Pink Elephant Balloon

Jug Balloon

Darth Vader Balloon

Church Balloon

Beer Mug Balloon

Crowded

I heard there were some 600 balloons registered for the fiesta. I have not heard exactly how many went up yesterday, nor how many people attended. I did hear that there were some 25,000 cars in the parking lot at some time during the morning.
The morning was perfect, but the afternoon turned into a sand storm with lots of wind, followed by a rain that kept the balloons from doing the evening balloon glow, and then a harder rain during the night, (we had 1 and a half inches in our rain gage) caused a cancellation in this mornings mass ascension. But I heard the this evening the balloon glow was supposed to go. So if you don't like crowds don't go.

Raise and Fly

First the balloon which is about 3 stories high when inflated is unrolled from the large bag it is kept in. Then several people hold the bottom open while cold air from a large fan is forced in. At the proper time a propane burner which is attached to the top of the basket that holds the balloonist under the balloon is used to heat the air in the balloon. As the balloon heats it raises until it standing straight up. The balloon crew holds it on the ground with ropes until it is told it can go by the balloon referees. In this photo you can see the baskets, called gondolas with people in them. Each balloon is piloted by a licensed balloon pilot. Most balloons are from the United States, but there are pilots and their balloons as crews that come from lots of other counties.

Early To Raise

Balloon people seem to take the idea of getting up before dawn to extremes. Early morning in the fall seems to be the best time to fly hot air balloons. So going to the balloon fiesta meant that my aunts and I got up at 4 am, drove to a designated parking lot in Rio Rancho where we caught a special bus that took us to the Balloon Park in Albuquerque. That was at 5 am. We arrived there while it was still dark and waited impatiently for the Dawn Patrol to take off, which they did about 6 am. The Dawn Patrol are the first few balloons that take off right before dawn to make sure it safe for the other balloons to fly. Sometimes it may seem safe on the ground but higher air currents can be a lot different. Balloons don't fly if it is raining, too windy, or snowing. But this day was perfect. No wind, rain, snow, and it wasn't even that cold. Balloonist don't understand the word cold. It seems the colder the better. By 7 all of the other approximately 600 balloons were preparing to fly.

Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is in full swing, or should I say flying high. It is held every year in October. This year my two aunts, ages 80 and 78 came to visit us and other friends and relatives in New Mexico and wanted to go to the fiesta. I had not been for a number of years and decided it would be fun so off we went to see the balloons. On the weekends the balloons do what is called a mass ascension, and during the week they have different kinds of competitions. There is also, balloon glows on some evenings, and a special shape rodeo when the odd shaped balloons are featured. In this photos are mostly the normal or regular shaped balloons. Some are up and flying while others are just rising.

Dirt Roads

I found this old story of Paul Harvey's at the following website. I really like it but wish it was still true. On our dirt roads we do have drugs and drugs dealers, now. We do have tailgating and inconsiderate drivers. We have people running stop signs including the police and sherrif, and animal control. When we have rain people complain about the mud and expect county road crews to clean it up. But hopefully we don't have as many problems on our dirt road as people have in the cities on their paved roads. http://famguardian.org/Subjects/FamilyIssues/Articles/DirtRoads/DirtRoads.htm

Phewwwww

We grow watermelons this year. More than we have ever grown before. Last year we tried but they were still green when we had an early freeze and never finished ripening. This year we have had all the watermelon we could eat - and the neighbors, too. And it sure has been good. They have tasted a lot better than the ones we buy from the store. A lot more taste or flavor and oh, so, sweet. Of course that goes for the tomatoes and cucumbers, and squash we have grown, too. I joke with the neighbors saying it is because I fertilize them with horse poop.
And that brings up the thought of if horses like watermelon. I had always heard that they did. So I took some out to the horses. I was pretty sure none of them had ever had any before, and I must have been right. Each horse would smell it like it might taste good. Then he/she would reach out gingerly with their long lips and do a little nibble-nibble on the edge of the melon. You could see the wheels turning in their mind. It looked like they were thinking "Not to bad". So he/she would nibble a bit more - and it was at about this point that they would get a real taste of the melon. Then each and every one of my 5 horse would give me a disgusting look and spit at the melon with a "ppphhhewwww" sound. Which would make me laugh. The horse would look even more disgusted and turn and walk off. I got them impression that they thought I was making fun of them for not liking the watermelon. No I haven't offered them any more.
But they do beg for their other treats like horse cookies, carrots, apples, what few grass clippings we get from the scattered clumps of grass in the yard, and their favorites gingersnaps, animal crackers, and their very best favorite peppermint candies.

Political Comercials Harassment

I think I'll quite watching TV on our local channels until after the election. I get so tired of seeing the same commercials over and over and over. And all those commercials do is tell what the other politication has done that is worng. They never seem to say what they will do to correct the problems. At least they aren't on the Direct TV channels. I don't watch a lot of TV but I do like to watch a few things when I sit down to rest. But having to see and listen to those political commercials is really getting to me.
And it isn't only the TV. Their bad in the newspapers, and then there is the mailings. But worst of all are the phone calls from people with India accents wanting to do a survey on my political thoughts. No one needs to know how I feel about the candidates or how I plan to vote. If my ballet is to be secret why should people from another country call to ask how I will vote? It is none of their business or anyone elses. And those calls can't be stopped as they do not fall under the "do not call" listing rules as they arn't asking you to buy anything. And when you ask to be put on a 'do not call' list they hang up on you. If a politicial really wants my vote he or she might find a way to stop this politial telephone harassment.

Deer

Here is the photo of both deer watching me as I was watching them.

The other day we went and started our fall woodcutting trips to the Jemez Mountains. The last few times we have been there we haven't seen any deer or elk. This time we saw 3 deer. The first one ran across the road in front of us on the way to where we wanted to check for wood. We got to where we wanted to go and spent several hours going from one fallen log to another using the chainsaw to cut it up and then stacking it on the pickup. We moved the truck again, not taking any precautions to not scare any animals that might be in the area as by now we assumed they would all be in hiding or long gone somewere else. Just as lee got out the chainsaw again I turned and there was a deer not more than 200 yards from us. We spent several minutes watching her. I assumed it was a her as it didn't have any antlers. But instead of watching us she seemed more interested in looking off to our left. She walked off in that direction when I got this photo of her. As I followered her she let me get even closer. Then I saw another one. It, too, seemed to be a doe as there were no antlers. I was able to get with in about 50 yards of them, then they would walk off a few feet. Finally they and I got tired of the game and they took off. I have never had deer do this with me before. It was very unusuall. I do hope they learn that humans can be dangerous as hunting season is near, and there are many hunters that will shot a doe even though it is against the law.

Gourd in Tree

the morning glories weren't the only vine that grew up into a tree. I had a gourd vine grow up into one of my redbud trees. I knew the vine was growing up the tree but hadn't seen any gourd on it. The tree leaves hid the little gourds so well I didn't see them until they were quite large. About a foot tall. I hope the tree can handle the weight. They look like odd decorations hanging in the tree - about 5 in all. And I have about 20 more growing on the ground where they belong.

Beauty in the Morning

Each morning the beauty of the morning glories help me get started on another day. I have about 4 different areas where there is hundreds of blossoms each day. Sadly they are all gone by evening but I know another group of them will be there to greet me the next morning. I love this blue color but also have other shades of blue and some purple. Morning glories have always been one of my favorite flowers not only because of their beauty but because they are so easy to grow. They are an anual and do have to be replanted each spring but grow fast, with little fertilizer and not as much water as a lot of other flowers. One group decided to grow up into my Bradford Pear tree. A Bradford pear is an ornimental pear meaning it has beautiful white flowers in the spring but no fruit.

Goathead Weeds

these weeds are going to just cover me up and every thing else on the place. All kinds of weeds - tumbleweeds, goatheads, ragweed, and a dozen others that I don't even know the names of. I sort of half way tolerate anything that doesn't have stickers on it. Except the ragweed - well it sort of has a sticker - or at least it has some kind of very fine, hairlike thing that likes to stick in my skin if I'm not using gloves. And it sure does make the me sneese and caugh, and sniffle. Yucky allergies.
but worst of all are the goatheads. In the southwest we have these horid, visious, monsters that are better know as a weed. If you've never seen one, it grows in a sort of circle, flat on the ground, with tiny yellow flowers that make the moster goathead sticker seed pod. It is a roundish seed pod with horns on it, hence the name goathead. The so called horns can penatrate the toughest skin and even tires on a car. Traveling on tires seems to be the favorite way of goatheads for getting from one place to another. I could have swore several times that I had them gone from my yard and then there they would be again. I see them on my car tires. I have learned to reconize them as soon as they pop out of the ground. But with all the weeds we have growing right now the goatheads are very good at hiding in amoung the other weeds so that they can get very huge with lots of stickers before I find them. You would think they actually have a mind and can think what they are doing when they hide among the other weeds that don't seem to care if they are providing shelter for a monster. Some have been at least 2 feet across when I found them. Their little yellow flowers can be a dead give away. Yes, dead, because when I find them I stop what ever else I am doing and pull them, making sure to put them in the trash rather than to leave them lay as I do lots of the other weeds. And the poor puppies and kitties when they get one in their feet. I have known 2 people who have had to have the stickers removed by doctors. One person let his get infected before going to the doctor and almost lost his foot. I try and keep them gone but most of my neighbors don't fight them at all.
I can't figure out how they can live with a lawn of goathead stickers. If anyone knows of a good organic way to get rid of the goathead mosters please let me know.

House for Sale

For those looking to buy a home, there is a house for sale in Rio Rancho, NM. It is a nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath, with a big addition that could be used as a family room, master bedroom, den, or office. If interested leave a comment with an email and I will get back to you.

Lazy, Dirty People

I have been helping a friend clean one of her rental houses. I have helped before and know the situation. The renters don't want to pay as much as the owner wants, which isn't enough to make a profit after the mortgage on the house is paid each month, plus, the insurance, and taxes. The renters are all so nice and friendly and act like they will be more than glad to keep the place clean, both inside and out. But when they have been there for a few months the owner starts seeing signs of not cleaning and little bits of destruction to the property. This gets worse and worse as well as non-payment of rent until the renters have to be asked to leave. Sometimes they do, sometimes a simple eviction notice is enough, other times it takes a court order and the police to get them out.
My friend though buying a few properites and renting them would be an easy way to make some money. Not so. Every renter is required to pay a large damage deposit and asked to give 30 days notice before they move out. She has never had a renter give notice they were moving. They might call and say their gone, or come give her the keys and say they are out, or as in this case just be gone when she went to collect the rent. The renters cell phone isn't working any more, and she has left her job. None of the renters have ever made an effert to clean when they move out and most make sure to leave lots of holes in the walls, dirt on the floors, carpets, cabinets, and filty bathrooms. They never make any effert to clean the yards at all. I have heard of the city complaining about the weeds in the yards, and the owner having to request renters leave because they won't keep the weeds down, let alone think about keeping a lawn mowed, although it was stated that they would in their contract, and they agreed to it.
It makes me realize just how lazy and dirty the average person is.
Let me say right now that I know there are lots of people who rent and live up to the requirements of their contract. I know I usually left a rental house in better shape that it was when I moved in when I was having to rent. And I agree that a lot of people do the same. But around here it seems to be the normal thing to try to destroy as much of the house as you can or at the very least make it dirty and lots of work for the owner to clean up.
With this house the owner is going to have to have the house repainted again, new carpet put in, new tile in the kitchen and bathroom, one new door that was broken, a new door frame for the front door and around the area where the washer and dryer went. There is a large drawing/picture on the door going into the garage that looks like gang sign. If it can't be painted over the door will have to be replaced and it is one of the heavy metal safety doors. For safety the locks on the door will have to be changed. At least this time there is no sign of drugs yet, just lots of beer cans, and cigerate butts in the back yard. These renters couldn't even put their trash in the trashcan and put it at the curb on trashday even though the home owner paid the garabe bill. We figure there is about $5000 to have the house made livable for someone else again. We will do as much as we can so that other workers don't have to be called in. And this time the house is to be sold. My friend is getting out of the rental business. Everyone that we know that owns rental houses or apartments is doing the same. Where do these kinds of irresponsable people think they are going to live when their credit is shot because they were to lazy and liked living in filt, and all the rental owners get out of the business?

Falling Stars

I love to sit out side after dark and watch for falling stars or meteor. There is supposed to be more than usual this week. The most were to be seen early on the morning of the 12th but I didn't hear about it until today. Should still be more than normal again tonight if you want to watch for them. more information at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/22jul_perseiddawn.htm

Sunflowers

Adopt PMU Foals

For those that want to help the PMU foals there are several sites that offer information on adopting PMU foals. I can't recommend one over another as I have had no direct connection with any as I can't afford another horse. But it is a good way to get a horse that is in desperate need of a home. You can google adopt PMU foal where there is a lot of sites.

Warning about PMU Websites

A warning to those of you that deside to research the PMU mares and horse slaughterhouse websites. They can be very graphic and very destressful. I can't go back to them anymore.

PMU Mares

Do YOU want to take a medicine made from Mare's Urine?
I went to the doctor the other day for a checkup and to get my prescriptions renewed. The doctor seemed very distracted and didn’t seem to be listening to me, and the same with the rest of his staff. For starters I was trying to make them understand that I don’t have medical insurance anymore. When my husband retired, my medical insurance that had been almost free became $400 dollars a month, plus co-pays. There was no way we could afford that. Neither can we afford any other good insurance on the market right now. (He still has full coverage for free.) As I don’t have anything that doctors seem to be able to take care of I just haven’t bothered to get any. The doctor agreed to renew my prescription for my high blood pressure medicine and the pain meds I need to keep my legs, back, and feet from hurting so much. Then I talked to him about my night sweats and hot flashes and mood swings. Yes I am in menopause. It seems that menopause is still a taboo subject even with doctors. Most women and men don’t want to talk about it, or even think about it. My doctor agreed to put me on an estrogen. Now let me say that I have been on estrogen before for several years, and when the scare came out that they might not be good for you I went off and haven’t taken any for about 2 years now. But my hot flashes and night sweats are getting worse and worse. I may be smiling and happy one minute and crying for no reason the next. It becomes a quality of life situation. And I knew that the kind of estrogen I had taken before was one of the $4 dollar meds at Wal-Mart as is my high blood pressure med. So I told the doctor what I had taken before. He mumbled something about giving me something else. I was dumb for not pushing the situation. At the pharmacy I was told the prescription was for Premarin, (or they thought it was, as it took 3 of them to figure out his handwriting), and would cost me about $130 a month. I nearly came unglued at that. Then I thought to ask if it was the stuff that had mare’s urine in it. The answer was yes. I thanked them nicely, said I couldn’t afford it. They gave me a list of what was on the $4 list of estrogen meds. I called the doctors office the next day and asked for something different. Again I explained to the doctor’s nurse why I didn’t want the Premarin. She said she would talk to the doctor. Finally 2 days later she called back and said he didn’t want me to have the other stuff and since I had insurance I wouldn’t be paying anything but the copay. I almost screamed at her, and explained again (for about the tenth time) why I didn’t have insurance and that I wouldn’t take Premarin even if I did have insurance. She will talk to the doctor again.

For those of you that don’t know let me explain. For Premarin mare’s (a female horse) urine is collected and made into the medicine. To collect it a pregnant mare is made to stand in a tiny 8 foot long by 3-foot wide stall for 6 months and never allowed to lay down or move more than a few steps. They have a machine attached to them to collect the urine in that is never completely removed. Mind you they are pregnant and kept overweight, never allowed to exercise for those 6 months and not allowed enough water so that their urine is higher in the estrogen. They are feed well and kept overweight so that when their usefulness is over they can be sent to a slaughterhouse to be killed and eaten as a meat delicacy in other countries. (Japan, France, Belgium) As soon as she gives birth the mare is allowed out in the pasture for a few months to raise her foal that is usually sent to slaughter, also. (about 40,000 PMU foals are born each year) The mare is breed again on her first heat cycle after foaling so the whole cruel process can start again.

Do you want to be taking a medicine that has mare’s urine in it from a mare that is enduring such a cruel, painful life when there are other medicines on the market that don’t have mare’s urine that are just as good and a lot cheaper.

If you think I am making this up as I was once told by a co-worker, please go to a couple of the websites that are trying to get this stopped. I had heard about it a long time ago and though it was on the decrease, but find that the PMU farms are still going and creeping into the United States. Most are in Canada. Canada, on the whole is a good country to visit and see but they don’t advertise about their PMU mares and horse slaughterhouse. Neither does Mexico. Nether does the United States. At least the US did shut down the slaughterhouses but have not stopped the auction buyers from buying horses from auction and sending them across the borders to Canada and Mexico.
Here are some of the websites. You can access others by googlleing PNM mares.
http://www.premarin.com/ http://www.prempro.com/ and this is one of the companies that makes medicines from mare’s urine. www.StopWyeth.org
I found this one very informative.
http://friendsofanimals.org/programs/domestic-feral/horses/pmu.html
And this one is on You Tube and dated for Jan. 2008 I couldn't watch all of it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I-IWYOIx7Ug

Zucchini

My zucchini crop looks to be good this year. I have had a few squarsh bugs but not to many and the couple of heavy rains we have had seem to have washed the few we had away out behind the garden into the open space of desert behind us. I have already pigged out on several plate fulls of fried zucchini which I really love. Now I am looking at making zucchini bread and a cassarole or two.
The tomatos are just starting to turn pink, so should be ripe in a week or so. Now I won't have to worry about buying or not buying tomatoes from the store.
I have 2 pumpkins coming on and 1 watermelon.
do hope the garden does a bit better than that but it is a small garden. I have found that usually I have one type of veggie or fruit that does better than all the others each year. One year was cherries, one year it was plums, one year or maybe a few more than one, we had tons of tomatoes. so it looks as if it will be zucchini this year.

More Fly Control

As I was reminded ants and birds will eat your fly predators if your not careful. Fly predators are noturnal (come our at night) so should be turned loose at dusk. That can help protect them from ants and birds, too.
Now don't get me wrong, ants and birds are good fly control, too. Ants that find fly in the pupa stage will move them to their nest to be eaten by the young ants. Birds will dig through the horse manure and eat the fly pupa. So will different kinds of beatles.
but the flies can usually out breed and out populate all the insects and birds that want to eat them. We have to continue to protect the good insects so they can help destroy the bad.

comments on electronics

thanks for the comments on electronics - yes I know and will pass on the info that it is best to destroy the hard drive in computers you are recycling as some people will pull your personal info out and you have identity thieft . It is best to break up the hard drive. And on a cell phone get rid of all info and phone numbers.

Adoption

I got this poem in an email and thought I would share it with everyone. It is so true, and sad, and wonderful at the same time. You can change the word dog to horse, cat, or other animal that is adopted by those that love and care for them.

> From Susan Renick at Second Chance Animal Rescue What a great poem, dedicated to those who rescue and adopt the little forgotten souls from the pounds. >

> I adopted your dog today
The one you left at the pound
The one you had for seven years
and no longer wanted around.
> I adopted your dog today
Do you know he's lost weight?
Do you know he's scared and depressed
and has lost all faith?
> I adopted your dog today.
he had fleas and a cold,
but don't worry none.
You've unburdened your load.
> I adopted your dog today.
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies or was
there no reason he couldn't stay?
> I adopted your dog today.
he doesn't play or eat much
He's very depressed, but
he will learn again to trust.
> I adopted your dog today.
And here he will stay.
He's found his forever home
and a warm bed on which to lay.
> I adopted your dog today.
And I will give him all that he could need.
Patience, love, security, and understanding.
Hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.
> -Author Unknown>

Fly Control

For more information on fly control and fly predators please go to
www.spalding-labs.com
This is another step for me in not using pesticides. I prefer to go organic as much as possible.

Fly Predators

Fly predators are very, very small flying insects that lay their eggs in the pupa of a fly. the pupa of the fly is like a caccoon that the fly, as we know it, will hatch from. The only job of the fly predator is to kill flies. What a wonderful little bug! I had heard of them a long time ago, but like most people was reluctant to order any. But this year with all the rain causing a huge increase in flies I am trying them. I have released my first batch of predators. Of course it will take a couple of weeks before they really get with it and start attaching the hords of flies we have that are torchering me and my horses. I will get another batch soon, and about once a month for a couple of months. I will let you know if they really start doing the job of keeping the fly population down. In the mean time I am using those stinky, smelly fly traps that you can buy at feedstores and walmart. Fly traps work but boy do they smell bad.
I wish I had ordered the fly predators in the spring when I first considered it. Then maybe I wouldn't have the problem I have now. Spalding has been selling fly predators for about 30 years and a lot of people swear by them. I know that ladybugs work on aphads that eat roses and other plants and that most plant nurseries now sell different types of parasite-type insects that eat bad insects. Sometimes they are called hymenotodes or hmenoteran insects. They are the most beneficial insects in the world. Sometimes they are called parasitic wasps but they are not at all like what we consider to be a wasp. They are so tiny you usually won't even see they and they do not sting or bite. When I first saw them in the special bag they come in I was really amazed at how realy tiny they are.
Also if you continue to import in these great little bugs you will increase the number that are breeding in your area and hopefully they will start doing a better and better job.
Fly predators don't just help keep down the flies where people have horses. They can help with other livestock like cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and even with dogs and cats. But of course you need to help, too. It is still necessary for you do clean up after your pets as much as possible and incourage your neighbors to do the same thing. If you clean and use the predators and your neighbor doesn't they might not be able to keep the flies down.
Yes I am pushing the use of these insects even before I have really tried them. I feel that it is really important for everyone to stop useing so many pesticides and insecticides so we can do more to clean up our enviroment.

More Rain

We had another 2 inches of rain on Tuesday evening. That is more in the past few weeks than we have had in the past 5 years. Now the humidity and flies are driving us nuts. I ordered fly predators from www.spalding-labs.com about 10 days ago. the little fly predators were ready to release on Monday. I am sure most of them drowned in the foot of rain we had in our yard on Tuesday. So I ordered more today. I will wait until after this next weeks rain to let them go as we are expecting rain off of Dolly for this weekend.

Heat Safety

It's July 21, 2002 and it's HOT. And where I live it is very humid. We are not used to humidity. It feels as if I am going to pass out when I try to do any work outside during the day. I would like to remind everyone that hot weather can be very dangerous. Especially when it is different from what you are used to. Take a moment to remember this when you are planning those outings or even around your own home. Remember to drink plenty of water and make sure that your children and pets have lots and lots of fresh water available at all times. The last thing we want is a doctor or vet visit because we didn't offer them enough water or make sure that the toys, sand, sidewalk, playground equipement or what ever isn't to hot for children or pets. You may have shoes but your dog doesn't. they can burn their paws so easy, as can your kids if they take their shoes off.
And never, never, never leave anyone - child, adult, dog, cat, or other pet, even a reptile in a car for even a few minutes. Cars heat up so very fast, and death can come very quickly inside. Can you think of the horror of coming back to find a baby or dog dead because it was left in the car. It happens more than we want to think about.
And that pony or horse. He/she is fun to ride but try to do it in the early morning or evening. The humidity seems to bothering my horses as much as it does me. they arn't used to it any more than I am. Again they need lots of fresh water. sometimes I feel that all I do is clean and fill water buckets for the horses, dogs, cats, and the wild birds that have come to depend on me for their water.
If you start watering wild birds you need to keep at it as they can easily die with out it when they are used to you putting it out. they may not have any other sourse of water.
Of course this is just my personal opinions and hope I haven't offended anyone but I see adults that don't seem to have enough sence to hydrate themselves let alone their children or pets. Please keep in mind that water is the essence of life.

Recycle Electrinics?

I have an old computer and printer that I wanted to recycle and keep them out of the landfill. On checking who would take them, I found that my local garbage company and landfill doesn't take them. I did find that several electric stores in Albuquerque do but they charge you $10 for each item, and that would be on top of the gas to go the 50 miles to the store and return home. Althought most do take other things as keyboards, and mice for free. (I wonder if they want my live four legged mice that run around and squeek.) I do have several phone stores near by that will take the old ccell phones I have.
So is it any wonder that so many of the unwanted electrics wind up in the landfill or tossed out on the desert, and some even on the dirt roads near my home?

Complain

We find ourselves complaining about the blowing sand and them begging for a bit of breeze when it is still to try and cool things down some and blow the flies away.

We complain about not having rain and then complain about the humidity when we do get rain.

We complain about the cold in the winter and then complain about the heat in the summer.

Moisture

Finally, some rain. We had about an inch last Saturday night late with a scarey thunder and lighting storm.The flashes of lighting were so bright they were blinding and the thunder was super load. And of course I got caught out in it and soaked. It was just spitting a little bit and I went to move horses around so everyone did have a shelter, Just in case it really did decide to rain. While moving the it surprised me and came very suddenly. the time I was able to move one horse and give up on moving another, I was wet through and through. I decided I was an idiot to be out moving horse in an electrical storm and took shelter in the hay shed with my husband. It slacked for a minute so we dashed for the house, and it came down harder than ever. But with in a half an hour it was all over with.
Since then we have had about another half inch in several days of lighter showers. Again with lots of thunder which is driving the dogs nuts. I can not figure out how my dogs got so afraid of thunder, fireworks, backfiring cars and other load noises like that. Nor can I figure out how to get them not to be afraid anymore. I try to ignore them when they try to crawl under my chair or desk as being nice to them and loving on them seems to make them worse. When it gets really bad I do have tranquilers to give them. I also have learned that keeping a bit of noise going in the house like the TV or music, or the dishwasher helps.
My son who lives about 200 miles south of us said he thought they had about 4 inches of rain in a couple of hours. He was in water almost to his knees in places while he was taking care of his horses. At a nother town in New Mexico there was 7 inches of rain reported in one day. And several other places have had an inch or more. We really need all that moisture so we can't complain.

Cactus

Here is another photo of the cholla cactus. This shows the cactus itself better as well as the flowers.

Cholla Cactus

The cholla cactus (pronounced chaa-ya )are all over the desert where we live. We had to remove several when we moved to our place here to keep the horses, dogs, cats, and, yes, us, too from getting into them. They are sometimes called jumping cactus. It seems like they jump on you when you get close even tho they really don't. They can be anywhere from a few inches tall to 6 - 8 feet tall. When they die the skeleton or wood from the cactus are used for making all kinds of craft items. Especially lamps. The skeleton is hollow up the center and has interestingly shaped holes in them. They can be from a couple of inches around to usually about 6 inches. The other day we decided to ride out across the desert to see if they were blooming. I have added a photo in the right corner of a really nice close up of a blossom. Under it you can see some of the stickers or thorns. To the right side and slightly blured is a piece of a skeleton. The blossoms are such a beautiful, vivid shade of purple. They attract all kinds of insects and bees. There were bees in nearly every blossom we looked at, and they were so loaded with pollen they could barely fly. After the flower fades it makes a yellow fruit that is eaten by many desert rodents and a few birds. It isn't as well liked as the pricklypear cactus fruit, that a lot of people use to make cactus candy and jelly. I have done that but it is very time comsuming to pick the fruit, cook it, until the stickers on the fruit are soft and the fruit is ready to be put through a strainer and makes a juice that can be used for jelly, and candy. Pricklypear cactus have a yellow flower with purple fruit, the opposite of the cholla. I haven't found but a few pricklypear blooming yet.
This year the flowers have been few and far between. The cactus blossoms better and has better fuit when there is better rain. Out drought is keeping a lot of the desert flowers from blooming this year. Still it made for a nice drive and fun to watch the bees making fools of themselves trying to fly with all that pollen. And I have never found a bee hive in the desert. Most are a type of bee that makes a small nest under ground. I would like to know more about them.

Patriotric Songs

I found a long list of patriotric songs as well as lots of other wonderful songs at
http://www.scoutsongs.com/categories/patrioticsongs.html

The Star Spangled Banner

And I would like to think that everyone knows our national anthem.

The Star Spangled Banner
Composed by Francis Scott Key, "In Defense of Fort McHenry", September 20, 1814.Congress proclaimed it the U.S. National Anthem in 1931.

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.O say, does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly sworeThat the havoc of war and the battle's confusionA home and a country should leave us no more?Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.No refuge could save the hireling and slaveFrom the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued landPraise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

America The Beautiful

America the Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates,Melody by Samuel Ward.

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stressA thoroughfare of freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country lovedAnd mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for halcyon skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the enameled plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till souls wax fair as earth and air And music-hearted sea!
O beautiful for pilgrims feet, Whose stem impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought By pilgrim foot and knee!
O beautiful for glory-tale Of liberating strife When once and twice, for man's avail Men lavished precious life! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till selfish gain no longer stain The banner of the free!
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee Till nobler men keep once again Thy whiter jubilee!

God Bless America

This is still such a wonderful tribute to our country.

God Bless America
Words and music by Irving Berlin© Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin© Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin© Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America FundInternational Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.Used by Permission

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.
" God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home

Freedom

It's time to celebrate! To have cookouts, fireworks, picnics, camping trips, parades, speeches, car shows, rodeos, pet shows, horseback rides, or just sit around our homes and yards with family and friends, or even all by ourselves and enjoy the life we have in all of our 50 wonderful states.
But let us not forget the men and women that protect us and give their lives for us so that we can have the freedoms and life that we have in our wonderful United States of America.

Picasa Web Albums

I just found this Picasa Web Album where they keep all the photos you have put on your blog if you belong to blogspot.com as I do. You can long on with a gmail email address and password and see yours. You can see all of mine at
http://picasaweb.google.com/TazziCatt/TumbleweedCrossing?authkey=67vBOM7qMNM

13 Sayings

Found on the internet.

1. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends. Life is short and friends are too few.
2. I smile because I don't know what the hell is going on.
3. The trouble with life - there's no background music.
4. A picture is worth a 1000 words, but it uses up 3000 times the memory.
5. He who dies with the most toys- is still dead.
6. Ever stop to think and forget to start again.
7. Out of my mind. Back in 5 minutes. Maybe.
8. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
9. I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute.
10. Some people are alive because it's illegal to kill them - like politicians, lawyers, and neighbors.
11. Don't take life to seriously - on one gets out alive.
And my favorites.
12. Being over the hill (or mountain) is better than being under it.
13. The original point and click was a Smith & Wesson, or a Colt.

Votes for Naps

For all of you who voted for naps - a word of caution - it can become a habbit.

Consciousness: That annoying gap of time that comes between naps.

Lightning

We are having a dry lightning storm this evening. That means that there is wind, dark clouds, and lighning and thunder, but no rain. This is a typical New Mexico rain. Another words everything except the wet stuff. We need the moisture so much. There are lightning started fires scattered all over the state. Remember the big fire to the east of Albuquerque in May? There is another one in the same area, causing evacuations and threating homes.
We need the rain as does California, Arizonia and other drought states while Iowa and areas along the Mississippi River don't. Sure wish there was some way to explain this to Mother Nature.

Nap Wins the Vote

As for doing housework or a nap or what, the nap won out for a bit. But then the computer got some time in, and I even managed to do some of the housework. Like laundry, changed sheets on the beds, did dishes and cleaned the kitchen really good, including the refregerator, and microwave. Wheeee - that wore me out. So I am back to the computer for a while. Then it is off to feed the horses their night time feed and then I think I have a good book waiting for me.

Want a Drink?

Traveler drinking from the water hose while getting his bath. He did a lot better than I expected for his first one. Me, I just look really hot and tired. And I was.

After A Bath

This is Stormy. He was yawning after getting the spa treatment. I gave him a good bath. He looked so shiny and cute.

Housework?

Is there any one that really likes housework. I know people who insist on a spotless house. Good thing me and my family don't much care. The dust must be an inch thick around here. I keep trying to dust but keep finding more important things to do. Like playing on this here computer. Or listening to music or watching the TV or playing with the dogs, or cats, or horses. Or maybe I'll just do some gardening. Or try to in this here 100 degree weather. Or maybe I'll just take a nap until it cools off a bit.

HOT!

It is so hot here. Kind of average but still hot. I always have such a hard time adjusting to the heat of June after the cool of May.
And Iowa and other states have so much rain. It is needed so badly here and in Southwest states and other places and not so much there. My nephew moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa last summer and now wonders what he got himself and family into. So far they haven't had any actual flooding in the area they live in. Just rain.
And here I have planted my garden, such as it is, (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, cantaloupe, potatoes, tomatoes) about three times now. A few of them are looking like they might survive this time but I'm not sure yet. Even the morning glories and marigolds are having trouble. The wind is so bad and it blows sand onto the little seedling which causes them to die in a hurry regardless of how much water I put on them. I find myself trying to help them survive, on my knees digging them out of the sand.
Prices on food are up and I can't even grow any to help supplement.

Official Representatives Joke

This joke was sent to me by my sister. It just about says it all when it comes to politicians and official representatives of any kind.

Department of Water representative stopped at a ranch and talked with an old rancher. He told the rancher, 'I need to inspect your ranch for your water allocation.' The old rancher said, 'Okay, but don't go in that field over there.'
The Water representative said, 'Mister, I have the authority of Federal Government with me. See this badge? It means I am allowed to go WHEREVER I WISH on any agricultural land. No questions asked or answered. 'Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?' The old rancher nodded politely and went about his chores. Later, the old rancher heard loud screams and saw the Water Rep running for the fence and close behind was the rancher's bull. The bull was gaining on the Water Rep with every step. The Rep was clearly terrified, so the old man immediately threw down his tools, ran to the fence and shouted out.....'Your badge! Your badge! Show him your badge!'

On TV

So now my family tells me I am a movie star which is the farthest thing that I have ever wanted. After the newspaper did their article on me and my horses, one of the Albuquerque TV stations called and wanted to do a short piece on my problems with zoning. I had to say yes. Besides the more publicity the problem gets the more chance of it being corrected. They only gave me about 15 minutes warning that they were coming and I was tired and dirty as I had been caring for horses. They said it didn't matter and I guess it didn't. It aired on the 5 pm news show and was only about 2 minutes long. They had cut a lot of it out. Of course there were more important things to show - like all the politicians, as the next day was the New Mexico primary.
But maybe it will help. Anyway I am tired of being in the limelight.

Rotten Mess

Now the whole rotten mess is starting to really depress me. I have never been a person that wanted to be in the "limelight". I don't think I have had my photo and name in the newspaper since I was about 12 and in Girl Scouts. That was a long time ago and it was a group of girls not just me. I have always been "shy" and stayed in the back of any room out of the way, where I could watch and not be seen. I never gave my "2 cents worth" of opinion unless asked (expect that I can do it this way on the Internet and it seems like no one can really find out who I am this way).
Now it seems as if everyone must have read that article and be watching me. I feel as if there are eyes watching me every time I go out the door to do anything. Even just to go out and feed the horses.
Not a good feeling.

In The Newspaper

When I went to the zoning department meeting 2 weeks ago I didn't even think that there would be newspaper and TV reporters there, and I didn't even notice them as I was so concerned with trying to get zoning to give me the permit to keep all of my horses. A few days later a reporter from the Albuquerque Journal called and wanted to do a story about my delema. I was glad that she called me as I had been considering wheather I should call them or a TV sation or not. The article came out in this mornings Sunday paper and was done very nicely. Here is the link to it.
http://www.abqjournal.com/west/309395west_news06-01-08.htm
I did have some trouble getting on to it and found that they wanted me to subscribe but I could click on 'Trial Issue' and then on 'Read Article' and get to it. I was disappointed that the photos done by a very nice photographer were not on the website, as they were in the paper. We can hope they show up later.

WARNING About A Dumb Law and Zoning Problems

Two months ago we were horrified when we received a certified letter from the county zoning department saying that were in violation of a zoning law. We had to many horses for the size of our property. We had six horses and could only have three. They said we had to get rid of three horses or face fines and possibly go to court over the problem. We were to get rid of part of our family, of our beloved companion animals. We were terrified. We had never expected anything like this and didn't know what to do.

This is a WARNING to all horse owners (actually all pet/companion animal owners) to be aware that it can happen at any time.

When we first moved to our home here in the New Mexico high desert country I went to the trouble of checking with several offices to try to find out what the rules where as far as having dogs, cats, and horses. I had talked about this with the builder that built our home, with the real estate agent that we went through to buy it and they said they were only aware of the fact that we could have horses here. They didn't know of any rules or laws. In fact being able to have horses was one of the things they were really pushing as far as selling property in this area. To be on the safe side I called city animal control, county animal control, the livestock board, and city and county zoning. All these offices were iffy about giving me a straight answer and always came up with "you can have how ever many you can properly take care of".

That was five years ago. During that time I had spoken with county animal control about some mean dogs that ran loose and then about my stupid neighbors that moved of abandoning their dog, and about a horse, (a stallion) that frequently got loose and came to 'visit' my horses and did some minor damage to my fences. Never during those discussions did the animal control officer ever say anything about our having to many horses. The sheriff helped another neighbor and my husband catch the neighbors loose horse at one time. Again the sheriff never said anything about us or any of the other horse owners in our neighborhood having to many horses.

So far I have been able to find only three other families that were told they had to many horses for their property size. I have spoken with two others that say they never received such a letter even though they have more horses than the letter said you could have. I know of at least a dozen other properties that have more than the allowed number of horses, and I do not believe any of them have received that letter.
The four of us that received the letter contacted zoning. One family did something with one of their horses so they would be in compliance. I don't know what. Another family already in the process of buying another home and were given an extension until they can move. Another family hired a lawyer and are taking it to court.

When we talked to zoning we were advised that it was the family that was going to court that they were really after and that if we would apply for a continuance use permit as a boarding stable we would be alright. So we paid the fee and filed the form. Then we were told it would have to go before the zoning board at their next meeting to be approved but that it shouldn't be a problem; that it should go right through. In the mean time I received a call wanting us to send zoning a copy of our property survey and to draw in the pens and shed used by the horses, as well as a letter telling about our horses and why we have so many. We did that. Saying that three horses were ours and one belonged to a friend in Iraq and the two ponies were my sons.

So we waited and the day of the zoning meeting came and we went. I was surprised to find what I guessed to be about 300 people there due to a big disagreement over a purposed housing development in another part of the county. It was crowded, standing room only and very hot. I almost left not thinking that it was that important for me to be there. It was. Finally after over an hour they started in on my permit to have a boarding stable. One man on the zoning board was against it and another seemed to be for it. I had to walk before all those people and tell why we wanted the boarding stable. I was almost petrified to do it but knew I had to. They were trying to take part of my family away from me. I even heard someone say "why doesn't she just get rid of some of them", as if my horses, my pets, my companions were just pieces of trash to be thrown away.
The man that seemed to be for us told how the law stated that we had to have 20,000 square feet per horse which was how much that the law figured it took to feed (graze) a horse. I tried to explain that I don't graze my horses on pasture. I don't have a pasture. I buy hay to feed them. That everyone that has horses in this area buys hay. That this desert land will not support a horse no matter how many square feet you have. The man that was for us explained the law had been passed in the early 1950's and it was based on a law passed in New Hampshire in the early 1930's. A VERY DUMB LAW. Even in the the 1950's it was a dumb law considering the difference between New Mexico and New Hampshire.
It was decided by the board that the matter would be "shelved" for the next two months so they could have a "horse specialist" look at the situation. It was not explained what or who a "horse specialist" was or is. I have called the zoning office for a farther explanation and no one has returned my call.

After all this we lost my beloved Morgan, BlackJack, as you may know as I posted it a few days ago. The person that left Sonny in our care while she was in Iraq has now contacted me saying she does not want the horse and he is now mine to do with as I see fit. Of course I plan to keep him. He has been here so long that he thinks he belongs here and that he is our horse. (I would have cried if she had come and taken him away.) Of course the ponies are my sons but I love them just as if they were mine. In fact I have told him he can't ever have them and he says he doesn't plan to take them. He has enough problems of his own and just wanted a home for two ponies that were homeless when he got them.

Now we wait. We are unsure of what to do next or what will happen. We can't afford to hire a lawyer. And I don't think I could find a home for any of my horses or ponies that I would feel would take care of them to my specifications. We are on a limited budget as we are retired but at this time we can take care of these five horses. These horses aren't hurting anyone. Neither are any of the other horses in our area. I don't know of any horses that I have seen that are underfed, mistreated or abused, which is saying a lot for an area this large. Our neighbors that don't have horses are as appalled by this as those with horses. No one understands why this problem has come up. Did someone complain - and if so who, and why.

If anyone has any suggestions I will be glad to hear them.

New Blog

Found a new blog that I like about horses. http://nuzzlingmuzzles.blogspot.com I really like the name.

Mountains

Would have liked to go to the mountains on this 3 day weekend, but I know they are always packed on the first holiday of the summer. Besides we can't afford the gas, and neither of us is feeling that good to take that long of a drive. So guess we will just hang out here at the house. Pet the dogs, cats, and horses, and watch the car races.

I did give Sonny a bath this morning. The horses were attached yesterday by some sort of horrid bitting, bloodsucking nat (gnat). Each one I killed was full of blood. So I made a stronger fly spray and sprayed them good yesterday and today and got out the fly masks. I had bathed Nita and Star a few weeks ago but hadn't done Sonny yet this spring. He really likes his bath and to be pampered with grooming. Now to teach the ponies, Trave and Stormy that they can like it, too.

Wind Again

Yellow Rose

Sunset

Morning Glory

Horses

I saw this in a magazine recently.

The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning (or any other time) is that horses don't care how you look.

I'd rather have a horse with a good mind than perfect conformation.

The happiest people I know have horses, dogs, and cats.

I've never liked anyone that didn't like horses, dogs, and cats.


A solitary ride is more beneficial than three months with the best psychiatrist.



Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

Thanks to who ever said these first.

Many Thanks

Many thanks for all the condolences sent by everyone. It was really appreciated. I didn't realize I had so many internet friends. Thanks again.
We are trying to get on with life as the old saying is but it is still hard to lose your best friend.
We did have a bit of rain last week which helped some but a half inch isn't much. Hubby Lee has been down with emphysema and blood clots and isn't feeling well. He is also trying to quite smoking and it is causing both of us to climb the walls.
Star is doing better. I saw her and Nita together today. Nita was laying down napping and Star was standing over her. That is good to see as it really means they are getting along better. Now that Jack is gone I can see a big shift in the pecking order. Not really a shift as Sonny is still the boss but now the mares aren't fighting for Jack's attention like the used to do. And when I was this I moved Sonny to a different pen so it is just the two mares and they will have to work it out. I refuse to put up with there 'Soap Opera shenanigans'.

Goodby to a Friend

If you are wondering why I changed the photo that always came up in the corner of my blog it is because I couldn't handle seeing my black horse, BlackJack, when I didn't have him any more. Last week we lost him. I have lost lots of pets before but this has been one of the worst. It has almost been more than I could take. At 3pm he was fine, at 6 he was down and by 9 he was gone. The vet said it might have been a heart attack or a stroke. I hope so as I hate to think that he had been sick and I didn't notice. He always seemed like the strongest, healthyest horse we had. It will be a long time, if ever, that I don't start crying every time I think about him.
And poor Star. I don't know if she understands why he is gone or not, but she looked for him for days. She called, and paced and still looks so sad and lonely. I have given her lots of love and attention but she doens't seem to want to see me, or let me pet her. And she didn't want to have anything to do with our other two horses. In fact she would scream and try to attack Nita and Sundance for the first couple of days and I had to keep her in a seperate pen. Now she seems to want to be with them but at the same time she is keeping her distance from them. Hopefully time will let them become better friends.

Mom's Day

Wishing all mom's, grandmom's, adopted mom's and grandmom's, aunt's, friends who are mom's, sisters who are mom's, and anyone else that falls into any of the mom catagory a wonderday Mom's Day.

Peach Crayons

This is the ramble that was sent to me by my friend Laurel-Anne Underhill. I really like it so asked if I could post it. She was nice and agreed.

PEACH CRAYONS & POLITICS

OR

Ramblings of a bored person with a shocking pink
cast on her leg and a severe case of cabin fever.


Recently I read on the internet that one of the presidential candidates stated that one of the other candidates was loosing the support of the white voters. Since I happen to support the latter candidate, I looked down at my hand to see it I was still white. Just to be sure I asked my daughter, who assured me I was peach, as I had always been.
Yes, it was true, I had always taught my children when they were little that the color of their skin was peach. Where do most American children learn their colors? From a box of crayons. And even as pale as I am, I am much closer to the color of a peach crayon than I am to white one. As a matter of fact, there are, to my knowledge, no white people in the U.S. , unless they are ghosts, in which case they are dead and ineligible to vote. I believe Voldemort is white, but he is British so he can’t vote in American elections either, which is a good thing because he would definitely vote republican.
And now this brings me to a discussion I had with my husband recently about a little song I was taught in Sunday school when I was about four. The song tells us that Jesus loves all the little of the children of the world and you sing “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight,” while touching one of your fingers as you say each color. As an imaginative four year old I pictured a hand with little children coming from each finger. The children were, of course, Christmas red, banana yellow, jet black and ghostly white. (Four year olds are so imaginative; maybe we should hire them to come up with new ideas for movies) Fortunately I asked my mother about this and she explained that although it wasn’t very accurate, many people called Asian people yellow and Native Americans red.
As a four year old I though the song was dumb, now I think it is racist. And what about the little green children, does Jesus not like aliens at all? If there is anyone out there who still goes to church, do they still teach this dumb song to little children?
I have always objected to being called white. In college when they asked for my race on a form I always checked “other” and wrote European American. During the 2000 census we had just moved and I had three little kids and did not get the form turned in. So the nice lady came to the door and went through the form with me, writing my answers for me, like I couldn’t do it myself. When it came to race she started to check white and I told her no, I was not white, I was European American. She said she had to put white. I told her to put down it was under protest from me, that if I had to be a color, I was peach. She put down white. She was peach too.
So what does all this mean? Maybe there are a lot of color blind people in this country. Maybe there is medical hope for them. Too bad they are not REALLY color blind and could just see people as people. Wouldn’t it have been just as good to tell the children in Sunday school that Jesus loved ALL the children all over the world?
And think of the thousands of little children all over this country that sang that silly song every Sunday and, not asking their parents as I did, spent all their spare time looking for Christmas red and banana yellow children. (And if you think this is a stretch of my imagination, there are lots of little children in this country that believe Halloween is so important because it plainly says in the Pledge of Allegiance “and to the republic for witches stand”) And the children that were scared to go out in public because if there were white children out there, they were obviously ghosts.
Thank goodness in the coming election I can vote for anyone I want to, regardless of their color. But I won’t be voting for Voldemort, because he is white.

Race, Color, Culture

I have never held color, race, culture, or religion against anyone as long as they didn’t try to convert me to their religion or try to say that they were better than me due to their color, race, culture or religion.
I am not racially prejudiced, or I try not to be. Who can say for sure? There is always some one that we dislike. But I will be the first to admit that I have been friends with a large number of people who were of different races, colors, cultures, and believed differently than I did.
I have had a varying and varied amount of different jobs. I have lived in 11 different states ( I am considering a three month stay as having lived there), 12 different towns, and been in at least 34 of our wonderful 50 states. This means that I have known lots of people and experienced lots of different cultures. Yes, it is true you can lean about many different cultures here in our wonderful country and never set foot out of it. And all of those cultures that have come from other countries are influenced greatly by the state and town that they are in. Consider the difference in a white/Caucasian person raised in New York City to one like myself raised mostly in New Mexico. Or the Mexican raised in New Mexico to the Spanish or Latino person raised in New York City. That is until that person in New York moves to Albuquerque and then raises their children who will have a different outlook on life than their parents did but with ideas that came from New York as well.
Every time a person moves to a different state or town they are leaning new things, new ways of living, of new cultures, new outlooks on life and they, in turn, teach new things to their children, friends, and even casual acquaintances.
So since this country is so mixed up in their cultures, and religions, and outlooks on life why is it so hard for us to except new ideas? Or new people? Or even the thought of having a dark skinned person, or a white-haired older man, or a woman as a president?
Why has our political race for president brought out more racist, bigoted, prejudiced, chauvinistic, intolerant, narrow-minded people than I knew existed?
As I said before I have had lots of friends and many different jobs. I have worked with, and been friends with people who were white or Caucasian, people who where of African decent and where every shade of color - from one woman who was as white as I am but who had a full sister that was almost a true shade of black. I have known people who were from or where descended from Russians, Vietnamese, Laosions, Navajo, Sioux, Zuni, Pueblo, German, English, Australian, Philippino, Hawaiian, Mexican, Latino, Spanish, Canadian, Japanese. Those are the ones I can think of quickly. I am sure there are others as well as lots of Americans like my self. And I liked every one of them.
On the other hand – I have known almost the same list of nationalities that where people that I didn’t like.
It isn’t the color, or the race, or what country they are from that makes a person likable or a friend.

A Long Time

Oh, it's going to be a long time until November and the election. I am already getting those terribly unwanted phone calls wanting me to do a political survey, or wanting me to donate to a certain party, or some that even are telling me who I should vote for. As if they think they really have the right to do that! This is the United States and I have the RIGHT to vote for who ever I want to.

Another Day

We had two nice days, Saturday and Sunday. At least for us it was. But for the 50 some families that lost homes in the fires it wasn't. I feel for them. And hope some idiot doesn't start a fire around our neck of the woods. Or is it - our corner of the desert.
We painted the hay shed, storage shed, and 2 of the horse shelters. At least they look a little bit better, and the plywood and siding we used for them should weather a little bit better.
Our pinto pony, Traveler thought about adding some spots to his coat, but the mini, Stormy, stayed away from the paint as if he didn't want to add any white to his solid black coat.
Gave Tuffee, our Border Collie, a bath last night after she decided to roll in horse poop, and she was so clean and cute until she went out today and ran in the sand and got it all over her again.
And for some unknow reason everytime the cats go out they roll in the sand and then want to come right back in with sand all over them. Can't figure out the cat reasoning behind this. I thought cats were supposed to be so clean? I have had cats for over 30 years and these are the worse I have ever had about getting dirty.

So-------------

So I can't spell, and spell check didn't catch it.

Disaters

I know I do complain a lot about all of our wind and sand, and maybe I shouldn't. I see what is happening in the rest of the United States and the world and sometimes feel ashamed of complaining about my minor problems.
My thoughts, sympathy, and well wishes are with all those who have lost loved ones, and homes in the horrors of war, floods, fires, tornados, and other disasters.

Flooding

My thought are with those who are the opposite of us. Those that are seeing to much rain and are flooding out. I sure wish the Weather God would get it together and see if we can get decent weather where ever we live.

Continuing Windy Story

So the fire in the Manzano Mountains wasn't completely out, just "contained", and with the wild wind storms we had yesterday, it exploded again and is forcing people out of their homes. When will this nightmare weather ever end. Colorado had snow again but all we can get is the wind off of their snowstorm.
It was so bad here yesterday that we couldn't even see over to the neighbors for the blowing sand. Which means all our little sand dunes in the yard are rearranging themselves again. There is no way I will be able to have a garden or flowers this year from the looks of things. It is really depressing. I have to leave the horses outside as you just can't bring them in the house. What a mess that would be. But I sure do hate to see them just standing out in the wind. Sometimes they go in their shelters but most of the time they don't. I put the fly masks on today. Don't know if it will really help keep the sand out of their faces, and eyes, but it can't hurt. Hubby and I have bought big work goggles and oversized sunglasses that go over regular glasses to help keep sand out of your eyes when we have to go out, which is only to feed and water.
I am watching as the wind tears of bits and pieces of by lovely, purple iris blossoms and scatters them. I have brought in several armloads of them and given a lot to neighbors. The iris did well but the wind has been the death of them.

HAIR!!!

Do wish the critters would quite shedding. Dogs, cats, and horses. I seem to have dog and cat hair all over the house which means all over me. Two horses, Nita and Jack, seem to be about done with shedding as they are slicking out nice. The others are still woolly and matted. I want to give them a bath but has been to much wind. So today I am cleaning house. Can't believe the amount of hair I am finding in critter beds, and in corners that only get cleaned every 6 months. Got the kitchen and living room sort of done, and working on bedrooms now. Doing some furniture rearranging as well as washing those hairy critter beds. Officially there is one bed per critter but then there is all those makeshift beds that they seem to appropriate. Like - the spot under the coffee table where Jade likes to lay as well as the captains chair I have in my room where I have added towels to help with the hair situation. Then there is the rocking chair in my room and the large chair in the living room that Murphy prefers. K.C. usually lays on the love-seat, and the dogs, Codee and Tuffee are usually on the couch. Nikki is to old to get on the furniture anymore so has a bed in my room and in the living room for her comfort do to her age.
Hummmmm - seems like these animals make out on the bed arrangements better than I do.

Still Windy

It is still windy here, but I understand the fires arn't as bad as they were. That is if you consider that only 9 homes were lost to the fire in the Manzano Mountains. But none of them should have been lost. The last I heard the firefighers are saying it was a man made fire but they arn't giving out any more details at this time. There is no excuse for a man made fire. Everyone should be extra careful any time they are doing anything that has the ability to become a threat to life or home.
We have had lots of people valentering to send some of their excess rain to us, especially from Ohio, and Oregon, but so far none has made it. I, as well as lots of others, sure wish it would. I don't think we have had more that about a trace amount, maybe three drops, in about the last 8 or 9 months. I do hope we don't become the next dust bowl.

Wind & Fire

I am diffently back home to the land of wind and fire ----- Oh, I'm sorry that was supposed to be the "Land of Enchanment" as New Mexico is supposed to be know as, but it should be changed to the land of Wind and Fire. We have had wind for weeks now with very little let up. There have already been numerous grass fires, and brush fires. I haven't heard of any forest fires but there may have been some. I was able to see the smoke from the brush and grass fire that is burning in the Manzano Mountains to the southeast of me yesterday and thankfully I can't see any smoke today. Hopefully they have a handle on it and are getting it under control. I heard on TV that there were several little village in that area that were ready to be evacuated at any time. It is not a happy tought that there have allready been so many fires so early in the year. And the wind doesn't help. We have had wind so bad all of the little sand dunes in our yard have moved from one spot to another, and a lot of them have decided to set up residence in my house. Oh to have some nice quiet days with a little bit of moisture.

Ocean from shipwreck

http://www.iredale.de/maritime/peter1.htm This the web site where there are photos of the Peter Iredale before it went down and right after in 1906 as well as one from 1999.

Shipwreck

This is what is left of the Peter Iredale that ran aground October 25, 1906. I had seen it before in 2001 but there was more of it showing this time. About all that is left is the metal parts of the ship and just a few of the pieces of wood under the top part where they are a little bit more protected. It is one of the few shipwrecks that people are alowed to right up to and explore around it and as you can see in the photo even on it. There were some young men who climbed up on top and sat there while we took photos. They were having a great time and I envied them their ability to get up there.

Tree Burl

A burl is a large knot that has formed on a tree on the trunk or on a branch. It is formed when the tree is slightly injured or damaged in some way usually by the wind, or a break or cut in the bark, or by insect damage; and it is nature's way of putting a bandage on the wound. But the burl keeps growing with the tree and some of those in the northwest are huge. Here is a large one that had been cut off of the tree and was displayed near the beach at Seaside, Oregon

HayStack Rock

Tree

The windswept tree from a different angle.

Windswept Tree

Ecola Park

Looking out across the little bay toward the mountains that hide the town of Seaside which was hit by hard storms this winter. It is kind of a neat sight to see all the rocks sticking up out of the water. No wonder there were so many shipwrecks along the Oregon Coast.

Home Again

So I have been home for a few days now but unable to catch up on all the work that needs to be done, plus all the sleep I didn't seem to realize I was missing until I got back. Maybe it was just a bit of jet lag, and the different elevation levels between New Mexico and Oregon. To update -----After going to the beach the first day, (and whales have been seen there since, not fair that we didn't get to see them) we went as close as we could get to Mt. St. Helen's. That is the volcano/mountain that blew in May of 1980 and has spewed ash a few times since. But the roads up close were still blocked by all the winter snow so we had to be content with a distant view. The day after my sister Jan had her surgery on her foot. She was home the same day or physically she was, but the pain killers she was on had her floating way far away. Thankfully Jim had bought her a funny little scooter that she is able to use to get around on until she is able to walk again. It really helped and is still helping as that way she doesn't have to use crutches which are difficult to use and make our bad backs hurt even worse. I helped her as long as I we had planned on and wanted to stay longer but things seemed to be going to heck here at my home as my pony Star kept getting a touch of the colic off and on. It was onto the plane and back. (Thankfully we had known better than to have reservation on American but had Southwest.) Now that I am home Star seems over the colic. It may have been some bad hay which I took back and now have all horses on bermudia grass hay and alfalpha cubes as well as their grain. All horses are shaggy and ragged looking and I have been brushing and brushing. They look like they are loosing weight (which they needed to do) due to shedding winter coats. You don't reallize just how thick there winter fur is until it comes out. We have also been digging out our tree wells as the wind had filled them in to were we couldn't get any water to the trees again. And I even took the time to plant a few flower seeds and I'm trying to start some tomatoes, watermellon, pumkins, and catalope in the house. I think it is almost time that I can put the houseplants out side for the summer.

Gone from Home

At this time I am gone from home to visit my sister in Clatskanie Oregon. I hope everthing is going OK back home with the horses, dogs, and cats, as well as hubby who is taking care of all the critters.

I flew into Portland Sunday evening where I was met by Jan and Jim who kept trying to tell me how cold it was. It was cool, and there had been snow and rain over the weekend but it didn't seem that cold.

On Monday morning early we headed for Ecola State Park, near Astoria, Or. where we watched the waves come in. It was fun to see the ocean again. At the Park there were huge rocks out in the water with lots of sea gulls on them. The sign said there were seals but we didn't see any. It was a nice walk across green grass along a tiny path to a look out built over the cliff. Lots of tall evergreen trees. We had expected clouds and rain but there were only a few white fluffy clouds, and blue sky. Photos to follow when I get home and can download to my computer.
We went o Seaside where we saw the Lewis & Clark statue and bought a teeshirt with a pirite skull on it and a sweatshirt that says Oregon.
Next we went to another beach where there was a shipwreak. Peter Ireedal when down in about 1906, and Paddy, Jan and Jim's Lab/Black&Tan Hound mix played on the sand and we chased tiny baby crabs that burrowed under the sand really fast.

Answers

Glad to be getting comments from all my readers.

Thanks for the offer of Daisy. But I already have two cats that are good mousers, but these rats are a lot bigger than the average mouse.

In answer to what is a standerd for a mini horse. They need to be 38 inchs and under, (thats measuring to the withers). My Stormy is 40 inches at his withers, which makes him to big to be a real mini, but he is still real small.