Sunday Highlights

Just a wonderful day relaxing with family . . . we made homemade applesauce to go along with our barbecued pork chops for dinner . . . Jen and I enjoyed a nice Cosmo in front of the campfire on the deck . . . the seven of us enjoyed playing Mexican Train after dinner . . . KL made chocolate chip cookies for dessert . . . just a fun-filled day!

JD acting silly . . . which happens often.

My first grandchild, KL . . . look how much taller she is than I!

CD wanted to learn how to knit.

After a while and a lot of patience, he caught on.
Now he wants to make a scarf.

KL loves reading. Her dad came in to ask her and the boys to go with him on a walk before dinner. She said she'd love to and wanted to take Lacey along, too.

Only in the country would you see this . . .
taking a horse for a walk, as if it were a dog!

Lacey did well, actually loved the walk.

Life is good!

Thanksgiving Day 2009

Outside of having the battery on my camera run out on me not allowing me to take but a couple of pictures, we had a wonderful time with our Simply Country Farm family. We have so many things for which to be thankful . . . especially our health, life's pleasures, and family so close by. We missed the mid-western part of our family but sure look forward to their Christmas visit to sunny California this year!

Teaching Jen how to stuff a 21-pound turkey. This was a fresh Zacky Farms turkey that we roasted in a bag. It turned out beautiful (you'll just have to trust me on that since I have no pictures to show you) and was tender and oh-so-juicy!
Great job, Jen!

It was such a pretty day . . . a little cool, but we enjoyed a nice campfire after dinner, gazing at all the stars, and watching the satellites sailing across the sky.

Life is good!

Happy Thanksgiving

May your Thanksgiving be full of beauty, warmth, yummy food, and especially love.

Life is good!

Welcome Lacey to Simply Country Farm

Today Ken and I accompanied Jen and the kids to go see a possible new horse for KL. Their dear friend, Mrs. Valentine, saw the Paint, Lacey, advertised on the Internet yesterday and went to see her for herself before she let Jen know about her. She was so impressed she could hardly wait to get a hold of Jen and KL because she thought Lacey would be perfect for KL. (In fact, if KL wasn't happy with Lacey, Mrs. Valentine decided she would purchase her for herself.) After spending a good hour and a half with KL riding, and all of us admiring Lacey's sweet personality and intelligence, it was decided that she indeed belonged at Simply Country Farm. She's current on all her shots and has already been checked out by a vet and was found to be in sound physical condition. The owner just wanted to be sure she will be in a loving environment . . . there's certainly no problem there. She'll be coming home tomorrow, and we are so happy for our granddaughter!

Walking out to the pasture in anticipation of meeting Lacey.

One thing KL looks for in checking out a new horse is how cooperative the horse is when checking their hooves.

The "paint" markings are subtle.

The western saddle was quite heavy, however KL acted like she hoists heavy saddles every day.

She rides beautifully.

Welcome, Lacey—you will be truly loved!

Life is good!

We Have to say "So Long" to Angie

Yesterday was a sad day for our family. Angie was taken to the vet's office for a "pre-purchase checkup," just to make sure she was in sound condition, health-wise. However, after a thorough checkup, the vet came out with bad news. It seems that she has quite a few health issues, too many for a new owner to deal with and be able to ride her in competition. It was decided, with tears streaming down their cheeks, that this isn't the horse for Simply Country Farm, especially for KL.

Angie will be returned to her owner, as we feel in our hearts that the perfect horse is still waiting to be adopted. It will be sad to see her leave, for we've all got such a soft spot in our hearts for her, but it is what it is, and we'll be able to move on.

So we say "So long, Angie, we'll forever remember how sweet and loveable you are, and we hope you feel better soon."

Horse Expo - Level Two

This was "our" second 4-H Horse Expo for Madera County. And this year we were not so much the "new kid on the block!" The horse group from the Golden Oak chapter had three participants and all three won medals! We were so proud.

Jen and the boys arrived early to set up the snack bar. By the way, we sold out of cookies (in the basket on the left).

KL participated in Level 2 this year. There are two parts to the day. The first is written testing. Here she is identifying the different food items for horses.

The second part was to show her skills in riding and having control of the horse. Last night she wove Angies mane . . . isn't her mane beautiful!

KL wore her brand new pretty buckle on her belt.

KL on the right waits with her buddies to show their stuff before a judge.

She is being judged in the arena.

Angie, with KL in control, had to walk forward five steps (only) and backward five steps, as the judge watches.

After being judged, she looks happy with her efforts.

And her efforts paid off. She accepts her medal at the award ceremony. Good job KL! On to Level 3 next year!

Life is good!