In Memory and Respect

I was going to tell you all about a horse show that I took my grandaughter Alexa to. She did very well and we took lots of pictures. In the end, one photo stood out. Why? Because the date was September 11th and the picture seemed more than significant. I hope you think so too.

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Surgery Update

This back surgery thing hasn't been so bad even though it was more extensive that we thought. I ended up with two rods, two plates. numerous screws, lost- count- at- 39 staples and who knows how many sutures. I feel pretty good. I've been able to enjoy the company of good friends who drop by so I'm not ever bored. The flowers in my family room make me feel like I'm on a tropical vacation...well almost. All and all, I couldn't ask for more

My sons and their families have been here to exercise Sammy almost everyday. My husband went back to work for the first day today and he was a great help. He even gives me my shots to thin my blood. Now who would have thought!

And, as you can see from the photo above, even when I'm sleeping my three guys

don't go far from my side.

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Talk to You Soon!

Just a quick note to let you know I'll be missing for a couple weeks. Sadly my computer crashed and I'm writing from a friend's computer. I'm having surgery on Thursday and my computer won't be fixed by then. I'll be back in touch as soon as I can.

Until then, have a wonderful last few weeks of summer.

Love,
Jan, Maddie, Annabelle, Sammy, Tango, and Tantra

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It's Hot!

YOU KNOW IT'S HOT WHEN....

A fan sits in front of your air conditioning vent just to blow out more cool air.

One dog lays in front of the fan while another WATCHES a flitting chipmunk through the back door window.

Your dog sprawls on the floor to eat his dinner just so he can still catch the low blown air from the miracle fan!

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No Such Thing As a Bad Day at the Farm!

People keep asking me if I'm worried about my upcoming surgery and for the most part, the answer is "no"! I'm surrounding myself with the people and animals I love.

This is my granddaughter Alexa going out for a ride on Tantra. I was right behind her taking pictures!

My dear friend Nancy stopped by the farm that very same day with her little dog, Nellie.

Nancy put Nellie on Tantra and Tantra couldn't care less. What a great horse and what an adorable dog. We had so much fun that day!

Nancy and I put up lawn chairs and watched Alexa ride while we gulped down bottled water. Alexa hand grazed Tantra some more and then she got out a little horse who is her heart. Alexa loves Candy Cane and the barn cats too.

Just watching this threesome makes me happy. My granddaughter is such a gentle soul. It makes me tear up just to think about the person that she's growing up to be.

This shot was taken by none other than me at arm's length. You'd never know that I'm going to have major back surgery by the position I'm in would you? My sister taught me this photo technique but she does it better than me. If I look happy, it's because I am. Life is good. God has blessed me with all I need and then some.

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P E A C E in the Kitchen!

I know this picture doesn't have the best color quality in the world but I had to share it anyway. We have peace in the kitchen again.

P E A C E - What a nice word that is when it comes to dinnertime. Up until a few weeks ago we had the crazy dog scramble around 6:00 every evening while I got the dog food ready. Sam didn't know what the word SIT meant and Maddie and Annabelle were caught up in Sammy's enthusiasm for food. Now all three of my babies sit quietly and wait for their bowls to be placed in their appropriate position. Now how about that?

I'm happy. The three kids are happy. Life is good...mostly.

On another note, I thought I'd let you know that I'm having back surgery on August 19th. I'll be in the hospital for three to five days. The doctor says by next year at this time I'll be back to my regular riding schedule. I hope he's right. I've decided to try one dressage show before surgery. Tango pony and I are going to a little show on July 25th. I figure what the heck...they've got to fix my back anyway, so one more hurrah is just what I need.

Life is never boring and I guess like everyone else, I have to take the good with the bad. You've all been so encouraging and your inspirational words help me keep everything in perspective. I can't thank you enough.

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Humbled by Sammy

Animals have a way of humbling me and Sammy is no exception. Last night was his first night at obedience class. Sam was the biggest, loudest, strongest, most distracted dog there. So much for my"I've trained an 1800 pound horse and Sammy will be a piece of cake," philosophy. HA!

My first thought was, "Geeze, I wish I hadn't told the instructor (Amy) that my goal is to show Sammy in obedience classes in the future!"

My second thought was lost in Sammy pulling me across the room like a kite on a breezy day. I'm not kidding. The only good thing was that Sammy made me feel weightless. It was a quick successful diet for me.

Amy saved my dignity when she brought over a gentle leader. The hour in class began to get easier. A gentle leader is soon to become my new best friend...in and out of class!

Before I get distracted with the gentle leader, let me go on and tell you about the rest of the class! We did the traditional sit fairly easily when Sammy and I were in sinc (about 2% of the time). The part that was really important evaded us for the entire night.

WATCH ME is the basis of me getting Sammy's attention. All the boy had to do was look at me. I could click my clicker and give him a treat while saying WATCH ME at the same time. Do you think the boy would look at me?

Of course not.

He looked at the dog beside him. He looked at Amy. He looked at Chuck when he walked in. Sammy smelled my pockets. He tripped on his water dish. Sammy's mind wandered more in one hour than mine does on a normal day! Sammy might have looked at me once, but I missed it and didn't click in time. In short, I was humbled.

I'm pretty good with animals of all sizes and usually feel confident and skillful. Sammy knocked me down a notch or two...or twenty! It didn't help any when he got in the jeep and drooled down my neck.

Actually, truth be told, I enjoy challenges. If Sammy was too easy, his training wouldn't be nearly so exciting. Today is a new day. I think I'm going to start out by clicking myself for tenacity, then treating myself to extra cream in my coffee. Look out Sammy...the day is early and I'm on a mission!!

Annabelle and Maddie, you're on my agenda too!

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