Farm Fresh Fun

Horses and heartache

2012-03-04T23:27:00.000-05:00

I wish someone could tell me why horses and heartache so often go together...

Horses bring so much joy.

Losing them brings too much pain.

In my thirty plus years with horses I've dealt with a lot...

You'd think it'd get easier...

Somehow it seems the opposite.

On Saturday we lost a treasure~ "Balion."

Bali sure was a "classy" guy!

He taught us all so much.

xOxOThanks soooo MUCH for sharing him

with me and my family Ashley n Diane!!!!!!xOxO

He made us all smile and appreciate our time in the saddle.

EVERYONE who met him became his fan.

Bali had looks, brains and talent

(and more than a few endearing quirks)

wrapped up in one huge heart.

He will be immensely missed.

"Some trails are happy ones,

Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again.
Happy trails to you,
Keep smilin' until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you,
Til we meet again."

We love you Bali!

Silliness n suckers

2012-02-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

I just came in from a looong intense day of new horses, clients and a family gathering inside the DC beltway. Tucked in chickens n critters and wandered blogville fast with a cold hard cider. Stumbled upon CHALK & TALK's cute blog!

And her post on Weird Al's eBay song.

Just what I needed.

Wishing you all polka dots n lollies (and no sucker eBay purchases)!

Love is in the air

2012-02-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

We've had a lovey-dovey past few weeks, how 'bout you?

(You may have noticed I used the same heading as my Pinterest board. As usual that's provided ~~all my~~ tons of inspiration.)

We made many cute cards for family members and teachers.

We used heart doilies inspired by http://littleblots.com/ and wrote

Owl always love you!

We even even had a small party.

Jack was thrilled that his shy bestie from preschool came.

Sarah wrote out a farm tour she planned on hosting.

She listed. every. single. creature. structure. tractor etc!

As it was they saw ponies, goats n chickens before freezing and coming in for cocoa w/heart marshmallows.

I meant to capture "before all the ~~mess~~ fun" pictures but how do hostesses get that organized?!

Here's a messy after!

I tried to make some health(ier?) treats for starters.

cheese w/hearts cut out

watermelon cut with Xs n Os cookie cutters, strawberries

heart shaped pizza, pink milk

and printed out Valentine mad-libs n silly jokes like

"What do you call a small Valentine?'

... "A Valen~tiny!"

and

"knock knock.

Who's there?

Frank.

Frank who?

Frank you for being my friend!"

We made these cute rings w/supplies from our Dollar store.

(The bags of rings are in the wedding favor area!)

found on womansday.com

Of course there were the classic candy necklaces n rings too.

and cupcake decorating w/crazy sprinkles. everywhere.

Most of my planned crafts that I set out in cute baskets didn't get touched.

Beads were strung and unstrung all over the stairs...

I don't think little kids care much about vignettes ;-P

but here's one for ME1

This morning I made heart shaped cinnamon rolls n packed cute lunches n love notes.

Now I get to clean.

again.

And look forward to a quiet dinner w/The Farmer while kids go to Faith Weavers tonight!

Wishing you all a LOVELY day!

No butterfly here!

2012-01-30T10:47:00.000-05:00

Yikes. avert.your.eyes.

I am so uncool.

Way beyond...

Fair warning.

I do not have a cute butterfly tatoo on my lower back.

But on a bad day,

if I dressed hurriedly before getting kids to school,

or fell behind on laundry,

and you don't quickly look away as I bend to pick a horses hoof,

you just might see...

my grannie panties way up above my low rise jeans.

I'm so sorry.

We horsey gals keep either these or thongs for use under breeches.

I am not a thong girl.

Nuff said.

I guess I could call 'em "Bubble Duds" for my bubble bu%%? :-0

Now if you need a good laugh read more from urban dictionary!

Locker room:

-"Ew, you wear granny panties?"
-"Yeah, that's right, I do. Get over it. At least they don't go up my a** like thongs."

"Ok, I think you can take the curlers out now. How are those granny panties fitting?"

But I prefer to think of Bridget Jones.

Oh God! I forgot I was wearing damn granny panties! Shit, now I can't get drunk and strip!

I'm off to find some new bikinis for Valentines day.

Wishing you a comfy day without your knickers in a knot!

I dedicate this post to my fashionista "virtual friend" Janie, who manages to rock out plush purses, glittery flats n trendy toenails in the middle of cows, kids n farmland in Illinois. I dunno how she does it.

Snowflakes

2012-01-23T07:49:00.000-05:00

I know! Can you believe it - 2 posts in 2 days?! I love snow days!

Finally my inside decor reflects the outside.

We've seen few flakes this winter.

Everyone's been waiting to play in the snow.

Nick seeming to forget he's short, fat n old, says "bring it Olivia!"

Olivia's happy to fight down n dirty n try to knock his stubby legs out from under him

Well, almost everyone.

Do I have to go down there?

Ewwww, I no likey!

We made our redneck preparations for a big ice storm this weekend

But were thrilled to find softer snow instead....

PERFECT sledding weather!

I love sledding too and let each kid take a few pics while I played...

Jack's pics

Sarah's pic

Have you all had your sleds out much lately?

Underwear or doughnuts?

2012-01-21T15:33:00.000-05:00

My HUBBY deserves to be treated like a KING

but

Apparently you can't ask for too much from me on your birthday.

I was trying to get it all together for The Farmer's birthday...

(HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!!!!)

I had the best intentions and ideas stolen off Pinterest.

He's a sweet n simple (yes I said it) man.

He doesn't ask for anything.

In fact he asks that I not buy him anything!

So I tried to come up with a few simple things to start his day in a special way;

We serenaded him in bed.
(I printed out Adam Sandler's lyrics from The Wedding Singer)

I wrote a love note on his mirror.

I made him a homemade doughnut cake.

and sausages n coffee n stoked the fire n packed his lunch...

w/treats from a goodie basket using a green theme

b/c I'm green with envy that he's still (barely)in his thirties.

Uh huh - I'm a cougar and I recommend it! ;-P

Jack made the best card and was soooooooo proud.

No, it is NOT a turtle w/a swingset on top as I'd guessed.

shame. on. me.

He drew he n his Dad combining

with Dad trying to figure out why the auger was jammed. again.

I also began this.

But think maybe I need all the prayers I can get too!

You see, I managed to overlook the obvious first step in caring for a man.

Making sure he had clean undies to start the day.

I even have a plan for these days!

I hide extras in each persons room so I'm not shown to be a big behind.

But he'd already found n used those!

So I scrambled madly to find one last pair while the kids distracted him.

I about came undone for the rest of the day over this.

Jack has no shortage of undies.

He loves his newest ones.

Even tho I went to tuck in his shirt at preschool after the Bday celebration

and found him going commando.

He prefers to wear them on his head I guess.

Simple family.

Simple needs.

Pinterest doesn't prepare me adequately.

Unless you count this, which I really must copy.

I guess the cat's outta the bag now, huh?

Happiness upon happiness

2012-01-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

Wow, can it really be 2012 already?!

HOW???

We're so behind that although The Farmer and I were barely awake to kiss out the old and in the new, our real party was this morning!

We ate the first eggs from our young hens and wore silly hats while we filled out a few questions to keep along with the years highlights and resolutions in our family time capsule.

Guess the past week was a perfect way to close out 2011 ~

a blur of celebratin' n fun.

Hope you all enjoyed the same!

Here are some highlights...

Fair warning - these are indulgent family shots to hold ALL the fun in my own aging memory as long as possible.

After a great last day at school celebrating Sarah and her AWESOME PRINCIPAL's Bdays, our Christmas took off just like the kids as they ran up our drive holding hands!

They arrived home to find a large package from our beloved Aunt Berry Melon FULL of thoughtful gifts and special notes!

So began a Christmas where we felt truly blessed,

if still a hair too busy!

The peace of the family church service, listening to Sarah sing, was just what I needed to get in the right mindset before ... ... ...

We started early at home Christmas morning, amazed at Santa's gifts.

(Fairly inexpensive yet priceless.)

Jack asked Santa for "the yummy" cough drops!

And a small blue r.c. helicopter that was much much fun

(parts already on order after it broke)!

He also received the Tonka truck road grader he asked for.

He is ALL about DIGGING.

Nick n Smores were baffled by GoGo puppy

Sarah got a GoGo puppy and, by chance, a pet carrier from Ikea.

She also got an accordion which I swear years of Nickelodeon inspired.

The "fairy door" from Lori was perfect as Sarah n Jack just "discovered a fairy meadow" in a clearing in our woods and love to hike down there to look for fairies often!

The Farmer found a cute stuffed rat in his stocking to remind him of one he brought home a few years back ('nother post needed for that!) He may or may not have also received a bag of coal and a wooden toilet seat... ;-P

I was treated well with fancy electric boot warmers to keep my tootsies warm while I teach. Also some cute black n pink polka dot wellies.

We received several great games and gave ourselves Monopoly. We've had a blast playing!

The Farmer worries about his hotels on Park Place coming under helicopter fire!

But you can prolly guess what our favorite gifts were...

Jack got a cd he loves to sing along with in Dad's truck when they go to work! ;-0

After breakfast we celebrated at my moms where we were spoiled again.

Dail makes the best Santa as he tours the hospital to sing Christmas Day!

The kids adore their new scooters from Grandma!

And for her Bday Sarah received the American Girl doll Kirstin who shares our Swedish heritage and prairie and farm life interests!!

Midafternoon Christmas found us at The Farmer's family for an open house full of fun.

Santa's toys came with us and many a big boy enjoyed the helicopter!

A neighbor had left their Yorkie cross for petsitting and the uncles taught it to attack poor GoGo.

Giggles galore. Even from Sarah.

At Christmas' end we drove the hour back home n cleaned fast before The Farmer's bff arrived with his girlfriend.

I'm afraid my kids had more energy than I did by that time!!!

Two days later we celebrated Sarah for real!

It looked like someone had vomited hello Kitty all over our house!

We always carpet the Bday kid's rooms in balloons and set a surprise fancy breakfast table.

This year I made and left this mother daughter journal in her room as well. She n I both LOVE it!

That afternoon we went ice skating with our dear friends and grabbed pizza.

I was proud when another mom asked if my kids had been taking lessons...

I said no, we do this once a year, and pointed out that they actually fell quite a lot.

It's just that they were quick to scramble back up with a smile!

As a mother and horse trainer that's what matters most to me!

Two days after that we hosted an open house/ bonfire party despite snow flurries n MUD.

Great people put up with my mediocre food.

I made tons of chili, some of which we set on the fires edge in a cast iron pot to keep warm.

That and the cocoa disappeared fast. Of course there were dogs, s'mores n sparklers as well!

Tomorrow we gather to celebrate my Mom's Bday

(which was New Year's Eve)!!!

The best part of all this craziness is that we're now hunkered down in a house that has been cleaned more in the past week than all year, with treats n toys and time to rest n play together.

Hope your year is off to a *sPaRkLiNg* and / or restful start dear friends!!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:55:00.000-05:00

Hmm, last year we got doubles of many gifts and I was gonna call a post Copycat Christmas... But this year I really do feel like a copy cat after planning much of my Christmas by repinning! From decor to food and even some gifts, I sure got my mojo from fellow pinners. After I catch my breath tomorrow (we're travelling early and hosting a late dinner) I'll try to post some more pics of my knock-offs!

My photo skills still need lots of help from here, but I also did this (used BHG's better pic tho)!

We made several different cookies but these easy peasy Reindeer cookies were the most popular!

Our breakfast will be gluten free with new traditions at the table... Already made these elf hats and will prepare these red n green frittatas, sausage w/goat cheese and pretty north pole smoothies w/jumbo red n white straws that I found at the dollar store.

Also have these cute candy canes on the menu! Gotta do something to counteract all the sugar Santa tempts with...

Jack had a great party at preschool and told Santa what he'd written on the list we printed.

The night we did it Jack had been in a bit of trouble but he insisted on checking the "very nice" box not the "pretty nice" or "a bit naughty." I about bust a gut at his "nope, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it" line!

I'm not sure how I felt watching him whack Santa minutes later!

But capturing him trying to read the book his sweet teacher gave him made me melt.

Sarah also had a surprise "early birthday party" when I showed up at school with a Hello Kitty themed lunch (including sandwich she's showing) and cupcakes for everyone. Alas, I didn't get these Hello Kitty cake pops made as I hoped, but the school only allows store bought due to allergies!

We counted down the days by printing out this bright Santa and adding cotton to his beard.

Our little red friend seemed to be a copycat then too...

He glued on a cotton beard one day,

and left us a big reminder on another!

But we appreciated how he showed where his heart is as well.

In honor of the Elf we also printed out some coloring fun.

But one thing that wasn't copied...

Sarah made me cry when she brought an original writing project home from school. The kids were asked to write anything about Christmas.

Sarah wrote;

Christmas first came from Jesus being born. Christmas is his birthday Dec. 25th. He was God's only son and God gave him to us. That's why Christmas is about giving. God gave us his only son so we give love and joy to other people. I love going to church Christmas Eve with my family to celebrate.

Hope your heart is bursting with love & joy this Christmas!

Home for the holidaze

2011-12-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas friends!

We're really feelin' it this year...

My goal is to enjoy my home and family to the max

and avoid the holidaze!

It can happen in a blink;

the stores

the cards

the parties

the performances,

the runnin round....

We're trying to enjoy the simple pleasures and stay close to home more.

My training business has continued to grow, and while I feel blessed,

I'm fighting feeling stressed...

I'm trying to scale back my expectations for myself

and simply EnJoY the gift's God given me.

We cut our tree at our local tree farm again this year.

The Farmer preferred to show me his best side... ;-P

The kids are doing penance for growing too fast!

They helped saw and drag the tree.

They even lugged stuff down our two flights of 200 yo twisty stairs.

And crawled under to tighten the tree base.

I offered less chores for less growing, but I can't seem to slow 'em down...
After seeing this shot of Jack in his new pj's n robe, my BFF remarked that either our tree was smaller this year, or Jack much bigger...I said BOTH!

Last weekend we attended a great horse parade again.
Followed by a lunch and stop at the local firehall to admire the train garden.

We were pleased to see Jesus (young and old) a part of this celebration.

And amused by the clean-up brigade

We were also delighted to find our little red friend had snuck into the parade...

The Elf On A Shelf has been making us giggle many mornings

He spelled out I (heart) Sarah + Jack in marshmallows
(They ate 'em before I could even get a pic so we recreated it!)

The Elf also crawled into the fridge and dyed the milk red!
We caught him catching goldfish in the pantry,

and having a tea party w/the fresh gingerbread cookies we'd decorated!

Most decor looks the same as last year.
You can see more by clicking "Christmas" or our tree details here.
I did add a bit more bling to our bedroom and master bath for myself.

Nothing beats a hot bath after a long cold day outside -
especially with candles flickering against vintage shiny brite n crystal...

Followed by slipping into a bed warmed by heated mattress pad n fleece sheets and reading the perfect book sent by a perfect blogging friend.

Dear Janette sent us Christmas Cheer in a box!!!
Please go visit her for a soul soothing pick me up.

Friday after lessons, Sarah attends a birthday party...
Saturday after early lessons, we go into DC to enjoy a concert at the Kennedy Center followed by an early Christmas with my Aunt and Uncle... Sunday some fun client friends are coming over to watch "Fresh" and celebrate a bit... Monday is Jack's school party...
Sheesh, what did I start out by saying?!

EnJoY your many blessings friends!!!

Smitten by a kitten

2011-11-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

Hello Kitty was very, very special, but I must confess...

This is may be my personal most favorite cat...

Time will tell.

She has some big pawprints to fill.

I named her "Ugg" for ugly.

AKA "Runt."

She was the smallest, ugliest, goopy eyed kitten.

I did not like her looks.

She was kinda icky.

I did not really care for, her compared to her prettier sisters.

Then I realized how tiny, sickly n pushed around she was...

She became my passion.

She has thrived.

She's tough. And brave. And playful. And appreciative. And gentle...

And adorable (to my newly appreciative eyes.)

She enjoys(?) even more grabbing, lugging n playing than Hello Kitty.

And best of all,

she and Olivia are fast friends!

Sure, there's almost nothin' cuter than a basket full of kittens...

But I got the best one!

Wishing you a cuddly friend to snuggle with...

No lie, as I was putting this together, Jack was *dragging* Ugg around the living room hardwoods using a puppy collar and leash!

(She looked content, like she was lounging!!!)

Gotta really love a cat you can use as a swiffer ! ;-)

Please don't report me to PETA.

Thankful Be. an autumnal novel

2011-11-21T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hello friends

Seems I'm not around blogland much these days,

but I AM so THANKFUL for YOU!

Here's my novel.

Life on our farm has been very busy and immensely blessed lately.
(Guess I'm well on my way to 1000 gifts!)

I thought I'd share a few of my fav pics from the last few months...

I went on field trips with both Jack and Sarah's classes.

Jack to the pumpkin patch and zoo, Sarah to the nature center.

Some poor little girl threw up on the bus w/us to the center...

Although she had already been sick that morning, her mommy had said she could go if she felt up to it...

Thus began our TEN DAYS of gross sickness here.

NOT thankful to that mom.

Except maybe that it gave me a chance to just veg on the couch watching Harry Potter movies with the kids? :-)

We went to a paint your own pottery place.

Contrary to their dying expressions, it was fun.

Sarah made a pink n purple unicorn to match her pillow pet.
Jack made me a black cat for my Halloween collection.

I made a plate with their handprints that reads;

You are my sunshine.

Sadly, it didn't turn out as bright and clear as I'd hoped.

As I often mention; I am a frustrated, wanna be artiste!

But more in keeping with my strengths...

I took several of my students to a cross country course to practice.

Much fun was had by all.

Especially with the wine n cheese party in the barn afterwards!

I rode a 4 yo ex racehorse new to life off the track. Sarah rode Piglet.

I was thrilled with everybody's efforts.

Especially 7 yo Sarah and 5 yo Piglet!

The Farmer was thrilled to finally get all his corn harvested and rye planted between rains.

He worked l o n g days n nights with just us family "helping!"

I was a proud farmer's wife driving this!

Guess not too many farmers take pictures of themselves with a pink phone in the tractor cab...

Oh well, I was so excited to be planting.

Until I learned that I hadn't...

A chain had broken and the seed hadn't gone in.

I was a sad farmer's wife then.

But our kids were happy (scary?) children of the corn!

Sarah really does wear her "Laura Ingalls" costume from last Halloween around the farm.

all. the. time.

I wore that gingham dress nearly 20 years ago at my cousins country wedding.

yes. I am a hoarder who resists fashion change.

I just knew that sweet gingham would find another use.

After the early SNOW we played at Halloween parties dressed as
Winnie the Pooh n Kanga too.

Can you believe several people thought she was Scooby Do?!

So much for my costume design! ;-P

Then Sarah got to wear Jack's old costume as a duck in her school performance...
"Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that type."

There is nothing cuter than 70 second graders.

Each in their own unique homemade farm animal costume.
Nothing.

Jack initiated, completed and transported his own awesome craft.
He told me he had made a letter J out of wood up at Daddy's shop
(that's up a long drive).
He really wanted me to see it early the next morning.
I finally caved and allowed him to run up to the shop n bring it down before school...
I had no idea how H U G E it was.

I can't believe he wrestled it out and all the way down the drive by himself!
A piece broke off but that didn't deter him from painting it as soon as he returned from preschool.
My boy is determined and focused.

My family joined me to watch The Blessing of the Hunt performed by our own Pastor Helen.
It was a perfect day.

The Farmer volunteered that he'd really enjoyed it and could see himself hunting with me one day...
Praise be!

The kids (big n small?) enjoyed using the manlift to remove a big bird's nest from the chimney.

The Farmer bought this used off Ebay 10 years ago and I must admit it's a very handy toy that has paid for itself more than once over!

We're now full into woodstove mode.

Both kids help us keep track of the temp and load firewood.
And make cocoa. And pudding.

We are snug. We are messy.

We have zu zu pets n real pets. But apparently no matching PJs.

We are so blessed.

Wishing you all a glad Thanksgiving!

THANK YOU Veterans!!!

2011-11-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

We are privileged to have had many friends and family who served.

We are even more privileged to live in this Blessed Country.

THANKS to ALL who have served!

Round 'em up!

2011-11-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

Jack LOVED this!

Cows + remote control trucks = 5 yo farm boy heaven.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T18:57:00.000-04:00

Okay, these perfect pics clearly aren't mine... They come from my dearest friend Lori's spankin' new blog. (She promises to start uploading more of her great work. Especially if some kind comments prod her into action!) These are her adorable kiddos. She's hoping to start her own photography biz very soon. If you're in Michigan look her up, she's really talented and affordable!

Now, obviously, these are mine. They're worse because they are old and I couldn't edit them. And I have no talent.

These were taken four years ago!

3 y.o. Sarah as Dorothy at the cellar doors

1y.o. Jack as a (?) spider...

We're off now to the historic town down the road as Kanga n Pooh!

Happy Haunting friends!!!

Mad Moms March for Milk

2011-10-30T23:24:00.000-04:00

What follows is an email alert I received.

Mothers to Break Raw Milk Transport Law

On November 1st 2011, a group of mothers will break the law against interstate transport of raw milk, then distribute the raw milk in front of the FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. The FDA has already stated they will have federal enforcement agents present.

Contact: Liz Reitzig, Co-founder Farm Food Freedom Coalition LizReitzig@gmail.com 301.807.5063 http://www.FarmFoodFreedom.org/events.htm

"Don't Make Us Criminals Over Milk!" Demand Moms

Washington, DC-A group of mothers from across the country who feed their children raw milk will hold a demonstration on November 1 outside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in Silver Spring, MD to protest the FDA's crackdown on raw milk production and distribution, arguing that the government's campaign not only criminalizes raw milk, but criminalizes American citizens who buy and consume it.

Recently the FDA has conducted undercover sting operations and raids against farmers and buying clubs. "Not only are the FDA's actions a shameful use of force, they are also a serious threat to my freedom and my family's food supply" says Karine Bouis-Towe, Co-Founder of the Farm Food Freedom Coalition and Grassfed on the Hill, a DC area local food buying club. "Moms everywhere are disgusted by the FDA making us criminals for feeding our families nutritious food just because that food happens to come from a farm in a different state!"

Leaders in the local foods and foods rights movements will join mothers from across the country for their demonstration. Prior to their peaceful demonstration, a caravan of mothers will cross state lines with raw milk and invite the FDA to witness what the agency wrongly considers to be a criminal act. Media are invited to ride along as embedded reporters to report on how the FDA responds to what it wrongly terms a violation of the law.

Under FDA regulations [21 CFR § 1240.61] implemented in 1987, it is illegal for anyone to transport raw milk intended for human consumption across state lines. That includes individuals purchasing it legally in one state and crossing into another state where they live.

Information about farm raids at www.FarmFoodFreedom.org

Yours for food freedom,

Deborah Stockton, Executive Director
National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association

Our purpose is to promote and preserve unregulated direct farmer-to-consumer trade that fosters availability of locally grown or home-produced food products.

NICFA opposes any government funded or managed national animal identification system.

Here's just one wonderful blog from a great dairy farm that sells raw milk.

http://familycowfarmstand.wordpress.com/

If you're local, check out their website and explore raw milk yourself!

Here's an explanation from their site~

People have been drinking raw milk for thousands of years. If harvested with care from clean, healthy cows, it is not only safe, it’s a whole, nourishing, living food. Around the beginning of the 20th century, dairy farms associated with alcohol distilleries started to appear near major cities. These were large, dirty factories where cows were confined to filthy conditions and fed only swill, the hot acidic byproducts of distilled grain. Workers, often sick themselves, sometimes inoculated the milk with human diseases. This “swill milk” was implicated in human illness and death. Instead of cleaning up or regulating the safe production of milk, widespread pasteurization kept low cost, low quality milk on the market. Raw milk has been stigmatized ever since. No food product is totally safe from contamination and the laws of the land reflect fear and bias against raw milk.

In Vermont perceptions are changing! Rural Vermont, a family farm advocacy organization, led the effort to reform the state’s raw milk laws. Farmers are now allowed to sell more raw milk (up to 40 gallons/day) and deliver. We are inspected by the Agency of Agriculture, but we don’t mind because we are proud of our clean process and healthy animals. Read the presentation below for even more information.

There are many others to be found on google too!

Just.Not.Right.

2011-10-29T18:19:00.000-04:00

Snow

Before Halloween

In M A R Y L A N D !!!!!!!!!

No, it's waaay too early to say "awww, how pretty."

Don't.even.try.

YESTERDAY I took these.

Today these...

Yes, we are all snug.

Here's a hint of our Halloween...

Vintage kitties from my Great Grandma for my black Cat collection

Our entry

This is ME.

Jack will be Pooh Bear, Sarah's Kanga!

Hope yours is H O T!!!

Naughty pony!

2011-10-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

We adore "cheeky" little ponies and kids with gumption here... Our own young Piglet tries some of these moves on Sarah and even sweet Neil Diamond has his moments! So of course were thrilled to see this YouTube clip. What a great boy and naughty pony. If you haven't see this make sure to read n watch Ross's other clips too. He's a great little rider who clearly loves the ponies.

Tomorrow we take the kids to the church in costume for a Halloween party then come back and load up a bunch of horses for a cross country school at a horse park down the road. It's cold n crisp and there may or may not be some similar cowboy riding! I think I'll have all my students read this great quote I saw at another of Ross's videos ~

To succeed, you must first improve,

to improve, you must first practice,

to practice, you must first learn,

to learn, you must first fail.

~Wesley Woo

Hope your weekend's not too wild a ride but still spooktacular!

Formal Family FUN

2011-10-14T10:59:00.000-04:00

Ta Da!
Here we are! All black tied n faanncy at my brothers wedding!
(The glasses were handed out to all the groomsmen.)

Study well, 'cause you'll prolly never see us all lookin' so good at once again!

All the boys were so cute!

We're especially fond of Brian!

A kindred farm fellow. Gotta love him and his pretty wife, Sarah. Ben told stories of Brian always workin' hard in the 'burbs and savin' to get his own tractor as a kid! When he did get a Craftsman lawn tractor he got out the green spray paint. He was born a John Deere man!

The girls were super sweet. I'm thirteen years older than my brother.
And Casey is younger than him...
I felt like the matronly bridesmaid for sure!

The partay began in the stretch Hummer limo in front of the church...

Champagne and Buds were on ice.
There was also a "fire place," disco floor and laser lights inside the limo!
I was so glad I'd brought cold Capri Suns n snacks for the kiddos.
Can you believe none of us farmfolk had ever been in a limo before?
(Hillbilly me's still never had a mani/pedi,
and didn't get my hair n make-up done by anyone beforehand either! )

Sarah adores her Uncle Ben.

But she's completely smitten with Casey!

And she's not the only one!

You can see why~ Casey's a knockout and so fun!

Everyone enjoyed the night

My wonderful Aunt n Uncle...

and their daughter n grands!

Mom and Dail kept it classy!

Paul and his fiance dipped!

Brian n Sarah gettin' down!

Makin' like movie stars!!!

I was so pleased that my family danced with everyone.

Sarah with M.O.B. and F.O.B!

The Farmer was so suave!

And I managed not to let my hillbilly side show too badly...

I didn't hike up my skirt n ask any of the doctor guests if this patch on my calf is ringworm!!!

Bahaha. What can I say, I am a country girl!

But I loved the day o dress up too.

(And tough actin' Tinactin killed the fungus amongus.)

Clearly, we are still hillbillies tho.

To my classy baby brother and his lovely bride...

THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful day with us.

May you have happiness always!

wind-up to the Ohio wedding

2011-10-12T14:19:00.000-04:00

Okay, we're back and I thought I'd tease you with some preview shots of the wedding...

It was a fantabulous weekend.

Despite our hilbilly reluctance to dress up all formal.

We danced with joy...

And had a blast!

But first we watched some blast offs...

We stopped en route at the Air Force Museum in Ohio.

AWEsum.

Must see.

I melt at words like those below...

I pointed them out and the older servicemen we saw...

I am so grateful for the examples they provided to my children.

Then we got to Cincinnati and enjoyed the ZOO before the big event.

Kinda felt right to see the monkeys...

just sayin'.

Sarah brought the sweet stuffed giraffe Ben & Casey gave her

so it could meet it's kin too. ;-)

It did. UP CLOSE. It's kin was even cuter!

We joined our fun family in law on Mom's side who kindly came for the wedding...

I fell in love with a tiny goat.

It reminded me of Nicodemus.

We call him a "blibbet" as he's so short n squat...

Must. get. blibbet. goat.

BTW - Chase went to goat camp again.

And she met a fella...

Might be more kids 'round here next spring!

We felt a little rushed through the rehearsal and I worried

'bout my family not remembering the Catholic protocol

or tripping, dropping etc etc...

I shouldn't have.

They were spot. on. perfect.

Did I ever mention that my (Irish/Italian) Farmer was an altar boy?!

Hard to remember if you hear some words that come outta his purdy mouth when equipment breaks!

My family is Methodist so his calm guidance (& wicked humour) really helped!

(Especially when I figured out that dear Jack was burning up w/a fever)

We all went on to the rehearsal dinner where many hugs n tears were shared...

As Ben n Casey thoughtfully passed out generous gifts and kind words...

Proud mothers beamed while the Father of The Bride tried to keep a stiff upper lip.

The rehearsal really set the tone for the wedding...

Supremely touching, beautiful and silly!

We are sooooo BLESSED!!!

Enjoy your family everyone and be kind to them ~

you never know what they might say about you at the next big gathering!

Fair fun n fashionistas

2011-10-07T11:39:00.000-04:00

The last fair just left and fall is here.

Instead of harvesting we're off on a road trip!

While we're gone I thought I'd share some of our fair photos ...

Here's my mantel with some fair ribbons as bunting and various vintage toys n such...

Wish I could capture the beauty of the canning jars better...

A dear client friend made the most amazing things from her garden.

The red n yellow tomatoes are a work of art as they catch the morning sun!

We've enjoyed the fairs again this season.

Have you ever seen "mutton bustin'"?!

It's hysterical fun to watch.

Breakin' in the wee cowpokes for bronc bustin' soon!

Well, maybe fun. depending who you ask...

And then there's the "calf scramble."

Calves are turned loose with colored bows on their tails. Kids have to get close enough to pull 'em off and get money depending on the color. There was 1 red bow for $15, a couple blue for $10 and several white for $5. Sadly Sarah didn't get any, despite being very quick. I'm confident that next year she'll be even braver and earn some ice cream money. This poor boy was crying cause he fell n hurt his arm.

Lest you think the fair is all about dirt, sweat n tears...

High fashion also reigns/reins!

The Pantone color of the year is taken seriously from Rodeo Drive to, uh... rodeos n fairs!

Please whisper to this poor gal who didn't get the news- "beachy blue is soooo last year."

Although leopard always seems to be in style!

All of which I found preferable to the KKK look they sometimes sport.

That look is just not right.

I always admire a well styled tail and this cow sports a great pulled n banged tail just like our horses!

Another tail I admire (I sooo want a banty roo!)

And isn't this is a stylish hat?!

Even the cows get dressed up!

Lots of other displays n such to admire as well.

4-H club dioramas are always cute

Here's something I'd never seen before...

BUNNY AGILITY!!!!!!

It's like a small horse jumping course complete with water obstacle!!!

And while we're talkin' fashion...

Although The Farmer is eager to get into the fields to make hay n harvest corn now that the rain has paused....

(We hear it'll be back next week when we return!)

He's a really good man cause instead he's gettin' ready to sport a "monkey suit" and drive to Ohio for my baby brother's black tie wedding!

Doesn't he look HaPpY?! ;-0

I'll be back soon w/hopefully happier pics (than above) as we make this group a legal family!

Sarah is the flower girl and Jack the ring bearer...

Please say a prayer we hillbillies don't embarrass my family!

The Farmer says he'll blend in about as well as a fox in the henhouse.

He's already bled on his tux.

He cut his finger processing deer the night before.

Ya know... hillbilly cuisine.

Soooo, I for one am going to enjoy the lobster at the reception!

Hope you all are havin' a FUN Fall!!!!

It's not work if you love it?

2011-09-20T21:58:00.001-04:00

Hmmm, I guess I'm just getting O L D because I do

LOVE WHAT I DO but...

It's become HARD WORK to my geezin' body n brain!

Mmk, maybe not when I'm lookin' at these fabulous faces..

but I about come undone when it comes to this at days end.

I've been spending lotsa time here

teaching in the ring n working in the barn.

lotsa. time! (whimper)

But as our summer wrapped up we also were blessed to entertain a few city families... One fun family from Beijing CHINA came to see our small American farm!

Now Sarah has a cool "pen pal!"

Even after they saw our crazy monkey climb! ;-)

And we enjoyed more special family reunions.

We also had a blast on a hunt club trail ride at my very favoritest historic farm that's right round the corner. It dates from the late 1700's and is magnificent!

I don't want to scare them and have them think I'm a stalker, but

I often swing down their gravel lane with my coffee after dropping kids off at school just to dream n sigh with pleasure at the structures and boxwood hedges.

Ooooooh.... Aaaaaah!

I could die for this old carriage step

and formal allee w/view to their pond!

Besides the (?!) paying work...

We set up a few sheds - including one that came on THE COOLEST TRAILER

and then The Farmer trenched in electric!

We took down the pool

and started school!

Jack's doing 1 more yr at our awesome preschool due to his late Bday

We ALL love the am routine of playing ball with him!

Treasured memories!!!

Sarah started 2nd grade!

OMG where's my Kindergartner gone SO FAST?!

At least she still loves Hello Kitty.

Now it's even harder for me to find a minute to catch up with my bloggie buds between late lessons and early dinners, homework, bedtime stories n out again for last chores n waiting critters...

Miss ya ALL!!!!

I've had enough w o r k. I'm ready to r e l a x and

eager to make my rounds n catch up with you soon!

It's the best part of shorter/darker days!

I pray you are all well and not too frantic with your own work!

blackmailing the male

2011-08-26T21:49:00.000-04:00

It must be said;

My kids play very well together.

And not so well.

I can't decide which situation this was.

Sarah n Jack were quietly playing dress up in her room.

I'm never sure what to expect when they come down...

Some days he chooses to be a fireman

or a cowboy...

Maybe a duck or even, lordy,

french fries (a premade costume someone gave us)!

Some days he plays Mary to her Laura Ingalls.

Lately even baby Carrie.

He's a really good sport

(or desperate for more friends/neighbors?)

Today he was a flower fairy with her.

he danced

and skipped

and twirled.

Then his ride came and it was time to go to work.

Going just 'round the corner to make hay.

Talk about not being caught with dirty undies...

Please dear Farmer, drive very carefully lest I have to explain this to the paramedics!

Or a prom date later when his big sister chooses to blackmail him.

ps- Even Chase enjoys dress up!

Hope your week is magical!

(and not hurricaned!)

We do this for fun?!

2011-08-14T15:30:00.000-04:00

Sarah on her new pony "Loafer's Lodge Piglet."

Yesterday I got up at 4 am.

I made coffee

fed dogs

medicated Nick

fed kittens

cleaned litter box

opened coop and

checked on 10 new chicks I found on craigslist.

I packed cooler w/cheese sticks, grapes, peaches, crackers, almonds n cold drinks.

Packed extra gloves n garters n jod straps, and

got the saddle pads from dryer, girths off line...

Fed ponies n horses.

Fed goats n milked.

Filled water carriers and

packed last supplies on horse trailer.

Finished trimming ponies whiskers, combing tails, brushing off bedding

and painting hooves.

Back inside and

fed kids sausage n eggs got them dressed in show clothes.

Packed my other show clothes to lend students

and trimmed The Farmer's hair (too) quickly.

Finally I readied myself fast.

We loaded ponies n kids and

headed down the road by 9:15 ( later than I'd hoped but still early).

It started to rain.

Are you kidding me?!?!

I had 5 students with ponies at the (outdoor) fair.

One 4 yo, two just turned 5 yo boys and 2 seven year "old pros!"

Jack, John, Sarah, Bella, Liz, TJ and Cindy

Older students had planned to come n help but plans changed...

Still, lest I make you think I did everything myself, ...

I had some awesome helpers.

Newly minted horse show Moms n Dads n Grands!

It takes a village to

show with little kids n ponies!!!

But it's soooo worth it when you see all smiles, no drama

and not a tear shed - even when the sweet 4 yo got dumped!

Bella on Merit

Tj on Neil Diamond

Morgan on her pony Kahlua

Jack on his new pony Brookside Merit

THANKS to all my support team!

Despite the downpours that precluded the

much anticipated rides n ice creams...

It was fun!

Now we've had a practice run and are ready for more shows...

(Just as soon as we clean off the mud n remove the mildew smells.)

Are we crazy???

There's no tellin'

2011-08-13T06:15:00.000-04:00

I'm always tryin' to keep my big mouth shut.

Finally found a way.

Not sure it's a habit I can maintain.

Reached into my junk drawer extra early as I headed out to the barn...

Needed some Chapstick.

And coffee.

Opened gluestick instead...

Really.

Need. More. Coffee.

Nick the Demon

2011-08-07T09:33:00.000-04:00

"Nick the Demon" is what we affectionately call MY dog, Nicodemus.

Don't let that fool you, he's really a saint and we adore (and spoil) him.

My tart tongued friend calls him "the tenant dog." She's of more blue blood than me and while growing up on her fancy TB farm only the tenant workers kept Beagles...

Yup, I am a tenant worker!

Nick's favorite sport, of course, is tracking bunnies and providing updates to us stick in the muds who refuse to follow... He's so good at hunting by scent (not sight) as a good hound is supposed to, that he'll be tracking a bunny that we can see, all the while yipping at the trail on the ground!

I've never really been very good at naming animals... That's a real handicap when you breed horses! A long time ago I figured out a cheat for naming our dogs after adopting my first stray Beagle.... We found him on Thurston Rd and quickly named him Thurston Howl (Gilligan's Island anyone?). The next Beagle was Jackson after his address on Stonewall Jackson Rd... My very first adopted dog, way back when I was a trendy teen, became "Fitch," as the alternative Abercrombie on my well worn sweatshirt didn't quite roll off my tongue... Since then, if the pound hasn't named them, I pick the closest interesting street we take to pick up the dog! Pitiful, huh?

So, dear old Nicodemus has been with me since long before Sarah. He had a true best buddy named Cody, The Farmer's German Shorthair, who passed away nearly 3 years ago. I don't think Nick is happy we took in Olivia (named by the rescue group) for his companion... Nick is quiet, restrained, formal and extra polite. None of those adjectives describe huge "Oblivia!"

Nick is such a great family dog, if Olivia's counterpart. He's always quietly watching n guarding. Usually from the highest ground. In the sunshine. Our porch stairs are his favorite. But a sunny hill or mound will work too.

Does anyone else out there have a Beagle that always chooses the highest vantage point?

I'm always reminded of the Snoopy cartoons!

We've tried to train the dogs not to go upstairs - mostly because the baby gates made it so easy and we have white Berber up there - but Nick has always known I'd never chastise him and sneaks up to find a patch of sunshine near his family. Often I found him curled up below the crib while the kids slept... Lately he's been found in the kids bed (by invitation) and vice versa!

The poor old dog can't escape 'em!

He's serious n somber (and perfectly behaved) for a Beagle... He rolls his eyes but allows the kids to drag him around the farm or into their playhouse on a leash. Please don't tell anyone that he's slept in a Disney castle and even worn baby clothes and played dress up. He would be mortified.

But between the "family sandwich" ...

and channel surfin'... he KNOWS he's loved!

My buddy. Always a great source of smiles!

Hope you have a furry ~~fiend~~ friend that loves to snuggle too!

Momma's Boy

2011-07-28T22:15:00.000-04:00

My little man.

Too soon you'll be a big man.

No more 4 T

The toddler is long gone.

I love toddlers.

Five years.

Where oh where did the time go?!

You're a big boy now.

Helping with all the farm chores.

And critters.

And even your Mommy n Daddy!

Oh well...

No matter the season or your age or occupation...

You'll always be Momma's baby!

Happy Birthday to my "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

beautiful boy. "

xoxoxo

Mommy

My Hometown

2011-07-27T12:03:00.000-04:00

I've long wanted to peek behind the garden gates and doors,

and lace curtained windows of the gorgeous homes in my town.

The architecture is awesome and intriguing

Just driving the back alleys is delightful...

The old spring houses and stables

and even a long abandoned shoe repair shop!

complete with old signs and shoe forms still in the window.

I finally got my chance...

The town museum hosted a home n garden tour a few weeks back.

It was gorgeous and so inspiring. I especially treasured the little details.

Wish you were here to poke around with me!

Giveaway WINNER + 1 (Finally)!!!

2011-07-24T10:08:00.000-04:00

Okay, y'all are such awesomely good sports.

Nobody poked at me to ask "just when the heck will you give us the dern farm goodies?"

You seem to have picked up on the fact that I'm sometimes ~~haphazard~~ not on top of all aspects of my life

I will try to make good and even give an extra small 2nd package in honor of "Chase."

Drum roll please for the big winner...

Oh alright already

***It's POLLY!***

Check out her uplifting blog;

CELEBRATING LIFE'S BLISSFUL AND BUMPY MOMENTS ON THE ROAD TO ADOPTION

and the runner up/2nd winner of some vintage goodness is...

***Misha!***

She has a wonderful blog - "From my front porch in the mountains."

Ladies, I've sent you emails (hope they don't end up in your spam) and am eager to learn where to mail your goodies.

THANKS TO ALL for visiting here with me.

Wish I could host a big farm gathering for us all to sip lemonade and chat!

And speaking of gorgeous blogs - you must visit

Tammy Mitchell Photography!

She shares all sorts of fun and has great Etsy Shop!

Have you seen this? Idiots.

2011-07-18T19:11:00.001-04:00

What ever happened to...

Rant

rant

Okay, insert bad words above.

I'm so beyond disgusted with a govt that will hand out food stamps yet not allow one to grow (or share) their own healthy food!

I'm so glad I don't live in a "community."

But still I've been ranting at all our local billboards.

They say some ridiculous number of children are hungry.

"Malnourished."

Here in one of Maryland's most productive farming counties.

But I can't share my raw goats milk, eggs, produce etc. without fear of litigation.

We're a messed up country.

Regulating the heck out of individuals and small businesses here so they can't compete with other countries whose imports we don't regulate nearly as closely...

It may be old news now but it could be your community next.

Speak up people!

Visit her blog OakPark Hates Veggies

babies havin babies

2011-07-17T18:55:00.000-04:00

I was afraid of this.

Knocked up.

I thought so but hadn't wanted to believe it, hoping the vet appt would prove me wrong.

Our sweet adopted kitten had 4 kittens!

I had made an appointment to have her spayed right away but...

Too late.

Now they stalk like jungle cats through the garden...

Good thing I have lotsa sweet ~~suckers~~ students here willing to take a kitten. :-)
We will miss their adorable antics, but not their mess. Five cats in one busy household is too many!

Sarah asked where S'mores husband was...

I'm also too late in ordering the book I found on Mandy's great blog

A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids About Sex

by Kevin Leman

For sure there are plenty of opportunities to talk about the birds n the bees here on the farm! ;-P

Goat Camp

2011-07-11T09:18:00.002-04:00

Meet "Chase!"

A 2 yo LaMancha goat registered as "Joppa's Friendship Chase."

Yes that breed has no ears.

Yes, it takes some getting used to.

But now I think of her a lot like E.T.

And last week I could well imagine her saying "Chase phone home?"

Our generous friends VOLUNTEERED to take Chase to their farm to keep her milked while we were gone. They have velvety Jersey cows and don't quite "get" milking for fun. But they also have a gorgeous daughter who loves Chase. (That farm girl is also a ballerina/pony rider who loves high fashion and wears it everywhere. I know she'll be National Dairy Princess one year!)

So Chase went to camp while we went on vacation.

It was very hard to walk away from her sweet face and calls.

But I knew she was in expert, loving hands.

And had adorable new friends n neighbors.

I told you Bert n Wilma would be our test goats...

WE LOVE GOATS!

Especially milk goats!

Chase came from a super nice lady who was finding her a quieter life after Chase had recovered from parasites that left her spine damaged.

Chase is fine but walks with a little limp.

Only a real problem in the show ring. I understand that Chase did very well showing prior to this episode.

Sad for the breeders, a BIG blessing for us!

We're very happy to have her back home.
But it did take two to push n pull her away from camp...

Where she just might have converted a hardened cow girl to try goats...

And I know she left behind many new friends

Joining Amy and friends over at her homestead blog hop!

and also at the lovely Dandelion House

Also linking to Barn Charm

Fun Family Fourth

2011-07-09T21:57:00.000-04:00

I'm ba aack!

How was your holiday?

Mine was a real treat.

Gorgeous views, great conversations and lots of fun.

In addition to all this I bought a new camera to record it all!
It's a Canon EOS Rebel T3.

I'm giddy!!!!

So now I apologize if I bore you with my *many* travel pics...

At least you might prefer them to the last 6 months of phone pics? ;-)

There was boating of all sorts

And of course watermelon eating contests

Cousins jumped off the dock once again...

And acted silly with their Uncle!!!

We hiked up to see the lake from a different view

And wore some ice cream to cool off afterwards,

And just plain hung out.

Sometimes "upside over" as dear Jack likes to say!

My baby brother and his sweet fiance even snuck some alone time!

We enjoyed bonfires, s'mores, fireworks and sparklers...

Lotsa games and

memorable cakes of all kinds.

Like Casey's perfectly patriotic one

and the "pro's" crooked, near catastrophe, that kept us giggling!

The birthday girl was extra special and sparkling
as she celebrated the big 7 0 !

I swear I watched my little girl grow up right before my eyes.

She really liked the boys...

Luckily I was distracted by lots n lots of pretty places to practice with my new camera....

Now I think I get what Billy Joel was singing...

I'm in a New York state of mind.

Hope your holiday was a happy one!

Ready ready ready. Ready to run.

2011-07-01T18:32:00.001-04:00

Happy Fourth!!!

... "All I wanna do is have some fu u u un!"

(luv me some Dixie Chicks)

I am off for a family reunion in honor of my awesome Aunt's 70th birthday!

Will be driving 8+ hours into the Adirondack's to Schroon Lake.

To say I'm ready is a gross understatement.

I am exhausted and eager to DO NOTHING!

Except maybe read the Joel Salatin book I got The Farmer for Father's Day and enjoy a gluten free hard cider while dippin' my toes in the lake...

I think it's like the prenatal "nesting instinct."

The instinct to leave one's home clean n perfect...

Problem is, what if that home is 115 acres with

an old (messy) farmhouse containing;

5 cats

2 dogs,

2 dirty small people

and two busy large people.

And the grounds house

10 horses

1 stallion

4 ponies

3 goats

6 chickens

8 guineas

10 fish and

umpteen garden beds and pots of flowers.

(in case you're counting I have a backlog of news updates!)

In that case this instinct might kill.

Often it seems more relaxing to just stay home. ;-)

I do hope to make some memories and watch more of this -

Cousins jumping off the dock. :-)

Wishing you all a RELAXING holiday!!!

"IF" ~ a lesson from my Dad

2011-06-19T09:57:00.002-04:00

My Dad passed away two years ago. It was very unexpected and affected me deeply, despite the fact that we didn't have a super close relationship. He was an admirable man in many ways and I have many fond childhood memories of him. Sadly, he struggled with depression and alcoholism later, and my teen years on became fraught with conflict. We were estranged for many years. Blessedly, by the time of my children's births we were close again and my children enjoyed being spoiled by "Pop Pop." He came from very humble beginnings in London and worked very hard to get an education and provide for his family.

My Dad taught me lots. He was an original DIYer. When I wanted to have my own horse, he taught me that only my own hard work could provide all I'd need. We started by remodeling an old barn on our new property... It needed electricity and plumbing. We did it all and I have old pictures of me down in a trench hooking up water hydrants to prove it! After buying my first horse (at the age of 12) with my own savings *and a loan with 5% interest for the balance from my parents*, I had to work to pay for the ongoing costs. I waitressed, took in another horse on board, taught riding lessons and was a working student myself.

One lesson from Dad was to memorize Rudyard Kipling's poem "If."
I think he gave me $10 after I could recite it to him. I must admit I had no idea then how many times I'd want to lean on those words for strength later in my life. They often seem made for me. The horse world is a hard one... All longtime professionals and most hobbyists can tell tales of heartache. I am so grateful that my Dad showed me that I had the tools to get myself where ever I wanted to go.
Thanks Dad. I miss you.

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

by Rudyard Kipling

The Dad in this house will be treated to whatever he wants on Father's Day. Starting with brunch at his favorite place Dutch's Daughter. He's always teaching his kids great things, mostly by example.

Here he is showing Jack how to evaluate the corn crop for weeds and growth by the car's headlights!

And how to be a safe driver. Just don't listen too closely kids! ;-P

And mostly how to work hard n care for the ones you love!

Thanks Daddy, we love you !!!

Upperville Horse Show

2011-06-12T09:18:00.001-04:00

My fun student/friends made another roadtrip with me, this time to watch a day at the prestigious Upperville Colt and Horse Show in VA.

It was a colorful and crazy day!

We saw many pretty jumpers and juniors...

Tho I swear the show seemed as much about bows and hats as horses!

Maybe we should have bought the ones we tried on at Lucketts a few weeks earlier?!

Love ya lots Ashleigh and Diane!

The sidesaddle classes were very impressive.

These ladies were strong and oh so elegant.

The leadline sidesaddle rider was a huge hit with the crowd.

My favorites were the family class and "Silver Foxes" class.

This gentleman was one of the most "silver."

This classy vixen gives me hope yet.

Today we're off to our town's historical home and garden tour!

I'll be thinkin' of Jayme's fun with English accent lady and fans for sure!

Wishin' you all a wonderful weekend!

Farmageddon, The Movie

2011-06-08T07:23:00.000-04:00

Farmageddon Trailer from Kristin Canty on Vimeo.

To learn more visit the site!

Please pass it on n on! ;-)

Most of my family (in DC) work very very hard in govt. jobs trying to make my American life better. They don't get it when I say that as a self employed person I'm overwhelmed with too much ineffective regulation and don't trust govt to make my world safer.

Between the govt. and lawyers, its amazing I even try to earn a living as a farmer/horse trainer here in Maryland.

It would be waaay easier to just collect govt. money for doing nuthin'.

Or move.

Oops. Stepping down off my soapbox.

The Listening Chicken

2011-06-03T17:53:00.000-04:00

What do you call yours?

That special reward box or cookie jar...?

I gather up excess holiday candies and put them in my favorite vintage cookie jar...

When the kids are extra good listeners they earn a visit to
the "Listening Chicken!"

I've learned that its the idea of the chicken that is more intoxicating than the actual treat.
Like all anticipation maybe?

Looking with awe into all those brightly colored candies is the best part.

Knowing they can pick whatever they want.

Jelly beans are a favorite.

Even those settled into the bottom of the jar from last year!

I try hard not to rush them

But its hard not to say "take your candy already!" Geeesh!
Then I remind myself to slow down and share their simple joys.

Speaking of... How cute are these leftover Easter chicks?!
I almost can't bear to eat them... ;-)

Big Red and Blue

2011-05-30T09:46:00.000-04:00

No parades or BBQ's for us this year.

It may be a holiday but I'd bet most farmers are workin' hard today.

All the rains this spring have made it very difficult to get corn or soybeans planted or hay baled.

This Memorial Day weekend has found our family in the fields from sunup til sunset.

We call her Big Red.

Note The Farmers proud creation of a double rake.

He welded it out of an I-beam and two smaller hay rakes.

My hubby hates to waste time. ;-P

He took this pic of ME on Big Blue with the round baler.
Note I'm fryin' up in the dust n sun while he rides in comfort in a cab with a.c. n stereo!
This was my first time with the old fussy round baler.
Usually I operate the square baler but we are rushed to get lots of hay made in little time.
I tried to learn and remember the sequence;

Watch for the indicator to get to the (almost) full line
Stop n take Big Blue outta gear, leave rpms up
Play with toggle switch to move baling twine along round bale just right
Disengage PTO
Don't forget to make sure that toggle is really off and twine was cut!
Back up and open baler door.
Drive forward and close door.
Make super sure it locked itself or next bale will fall out too early. grrr
Slowly engage PTO and drive off watching that new bale starts to form correctly.

Still, much as I fuss n complain (I'm a terrible farmer), I truly love it.

This is Blue's View!

As the sun sets the dreaded event happens... Equipment breaks.

Bad words are said. Tools are flung.

You see it's a race to get all the hay we've carefully fluffed, raked n dried up off the field before dew sets in at sunset. Then it's all for naught and we must fluff n rake it out again tomorrow. Hay must be very dry before it's baled. We didn't make it this time. The Farmer drove the baler back to the shop and fixed a chain. Ready for more work as soon as the dew dries in the morning. Now we're a big behind.

But you can bet that at the end of the day we'll stop and drink a toast to all those who've fought to keep this beautiful land free for us.

My Grandpa. We visited Arlington last year.

Thanks to ALL who serve!!!

Enjoy the holiday everyone!

Keeper Kitten

2011-05-20T12:55:00.001-04:00

Can't believe our good fortune...
We'll never replace our sweet "Hello Kitty" but,

it seems we've been adopted by another special kitty...
Meet S'mores!

Named by Sarah. Jack's first name for her was Sweet Watermelon. But he agreed that didn't roll off the tongue quite as easily!

This pretty kitty came from our neighbors who had adopted her mother...

Momma cat had three kittens.

The neighbors own Jack Russel terrier killed one, then played tug o war with it's buddy on the second.

Poor S'mores musta figured her days were numbered so she announced she was now ours. Loudly.

She seems to enjoy chores and gardening with me too.

She's a keeper!

Joining my farm friends at Verde Farm and Deborah Jean's blog hop!

Milk it!

2011-05-17T09:20:00.002-04:00

(Barbara L. Salisbury/The Washington Times)

Yesterday there was a rally on Capital Hill that I really wanted to attend but couldn't... It was in support of the right to drink (and sell) raw milk. The cow pictured above is named "Morgan" and lives not too far from me! Liz Reitzig, one of my old friends (and riding student when she was a child) helped organize the event. She is the Secretary of the National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association.

My family became interested in local food rights after watching Food Inc. and Fresh, the Movie as part of a series hosted by our farmers market friends. We were really inspired us to get involved and talk to our elected representatives. The food safety bill (read comments below the article) which seemed so harmless on the surface, troubled us greatly once we investigated further. Last year The Farmer, Sarah, Jack and I all went to DC and lobbied against the bill as it's written. It was a tremendous learning experience for us all and great fun! We even met my hero Joel Salatin. If you and your family are eager to learn more about local foods, I hope you'll explore and get involved too!

Read an article about the event here- http://www.nationaljournal.com/milking-a-hill-rally-for-all-it-s-worth-20110516

I'm linking here

Farm Fun Giveaway!

2011-05-09T10:44:00.000-04:00

F I N A L L Y!

My small THANK YOU to all my bloggie buds.

I'd like to give ~~all~~ one of you a small gift for visitin' with me.

I've put together a bucket o farm fun.

Inside you'll find fun gloves for cleaning etc, cherry dish towel, bee soap, cow lotion, goat potion, chick pens n pads, pony pals n polka dots galore.

Geraniums not included but you may use it for flowers

or magazines... or toilet tissue.

Or whatever is fun for YOU.

Followers are automatically entered.

Leave a comment and you're entered again.

Since it's taken me a month to get this up, I'll give you a month to enter.

I'll leave this pic on my sidebar 'til it's over on June 6th.

Babies Don't Keep

2011-05-08T12:37:00.000-04:00

Cleaning and scrubbing will wait ’till tomorrow, but children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs! Dust go to sleep! I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep.

– Ruth Hamilton

I've always loved this.

I apologize for my lack of postings, but I've been enjoying my babies n fur babies A LOT lately. Tomorrow I WILL post my giveaway and soon fill you in on all the farm activities.

This morning I awoke to the smell of coffee ready and so many happy sounds... No, not pancakes sizzlin'... BETTER (to this farm girl's ears); Rooster crowing, birds gone crazy, kids not far behind makin' noise on their bikes (yes, in their jammies w/sweatshirts)... AND POWER TOOLS!

As I looked out my window I saw the continuation of my gift from The Farmer...

A new barn/run in shed in the WORKs!

This part has taken him under 6 hours. He's just stopped to go ted hay. While it's drying he'll come back and do more here. I can't believe how hard he works. For me.

How blessed am I?!

Hope you're feeling blessed and able to share this day, your way, with your family! <3

Two thumbs (way) up!

2011-04-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

A quick review and hard sell.
Tonight our school hosted the movie "Gifted Hands, the Ben Carson Story."
We watched it with our kids in our laps and cried.
Tears of sadness knowing this is the great surgeon who tried to save our beloved MacKenzie. Her birthday was two days ago...
But also tears of joy!
If you haven't seen it yet I strongly encourage you to do so. Makes you want to be a strong mom, throw out your tv and send your kids to the library. Makes your kids want to read *and* pray!
Please check it out on Amazon - read the reviews!

How Y'all doin'? Weather worries, births n blessings...

2011-04-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

I'm such a big behind these days with so much piling up, but I had to put that aside and just plain check in on my farmgirl friends. How are you all? This weather has been crazy and I've read some very sad stories... Praying you are all snug n safe after the latest tornadoes n flooding.

This was our time. Usually the small creek in our front pastures rises n falls fast... Yesterday it rose n rose n rose! Our farm flooded worse than during even our worst hurricanes... Guess the ground's already sooo wet and the rains so great... And when we finally thought it safe to drive the kids to school we were invited in to sit in the hallways while another tornado warning passed. Although we live far from the Baltimore metro TV stations they named our road during tornado watches and a news helicopter filmed our small flooding! We felt so blessed that our buildings are set up high. And that our old house is made with three stout courses of brick. Still, we were ready to hit the cellar any second. Thanks be to God we were spared any real damage. Some of our neighbors had water at their back doors.

Although our horses looked cold n tucked up (after 83* sun beforehand) I was more worried 'bout the cows n geese that nestle near the creek down the road. I wonder if the poor geese lost their eggs?

Amazingly we were able to watch a momma cow give birth right beside the road on our way home from school. What a blessing indeed! Excuse the blurred pics. I think my Droid was a bit damp. ;-)

The calf and the sun rose. The water went down.

Praise be!

Linking up to Farm Friend Friday and Farmchick Photo Friday!