Horses, hay and are you coming?

This is Floyd Gibbons riding a Paso Fino Stallion at an obsticle challenge competition I went to. *Notice he is bitless*  It was the day I met Floyd along with other horse people in the area.  Floyd is an exceptional and well known horse trainer.  He currently works for Chalakee Ranch in Gutersville AL.  He also does private lessons and I hired him.  So far two training sessions and Scooby here is a much more respecting horse.

Scooby saying "I'm a better boy now"

We unfortunetly did NOT get much Hay yield for our first cut(can you say "huge loss?") It was promised to my cow owner neighbors, Karen and Brendan Getchel.   Here is Brendan  picking up and moving one at a time to his place.

Here is my 9 month old puppy.  She is from Nick and Nibbs.  If you are thinking that I did not keep any from that breeding, you are right.  But it was meant for us to be together.  She just didn't fit and I got her back which I am very happy about.  I always loved this puppy. She is saying "Well, are you coming?"

"Look!  My buddy, Rio, is out there!"

"Uh, I'm waiting..."

you can't sneak up on Corgis

They were all laying peacefully and I tried to sneak up and get a shot but you can't sneak up on Corgis!

 Once they knew it was me Nick decided he had to go find a toy.

 The wind was really blowing and a small branch fell.  Nick looked but held onto his prize.

 I am grateful to the home owners before us who planted so many lovely flowers.  These are the 3rd color of Iris blooming in our yard.  We have a lace purple, white and now these two tone purple and white.

 Another thing I find so wonderful while experiencing our first Spring here is the constant turn over of beautiful natural flowers(weeds).  These clover look as if they were planted right along the front walk.  I didn't mow them when I cut the rest of the yard...too pretty.

Bizarre mushroom under roses

Here is the scene as I was weeding the rose bush area.  When I got to the very last section of weeds to pull out,I saw something unusual... 

One of the most bizarre mushrooms I've ever seen.  It had a partial coating of a gray slime... it is gone today.  There sure are many amazing things in this world.

chicken yard and things in the yard

Chicken yard.  My old dog kennel plus two old wire crate panels, some green coated chicken wire, an old pump house and voila!

Here is one of the Light Brahma hens about 7 weeks old.

And one of the Silver laced Wyandotte hens.  She will continue to lighten and the tips of the feathers will be trimmed in black.

Bubbles saying "hey"

Lovely Iris

Iris and roses

These were scenes from yesterday and this morning before it rained.  Tommorrow is Best of breed at the National and the Banquet.  I will be thinking of all who are traveling and wishing them a safe return home.

way to go bro

Lily, my new tri girl,Congratulates her brother on his 2011 National wins.  Oz, Arylan's Mint Proof was Best Op Sweeps and WD!  WooHoo.

Some photos of Nick and Nibbs

Here are Nick and Nibbs.    Bathed,Blown and Bodacious (had to come up with something clever to go with bathed and blown!)                 

  Nick is : Cornerstone's No Intro Needed

 Nibbs is: Cornerstone's Biscotti Bits

Thank you to my friend Michele Wells for helping me with photos!  Wish I had thought to get one of us together-duh!

Michele had a business meeting in AL. and after that came to spend part of the weekend with me.  She'll be heading to the National later this week.

Thinking best wishes for all who get to be there this year!!

I guess bathing, blowing and practicing is something the rest of us can do while at home and part of the OHMAN (Others home missing another National) support group.

Jersey calf and I helped

This is my neighbor's cow, Yo,and her heifer baby born this morning.  I went over to pick something up and thought I was going to see her baby already born.  Instead I helped her be born!  When I got there since she wasn't born yet and found out only one hoof was presented, I knew something needed to be done.  I actually had to go in and pull it's front leg and foot forward...that was hard!  Not a lot of room in there and it took a lot of force...then I pulled with contractions and she came easy.   I've done things like that with dogs...but never livestock...glad it is a girl too!  That way I will get to see her for many years to come at Karen and Brendans!  Oh, a pure bred Jersey : )) my favorite breed... I went back over later and she was cold so helped Karen dry her more, put a jacket on her and get her up and walk to Momma for some first milk/colostrum. What an exciting start to my day!