Thursday, December 31, 2009

Rode Today Hooray!

Today was the first day in over a week where the weather was good enough to ride horses! I was so happy to be back riding Rusty again! He was very good and we did a lot to work off some of that pent-up energy. With the weather so "iffy" we have to take our rides when we can! Great day today!

Happy Horsey New Year!

Well, it's finally the end of 2009. This has been a rough year BUT God has seen us through like He promised He would IF we would trust in Him! I was reading in Revelation today and 21:1 jumped out at me. Here, John is shown the New Heaven and a New Earth! In this new creation there is no more curse! Praise God! I feel we get a very small glimpse of this newness when we start a new year. Clean calendars, a fresh start. This is why so many people make resolutions at this time -- it's a time for change and growth. To be better than we were in the old year. In Christ, we don't have to do this under our own power. The Spirit living in us helps us be more Christ-like each day (minute or hour) as we listen to Him and obey His Voice. Happy New Year to all my family and friends! Start the New Year fresh and don't let past failures and shortcomings keep you from being the best YOU you can be!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I'm truly thankful for the many blessings we've received this year. My husband and family, good health, and Rusty, of course! The blessings of being able to ride and work with horses are wonderful.

Thank You, God, for all You've done.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

I'm Back Lots of News

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry! It's been far too long and there is really no excuse. Too busy to blog just doesn't cut it.

So, I'm back. Lots of things happening. I've been busy at work and also at the stables. Rusty is well and feeling great. We had a terrific ride today. We rode part of the time outside but it did get a little too cold, so we went indoors. Lots of people riding today!

My dear friend Dave M. and his children, Marcus and Brandie, came out today to see Rusty. I wish it could have been warmer but we still had a fun afternoon. When I get copies of the pics they took, I'll post them. There's a really funny picture Marcus took of me with his Nintendo Dsi. The Dsi takes pictures now and hooks to the Internet. Cool! Anyway, in this pic I'm done up to look like Mario! It's cute!

So far, the weather has been nicer for November than the entire month of October! I have been on 3 trail rides this past summer and fall. I'm hoping to get in one more before the snow flies. Pam B. wanted to ride yesterday. I would have LOVED to have gone but it was my Sat. to work. Rats! It was a beautiful day for a trail ride.

Found a new place to trail ride. Hampshire doesn't charge a fee to ride and they have wonderful wide grassy trails. Very little mud or rocks! Denise H. and I went there a few weeks ago and had a wonderful ride. I'd like to go back there again. There is a stretch of trail that goes along a rather busy road. Rusty spooked a bit when a couple of semi's passed us, but he was good. I'd not ridden him near traffic before.

Bought Rusty a new blanket for the winter. It'll only be used when it's really cold and wet outside or if Marie sees he needs it. So far, he's been really good with it. His last blanket got ripped to shreds beyond the point of repair. Rusty is getting a nice coat of winter hair, so he should be fine except in freezing rainy conditions.

Well, it's fun to be back. I'll keep this more updated and will post some pictures when I can. Thanks to all my loyal readers -- the one of you Ha Ha -- for your patience.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day!

Wow! It's July 4th! Time for friends, food, fun and fireworks!

If this rain will oblige us by moving on out of the area, we'll have some great fireworks tonight. Some of my neighbors started last night with bangs, pops, and sizzles being heard all over the neighborhood.

I love the 4th of July and I'm proud to be an American. I know we're having some problems as a nation right now. Our country is facing tough times at home and abroad. Please PRAY for our nation, our leaders, our troops and our veterans who gave so much that we can be free. It's said so much but it's true -- Freedom isn't free! Alot of men and women gave up so much so we can be free. Thank you is not enough but I say "Thank you!" anyway.

Enjoy the day! Love your family and friends and be thankful. We have so much!

God bless!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Sandy's New Baby


Here she is! This is Sandy's black filly. She looks so much like her daddy! All of Stiltz's babies have "the look." You can still count her ribs. She hasn't gained the weight her older half-sisters and half-brother have. I had a hard time getting this picture. She was very interested in me and my camera. Every time I would move to get a better shot, she'd come along the fence too close to get a good pic! It's so great that these little ones are so curious and friendly. It makes them easier to train, too. Curiosity is a good sign of intelligence.
So now all 4 of the babies due at the farm are here and healthy! Praise God!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

New Babies


Here is Arizen's little colt. He was born May 19 (the day before my birthday) and is black like his daddy. All of the babies are so beautiful! We now have 4 new foals. 3 are fillies and one colt. 3 are black and one is bay. They are going to be tall. You can tell by looking at their long legs! I'll try to have a pic of baby #4 soon. I haven't gotten a picture of her yet.
It's so fun to watch them out in the pen with their mothers. They run around and leap in the air! Such show-offs! I remember how they first struggled just to stand! They learn fast because they have to. They are curious about everything! I'm so grateful to God that I can watch these little ones grow. What a blessing!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

New 'Star Trek' is Great!

Alan and I just returned from watching the new Star Trek movie. It was much better than I had imagined it was. The reviews are generally positive, but I was blown away by the characterization, action, visual effects and drama. Leonard Nimoy makes an appearance as Ambassador Spock from the future and it wasn't at all hokey. The movie was well-thought-out and put together.

The crew of the Enterprise are all played by cast members that do the characters justice. I found myself chuckling many times when I heard old tried and true lines coming from the new character like they were born to it! "Bones" spins Spock around by the shoulder and asks,"Are you out of your Vulcan mind??" How many times on the original series did we hear that? And Scotty! Wonderful! He does amazing things with the transporter and the engines!

You see, I grew up on the original Star Trek. I watched it every week. When rumors of it's cancellation flew around, I was one of those who wrote letters to save the show (for one more season, tho). So, I really enjoyed this movie and I'm looking forward to making it part of my DVD collecion when available. If any of my readers are Trek fans, do yourself a favor and don't miss this one! First Rate!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Shannon's Baby


She was born about 5am this morning! A beautiful bay filly! She's our second baby born this spring. She's still wobbly but gaining strength. I was finally able to get this pic after a couple of visits. Most of the afternoon, she slept near the front of the stall and I couldn't get a good picture. Just before I went home, I tried again and she was up! What a cutie!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

II Kings 24:4

Today in my Bible study I finished reading II Kings. Israel has already been exiled to Assyria. Now it's time for Judah's last days. While I was reading, a passage hit me between the eyes! II Kings 24:4 says "For he (Manasseh) had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was not willing to forgive." (NIV, emphasis mine) Doesn't that almost sound blasphemous? Our Lord not willing to forgive?

Then I remembered that this happened before the Crucifixion of Jesus. The sins of the people of Judah were so bad God wouldn't put up with any more. There was no atonement through Christ.

How blessed we are because of Jesus! He took my place so I can have forgiveness. He took your place so you can have forgiveness, too. Isn't it wonderful to know that God will never be unwilling to forgive those who call on the Name of His Son? This means that there is nothing I can do to EARN forgiveness. I can never be good enough or righteous enough to rate forgiveness on my own merits.

When we do sin, we have an advocate with the Father. We can ask for forgiveness and receive it because of what Jesus has done! Jesus stands before the Father for me and says, "Father, forgive her. She is Mine." Thank You, Jesus.

The Maze

Here is The Maze! This tricky configuration of poles can be as easy or as challenging as you want. By entering and exiting through the gaps in the outer ring and changing direction, both you and your horse can get a real workout! Rusty and I worked the Maze at the trot and the canter today. Wow! Rusty was soaked when we were through! He wanted to run too fast and I had quite a time getting him to slow down and balance himself through the Maze. There is not a lot of room around that triangle so he has to be balanced and collected. At the canter, it almost feels like a canter pirouette! We worked both directions at the trot and then at the canter. This little exercise keeps you on your toes! Use your outside aids in the center circle so you are "pushing" your horse from behind not "pulling" him around the Maze. When asking your horse to exit the center, use your inside aids and move him outward.

I do not have the dimensions for the spacing of the poles at this time. I will try to get that from Marie. As you can see from the picture, our poles are knocked a little off-center in places. Don't be afraid to give it a try! It's a real experience!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

What a Workout!

Today Rusty and I had our first lesson with Marie in several months! I feel it's important to take lessons when I can because bad riding habits can crop up without an instructor watching me and catching them. I'd like to take lessons more often, but finances are tight.

Today Rusty and I worked on "The Maze". The Maze is a triangle of jumping poles or PVC pipes surrounded by six poles set at angles to bracket the triangle. This is hard to describe without being able to draw it. I'll try to post a pic of The Maze so you can see what it's like.

Anyway, starting at the trot, you enter the inner circle around the triangle at one of the gaps in the outer brackets. You can go in and out of the gaps and around the triangle in many different patterns. You can change directions, too. This exercise really helps the horse work his hindquarters and be better balanced. There can be no speed demons here! The turns are tight and can be tricky!

After we trotted the maze, we cantered it! We didn't change direction mid-maze, but I was able to canter around the center triangle full circle and then exit through the gap! It was quite a workout for both of us! I'm looking forward to working on The Maze more with Rusty. Wow!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Here She Is!


Here's Velvet's new Baby! I took these when she was just over 2 days old. She was still wobbly on her legs. Mom was nervous about people around her little one so I got these two pics and left them in peace. She's black like Daddy and she was an unexpected early arrival!

We're still expecting several more little ones. Got to keep my camera handy!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

New Arrival!

Very early Tues morning -- 4/7 -- the first baby for 2009 was born at the stables! She's a black filly and her mom is Velvet. As soon as I can, I'll try to get pics of her! Wow!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Happy Birthday, Rusty!

Today Rusty is 17 years old! Happy Birthday, Rusty!

Here's to many more years together!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

My Wonderful Cats (Part 2)

Here is Skipper, my shy guy. When we first brought him home, Skipper hid in the corner behind some record albums for several hours. I had to feed him downstairs in the bathroom because he was too frightened to eat in the kitchen with the rest of us. After several days, he ventured out of his hideaway and began to explore the house.

It's taken several years but he is has become an affectionate pet. He will demand to be petted! He's very vocal about it. As he's become more comfortable with us, we've been able to see his playful antics and enjoy his company. He loves to mess up our area rug in the living room. Dibbuns will wait for Skipper to come by, jump out at him and the chase is on!

Skipper loves to be petted but he does NOT like to be picked up! He's very nervous about being held. When Doug and I had to treat his ears, Skipper would be very stiff in our arms. He took to hiding under the bed when he knew treatment was coming! He has a very good memory. He hid under the bed for over a week even after the treatments for his ears were done!

Skipper will sometimes pay me a visit in the evenings when I'm reading in bed. Dibbuns is there every night. It's very nice when Skipper joins us, too.

Dibbuns and Skipper have such different personalities but they get along very well. They have their little tiffs but most of the time they're good buddies. A visit from a neighborhood cat will make them angry, but it doesn't last long. Once I had to throw a pillow at them to break up a nasty fight. When the "intruder" leaves, all goes back to normal.

I'm very blessed to have these two furry companions! I wouldn't be without them.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

My Wonderful Cats (Part 1)

This kooky Birman is our cat Dibbuns. He's a true character and he knows he's cute! He gets into a lot of mischief and keeps us laughing with his antics.

He acts like a puppy when he follows us around the house and always has to see what we're doing. If Doug is doing a project of any kind, Dibbuns will be right there watching. He's great at stealing chairs from you as soon as you stand up for any reason. I've sat back down on him on more than one occasion! He'll hide under the blanket on the couch downstairs and I won't know he's there until I try to sit down!

He's very friendly and likes to curl up in bed with me while I read at night. He's my "Guitar Hero" critic, sitting in on every session.

Doug and I adopted Dibbuns and his pal Skipper from HELP here in St. Charles. What wonderful additions to our household! More on Skipper coming soon....

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Great Ride Today!

What a great day to ride today! Worked without stirrups during my ride. I'm finding that after I pick up my stirrups again, my legs are like they're glued to Rusty's side. I'm trying to keep my lower legs from moving so much as I ride. This is helping!

Rusty was really good today and we rode outside.

I'm thankful for the wonderful days I can spend with Rusty. Thank You, God!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Great Riding!

What a terrific week of great weather for riding! I could get spoiled.

Rusty has been so good this week. We've ridden outside a couple of times and he was great. I've been keeping up with my no-stirrup work to strengthen my legs. We cantered without stirrups on Tues and again today! On Tues. I had more difficulty balancing than I did today. I tried to concentrate on my balance and not hang on Rusty's mouth too much.

I know we're not out of the woods with the cold weather yet, but it's been so beautiful that it's hard to think about it. I enjoy each day as it comes and thank God for it.

It's great to see people at the barn that you haven't seen in a while! My friend Denise (Ivory) told me she and another boarder were going on a cattle drive this May. They've started to prepare for the long hours in the saddle. Denise rides English most of the time. I reminded her to do some riding in a Western saddle because it will feel so different! She thanked me for the suggestion. When I trail ride in Michigan with my husband, we ride Western. Even though I ride 2 to 3 times a week, the different saddle made my knees sore. I usually ride English, too.
I wish Denise the best time! It would be fun to do something like that!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

WOW!

What a glorious day! This was one of the finest days for riding in a looooooooooooooooong time!

The barn was the scene of a lot of activity as many of us gathered to ride who haven't seen each other in weeks. Rusty was awesome and I did some more work without stirrups during my ride. Yes, I know today was another "teaser" but it was fantastic!

As soon as I turned Rusty out after our ride he rolled again! He's shedding a lot and I know it feels good to him to roll. But he came up a muddy mess once again. Oh, well. I'll brush him out again on Tues. He gets his feet trimmed Tues, also.

Can't wait for the weather to be warm enough so I can give him a bath! He's so pretty when he's clean and white. His red hairs glow like copper!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Teasers

Sorry I haven't posted in such a long time!

Have been able to ride more regularly but the cold weather is back this week! We've had some wonderful days at the barn if you don't count the rain.

Rusty has been very good. We've had great rides and Marie says that she sees how well we're doing together! I'm very glad about that!

Yesterday, with all the rain, Rusty's pen was very wet! Lot's of standing water and mud. Rusty was pretty muddy but NOT where I needed to put the saddle!

Our warmer days make me long for spring! They're just "teasers" to let me know what it's going to be like. Soon, I hope. I saw a robin today -- my first one!

So, with Rusty shedding like crazy, robins and red-wing blackbirds returning, my lilacs budding, new growth on my rose bushes -- I'd say we're about at the end of this awful winter! Still, it can slap us around with some cold days yet. Better weather is coming!!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Harvey's Passing

I'm sad to report that Harvey passed away sometime over the weekend. He was about 36 or 37 years old. He was a sweet old guy. Poor Oscar took it very hard. He wandered about in his pen calling for Harvey. They were pen-mates and good buddies for a long time.

Harvey is buried by the woods near the Grass Arena. Joan, Stacia, and I rode out to visit the grave today. Harvey will be missed.

YIPPEE!!

Yes, I'm cheering again! Not only did I ride again today but we rode OUTSIDE!! It was fantastic! We trotted and cantered through the snow. Joan and Stacia were outdoors with their horses and so Rusty and I joined them for a wonderful ride.

We don't get many winter days that are nice enough to do this, so we were glad for the opportunity. Even if we don't get to do it again at least we did it once!

Rusty was really good out in the snow. At first, I was a little concerned about the footing, but there was no ice under the powder and the footing was fine. We had a wonderful collected canter both directions. Terrific! I really hope this is not the last time we get to ride out in the snow. Lots of Fun!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

HIP HIP HOORAY!

Why am I cheering?? I actually got to RIDE today!

I checked back and I saw that the last day I got to ride was Jan. 6! 23 days ago!! Talk about equine-withdrawal! Most of those days, I saw my horse after I did the stalls, but last week I had pulled my back out and so didn't go to the barn at all. I'm not the only one, either. Several of the ladies I ride with have expressed similar feelings about being away from their horses.

Today, however, I not only saw my horse but I brushed him, tacked him up and rode! Wonderful!

You know what was so sweet? When I went out to get Rusty, he saw me at the gate and came to me! He missed me, too! Awww.

This has been one tough winter for horseback riding! If it's not too cold, then we have a snowstorm that makes driving out to the barn dangerous. Anyone for Springtime?? I am!!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Shack

I've just finished reading the most amazing book! It's called The Shack and it will change the way you look at life. The main character in the story, Mack, has had a most tragic experience. He calls it "the Great Sadness" and it's threatening to shut him off from life completely if he can't do something about it.

He receives a note from "Papa" to meet him at the Shack. At first, Mack writes it off as a very sick joke. Finally, curiosity gets the better of him and he goes. What he encounters there will have you laughing and crying! You will not look at God the same way again.

I won't give any more of the plot away. Everyone should read this book! You will not be disappointed.

I love to read and I've had books change my life. In High School I read Mere Christianity by CS Lewis and it had a profound impact on my life. Later, as a married adult with a family, I read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This is a totally awesome book and again, it had a great influence on my life. I rank The Shack by Wm Paul Young right up there with those two wonderful books.

Check it out at the Library or get it at your favorite bookstore. Please reply to me here and let me know how you liked it (or not).

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!





Welcome to 2009!

Hope all of you, your families, and your horses had a wonderful Christmas. I was able to spend time with my three granddaughters on Christmas Day. The picture you see is me holding my newest granddaughter. She was born Oct. 8 and her name is Alice May. She joins her older sisters, Laura Lynn and Athena Rose.

Rusty had a week off because weather out here was so bad I could not get out to the barn all week. But I've been out there 3 times this week and rode! Rusty has been great! We had a wonderful ride today. I loved spending the first day of the New Year with my horse.

I'm believing God for great things in 2009. I know many people are glad 2008 is over. All of us went through some rough times in 2008. But, one thing I've learned is that God is always faithful and He will never leave us.

My prayers and best wishes to you and your families this new year. God bless you!