if she hasn’t.. then I want her to get this message –  WAVE, you ninnie!.. you’re ruining the tradition, fortifying the myth that middle aged women in wranglers don’t wave because they’re snobs!    ( There’s that too).

  I’m a waving fool now… in the two days I’ve owned my adored Jeep, I’ve waved to about ten other Wrangler drivers and they were all obliging except the one.   It’s a beautiful thing… the feeling of being a part of something bigger, of sharing a love for a vehicle, and showing a kindness, even just a two second wave, to a stranger.

   Too bad there isn’t a wave just for the humanity of it, something we could all participate in. Something that represents the simple fact that we’re all in this together, regardless of our differences.

  Oh wait.. there is.

The one where she says, Let it Be.. for now.

  So. There’s plenty to share, always.  But I’m finding I don’t have the motivation to do a decent job here lately on this blog.  My comments section has dwindled and followers fewer, and I was asked if I mind that a little.  Well, when I blogged almost daily, it’s true there were many more readers and sometimes 30 or 40 comments. It was wonderful to converse with so many, and get different points of views, tips, tricks, or just shared laughs.   
    But part of that interaction depends on following others blogs as well, and leaving comments there, so they know you’re still paying attention.   While I do still drop in from time to time, especially on the blogs where I have become friends with the author, it’s not a regular practice.  I think having to do a large part of my job on the computer  makes me want to just get AWAY from the computer when I’m done with work. I’ve become friends with some of you on Facebook and I find that to be wonderful – we’re still keeping in touch with each other, even more so.
    I sat down here just now and said.. I really should do a blog post…  But… why is that?  I think I really oughta go fold the laundry and pick the beans out in the garden I know need picking and get going on dinner for the crew.    Jeez, maybe I’ll even finish the book I’m reading  – (Where’d you go, Bernadette? ) –  a good, humorous read if you’re looking for something different.  And if I’m not feeling inspired to share something here with you, why would you be inspired to read it, right? 
   So I think for a little while I am going to just ‘ Let it Be’  – This Old House 2  can sit here by itself for a spell. Know that I’m out living life, and I’ll stop in and visit you from time to time too. Wishing you all good health, contentment and peace of mind.
– Karen


the 4th and things that go bump in the night….

   The 4th of July weekend weather was beautiful – we had just a few family members over for some food and fun and RELAXATION – something we don’t do enough of around here.. if you’re asking me.  The only glitch was poor Frasier, who gets frantic when thunder or fireworks appear. 
     The hay was harvested and we had some fun before the rolls were taken away…

   
  On another note – mom took a tumble in a parking garage in Hartford last week and we spent a bit of time at the Hartford Hospital ER.   Ever try to remain perfectly calm with very little HORRIFIED expression on your face as you sit with a person who’s arm is, you know, NOT ALIGNED and at a peculiar angle …and  said person is asking you if they should look at it… and you try like hell not to sound like you’re hyperventilating as you say.. HELL NO!  DO NOT LOOK AT IT. NOPE!!.. JUST DON’T!… 
I don’t know.. I think I really should have just gone with a simple “Nah, just keep looking over here”. 
But I don’t think I came remotely close. 
Anyway, Mom was a trooper through the whole damned thing – surgery tomorrow.  Say a little prayer for the plate and screw revival.

Sending it up into the Universe – Why ever not

     I’m what some have referred to as a high-rev person.  Even my heart rate is higher than the average Joe, always has been – jeez, I hope I’m not wearing the old ticker out.  I’ve got a lot of energy, some of it -nervous- energy.  That’s not  the most awesome thing,  and because anxiety has seeped into my being at a few difficult points in my life, I’ve searched  for ways to alleviate it over the years.
     One of the benefits of being a fifty year old… and there are indeed benefits, ( who woulda thunk it!?)… is I am willing and able to slow down and appreciate all the little things in life so much more than I ever did when I was younger.    I actually sat down on the porch yesterday at around 2 pm and read a chapter out of the book I’m reading –  All the Light We Cannot See –    (Wow, great read.  Gives you a little unusual perspective on a time in history we are too young to have known.)   I hardly ever take that kind of time, and you know.. why ever not?

    Today I stepped out into a glorious early summer morning with the sun shining, dew on the grass, and gentle breezes from up over the hill that carried the slight scent of ocean.  We’re about five miles from it but we’re way up high, and occasionally the sea air makes it to us. The awareness of it always makes me stop, turn toward the water and breathe it in.

   

      The chickens love their morning treats – today it was left over hard boiled eggs (I know that sounds cannibalistic)..and sunflower seeds.  Then, because the manchild is out there mowing the lawn, I let them out for some free ranging . While he’s making noise on the mower, predators won’t feel comfortable attacking.

 
    Our bunnies, Harley and Cloud, love to get out too.

    After the chickens and rabbits are fed, watered and  pens cleaned up, I head up to the barn to feed, water, turn out and muck stalls.  Glamorous, it ain’t.. but there’s truly no place on earth I’d rather be.  I’ve had the office job, the factory job, the zoo job, another office job.  I’ve known the 8-4:30 deal in a windowless office.  I did it well while I had to… but I can’t express enough how grateful I am that I was able to get away from it and raise my kids myself, till soil and shovel sh*t and pluck eggs from nesting boxes and sweep isles and pull weeds etc. etc. etc.

   On the crappiest weather days I do have to remind myself that I really shouldn’t be complaining.  Well worth the slight discomfort or rain and cold and heat.

     This morning I stopped to watch the boys head up to their favorite grazing field, admiring the shine on their glossy coats from all that pasture grass.  They are lucky lucky horses, and I am a lucky girl to be able to provide this life for them. 

Sometimes, lately, my “barn” clothes consist of something like today’s ensemble…
an upcycled twirly skirt and my red  paisley floral sloggers. 
Why ever not. 

So glad I’ve learned to slow down enough to see and appreciate it all.
Especially the little things.
It’s also refreshing to not take one’s self too seriously, you know?  
I’m sending this up into the Universe….
THANK YOU to the powers that be…
for this life that I have and cherish. 

Tied up.

 Yesterday on FB there was an article posted by a horse publication about the art of tying a horse up to a patience pole.  It’s a very common practice in the western world. I’ve seen it many times.  Horses are tied to a “patience pole” or a stall door or inside their stall or tied to the ceiling of an indoor… for hours at a time.  Some were just ridden for an hour or two, already tired,  and then they are tied… to teach them patience.  Sometimes they’re out in sweltering sun, sometimes their tack is left on.  Sometimes they’re tied so short they can’t move their head six inches. I’m not talking about tying them safely so they don’t get tangled, I’m talking tying them in a way so that they can’t truly rest their head at normal level and they become exhausted.   Very prominent trainers in the horse world use this method, there’s no doubt.   They swear by it and claim there is no cruelty.  Article below by one of the most respected.  I know he believes what he’s saying, as do many many of his fans.  I don’t think he’s a cruel individual.

 I wrote on that post yesterday that I have witnessed the practice many times, and I do feel it is inhumane to leave a horse tied in this way for hours on end and I don’t believe for one minute the horse is standing there contemplating what he was just taught while being ridden.  We’re smarter than the horse and if I tethered you to a pole for three hours after putting you to hard work, I don’t think you’d be contemplating what you had just learned.    HOURS, as in very long periods of time.  That was the jist of my comment. 

  What followed was backlash from fans of the method who called me stupid, naive, smartmouthed, dumb,just plain lucky that I didn’t have to use that method on my horses yet achieved the result of a quiet well behaved horse.  I was asked if I know horses at all, so I explained my background and that I’m not hailing myself as a trainer or calling trainers evil.. I just don’t think some of the methods used are humane.   No matter what I said… the name calling continued… without any conversation at all about why they like this training method.  

 Simple truth  – It wears the horse out. That’s the purpose. They are TIRED by the time they’ve been taken off the pole. Would’nt you be? Mentally and physically.   Now, they’re not beating the horse while it’s on the pole.  Fair enough.  I still find the practice cruel. 

My point here isn’t so much to talk to you about tying horses to poles for long periods of time.  It’s more about the sad state of how we talk to each other when we disagree.    




original article below…  by a very well known trainer who has much success in the show pen.  It’s true, the method obtains the end result they are looking for.   His horses do their job.  Doesn’t make it right in my book.  

—————————Tying a horse up for long periods of time accomplishes many important things in your training. I have a little saying, “End each training session by tying your horse up to the ‘Tree or Post of Knowledge.’” Clinton Anderson Training TipsWhen you tie your horse up after a training session, it teaches him not only respect and patience, but it also gives him a chance to think about and absorb what you have just taught him. 


The very last thing you want to do after a training session is get off your horse, take him back to the barn, unsaddle him, hose him off and put him in his stall to eat. This puts his focus more on getting back to the barn and eating than on thinking about his job. If you get into the habit of tying your horse up for two to three hours after you ride him, he won’t be in such a hurry to get back to the barn. 


Some people will read that and think that I’m being cruel to the horse. But I have to ask, “What’s the difference between a horse standing still in a stall or a horse standing still on a Patience Pole? The difference to me is that if he’s standing tied to a pole, he could be thinking about you and what you’ve just taught him, but I guarantee that in the stall he’s not thinking about you at all.



** my answer to that – the difference between a horse standing in his stall and being tied to a “patience pole” is he can move around freely, drink water, nibble hay, lie down if he’s tired from the workout you just gave him… in short.. RELAX.  He can’t do that on the pole.  I don’t care that he’s not thinking of me once I’ve gotten off of him.  He needs the break after what he’s just been put through in the training.   

 Notice in the picture he can’t put his head down, not where it would normal be if he was untied.  The argument will be that it’s for his safety, tying him high. YES… if you’re tying a horse, you have to be sure he can’t step on the rope or chain or get tangled in it.  That’s not the issue.  Why tie him for hours at all. 

The ONLY answer.. is to wear him out. Mentally, physically, so they’re more pliable in the training. 


 That’s my take on the practice.  I am not a horse trainer. I have been working with horses for most of my life, caring for them here at home and in the show pen as well.  I think that qualifies me to form my own educated opinion on what I believe to be inhumane practices.   

What would be awesome is if we could all talk to each other without name calling harassment if we disagree.   Last night after much back and forth and really nasty sarcastic wise ass comments by a few commenters, I pulled the whole conversation because I don’t think the intention of the Horse publication was to spark that kind of commentary.