Bayberry Cottage - Homeschool Blogger

Finished the Barn; Horse Hunting (Again)

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:54:00 -0600

   I'm so pleased! The barn is *done*. It doesn't seem possible, really. I keep thinking there must be things we have to do still, but there are no "have-to's".... When we're ready we can work on finishing the tack room out. But nothing pressing. It's quite nice!
   We head downstate tomorrow to look at a 16 hand saddlebred gelding who was one of Jim McKenney's lesson horses. He's trained in Natural Horsemanship, doing many of the same lessons I've been working with Saxton on.
   I had a short review lesson with Saxton this afternoon. He's such a fruitcake sometimes! LOL! He leapt completely up in the air when it was time to change directions, rather than just hopping up and spinning on his back legs. Oy vey! It was good to have the review. He was a little rusty!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:37:00 -0600

   Friday was decided for me, as I awoke and went down to the barn to do horse chores, I found Smokey flat on his side, dead. The children were devestated and it took the four men (Uncle Ty, Big Papa, Daddy and JJ) quite some long time to dig an 8x8x4-foot grave and bury him. We had a nice funeral for him. It was awfully hard telling his old family about it, but I thought they'd want to know.
   Overall, the weekend consisted of good things: Dancing crazily in the living room, the wine tasting, Facing the Giants, Horse cart rides, going over to Harrisville to see Marty's friend's cottage on Lake Huron. Good times.
   Now I need to prayerfully give to God our horse search. You know me ... antsy, eager, and impatient to be done with it, but so far that has resulted in some poor horse purchases. I need to totally follow Clinton's advice about buying a horse ... get something old and dependable, and plan on trading up. Don't buy the first pretty horse you see, nor the one that "needs us to give it a good home." We want one that's old and calm as a log, as he puts it, "An old, ugly, broken-down, one-eyed horse." He means to say a "babysitter horse."
   Lord, I lift it up to you. You know my impatience. You know my faults. If it's your will, help me to happily wait until spring or whenever Jesse thinks it's appropriate to get another horse. Help me to save my money, respect his judgement, and please, please, please send a really good (and I hope, pretty) horse our way for Betsy and Danny.
We already know we don't want one who bucks, bolts, or bites, has arthritis or is herd or barn sour. Been there, done that.

Thanksgiving

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:10:00 -0600

     I was the first awake this morning, after staying up past midnight watching a movie that maybe wasn't really worth staying up late for. But it was nice to be awake in the morning in a quiet house. I'm trying not to eat too much. It's not good to have a lot of food in your stomach - particularly not for days on end. Curiously I find myself wanting more days of a juice fast, as if the three and a half I did before didn't quite do the job. And indeed I don't feel like they did altogether, though I definitely felt much improved.
   We went with J's family to the Ranch to show off where JJ works. B was unimpressed, but the rest were appreciative enough to be gratifying for JJ, I think. Then we went to Rose Valley Winery and enjoyed a nice wine tasting. I was surprised to find myself enjoying all but the driest wines - even the semi-dry wines.
   Afterward we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at the New Faull Inn, complete with Blooming Onions, Potato Skins, Ribs and a baked potato. Don't gasp ... I didn't stuff myself. I had a little bit of all those things. JJ and I shared a plate of ribs, the salad (which was not worth eating taste-wise) and baked potato. I had a few bites of the skins and the small half of a rack of ribs ... about five medium sized bones. I did manage to put away a fair portion of the onion, though. Hard not to!
   I'm trying to pace myself with the company. I haven't been ready for it mentally, but this last week have managed to feel more comfortable. But J tends to get mean and mean-spirited often when his family is around, which makes it harder to bear having so many people occupying my space, time, and attention. (Lest you forget, I am rather an introvert!) I enjoy other people in moderation. There are few people I don't mind having around for an extended period of time. Maybe Chelsea and Ty and Wendy would be the only ones I can think of.
   At any rate, I've retreated down to my desk here for a little solitude, and will likely make way for the barn later on when once more I've had a full dose of company.
   Tomorrow is still yet undecided. B and C definitely want to go to West Branch to shop at the outlet strip. I just can't bear the thought of shopping (for nothing, as I do not need anything) with crowds of people and long lines. But I'm kind of trying to psyche myself up for it. But Marty sounds excited to go over to Harrisville, and I may go with everyone, or maybe will stay home and decorate or bake. I admit to feeling overloaded with goodies, so baking isn't such an appealing thought today. I guess we'll just wait and decide tomorrow!

Burning the Nuts

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:32:00 -0600

    JJ got a spike buck Saturday. I'm guessing it'll be another 25 lbs. of venison. This time they took it to an Amish place for processing. Good for him! How exciting!
   Why is it that holidays bring out the worst in relatives? I don't know really. J's Mom can be enjoyable, and she can be infuriating, too. She's choosing not to be enjoyable this holiday, I guess. She's been a pain in the neck for the last month (thankfully the interaction has been limited.) Now she wants to plan the food for their stay, and she can do whatever she wants, but I don't intend to give her any feedback. I won't go into details, but let it suffice that she's already given me headaches about the food planning and I'm *done* with it! Frankly I don't care what she brings. And to add insult to injury, she expects me to babysit Ellie while she goes off all day Friday. Fortunately, Ellie will have a much better time here with us doing Christmas baking, etc..., or going to Harrisville with the rest of the gang if that happens.
   I'm not going to stress. I'm determined to stay relaxed and just let people do what they want. I'm glad to have company for Thanksgiving, and even more glad that everyone's leaving Saturday. Phew.

A Horse Day - Saturday

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:19:00 -0600

   Wendy, Cecily and I went to Levi Beechy's "Clinton Anderson" training clinic all day down at the WB Equine Center. He's a young fellow, maybe 23 or 24 at most. He started a raw 5 y.o., worked on a well-trained black paint mare that tosses her head when backed, then bridled another young mare for the first time. It was an interesting way to spend the day.
   Unfortunately, after an exceedingly nasty voicemail from home, I learned that B had been bitten quite viciously on the head by Smokey. She was in his stall mucking while he was eating. He pinned his ears at her and when she put her hand up to wave him away he lunged at her. He isn't safe and I don't trust him, but J wasn't ready to hear of selling him. B. doesn't want him to go, but I think it's foolish to keep a dangerous horse. I have a bruise the size of Wyoming on my arm from him and B needs stitches. Are we to let ourselves be bullied by a horse now for another ten years? <Sigh> I am so tired of having horse troubles. Why isn't there such a thing as a safe, sane, dependable horse in my world?
   I don't want to let myself be pushed into the trap of feeling like you have to keep a horse that doesn't work for you. That's nonsense. Lord, I can't do a thing on my own. What is the right answer?

Detox, Day 4 - 40 Degrees and Rainy

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:30:00 -0600

   I am really starting to get grumpy. If anything, doing a juice fast makes your body feel really good and lifts your spirits. It's as if you could just go on forever living on the juice fast and you'd be better off for it. But this time I started getting a little foggy and a little worn out yesterday afternoon. This morning I awoke grumpy. I will put a sweet smile on my face anyhow. No one likes to be around a grump no matter *what* the reason.
   Craig hasn't shown up in days to finish our barn and woodshed, and they are just within a stone's throw of being totally done. And I'm *so* ready to be done. I'm just saying ...
   Lord, help me to know what to do about my boys. They used to have a sweet relationship, but JJ is vicious really. Teenager or not, there's no excuse for hatefulness. Make it easier to do the right thing - in both horse training and child training. How do I do that?! Notice when he's being sweet, #1. Send him out to chop the woodpile when his mood is off, #2. Encourage them both to see the good in each other, #3, for their own good and the other's good.

Wednesday - 24 degrees and clear

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:25:00 -0600

   I've been doing a juice fast this week. I'm on day three. Juice fasts are really boring, and I don't care for juice, period, so I try to avoid doing one. However, I've been feeling so sluggish and my back went out a couple weeks ago and has mostly stayed out, in spite of a tortuous visit to the chiropractor ten days ago. He popped a whole bunch of things back into place, but I was in a lot of pain, and within a short time everything went back out. Then I knew it was a systemic problem and not just an "I threw my back out" problem. Dr. K down in Toledo usually prescribes me some kind of supplement for my gall bladder or parathyroid or whatever. I knew a fast was in order.
   I'm aiming for a four-day fast. Each morning I've awakened feeling noticeably improved over the previous day. I'm excited to see how well I'll feel Friday morning. That's the only thing causing me to keep going. I know it's good for my body, and I've always wanted to make a monthly juice fast part of my routine. (One day a month), as well as doing a four-day annual juice fast. But I so dislike it that I've never made the leap.
   The guys have been slowing down their hunting - lost enthusiasm perhaps - or maybe just the demands of business prohibiting J from taking too much time off to do it. I wish they'd keep going. I'd like to see them do more hunting of other animals, too ... game birds, etc...
   I was thinking about my parents divorce this morning as I lay in bed (with nary a sore spot on my back - period!). It is such a shame. I think people don't care, or don't realize maybe, the incredible impact the things they do sometimes have on other people. My folks divorced nearly ten years ago and I still bear a wound and a sadness from that. This is one of those tears Jesus will wipe away in eternity, I suppose. I like to lay still and remember what it was like when we were a family. It was certainly far from perfect, but there is such a comfort and peace in knowing your parents love each other.
   Time to go take care of my horses. I'm excited to do a little bit of work with Saxton and Smokey - we watched another Clinton Anderson DVD which really clarified for me how to do the "Disengage the Hindquarters - Stage II." I've realized that I have definitely been too gentle with my signals. No wonder Saxton is slow and lazy! He has little impetus to move very fast! LOL!

Tuesday - Thick Frost on the Ground This Morning

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:03:00 -0600

   It's been consistently colder the last few days. It was twenty again this morning when we went out to do horse chores. I so enjoyed the stretch of "Indian Summer" we had the ten days or so before this past weekend. It was a balm for my spirit. Yes, I was crazily busy trying to get the manure bins done, but they're done now. I enjoyed the weather and am much more relaxed.
   Next week is Thanksgiving and J's family is coming to visit. We're trying to put together our plans. I need to pause a moment and think about what would make the holiday enjoyable for everyone, myself included. J's Mom and Chelsea are planning to go Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving (bleh!!!!). They invited me, but thank goodness, I am *not* going. I'm almost done with my shopping now. I need to pick up a couple things, and order a couple things, but on the whole - I'm doing well.
   I'd like to get the house decorated for Christmas and some cookies made. Though I guess I don't really, actually feel the need to make any Christmas cookies at all. Wow! First time ever, I think. We'll make some anyhow, I know. Gotta make Almond Candy Canes and Ritz Bits, and probably the Chocolate Peppermint Bark. If I make enough extra I can leave some for the mail lady.
   J wants to go over to Harrisville to his Dad's friend's cottage on Lake Huron. LOL! You know what!!! I am *not* going to do any planning! LOL! Other than putting up Christmas Decorations (and if we can't do that Friday, we'll do it Sunday), I don't intend to plan diddly-doo. Let others plan. I'm happy to go along with whatever everyone else wants to do. I'm too tired out
   Daddy - Buckeyes
   Mama - Peppermint Bark
   Joshua - Haystacks
   Cecily - 7-layer bars
   Danny - Anise Seed Sugar Cookies
   Betsy - Almond Candy Canes
If we have the time and interest, the kids would also like to make wreaths, peanut clusters, turtles, and ritz bits. I don't feel the need to have twenty different kinds of cookies, but I'll go along with everyone else.

Opening Day - sunday

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:03:00 -0600

   Opening day of deer season. Jess and JJ are out hunting. We're wearing hunter's orange any time we need to do animal chores or be outside for any other reason.
   Composting bin is *done*! As the pile gets high I'll need to buy some more 2x6's and cut them to slide into the front channel and hold the pile in, but I am officially done. I also moved three large (5') evergreen trees to better shield the bin. The trees we'd had to cut down to access the new bins really made it look wide-open! I may yet transplant another couple trees or so, but I don't care if it doesn't happen.
   Cecily spent some time painting the offending door trim on the woodshed. Even though it needs another coat is looks *so* much better!!! So much better! She also primed the door trim on the man-door of the Big Barn. It needs a coat or two of paint, as it looks like it never really got painted when the original owner built it. The door is rusting up at the top.
   Jess and JJ came home a bit after nine last night. Their surprise trip ended up being three and a half days long! But I got a lot done and I feel good about it. I didn't have to cook or do much housekeeping or anything while they were gone. I still regret having gone to Gaylord Friday, but I'm living with it! LOL!
   No horseback riding lesson today. We're going to groom them and putz around in the barn and enjoy ourselves today. The kids are disappointed, but the horses need a day off, too!
   I'm putting dinner in the crockpot today, too, so it's ready whenever we're ready. I love my crockpot!
   All I still need to do outside before winter comes is cut down the raspberries, repair my cold frame (window broke, I'm covering the frame w/ a double layer of clear plastic) and do a little gradin, digging, and trenching in the paddock to make sure the melting snow stays out of that third stall. I guess I don't have to wait for C to finish the stalls to do that.
   I'm so glad to have a rest day today. To me, that means I can putz around in the barn and bake and do absolutely anything I want! Hooray.
   Clinton Anderson training clinic this Saturday. An ex-Amish guy has learned the techniques and is now training horses. Wonder if I could work for him. Hmmm.

Skip This if You Don't Want to Hear Me Complain! LOL!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:05:00 -0600

   Well I'm just going to paint white over that offensive green trim C put up around the woodshed door. I was really going to rip it off and throw it away, but I think the wiser thing is just to paint it. C gave us an estimate to rebuild the lean-to roof. I had to work hard to keep from choking when I saw the grand total at $4300. No - way. I have little loyalty to him as a builder and I might recommend him to someone, might not. He does nice work. He's just about a perfectionist about it. But he's not exceptionally reliable. He tends to show up or not show up depending on which way the wind is blowing, and he may or may not let us know he's coming or not. That's pretty standard fare for contractors, I know. But it doesn't build loyalty. In this economy there are any number of guys looking for work, and C has been increasing his estimates every time we turn around. I don't want to play that game.
   We didn't get a single thing done today outside. I *did* give the girls riding lessons this morning, but then we took off for Gaylord to pick up JJ's guitar, and run a number of other errands. I was exhausted by the time we hit the road, and had been trying to catch up with J all day. He's stuck in Ohio until sometime tomorrow night.
   He sprang his trip on me Wednesday at breakfast, telling me he was leaving at lunch that day for a Dr.'s appointment that afternoon, then had a meeting at OC next day. He took JJ with him. Then he left his truck at the dealer down there to do some work and it turns out it's taking all the way 'til tomorrow night. I'm betting it won't even be done then. But to be honest, he's been such a grump I'm glad for a little break from him. (JJ too.) I don't understand how he works sometimes. I guess it doesn't matter how long a couple is married. They probably never totally "get" each other. He's irritated that I can't believe C put that really ugly trim around the door - after I'd already painted it (and it looked nice in white). He expected me to pipe up and say something while C was working on it. Right. J wasn't even around for me to ask what was going on. By the time I saw it he was half done installing it, and I figured Jesse had picked it out. I was trying not to hurt J's feelings about how ugly the trim was he'd picked out so I didn't go running up yelling "Stop! That's hideous! How could you even think that this is going to help this building "blend" into the trees?!!!", and eventually I got up the nerve to kind of sideways question C about whether J had really picked out the trim. That was when I found out (too late) that
C had picked it out and suggested putting it up. So I was ticked about that. Why would C just pick out some ugly trim and install it w/o checking what would be a good color or even (heaven forbid we use some common sense here) just go with the white that it had ALREADY BEEN PAINTED! Argh.
   Yes, I'm frustrated about it, and I could tell Jess was just super irritated with me that I was disgusted about it. <Sigh> I know. He's a guy. Guys don't care how ugly something is, and they never can, never will understand why aesthetics are important to us gals. And I can't understand it myself. Why does it bother me that our perfectly good and useable pole barn and woodshed are so utilitarian looking that I feel like I'm living on some sort of a compound? And what the heck is *wrong* with just giving a little definition and detail and color to your utility buildings so they aren't just functional, but so they also give you pleasure?
   Enough of a rant I guess. I feel like today was a total loss. I knew it would be when I decided to go to Gaylord, but I thought JJ was going to need his guitar next week - which it turns out is not correct. Yes, I picked up another Christmas gift or two and got enough groceries to keep us going until I do another "real" shop, but that's no consolation.
   Time to stop being grumpy myself and put a happy smile on my face! After all, I've relieved myself of the "Christmas Card pressure" for this year (I did *not* let J guilt me into coordinating all the card stuff. It's always very stressful and expensive, and very few people seem to even care after all that effort) and I intend to once again have all my shopping done by Thanksgiving. Not only that, but I had a lovely time at Wendy's last night. What more could a gal need to put a smile on her face?