Not Bad!

Almost a record! Seven months since my last update, and I was going to be soooo much better this year. Not!

Ok, update......I've gone back to school. What a process. I have had to retest as your SAT scores are only good for 5 years after you take them (who knew?). English and writing portion, no problem, but Math???? Who could still do Algebra after twenty five years? Definitely not me! So, off to Math 070 I go. Then there was the HOBET test. This test determines if I have the "inclination" for the medical field. No problem there, and I even scored well on the math portion (although the advanced Algebra was absent from this one). After I gathered all my transcripts, my volunteer/assistant veterinary information, and every other piece of paper I never thought I'd need again, I submitted it all to the Veterinary School at Gaston College. I then got called for an interview. An interview! Good grief! I went, and it was great. The Department Head and instructor were personable, and I didn't feel intimidated at all (after testing with all the "kids", I had some doubts). They only take 40 students per year. So I waited, and yes, I made it! A few months later, and I am shouldering 17 credit hours (this includes the dreaded Math 070). It's a heavy load, but I'm making it work, just don't call me from 7:30 pm. - 11:00 p.m. weeknights and most evenings on the weekend. Just kidding, I'll answer, but I can't guarantee that I'll make any sense. Six straight semesters, including summers, and I should be a Registered Veterinary Technician. Here's hoping!

Hunting for Groundhogs

Yes, at this point, any groundhog will do as I think they are all related, or a least a conspiracy is brewing. I am TOTALLY done with winter. I want spring! Now would be a good time. If we have six more weeks of this, I will be needing someone to check me into the local funny farm (knowing my friends, there will be plenty of volunteers as well as a few possible roommates). On a lighter note, I finally saddled Cal last week, after a year off with white line, and he was a total gentleman with a rider, but with empty saddle in the round pen, he wanted it off. He tried to roll it off (I actually apologized to Bella on Sunday for the sand ground into the pad and saddle as we rode off). Cal has forgotten our lunging techniques completely, so back to square one. He's such a pocket pony anyway. I think he enjoyed his "retirement" a little too much! If I had the money, I'd send him to Westwinds for retraining as I am getting to old for this, or is it lazy?

Now it's Snow

I'm not going to say another thing about the weather......just enjoy the photo's below....Stay warm!

I need to keep my mouth shut

A week ago I was complaining about the wind. In return for that lovely publication, I have received 9 degree temps this morning and a frozen well head. After thawing said well head with, of all things, my blow dryer. I trudged off into the frozen tundra to feed the bleating goats, and four hungry horses in the barn. I then returned to the well house, and heard the life giving click from the well pump. Yeah! Water.....This makes me wonder why I'm in NC and not further north. I would imagine that it'll be below freezing tomorrow morning......I still forgot to brush my teeth this morning with the ensuing water celebration...sheesh.....

Tired of Windy Weather....

We moved to North Carolina in 1999. The weather was a wonderful change from Florida (which I disliked intensely). Much more comparable to New York/Pennsylvania, where I originate from. Since moving from Charlotte to Cherryville in '05, the weather has been just plain wild. We haven't seen snow since 2004, the thunderstorms remind me of summer in Florida, and the wind has started whipping around on a regular basis since fall. Nothing like 22 mph winds to excite the horses on the way to the pastures. We've also gone from severe drought to an over abundance of rain, so much so that I have ponds that haven't ever been there before. As I write this, it's gone from sunny and windy to rain and wind, the animals are looking up here as if to say "why am I out in this?"......

My Favorite Photos of 2008

The barn was so full, I had to stack in the hall!

He doesn't fit in this anymore, although he trys!

Three for one!

Drive your tractor to school day, can you get anymore country?

(Dan's driving the Kubota)

More to come......

Happy New Year....a few days late.

Well, 2008 has come and gone. It went by so fast, I can't believe it. I've been thinking over the past couple of days about what I would like to do in the new year. Here are a few things I've come up with....

• Get more fit.
• Find a job outside the house that I really enjoy.
• Ride more (alone and with friends)
• Listen to my mother. (HA, mom)
• Live my life not just survive it.

I'm sure there is more, but this is as far as I've gotten. The last one is going to be tough as those of you who know me know I put everyone and everything in front of me. I'm going to try and "loosen the reins", and let the chips fall where they may.

By the way, Happy New Year to all.........