Hey Gang!!!
Sorry being "missing in action" for so long. Last Wed morning I was going to write a post latter that night about the snow storm and how the snow changes things on the farm. Then at 2:30 while I was in Kris's hay loft getting ready to move hay to her sheds near her pastures I got a ph call from my Mom that would change my life and my Mom's side of the familie's life forever. I have waited over a week and still tonight I don't think I will get this post right. How do I get the message accross of love and hurt without sounding like a old country music song and depress the readers of this blog and still give the story justice???
Bear with me, here I go.
Mom's ph call was that my Cousin Ryan's seven year old son Karter had been killed in a car accident near Delton MI that day. After I got those 90 bales put away, I walked out of the barn, caught the eye of a old mare standig near the fence line, fought back tears and let her nuzzle me for a minuite. Jumped in my old Ford pickup to head home then heard my Mom over a hundred times saying "be carefull" then thought about the terrible news she was delivering to my Grandma in person.
Latter that night I was on my way back to the Critter Barn to feed and while on the road that I had been on earlier that day, I thought about how much life had changed since he last time I was on that same road. Stopped at the Moble for some caffine, saw a little boy in a suburban and instantley thought of Karter. Thursday and Friday are a blur. I don't remember much, except feeling so much hurt for my Aunt, Uncle and cousins.
The funeral was on Sat. I got up that morning like I do every morning to go feed horses. But that day was different and I new it as I passed a newley dry cleaned white dress shirt and sport jacket with med startch on my way out the door to the barn that morning. Once in the barn and I started to feed. the emotions of the week's events and what that day was all about over took me. I cried the whole time I fed that morning. Which was the begining of me fighting back tears every morning for a while
When we walked into the church that afternoon you couldn't hear a thing. Never in my life have I been in a room with so many people and no noise. As our family gathered we just started hugging each other. No words just hugs. Cousins who noramaly would shake hands, where embracing each other. Grown men became Grandma's little boys again. Uncle Randy flew in from New Mexico, Cousnin Jason flew in from NYC and would later tell me he would have walked here if he had to. Our family had gathered that day to share in the pain of a little boy taken way to early from us and to help heal by loveing one another.
The shock and pain for our liove ones from loosing Karter will lessen in do time, but the love that was shared that day. I will never forget, thus never forgeting Karter. Please pray for the family and for those who are in a support roles, like my Mom, Uncle Randy, Grandma and us cousins.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Back Yard Horses
"Back Yard Horses" that is the term we use for horses that the people who own them don't have much land or funding for the big pastures, or whos barns don't have wash racks and there wash rack is a garden hose and a hitching post on there front lawn or who have indoor arean's, the barns are mearly glorified sheds sitting on 2 acres of land with a few horses.
Nothing wrong with it. In fact my nautrual Dad use to tell me some of the best horses ever to go to the Kentucky Derby came out of a little rat hole for a barn and did just fine. He said that alot while I was getting his old red Mare back in shape the summer of 1996 so my Sister M.J. could use the mare for her high school equistrain team. I think what he was saying was it didn't matter what was on the outside of the barn, but rather what mattered was what was on the inside of the horses heart and the hearts of the people the horse was surrounded by that was going to deturmind how good the horse would do.
Having been around this thing for a while now, I see what Dad was saying. Some of my favorite places to dump shavings or make a horse run with either Terry or Kris are those back yard places. Where the owner barn manger and stall cleaner are the same person. These are the people doing it for the "love of the game." Not a tax write off, or something to show there friends. Nothing wrong with those people either, the horse industry needs those people as well. Just I can relate with the back yard people better and apreciate what they are trying to do.
Last winter Kris and I finished up a horse hauling run for Terry. One of the horses he hauled was a white little Arabain mare from Arazona that was probably in her late teens. Sue bought the horse from the Gene who had fouled the mare, then Sue moved to Arazona years ago. It was the last foul from Gene's horse Lovely who has since passed on, Sue always said if she ever got rid of the horse she wanted Gene to have it, since it was Lovely's last baby. Well what ended up happening was Sue became terminally ill with cancer and said if Gene would pay for the hauling expense back to Michigan Gene could have the mare.
So there Kris and I are in the big truck and trailer with the coolest Sheltie ever riding in the sleeper, cruzing along a country highway with this pretty all white Arabian mare, looking for Gene's place. The house was so small and I know the barn was bigger then the house. There wasn't a big fancy driveway to pull into. We ended up pulling off to the shoulder of the road and unloading the mare there. As we where slowing down three kids covered in dirt started running towards the road as Gene followed closely behind them.
The first thing Gene did was pull out her checkbook and starting writting us a check for hauling the horse. As I was heading for the truck with the check. Kris started opening up the trailer. During this I noticed a little girl probably seven or eight years old who reminded me a lot of my Sister M.J. at that age. She had on a dirty pink winter coat with a camo stocking hat and a toothless grin. Kris said to her "she's pretty isn't she." That's when the little girl said with her hocky player smile said "Yea, she's mine" All I could do was smile and I said to myself "this is a pretty good business." As Kris and I along with her dog Yogie started to pull away, this is what I saw in the side mear of the truck. Gene leading the mare down that gravel driveway with three kids at Gene's and the mares heals. Even in that big deisle truck on that cold winter day, you could feel the love and energy as we drove away.
No that mare won't ever be bathed with hot water, have a chriopactor work on her, get the latest supplements in her feed, have a heated barn in the winter or be hauled in fancy horse trailers to shows. She probably won't see the big show ring again or have to stand for hours while they groom her for a show...... But I know dam well that for the rest of that horses life it will be loved and appreciated by a little o'l country family just off the main drage. In the end I think that is what Sue wanted and that is why she sent the horse back to Michigan.
As for Sue, which by the way isn't her real name. (I didn't know her name and made it up so it would be easer to read.) I don't know what ever happend to her. But I do know that in a world full of coal, if you endure enough dust you will see the dimonds that come of it.
Nothing wrong with it. In fact my nautrual Dad use to tell me some of the best horses ever to go to the Kentucky Derby came out of a little rat hole for a barn and did just fine. He said that alot while I was getting his old red Mare back in shape the summer of 1996 so my Sister M.J. could use the mare for her high school equistrain team. I think what he was saying was it didn't matter what was on the outside of the barn, but rather what mattered was what was on the inside of the horses heart and the hearts of the people the horse was surrounded by that was going to deturmind how good the horse would do.
Having been around this thing for a while now, I see what Dad was saying. Some of my favorite places to dump shavings or make a horse run with either Terry or Kris are those back yard places. Where the owner barn manger and stall cleaner are the same person. These are the people doing it for the "love of the game." Not a tax write off, or something to show there friends. Nothing wrong with those people either, the horse industry needs those people as well. Just I can relate with the back yard people better and apreciate what they are trying to do.
Last winter Kris and I finished up a horse hauling run for Terry. One of the horses he hauled was a white little Arabain mare from Arazona that was probably in her late teens. Sue bought the horse from the Gene who had fouled the mare, then Sue moved to Arazona years ago. It was the last foul from Gene's horse Lovely who has since passed on, Sue always said if she ever got rid of the horse she wanted Gene to have it, since it was Lovely's last baby. Well what ended up happening was Sue became terminally ill with cancer and said if Gene would pay for the hauling expense back to Michigan Gene could have the mare.
So there Kris and I are in the big truck and trailer with the coolest Sheltie ever riding in the sleeper, cruzing along a country highway with this pretty all white Arabian mare, looking for Gene's place. The house was so small and I know the barn was bigger then the house. There wasn't a big fancy driveway to pull into. We ended up pulling off to the shoulder of the road and unloading the mare there. As we where slowing down three kids covered in dirt started running towards the road as Gene followed closely behind them.
The first thing Gene did was pull out her checkbook and starting writting us a check for hauling the horse. As I was heading for the truck with the check. Kris started opening up the trailer. During this I noticed a little girl probably seven or eight years old who reminded me a lot of my Sister M.J. at that age. She had on a dirty pink winter coat with a camo stocking hat and a toothless grin. Kris said to her "she's pretty isn't she." That's when the little girl said with her hocky player smile said "Yea, she's mine" All I could do was smile and I said to myself "this is a pretty good business." As Kris and I along with her dog Yogie started to pull away, this is what I saw in the side mear of the truck. Gene leading the mare down that gravel driveway with three kids at Gene's and the mares heals. Even in that big deisle truck on that cold winter day, you could feel the love and energy as we drove away.
No that mare won't ever be bathed with hot water, have a chriopactor work on her, get the latest supplements in her feed, have a heated barn in the winter or be hauled in fancy horse trailers to shows. She probably won't see the big show ring again or have to stand for hours while they groom her for a show...... But I know dam well that for the rest of that horses life it will be loved and appreciated by a little o'l country family just off the main drage. In the end I think that is what Sue wanted and that is why she sent the horse back to Michigan.
As for Sue, which by the way isn't her real name. (I didn't know her name and made it up so it would be easer to read.) I don't know what ever happend to her. But I do know that in a world full of coal, if you endure enough dust you will see the dimonds that come of it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Life
What do I write about?? things have been a blur lately. It seems like every night I am working late. Last week I didn't make it in before 10:00 on all of the nights except one.
The subject of not having a life has come up a couple of times in the past week. Kris and I joked about it a couple of Sundays ago and then I heard it from someone the other day. So you sit back and ponder. Trust me you do get tired and at times you forget why you are doing what you are doing.
So here is a attempt to give you a glimps of wha it is all about. Last winter on a snowy, stormy night. I loaded up the shavings truck in Zeeland and headed for Pullman about an hour south of Zeeland for a shaving delivery. When I got to Eddie's place I was late and tired and Eddie let me know how late I was. Eddie is and gentlman in his seventies who is a horse trainer and sulky horse owner. Eddie lives on a horse faciltie that he has own for fifty years where he trains horses and bitches about being old. I have always enjoyed listening to Edie as I dump the shavings, he has some stories about horses.
On that night, Edie inveted me into the lounge in the barn. I sat there looking at all the former geat winners and prizes on the walls. As Edie wrote out the check for the shavings he contiued on his thoughts of horses and the modern feee world that we live in. I stayed a good hour there sipping cofee and listening to him. Over time if I have a problem horse at home, I ask eddie what his thoughts are. The snow was coimng down and I new I should get on the road. As I was heading for the door, Eddie mentioned to me to be carefull going home and with a scowell on his face told me to next time not be late, then cracked a smile and waved good by.
I littlery used the rumble strips on M40 to make my way home that night. All because I couldn't resist the oppurtinty to listen to an old horseman. It is people like Eddie that make life worth living for us younger guys, but I would datr say that it is the youngsters coming around that make it worth living for the old guys. And it is in those moments that I realize what kind of "life" I have.
The subject of not having a life has come up a couple of times in the past week. Kris and I joked about it a couple of Sundays ago and then I heard it from someone the other day. So you sit back and ponder. Trust me you do get tired and at times you forget why you are doing what you are doing.
So here is a attempt to give you a glimps of wha it is all about. Last winter on a snowy, stormy night. I loaded up the shavings truck in Zeeland and headed for Pullman about an hour south of Zeeland for a shaving delivery. When I got to Eddie's place I was late and tired and Eddie let me know how late I was. Eddie is and gentlman in his seventies who is a horse trainer and sulky horse owner. Eddie lives on a horse faciltie that he has own for fifty years where he trains horses and bitches about being old. I have always enjoyed listening to Edie as I dump the shavings, he has some stories about horses.
On that night, Edie inveted me into the lounge in the barn. I sat there looking at all the former geat winners and prizes on the walls. As Edie wrote out the check for the shavings he contiued on his thoughts of horses and the modern feee world that we live in. I stayed a good hour there sipping cofee and listening to him. Over time if I have a problem horse at home, I ask eddie what his thoughts are. The snow was coimng down and I new I should get on the road. As I was heading for the door, Eddie mentioned to me to be carefull going home and with a scowell on his face told me to next time not be late, then cracked a smile and waved good by.
I littlery used the rumble strips on M40 to make my way home that night. All because I couldn't resist the oppurtinty to listen to an old horseman. It is people like Eddie that make life worth living for us younger guys, but I would datr say that it is the youngsters coming around that make it worth living for the old guys. And it is in those moments that I realize what kind of "life" I have.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Want too feed something
This post is about a good friend of mine and his 4 year old son and moving on from tragedy
8 years ago when I moved onto the farm I met Al and Chris who's houses where near the farm and we would later coin ourselves as the three amingos. Al and Chris where ten years older then me. Al married and with two kids and Chris who planned to Marry Missy. Then me, the snott nose kid with the big truck and the attitude that went with working construction. Chris was the brains and Al had the drive for work and zest for life, together we in Al's words "built some shit." Looking back those three years where a amazing time full of hard work heavy conversation about life and barly pops. Because in June of 05 we lost Al to a boating accident and the three of us and those around the farm would no longer be the same.
Chris was the one who called me about Al's accident. It was Chris and I who told neighbor Bob about the accident. Right away Chris and I started hanging out and helping each other more and having those deeper conversations while forming a brother like bond, that would take us through making sure Al's widow and kids where o.k. to my own career path strugles and to the birth of Chris's first son Jacob Allan in Oct of 06.
I remember Chris and I during the summer of 06 on Friday nights, with beer in hand, standing in his garage talking about his future son. How he was going to be tough, no candy ass, love cars and how we where going to show him all these cool things when he got older. The first time I saw Jake he was laying on the counter in a blakect and Chris leans down to him and says "this is the kodman, get to know him, he is going to be around for a while."
Times have changed. Jacob has a almost year old brother and it keeps Chris and Missy prety bussy, which makes garage time harder to come by. I have taken on personal and proffesional challlenges which makes being around tougher. Like all the kids coming up. I have never forced the horses or the barn on them, just vowed to give them the chance to reject it. If they don't like it, that is o.k. with me, at least they had the oppurtunity. Jake has supprised me how much he wants to be at the barn and how into the animals that he is. Last Sunday I was finishing up dragging the indoor areana and I noticed this little four year old pop his head around the corner. It was Jake, he ran up to the tractor and we spun a few laps around the indoor areana. Then when we put the tractor up, Jake said " I want to feed something." Then we went and fed the swaans and the cats. The third amego.
It was great to see Chris, Jake and Collen and it made slow up enough to enjoy life. Honestly something I wasn't sure five years ago I would be able to do again. Jake wasn't just feeding animales that Sunday, he was letting me know how simple life is. We did it!!! We have moved on and we are doing pretty dam good.
8 years ago when I moved onto the farm I met Al and Chris who's houses where near the farm and we would later coin ourselves as the three amingos. Al and Chris where ten years older then me. Al married and with two kids and Chris who planned to Marry Missy. Then me, the snott nose kid with the big truck and the attitude that went with working construction. Chris was the brains and Al had the drive for work and zest for life, together we in Al's words "built some shit." Looking back those three years where a amazing time full of hard work heavy conversation about life and barly pops. Because in June of 05 we lost Al to a boating accident and the three of us and those around the farm would no longer be the same.
Chris was the one who called me about Al's accident. It was Chris and I who told neighbor Bob about the accident. Right away Chris and I started hanging out and helping each other more and having those deeper conversations while forming a brother like bond, that would take us through making sure Al's widow and kids where o.k. to my own career path strugles and to the birth of Chris's first son Jacob Allan in Oct of 06.
I remember Chris and I during the summer of 06 on Friday nights, with beer in hand, standing in his garage talking about his future son. How he was going to be tough, no candy ass, love cars and how we where going to show him all these cool things when he got older. The first time I saw Jake he was laying on the counter in a blakect and Chris leans down to him and says "this is the kodman, get to know him, he is going to be around for a while."
Times have changed. Jacob has a almost year old brother and it keeps Chris and Missy prety bussy, which makes garage time harder to come by. I have taken on personal and proffesional challlenges which makes being around tougher. Like all the kids coming up. I have never forced the horses or the barn on them, just vowed to give them the chance to reject it. If they don't like it, that is o.k. with me, at least they had the oppurtunity. Jake has supprised me how much he wants to be at the barn and how into the animals that he is. Last Sunday I was finishing up dragging the indoor areana and I noticed this little four year old pop his head around the corner. It was Jake, he ran up to the tractor and we spun a few laps around the indoor areana. Then when we put the tractor up, Jake said " I want to feed something." Then we went and fed the swaans and the cats. The third amego.
It was great to see Chris, Jake and Collen and it made slow up enough to enjoy life. Honestly something I wasn't sure five years ago I would be able to do again. Jake wasn't just feeding animales that Sunday, he was letting me know how simple life is. We did it!!! We have moved on and we are doing pretty dam good.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Best of luck boys
Business is picking up on the boarding end of things at Pine Manor. A new horse arrived today and Sat morning we are getting another one. I order to make room for the two new boarders and few more we have coming in over the next couple of weeks.
We ended up donating Ironic,
and Arlington.
to childrens home in the midwest that has a horse program that sells horses with the profits going to the childrens home.
This was a difficlut decisoin to let these two horses go, they had become part of our family out here. Ironic had his good days and his bad days. But he was all movement and such a tender personallity. Artty was the social bubble, he loved other horses and people, he was always pestering the other horses, thus the reason for all bite barks he would get. But these two had been for sale for a while and weren't moving. Over the last month we fielded a half dozen requst about boarding and needed the room. Terry ran the numbers by me and it was a $10,000 to $12,000 a year difference if you add up the money from the board we weren't getting for those two stalls and the money spent on vet work and farrier work spent on those two.
So we cut ties with our emotions and on Monday morning and loaded those two geldings into Terry's trailer. I was stone cold faced during the conversations leading up to Monday morning and while loading the geldings. I didn't show a bit of emotion. If you do this thing long enough you get use to it. You load them up, walk to the window, stick your hand inside the window, let them smell you one last time and wish them the best of luck. Then turn back to the barn and go tend to the horses you still have that need you. Even though I new they were gone, on Tuesday morning I walked out to the barn and saw Arty's empty stall and it hit me he was gone and then today, while graining I looked through Ironic's stall and for a second, I thought where is that horse. We still call those stalls Arty's and Ironic's stall. Even though tonight a half Quater horse half mustang is now in Ironic's stall. He is a nice looking six year old gelding.
Letting go is just part of it. You are on edge filled with excitement when you have a foul do and when they go it is a bit sad. But you make these difficult decisions in order to keep it going. The bottom line is your strong feelings towards something don't pay the hay, grain or vet bills. There will be other great moving horses and ones with cute personallities. You will walk through the barn and see Kris brining up another young horse again. Another horse will make you laugh again, you will see that all natural beaty of a Arabian horse in a high stepping trott again.
In the mean time thanks a ton Ironic and Arrlington, well missed by everyone at Pine Manor.
and Arlington.
This was a difficlut decisoin to let these two horses go, they had become part of our family out here. Ironic had his good days and his bad days. But he was all movement and such a tender personallity. Artty was the social bubble, he loved other horses and people, he was always pestering the other horses, thus the reason for all bite barks he would get. But these two had been for sale for a while and weren't moving. Over the last month we fielded a half dozen requst about boarding and needed the room. Terry ran the numbers by me and it was a $10,000 to $12,000 a year difference if you add up the money from the board we weren't getting for those two stalls and the money spent on vet work and farrier work spent on those two.
So we cut ties with our emotions and on Monday morning and loaded those two geldings into Terry's trailer. I was stone cold faced during the conversations leading up to Monday morning and while loading the geldings. I didn't show a bit of emotion. If you do this thing long enough you get use to it. You load them up, walk to the window, stick your hand inside the window, let them smell you one last time and wish them the best of luck. Then turn back to the barn and go tend to the horses you still have that need you. Even though I new they were gone, on Tuesday morning I walked out to the barn and saw Arty's empty stall and it hit me he was gone and then today, while graining I looked through Ironic's stall and for a second, I thought where is that horse. We still call those stalls Arty's and Ironic's stall. Even though tonight a half Quater horse half mustang is now in Ironic's stall. He is a nice looking six year old gelding.
Letting go is just part of it. You are on edge filled with excitement when you have a foul do and when they go it is a bit sad. But you make these difficult decisions in order to keep it going. The bottom line is your strong feelings towards something don't pay the hay, grain or vet bills. There will be other great moving horses and ones with cute personallities. You will walk through the barn and see Kris brining up another young horse again. Another horse will make you laugh again, you will see that all natural beaty of a Arabian horse in a high stepping trott again.
In the mean time thanks a ton Ironic and Arrlington, well missed by everyone at Pine Manor.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fall has arrived
The leaves are changing and the days are getting shorter. Football season is fully underway and I was able to get up to the U.P. for a hunting trip a two weeks ago. A outer wheel bearing went out on the pickup last Wed. The good part about that is Neighbor Chris and I needed some garage time and on Friday night we replaced the outer and inner wheel bearings on both sides of the truck. It was great to catch up with Chris and that he was able to help me, because I had never done wheel bearings before.
The Doe's (female breeding goats) were bread the last couple of weeks, on Monday we put the Ewes(female breeding sheep) in with the rams. while seperating the ewes I had a ewe try to get by me. I squated down linebacker style and elevated myself. I ended up meeting the ewe at it's highest point as it tried jumping between me and the pin fence.. The ewe didn't knock me down but I did take a couple steps backwards. Then the next thought I had was "how bad is this going to hurt tomorrow morning." The good news is I was fine in the morning.
We have had a couple field trips at the Critter Barn the last couple of weeks. The pace during the field trips is very high, but the excitement is a lot of fun. We are getting two new boarders Monday at Pine Manor and we have some fall clean up we can do this weekend. Terry and I split wood last weekend and there is a pile of wood that needs to be stacked. Next weekend is the big youth horse show at Michigan State Universtity. The girls have been working very hard for the show along with Kris's guidence. It is great to have the extra energy in the barn lately.
As far as my health? I am doing very good. I got on meds last Thursday. The stuffed up nose is gone and the cough is about gone. I feel stronger every day and am starting to enjoy myself again. I get on these big runs without any time off and I go untill I am about out of air. Then I take a trip, recharge the batteries and come home ready to do it again. Being sick, made me rest and how did I hate it. Kris did a pretty good job of letting me set my own pace last week without forcing me to scale back. That was good because I think if she would have had someone come in for me over the weekend, it would have only pissed me off and I would still gotten up and found something else to work on in the a.m.. Like I did the last time she tried giving me a rest. So I am ready to do this. Bring on old man winter, bring on snow blinding shavings run, bring on frozen beard while turning out horses. I think April or May would be a good time for a little va,ca.
The Doe's (female breeding goats) were bread the last couple of weeks, on Monday we put the Ewes(female breeding sheep) in with the rams. while seperating the ewes I had a ewe try to get by me. I squated down linebacker style and elevated myself. I ended up meeting the ewe at it's highest point as it tried jumping between me and the pin fence.. The ewe didn't knock me down but I did take a couple steps backwards. Then the next thought I had was "how bad is this going to hurt tomorrow morning." The good news is I was fine in the morning.
We have had a couple field trips at the Critter Barn the last couple of weeks. The pace during the field trips is very high, but the excitement is a lot of fun. We are getting two new boarders Monday at Pine Manor and we have some fall clean up we can do this weekend. Terry and I split wood last weekend and there is a pile of wood that needs to be stacked. Next weekend is the big youth horse show at Michigan State Universtity. The girls have been working very hard for the show along with Kris's guidence. It is great to have the extra energy in the barn lately.
As far as my health? I am doing very good. I got on meds last Thursday. The stuffed up nose is gone and the cough is about gone. I feel stronger every day and am starting to enjoy myself again. I get on these big runs without any time off and I go untill I am about out of air. Then I take a trip, recharge the batteries and come home ready to do it again. Being sick, made me rest and how did I hate it. Kris did a pretty good job of letting me set my own pace last week without forcing me to scale back. That was good because I think if she would have had someone come in for me over the weekend, it would have only pissed me off and I would still gotten up and found something else to work on in the a.m.. Like I did the last time she tried giving me a rest. So I am ready to do this. Bring on old man winter, bring on snow blinding shavings run, bring on frozen beard while turning out horses. I think April or May would be a good time for a little va,ca.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
No sick days
My vaction last week was great. I spent most of the weekend not thinking about the things I normally think about. I came home refreshed with a clear head, well almost. I did come home with a nasty head cold.
The days back have been rough. I can't smell or taste anything and my nose feels like a plugged drain. My body is sore but I have felt much worse in the past. Which led me to thinking about some of the crazy situations health wise I have found myself in over the years. One of the stories that comes to mind is.
One winter Sunday morning after working on some ice that built up around the door ways in front of the barn the day before. I woke up took a shower and was chilled when I got out to the shower. I texted Kris Lamb and told her that "everthing hurts and the horses are staying today." She replied with "Monica is coming in to feed and bring in, turn them out, I am to, you just have to keep moving." I kinda chuckled and said to my self, "well alrighty then, cowboy up." I got everyone fed and turnout then made a emergency run to Wallgreens for Airborn, orange juice and pain killers. While at Wallgreens Kris texted me "your sore right, not sick." I just had to laugh and told her I was sick. I gutted it out that afternoon, cold sweats and all.
This spring everyone was at a horse show. I woke up and felt like death. took a shower and didn't have enough energy to get dressed, so I went out into the barn in tennis shoes, flannel pajama bottoms and a flannel shirt. I couldn't even turn the horses out. I went back in and slept for a couple of hours. I got back out to barn around noon and got the horses out and finished up stalls around 4:00, then brought everyone back and fed them. Kris and the girls returned that night and Kris had the girls do stalls for me Sunday so I could get some rest.
Even Kris has questioned me about how I should slow down. I really don't think it is a big deal. The late nights and long days are no different than someone trying to raise a family I tell her. You just pull yourself out of bed because you know there is a creature that needs food and care and it doesn't matter how bad you feel, even though you run the risk of being worse off health wise. I know these people and most of them aren't horseman at all or have animals to tend to. And tomorrow morning I will pull myslef out of bed, no matter how bad I feel, lace up the boots and head out to barn and I will think about.
My parents who every other week are taking care of my newly divorced brothers kids, my Sister M.J. who works a ton of hours running a national retail store while being a wife and a Mom, my Sister Kayla who is raising and home schooling her kids in Asia, neigbor Chris who is up at 4:30 every morning so he can get home early to take care of his kids. Yes there are no sick days for us and you are truely my insperation. THANK YOU!!!!
The days back have been rough. I can't smell or taste anything and my nose feels like a plugged drain. My body is sore but I have felt much worse in the past. Which led me to thinking about some of the crazy situations health wise I have found myself in over the years. One of the stories that comes to mind is.
One winter Sunday morning after working on some ice that built up around the door ways in front of the barn the day before. I woke up took a shower and was chilled when I got out to the shower. I texted Kris Lamb and told her that "everthing hurts and the horses are staying today." She replied with "Monica is coming in to feed and bring in, turn them out, I am to, you just have to keep moving." I kinda chuckled and said to my self, "well alrighty then, cowboy up." I got everyone fed and turnout then made a emergency run to Wallgreens for Airborn, orange juice and pain killers. While at Wallgreens Kris texted me "your sore right, not sick." I just had to laugh and told her I was sick. I gutted it out that afternoon, cold sweats and all.
This spring everyone was at a horse show. I woke up and felt like death. took a shower and didn't have enough energy to get dressed, so I went out into the barn in tennis shoes, flannel pajama bottoms and a flannel shirt. I couldn't even turn the horses out. I went back in and slept for a couple of hours. I got back out to barn around noon and got the horses out and finished up stalls around 4:00, then brought everyone back and fed them. Kris and the girls returned that night and Kris had the girls do stalls for me Sunday so I could get some rest.
Even Kris has questioned me about how I should slow down. I really don't think it is a big deal. The late nights and long days are no different than someone trying to raise a family I tell her. You just pull yourself out of bed because you know there is a creature that needs food and care and it doesn't matter how bad you feel, even though you run the risk of being worse off health wise. I know these people and most of them aren't horseman at all or have animals to tend to. And tomorrow morning I will pull myslef out of bed, no matter how bad I feel, lace up the boots and head out to barn and I will think about.
My parents who every other week are taking care of my newly divorced brothers kids, my Sister M.J. who works a ton of hours running a national retail store while being a wife and a Mom, my Sister Kayla who is raising and home schooling her kids in Asia, neigbor Chris who is up at 4:30 every morning so he can get home early to take care of his kids. Yes there are no sick days for us and you are truely my insperation. THANK YOU!!!!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Just an update
Sorry Gang, no pictures. Haven't uploaded/had them scanned to my computer or had the camera with me while "out there." So with Jamey Johnson's latest release playing in the background I will try to paint a picture with words.
The last three weeks have been a blur. Lately the only night I have to myself has been Wed and when it happends I tend to want to stay home and enjoy my surroundings. I still find myself looking for a tool or brush and thinking how much better life would be if I took "that" apart or cleaned "it" up.
Kris had the furterity show, which meant the truck and trailer need to be washed quick a minute. The girls have had Equestrain meets the last three Sat, throw in one "Farm on the go" for the Critter Barn on a thunderstormy Sat. The girls worked realy hard to get themselvs and there horses ready. Two of the girls are on Holland High's team and this weekend they are at the Regional show with Kris, which meant the truck and trailer needed to be washed again "quick a minute" Terry and I went over to the show last weekend for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun. They had a concession stand with coffee and great BBQ sandwiches. As weird as it may sound I hardley ever make it to a show, mainly because I am home keeping the home fires burning while they are gone.
I bought another truck. It feels sooooo good to be back in a pickup. My first car was a truck and you can take the good o'l boy out of the truck but you can't take the truck out of the good o'l boy. Nope this one doesn't sit up tall, have a thirsty V8 or loud exhaust or is four wheel drive. I have found out that those things cost me money in gas,speeding tickets, insurance, repairs and tires. I bought a truck very simalar to what my Natural Dad use to drive. 2 wheel drive, 6 cyl, stick with no options, just a plain jane pickup. It is older but I paid for it with a personal check
We put up the last of the hay at Pine Manor the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I am starting to think about things that need to be done before snow flys. But before I think to hard I have a grouse hunting trip in the U.P. at Mike's parents cabin this coming weekend. It is kinda funny how I spend my time away from the farms is in the middle of the woods with no elctricity, running water a wood buring stove and camp fire that stays lit the whole time we are up there. You bust your ass for months on end and go up there to poop in a out house.lol. But being up there playing cards and telling old stories in the all that clean air with my buddies is dam near heavin for me.
That about sums it up "Out Here"
The last three weeks have been a blur. Lately the only night I have to myself has been Wed and when it happends I tend to want to stay home and enjoy my surroundings. I still find myself looking for a tool or brush and thinking how much better life would be if I took "that" apart or cleaned "it" up.
Kris had the furterity show, which meant the truck and trailer need to be washed quick a minute. The girls have had Equestrain meets the last three Sat, throw in one "Farm on the go" for the Critter Barn on a thunderstormy Sat. The girls worked realy hard to get themselvs and there horses ready. Two of the girls are on Holland High's team and this weekend they are at the Regional show with Kris, which meant the truck and trailer needed to be washed again "quick a minute" Terry and I went over to the show last weekend for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun. They had a concession stand with coffee and great BBQ sandwiches. As weird as it may sound I hardley ever make it to a show, mainly because I am home keeping the home fires burning while they are gone.
I bought another truck. It feels sooooo good to be back in a pickup. My first car was a truck and you can take the good o'l boy out of the truck but you can't take the truck out of the good o'l boy. Nope this one doesn't sit up tall, have a thirsty V8 or loud exhaust or is four wheel drive. I have found out that those things cost me money in gas,speeding tickets, insurance, repairs and tires. I bought a truck very simalar to what my Natural Dad use to drive. 2 wheel drive, 6 cyl, stick with no options, just a plain jane pickup. It is older but I paid for it with a personal check
We put up the last of the hay at Pine Manor the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I am starting to think about things that need to be done before snow flys. But before I think to hard I have a grouse hunting trip in the U.P. at Mike's parents cabin this coming weekend. It is kinda funny how I spend my time away from the farms is in the middle of the woods with no elctricity, running water a wood buring stove and camp fire that stays lit the whole time we are up there. You bust your ass for months on end and go up there to poop in a out house.lol. But being up there playing cards and telling old stories in the all that clean air with my buddies is dam near heavin for me.
That about sums it up "Out Here"
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Boys
I made a shavings delivery tonight to one of the local horse stables. As I pulled the truck into the barn I noticed a little blond haired boy standing there and instaily thought of my nephews) J.J.who has a heart of gold and who has indured more yelling and screaming than any of us would like to know and who now spends time at Mom's and Dad's houses, Bright; who wants to know how everything works, Zion; the out going one who is all smiles and kisses and Brave; dare devil and tough, who live on the other side of the world.
I invited that little stranger over so he could push the buttons that raise and lower the dump box on the shavings truck. I answered every question he had and as I was latching the back swing gate the little boy said "look at all the shavings we dumped." Then I jumped in the truck, told the little one to be good and he said " take care of yourself."
As I pulled back onto the two lane and headed home the sun was setting, I turned up the radio as a classic county song rang through the truck and wished that what I had just experienced was with one of my nephews. But I know they are all in good hands and tonight boys I was in good hands.
Boys: Keep your head up, hands steady and feet moving and I'll see ya on the next one.
I invited that little stranger over so he could push the buttons that raise and lower the dump box on the shavings truck. I answered every question he had and as I was latching the back swing gate the little boy said "look at all the shavings we dumped." Then I jumped in the truck, told the little one to be good and he said " take care of yourself."
As I pulled back onto the two lane and headed home the sun was setting, I turned up the radio as a classic county song rang through the truck and wished that what I had just experienced was with one of my nephews. But I know they are all in good hands and tonight boys I was in good hands.
Boys: Keep your head up, hands steady and feet moving and I'll see ya on the next one.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day Parade
Nothing brings a family together like a parade and I say this because for the last eight years the Brink family has been like my second or third family. Kris is the big Sister I never had she has let me have it when I have needed it and left a card or home cooked meal in my apartment when my world was upside down and if don't think we haven't had our share of disagrements then you haven't been around the farm much. But like most familys we get through it. Why?? Because there is work to do.
So anyway, I brush hogged Aunt Rose's (Terry Sister) pasture Sat and then Sunday I did barn work and had Dan and Mike over for a hay putting up party that consitsted of 450 bales along with help from Kris, while Terry worked on cleaning his truck and trailer up for the Labor Day Parade from Zeeland to Holland.
What was neat was watching how much Terry loves his truck and trailer, the animales, his family and how much he loves the life he lives when it comes to those things. And yea he told me how to stack the hay Sunday so I wouldn't need to get the hay elevator out and it worked great.
Terry has fully recoverd from being sick and rumor has it he is leaving tomorrow with the truck and trailer to haul some horses. So role on eighteen whealer horse cadilac, keep them horses moving.
So anyway, I brush hogged Aunt Rose's (Terry Sister) pasture Sat and then Sunday I did barn work and had Dan and Mike over for a hay putting up party that consitsted of 450 bales along with help from Kris, while Terry worked on cleaning his truck and trailer up for the Labor Day Parade from Zeeland to Holland.
O, I forgot Terry and Kris made us load up two minature donekys to show off to the kids after the parade was over.
And Teagan, Terry's Grand Daughter was the official horn blower,
What was neat was watching how much Terry loves his truck and trailer, the animales, his family and how much he loves the life he lives when it comes to those things. And yea he told me how to stack the hay Sunday so I wouldn't need to get the hay elevator out and it worked great.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Home
Last winter when my parents moved out of our family home, I stopped by on last time on a sunday morning to pick up something I forgot. As I was driving away feeling a little senimental, I made the left turn onto 32nd st and started thinking about the barn and what I had to do that day. Then quickly realized the brick house on 34th st was not my home and hadn't been for a long time.
So what is home? Home is the place you long for when your tired, dirty and your ass is dragging. For me it is snow covered pastures on Christmas day, ice leaving the pond and knowing spring has started, the smell of hay just put up in the barn in the heat of the summer, the first smell of horses as I walk through the barn after returing home from a hunting trip in the fall.
I say this because the last month or so I had been pushing pretty hard, add in the some changes this summer, new job, Brothers divorce, Sister in town from over seas, Terry being sick. What I needed was some space and to be home and this weekend I got it. The girls were at a horse show and I was able to spend Sat/Sun in the barn alone, except for Sat afternoon when I ran a load of shavings. I took the advice of my Natural dad when I was a Kid. "turn that dam music down and pay attention." I didn't use my MP3 player or turn on the radio in the barn. No. I just went out and worked and learned a lot. I was able to hear the sounds of birds churping, horses eating. I saw the sun bounce off the pastures, noticed the sounds of horses walking. I stayed off the internet and the ph rang a whole 3 times this weekend and none on Sunday.
O, I was able to watch some N.F.L pre season football and enjoy some pizza rolls as well. So, not matter where your home is. Here's to it.
So what is home? Home is the place you long for when your tired, dirty and your ass is dragging. For me it is snow covered pastures on Christmas day, ice leaving the pond and knowing spring has started, the smell of hay just put up in the barn in the heat of the summer, the first smell of horses as I walk through the barn after returing home from a hunting trip in the fall.
O, I was able to watch some N.F.L pre season football and enjoy some pizza rolls as well. So, not matter where your home is. Here's to it.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Terry
What happends when your heros grow old, when they no longer can put in the big days, or when you get the call that they are I.C.U. It flat scares the hell out of you. You never really want to wrap your hands around the fact they might need to slow down. You ignore it. Why? Because you are selfesh and still think you need them.
Terry has been like a father figure to me for the last eight years and at we have driven each other nuts at times. But Terry has always been honest with me and although I might not always agree with him, I respect what he has to say. We have spent a lot of time on the deck talking horses and life.
I have learned a lifetime from him.
So when I found out that he was ill and will be in the hostpitale for a couple of days it rattled me pretty good this morning. But I had a job to do this morning and I new that he would want me to take care of it. So I focused on getting the truck and trailer loaded and we took off for the Farmers Market in Holland for the Critter Barn. I spent the morning with kids and animales and new Terry would be proud. When you spend your days and nights taking care of animales, you get this false feeling that there is nothing you can't do. You feed them, take care of there shelter and medicate them. You have eagle eye and a good ear. You make a livelyhood out of reconizing danger.
So the only thing I can do is take care of what I can take care of. Pray for what I can't take care of. Make sure everyone has food, water and bedding and thank the good Lord for the days that lie ahead.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Out Here
This is the continuous story of a kid whose parents would buy him cowboy hats and chaps to play in and who’s first car was a pickup. The son of a horseman, former bull rider and one of the sweetest girls that ever came out of Belmont MI, his parents would name him after a city in Wyoming while vacationing two summers before he was born. After six years the marriage wouldn’t see Kody’s first Birthday.
His Dad would stay in the farm house in Alto MI and settling in with Kody’s step Mom, giving Kody a half Sister and a Step Brother. Kody would get out to Alto when he could and he loved the rolling fields behind the farm house and the century old barn that kept a few back yard horses. That is where Kody got his first taste horses and barn life.
Kody’s Mom would remarry shortly after the divorce to a great guy who took Kody in as his own, giving Kody a half sister and half brother. The family would eventually end up in Holland MI. Kody and his siblings had a great time. They lived in town with a in ground pool in the back yard and ball parks within walking distance and a family dog named Copper that went everywhere with them.
Horses and farm life were always close to Kody’s heart and when he got the chance to move onto Pine Manor Arabians in the spring of 2002 to work with Terry Brink and Kris Lamb he jumped at it. Kody says “I have learned a lot about horses from working with Terry and Kris, when I moved onto Pine Manor I new enough about horses to keep from getting killed and Terry and Kris have taught me so much.”
When the chance to go fulltime into animal care/barn work by taking the job as barn manager for the Critter Barn and Working with Marry and Wally in the spring of 2010. Kody made a life decision to pursue happiness and sweat over money and comfort. That is what “Out Here” is about.
“Out Here” is about smiling at the rain and cursing the sun. It is about learning something new and remembering something old. “Out Here” will take you along on the journey of two different barns trying like crazy to make it, through the sun, rain, snow and through the laughter, tears, blood and sweat. All through the eyes of good o’l boy who in a way is still that little blue eyed, blond haired kid with a oversized cowboy hat.
“A special thanks to Pine Manor Arabian, The Critter Barn and T&T shavings for giving me a chance to do this. My family and friends for putting up with my late arrivals to functions or missing them all together and for not complaining about the barn debrie when I do show up. Hang on this is going to be one hell of a ride, if it hasn’t been already.” Kody, summer 2010
This is the continuous story of a kid whose parents would buy him cowboy hats and chaps to play in and who’s first car was a pickup. The son of a horseman, former bull rider and one of the sweetest girls that ever came out of Belmont MI, his parents would name him after a city in Wyoming while vacationing two summers before he was born. After six years the marriage wouldn’t see Kody’s first Birthday.
His Dad would stay in the farm house in Alto MI and settling in with Kody’s step Mom, giving Kody a half Sister and a Step Brother. Kody would get out to Alto when he could and he loved the rolling fields behind the farm house and the century old barn that kept a few back yard horses. That is where Kody got his first taste horses and barn life.
Kody’s Mom would remarry shortly after the divorce to a great guy who took Kody in as his own, giving Kody a half sister and half brother. The family would eventually end up in Holland MI. Kody and his siblings had a great time. They lived in town with a in ground pool in the back yard and ball parks within walking distance and a family dog named Copper that went everywhere with them.
Horses and farm life were always close to Kody’s heart and when he got the chance to move onto Pine Manor Arabians in the spring of 2002 to work with Terry Brink and Kris Lamb he jumped at it. Kody says “I have learned a lot about horses from working with Terry and Kris, when I moved onto Pine Manor I new enough about horses to keep from getting killed and Terry and Kris have taught me so much.”
When the chance to go fulltime into animal care/barn work by taking the job as barn manager for the Critter Barn and Working with Marry and Wally in the spring of 2010. Kody made a life decision to pursue happiness and sweat over money and comfort. That is what “Out Here” is about.
“Out Here” is about smiling at the rain and cursing the sun. It is about learning something new and remembering something old. “Out Here” will take you along on the journey of two different barns trying like crazy to make it, through the sun, rain, snow and through the laughter, tears, blood and sweat. All through the eyes of good o’l boy who in a way is still that little blue eyed, blond haired kid with a oversized cowboy hat.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
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