Hey Gang,
To bring a few of you up to speed. I am done at the lumber yard. I got a really great job with a local trucking company doing "pick ups" I go in between 11:00 and 1:00 and get done between 8:00 and 10:00. It is great. I have time to do the barn thing at home before work and I am gaining tractor trailer experince. We are holding our own at the barn. Terry has been home for a while and his help with the extras has been awasome. Devin left at the end of September which has made me all but a home body on Saturdays. Jack and the kids came out a couple weekends ago, I will post about that later and I have a new niece. Jubulee two years old, frushly adopted from Asia. And I will post about that soon. I promise.
Here's the deal. I got home tonight a little early from work. I was planing on checking emails,etc then heading to tom's for the football game. Then I read my Sister Kayla's blog and thought about emailing her. Instead she and the rest of my sibilings, family and freinds. Get this post on my blog.
If when I was ten years old you would have told me what life would be like "right now". That I would be driving "big" truck for a living. Tending to horses everyday, throwing hay, doing tractor work, etc. I would have probably jumped up and down and said I couldn't wait. Truth of the matter is I am awafully busy with all of it. I got a cold last week and didn't have time to rest. I felt guilty sleeping in untill 7:30. In the midst of frustration from doing chores this morning then trying to get to a chiropatcor appt before work. I felt a little overwhelmed. And if it hadn't been for those two old people "my parents" who rode their bikes 10 plus miles to stop in and say hi, yesturday who knows when I would see them. Mom always said "a busy teen is a happy teen." Man we sure took onto that one. My sisters and I (Bro lives a pretty normal life) are on the go 24/7.
Yea Kayla, there are days I long for no horses, no stacks of hay, no manure wagons. But there are also days I long for sitting on a deck looking over my own spread as the sun sets. But if I look back on all that I have had a chance to see as I cross the highways and city roads and as I make sure those big o'l critters have nourshment and housing. It is worth it. It has always been worth it.
If you have ever had a complete stranger say to you "drive safe" as strap down a load with a three plus hour drive across the state in the wee hours of the night or watched as a once frighten three year old warms up to a horse who is sticking her head over the fence on a dark green pasture.
Then you would understand
Drive safe everyone
Monday, October 10, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Racing Father Time
Becoming a adult legally starts on your 18th birthday from then on out it is each to its own road. I kinda crashed into adult hood like a drunk crashing through the front door after a night on the town. No pun intended. But really it all started out having fun with the guys, we got jobs because we didn't want to go to college, we bought new trucks, because the bank would loan us the money and all the while hunting, fishing, two tracking and thinking we where big timing it. Then a couple of those good o'l boys get married, have a few kids and then one or two say "I don't" and you realized how wierd those bon fires are going to be.
In less than a week I will turn 34 and things have started to catch me by surprise lately. I have noticed that the teenage boys I run into on the farms and jobsites treat me like I know something. Kinda with respect and they don't even know me. Granted I have a skill set and a career, but really I can still jump higher, dive deeper and come up dryer. Well until the other night. I showed up at Ken Topp's place with shavings and two highschool age boys where putting up hay. They where in my way so I jumped on that hay wagon to help get them out of my way and to show those boys up. Heaving that hay way the hell up on the hay stack. As I was dumping the load they where asking me questions about the truck and then whispering to eachother. The crumy part is when I got in the truck to leave, I felt the worse than I had all week. Later that night at a chiropractor appt (pinched nerve in my back) I bitched about still having the strength to do it and not holding up. Doc gave me some stretching excersises to do and told me to behave myself for a little until the pinched nerve heals. To add insult to injury when I complained to Kris later that night she said with a laugh ( Yea, you are getting older and you need to do the excersises)
Then bam!!!! Dan's oldest is old enough to babysit and I tease him about the training braws that are going to be showing up in the laundry. You get together with old friends and the topic turns to what kind of health your parents are in and what pain killers work best for you or what kinds of excersises you do in the morning to stretch the back out. You turn around and you all are making money and have careers. Then about 9:00 you start thinking that you better get going because you need to get up in the morning. Then John says "my kids need to get home." and one by one we all head home. Or you are coming through town on a sat morning and give Mom a call and tell her you are stopping by. She has a cup of coffee for you when you get there and you blow the whole morning, just catching up.
For some reason all of this has hit me lately. I see a lifted pickup with loud exhast and two doods with nascar caps and patchy gotees and think it wasn't that long ago it was us. I drive through Hamilton on a weekend night and don't see the pickups lined up at the mobile. But in half a second I see it and it is 1998 again and we are racing father time. I guess we still are racing father time and fifteen years from now we will creaping up on 50 and thinking about those good o'l days in our 30's.
In less than a week I will turn 34 and things have started to catch me by surprise lately. I have noticed that the teenage boys I run into on the farms and jobsites treat me like I know something. Kinda with respect and they don't even know me. Granted I have a skill set and a career, but really I can still jump higher, dive deeper and come up dryer. Well until the other night. I showed up at Ken Topp's place with shavings and two highschool age boys where putting up hay. They where in my way so I jumped on that hay wagon to help get them out of my way and to show those boys up. Heaving that hay way the hell up on the hay stack. As I was dumping the load they where asking me questions about the truck and then whispering to eachother. The crumy part is when I got in the truck to leave, I felt the worse than I had all week. Later that night at a chiropractor appt (pinched nerve in my back) I bitched about still having the strength to do it and not holding up. Doc gave me some stretching excersises to do and told me to behave myself for a little until the pinched nerve heals. To add insult to injury when I complained to Kris later that night she said with a laugh ( Yea, you are getting older and you need to do the excersises)
Then bam!!!! Dan's oldest is old enough to babysit and I tease him about the training braws that are going to be showing up in the laundry. You get together with old friends and the topic turns to what kind of health your parents are in and what pain killers work best for you or what kinds of excersises you do in the morning to stretch the back out. You turn around and you all are making money and have careers. Then about 9:00 you start thinking that you better get going because you need to get up in the morning. Then John says "my kids need to get home." and one by one we all head home. Or you are coming through town on a sat morning and give Mom a call and tell her you are stopping by. She has a cup of coffee for you when you get there and you blow the whole morning, just catching up.
For some reason all of this has hit me lately. I see a lifted pickup with loud exhast and two doods with nascar caps and patchy gotees and think it wasn't that long ago it was us. I drive through Hamilton on a weekend night and don't see the pickups lined up at the mobile. But in half a second I see it and it is 1998 again and we are racing father time. I guess we still are racing father time and fifteen years from now we will creaping up on 50 and thinking about those good o'l days in our 30's.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Alford/we almost lost him tonight
He was also the horse I used to give rides to my nephews and nieces.
Tonight I was finishing up in the barn and I heard this god awfull crash. I came around the corner to find Allie down in his stall. Susan a boarder was close buy and she said he just went down. When I got to him he was stressed and I tried talking him down. But something was different and then he made a gallent try at getting up. But even with me helping it wasn't even close. That is when Susan said "honey it is his time." The way he was breathing and driffting in and out I really thought he was going to die on me right there. Then I had Susan go to Terry and Karen's house for help from a house quest. When help arrived Allie got about half up before he pinned me agaist the wall of the stall. I was walking that fine line of stressing a animale that was leaving us any way or helping him.I couldn't get a hold of Kris and decided to call the vet out.
I put a fan near his stall to try to keep him comfortable as I tried to do what Kris would have me do. All the time thinking about all the kids who would be heart broken if we lost him. I did get a hold of the Kris and she got there shortly after the vet. Kris walked in the stall, we made eye contact and if there was ever any dought about the brother, sister bond that we have it was gone. Kris whispered is he gone I shook my head no and the next thing I know the to of us standing over Allie embracing, bawling our eyes out.
The next thing that happend is about as close to a miricale that I have ever seen. We took the stall divider out and gave Alli more room and we where able to get him up. The vet seems to think that he had a malfunction in his nuero system or a mini stroke. The good news is Ali will be with us for a little while, the sad news is his riding days are done. what happend tonight could happend again at any time. So no more holding little nervous kids for there first time on a horse or giving this good o'l boy a fun easy ride bear back.
Nope Allie his going to be put out to pasture and will be moved to Kris and John's in the coming days to live the life of leasure in those big o'l pastures, probably never to be riden again. As I glanced through photos to use for this blog it was very clear to me what kind of horse Allie is. And like a sobbing Kris said to the vet tonight. "Im not ready to loose him yet." Yea, I wasn't either and as I finished up things in the barn after every one left, I heard the horses eating and I don't ever remember feeling so relieved that they where all o.k. for the time being.
Monday, August 8, 2011
A Journey
This week is off to a pretty good start. We have horse camp till Wed and then Saturday and horse show in Marn. Everyone was gone last week Tuesday when it was Kris's birthday so today we had cake for Kris and celebrated with the horse campers.
It is the final show of the year that Kris and the girls will be going to. Most of the time it really isn't that big of the deal to be at the end of show season and sometimes a bit of a releaf. But this time it is different. In a way it is a end of a Journey at Pine Manor. Why? Because when that horse trailer pulls out of Pine Manor next spring for the first show of the season the people in the truck will be different.
Without going into detail about things that aren't finalized or leading you on. This is what I know for sure Devin will not be with us by next summer and I am unsure what role Monica, Cheeyana and myself will have at Pine Manor by next summer. Or how much horse hauling Terry will be doing. I also know that Jordana and Lydia will have a more prominate rolls at Pine Manor. So it is the end of a journey with this current group of "Pine Manor Crew".
A journey you really don't know you started, but know it when you are in it. A Journey that over the last couple of years has endured blood and sweat and laughter and tears. A journey that has heard the joys of anoucing the birth of a child or a horse. A journey that has felt the agony of friends and family passing away much to young as their stories have been told in the barn. A journey that has tought me so much about life and myself. And a journey that has accumilated stories that will be told years from now at cookouts as old friends connect over Doug's famous ribs at Kris's barn.
A journey that has one more show, a truck and horse trailer that needs washing and a few more ribbons to win. This is how it is suppose to be. And we are off to a good start this week and I am just going to try to enjoy it with this group. Because the ones you remember are always the first and last ones.
It is the final show of the year that Kris and the girls will be going to. Most of the time it really isn't that big of the deal to be at the end of show season and sometimes a bit of a releaf. But this time it is different. In a way it is a end of a Journey at Pine Manor. Why? Because when that horse trailer pulls out of Pine Manor next spring for the first show of the season the people in the truck will be different.
Without going into detail about things that aren't finalized or leading you on. This is what I know for sure Devin will not be with us by next summer and I am unsure what role Monica, Cheeyana and myself will have at Pine Manor by next summer. Or how much horse hauling Terry will be doing. I also know that Jordana and Lydia will have a more prominate rolls at Pine Manor. So it is the end of a journey with this current group of "Pine Manor Crew".
A journey you really don't know you started, but know it when you are in it. A Journey that over the last couple of years has endured blood and sweat and laughter and tears. A journey that has heard the joys of anoucing the birth of a child or a horse. A journey that has felt the agony of friends and family passing away much to young as their stories have been told in the barn. A journey that has tought me so much about life and myself. And a journey that has accumilated stories that will be told years from now at cookouts as old friends connect over Doug's famous ribs at Kris's barn.
A journey that has one more show, a truck and horse trailer that needs washing and a few more ribbons to win. This is how it is suppose to be. And we are off to a good start this week and I am just going to try to enjoy it with this group. Because the ones you remember are always the first and last ones.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Everything Heals
Two weeks ago I was helping Kris load a horse for a local horse show. The process wasn't going very good at all. Then in one fatefull blast of horse energy the mare raised her upperbody and lunged forward, slaming herself into the side of the horse trailer... I was behind her, but recognized the sound her body and horse trailer made at the collision. I jumped to the front of her looking for blood as Kris gained control of her, saying "now you idiot." I then took of my sweatshirt as I was heading back to the barn and began getting the wash rack ready, Kris followed with the horse. Yup, she opend herself up with a 8 inch gash running at a 45 degree angle across her left shoulder.
So, as most normal people where enjoying there Sat morning coffee, we where waiting on the vet. When Dr Ray showed up a half hour later. He looked at the mare and said. "the good news is everything heals." Dr Ray did a wonderfull job of stitching her up and the mare is doing very well. Then less than a week later I had to remind myself of those insightfull words Dr Ray said.
The following Friday morning I was heading back from a meeting from a potential employer when the ph rang. It was Kris, she was in a jam. At that point I was tired with a lot on my mind and was out of gas. I just couldn't "jump" for Kris like I have done so many times before. But instead of filling her in, I just snapped back and pissed Kris off. I new I had instanly and went back to the barn, realizing I had just runied the whole weekend. The good news was my family and extended family was on Drummond Island camping at that very moment. So, I begged one last time for help for the weekend chores, called Mom and told her I was coming, changed the oil fillter on the pickup, sent a text to Kris that I was leaving for the weekend. Then asked Devin to walk me to my pickup. I told her I needed to get away and that I needed to clear my head.
Yea, without going into the details that was about as bad of a break down between Kris and I that we have ever had. Things are changing at Pine Manor and anger is a secondary emotion. And everything heals.
Drummond Island???? A blast. ATV trail riding, laughing with the family, a stop in Mackanaw City on my way home. A realization that I can't do seven days a week without a day off here and there. And o, yea, even though I drive for a living, getting on that highway with a mp3 full of country music, seeing the highway through the windsheild of a pickup truck and the hum of the black top as the wind wisles through the driversided window and rear slider window, well..... hell that's always a good time.
So, as most normal people where enjoying there Sat morning coffee, we where waiting on the vet. When Dr Ray showed up a half hour later. He looked at the mare and said. "the good news is everything heals." Dr Ray did a wonderfull job of stitching her up and the mare is doing very well. Then less than a week later I had to remind myself of those insightfull words Dr Ray said.
The following Friday morning I was heading back from a meeting from a potential employer when the ph rang. It was Kris, she was in a jam. At that point I was tired with a lot on my mind and was out of gas. I just couldn't "jump" for Kris like I have done so many times before. But instead of filling her in, I just snapped back and pissed Kris off. I new I had instanly and went back to the barn, realizing I had just runied the whole weekend. The good news was my family and extended family was on Drummond Island camping at that very moment. So, I begged one last time for help for the weekend chores, called Mom and told her I was coming, changed the oil fillter on the pickup, sent a text to Kris that I was leaving for the weekend. Then asked Devin to walk me to my pickup. I told her I needed to get away and that I needed to clear my head.
Yea, without going into the details that was about as bad of a break down between Kris and I that we have ever had. Things are changing at Pine Manor and anger is a secondary emotion. And everything heals.
Drummond Island???? A blast. ATV trail riding, laughing with the family, a stop in Mackanaw City on my way home. A realization that I can't do seven days a week without a day off here and there. And o, yea, even though I drive for a living, getting on that highway with a mp3 full of country music, seeing the highway through the windsheild of a pickup truck and the hum of the black top as the wind wisles through the driversided window and rear slider window, well..... hell that's always a good time.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Horses/200plus miles and a 7 year old
O.k. this is how my mind works. Hey that would be a great idea, no wait a minuite should I do that, k, we are not doing that, o.k. lets do that, yea, this is going to be fun.
That was how my trip to the reginol horse show in Indianoplis with my seven year old nephew went a few weeks ago. I wanted to see what a big time horse show was about and thought the road trip would be fun for J.J. my nephew. Totally not realizing until the last minuite that it was a four hour ride in a pickup to get there and seeing how we couldn't get out of town until noon it was going to be a long day.
What happend? We got to town at rush hour and with the help of the GPS drove straight threw town and made it there by four. The people at the show where so helpfull, they must have realized that I was kinda out of my norm with the seven year old. J.J. seem to have a pretty good time. He was asked what he wanted to eat around seven oclock and uncle Kody didn't realize it was his dinner and bought him ice cream. JJ just wanted to see horses and we saw alot of them. I was able to sit back and see how into he was and the kid couldn't get enough and even told me he wanted to ride a horse in a horse show someday. I was also able to see some pretty good horses and help cement some roads I want to continue down.
What was next? We got home around 2:00 a.m. and by the next week we where doing hay. Hay time is tough and Tuesday Kris and I got our singles crossed and I jumped all over her about her lack of comunication. Then Wed we where back at it throwing hay at Kris's barn. This is a copy of the text I sent Kris around 9:30 that night.
O.k. I just finished up taking the spreader out and re watering the barn, my eyes are burning a little and the left side of my upper body ached when I was on the tractor tonight. But last Friday my 7 year old nephew sat in a old pickup for four hours straight, just because he wanted to see horses. And I think about the gears I shifted through today, just to get the job done. And it all makes sense I may be a S.O.B... hard on myself and those around me. But I remember the thoughts I had at seven years old. Well after days like today. I realize how good things really are.
That was how my trip to the reginol horse show in Indianoplis with my seven year old nephew went a few weeks ago. I wanted to see what a big time horse show was about and thought the road trip would be fun for J.J. my nephew. Totally not realizing until the last minuite that it was a four hour ride in a pickup to get there and seeing how we couldn't get out of town until noon it was going to be a long day.
What happend? We got to town at rush hour and with the help of the GPS drove straight threw town and made it there by four. The people at the show where so helpfull, they must have realized that I was kinda out of my norm with the seven year old. J.J. seem to have a pretty good time. He was asked what he wanted to eat around seven oclock and uncle Kody didn't realize it was his dinner and bought him ice cream. JJ just wanted to see horses and we saw alot of them. I was able to sit back and see how into he was and the kid couldn't get enough and even told me he wanted to ride a horse in a horse show someday. I was also able to see some pretty good horses and help cement some roads I want to continue down.
What was next? We got home around 2:00 a.m. and by the next week we where doing hay. Hay time is tough and Tuesday Kris and I got our singles crossed and I jumped all over her about her lack of comunication. Then Wed we where back at it throwing hay at Kris's barn. This is a copy of the text I sent Kris around 9:30 that night.
O.k. I just finished up taking the spreader out and re watering the barn, my eyes are burning a little and the left side of my upper body ached when I was on the tractor tonight. But last Friday my 7 year old nephew sat in a old pickup for four hours straight, just because he wanted to see horses. And I think about the gears I shifted through today, just to get the job done. And it all makes sense I may be a S.O.B... hard on myself and those around me. But I remember the thoughts I had at seven years old. Well after days like today. I realize how good things really are.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Old horses and bums on the corner
Writers are tormented by the hidden thought that people really care about what they think and when the world is foggy and blurry they try to write out of it. Trying to make sense of it by finding the chalk lines of good and evil. There sarcasim will make you wounder if they have a heart and there honesty will keep you up at night. All because they have the ability to converse.
About a year and a half ago we put down a clients horse. The mares name was Lady a 21 year old Morgan. She was lame with cronic back and hip problems unable to stand steady and her owner was worried she might slip on the snow/ice and hurt herself or someone else during the winter.I remember the day like it was yesturday. The thing that hit me the hardest was that by then I had been around a few horses being born and remember how we all antisipated the fouls arival. And then on that winter morning Lady was coming to the end. I kept thinking that 20 plus years ago someone couldn't wait to see this new foul and all the joy and that would come with it and now that little foul was a worn out mare and coming to the end of her life.
A few weeks ago while I was doing laundry early one morning at the laundry mat I ran into a couple homeless guys sleeping at the laundry mat. I didn't call the police, just conversed politey and thought about someone I know who was very close to being homeless at the time. I got the text Saturday while on a fishing trip that someone that I have known all my life was now homeles. A bum on the corner living in a tent. Heres the deal. I know this person well. I know this person's kids, grandchild, brother, ex wife. And new this person's parents and have seen pictures of this person as a young child. I know for a fact that this person was not allways a old man with nothing and that at one point his future was very bright.
From this point as I travel through the dust we call life. I will never disregard a old horse, knowing that at one point it was a young vibrant foul that was loved so much who's future was very bright and as far as that homeless man on the corner we all pass by. Remember that one day that person came into this world. Loved and adord and that probably a women and a man held that child and wished/prayed for a bright future. Also remember that person you probaly past by in disgust is probably someones father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.
About a year and a half ago we put down a clients horse. The mares name was Lady a 21 year old Morgan. She was lame with cronic back and hip problems unable to stand steady and her owner was worried she might slip on the snow/ice and hurt herself or someone else during the winter.I remember the day like it was yesturday. The thing that hit me the hardest was that by then I had been around a few horses being born and remember how we all antisipated the fouls arival. And then on that winter morning Lady was coming to the end. I kept thinking that 20 plus years ago someone couldn't wait to see this new foul and all the joy and that would come with it and now that little foul was a worn out mare and coming to the end of her life.
A few weeks ago while I was doing laundry early one morning at the laundry mat I ran into a couple homeless guys sleeping at the laundry mat. I didn't call the police, just conversed politey and thought about someone I know who was very close to being homeless at the time. I got the text Saturday while on a fishing trip that someone that I have known all my life was now homeles. A bum on the corner living in a tent. Heres the deal. I know this person well. I know this person's kids, grandchild, brother, ex wife. And new this person's parents and have seen pictures of this person as a young child. I know for a fact that this person was not allways a old man with nothing and that at one point his future was very bright.
From this point as I travel through the dust we call life. I will never disregard a old horse, knowing that at one point it was a young vibrant foul that was loved so much who's future was very bright and as far as that homeless man on the corner we all pass by. Remember that one day that person came into this world. Loved and adord and that probably a women and a man held that child and wished/prayed for a bright future. Also remember that person you probaly past by in disgust is probably someones father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
finishing class, lame horse, horse show and a test
My title for this post is long but sums up what the last week was like. And the week's events actually started months ago. When about the same time I started putting things in motion to get licensed to drive a commercial truck. (cdl) and Devin and I started making sure the show horses got in shape ready for the show season.
Monday was good, it was the last week of training for me at Rivertown CDL Aacademy and I was excited and nervous about taking the state skills test. By Wed Keyaana was lame, thus potentially ruining a chance Devin would have to ride her at a show. This was killer news as I received it while coming home from a defensive driving class in Marshal MI. Everything that we had done last winter had May 14 in mind and then not to be able to show the mare was devastating after all that hard, but that is the name of the game.
As the girls where getting ready for the show with or without Keyaana. I was starting to feel the pressure of taking my skills test. By Friday afternoon the horses including Keyaana where in the trailer and heading to Hudsonville for the night and I was making plans to take my cdl test on Saturday.
Then Saturmorning as the girls where prepping one last time for the show I was heading to G.R. to take my test. I ended up passing my test, then I grabbed Burger King and made it to the show just in time to see Devin and Leydia walk in Th's show ring for there class. I couldn't have planed it any better.
The girls did a good and everyone placed and I was making thoughts about my future.
Now it's off to get a job.
Monday was good, it was the last week of training for me at Rivertown CDL Aacademy and I was excited and nervous about taking the state skills test. By Wed Keyaana was lame, thus potentially ruining a chance Devin would have to ride her at a show. This was killer news as I received it while coming home from a defensive driving class in Marshal MI. Everything that we had done last winter had May 14 in mind and then not to be able to show the mare was devastating after all that hard, but that is the name of the game.
As the girls where getting ready for the show with or without Keyaana. I was starting to feel the pressure of taking my skills test. By Friday afternoon the horses including Keyaana where in the trailer and heading to Hudsonville for the night and I was making plans to take my cdl test on Saturday.
Then Saturmorning as the girls where prepping one last time for the show I was heading to G.R. to take my test. I ended up passing my test, then I grabbed Burger King and made it to the show just in time to see Devin and Leydia walk in Th's show ring for there class. I couldn't have planed it any better.
The girls did a good and everyone placed and I was making thoughts about my future.
Now it's off to get a job.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Goin Truckin (Part 2 1st week of school complete)
The first of the three weeks of truck driving school are complete. We drove without a trailer all week and next week we are putting on the trailers. Which I am very excited for, I can't wait to start making those 500 plus horse power motors work a little. Am I a pro at shifting something with 13 speeds?? No. But I noticed the other day I started talking while down shifting and it was a sign I was getting comfortable.
I was on the go all week this week. Up at 5:00 a.m. to be in the barn by 5:30 to able to leave the farm at 7:00 to make it to Grand Rapids by 8:00. I still ran shavings two nights this week and keeping up a little with things at Pine Manor. I am riding with Dad and it has been fun to catch up on things during our commute to and back from Grand Rapids.
Right now I have the confidence I can learn and do this and look forward to seeing the rest of the country a top of a 80,000 pound 500 plus horse power chariot.
This weekend will be business as normal. Had dinner tonight with the barn crew, then went back to the Lamb's for a movie. Tomorrow we are moving 200 bales of hay from Lamb barn over to Pine Manor. One of the guys in my class said to me the other day. Sounds like you are burning the candle at both ends. My reply was "I have been doing it for years." But actually I feel pretty good. I am learning something new that I enjoy learning about and look forward to the "next step"
I was on the go all week this week. Up at 5:00 a.m. to be in the barn by 5:30 to able to leave the farm at 7:00 to make it to Grand Rapids by 8:00. I still ran shavings two nights this week and keeping up a little with things at Pine Manor. I am riding with Dad and it has been fun to catch up on things during our commute to and back from Grand Rapids.
Right now I have the confidence I can learn and do this and look forward to seeing the rest of the country a top of a 80,000 pound 500 plus horse power chariot.
This weekend will be business as normal. Had dinner tonight with the barn crew, then went back to the Lamb's for a movie. Tomorrow we are moving 200 bales of hay from Lamb barn over to Pine Manor. One of the guys in my class said to me the other day. Sounds like you are burning the candle at both ends. My reply was "I have been doing it for years." But actually I feel pretty good. I am learning something new that I enjoy learning about and look forward to the "next step"
Monday, April 25, 2011
Goin Trucking (Gear jamin; part 1)
Today was the first day of class, to my surprise I wasn't all that nervous. I guess being in class and learning how to drive something with 10 plus gears is not as stressful as being in charge of a barn and trying to keep several people going and keeping track of the happenings of the Critter Barn.
There are three other guys in class. Tim a middle aged gentlemen who did factory and construction work and wants to hit the road, probably to North Dakota first. Doug another middle aged gentleman who is a tall and a little on the heavy side. He is a former welder and team leader at a local factory. He has been out of work so long he could no longer collect unemployment. Doug is very motivated and really raises the bar for the rest of us. He has job with Warner Transportation lined up. Then there is Mon, he is probably in his twenties and is from a small country near China. I am sure he will tell more of his story once he gets more comfortable with us Yankees.
Firsts of all I am glad I decided to go to school instead of learning how to drive a tractor trailer on my own. The manual transmissions in these trucks are nothing like the manually transmissions in our passenger cars and pickup trucks. The RPMs and MPH have to be just right otherwise you won't be able to get into gear. Unlike our passenger cars and pickup trucks. Where you basically push the clutch in and put it into gear and let out the clutch. Also when you start out in a car; you push the gas and let off the clutch at the same time. In a big rig you don't use the gas at all. You let out the clutch; until you feel it start to grab, then ease off the clutch as the rig starts to roll forward.
We probably spent half of the day driving today. First around the parking lot, then around the industrial park then out on the public road. It was jerky with us rookies learning how to shift and from what our instructor Dave said was not having a trailer behind you the truck is very jumpy and shifts better with weight behind it.
The classroom work was a introduction to the truck and it's workings. Which I understood pretty good, probably because I have been around this type of stuff for a while now.
All and all I feel good about my first day of class.
There are three other guys in class. Tim a middle aged gentlemen who did factory and construction work and wants to hit the road, probably to North Dakota first. Doug another middle aged gentleman who is a tall and a little on the heavy side. He is a former welder and team leader at a local factory. He has been out of work so long he could no longer collect unemployment. Doug is very motivated and really raises the bar for the rest of us. He has job with Warner Transportation lined up. Then there is Mon, he is probably in his twenties and is from a small country near China. I am sure he will tell more of his story once he gets more comfortable with us Yankees.
Firsts of all I am glad I decided to go to school instead of learning how to drive a tractor trailer on my own. The manual transmissions in these trucks are nothing like the manually transmissions in our passenger cars and pickup trucks. The RPMs and MPH have to be just right otherwise you won't be able to get into gear. Unlike our passenger cars and pickup trucks. Where you basically push the clutch in and put it into gear and let out the clutch. Also when you start out in a car; you push the gas and let off the clutch at the same time. In a big rig you don't use the gas at all. You let out the clutch; until you feel it start to grab, then ease off the clutch as the rig starts to roll forward.
We probably spent half of the day driving today. First around the parking lot, then around the industrial park then out on the public road. It was jerky with us rookies learning how to shift and from what our instructor Dave said was not having a trailer behind you the truck is very jumpy and shifts better with weight behind it.
The classroom work was a introduction to the truck and it's workings. Which I understood pretty good, probably because I have been around this type of stuff for a while now.
All and all I feel good about my first day of class.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Back in August I started "Out Here" and in the first few post I think I mentioned about hanging on because it was going to be one hell of a ride. The truth is "Out Here" wasn't started to be a blog strictly about horses or farming. No it was started for the future as a place for you all to tag along for the ride and for me to have some fun along the way.
So here I go. My last day as a Critter Barn employee was Friday and my first day as a student, enrolled into a truck driving school, starts Monday. I want to thank everyone at the Critter Barn for all the good times and hard work and am hoping to be back around Christmas to help out with "live nativity".
Never before have I felt like I am standing in the cross hairs of life. It is go time and I feel it. At this moment I don't know what state I will be living in next month. It is a uneasy feeling. Not wanting to leave what is called home. But yet feeling that there is more out there for me. Feeling that for the last nine years I have helped Pine Manor chase there dreams and wander if it is time to chase my own dreams. It may sound weird but I feel like I have to give up what I know and love in order to have my own sunsets.
All I know is I want a live stock farm of my own someday. I also want to breed/raise horses and chase a national championship. This dream has been festering the last couple of years and by late last summer I knew what I would need to do to make it happen. The only way I can do that is to have my feet moving 24/7.
I have wanted to be out on the road forever. All those years of helping Terry and Kris with There trucks and trailers, then watching as those diesels tugged those trailers off. Delivering shavings helped scratch that itch for a while. I learned a lot and met some great folks along the way. But now it isn't enough.
Hang on this is going to be fun!!!
Kody
A special thanks to those who listened as I battled with this the last couple of weeks.
Devin
Monica
Susan
Bev
Denise
Roger
Mark
Marry
Wally
Dale/Ray
Betsy
And a huge thanks to my parents.
You have stood by me through so much, thank you.
So here I go. My last day as a Critter Barn employee was Friday and my first day as a student, enrolled into a truck driving school, starts Monday. I want to thank everyone at the Critter Barn for all the good times and hard work and am hoping to be back around Christmas to help out with "live nativity".
Never before have I felt like I am standing in the cross hairs of life. It is go time and I feel it. At this moment I don't know what state I will be living in next month. It is a uneasy feeling. Not wanting to leave what is called home. But yet feeling that there is more out there for me. Feeling that for the last nine years I have helped Pine Manor chase there dreams and wander if it is time to chase my own dreams. It may sound weird but I feel like I have to give up what I know and love in order to have my own sunsets.
All I know is I want a live stock farm of my own someday. I also want to breed/raise horses and chase a national championship. This dream has been festering the last couple of years and by late last summer I knew what I would need to do to make it happen. The only way I can do that is to have my feet moving 24/7.
I have wanted to be out on the road forever. All those years of helping Terry and Kris with There trucks and trailers, then watching as those diesels tugged those trailers off. Delivering shavings helped scratch that itch for a while. I learned a lot and met some great folks along the way. But now it isn't enough.
Hang on this is going to be fun!!!
Kody
A special thanks to those who listened as I battled with this the last couple of weeks.
Devin
Monica
Susan
Bev
Denise
Roger
Mark
Marry
Wally
Dale/Ray
Betsy
And a huge thanks to my parents.
You have stood by me through so much, thank you.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Baby Steps
"Baby steps" That is what Terry said to me one day. I have no idea what we where talking about at the time, But he was refereeing to Kris and how she handles horses. He said she has the ability to recognize the baby steps a horse takes and appreciate them.
I saw it this afternoon, she was working with Hottie her husband John's three year old quarter horse. Hottie is at Pine Monor for Kris to break out/ train to be ridden. And Kris has alot to teach him. For the first three years of Hottie's life he has enjoyed life in the pastures only coming inside when the weather was really bad or to get his feet trimed, there was his leg getting broke when he was a few months old. But that is another story with in its self.
Hottie has grown up to be a very big boy and the hind legs we where worried about after he broke a bone in one of them are doing fine. Hottie knows nothing and scared of everything. He wasn't carted off to shows like the other two Arabian fouls born the spring of 08. You add in Hottie's size, he's a quarter horse which tend to be a little thicker skinned and it has gotten kinda interesting lately.
I saw this afternoon as Kris took what Hottie would give her and didn't react to his over reacting. She was getting somewhere with him even though it might have looked like she was not getting anywhere with him. There where a few times I probley would have reacted much harder or forced the issue more. The difference is Kris was seeing the "baby steps." She was seeing improvement even though she was getting the end result that she wanted.
Can this be taken into our own lives?? You bet. Baby steps are key. Not to many of us, hit the ground running and we have to except the "Baby steps" And we do need reassurance that we are heading in the right direction, even though we are struggling at the time. Just like Kris did with Hottie this afternoon.
I saw it this afternoon, she was working with Hottie her husband John's three year old quarter horse. Hottie is at Pine Monor for Kris to break out/ train to be ridden. And Kris has alot to teach him. For the first three years of Hottie's life he has enjoyed life in the pastures only coming inside when the weather was really bad or to get his feet trimed, there was his leg getting broke when he was a few months old. But that is another story with in its self.
Hottie has grown up to be a very big boy and the hind legs we where worried about after he broke a bone in one of them are doing fine. Hottie knows nothing and scared of everything. He wasn't carted off to shows like the other two Arabian fouls born the spring of 08. You add in Hottie's size, he's a quarter horse which tend to be a little thicker skinned and it has gotten kinda interesting lately.
I saw this afternoon as Kris took what Hottie would give her and didn't react to his over reacting. She was getting somewhere with him even though it might have looked like she was not getting anywhere with him. There where a few times I probley would have reacted much harder or forced the issue more. The difference is Kris was seeing the "baby steps." She was seeing improvement even though she was getting the end result that she wanted.
Can this be taken into our own lives?? You bet. Baby steps are key. Not to many of us, hit the ground running and we have to except the "Baby steps" And we do need reassurance that we are heading in the right direction, even though we are struggling at the time. Just like Kris did with Hottie this afternoon.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Gut Check
Hey Gang,
I am about to go out to the barn and I wanted to at least get something up. We are doing pretty good Out Here, four baby goats at the Critter Barn, horses are doing great, we could leave for a show now and I would be cool with it, dog agility classes started last night at Pine Manor, we have a little mud but other than that we are holding out own.
For some reason I got to thinking a about a story I wrote a year or so back, it gets me everytime and wanted to post it. So here it is.
Gut Check
It seems like this routine of feeding horses, turning out horses, tractor work etc can become a job and at times you are not aware of how much these horses mean to you. A couple months ago Terry brought in a travel colt that was only suppose to stay a couple of days.
The colt still had its winter hair and was full of mud. He had a habit of not wanting to be caught and popping his front end off the grown when you tried to catch him in his stall. With a lot of patience and work from the farm help and me we slowly started to see a change in him.
This morning I fed him like I always do, but this morning was going to be different he was getting picked up by a horse hauler and would be in Kentucky by night time. When the hauler arrived I could tell she was a little leery about him being just a yearling and didn't know how well he would load. I had completely forgotten about him blasting off the trailer when Terry brought him in just a few short months ago. For some reason I was totally confident that he would load fine. It was a special moment as I walked the colt down the long gravel driveway this morning. Talking about how much he had grown and feeling his energy as he checked out everything as we headed towards the trailer.
He did GREAT!!! He stopped checked things out at the ramp. I walked in the trailer, left the lead rope loose and after a few snorts of air and half step or two. He followed me in the trailer like He had done it a hundred times before. The rush I got inside my gut was awesome!!! The o'l boy had come a long way and I was very proud of him.
I may never see the horse again, but the bolt of energy he gave me this morning I will never forget. So a special thanks to a horse simply known as "Travel Colt".
I am about to go out to the barn and I wanted to at least get something up. We are doing pretty good Out Here, four baby goats at the Critter Barn, horses are doing great, we could leave for a show now and I would be cool with it, dog agility classes started last night at Pine Manor, we have a little mud but other than that we are holding out own.
For some reason I got to thinking a about a story I wrote a year or so back, it gets me everytime and wanted to post it. So here it is.
Gut Check
It seems like this routine of feeding horses, turning out horses, tractor work etc can become a job and at times you are not aware of how much these horses mean to you. A couple months ago Terry brought in a travel colt that was only suppose to stay a couple of days.
The colt still had its winter hair and was full of mud. He had a habit of not wanting to be caught and popping his front end off the grown when you tried to catch him in his stall. With a lot of patience and work from the farm help and me we slowly started to see a change in him.
This morning I fed him like I always do, but this morning was going to be different he was getting picked up by a horse hauler and would be in Kentucky by night time. When the hauler arrived I could tell she was a little leery about him being just a yearling and didn't know how well he would load. I had completely forgotten about him blasting off the trailer when Terry brought him in just a few short months ago. For some reason I was totally confident that he would load fine. It was a special moment as I walked the colt down the long gravel driveway this morning. Talking about how much he had grown and feeling his energy as he checked out everything as we headed towards the trailer.
He did GREAT!!! He stopped checked things out at the ramp. I walked in the trailer, left the lead rope loose and after a few snorts of air and half step or two. He followed me in the trailer like He had done it a hundred times before. The rush I got inside my gut was awesome!!! The o'l boy had come a long way and I was very proud of him.
I may never see the horse again, but the bolt of energy he gave me this morning I will never forget. So a special thanks to a horse simply known as "Travel Colt".
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Perfect Day
The perfect day? What is it and why is it so dam perfect?
The tail end of the winter has been rough out here. Spreader apron breaks, tractor fuel injectors having problems, Devin in Florida for two and a half weeks, trying to keep the horses in condition while she was gone, cancer showing it's ugly head to one of our own and then a dumping of snow that shut everything down. All I could do was make the coffee stronger and stronger and make sure Skoel stayed in business.
Then Mike text me about ice fishing last Sat. What the hell, I thought, there is stuff to do and to piss of a sat morning? At first I went because I didn't want to let my friends down, I had blown them off once already this winter and that Kris and Devin would be mad as hell if I didn't go. What I didn't know was it would be the beginning of the perfect day....
I got up last Sat morning like I always do, coffee, skoal and feeding horses. Then I went into the tool room of the barn and dusted off my ice fishing stuff. Through the gear into the pickup, tossed the pickup sideways in the snow as I pulled away from the barn. When I pulled into Mikes I saw three of the coolest buds a good o'l boy could have. We laughed, joked about things I won't repeat, but dam it was funny. As I sat amongst the ice and bullshit I thought to myself. "Man I love this."
By three thirty I was pulling back into the barn driveway. Devin was bringing in horses, her Florida sun burn and all. I helped her finish up with chores, then it was back to work with the horses. While Devin was gone I was able to keep up on the conditioning of the show horses, but with the other stuff going on I was ready for help. After we got everyone worked, Devin suggested we ride. She got out her horse Mears and I grabbed buddy the 18 year old Arab gelding. What a ton of fun!! after a while we switched horses. Devin started pushing Buddy a little and I mentioned what I liked about him. Devin replied "yea that's what you said the first time you saw him." My replie was, "hu I must know a thing or two about horses." As I sat in that arena on top of Mears twisting and turning in the Saddle following as Devin and Buddy galloped around us. I said "Man I love this."
We got chores done and I made my way inside, unloaded my pockets of wallet, skoal, ph, and a hoof pick. Flipped on the T.V., found the fox network in time to see the warm up laps of the Bud Shootout the first NASCAR race of the season. See I told you it was a perfect day. I mad a frozen pizza and devoured the whole thing. As I sat down I thought "Man I love this." Granted I fell a sleep under a blanket on the couch before the race was over.
What a way to end the perfect day with the sounds of those healthy V8 engines roaring through the Daytona Florida night air.
The tail end of the winter has been rough out here. Spreader apron breaks, tractor fuel injectors having problems, Devin in Florida for two and a half weeks, trying to keep the horses in condition while she was gone, cancer showing it's ugly head to one of our own and then a dumping of snow that shut everything down. All I could do was make the coffee stronger and stronger and make sure Skoel stayed in business.
Then Mike text me about ice fishing last Sat. What the hell, I thought, there is stuff to do and to piss of a sat morning? At first I went because I didn't want to let my friends down, I had blown them off once already this winter and that Kris and Devin would be mad as hell if I didn't go. What I didn't know was it would be the beginning of the perfect day....
I got up last Sat morning like I always do, coffee, skoal and feeding horses. Then I went into the tool room of the barn and dusted off my ice fishing stuff. Through the gear into the pickup, tossed the pickup sideways in the snow as I pulled away from the barn. When I pulled into Mikes I saw three of the coolest buds a good o'l boy could have. We laughed, joked about things I won't repeat, but dam it was funny. As I sat amongst the ice and bullshit I thought to myself. "Man I love this."
By three thirty I was pulling back into the barn driveway. Devin was bringing in horses, her Florida sun burn and all. I helped her finish up with chores, then it was back to work with the horses. While Devin was gone I was able to keep up on the conditioning of the show horses, but with the other stuff going on I was ready for help. After we got everyone worked, Devin suggested we ride. She got out her horse Mears and I grabbed buddy the 18 year old Arab gelding. What a ton of fun!! after a while we switched horses. Devin started pushing Buddy a little and I mentioned what I liked about him. Devin replied "yea that's what you said the first time you saw him." My replie was, "hu I must know a thing or two about horses." As I sat in that arena on top of Mears twisting and turning in the Saddle following as Devin and Buddy galloped around us. I said "Man I love this."
We got chores done and I made my way inside, unloaded my pockets of wallet, skoal, ph, and a hoof pick. Flipped on the T.V., found the fox network in time to see the warm up laps of the Bud Shootout the first NASCAR race of the season. See I told you it was a perfect day. I mad a frozen pizza and devoured the whole thing. As I sat down I thought "Man I love this." Granted I fell a sleep under a blanket on the couch before the race was over.
What a way to end the perfect day with the sounds of those healthy V8 engines roaring through the Daytona Florida night air.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Cold
5:00 A.M. comes offlley early around here, but I woke up at 4:00 A.M. guess my body never got the memo about the time change months ago. I read something a while back on my Sister Kayla's Blog http://rupplife.blogspot.com/ about having things you look forward to, and having 5 mins a day to yourself. That has been on my mind lately.
The other Saturday morning I stopped out to Mom and Dads. Mom offered me a cup of coffee and I went and sat in the old rocking chair, looked out the sliding door as cars barrelled down Perry st recounting the morning of cold, snow, and horses. I really enjoyed myself. That Monday I stopped by a used furniture store and bought and rocking chair. Everyone at the barn has had fun with my new toy, telling me I am getting old and calling me Grandpa. I just laugh because I know "I can still jump higher, dive deeper and come up dryer". That last comment is for the Skinner's, you know where in the hell I got that from. Yesterday after I got done with chores and while the football games where on I cleaned up the coffee machine and set the timer for 5:00 A.M. I am really looking forward to the summer months when the sun rises early and I can sit in the rocker, sip coffee and watch the sun rise over the east pastures, before I head out to feed. Then the other day I got online and ordered Paul Overstreet's Greatest Hits C.D. Now this is Country and it don't get any better than this.
Yea, it has been cold and it is wearing on everyone. Glad we have five mares in the barn that we need to get ready for show season. Gives you something to look forward to and work on. Timeless looked great the other day and Devin and Keyeena are gelling. Pippie is getting back in shape. Marry my little project a.k.a speed demon is getting conditioned. The tractor is back from getting a new fuel pump put in. Not having the tractor for almost two weeks has made it difficult, because the paths to the pastures where full of snow. After working at the Critter Barn all day Sat, I got home to a note on the white board that the furnace wasn't working correctly in the main barn and a electric heater by the water spicket. After helping Devin finish up chores and working Marry, a little persistent and a whole lot of luck. I got the furnace to kick out some heat. Then at 6:30 I went out to start the tractor to put it inside the barn and it didn't want to start. Before I totally killed the battery, a.k.a panic/pissed off. I put the battery charger on it. Went to the mail box, found the Paul Overstreet C.D. I had ordered, went inside, started downloading it to the computer. Then Kris call's to see about the furnace, didn't tell her about the tractor that I was praying would start tonight. Because I didn't want to worry her, my night was about wrecked and I didn't want to wreck her's. Dam you have got to love the cold. After I listened to most of the C.D. I said a quick prayer and went back outside. The tractor fired right up.
It was 8:00 P.M. the barn was holding at 45 degrees and the tractor and me where both inside.The next morning we had temps in the negatives and I left the horses inside. Got everyone fed then headed to town to do laundry. Kris texted me to see if I was listening to the "Rise up show. uhttp://www.rise-up.com/p show." She said the show is up lifting, I thought I had done something wrong. Lol. Terry called to see about the furnace and mentioned it was warmer outside in Arizona then it was inside the barn. And yea when I finished cleaning stalls, I emptied the spreader and put the tractor in the barn. Got chores done and was in from the barn in time for the second half of the A.F.C. Championship football game.
Now it is 6:00 a.m. Monday morning, bell full of mud/go go juice and like the guys and me use to say, I better go do something even if it is wrong.
Have a good one everyone.
Gotta love this
The other Saturday morning I stopped out to Mom and Dads. Mom offered me a cup of coffee and I went and sat in the old rocking chair, looked out the sliding door as cars barrelled down Perry st recounting the morning of cold, snow, and horses. I really enjoyed myself. That Monday I stopped by a used furniture store and bought and rocking chair. Everyone at the barn has had fun with my new toy, telling me I am getting old and calling me Grandpa. I just laugh because I know "I can still jump higher, dive deeper and come up dryer". That last comment is for the Skinner's, you know where in the hell I got that from. Yesterday after I got done with chores and while the football games where on I cleaned up the coffee machine and set the timer for 5:00 A.M. I am really looking forward to the summer months when the sun rises early and I can sit in the rocker, sip coffee and watch the sun rise over the east pastures, before I head out to feed. Then the other day I got online and ordered Paul Overstreet's Greatest Hits C.D. Now this is Country and it don't get any better than this.
Yea, it has been cold and it is wearing on everyone. Glad we have five mares in the barn that we need to get ready for show season. Gives you something to look forward to and work on. Timeless looked great the other day and Devin and Keyeena are gelling. Pippie is getting back in shape. Marry my little project a.k.a speed demon is getting conditioned. The tractor is back from getting a new fuel pump put in. Not having the tractor for almost two weeks has made it difficult, because the paths to the pastures where full of snow. After working at the Critter Barn all day Sat, I got home to a note on the white board that the furnace wasn't working correctly in the main barn and a electric heater by the water spicket. After helping Devin finish up chores and working Marry, a little persistent and a whole lot of luck. I got the furnace to kick out some heat. Then at 6:30 I went out to start the tractor to put it inside the barn and it didn't want to start. Before I totally killed the battery, a.k.a panic/pissed off. I put the battery charger on it. Went to the mail box, found the Paul Overstreet C.D. I had ordered, went inside, started downloading it to the computer. Then Kris call's to see about the furnace, didn't tell her about the tractor that I was praying would start tonight. Because I didn't want to worry her, my night was about wrecked and I didn't want to wreck her's. Dam you have got to love the cold. After I listened to most of the C.D. I said a quick prayer and went back outside. The tractor fired right up.
It was 8:00 P.M. the barn was holding at 45 degrees and the tractor and me where both inside.The next morning we had temps in the negatives and I left the horses inside. Got everyone fed then headed to town to do laundry. Kris texted me to see if I was listening to the "Rise up show. uhttp://www.rise-up.com/p show." She said the show is up lifting, I thought I had done something wrong. Lol. Terry called to see about the furnace and mentioned it was warmer outside in Arizona then it was inside the barn. And yea when I finished cleaning stalls, I emptied the spreader and put the tractor in the barn. Got chores done and was in from the barn in time for the second half of the A.F.C. Championship football game.
Now it is 6:00 a.m. Monday morning, bell full of mud/go go juice and like the guys and me use to say, I better go do something even if it is wrong.
Have a good one everyone.
Gotta love this
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Broken manure spreader
Last weekend got off to a rough start. Friday morning a link on the manure spreader apron broke. I caught it right away and thought only one link was broke. I quick called Kris before I went to work and told her not to worry. I would pick up the new part after work and would have a little project for the weekend. Kris hates it when things break and to me it is the next big challenge. It hasn't always been that way, but as my skills have increased I tend to be more willing to tear something apart in order to save a buck. Not to mention it was pointed out to me the other day that when it comes to work I am territorial.
What ended up happening??? I drove out to Forest Grove Equipment on a snowy day to have Kris call me when I got there and say that after she got a better look at the spreader a couple more links where broke on the apron and that we should get a price on a new apron instead of buying the parts to fix the old apron. After getting the price the battle of wills started. Kris wanted to have Forest Grove put the new apron on and I wanted to put the apron on ourselves. We battled. Kris and I take turns of one being the realist and the other being the optimist. This time Kris was the smart one and I was the dare devil. Even though I new she was probably right pretty quick into our conversation, I gave her a good fight so that she didn't think I was scared of putting the new apron on. Yup a little territorial.
Kris new our time this week was better spent working on something else. Maybe she was already planing on moving hay to her sheds, like we did today. Or maybe she agreed with me that January and February are critical to getting the horses in condition, thus having a very good show season. Either way we put up hay this afternoon, then afterwards she left to get the spreader, while I got home in time to help Devin finish working horses and the week is off to a good start with working the horses.
We are holding our own this winter, the weather hasn't been that bad and besides a few minor hang ups we are doing great. I would dare say we are a month or two ahead from were we where last year at this time with the horses.
What ended up happening??? I drove out to Forest Grove Equipment on a snowy day to have Kris call me when I got there and say that after she got a better look at the spreader a couple more links where broke on the apron and that we should get a price on a new apron instead of buying the parts to fix the old apron. After getting the price the battle of wills started. Kris wanted to have Forest Grove put the new apron on and I wanted to put the apron on ourselves. We battled. Kris and I take turns of one being the realist and the other being the optimist. This time Kris was the smart one and I was the dare devil. Even though I new she was probably right pretty quick into our conversation, I gave her a good fight so that she didn't think I was scared of putting the new apron on. Yup a little territorial.
Kris new our time this week was better spent working on something else. Maybe she was already planing on moving hay to her sheds, like we did today. Or maybe she agreed with me that January and February are critical to getting the horses in condition, thus having a very good show season. Either way we put up hay this afternoon, then afterwards she left to get the spreader, while I got home in time to help Devin finish working horses and the week is off to a good start with working the horses.
We are holding our own this winter, the weather hasn't been that bad and besides a few minor hang ups we are doing great. I would dare say we are a month or two ahead from were we where last year at this time with the horses.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Years
Hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Christmas Eve, afternoon was at Mom's with her side of the family, then after I did chores at home with help from Kris on stalls, I was back at Mom's for a bit then off to see my Sister M.J.'s. New Years was pretty calm, dinner with a few friends, a movie and in bed by 11:45, because I had chores to do the next morning, getting up early seven days a week with do that to you.
Kris had Cheyeene come in for me the Sunday after Christmas. I fought Kris on it, but Kris seems to know when I am about shot and could use a break. I spent the day getting caught up on stuff. Changed the oil in the pickup at Chris's. Watched a little football and did some cleaning inside.
While at Chris's in between changing a oil filter and checking the score of the football game. Chris said to me. "I am not a big fan of New Years resolutions, but I am making a small one to be a better person this year." I was suprised and told him I thought he was a pretty good person. He just felt that he had room for improvement. I think Chris is right on. We all have room for improvement in our lives and if we keep it simple, focus on ourselvs instead of others. Then we all can do our part in making this world we live in a little better. Chris has been like a brother to me and has never let me down, but we have also had those heart to heart conversations about what is tearing him up. During one of those conversations some wiley, good o'l boy made a comment to him about fixing what he could fix first. I hope this works for him and his family.
Now did I make one??? Nope!! Well, kinda. Personally I think making New Years resolutions is stupid as hell. It is like telling everyone you quit smoking. Better make dam sure you have stopped for good, before you start shooting you mouth off about quitting. What I have decided to do is make better use of my time. Make every second count. Do a better job of preperation of the coming days and weeks. I have tendency to get a lot on my plate and start selling myself short. Some of that comes from working with Terry and Kris all these years and they tend to try to cram ten pounds of crap into a five pound bag. I think if I have a more of a open mind and think more like they do, then the rest of fluffy, feel good, stuff I want to happend in 2011 will happend.
And Yes Mom it does start with a clean, organized home first.
Happy New Year everyone
Kody
Kris had Cheyeene come in for me the Sunday after Christmas. I fought Kris on it, but Kris seems to know when I am about shot and could use a break. I spent the day getting caught up on stuff. Changed the oil in the pickup at Chris's. Watched a little football and did some cleaning inside.
While at Chris's in between changing a oil filter and checking the score of the football game. Chris said to me. "I am not a big fan of New Years resolutions, but I am making a small one to be a better person this year." I was suprised and told him I thought he was a pretty good person. He just felt that he had room for improvement. I think Chris is right on. We all have room for improvement in our lives and if we keep it simple, focus on ourselvs instead of others. Then we all can do our part in making this world we live in a little better. Chris has been like a brother to me and has never let me down, but we have also had those heart to heart conversations about what is tearing him up. During one of those conversations some wiley, good o'l boy made a comment to him about fixing what he could fix first. I hope this works for him and his family.
Now did I make one??? Nope!! Well, kinda. Personally I think making New Years resolutions is stupid as hell. It is like telling everyone you quit smoking. Better make dam sure you have stopped for good, before you start shooting you mouth off about quitting. What I have decided to do is make better use of my time. Make every second count. Do a better job of preperation of the coming days and weeks. I have tendency to get a lot on my plate and start selling myself short. Some of that comes from working with Terry and Kris all these years and they tend to try to cram ten pounds of crap into a five pound bag. I think if I have a more of a open mind and think more like they do, then the rest of fluffy, feel good, stuff I want to happend in 2011 will happend.
And Yes Mom it does start with a clean, organized home first.
Happy New Year everyone
Kody
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