Author: admin

Just Do it

     I’m a worrier. Always have been.. as it always shall be.  Unless they come up with some miracle cure for worry, and then I’ll be first in line holding my hand extended out for that magic pill because oooh, wouldn’t it be nice not to worry.  My 93 year old neighbor across the street told me the secret to longevity is to try not worry too much.. what will be.. will be. One foot in front of the other, take it as it comes, and don’t imagine what isn’t even there.

 Sounds like a great plan!! Easier said than done, my friends.. easier said than done.

  Some months back I went for my yearly mammogram and thankfully “all appears normal”.  Then I got a notice in the mail from the radiology group that my boobs are “moderately dense”… and we’re not talking IQ here.  Because of this fact, they now recommend a follow up ultrasound because it can detect things a mammo can’t.       The notice said that it wasn’t an urgent matter, talk it over with my Dr. next time I had an appointment.    So I did discuss it at my yearly ob-gyn exam. My Dr. just happened to be recovering from breast cancer which was detected by ultrasound, NOT the mammogram, which appeared normal.  The same is true of my own mother, who is a breast cancer survivor of three years now.   Given the family history, I was advised to get the ultrasound along with the mammogram. 

*sigh*

 Another test to agonize over and procrastinate on and kick about in my ever worrying mind.  I finally got around to it, remembering the words of a dear blog friend, Vicky,  who is battling Stage Four breast cancer with a dignity and grace, courage and strength that amazes me every step of her journey.  She said.. I don’t think there are any regrets for tests taken… just regrets for tests -not- taken that could have prevented something worse.

 With that in mind and my own mother’s experience, I finally made the appointment and had the ultrasound exam.  I’m very relieved to report that all is well.  The technician was a lovely woman who explained the importance of getting both screenings done because neither detects all cancers, but both together are an excellent tool for early detection.

So.. if you’re told you have dense breast tissue, get the ultrasound as well.  So far, I believe statistics are that it’s only mandatory for the labs to notify you in 9 states. This year..Connecticut is among them.  Ask for yourself if you’re not notified.  Do I have dense breasts?  Can I also get an ultrasound? ….

 Ok, on to something more pleasant…

 Here are some images from my late summer/early fall garden … the leaves are beginning to change.. sugar maples among my favorite and the first to turn….

The Durham Fair Seasons of my Life

The first time I visited the Durham Fair I was a brand new Connecticut resident and college student.  It was also my first experience with large agricultural fairs.  Love at first sight for me…… the food! The animals! The rides! Crafts! Games! The Commercial tent! Live Music Entertainment!..and we’re talking some of the greats…  Loretta Lynn, 38 Special, Charlie Daniels, REO Speedwagon… KC and the Sunshine Bank, remember them?

A really cool fact –  Established in 1916, it’s one of the largest in New England and is still run entirely by a volunteer staff without paid management or employees.  Amazing.

As a young person the Durham Fair was exciting for it’s pick-up potential.. so many young folks hyped on the night time vibe at the fairgrounds. The bright lights of the rides, the crowd energy and the fantastic food smells were intoxicating.  Those who were not already coupled and engaged in  playing the games that might win their sweetheart a big stuffed animal were strutting and preening and showing off or standing together  peering shyly all around, hoping to be noticed.  Those were nights of excitement and  potential.   That was the “Spring” Fair season of my life.

These two Durham Fair images taken from internet – yes it really gets that crowded.
That’s just one of the main throughways.


I entered the Summer fair season when I began bringing my small children along. Oh, how their eyes lit up as the bright lights came into view.. especially that big beautiful ferris wheel that inspired both terror and delight.  The Food! The Animals! The Rides! The Games! Those big stuffed animals that Daddy might win  (or buy after 78 tries for ten times the actual cost of the thing).  Maneuvering a stroller and  young children through those crowds was a new challenge, but oh so worthy of the awe.

The Summer fair season started waining when my kids each turned 14 and wanted to go to the fair without the ‘rents.  WHAT???….  But.. but the Fair is for Family!   ..and I need to know where you ARE!  (insert hyperventilation here) and what about all the stories of the kids who bring alcohol or pot    … and what if they offer it to you  or  what if you get lost and what if … if .. if…   *sigh*.

*in all “Fair-ness” Durham Fair is well patroled by a  solid police presence and does a good job monitoring the kids activity.   

  Those first few years of – oh my God they’re out there all by themselves–  with 15 or 100  other friends or so, I dropped them off and picked them up and they had such a good time I was glad I got over myself and  let it happen.  The look on their faces was one of exhilaration and – youth un adulterated and uninhibited– Their giggles and laughs and gossip and jokes about what had transpired that night as we drove home were like little gold nuggets from the Fair just for me.

 I realized yesterday as my husband and I walked alone among the canned goods and produce displays  that we have indeed entered our Fall Fair Season. The kids still go to the Fair…. but now they drive themselves and their significant others. They meet  up with friends and are home at a respectful hour. They’ve started commenting on how Friday and Saturday nights are not the best time to go because – the crowds!  The Parking! … and it’s no longer uncool to be seen sometimes at the fair with the ‘rents.

 While I miss certain aspects of my previous Fair Seasons, this one is just as delightful in it’s own way and I’ll savor every bit of it.  Especially the FOOD! The Animals! The Craft Tent!    If you live within two hours drive of Durham, CT… I recommend you take a day trip…and stop by The Lions Club Hut for a corndog.. because man oh man,  they are ridiculously delicious . The Lime Rickeys just up the hill are awesome too and if you buy the green cup, you get a free refill throughout your visit.  It’s quite a trek around the fairgrounds, the hills are pretty steep. You’ll work up the appetite, believe it.

 
This type of chicken is called a “frizzle”.
I think I need  some frizzles in my coop. 
 

 

 
Is it Fair Season in your neck O’ the woods?  Do you have a favorite Fair Activity? Food?
Story? Share it in the comments section, I’d love to know.
 
 


   

It’s All About The Dogs

   Just weeks ago a bunch of us got together and said.. “hey, what more can we do for all those dogs out there who are sitting in shelters by the thousands?”   Well.. we can’t save them all, but no effort is wasted when you’re doing something good, so we banded together and having experience with it already, the first adoption event is shaping up in record time.  The site for the event was donated (a Christmas tree farm with a large barn – perfect!)  and we’re raising funds for the other expenses.  The rescues have pulled the dogs from kill shelters and they are now in quarantine, vetted, spayed or neutered if they weren’t already, being temperament tested and kid approved.

Some of the faces who will be attending the event, looking for their forever home….

 
 
 
This is our FB “face”…. if you are on FB and want to support our efforts,
like us  – Homeward Bound CT..

If you want to do even more, our t-shirts and mugs are now available
simply send us a message on FB with your request or e-mail itsallaboutthedogs2014@gmail.com
… all proceeds go to the dogs you see above plus about 40 more… and the efforts
to get them home.  Local people interested in adopting a dog can attend the Homeward Bound innaugural adoption event posted on the page – November  8th & 9th  at Hale Hill Tree Farm in Portland, CT.


 
 

Picking it up where you left it

 I envy all you folks out there who manage to keep yourself on a consistent fitness schedule regardless of how busy your life might be.  I am not one of those people.  It might have something to do with the fact that for about an hour each day I am doing physical work outside with the horses, chickens, etc shoveling manure, lugging water buckets, hay, raking and sweeping the isle. Or it might be my tendency toward procrastination.   I have learned not to beat myself up over the lapses in exercise.  It is what it is… and what it ISN’T is an excuse to  not pick it up again.

 So if you find yourself stopping and going like me… don’t let that STOP you from GOING again.  Pick it up when you can, and maybe even push yourself to do it.  It’s important for our mental and physical health, all of us.  For me, walking the dogs a few miles a day is what I stick with most successfully.  Choose what you like to do and you’ll be more likely to make it a habit. I know I’ll never be a gym rat (not that there’s anything wrong with it) . The  treadmills, stairmasters, elipticals, etc. resemble a hamster wheel to me.  Walking outdoors keeps my mind busy and the view in front of me everchanging.

Yesterday I took Ben and Frasier for a walk in the woods and it sure felt good.  Autumn is not yet here, but the crisp morning air and few scattered changing leaves tell us it’s just around the bend.  I’m looking forward to it.

 
 
 

  

 It’s a new day, all –  pick it up again!
And don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
 
 

Season Finale

 Our last horse show of the season came and went this weekend. Team KMax did very well and has won two awards in their division for the year.  Decisions for next year need to be made. Max will be 19 next Spring and our plan is to retire him to the farm, where he can relax and live the life of a “home” horse instead of the more rigorous role of a “show” horse. That’s all he’s known and he’s good at it, but I always feel they deserve a comfortable retirement after serving so many for so many years.  He’s had atleast five show owners and some of his life as been on the road.

  The question K debates is… should they do another year before Max retires, moving up to the next division?  The next level of competition takes more skill and while Max is awesome, he’s not as awesome (fancy, athletic) as many of those who will be riding in their classes. He’s very fit for his age and it’s important to keep them going to a certain extent, just like us.   So, would it be satisfying to ride just for their own personal goals but not place well, or would it be more frustrating after all?   We always say we’re all about the relationship between horse and rider, but honesty dictates that not placing well can be discouraging regardless. 

 We have time to figure it out.  Right now I am thankful for another successful, safe year for these two.

Team KMax getting their hair done….

 
 
Warm up in the ring before Classes start…

 
 
 
K with boyfriend D after a great ride in Western Pleasure
and a first place win.

 
It’s all good – 

Homeward Bound

 Some of you, my long time blog friends, are aware of the dog rescue groups I have volunteered for for several years.. Dog Days Adoption Events and Red Dog Project.  See labels on side for more on that.   My experience with Dog Days and Red Dog has been wonderful. There is no better feeling than coming together with a large group of like minded people to accomplish something that benefits so many.. in this case dogs languishing in kill shelters across the country.  The stats are horrible – according to the ASPCA, approximately 3-4 million cats and  dogs are euthanized each year, unable to find adopters before their “time is up”.   There are rescue groups trying to change that by holding adoption events to assist the rescues that pull the dogs from shelters and give them a better chance at finding a home. Dog Days and Red Dog  are doing wonderful things – they’ve accomplished tremendous success and a large volunteer base as a result.

 A small group of this band of volunteers recognized the need for more of these events. There are too many wonderful dogs still dying.   The formula works as long as strict guidelines like quarantining, rehab where needed, full health and temperament evaluations are performed.   The rescues are grateful for being given the venue to have their dogs seen by the public at an adoption event, giving them a much better chance of finding their forever home as opposed to sitting in a shelter cage hoping someone will come along.   Most often their financial resources are next to none and so they don’t have the tools to promote their dogs in the best possible light.  We volunteers can give them that opportunity… and so we are determined.

 If you are on FB, won’t you please visit our page  and “like” us.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/HomewardBoundCT?fref=ts

 Our first adoption event will be held in November here in CT  – updates on the dogs we’re saving and will be up for adoption will appear regularly.  It will not have all the bells and whistles of the Dog Days events, but the end result will be the same… dogs surviving and thriving in their new forever homes. 

  Thank you –   

Sunny Disposition

   If I ask you what comes to your mind first when you think of a cheerful flower, I bet many of you will say the Sunflower.  My mom and a group she is affiliated with would agree.. and this year they gave out sunflower seeds to anyone in town who would like to grow them. The idea was to spread sunshiney cheer throughout the town and come together at the end of the season to award prizes in several catagories ranging from largest flower to best arrangement, single flower, photography, etc. The celebraton took place on Saturday and right now there are sunflowers growing at the circle, the gas station, the elementary school, Parmelee Farm, This Old House.. the retirement community up the road.. and many resident gardens as well.  

 It’s a beautiful thing..this spreading of sunshine, don’t you think?  I’m hoping next year participation doubles.  These lovely folks shared a recipe the first selectwoman  created just for this occasion.  It is delicious and unique!  

 
 
  One of the few that actually came up in my garden this year…
 

It comes to this….

   Since the coyote drama I have not let my girls free roam and they dearly miss it. Whenever I walk over they crowd the coopyard door thinking I’m surely going to let them out THIS time…. 

   So  after weeks of this pathetic behavior I decided to bring a beach chair out there and for about a half hour on most days I let them out to dig and scratch and flutter and flap and run and jump for joy.. because that’s what they do after being cooped up for so long.   You always wondered where that expression came from, didn’t ya.    If a coyote wanders near I’ll beat him with my bare hands, I’m so mad at the losses he’s already inflicted.

 
The hens and bunnies have gotten used to each other
and now appear to be on friendly terms. Cloud and Harley are
also only allowed out in their “yard” while I’m sitting there
or cleaning the coop and hutch.
 
Below, Harley and Cloud with Luna and Lily.
 

 
This group below are my girls from the chick clutch I raised this spring.
They have just begun laying.

 

 I’m off to a sunflower festival to paint faces with sunflowers.
It’s so darn humid here, you know those skies that look like they could
sprout a tornado or hurricane?…. that I think the face paints
are going to slide right off the little faces.
 
We’ll see…. Have a good weekend all –
 


Good Family and Good Food

 Two necessary ingredients for a nourished life. 

 We spent some time with family and friends this labor day weekend along with some seriously good food.   A dear neighbor gave me this recipe 20 years ago and it’s still a hit with my crowd, so I made it to bring along to a family picnic.

I also found it online so I don’t have to type it out!

Pillsbury Antipasto Squares.. recipe HERE.   Easy to make, a crowd pleaser for sure.

 
 
 
The Vineyard Crew, remember them? 
 

 
 I’d post more of the family here, but one of the chief indians did not like
their pictures, so you’ll have to settle for just us.
  
 
 
It’s a new day all – make it a good one!