Slippin and a slidin!

We have had unseasonably warm temps lately , and added to that we had rain  a couple times in the last week. So the footing around here is best described as treacherous!
Not as bad in the fields as we still have some snow pack , but the barnyard , and the driveway are exciting to say the least ! the highways have been fairly good , though the trip to the airport Tuesday night  with Martin was a bit of a white knuckler! I took the back way (BIG MISTAKE ) and saw the error in my ways in a big hurry as we passed 3 cars in the ditch in less than a mile . Was going about 10kmph heading up to the stop sign and gently tried my brakes. The anti slip system kicked in immediately and I felt the back end of the truck  wanting to come around  to meet me! !!!!! By the time I dropped him off and headed home the rain had stopped and the sanding trucks were out in force. Add to that I took the main highway home it was a much nicer trip.

But the last few mornings, and evenings  doing chores  has been interesting to say the least !

I haven't actually wiped out , but it has been a close run thing! We have had a few years out here where it has been this bad or worse, when even the pastures became treacherous . One year in particular I was carrying pails of sand out to spread in all of the gate ways , and icy spots , when our big Angus bull though her would push past me to go out . Well that poor bugger got more than he bargained for ! He sped up , hit ice ,and was actually airborne before he went down!!! I thought the sound I heard was his neck breaking, but apparently not , he shakily got to his feet and gingerly carried on. I don't recall him ever pushing his way through a gate again hmmm curious...

Anyhow , seeing as I already have enough owies in my life I decided today on my break to go get some traction

They don't look like much but if you put them on the right way (yes I did it backwards first, the little tabby thing is to be at your heel ) they stay on well enough and really do help . Areas that I was "surfing" on  this morning were no trouble at all !

the only issue I found is if they pop  off , as one did later (once I had them on right) I was striding along with all  kinds of confidence when suddenly my foot slipped , I looked down and sure enough  the trax had popped off . I may try to  tie them on somehow .

Apparently I was not the only one who was looking today , I met one lady at 3 stores , and she and I found the last few available in the Greater Spruce Grove area  finally . We were getting to the point where one of us felt like a stalker ! There are a couple other types out there , a new one actually designed by a Canadian , but it was promoted on the news the other day so I doubt with all the ice around we will be seeing many available. I am pleased with these  so far, I was getting so desperate I had  formed a plan to either tie some barbed wire around  my boots or call Ernie , and see if he had sharp shod any ponies lately and had  some spares or worn out borium shoes that I could tie on! Now wouldn't that have confused people tracking me?

Anyhow after last winter I cannot believe I am saying this , but we need some snow pack around her!

At least with that  you don't mind so much if you fall!
However you do it stay safe and stay warm !

Where to start ?

So ,the Christmas season has passed , more or less, the cookies and goodies are nearly all gone and the march toward spring begins. Or in my case the limp. Sigh
 *New years eve we were sorting cows, Angela was out to preg check. Last group I cautioned as I saw the  bull was at the back , said"ease up, the bulls don't take the pressure and can kic... and he did ,the gate right into me !I took the gate full in the chest! all things considered I am fine from that , bruised belly is better than broken ribs ! Lucky I am well padded ! sore spot on my collar bone  and that's it ! Thanks Ang for coming out to do that for us . We sure appreciate the help ! And yet that, is not the reason for the limp! I was packing up Christmas yesterday , and picked up the tote with all my Christmas village in it ! Will not tell you what hubby called my over that , only that it wasn't particularly sweet , and It was also probably exactly what I was being!

I had a wonderful  time with family and friends , and received some wonderful treasures as well. A long awaited Painted Pony "Emergence " based on the story of the Phoenix . painted by our very own fellow blogger Jennifer MacNiell -Traylor   It is Beautiful !!! And new western  dinnerware  with brands on it , and and and . Suffice to say I was treated like the princess I have always believed myself to be (LOL insert eye roll here)
And I ate like one too!
Didn't actually gain weight over this season , as we were kept pretty busy  on the farm as well but man o man am I tired and sluggish !The last couple of days , has totally kicked my behind!
So on to the resolution poem "taking care of me" well off to a rocky start , but my heart is in the right place .
I have been looking at  different menu plans (cannot call them diets ) and also looking to go to the local pool/rec centre where they also offer massage therapy and physio ,. One stop shopping ! thinking if I can do that a couple times a week and get on a smarter eating program again I will hopefully regain some energy , and maybe even tone up this old jelly bean !
Then by spring if I haven't found a trainer ...
Look out Whoa Dammit!

Resolutions

In this new year
I do resolve
to take the problems
I cannot solve
and look them over quietly
and see if they truly
belong to me

if they do ,I'll take a shot
and really give it all I have got
to sort it out
and get it right
but I'll loose no more sleep at night
over issues I truly cannot fix
within my little bag of tricks

I will still give,and help
where I can
But finally I understand
the best help that I can be
is to learn to
take care of me

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Stay Safe , stay warm

2011 Year in review , part 2

June  brought more excitement and some fear  . Forest fires raged in the northern  part of the province, and Martin came home from work on a bus , as they could not take off in the plane due to sparks on the runway!!
Many Albertans , suffered with these fires, and the entire town of Slave Lake was devastated ! homes were lost , the hospital and law enforcement facilities damaged , and much more.We witnessed a miracle of a sort though with this , as communities pooled together , near and far to help the victims for the fire , donations of food, clothing bedding and lodging poured in , not just from Albertans and Canadians, but from The USA as well . The Royal  Couple attended the site , and we were all reminded , that even in the face of tragedy there can be  good found in people! 

 

We also shared in some wonderful family time. My moms  birthday celebration was an opportunity for  many of the family from near and far to gather and visit . My Aunt and Uncle from Seattle attended , as well.

A  bittersweet time  as we also learned that my Uncle Bud  was  losing his battle with Cancer, but we enjoyed a great visit with him , and he remained relatively well through the summer , attending his grandson's wedding and his nieces 50th birthday in the fall . I wrote him a poem , at that time , and though I hesitated I am very glad that I gave it to him. He read it and told me I made him sound far too good , but those of us who knew and loved him , know I did not even scratch the surface .



"I will remember you laughing”

I remember you laughing with total abandon

A wonderful memory I often reflect on

So much more to say and remember

The soul of a poet, a heart oh so tender

Square dancing or ballroom you fit in just fine

Then out to the fields and on the combine

Community minded, with an adventurous spirit

Climbing a windmill, with no sign you fear it

You took on the world and had a good look,

And saw so much more than is found in a book

Father, a husband, a brother and friend

A grandfather and uncle loved beyond end

And if you must leave us and go on ahead

We will have memories to hold in your stead

Save us a place, and wait for us there

And oh! One day, the stories we’ll share

But in the meanwhile

As time keeps on passing

In my heart and my mind

I will remember you laughing

Following the party , Martin and I packed up the truck, and With Auntie Peggy and Uncle Brian in tow , we went on a road trip to Seattle , to return them home. Those who know me well , will laugh and know that I drove the whole way! I am a TERRIBLE passenger , and seem to loose all upper body control when you take away my steering wheel. Luckily Martin is not a fan of driving a lot so we so OK .

Had a great visit with family there in Seattle , and then ,

I did it again!

I met another fellow blogger!

Mikael! of Mikael's Mania/Rising Rainbow Arabians!!!! 

I cannot load all of the pics I took, and can't even link back tho the original posts as the hacker screwed that up, but here is one of my favorites!

Mikael ,and the handsome  Tango We had a lovely visit, seeing all of her horses.I fell in love with many , Suede ,Dandy, Legs , the twins Surprise and trouble , and of course Mikael, and her family! Again too short a visit , but when you find good friends are visits ever really long enough?

Home  and Martin returned to work till July ,  then had some time off for Haying .

Unfortunately in early July , a hacker attempted to access , my pay pal account, and email,(both of which have subsequently been closed ) then when they were unable to do that  successfully , out of what appears to have been pure spite , they deleted my blog posts from the past 3 years . 500+ posts ! gone! . As I said , at the time , I may not be the most tech savvy gal out there , but I am stubborn and determined , and I got the blog back , without the posts and comments , but have gradually recovered the posts. This did not in fact  make me jaded or defeated , in fact the outpouring of love and support I received , actually renewed my faith in human nature and I am determined to follow my mothers mantra of "the best revenge is living well!" and Live well I shall!!!

This summer also brought graduation celebrations for my nephew Brendan,

My favorite photo of the evening was this

My very proud  sister , dancing with her son!

Summer also brought the newest of the Fern Valley Appaloosas

FV Quicken the Wind ( actually arrived in May )

and FV A Shocking Comet!

Ands we have enjoyed all summer watching these beauties grow!

This summer , we sold FV Sparks Image, to a young lady who's mom and I attended School together,

Bug, Chance , and also Dandy have found  new people of their own!The great thing is I am able to follow up , and these folks are keeping in contact with me , so even though I have sold ,  them  , I will at least to a point be able to watch them grow and see their careers!

August brought some fearful and stressful time ,with mom going into hospital with a presumed stroke. She was  going downhill quickly and we feared the worst as she became unresponsive 3 or 4 days in. Fortunately the doctors found out the problem and My tough little mom has recovered again! Yes , all prayers are answered , and sometimes it is yes!

She is still in a care facility but has been able to come home for several visits, including Thanksgiving and Christmas .

Fall came to us as it does, and amidst the hay hauling and weaning , chores began again for the year. Martin is working away again , and I have cut down to a part time position at work. Life is going along much as is should.I took a day trip to Red Deer to meet Janice (Own a Morgan) , Shirley ,( Ride a good Horse) , and Crystal at the Supreme,(have I mentioned I adore these ladies ? each and every one . My sister and I took a quick "sisters trip" to Seattle at the beginning of December  to visit family , and had a wonderful time ,thinking us girls should do that more often .

We had some sad good byes this year as well, in our families , and in our furry families as well. So when we look up  and say our prayers at night , we will see some new stars in our sky , and know that we will meet again someday .

Christmas was lovely , an warm and loving family time , where  we  were treated to a beautiful gift of my dad singing to us , he has finally given in and agreed to let me share this with you !

Forgive the quality , as I am not yet used to the big  camera on video mode ,and there is a slight hiccup in filming , but you will see I think that it is a most wonderful gift . 

Dads Gift As New Years Eve fast approaches  us I am looking forward to the new year coming , and looking back at my adventures with some wonder! I don't know what is coming next for  us here at Fern Valley, but whatever it is I hope we are equal to the task!

Wishing you all Peace , comfort and Joy in the New Year .

Thank You for hanging in with me this far , and as always , stay safe , stay warm! I love you all!

2011 ,Year in Review part 1

So ,I hope I haven't left you hanging so long you wandered off!
Here it is! the year in review!
So , as I said , I had begun writing a bit of poetry, well January , my muse awoke in earnest and I  began to write even more . Sometime in there ,also the idea of publishing my poetry began to flicker in the back of my mind .
January of 2011 a;lo brought with it ,more snow as Old Man winter took the prairies by the hand and held on tight! It did however make for some great photo opportunities

Deb and I braved some NASTY driving conditions to attend the Breeders and Owners conference , and came home after that weekend to a record snowfall Again! We began to believe Winter was never going to ease up , far less to end !
February , came along and the nasty bite of Winter held tight ,with even more snow and nasty roads . Severe winds and temperatures as well. So bad that one of my electric waterers (It seems one always does ) froze up , and I had to have Nephew Cory out to re wire it .(I am more than willing to thaw them and fix the plumbing , but when the water is close to the electrical box, I cry Uncle and holler for help .) Because the weather would not ease I could not get  time to thaw it , so I covered it till spring and placed a Rubbermaid tank in that pen for  the remainder of the winter (fixed it this spring , no sweat and so far , so good!)
In late Feb, Martin and I left the farm in the capable hands of Angela(DVM2012 ) and my brother in law Marc , and headed for sunshine and Palm trees for 1 glorious week !

Travelled with Martins sister Connie , and her hubby Mike.

Fun sun and relaxation!!!

On the way home we had a layover in Phoenix , where we got an extra special treat!

As we exited Customs were were greeted by two of the cutest redheads EVER and their folks ! My dear friend Linda (CutnJump) and her hubby , and the beautiful twins Lillian and Vivian! We had coffee and a visit , and as with all of the blogger friends I have met so far, it felt like we had been friends forever! Too short a visit , but with friends it always is.

Home to the snow and the long wait for spring .I finally  bit the bullet and contacted a publisher and started on the book . It was scary , and exciting , and ...

Spring finally came to Alberta , sort of , and calving began

It was a little rocky and rough by times , but with my able assistants Winston and Skeeter , I got through

At the end of April ,  Deb and I again headed for Red Deer for the MANE EVENT , a huge Equine trade show and conference , where we  helped man the booth for the Appaloosas Horse Club  of Canada . And I (apparently "got my flirt on") and got us in the side door , saving us a huge walk, and then a free extension cord for the booth! (I swear I just smiled and asked nicely!!!! )and did , dance very briefly in the aisle with a cowboy I have never seen before or since for that matter ! (Told you I was coming out of my shell these days!lol)

Again a huge treat awaited us there , we were able to meet One old Cowgirl(Linda) and Crystal from Ranch Riding !!! Two of the sweetest ladies, both of whom I adore!!!!

 Martin and I celebrated our 10 anniversary this year, had a very exciting evening out at the Red Lobster ,complete with a power outage and candlelight moments!

And then it happened! just before my moms birthday party I  received the copies of my book!!!!!!

There he is , MY HUBBY , reading MY BOOK! how cool is that?

And you know what , that is only half the year, and half the excitement !!!more to come tomorrow !

Looking back

Well now that Christmas has passed ,and New Years is fast approaching ,it seems time to do "A year in review post " Which I will do , but first I have to go back a little further.
In 1999, I was doing things a little differently than I am now . I still lived here, and had horses, and cared for cattle ,but my work and social life was vastly different . I was single , working at 2 1/2 jobs. By that I  mean I worked at a group home part time , caring for seniors, and also was in the same job contracted to work 3 nights a week with a palliative patient , a lovely , and far to young man dying of a terrible and  much feared virus .Yes ,I am talking about HIV/AIDS, and as much education as there is out there , the disease and the victims of it still suffer immensely from fear induced wrath and negativity . In addition to that I had started a small business I opened a Consignment craft store ,called "Allsorts Crafts and Curiosities "
I was kind of a busy girl!
I was dating here and there, but nothing serious , had a great group of friends , and was essentially settled into a pretty good life of a single 30 something gal.
Then September came along , and after a double shift  at work and a half day in the store I attended a birthday party for a friend . Where I was introduced to Martin .

Well you have all read the story of how we met , and if you haven't I will find you the link later, but that was the start of some big changes . By December we were seeing each other fairly steady , and I had also sold a partnership in my store . As 2000/2001 came along the changes started to happen very quickly . I moved the store to a new location . The palliative care position ended and I started yet another job with the local Health authority , as a Mental Health Aide . And by December had sold my part of the store  I was engaged to be married . Also had started working as a Home support aid fro the region . 2001 was a year of new beginnings and huge change. Oddly ,I who hates change , just took it all in stride and loved almost every minute of it !!!
A friend  gave me a Crystal butterfly at the time , with the quote "Go butterfly go! " remarking on the metamorphosis she was seeing in me and my life !
So why have I told you all this?
Well I mentioned I am not a big fan of change, and yet  changes happened again ten years later!
Maybe not as drastic, but I sure had to "come out of my shell" Over the last 2 years, I have attended , and presented at displays in very large trade shows (THE MANE EVENT ) Which certainly required me to step out of my comfort zone and actually speak to strangers . Also as you may have noticed I have been writing Poetry . Well at first I wasn't prepared to share any of it , but slowly with  a lot of encouragement from family friends, and this wonderful blogging community , I started to share it . And Low and behold , I began to spread my wings further! first publishing it here on the blog, and then taking a huge leap and having the book published!
Telling Tails , became a reality ,and you have never seen such an excited girl as me the day I received my "Authors copy " in the mail!
So we are back to the present . I have more to talk about over this "Year in Review " But that is the "back story "
It has been quite a year, good times , sad  times , and everything in between!
till later
Stay Safe and Warm

Wrapping it all up

Well! Christmas night is upon us! And what a Christmas it was!
Grab a cuppa ! its gonna be a long one!
Christmas eve was spent here at home , doing last minute preparations .My dear friend Linda was out for a visit and helped me roll cabbage rolls for today's dinner.(I soo appreciate this , as it is a tiring task, and all she ever charges me is a small pan for her and her mom to snack on)

Then while they were cooking we went out for a walk, watered the young horses and the Phoenix.
You get the benefit of her photos ,with me in them , jelly bean look intact( Note to self , winter wear especially puffy vest and coat  NOT SLIMMING!)

The since we were out there , the conversation wandered to The Phoenix , and Skeeter . Way back I had posted about doing some liberty training with him. But the dang dog has beat me to it !!!

Well I figured I would see if the big guy would dance for me ...

So into his pen I went

And I asked him

As you can see

The answer was a resounding YES!

"Awe Gee mom , that was fun ! Will there be a snack?"

Back into the house and the business at hand .

Wrapped a couple last minute gifts , then started the dough for Cinnamon buns. My plan was to get it to the stage it was rising in the pans then pop them into the fridge to stop them. The all I would have to do in the morning is put them in to bake, and viola ! fresh baked buns for breakfast!

And it worked just the way I planned! Yeah!!

Christmas elf!

My other helper elf

 The finished product

The gang for breakfast

A little down time then whipped up some mashed potato's , and took them and the cabbage rolls to my sisters house for dinner

She put on a wonderful spread , and we all ate , well  probably too well but ...

Yes we exchanged gifts , but the greatest gift I received today was the blessing of having my loved ones all close and being able to  celebrate a family Christmas again this year Mom was able to come home for a few days on a pass , and will hopefully be settled at home soon in the New Year . and if that wasn't all just as good as it gets , We got my dad to sing for us . took some talking and coercion , but he finally allowed us to film him singing . He won't give me permission to show that video here , as he says he is too rusty , but take it from me .He is not ! He has agreed to practice some , and maybe one day he will let me share it!

For now ,just know that it was lovely , a song he tells me he sang to mom when they were dating

here is a bit of the words

"I'm saving my money to buy you a rainbow A rainbow, to fit on your finger And after I've gone and bought you the rainbow I'll go out and I'll buy you the moon "

What  can I say?

A truly wonderful day .I am blessed .

Hope each and every one of you  were able to celebrate with loved ones , this special time .

Stay safe and warm

A Christmas wish

I will make a wish this Christmas Eve
For all  to give and to  receive

I promise I  won't wish for very much
Just  all creatures to  have a  loving touch

That joy and comfort and peace are shared
that shelter abounds and lives are spared

That families rejoice for loved ones come home
that no one is left afraid and alone

that no one is hungry ,or out on the cold
I will wish for this ,If I may be bold

It may seem impossible, this gift to receive
But it can happen ,I have to believe

For all to be loved, and kept  warm and safe
This is what I wish, in continuing faith.

Merry Christmas  to all !
And as always , stay safe and warm!
With Love ,
Sherry

I think there may be a Winston calender after all this year

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

This is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs . I have always loved it and yet often struggled to remember the words. I had looked it up a few years ago and written it down  , and later found in one of my beloved grandfathers diaries , the lyrics all written out in his hand . Funny that ,I always wished I could journal like my Grandad , who chronicled his daily life in his journals in his own hand for years. My gift to him each Christmas for many years was a nice new journal , and after he passed away they came to me . AS I looked through them, I felt I came to know him better, and I learned a lot about what made him who he was .I never did get the hang of journalling , or  well, at least not till I began to blog.Maybe not quite the same  but ,it works for me .He has been on my mind a lot today , and I knew his birthday was right around now . I am ashamed to admit that I had to ask my sister the exact day , which would be tomorrow, December 22. So I guess this proves to be a timely post in a way .
I Heard the Bells on Christmas day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

For those who would like to listen to it . This is the Carpenters version.

Encore performance

So while I should have been wrapping presents, or soaking cabbage to prepare cabbage rolls or ...
I was playing on the computer .at what you ask?
Well Skeeter and Phoenix have their daily dance, and I sometimes just watch and laugh , but today I caught it again on camera.I seems they have "upped their game" a bit and even involved Winston in the performance this evening !
So I though I would share it . Forgive my choice of music( I like the song ) and I don't have a lot downloaded so my choices are limited. Between that and A slight stumble over my Christmas spirit today I chose this song  because it fit the mood I, and it appears Phoenix also was in .
Those who know me well, and knew or at least knew of my old friend "Chips " will understand that I had to cover the original video sounds to cover,vocal encouragement  of Skeeter and  the "hitch" in my voice and the sniffles . For just a moment there I thought I could see the old boy again and it brought a melancholy tear  .

Anyhow , I seem to have that "stumble" under control, and have been wrapping some gifts , and playing Christmas music at full volume again . Martin is very good at wrapping gifts , and he will be home tomorrow , so to be honest I am just making an effort to look like I was busy wrapping , and he will take over when he gets here (yup I am a bad*ss) But I do still have some baking , to do and those cabbage rolls wont make themselves ...
Stay Safe and warm my friends
edited to add here is the link to the video in a larger format (different music, but a bit easier to see )
Dog and Pony show