tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74122354705523665582024-03-13T14:31:57.821-04:00Javas BarnWe built a barn at home to bring my wonderful horse Java home. This is the site to find out what is going on at our property; good, bad and funny. Now we have a post and beam horse barn for Java, a couple of lucky horses boarded, and are transforming the property utilizing our John Deere 2305 and John Deere 2320. Our black labrador Mackie supervises frequently, and our Bearded Collie named Bandy provides entertainment.Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.comBlogger328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-4888196235884123292011-09-21T09:11:00.000-04:002011-09-21T09:11:06.147-04:00DerailedLife got derailed, total derailment - off kilter, etc... several times.<br />
<br />
Here are the bullet points:<br />
<ul><li>Barn help left unannounced, the month I was due with the baby, and left a trail of destruction and drama behind. No joke. More on that to later.</li>
<li>Had the baby. Emergency c-section, Doctor saves lives, we all are OK.</li>
<li>Baby comes home and turns life upside down (they do not sleep as much as I thought they did!)</li>
<li>Mackie passed away. We are devastated. It was unexpected, I thought I had years before I had to say goodbye to him.</li>
<li>We got a puppy, another black lab, same breeder, she looks like a mini-Mackie, her name is Blair. :)</li>
<li>Java tried to back out of the trailer with the butt bar UP.</li>
<li>We hire a dude named Bud to ship Java to a show in a stock trailer, I squeeze into my breeches, and we have a blast and get a ribbon.</li>
</ul>This is life. Now that you're all caught up, I can get back to posting regularly!<br />
<br />
And, our baby is pretty cute if I may say so myself. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbzdJGXdDJM/TnniOYzRCGI/AAAAAAAACSk/DDA4twsgZYk/s1600/g1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VbzdJGXdDJM/TnniOYzRCGI/AAAAAAAACSk/DDA4twsgZYk/s320/g1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The puppy, Blair:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK3q6A3Jmpg/TiV3QVumOFI/AAAAAAAACSY/Ety_KL324HY/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK3q6A3Jmpg/TiV3QVumOFI/AAAAAAAACSY/Ety_KL324HY/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Blair and Bandy get along great, and they run around like terrors and play a tremendous amount.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is down at the pond, Bandy is partially wet, Blair is terrorizing her to try to get the bone from her mouth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P86rS_W3hWU/TiV3vOaWxlI/AAAAAAAACSc/nlQ8yjv93l0/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P86rS_W3hWU/TiV3vOaWxlI/AAAAAAAACSc/nlQ8yjv93l0/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I miss you Mackie:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKuz1YfOkqA/Tm6293U_-AI/AAAAAAAACSg/ALI-5qDb5l0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKuz1YfOkqA/Tm6293U_-AI/AAAAAAAACSg/ALI-5qDb5l0/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-12445296498078097552011-04-07T09:07:00.001-04:002011-04-07T09:10:14.303-04:00And it's not 9:00 am yetJava fed, out, mucked, etc.<br />
Then I'm waddling around, taking photos of the brown early spring.<br />
<br />
I look around at the brown, knowing it will be green very soon and I take these photos...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-soZOd5Skf2o/TZ2ydWh6isI/AAAAAAAACR8/DONw83PVQxA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-soZOd5Skf2o/TZ2ydWh6isI/AAAAAAAACR8/DONw83PVQxA/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byKgfvwTqEc/TZ2yrlrSOFI/AAAAAAAACSA/vzxGyheS0pw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byKgfvwTqEc/TZ2yrlrSOFI/AAAAAAAACSA/vzxGyheS0pw/s400/002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pl8Lyt3Yg34/TZ2y7-949wI/AAAAAAAACSE/y6YCoAb6_vU/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pl8Lyt3Yg34/TZ2y7-949wI/AAAAAAAACSE/y6YCoAb6_vU/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then Bandy and I walk around some more, and Mackie catches a whiff of something and dives into the top paddock to explore and investigate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bandy, as usual is at my side and I take these photos... but Bandy is saying something to me, I just don't know it yet:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMKWltCB3o0/TZ2xSxFlZeI/AAAAAAAACRo/JRQmCcux7wQ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMKWltCB3o0/TZ2xSxFlZeI/AAAAAAAACRo/JRQmCcux7wQ/s400/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Bandy is saying something like: Um, HELLO, Mackie is quite interested in something right now in the top paddock. Why are you looking at me, go stop him before he does something stupid!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWju5DXjHgg/TZ2xx-vgXsI/AAAAAAAACRw/nK4T7DX_yjY/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWju5DXjHgg/TZ2xx-vgXsI/AAAAAAAACRw/nK4T7DX_yjY/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Covq5JN9KYQ/TZ2yAlFwjGI/AAAAAAAACR0/8Z3KkMBqwpY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Covq5JN9KYQ/TZ2yAlFwjGI/AAAAAAAACR0/8Z3KkMBqwpY/s400/007.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu4BOqDrCCA/TZ2yPDEueEI/AAAAAAAACR4/Rpc-GYM57ZM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu4BOqDrCCA/TZ2yPDEueEI/AAAAAAAACR4/Rpc-GYM57ZM/s400/008.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You're not listening are you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ro4ohknku00/TZ2zCgmdwuI/AAAAAAAACSI/ci6NcBgFgNg/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ro4ohknku00/TZ2zCgmdwuI/AAAAAAAACSI/ci6NcBgFgNg/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I carry on, what a nice morning, la la la la la, lets go to the house and get biscuits!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Mackie bursts out of the top paddock, very proud of something... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, neat, it's a branch that looks just like a horn?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, that IS a horn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't have livestock, neither do my close neighbors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But now I have a horn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It's shedding or something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lucky me, I have an awesome sense of smell being pregnant, and I can verify that thing used to be attached to an animal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mackie was very proud of his find and let me take it from him before he went into the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cy_RS4-6nM/TZ2zQBW621I/AAAAAAAACSM/ViNZRnBQn1g/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cy_RS4-6nM/TZ2zQBW621I/AAAAAAAACSM/ViNZRnBQn1g/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA4BsJp4MCk/TZ2zchCGNTI/AAAAAAAACSQ/owHPF_nSfEs/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QA4BsJp4MCk/TZ2zchCGNTI/AAAAAAAACSQ/owHPF_nSfEs/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-38382794656030361862011-03-30T10:32:00.000-04:002011-03-30T10:32:30.287-04:00the new additionThe new baby, it's not our human baby, he's hopefully going to wait a few more weeks to arrive, but we had to get this new addition, now.<br />
<br />
I used to have hay guys that delivered and loaded the loft. When I got small loads or 50 bales or less to fill in between larger loads, I walked the bales up the loft stairs one by one. My hay guys went out of busines.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm pregnant, I cannot load 50 bales into the loft by walking up the stairs. Mr. Java's Mom does not want to walk 50 bales up the stairs either, but it's not because he does not want to go in to labor. It's because walking bales of hay into the loft is not nearly as much fun as using a hay elevator!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So, we did some thinking, planning and finally got this. Our new baby.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello beautiful hay elevator:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGe-D3tgaC8/TZM3p1nI8mI/AAAAAAAACRc/JtGJJoYMkMo/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGe-D3tgaC8/TZM3p1nI8mI/AAAAAAAACRc/JtGJJoYMkMo/s400/008.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfZnbZXju1k/TZM32wGf-gI/AAAAAAAACRg/7jLKp5JQMx8/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfZnbZXju1k/TZM32wGf-gI/AAAAAAAACRg/7jLKp5JQMx8/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little beauty ran like a charm. We tried to find a used one (for over a year), and finally bit the bullet and got a newborn hay elevator.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went and go two loads of this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AgO4lBRtGQ/TZM4viAbanI/AAAAAAAACRk/Kvll8kaFpSM/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AgO4lBRtGQ/TZM4viAbanI/AAAAAAAACRk/Kvll8kaFpSM/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We got a load of first and second cut. Java likes both, but of course she does, she's my girl! She is counting the days until she can spend all day out on the grass, and until then, picking through first cut is OK, as long as the neighbors are doing something entertaining. She's hoping for some landscaping or home improvement projects to start with the neighbors. But so far it's just been UPS deliveries. Boring.</div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-32113360329510265062011-03-21T12:19:00.002-04:002011-03-21T12:40:34.836-04:00silly timeWe have had the most gorgeous early spring weather lately... sun, chirping birds, the grass is eeking (let's pretend that's a word because I'm not totally sure right now) out some green color...<br />
<br />
and then... this. It's snowing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aAMLfutYjok/TYd41hITLbI/AAAAAAAACRY/8g_FM8WJ2BU/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aAMLfutYjok/TYd41hITLbI/AAAAAAAACRY/8g_FM8WJ2BU/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Don't worry, the horses were already out for hours this morning. Java clearly made her preference clear when the snow started that should would rather be inside for a little, so they are in the barn with the back windows open, eating hay and hanging their heads out to observe from their comfy stalls. When the snow stops, they will go back out, to roll in the wet ground and enjoy the afternoon. Tomorrow it will be sunny.<br />
<br />
The horses also have a little spring fever. This translates into silly time. Luckily the boarder who's horse was on permanent silly time left last week. Yes it was dramatic. Not the actual departure, but leading up to it. But nobody got short changed so it all ended well. Java even seems to like this. She has her little chestnut pony (boarder) all to herself.<br />
<br />
I'm huge pregnant. The help I hired has not been here for 3 days, so needless to say, I'm staying quite active. Getting on the tractor is a tough one though. Bending in general is pretty awkward. The rest is all pretty good. <br />
<br />
So, as I'm looking for back-up barn help, a new boarder and organizing taxes, I'm trying to prepare for the human addition that is on his way! Sounds hectic, but surprisingly it's not. I think this is all going to work out just fine. Pregnancy hormones are magic, it's the only explanation.<br />
<br />
Oh, and the snow won't last. It's OK. :)Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-18900450799503438902011-02-14T13:27:00.000-05:002011-02-14T13:27:18.643-05:00time fliesTime flies when you are reduced to a waddle through 3 feet of snow.<br />
<br />
I has been forever since I've posted. Sorry. Sincerely.<br />
<br />
Yes, by now we all know it's been a wild winter for a lot of us. We got a lot of snow, then a lot of snow on top of that snow, and a lot more snow on top of that snow. We are finally experiencing some melting... not beautiful warm breezes and little trickles of water as the snow receding and birds chirping... but the snow is now only about 18 inches deep.<br />
<br />
I took a lot of photos, and they just don't show the depth. But we personally were spared any tragedy, emergencies or major inconvenience. Mr. Java's Mom spent days and days and days plowing, shoveling, and clearing the roof with each additional snowfall, and he did a great job. That made all the difference in dealing with the snow. <br />
<br />
Snow photos:<br />
<br />
This must be after the first big snow, because aside from this one day, we have not been able to get out to this particular paddock until yesterday. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvpd6JtmGqY/TVlupZcYdmI/AAAAAAAACRA/qEuTph2_4P4/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvpd6JtmGqY/TVlupZcYdmI/AAAAAAAACRA/qEuTph2_4P4/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
we got more snow since this photo, but the snow was very pretty, and kept everything so quiet as it absorbed the sound (the only sound being the neighbor's dog...barking... all the time... at nothing...)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Anq1PI-Myew/TVlu4M_FV-I/AAAAAAAACRE/A77iQ_2rkOs/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Anq1PI-Myew/TVlu4M_FV-I/AAAAAAAACRE/A77iQ_2rkOs/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This lucky bush experienced enough thaw to be exposed to the real world again. Then we got a really neat and beautiful frost. Not a bad icy kind, like a covering of frost on everything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHIq1p2zesM/TVlvFk1BOfI/AAAAAAAACRI/yT2t9kCSVgw/s1600/snow+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHIq1p2zesM/TVlvFk1BOfI/AAAAAAAACRI/yT2t9kCSVgw/s400/snow+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We got rain on top of the snow, and very cold temps. As time went on, the snow got denser, and finally Bandy and Mackie could walk on top of it without falling through to their necks. Bandy took this opportunity to perch herself on top of a snow covered stone wall as we waited for Mackie to finish sniffing around during a recent walk. The only drawback of this, is now we can hear the neighbors dog loud and clear without the fluffy snow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnB-9H170_k/TVlvVRvpddI/AAAAAAAACRM/2UlmWXQwZgQ/s1600/snow+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnB-9H170_k/TVlvVRvpddI/AAAAAAAACRM/2UlmWXQwZgQ/s400/snow+027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
frost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DggSSrqgqA/TVlvi_KPMPI/AAAAAAAACRQ/EodMK_vXnco/s1600/snow+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DggSSrqgqA/TVlvi_KPMPI/AAAAAAAACRQ/EodMK_vXnco/s400/snow+018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Le Tundra.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy0_gx6nAAo/TVlvxIHHwYI/AAAAAAAACRU/brVHvlQ-RXM/s1600/snow+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy0_gx6nAAo/TVlvxIHHwYI/AAAAAAAACRU/brVHvlQ-RXM/s400/snow+034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
phase 1 or 2 of snow, but not phase 3 yet, because you could not see the bushes at all a couple of days later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPum5-tMldE/TVlr2uwmUpI/AAAAAAAACQk/7lRTLo3BlA0/s1600/snow+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPum5-tMldE/TVlr2uwmUpI/AAAAAAAACQk/7lRTLo3BlA0/s400/snow+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Mackie tried to romp through, and got totally stuck. He ended up resting his head on the snow and closed his eyes to take a nap! We got him out, no labbies were harmed in this fun. Bandy tried too, and inhaled snow, she's shorter than Mackie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdm4KLxhh78/TVlsO5iZNiI/AAAAAAAACQo/o3-arAOvN6o/s1600/snow+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdm4KLxhh78/TVlsO5iZNiI/AAAAAAAACQo/o3-arAOvN6o/s400/snow+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
mountains of snow everywhere...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BxXW6vZC2I/TVlsd_ri3TI/AAAAAAAACQs/hsx8GzwP2nM/s1600/snow+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BxXW6vZC2I/TVlsd_ri3TI/AAAAAAAACQs/hsx8GzwP2nM/s400/snow+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One particular storm was a little windy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-443mi-f6wSM/TVlss7HYYpI/AAAAAAAACQw/gle-s-D8R5M/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-443mi-f6wSM/TVlss7HYYpI/AAAAAAAACQw/gle-s-D8R5M/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Java does not mind, actually all the horses have been great about it all. They have been only able to go out to the small pens, but they have not missed a day of turnout.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Kj2mrfA8LE/TVls7SK5IxI/AAAAAAAACQ0/If1xgOl7pMA/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Kj2mrfA8LE/TVls7SK5IxI/AAAAAAAACQ0/If1xgOl7pMA/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Little Shorty (new guy since Sugar left for Mississippi to join his owner) is in pretty deep.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx5eDKHtKCU/TVltYC_s2AI/AAAAAAAACQ8/5GUiLligWTk/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx5eDKHtKCU/TVltYC_s2AI/AAAAAAAACQ8/5GUiLligWTk/s400/068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There is a pile of snow out a door in our kitchen (not pictured). Mr. Java's Mom and I were to bet if it would melt by the time the baby is born. No bets, since we both think there will be snow there when our son is born (due date April 23). At least the snow is pretty! This has been an anything but drab winter. A little cumbersome, and a lot of work for Mr. Java's Mom, but we're all safe. :)Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-48514308974608303472011-01-10T12:13:00.002-05:002011-01-10T12:34:56.367-05:00DratDrat. I can't seem to catch rats in the zapper. The bait slowly disappears, with no stiff rat reward inside.<br />
<br />
So I brought back the pros and we placed additional bait boxes. The bait is secure inside the box, the opening into the box is small enough that only a rodent can get to the bait that is secured in place with a pin in the box. I have not seen any more rats, although, I think the big ones are too smart for this bait box stuff, the smaller ones prove to be very easy to catch with snap traps.<br />
<br />
I was having exciting yet revolting luck with the snap traps. I took photos but it's not worth hurting your eyes, or brain. All I can say is that rats are more disgusting and strange than I imagined. Think a mix of blood, mystery, creativity and my strong will to protect Java's Barn from rat life. Mr. Java's Mom has not assisted with any rodent issues, but he can barely tolerate the updates, so I'll spare you too. Oh, and for the record, the rodents are not in the grain bin. They prefer the first floor apparently (grain bin is in the loft).<br />
<br />
Sugar healed from his injury that he came here to heal from. He was a wonderful lameness rehab patient, and of course we became completely attached to the little guy. But, the day finally came for him to join his owner in Mississippi and he left last week. His replacement arrives this coming weekend. The replacement belongs to someone who will help me at the barn and with the baby when it arrives. So the herd will consist of Java, T and Shorty, all sound and healthy. Sugar left with a nice horse transportation professional and a day or two later, we got a beautiful blanket of snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSsy4XS8b3I/AAAAAAAACP4/n8xXtNrYhoE/s1600/snow+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSsy4XS8b3I/AAAAAAAACP4/n8xXtNrYhoE/s400/snow+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Java clearly excited about the snow outside. Time to play and roll! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(that is one of the bait boxes under her blanket rack)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszFD54UeI/AAAAAAAACP8/XnQF5zlYl1c/s1600/snow+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszFD54UeI/AAAAAAAACP8/XnQF5zlYl1c/s400/snow+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszX4DXsbI/AAAAAAAACQA/aQMc4aC_fbw/s1600/snow+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszX4DXsbI/AAAAAAAACQA/aQMc4aC_fbw/s400/snow+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszlMbytTI/AAAAAAAACQE/mIaG_1Wjqss/s1600/snow+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszlMbytTI/AAAAAAAACQE/mIaG_1Wjqss/s400/snow+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sugar... are you in the barn, come out and play! </div><div style="text-align: center;">He has been gone for days now, but she still looks for him. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Totally heartbreaking. She has never missed a buddy like she misses Sugar. T is in the next paddock, she likes T's company, but not like she appreciated Sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszyiIOD4I/AAAAAAAACQI/Panh34Mg3wA/s1600/snow+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSszyiIOD4I/AAAAAAAACQI/Panh34Mg3wA/s400/snow+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">looking for goodies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSs0AaOkHUI/AAAAAAAACQM/H94Vw0MFie4/s1600/snow+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSs0AaOkHUI/AAAAAAAACQM/H94Vw0MFie4/s400/snow+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSs0R140LbI/AAAAAAAACQQ/PZeCz1Hv7Hs/s1600/snow+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSs0R140LbI/AAAAAAAACQQ/PZeCz1Hv7Hs/s400/snow+046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Panoramic shot that looks mini because it does not fit on the page.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSs0YLWxzqI/AAAAAAAACQU/PsiRqR-jX1A/s1600/snow+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TSs0YLWxzqI/AAAAAAAACQU/PsiRqR-jX1A/s400/snow+049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">next post coming soon...</div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-88600038923191035842010-12-13T18:59:00.002-05:002010-12-14T19:17:43.835-05:00Doctors are very smart but sometimes annoying, and the rodent update:Many of the readers of Java's Barn blog are probably horse ladies... horsey women usually don't like talking about babies, pregnancy, etc. I am one of those. Especially since I am 5 months into this pregnancy and have found out that the worst symptoms and conditions of pregnancy are not talked about... until you are pregnant. This is a trick to make us think we can have babies and not go insane.<br />
<br />
Either way, I think horsey ladies need our own doctors. Or we should be allowed to be treated by our vets.<br />
<br />
Case in point:<br />
I'm a the baby doctor's office (OBGYN) this past week. You are scolded if you are not eating anything home made from your own organic garden, and put on a plate while singing nursery rhymes. I've promptly and unfortunately gained 20 lbs, am constantly hungry, but have not skimped one bit on the barn work, upkeep or dog walking. I just do it a little slower than normal. But I am not miserable, but getting used to being perpetually uncomfortable unless I'm wearing size XL fleece pants, but smiling and happy.<br />
The baby doctor informs me that I should watch my weight, eat more vegetables, fruit, beans and exercise. I explain to this doctor what activity I do on a daily basis and she looks at me like, yeah right, sure you take care of 3 horses and their millions of pounds of manure daily and walk the dogs through the woods in all weather for acres and acres.<br />
Mr. Java's Mom and I agree that these monthly check ups are not fun. I will get back into my britches by next July, so the less weight I have to lose the better, but good greif! <br />
<br />
No matter, I will take this angst and use it to finish eradicating the rodent population on the property. <br />
<br />
The head count:<br />
No mice in traps or zapper.<br />
No rats in zapper.<br />
Lots of dead rodent smells throughout the property from rodents eating poison and going somewhere discreet to die.<br />
One horse (explained below).<br />
Two dogs (also explained below).<br />
<br />
Java and Zapper: I had the zapper in an corner of Java's stall under her food bucket, but she decided it was a toy. I'm lucky it still works.<br />
Mackie and Zapper: Then Mackie found it, thank god it was off, and it took more abuse and I'm even luckier it still works.<br />
Note to self, keep zapper away from dogs and horses, but near rodent places.<br />
Bandy and mouse snap trap:<br />
Bandy was spotted carrying a set mouse trap in her mouth, and thank god dropped it when i said her name in a confused, bewildered, and shocked way... "bbbbbandyyyyyy?????" She gently set it down. No wonder the trap has not caught anything, if the dog could get it out of it's hiding spot, start to carry it in her mouth and put it down without it going off, i probably won't when a mouse touches it.<br />
<br />
Bandy the mouse trap inspector:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TQax-Luvm0I/AAAAAAAACPs/hWy2ltzTL5c/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TQax-Luvm0I/AAAAAAAACPs/hWy2ltzTL5c/s400/003.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Mackie the Rat Zapper inspector:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TQayH0L_pWI/AAAAAAAACPw/JpRw2lQRWco/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TQayH0L_pWI/AAAAAAAACPw/JpRw2lQRWco/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
That's OK, I walk the dogs 3,289 times a day, and as I come along a spot where dead rodent smell fills the air, I gladly relish the moment for a nanosecond and appreciate that they are killing themselves conveniently.<br />
<br />
And, as for the baby doctor, I will hone my selective hearing skills.Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-6580826384098280092010-12-07T09:51:00.001-05:002010-12-07T10:02:36.181-05:00Compost cooking and rodent body count:Every weekend, Mr. Java's Mom heads over to what we call the farmyard area of the property and takes the manure from the "turning bin" and puts it into one of the 3 other bins of the Manure Cabana. I'm pretty good in the kitchen, but I make good compost too. You can tell by the steam. We bed with straw, so it cooks down fast.<br />
<br />
Nice and steamy:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5E-2JYjhI/AAAAAAAACPM/yJLi-BQ3_qc/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5E-2JYjhI/AAAAAAAACPM/yJLi-BQ3_qc/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Making sure he gets a good bucket full:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5FRv0tELI/AAAAAAAACPQ/IH10eLwdEfM/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5FRv0tELI/AAAAAAAACPQ/IH10eLwdEfM/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5Fk2Hd0DI/AAAAAAAACPU/DpWpMJ5r52k/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5Fk2Hd0DI/AAAAAAAACPU/DpWpMJ5r52k/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and, into the other bin for more cooking:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GCe5UZxI/AAAAAAAACPc/WJHiWlBch70/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GCe5UZxI/AAAAAAAACPc/WJHiWlBch70/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
other compost shots:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5Fzav4fBI/AAAAAAAACPY/FanVtvvTJoo/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5Fzav4fBI/AAAAAAAACPY/FanVtvvTJoo/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GQpJbp6I/AAAAAAAACPg/OeASGSI4fmI/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GQpJbp6I/AAAAAAAACPg/OeASGSI4fmI/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GfOWUAaI/AAAAAAAACPk/04ggduD0Z3I/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GfOWUAaI/AAAAAAAACPk/04ggduD0Z3I/s400/021.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I turn around, and see that everything is under control, we are being supervised:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GtodKZLI/AAAAAAAACPo/kFtt-cif3Tk/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TP5GtodKZLI/AAAAAAAACPo/kFtt-cif3Tk/s320/023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The rodent count:<br />
Rat Zapper has caught 3 mice, one of which got blasted out of the zapper. Zero rats. This means that I have many less rodents than I thought, they are eating the poison and dying politely somewhere else, or I have very smart rats and mice and they avoid the zapper.<br />
<br />
Java has a confirmed abscess in her front right hoof. It is a doosey (this does not spell check but you know what I mean). Her heel bulb is bulging as the abscess is working it's way out of her hoof. Yikes. She is tolerating her prescribed veterinary treatment well (OK that's a small lie, she will not tolerate having her hoof soaked, but will let me wrap it in anything I want 24x7), and I hope we're done with this in a few days. I'm not complaining, I'd rather an abscess any day over most other lameness possibilities.Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-89151793425309765102010-12-01T10:30:00.000-05:002010-12-01T10:30:19.597-05:00Rat strategy and general Java updateIf you are lucky enough to not need to know about rats, this is an important fact: They are smart. If you have tried ever to kill rats, you are saying to yourself, "duh! they are not easy to trap".<br />
<br />
I have not caught one since the wonderful snap trap kill. I know there is at least one more. Darn thing doesn't even bother to be shy, GRRrrrrrrrrrrrrr. <br />
<br />
So... I bought a "Rat Zapper".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZfd8H6TQI/AAAAAAAACO4/lDotlnor7qw/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZfd8H6TQI/AAAAAAAACO4/lDotlnor7qw/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: white;">This thing is supposed to kill rats and mice with an efficient zap of electrocution. Nice and easy. Then a light goes on in the box indicating that something dead is inside, you slide the dead thing out (or over the wall, he he, just kidding) and re-set for more wonderful moments of dead-ness</span>. (nevermind that this section of text for some reason is highlighted).</span><br />
<br />
BUT. I have not caught a thing since getting it on Friday. This is disappointing for a few reasons, including that I was going to measure the rats for bigness (fun!). Bait is supposed to be dry. So the bait currently is a dried date and some dry dog food.<br />
<br />
These rats are smart. I will get them though. Because I don't want to get a cat, I'm motivated to get the Zapper going in high gear. Tonight I'm going to try some left over stuffing... dry, but barely moist at this point. And I have plenty left over in case it works.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Java is painfully lame. Her right front is the problem. I'm hoping abscess. The vet arrives tomorrow. She's tough as nails, bright, and weight bearing, but I can see it hurts her. She does not soak, but will leave a bandage on, so she is getting her hoof packed and today is on stall rest today (it's raining like crazy anyway). Well, at least I don't have to worry about riding.<br />
<br />
Yesterday Java and Sugar were very interested in something across the neighbors chemically green lawn and into the woods. I'm guessing a trail rider. Sugar was sure it was a monster, before the pics he had his little arab tail up and was snorting. I took the opportunity to take some photos of the two of them, even though they are dirty. The third horse "T" was actually spooking at something in the opposite direction, so she did not make it into the photos.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZe8B9AupI/AAAAAAAACOw/j7WR8-WSD5k/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZe8B9AupI/AAAAAAAACOw/j7WR8-WSD5k/s320/036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZfsLjnCzI/AAAAAAAACO8/ypvJykqhU9w/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZfsLjnCzI/AAAAAAAACO8/ypvJykqhU9w/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZf6MECKFI/AAAAAAAACPA/yyxfaa_w0Ms/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZf6MECKFI/AAAAAAAACPA/yyxfaa_w0Ms/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZgIgRwFQI/AAAAAAAACPE/xA5HqMJ_lFQ/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZgIgRwFQI/AAAAAAAACPE/xA5HqMJ_lFQ/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZgXj8boDI/AAAAAAAACPI/ZXJXLA_Ia2w/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZgXj8boDI/AAAAAAAACPI/ZXJXLA_Ia2w/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>OH, and Bandy's haircut. The one she got after getting into the burrs (a couple of posts ago). Poor thing, she likes it, but it's not exactly the best haircut I've given her. It's her long haired Jack Russel mixed with I-don't-know-what look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZfO784JyI/AAAAAAAACO0/pLr1FoduutA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TPZfO784JyI/AAAAAAAACO0/pLr1FoduutA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-9240326319796300472010-11-22T10:34:00.001-05:002010-11-22T10:38:24.942-05:00rat update<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've been very preoccupied lately... not with the impending baby, but with the rat challenge.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If I did not see it or them every once in a while, I would not have such a focused plan of attack on the Rat(s)... but they are big, and so incredibly disgusting, that I will not rest until I believe they are gone, dead... out of the barn. They aren't like mice, they are not as shy, this is bad.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I first saw the/a rat, I called our fancy exterminators that we have a contract with. They quickly came over, assured me they would get them, and set me up with several bait boxes. Poison (lots of it) is placed in a plastic box so that other things, like the dogs, or cats, or people, cannot get to the bait. There is an opening in the bait box for the rat. I think our rats are too big for the opening. I would show you the bait box, but it is under a shelf in the overhang, and I'm afraid to put my hand under there... ew. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I called around for a cat. You would be surprised at the cat rescues that think having a cat live in a barn is not nice. Weirdos.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">No matter, I'm persistent, I called the Humane Society, they have several cats suitable as barn cats that they would love to send me away with. Pregnant ladies (that would be me) cannot get anywhere near cat doo-doo, so this has been a big deal to consider a cat. But, I have not had time to go get the cat yet.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">SO, for the heck of it I got some rat spring/snap traps. They are cheap, easy to set up, and might work. I do not think I will eradicate all rats forever with snap traps, but at least I could try and get a couple until I get the cat, or come up with a better solution.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well my friends... this morning I have a little spring in my step and a big grin from ear to ear.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Because, I caught a rat. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yes, I took photos. Yes, I had to be careful to not barf when getting the rat with trap out of where it was. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, if you might barf, be careful, these are photos of a dead rat with a little rat blood. But YAY!!!!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">OK, I heard from experienced rat killers that you should tie the trap to something. This is good advice. I also heard you should tie the bait to the trap. I use roasted carrot on one trap, and roasted brussel sprout on the other. They like carrots better.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is the trap and the white string is tied to the stairs. It was taught this morning, so I hoped we got a rat and not a mouse... I pulled on the string, and based on the weight of the trap, I knew we got a biggie. I almost wretched, so I left it there and got the camera and got psyched up for the big reveal.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqIaQEhjjI/AAAAAAAACOU/lIusI9iakt4/s1600/rat+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqIaQEhjjI/AAAAAAAACOU/lIusI9iakt4/s320/rat+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Here is a fortunately blurry photo of dead fat rat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqInDrUDOI/AAAAAAAACOY/X9fzNjY-6NU/s1600/rat+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqInDrUDOI/AAAAAAAACOY/X9fzNjY-6NU/s320/rat+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Two more for positive identification, and because I was fascinated by the size of the thing. One photo on wood chips, one on gravel, for a better view, because I'm strange like that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqI20JtfGI/AAAAAAAACOc/GQ_Owkoq9d4/s1600/rat+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqI20JtfGI/AAAAAAAACOc/GQ_Owkoq9d4/s320/rat+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJFRun34I/AAAAAAAACOg/yW3p2dherzo/s1600/rat+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJFRun34I/AAAAAAAACOg/yW3p2dherzo/s320/rat+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now, dead rat with trap and all in bag. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJtdUqe_I/AAAAAAAACOs/bjqeIB1HOnM/s1600/rat+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJtdUqe_I/AAAAAAAACOs/bjqeIB1HOnM/s320/rat+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm just going to toss this bag over the wall onto the neighbor's perfectly manicured lawn. Just kidding. I"ll put this bag into two more bags and take it to the dump... which is not open until Wednesday. Ha. Logistics.<br />
<br />
Sugar watching me:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJQyC34AI/AAAAAAAACOk/sa8IJbRlx3Y/s1600/rat+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJQyC34AI/AAAAAAAACOk/sa8IJbRlx3Y/s320/rat+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Java and her mare friend (new boarder, she and her owner are PERFECT) ignoring my drama:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJe3ZS1oI/AAAAAAAACOo/-976QckGUmI/s1600/rat+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TOqJe3ZS1oI/AAAAAAAACOo/-976QckGUmI/s320/rat+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Mr. Java's Mom was seriously worried about the rat making a screaming or tortured noise once trapped, and that freaking Java out. I was willing to risk it. Lucky me, it snapped it's mouth shut, so Java was not traumatized.Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-62438184352838795712010-10-28T16:06:00.002-04:002010-10-28T17:11:17.690-04:00for the one time in my life, I wish it was skunk poop... but it's not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This poor little dog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She loves farm life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it does not love her coat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took my beloved canine beasties for a quick walk before hoping to fit in a ride with Java. We went all the way to the pond (the pregnant lady needs to stay active if I want to fit into my breeches next summer), and I'm watching Mackie and Bandy having their usual fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As Bandy is running back towards me, I see stuff on her. I'm thinking, whoa, that's a lot of wildlife animal feces you just rolled in, I'll get the bath ready... but realize, I WISH it was skunk poop... it's BURRS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wahhhhhhhhhhh. Bye bye ride, hello scissors:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnU_90emVI/AAAAAAAACOE/JtURwI3xa84/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnU_90emVI/AAAAAAAACOE/JtURwI3xa84/s320/010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnVNtCVsQI/AAAAAAAACOI/OOkx0wWkWpI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnVNtCVsQI/AAAAAAAACOI/OOkx0wWkWpI/s320/011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnVb4EMpQI/AAAAAAAACOM/di72poBwQhI/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnVb4EMpQI/AAAAAAAACOM/di72poBwQhI/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnVqAmWjBI/AAAAAAAACOQ/XMrhKsFEfC8/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMnVqAmWjBI/AAAAAAAACOQ/XMrhKsFEfC8/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The photos don't quite show the severity of this disaster. Her undercoat is matted, no hope to brush this stuff out. Poor little girl is sporting a funky haircut for now... I'll make her look less mangy tomorrow. I'm exhausted now!Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-66043002909197684942010-10-26T15:19:00.000-04:002010-10-26T15:19:19.181-04:00ok ok ok, I'll finally update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMcozSF4kyI/AAAAAAAACOA/W6cJM2LDA6o/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMcozSF4kyI/AAAAAAAACOA/W6cJM2LDA6o/s400/073.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ok Ok Ok, sorry for not updating. I've been very preoccupied:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Meeting prospective boarders.</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tending to the gang.</div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Trying to kill the rat that I have found living in the overhang of the barn.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Getting more hay.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Procrastinating cleaning the house.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Looking at the gorgeous tress glowing with orange, yellow and red against the pretty green grass and blue sky and trying to get one decent photo of it.</li>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And being pregnant. Not Java, me.</li>
</ul>yep, I'm in foal. No, we don't know what it is, or if we will find out before the big day. Yes, I'm excited and trying to not freak out about how I'm going to muck and do horse chores as I get big-er. Baby is not due until late April... plenty of time to let this all play out. Yeah, that's it. Mr. Java's Mom is really excited. The animals have been perfect angels and that's about all.<br />
<br />
I have been talking about breeding Java for a while. She will be glad that I am putting myself through this first. It will make me think long and hard about putting her through this. It is odd, exciting, but odd, and usually funny. I might have to start another blog about it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMcolnBIapI/AAAAAAAACN8/igFSG952aS8/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMcolnBIapI/AAAAAAAACN8/igFSG952aS8/s400/108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMcoMAXCPRI/AAAAAAAACN4/CpcfNrAKlxI/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TMcoMAXCPRI/AAAAAAAACN4/CpcfNrAKlxI/s400/069.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-36920959099064892842010-09-27T07:59:00.000-04:002010-09-27T07:59:11.442-04:00load of hay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My regular upstate New York hay guys don't deliver to me anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It only took me for what seemed like forever to find the best hay with a great farmer to work with, luckily not too far away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I told Mr. Java's Mom I was going to get some hay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mr. Hay Farmer loads my truck for me in about 5 seconds, and sends me on my way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was hysterical because this hay is not tied down. This guy can magically stack hay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I could not see a thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, I will not take 50 (FIFTY) in the back of the pick up again, too hazardous to other poor motorists if it happened to be a windy day. Luckily it was only a little breezy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3r9xYCzrI/AAAAAAAACNg/daYDSzi8z8o/s1600/P9220022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3r9xYCzrI/AAAAAAAACNg/daYDSzi8z8o/s400/P9220022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3sLsrYXhI/AAAAAAAACNk/C6ocQR8OIw0/s1600/P9220023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3sLsrYXhI/AAAAAAAACNk/C6ocQR8OIw0/s400/P9220023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">I had to pull over right after leaving the farmers field for this photo, I was in awe and shocked that he just tossed 50 bales on and advised that I drive slow and hope for no strong cross winds on a particular bridge that I had to cross.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3sZrantCI/AAAAAAAACNo/LXAW_1Bj4lE/s1600/P9220017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3sZrantCI/AAAAAAAACNo/LXAW_1Bj4lE/s400/P9220017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3sqwSxcxI/AAAAAAAACNs/3ys3WgJDsAo/s1600/P9220019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3sqwSxcxI/AAAAAAAACNs/3ys3WgJDsAo/s400/P9220019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Home safely. It's about a 35 minute drive, windy narrow roads. This is CT. It's not common to see this arrangement on the road. The other motorists, and the occasional pedestrian were terrified.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3s5CCoS7I/AAAAAAAACNw/e3oDGlxrx6M/s1600/P9220021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3s5CCoS7I/AAAAAAAACNw/e3oDGlxrx6M/s400/P9220021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Mr. Java's Mom got home from work and almost fell over. I was laughing so hard trying to tell him I somehow got home with that load of 50 bales, not tied down.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After he unloaded the batch with Mackie's supervision, we had another good laugh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have to get more hay, but I'll be more sensible next time. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and Mr. Hay Farmer called because he wanted to make sure I got home OK and did not lose any bales, and when I'll be back for more (I'll be back soon).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3tHMTOaWI/AAAAAAAACN0/sCjy2m6VxWc/s1600/P9220028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJ3tHMTOaWI/AAAAAAAACN0/sCjy2m6VxWc/s400/P9220028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-19498761833853361022010-09-24T14:48:00.001-04:002010-09-25T08:30:52.603-04:00StretchHi All,<br />
Sorry to be MIA. <br />
<br />
We lost poor Stretch.<br />
<br />
Whatever was nagging at him inside was bigger and badder than any antibiotic, hug, love, or vet team on the planet. His owner made the horribly difficult decision to let him go peacefully and comfortably.<br />
<br />
He was one tough horse and he tried so hard to beat his condition. <br />
<br />
He was also one very very gorgeous horse. What a pretty boy. Java and Sugar somehow understood that Stretch was sick and they are doing fine. Stretch's owner is still understandably devastated.<br />
<br />
We love you Mr. Stretch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJzxfuOPQ2I/AAAAAAAACNc/4Gg7hRd7j6U/s1600/P7170007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TJzxfuOPQ2I/AAAAAAAACNc/4Gg7hRd7j6U/s320/P7170007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now that I've dropped that bomb of news you on, I'll be back to regular updates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-53923658582111939612010-08-13T07:29:00.000-04:002010-08-13T07:29:36.042-04:00the new toyWe bought the trailer! <br />
<br />
We tried to go somewhere... I did not have enough time to practice loading to make it a perfect day... but hoped it would work out (hey, I'm hopelessly optimistic). It did work out, but Java stayed home. She is not keen on the butt bar yet (Java: "I don't like being trapped"), and I chickened out on making her keen on the butt bar ("I spoil my horse and let her dictate my life").<br />
<br />
My mom snapped this awesome photo right after I decided to give up. She loaded (she has that part down pat), but she almost exploded when we put up the butt bar. So I said, DONE, here's your treat, I love you but don't want to kill you in your new metal box toy today, so let's put you back in your stall, mom and I are going to watch the show.<br />
<br />
We practice trailer loading frequently now... but the big hurdle is getting her to stand when we put up the butt bar.<br />
<br />
We are talking: <br />
Java: "Just ride me there"<br />
Me: "Java, there is a huge river (the Connecticut River) between here and there, we will never be able to swim it and make it in time for our dressage test time".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TGUraOm5riI/AAAAAAAACNE/lHI7ykajuSA/s1600/trailer+no+no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TGUraOm5riI/AAAAAAAACNE/lHI7ykajuSA/s400/trailer+no+no.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
more photos of the trailer and the gang shortly...Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-30640454240929582612010-07-29T15:24:00.002-04:002010-07-29T15:27:32.373-04:00You are invited to chime in with your opinion about this trailerOK, went to see the trailer.<br />
<br />
It looks pretty good. They have used is about 6 times in the last 2 years for things like taking his tractor to a relative's house, and to help someone move a couple of weeks ago. When they had horses (that they sold 2 years ago) they used it frequently.<br />
<br />
It's a 1989 Kingston, model "Brentwood".<br />
It's 7'4 on the inside (Java likes to try to hit her head, she needs all the room she can get).<br />
<br />
Mr. Java's Mom will go with me next to look at it.<br />
<br />
Here are photos. It's not perfect, but seems sound.<br />
Floor looks good from the top and under the trailer.<br />
Lights work.<br />
Turn signals work.<br />
Windows and doors work.<br />
The spring to make the ramp stay shut until you latch it works.<br />
Butt and chest bars work.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok, photos:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHO9IcktnI/AAAAAAAACK8/Pq8YI9rxhwQ/s1600/P7290009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHO9IcktnI/AAAAAAAACK8/Pq8YI9rxhwQ/s400/P7290009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHPNi4mDDI/AAAAAAAACLE/VDd0mzH8GEI/s1600/P7290006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHPNi4mDDI/AAAAAAAACLE/VDd0mzH8GEI/s400/P7290006.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's the top left door in the trailer, they work, one is on, one is not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHPwKFV4ZI/AAAAAAAACLU/m6G_11HIzOA/s1600/P7290005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHPwKFV4ZI/AAAAAAAACLU/m6G_11HIzOA/s400/P7290005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it has imperfectoins, like this pad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Replacement pads can be found (yes, I already looked).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHP9czCGAI/AAAAAAAACLc/3UrGwOBJXrY/s1600/P7290002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHP9czCGAI/AAAAAAAACLc/3UrGwOBJXrY/s400/P7290002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Floor looks good, I would want to get any and all old bedding away from the flooring as it looks like a little is still in there. The owner must have washed it out this morning, it was a little wet in places.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHQMVo1kCI/AAAAAAAACLk/15FR29_dfWQ/s1600/P7290001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHQMVo1kCI/AAAAAAAACLk/15FR29_dfWQ/s400/P7290001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tires may be fine, but have some cracks...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We would probably want to replace them, but Mr. Java's Mom knows about that stuff, he will tell me what we should do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHQa8NfkjI/AAAAAAAACLs/DcOgTBXSUPI/s1600/P7290007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHQa8NfkjI/AAAAAAAACLs/DcOgTBXSUPI/s400/P7290007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The jack thing. It needs a pin (those are easy to find too).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This stuff all worked well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHQrt8DpfI/AAAAAAAACL0/yphFzP2PR9Y/s1600/P7290010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFHQrt8DpfI/AAAAAAAACL0/yphFzP2PR9Y/s400/P7290010.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So........ what do you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are only speaking with us about selling it - meaning it's not advertised, they have not put the word out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's because I called their neighbor and asked about it that they are speaking with us to sell it to us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got under it (a little) and it looked fine, but Mr. Java's Mom and I will take another look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think we would need to get new tires, add butt bar pads, the chest bar pads need repair, the divider at the bottom is not perfect, that would be good to replace with new material, and I think that's about it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That could add up. I have no idea what new tires for a horse trailer cost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a steel frame with aluminum "skin"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I called Kingston and new the trailer cost $6702 in 1989 (it's a 1989).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Their asking price is very very reasonable. I am not sure it leaves room to negotiate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-41329859328547807872010-07-29T11:19:00.001-04:002010-08-13T15:36:37.501-04:00chock full of events and news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRJO6LvJI/AAAAAAAACJ8/w74iz3bSGIQ/s1600/P7280001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRJO6LvJI/AAAAAAAACJ8/w74iz3bSGIQ/s400/P7280001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ok Ok Ok, there has been so much going on!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">First, Stretch: </div>he has been very very sick, since March. It is not contagious, without airing all of his details (since he's not my horse, I think I should keep it somewhat "private"), he almost left us for horsey heaven a couple of times. His loving owner, our amazing fabulous incredible vet, and I stuck it out and... He is all better! The vet pulled final bloodwork on him this week, and it's normal. The news brought tears to my eyes, and I actually almost fell out of my chair. He looks good, feels good, and is putting on weight. The easiest way to describe it is that he had in infection in his abdomen, surgery was not an option, so we had to find the right antibiotic to kill the infection, (it only took 6 meds to finally land on the right combination) and it looks like there was SUCCESS. This is huge. This is just wonderful news. <br />
<br />
Java: <br />
Her knee was injected as I think I mentioned. It's better. Improved, check that off the list. Radiographs were taken first and there are no bone chips, good news.<br />
And, she is still chowing copious amounts of Doxy for her Lyme, and she seems fine. We'll pull blood again in September and see where we land on the titer.<br />
<br />
Sugar Bear: is adorable, and has the most amazing manners. His lameness rehab/vacation here is going great.<br />
<br />
The pens still ROCK.<br />
<br />
And... you know how we are nuts about manure/composting/farm management? Well... we somehow have flies. I hate flies. So... I broke down (I'm a horribly frugal yankee) and bought Fly Predators!!! They arrived, and I spread them yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Meet my new friends:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRV6GVnYI/AAAAAAAACKE/ywOBni1CRb4/s1600/P7280006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRV6GVnYI/AAAAAAAACKE/ywOBni1CRb4/s400/P7280006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I read the instructions carefully:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRj4EGwDI/AAAAAAAACKM/NjuaM3JNmVM/s1600/P7280007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRj4EGwDI/AAAAAAAACKM/NjuaM3JNmVM/s320/P7280007.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just making sure I have enough:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRv5C5u2I/AAAAAAAACKU/7Wgpw2cAjnE/s1600/P7280008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGRv5C5u2I/AAAAAAAACKU/7Wgpw2cAjnE/s320/P7280008.JPG" /></a></div><br />
You are supposed to get 1,000 fly predators per horse. We have 3 horses here. Well, I'm not messing around, I ordered 10,000. With follow up shipments of 5,000 for the next two months. Then cold weather (wah) will come and the flies will be gone anyway. The paddocks/pens are 99% free of flies right now. The flies are IN the BARN. It's so bright and airy, that the flies made it their house. You know can understand why I'm pissed, and waging an unfair war against them. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">I always wondered what they look like... and they look like teeny tiny bees/ants with wings</div><div align="center"> and appear to be delicate. Squashable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGR743Ps2I/AAAAAAAACKc/gC8WU71fYdg/s1600/P7280009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGR743Ps2I/AAAAAAAACKc/gC8WU71fYdg/s320/P7280009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Around and in the barn they went:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGSJyiwqFI/AAAAAAAACKk/wpYFimzbCKo/s1600/P7280018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGSJyiwqFI/AAAAAAAACKk/wpYFimzbCKo/s320/P7280018.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then to the manure cabana.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGSXxjpTqI/AAAAAAAACKs/wnuAWSIM3hk/s1600/P7280029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGSXxjpTqI/AAAAAAAACKs/wnuAWSIM3hk/s320/P7280029.JPG" /></a></div><br />
After I sprinkled them around, I found myself tip toeing around the stalls... hoping to not squash them.<br />
<br />
Today, I'm going to look at a used horse trailer for sale. Can you believe it!?! It's not listed for sale... the owners live down the street, and if you crane your neck while driving... you can see what I'm pretty sure is an old Kingston horse trailer parked wayyyy off the road at their house. I know one of their neighbors, called them they gave me their number, and since I asked, they would be interested in selling it. YES! They had horses, competed in Dressage (which I consider a plus, since anyone I have ever know that competes in Dressage is a little... um... particular and fussy, this is a compliment), etc, and they don't have the horses anymore and the trailer has been sitting there... I'm taking photos when I go today.<br />
<br />
Of course there is plenty of other stuff going on, but I don't want to make you read too much. The fence issue is on hold... we are hoping that the DOT forgets about it. Not likely, but that's the status. I'll call that "wait and <strike>avoid</strike> see" status.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">Yep, Java doing this again:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGSnKqxRsI/AAAAAAAACK0/FDFe_YFG2tw/s1600/P7280026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TFGSnKqxRsI/AAAAAAAACK0/FDFe_YFG2tw/s400/P7280026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-16234571548896353322010-07-23T07:29:00.001-04:002010-07-23T07:33:12.210-04:00They like the pens... maybe too muchJava loves her new little buddy Sugar Bear.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">She has lots of grass that she sometimes will work had at mowing down.<br />
Here is a moment with Java working hard, look at that work ethic!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEl3I0uquZI/AAAAAAAACJk/zvngucf0Hag/s1600/P7220034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEl3I0uquZI/AAAAAAAACJk/zvngucf0Hag/s400/P7220034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then, she sometimes will call for me (truly, like yell for me in the house, or wait for me to pull in the driveway, then tell me what she wants)... which is "I'm tired from all this mowing I need a nap, and I prefer to nap with the company of my friend Sugar. He's so snuggly".<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So, I put her in "her" pen, she promptly put her head over the gate into his pen, and she dozed off. <br />
He happily ate hay while she snoozed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEl4URZoUKI/AAAAAAAACJs/X7rtQKbKV-8/s1600/P7220046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEl4URZoUKI/AAAAAAAACJs/X7rtQKbKV-8/s320/P7220046.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">He is a really good little guy. He is only here for a short time for rehab (lameness) so I hope she takes it well when he leaves. But if by some incredible stroke of luck, he stays, she will be so happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here they are on a totally different day, happy as can be in the gravel pens... uh guys... there is grass!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sugar cannot go out into a large turnout space yet, Java and Stretch are being excellent hosts and keeping Sugar company... close company.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEjpNkWuSmI/AAAAAAAACI0/nyoeceMWXqM/s1600/P7190022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEjpNkWuSmI/AAAAAAAACI0/nyoeceMWXqM/s400/P7190022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I look up, pray for sanity, and decide the weathervane looks pretty good for a photo.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEjpbPKnPrI/AAAAAAAACI8/3-LRlbFuoJM/s1600/P7190028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEjpbPKnPrI/AAAAAAAACI8/3-LRlbFuoJM/s400/P7190028.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Uh, Java, aren't you a little hot... there is shade in the grass paddock this time of day...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Nope, I want to be near my buddy Sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEjqA4UUN6I/AAAAAAAACJU/-C3DUDxcySk/s1600/P7220047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEjqA4UUN6I/AAAAAAAACJU/-C3DUDxcySk/s400/P7220047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">These horses!! They will do what you want, sometimes... with patience, and just the right weather. As the temps got out of the 90s yesterday, Java grazed all morning, came in for a nap (with her gang) then they went out until a record late time until coming in for the night. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">He is pretty cute:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEl7HVH5g_I/AAAAAAAACJ0/BzjB8ouTk5A/s1600/P7220043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEl7HVH5g_I/AAAAAAAACJ0/BzjB8ouTk5A/s400/P7220043.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-83656173490722148792010-07-20T15:32:00.000-04:002010-07-20T15:32:29.253-04:00Some photos of normal moments here:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just some photos of regular activity/inactivity here...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Java being... Java:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXxL3YI-_I/AAAAAAAACHs/lkIQG0s3Fxk/s1600/P7170050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXxL3YI-_I/AAAAAAAACHs/lkIQG0s3Fxk/s400/P7170050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stretch in for a mid day relaxing nap:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXxdX3klXI/AAAAAAAACH0/qoNLHs3M450/s1600/P7170027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXxdX3klXI/AAAAAAAACH0/qoNLHs3M450/s400/P7170027.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An unfortunately dark "panoramic" shot in the barn. Sugar is the only one wondering what I'm up to and looking at me. Stretch and Java have their heads in their stalls eating hay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXxmYjRizI/AAAAAAAACH8/vnBVNNi_LuU/s1600/P7170055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXxmYjRizI/AAAAAAAACH8/vnBVNNi_LuU/s400/P7170055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bandy with a bone (between her paws):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXx0vF1pPI/AAAAAAAACIE/KGmQfixsoNc/s1600/P7160081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXx0vF1pPI/AAAAAAAACIE/KGmQfixsoNc/s320/P7160081.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mackie looking a little dorky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were about to go to the pond for a swim (the dogs, not the humans).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXyH4FmwJI/AAAAAAAACIM/vCUnpHSLexE/s1600/P7160085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXyH4FmwJI/AAAAAAAACIM/vCUnpHSLexE/s400/P7160085.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are off, racing to the pond, Bandy's tail a blur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXyWMKFZ4I/AAAAAAAACIU/Rmv2gQd8vqo/s1600/P7160094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXyWMKFZ4I/AAAAAAAACIU/Rmv2gQd8vqo/s400/P7160094.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soggy dogs playing (aka, Bandy terrorizing Mackie)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXyzO8mZiI/AAAAAAAACIk/9aVodJTK1BY/s1600/P7160100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXyzO8mZiI/AAAAAAAACIk/9aVodJTK1BY/s400/P7160100.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, Java being... Java</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXzBbBBW6I/AAAAAAAACIs/5e7T-Olpt1E/s1600/P7160107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEXzBbBBW6I/AAAAAAAACIs/5e7T-Olpt1E/s400/P7160107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-19595603851883453862010-07-19T16:18:00.001-04:002010-07-19T16:21:43.287-04:00the pensThe pens went through a few final stages.<br />
<br />
This is the total list, the top stuff you already know:<br />
Excavate down.<br />
Remove the dirt.<br />
Lay down underliner/geotextile as farmtek calls is "non woven pond underliner".<br />
3 inches process (gravel with sand).<br />
3 inches gravel.<br />
<br />
THEN, in Ms. Java's pen - mats with holes. <br />
She is the destroyer of all footing.<br />
She got mats, then more gravel.<br />
<br />
Actaully, all the pens got more gravel.<br />
<br />
We got rain today, great excuse to use the pens while the grass paddocks dry out. Since it's 80* and sunny, that won't take long.<br />
<br />
The layout again is like an L. each is 12x24. If we want to open a pen larger without all 3 out, we can just open an gate and give that horse more room:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Mr. Java's Mom laying the mats for the Java - the footing destroyer:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESr3Bp89eI/AAAAAAAACF0/Oq4TL0VjYlw/s1600/P7170002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESr3Bp89eI/AAAAAAAACF0/Oq4TL0VjYlw/s400/P7170002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mats with holes, from Farm Tek, supposed to be used like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were in one of the dirt lots, but this is a better use for them, or at least we think so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, now that they are in the pens, we are sure, sure that we don't want to move them again that is...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESsO_6SL8I/AAAAAAAACF8/RWDeJbMEcQ4/s1600/P7170003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESsO_6SL8I/AAAAAAAACF8/RWDeJbMEcQ4/s400/P7170003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's pretty good at things like this, so nice and straight, flat and tidy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, he is putting the cut offs of the zip ties in an empty SMZ bottle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESshC0aqzI/AAAAAAAACGE/PCEqmV0kSUQ/s1600/P7170004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESshC0aqzI/AAAAAAAACGE/PCEqmV0kSUQ/s400/P7170004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was hot, Mackie came out out to supervise and needed to hydrate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horse paddock water is his favorite:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESs1KUHV5I/AAAAAAAACGM/9lsiCE1Mktw/s1600/P7170005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESs1KUHV5I/AAAAAAAACGM/9lsiCE1Mktw/s400/P7170005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the gates open:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEStDVHn6HI/AAAAAAAACGU/ks-P15g_i8k/s1600/P7170007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEStDVHn6HI/AAAAAAAACGU/ks-P15g_i8k/s400/P7170007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the size of the gravel:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEStRzOWV5I/AAAAAAAACGc/78a1I3v7fj8/s1600/P7170009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEStRzOWV5I/AAAAAAAACGc/78a1I3v7fj8/s400/P7170009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ah, nice pens:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEStgcZ_jgI/AAAAAAAACGk/ytOQTwncdq0/s1600/P7170012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEStgcZ_jgI/AAAAAAAACGk/ytOQTwncdq0/s400/P7170012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tidy, ready to go:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESt9v6kDzI/AAAAAAAACG0/mSrcvYqiQ6M/s1600/P7170013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESt9v6kDzI/AAAAAAAACG0/mSrcvYqiQ6M/s400/P7170013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love Tarter gates.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESuLt6282I/AAAAAAAACG8/xuaSAmOfo0I/s1600/P7170024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESuLt6282I/AAAAAAAACG8/xuaSAmOfo0I/s400/P7170024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the pen with the mats underneath:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESuoJeATSI/AAAAAAAACHM/O__Aykoj0Bw/s1600/P7170032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESuoJeATSI/AAAAAAAACHM/O__Aykoj0Bw/s400/P7170032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo is distorted for some reason, but you get the idea:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESuZ7MRBqI/AAAAAAAACHE/33c_3AzZQRE/s1600/P7170026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESuZ7MRBqI/AAAAAAAACHE/33c_3AzZQRE/s400/P7170026.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At last, project complete. We're ready for precipitation and next spring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESu3dnmtFI/AAAAAAAACHU/jVpBvwdbD9o/s1600/P7170034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESu3dnmtFI/AAAAAAAACHU/jVpBvwdbD9o/s400/P7170034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mid morning we got a dumping of rain, the storm clouds cleared, the paddocks are drying out, it's time to go out again kids!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Java and Sugar testing them out. They did not bake in the sun, it comes around in the afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each horse rolled, tucked into their hay, and last I looked, they were all in the shade napping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy horses - That makes it all worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will give the grass time to dryout, and they can go back to mowing tomorrow:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESvT0arlqI/AAAAAAAACHk/drZpAmNdBwY/s1600/P7190012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESvT0arlqI/AAAAAAAACHk/drZpAmNdBwY/s400/P7190012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center">Even Stretch likes the pens. He gets the end spot, because he has to have his own space.</div><div align="center">And his favorite posession, his hay bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESvF3DQNKI/AAAAAAAACHc/JjbroYtHzs4/s1600/P7190008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TESvF3DQNKI/AAAAAAAACHc/JjbroYtHzs4/s400/P7190008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-90151390935243245752010-07-16T21:10:00.000-04:002010-07-16T21:10:59.131-04:00fence update and general farm stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next chapter of our DOT issue:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DOT meeting yesterday morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were here and met with a regional DOT person, and a more local representative from the local garage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The regional person says that she "presumes" the property line is on the other side of the fence, and we have to remove it, move it, whatever, make it disappear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I explain that the funds for that do not exist right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was not a nice meeting. Our local DOT person was very helpful, but there is only so much that he can do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a lot to this, and it deserves it own post, or it's own blog. We are getting different information from all 3 DOT people we have been trying to work with. I'm considering making a sign and putting it on the fence, directing passers by to a blog to find out what is going on. Then if we need to take down the fence, the locals will know what is going on, and if someone can help us figure out the setbacks on the road, that would help too. DOT does not know the property boundaries, and neither do we for the road frontage part of the property... Next week we hopefully will learn more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GRRR.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new pens are being used. They are getting a second phase of completion this weekend, we are putting down mats (the kind with holes) and more gravel to help Java (the footing destroyer) keep things nice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sugar is on restricted turnout/movement for an injury (that's why he is here, to rehab). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So he got to test out the pens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Java clearly likes the little guy. She kept him company for a little while in an adjacent pen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEBzl_SOolI/AAAAAAAACE0/VAZCjxdNpbk/s1600/P7150007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEBzl_SOolI/AAAAAAAACE0/VAZCjxdNpbk/s400/P7150007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEBz43PivJI/AAAAAAAACE8/z3yNEkzJNq4/s1600/P7150010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEBz43PivJI/AAAAAAAACE8/z3yNEkzJNq4/s400/P7150010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Uh, Java, you have hay...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0HV50-ZI/AAAAAAAACFE/-VEzQLb2KvU/s1600/P7150015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0HV50-ZI/AAAAAAAACFE/-VEzQLb2KvU/s400/P7150015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stretch keeping an eye on his girlfriend and making sure to stay where he can see her while grazing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0U4JFMhI/AAAAAAAACFM/EmDFJGWS9hw/s1600/P7150016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0U4JFMhI/AAAAAAAACFM/EmDFJGWS9hw/s320/P7150016.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Java resting. She has been on stall rest/restricted turnout too since she got her knee injected.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her knee looks like it will be fine, and she is back to full turnout tomorrow:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0jYX40VI/AAAAAAAACFU/FQxsaeim8kc/s1600/P7150054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0jYX40VI/AAAAAAAACFU/FQxsaeim8kc/s400/P7150054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See the green plant in front of her window?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0xhff9YI/AAAAAAAACFc/RkQgrAcwIkU/s1600/P7150057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB0xhff9YI/AAAAAAAACFc/RkQgrAcwIkU/s400/P7150057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's tomato plants. When I put them there I never though they would get higher than her windowsill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So far she is not bothered, and does not want to eat them. Funny to see though!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB1Tewm0uI/AAAAAAAACFs/vZm0PTKzLyM/s1600/P7150062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB1Tewm0uI/AAAAAAAACFs/vZm0PTKzLyM/s400/P7150062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I did not bother to put proper tomato cages around them because they were so small when I put the seedlings there. Now, I could use some tomato cages... but I'm making do with bailing twine and stakes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB1Ek7gurI/AAAAAAAACFk/2Ngyygv4RnY/s1600/P7150059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TEB1Ek7gurI/AAAAAAAACFk/2Ngyygv4RnY/s400/P7150059.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm taking photos of the next phase of the pens, I am excited that we are integrating the mats (mats with holes) into the project. The footing is awesome. But Java will work a certain area and excavate, she's um... needy. The mats might add just the right bottom to stabilize the footing and keep her from excavating where we don't need it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">More tomorrow. :)</div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-21077590413261430822010-07-15T09:41:00.003-04:002010-07-15T11:22:57.824-04:00new camera and neighbor drama<div style="text-align: center;">The camera situation. Mr. Java's Mom had a really nice camera, which I "adopted" and killed. I got almost two years out of it. But, eventually it could no longer function. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The old camera:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8GwWq14CI/AAAAAAAACEM/eDJcaJ-TC3s/s1600/P7150004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8GwWq14CI/AAAAAAAACEM/eDJcaJ-TC3s/s320/P7150004.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8G9pyVYMI/AAAAAAAACEU/rD31azu6irs/s1600/P7150008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8G9pyVYMI/AAAAAAAACEU/rD31azu6irs/s320/P7150008.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The shutter is stuck open, and other problems. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">You were good to me little guy, sorry to have accelerated your demise</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I arrive at Staples and announce that I want the cheapest camera because I will kill it fast in the conditions I will probably put it through. Well, they make a camera for people like us! It's waterpoof up to 10 ft of water, can be dropped from 5 ft high, you can wash it off, dunk it, let it get rained on, horse snot, dropped in wet grass, jammed in my pocket with hay, withstand below freezing temps(!), and is supposed to work after a couple of years of that abuse.<br />
<br />
So far; me likey. It's called the Olympus Stylus Tough. Staples had a sale and I had a coupon, so it was not too much. More than I wanted to spend, but if I don't have to get a new camera in the next year, I"ll come out ahead. I'm not saying yet that I would recommend this camera yet, I'm still getting to know it.<br />
<br />
Horse stuff will have to be in the next post, this issue is important, and stupid, but hey...<br />
I have edited this because my husband wants me to.<br />
OK, neighbor drama. A complaint came in about our fence. Might be a next door neighbor, maybe not... but I do wonder...:)<br />
We do have a neighbor named Jim, he has told me that he does not like the fence, but it may or may not be him. Nobody is telling us who, but the stories are a little wishy washy that they point in a certain direction. But, it's not important who complained, the DOT is on our case, and it hurt$! (yes hurts with a $).<br />
<br />
This is what happened:<br />
Moosie leaves.<br />
Java is screaming.<br />
My phone rings (cell).<br />
The person on the other line starts in that he is with the state DOT (Department of Transportation) there has been a complaint about our fence out front, and... actually aside from this guy being really mad at me, getting extremely frustrated that Java keeps interrupting the call with absolute enormous neighing, and this guy's cell phone cutting out, we did not get to that part. But he was not nice, not professional, not helpful... to the point that when the "conversation" is done, I hang up the phone in tears. I was not having a bad day, Moosie had just left, on time, with her humans, that made me happy. I was getting the barn ready for Sugar, that is wonderful, this guy reduced me to tears. Not before I told him he could have this conversation in person, since I could not figure out what he was talking about.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, today, at 10:00 we have a meeting, with the DOT. We did not install that fence. We were going to replace it years from now with something of our taste, but it is going to be expensive, and baby Java needs meds, the garage needs a roof, etc. so... Anyway, it is one thing to have an issue, BUT it is a whole other thing to do something that will cost someone money. We will soon find out if we will have to remove or relocate the fence in front of the house. Maybe the little green trees too ($!Dammit). Because we live on a state road, and there are a certain number of feet off the road that the state and we share, and certain things can and cannot be done on those few feet. I like to comply with rules, laws, easements, but do not like it when surprises come up and cost us money. We'll fine out soon... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Photos of the fence (yeah, we probably would not have chosen that style, but we're working on other things right now and it does serve a purpose).</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This house was built in the 1700's. There has been a fence in front of it for a long time, this fence was installed about 10 years ago, two owners ago, to replace another fence, which was probably there for 30 years, which probably replaced a livestock fence of some sort that was there for a looong time, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8LQMoTzLI/AAAAAAAACEc/zlhxSXtlBvM/s1600/P7150066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8LQMoTzLI/AAAAAAAACEc/zlhxSXtlBvM/s400/P7150066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8LexKbsyI/AAAAAAAACEk/1kexmOskWHI/s1600/P7150067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8LexKbsyI/AAAAAAAACEk/1kexmOskWHI/s400/P7150067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8Ltye941I/AAAAAAAACEs/13HH4vp7rbY/s1600/P7150068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD8Ltye941I/AAAAAAAACEs/13HH4vp7rbY/s400/P7150068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
20 mins until the big meeting...Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-1587213918648276722010-07-14T21:36:00.000-04:002010-07-14T21:36:15.802-04:00new arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, so I made it to Staples to choose a new camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sweat had dried a little on the way, and I did not smell too bad, so off I went.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wandered the camera section while wondering if I had a tick in my hair AND a bug up my pants leg, but was able to choose a camera. It's made to withstand dropping, water, abuse, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll see about that, won't we!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But that took a lot of time, so this will not be the full scoop post, but some of it, still fun:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sugar Bear is here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More on him to come, but hello, he is cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5jgewLIdI/AAAAAAAACDs/MZ1vsgdHGEA/s1600/P7170014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5jgewLIdI/AAAAAAAACDs/MZ1vsgdHGEA/s400/P7170014.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's looking around wondering, where am I?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5jwxsC5fI/AAAAAAAACD0/KkL_B4epNis/s1600/P7140044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5jwxsC5fI/AAAAAAAACD0/KkL_B4epNis/s400/P7140044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Mr. Stretch. Checking things out, splattering the barn a little and being fabulous.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5j9pgm0YI/AAAAAAAACD8/ZdX3eCJonjE/s1600/P7140054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5j9pgm0YI/AAAAAAAACD8/ZdX3eCJonjE/s400/P7140054.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Java... </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Java says, yes, the grass is greener on the other side.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5kMvz-rqI/AAAAAAAACEE/RYY91XL9oX0/s1600/P7140061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TD5kMvz-rqI/AAAAAAAACEE/RYY91XL9oX0/s400/P7140061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">All is well. The horses are great, we got rain, and I don't think I had a tick in my hair.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">More tomorrow... </div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-6446910756927759492010-07-14T07:59:00.000-04:002010-07-14T07:59:31.560-04:00a new post coming up later todayI'll put up an update post later today about:<br />
The new pens are done, look great and I love them.<br />
Moosie/Lucie left yesterday, she gave her 30 days notice, which flew by so I had not broken the news to you all yet. But, it was very much so the right more for the horse and owner, and I'm happy too.<br />
New arrival comes in today. Very exciting.<br />
The neighbor (the new one) is making life difficult here, he's a real gem, thanks JIM, you're a treat.<br />
Java got her knee injected yesterday. I'll show you what it looks like and why.<br />
Java got a Lyme test (blood draw) in 2007, it was 0, as in zero, that's the best it can be.<br />
Java got another Lyme test, she's low positive. Meds start today.<br />
<br />
Hm... this might be more info than for one post, but I'm keeping the camera going as much as I can until I have time to get a new one so there will be pics.<br />
<br />
Either way, at least things aren't boring! ha.<br />
<br />
I'll post later, thanks for understanding. :)Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412235470552366558.post-57477945337663214402010-07-09T21:42:00.000-04:002010-07-09T21:42:31.821-04:00fencing staples for the all weather pens and a couple of horse pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The usual view, but the temps are hot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The horses are dealing very well with it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have trees and cool shade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am coping, hydrating, and changing clothes a lot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's alright with me, these are good problems.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDek0zgMzMI/AAAAAAAACDE/U8BRTNnYmPI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDek0zgMzMI/AAAAAAAACDE/U8BRTNnYmPI/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "pens" still look like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been hot, and we can finish the fencing and gates this weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, there has not been a need to potentially drain Mr. Java's Mom's enthusiasm for farm improvements and put him to farm-work here after he gets home from job-work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDekseq3b7I/AAAAAAAACC8/YGZc1a24vU8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDekseq3b7I/AAAAAAAACC8/YGZc1a24vU8/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have only gotten to the staples phase of fencing in the pens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We pound the staples in a little, and then run the fence through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is not a great idea to pound staples first for large areas, but for this small area, it makes sense (efficiency sense) since the fencing doesn't need to be pulled too far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The staples are little "U"s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we string the fence through, and pound the staples in more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we proceed with the project, I'll explain more with pics.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDek8dr4UjI/AAAAAAAACDM/VEW1TqfOSOs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDek8dr4UjI/AAAAAAAACDM/VEW1TqfOSOs/s400/004.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Stretch has really been enjoying his days.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Long days out grazing, watching his girlfriend Java, and relaxing.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo is right after they were brought in for dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">His muzzle is covered with his mash dinner (wet senior grain) and he gazes out the window, </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">bottom lip drooping, getting ready for a little snooze.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It's hard work eating and putting on weight. He is doing a great job.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDek_qKoVeI/AAAAAAAACDU/qasUiRrfhEU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDek_qKoVeI/AAAAAAAACDU/qasUiRrfhEU/s400/005.JPG" width="367" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">He's a cutie. And, so pretty. I'll work on better photos of him.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I absolutely love him, and so does his owner. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">His personality is pretty unique, which adds to the mix, in a good way.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey Stretch, nice slobber on the barn. :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDelDkEAKOI/AAAAAAAACDc/St-PecDJAQU/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDelDkEAKOI/AAAAAAAACDc/St-PecDJAQU/s400/009.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey baby.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And, just in case Java sees this post, I don't want to leave Java out of the scene. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">She knows and so appreciates how loved she is.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Her eyes are glowing because the flash kicked in. Oops.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDelH5JvsEI/AAAAAAAACDk/7icJcQ95eoU/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TTI5Zwqrk-Y/TDelH5JvsEI/AAAAAAAACDk/7icJcQ95eoU/s320/017.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The camera is about done with taking pictures for me. I can get about three photos out, then it quits.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopefully I can nurse it along for a few more days until I have time to get out for a new one.</div>Java's Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08053015366363203873noreply@blogger.com4