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
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
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.
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.
Consciousness: That annoying gap of time that comes between naps.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
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!'
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.
But maybe it will help. Anyway I am tired of being in the limelight.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Friday, May 30, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, May 26, 2008
New Blog
Found a new blog that I like about horses. http://nuzzlingmuzzles.blogspot.com I really like the name.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
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.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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