Tag: life

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


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. 

Randomocity

… that is SO a word.

 We’ve had beautiful weather lately except for one thing.  No rain.  None. Nuthin.  Nada.  And that means we are living in a pollen and dust bowl.  Hello Allegra/Zyrtec/Claritin/Flonase.    I haven’t used any of that stuff yet, but I probably should.  Itchy, sneezy, general feeling of yuck – *sigh

 Anyway.. on to the other random –

   We had a glorious Memorial Day Weekend – time spent with family enjoying good food, good weather, a frisbee and good horses, it’s all good.

  Timely, we watched American Sniper… wow, what a story.  And if you need a dose of reality, this movie is it.  The horrors our soldiers endure is hideous.  The mentality over there is … I don’t have an appropriate word for it.  What an incredible man, what a tragic end.

 On to better things –  K & Opie – I’ve been lax in the riding department and Kris has been giving him some much needed exercise.

I just found this funny – 

 A Mother’s Day gift from my son – I love it. At night it casts a lovely
glow over the kitchen sink.  

Speaking of my son – he traded in his car for a really rad
Jeep.  You know we love our Jeeps around here… 
He’s the Black Jeep Of The Family. 
The fellow next to him is my cousin Kev. 
A finer man you might never know – 
He taught my son all about the joys of
GOING TOPLESS the other day…
because sometimes that’s how we roll. 

Don’t do it

   We had a lovely weekend, and there were things I planned to post… but something happened  in town that is more important to share.

  I’m drinking coffee in my kitchen this morning, and I keep looking out at the mist, thinking of the people affected by something terrible that happened up the road just days ago.

    There was a horrible accident at a busy intersection.  I had driven through the area about 20 minutes prior and K came up to it right after.  She said the flames were so crazy she had no idea what was involved in the accident.  The immediate result – One female cyclist was dead at the scene, the other male life starred in critical condition, fate still unknown.   In the news we learned the motorcyclists were from NJ  and were with a group, probably leisure riding through the countryside… when they were hit head on by an SUV driven by a teen who had just gotten his/her license.  The kids in the SUV were unhurt.   Turns out this teen driver is a really good kid,  an honor student at the local HS.  Just got his/her license a month prior.  It’s not clear why he/she veered into the oncoming lane and hit the cyclists head-on,  it was the middle of the day and they were in a stream of cars going regular speed.

But I can take a guess.

   How often have I looked at my phone while driving.   – Did she respond to my e-mail?  Did K get back to me yet? …. who “liked” that funny quote on FB?  – 

    How Stupid.

 Nothing is so important it can’t wait until you’re not driving.  And yet, like Pavlov’s dog, I find myself checking, checking, checking.    I’m making a big effort from now on to put the phone in the purse until I ‘ve reached the destination.  I’ve also lectured my kids and husband, although we’ve done that before.. and  people tend to forget once the horror of someone else’s tragedy fades.

   I feel so badly for the woman who died so horribly.  The man will never be the same if he survives.. and the teens in that SUV?  *sigh   I have no idea what the investigation outcome will be, but this is certain –  it’s a terrible burden to bear for the rest of their lives regardless.

 

Spring Rain and too-smart horses

   After a particularly cold and snowy and dragged out winter, we’ve had a weird spring.  Right now, the grass is parched.  This morning, however, there is a light misty rain and I am so grateful. My gardens need the reprieve.

  This morning when I went out to feed the animals, I discovered Opie had let himself and Max out overnight.  I close my horses in at night so I know they aren’t getting into trouble out in the fields in the dark.  It’s not totally necessary, but it gives me peace of mind.  Any little bit of that I can get, I take.  In the warmer months I leave the top door of their stalls open so they have good ventilation.  Opie.. has discovered how to undo the latches with his mouth.  Last night he opened his own door, then sprung Max out of his stall as well, and the two had a grand old time grazing all night in the light rain.   This is how I was greeted this morning when I came out to feed –

   On mornings like this, when it’s peaceful out in the fields and the animals are happy to see you –  (oh it’s the FOOD, I know)  –  you don’t mind the work so much, you remember why you did all this in the first place.  It’s a beautiful thing.