I knew it could not last

All my productivity is going down the drain

I retrieved the hair samples for DNA on Gypsy from the Gator (whose starter is not sounding healthy by the way). Now I cannot find the DNA kit. I was so careful with it too. I swear that is the story of my life.

I also got all ready to send the camera in, and the place that carries the warranty--that you have to call-is closed until tomorrow. They cite holidays, but I sure do not know what holiday it is. I am ready though for tomorrow--even have the box out to pack it in. Skeery

Barry has lost his phone which mostly means he is almost comatose. And it is not a personal phone so that he could just go to the store and get a new one--it is his work phone. So he has to get it all cleared with his work to have it dealt with. He is awaiting the call that Brant's wife has foaled--she was to be induced this morning, I think, with a girl baby to be called Izzy. Guess he will keep waiting since he had no phone. He is worse than a girl with his phone, so I hope this does not continue for very long. I cannot take the moping, you would think his dog died. Woops, I should never say that around this joint

Tequila had an accident in the house last nite. Other than when she was on steroids for her injury, that has never happened. I thought she was acting weird this morning too, and when I emailed Barry on it, he said she would not get up and would not look at him either. So something is going on there. Of course it is.

I am getting ready to make another post office run to ship books out--probably tomorrow. There are still a few that are unclaimed, and I will go right now to update all the book swap posts so you can see which ones are still available and put in your requests.

Then I am cleaning my office to see what else is lost up in here.

You miss me?

Well I am floored by this outcry of neglect about my blog! I am shocked I tell you.

I just have not had a lot to post about this week, as I have been mostly sick in the bed.

Dad had surgery on Tuesday that I went to, Wednesday was our office party at work--I made it half way through the day and went home sick. I got a wonderful delightful pig that oinks for a gift- I shall post a photo my new Spiderpig later tonight.

I stayed home Thursday too, and realized I must not be dying as I thought I was because I was bored out of my freaking mind. I had a bad dream about horses falling out of the trailer because the door fell off, and alligators being walked on leashes. Which reminds me in some way that Thor is not himself--I doped him good on pain meds this morning hoping that would make the difference.

I have learned some more things about the clone that sold at the Futurity--she was bought by the man who owned Doc's Serendipity at the time of her death--David Brown. That seems fitting somehow.

Something else NCHA related that I missed when it happened---evidently the Waggoners now have a HERDA guarantee on High Brow Cat--if you prove to them that your HBC has it, the registration on that foal will be cancelled and a rebreed offered for another mare. CHEERS to them on that move---it is the best anyone can ask for from them, as they sure cannot change his status. I don't know how I missed that piece of info, which I gather has been public for a month or so. It restores my faith a little bit.

Speaking of other interesteing characters in the business, I see from Glory Kurtz's site, All About Cutting, that Susan Ray of Dream Cross has plead guilty to being a dirty thief. She is due to be sentenced in February, but some of the terms will include restitution of almost $6 million. Good. Nothing pisses me off more than a thief (well almost nothing).

Looking forward to next breeding season, I am having these thoughts:

I am trying to firm up some plans for this upcoming breeding season. I have been considering Playboy Boonsmal, but as of this afternoon, I am kind of wound up about Hydrive Cat. I think I will look into him further. I don't know that I can swing that $5K stud fee right now--oh who am I kidding, if I was going to pay that, I would breed to TR Dual Rey, but I won't do that either as Missy just bought Do Rey Diddy and I want to fully support her in that endeavor. I will wait on that line until that boy is in business, I think.

Perhaps Meradas Blue Sue? He sure is in line with the emphasis I put on dam lines, ther probably is not a better bred stallion around, and the nice thing about Buffalo Ranch is that the two people I know that have business with them absolutely RAVE about their professionalism, and integrity. Since these two people are not easy to impress, I take that with a pretty good grain of salt. I just this minute emailed Buffalo Ranch--I hope I get the good reception they have given Missy--that really impresses me.

I thought I did not have much to say, but I sure got into it, didn't I? It is pretty much time to leave work, run by the farm to give some shots and doctor Snap AGAIN, and get ready for the annual Christmas dinner. We may go to a movie after that, unless for some reason we get wrapped up with Mandy and Ed and waste the whole nite at the Elks.

Tomorrow starts the Strawn family festivities.

My new plan is failing

I already feel smooshed with obligation. I guess my plan to not be so damn busy lasted only a week.

We picked up Target last nite--he looks awesome, and got in the trailer without issue, so he learned something there! I will try to get some shots as soon as I get home from work before it is dark---maybe tomorrow nite. I am going to continue with his ground work, and then see about getting him into a good colt-starter I used to use but totally forgot about until Jackie suggested him. I see no signs of lameness in him so far, so she may be right that it is gone already. And on a good note, Susan's ankle is already much better so there are no longer any concerns that she has done more significannt damage than a sprain.

On the way home, we hunted those bags of pelleted bedding to try on a stall or two and see if it is better than regular shavings, which are inconvenient and expensive. The only place we found them recommended at least 15 bags to START one of our stalls. At 5 bucks a bag, I think not. That was a bust.

I got home and paid bills, etc, which I now have to take to the post office to ship--I have some packages to go as well, so I might as well. That will alleviate the junk in the kitchen which gives me anxiety.

I also have to call the Roomba peo0ple and ask what the hell is wrong with my new Roomba that he is totally immobile and has been since he got here. I think he is on strike, like everyone else, but I am not having it. Of course, I forgot the booklet with the number. Meanwhile, I have ordered more eyeball meds for Squeak who is evidently having another ERU flareup, and sicced my general doctor on the Medco people who are trying to boss me about what meds I should take according to them.

I thought I would have to cancel Tequila's surgery, but they can still do it tomorrow. It will be nice to get that out of the way. Then I have to COOK something for Ted's lunch visit on Thursday, but everyone already chose all my cooking things. This presents a dilemna that I have until tomorrow nite to figure out. My repertoire is limited to lasagna and chili and green bean casserole and they are all taken! And I have to go to Walgreens to have little photos printed to submit with our Scuba stuff. What a pain in the ass.

Barrys surgery is scheduled for Thursday but he does not know what time. I think that is an interesting way to approach things. I have asked repeatedly since I have so much else to do, but do you think he does anything about it? Of course not, since my schedule never even crosses his mind.

Speaking of schedules, there is a sale on Christmas cards with photos in them if I get the stuff in my November 15. I have some okay photos, but I want to come up with a good idea like last year when Sly dressed up in his Christmas suit. It is not fun if it is not something special, and I have a complete lack of ideas. I guess he could have colored lights on him--he might like that, but we would have to do it early in the am.....hmm....let me ponder this thought.

Friday nite, I am taking Sly to Jackie's barn to get a massage and see if it makes him feel better. I bet it does. I am really looking forward to it, as Barry is going and we are going to have dinner with her and Pete if possible, but of course, there is the little bit of anxiety about taking Sly to a new place where he does not know the horses. I hope he does not feel the need to announce himself to everyone.

I think I am getting irritated just writing about all of this. I think I had better quit listing and get to work so I feel like I have done something

Things that have happened

1: Target has to come home from training, as Susan has been injured and will not be riding for a while. She got hung in a stirrup and tweaked good. I am fetching him this evening.

2: Dad's surgery went well but he is sick to his stomach all the time, so he has to have both an Upper and Lower GI. He still has to get his other leg dealt with and then they are also going to clean out his carotid arteries again. He says he can feel the difference in the leg they already Roto-Rootered.

3: All the babies were vaccinated and dewormed on Saturday. They were all weighed and measured, but of course, I left my notes at the farm. The significant thing here is that this includes HAMMER, who thus far has refused to be a part of the team. He is now under house arrest for a while learning how to be civilized. He sure is a good looking son ofa gun. Good thing, or I would not have put up with him this far!

4: I also measured some other horses and dewormed them, and the biggest news there is that the Midget has hit 14 hands at the hip. I cannot believe this myself, but there you go, I even meaured her on concrete! It is insane! I am so excited. I really need to get some photos of her in her new condition as a thick chunk approaching horse size.

5: There has to be something else, doesn't there? Other than me being at work on a holiday so I can take December 14th to go to the Futurity with Barry and meet Missy and some other friends there.

I imagine it will come to me as this day goes on.

I need a Pop-Tart

Note the hour and miscellaneous goings on

Crap. Another long post that disappeared.

See how early I am here? I had to take Thor in to have the tumor in his mouth removed today, and he is also getting his teeth cleaned while he is out. He has been acting wierd all week too.

There are a lot of things going on around here lately.

1: I had my second ride on Hawkeye. It went well, especially for our first ride out of the round pen. He is so different than the other Slybabies---he is a powerhouse for sure. Very well behaved, but I never forget that there is a big motor in there, so I don't feel as secure as I do with the others. Hopefully, by the end of Sunday, when we are having our first real trail ride at Sam Dale, I will be over that. Now if I could just do something about that insane mane-- he looks like a punk rocker.

2: Dad had surgery yesterday to get stents put in his legs in the veins. He still has to have the other leg done. He had this done once before, and it helped, but that was 10 years ago. He is as bad as I used to be with the constant surgeries lately, you would think he was 90 instead of 64.

3: Susan emailed to say that Target is off on the front at a trot. No heat, no swelling, no tenderness, but she noticed it during groundwork last nite and it got progressively worse. I guess that means he gets some time off--makes me a little nervous although I am sure it is nothing, as it is our first training issue with any Slybaby and I am particularly excited about him. Missy just suggest an abcess, and I bet she is right--that is an easy fix. I will suggest it to Susan or run up there myself tomorrow.

4: Tequila is having her time. Typical, as she is scheduled for her spay next week. I hope this does not mess it up and I don't know why it is now, as she had just gotten over it when we got her in August. Wierd.

5: Bikey has been fatally injured. Barry discovered a serious crack in his frame last nite and went ballistic. Supposedly, he has a lifetime warranty so he should be replaced, but this bike has been a piece of shit, I think. This is his second problem. Barry had a big ride scheduled for tomorrow and he was excited, so this is sad--this is the first weekend he has had open to ride wince he finished the Great Wall fence, and now it is ruined. I feel bad for him, because I cannot fix it. I think he may need to be institutionalized.

6. Barry has to have surgery next Thursday, as well. He has to get tubes in his ears. I did not know adults got that, but there you go.

Miscellaneous

Last night's news about Dave continues to be good. The details are scary but the bottom line is that he should be out of ICU and in a surgical room now, which has to mean things are getting better. It is so nice to see the outpouring of support for the whole A. family from people who don't know them. Missy sounds really good too, considering the situation. I would sure want her on my side if I was in his position! Today, it is anticipated that some doctor will actually TALK to Missy, so we will have some idea what the plan is, or if there is a plan, etc.

Last nite, the clothes dryer started screeching. The repair dude Looyd cannot come until next Wednesday. I wonder if it is still under warranty. Since I have a fear of laundromats like I fear public transportation (I bet there is a link there), I am going to have to take my stuff to mom's house to wash everything to get ready for the weekend, and Barry's trip to Dallas in the morning. I am going to start at lunch today. Maybe I will get lucky and some laundry fairy will do my laundry for me! Because I do not have time to put up all the laundry that is currently in the baskets (and it is Barry's job, not mine), I will have to haul the hampers. Then I will have to BUY additional laundry baskets, which is something I have refused to do for ten years, because it will lead to Barry letting there be FIVE full laundry baskets in the laundry room, and may lead me to commit hari kari.

I am trying to figure out how to get the laundry in my car though, as I have 7 winter blankets I should have dropped off at the repair dude last nite but it was kind of raining, so I did not. I am not sure what one thing has to do with the other, but we did clean the barn some. That is a never ending project, no doubt about it. I did meaure Boogie, who is 13'3-3/4" at the wither and an inch taller at the hip. The tape says he is 646 pounds which cannot be right as that is what it said Midget is and he is twice her size and two inches taller. It is sad when a person cannot work a measuring device properly. I bet he is really 750 or so, as he is almost the size of Target and a hair taller.

I need to get the horse trailer into the semi place to have the bearings done, and I need a new spare tire. It occurs to me how embarrassing it would be to explode with Lorna and Amy in the truck with me, in the middle of St Louis, since this action that has been a long time coming.

However, the spare tire rim is under the gate to the back yard and it may be the only thing keeping Simba and Slater from opening the door and hurting Tequila again. Yes we are hillibillies, but you go with what works. I asked Barry to get it out and put something else there, but I see no indication that happened. Maybe tonight. Oh Martha, I just got off the horn with the semi place and it is 250 to do the bearings instead of the 50 I heard it would be. Ouch.

Meanwhile, I cannot get my secretary to open her door so I can have her make changes yet again to a document for the most irritating man on Earth. This should not be this hard.

I had to cancel Marvin the Marvelous tonight to take care of all these other messes, and because despite Barry thinking he would be in town, he is not in fact in town, and I just cannot do it all by myself. Too many errands to be done in too short of a time.

What a weekend!

I sure was busy, but am not at all sure what got done.

Friday nite, Jenna came over to the farm, and we ended up taking the night off by sitting on the porch catching up. That is the first time I have done that all year. I stayed up too late though.

Saturday, I intended to take Madison on a ride. It was 95 degrees so I did not really want to--but I was going to do it because I told her I would, had I been able to find her. I wasn't. I also was unable to mow the back yard as planned, because the belt on the mower burned in two.

I could tell this was going to be one of those days. I needed to wash a bunch of winter blankets so I could see if Omer would repair them- he is the Amish dude down the road that makes tack, etc. It just seemed too hard to haul them all to the car wash, though--the hard part was figuring out where I was going to get enough quarters. Rather than figure that out, I went to Lowe's and bought myself the power washer I have been meaning to buy for a year and a half. If that is not a Barry move, I do not know what is--spend $300 bucks to avoid spending $50.

Anyway, I brought it home and put it all together, but for some reason could not get the quick connect thing to work so I could put the proper nozzle on. I drove over to Hutch's to have him help me, and he was not home. I tracked him down at a car show in another town and he said he could call when he was back and would fix it then.

Okay, this was plan 3 that was not working out and it was only 1 pm. Since it was so hot, I decided to clean the pool in anticipation of winterizing it. The water level was too low to run the pump, so I had been filling it all day--it still was not high enough. I got in anyway and used the vacuum attachment to aggravate the filth so the filter could suck it up eventually. By the time there was enough water in there, I realized there was a crack in the vacuum hose. Plan #4 shot to hell.

Hutch finally appeared to tell me I was missing a piece on the power washer. Doh, I felt stupid. Back to the farm I went, fixed that up and washed 7 blankets or so. Somewhere in there, the design flaw that is an oil cap shook loose and oil blew everywhere. Thus, I had to stop cleaning until I could get more oil.

Since I was there, I went to give PK1 shots to mares that were in the wrong pasture for some reason. I also FINALLY caught Squeak, who by now has not one but TWO cloudy eyes. Lovely. I brought her into a stall and checked her out, and started doctoring her. She has some blink reflex so she is seeing something, but certainly not all she should be. I pretty much resigned myself to the idea that she has ERU.

Home I went again to work on the pool some more. By this time, I have given up cleaning it and am just reading a book. For some unknown reason, Tequila rushed the back gate barking at Simba, who got ahold of her and went to town. Barry tells me not to post this as it makes us look bad. Well sure it does, but it still happened. I will keep the details to a minimum, for his sake, but it was not nice. I ended up on the horn with JoLynn the vet, and had an asthma attack during the process.

I tried to go to bed, as the whole day just sucked, I had too much adrenaline running and nothing was getting accomplished, and besides that, I could not breathe without coughing. Even that did not go well, as I got caught up in watching Flip This House a bunch of times in a row- I love those shows! Barry called though and said he would be home that nite instead of Sunday as his race got over early. Well thank God, as I was sure needing some help! He got home about 10 pm

Sunday started out bright and early, as I was going to the Shawnee with Jenna, Head and Linda. We rode about 5 hours, it was the hardest trail riding I have EVER done and I have ridden the Shawnee a million times. It almost killed Jenna, who kept running her knees into trees--she has not ridden in well over a, year, so this was tough for her welcome back.

I have pics to post from that when I get home tonight, I just did not have it in me last nite- I was in bed by 9:30~

Already this morning, I am on the stick trying to fix everything that is jacked up. Thank goodness, Dr M is able to work me in this early evening and will be here to see the eyeballs and float some teefers. I am having Slygirl, Radar, Foxy, probably Squeak again, and maybe Target done. That makes for a long enough day, I think! I also am working on getting Tequila's meds--that is a different vet altogether. I will feel better when that is started.

I have a headache from sweating too much yesterday--why is it 98 degrees at the end of September I ask you? I have no idea.

I have a jillion things to do this week so I am not humiliated when Lorna gets here and Amy gets here to ride to our girls weekend at Indian Creek this next weekend. Fortunately, BS will be here all week, I think, at least until Thursday morning, when I hear he is flying to Dallas for a couple of days.

Tuesday nite, Coco's owners might be coming to fetch her. I know they miss her, she is a funny kid.

Harley moved into the baby pen and got measured--12'1" at the wither, 12'3" at the hip and 426 pounds. She is such a sweet baby. I need to have her HERDA test done, maybe I will get on that tonight.

Meanwhile, I am working-- I swear I am. I have a lot of loose ends to tie up here, as well as helping others get things done by the end of the month as it is their eval period. It is always a mad house around here then.

$644

That is what my snafu with the vaccines just cost me.

I don't even know what I screwed up, but I do know I wasted a shitload of them, and since I do not know where I started going wrong, I have to start all over.

Oy vey.

Now this is funny, I do not care who you are

This lovely piece of news is courtesy of my wackaloon friend Nena who knows the Strawn fascination with all things dwarf. I suspect she is just as bad, but is way too professional to admit it in public, so I will not out her.

In any event, this is just funny.

The best part is that she found it while doing a google search for "white trash" and "dwarf". WHY she did that particular search, I do not know, but I am certainly thankful!

Plans, plans and more plans

I hear we have help for fence building this weekend. Barry's biking friend is evidently as impatient as I am about getting this fence done, and unlike anyone else in our world, he is actually going to hop in again and help make it happen. I think I might love him.

The temperature is supposed to break, and only be 95 today, and 97 tomorrow. Yeah, that should help, but I will take it.

I just made the appointment for Bocephus the Baconator to get fixed on August 21. Now I just hope I do not forget--although I am pretty confident that is not possible.

I have also been called to see about a stray Great Dane that turned up on my friend's porch, where they found her upon their return from a 10 day vacation. She is a brindle, very thin, and may have been nursing some pups, plus has a limp as if she may have been hit. That breaks my heart and I have not even seen her yet.

Tomorrow I have to drive a puppy around the interstate to get her to a new foster home...an English setter I think.

Sunday, Lorna and Bree are coming to play. Which means I have to clean house, yuck yuck yuck. I hope it is not too hot to play horsey while they are here. Probably I should mow the brown grass too, and stalk the tractor man who has held it hostage for what-6 or 8 weeks by now, and still does not have it done. And of course, the perpetual 27 loads of laundry. Laundry is becoming the bane of my existence

That list looks like a lot, but I still feel like this should be a pretty relaxing weekend. I am probably deluded.

Meanwhile, my parents are in Guatemala with my sister and brother in law and baby Gabi--so I have to remember to tend to all their business at their house like mail, etc. I bet they are having more fun than me, and I hear it is only 75 degrees there--who would have thunk that Central America in August would be cooler than here?