Farm equipment.
Yep, this one is made of tires.
Our local photographer's home, decked out like a tug boat, with the snowman at the helm.
A bored implement dealer, to be sure.
Merry Christmas from the Midwest!
It was wonderful to get back to the Quad Cities recently. Aside from seeing the folks, the highlight was eating lunch at Lagomarcino's. This confectionary/restaurant has been in business 100 years. In the early days of the business, Mr. Lagomarcino bought eggs from my grandfather Neumann. He came 20 miles out into the country with a horse and wagon to pick up farm fresh eggs to make his ice cream, hot fudge and chocolates. I wrote the story when I was there, to help them write their history for the anniversary. 
though. Estimated value? $100
"worth" anything.
It was late October 2007 when I found her. I wasn't looking for her, so it's interesting that I found her. Actually, she found me. I was looking at her mother, a mature, well-trained Rocky Mountain mare. I saw her on the Colorado breeder's web site, and paid a visit to see if we were a match. Although Mom had a fine history of producing offspring and gaiting like a dream, our personalities together were not impressive. While I was assessing her, I felt someone glaring at me from behind. I turned around to see the filly on the right, Red Ryder, staring at me from across the yard. Upon inquiry, I discovered that she was an untrained three-year-old. Just what I didn't want. It had been only two years since I had been busted up pretty badly by a young filly, and promised never to do that again.
I came, though, to try to buy a horse. Not just any horse, but a perfect Rocky Mountain horse with a deeply discounted price tag (yeah, right...even with all the free horses on the market right now, the Rockies have remained pricey). I asked the breeder to bring her out. I'm not sure what got into me, but I found myself standing there in the yeard, waiting for this rather raggedy little girl to come out to meet me. We clicked. She liked me. I liked her. OK, logic has been replaced with emotion. I asked her price. Several thousand dollars more than I was willing to, or even could consider, paying.
Then, what turned out to be the miracle, happened. The breeder explained that I would need to make a quick decision. His ranch and everything on it was auctioning in two days! Now I knew my dream would have to wait. This was a long way from home, I was on my way there now, and we had a day full of plans on auction day.
I went home and told Steve about my experience, showed him photos of this mystical little girl, and was prepared to put it to rest. To my surprise, he said we needed to change our Saturday plans and go to the auction. I told him that was ridiculous. I am not nearly experienced enough to make a good purchase at a horse auction. So, Saturday morning, as we were driving back to Colorado, I was learning how to buy a horse at auction for a price I could afford, from a good family friend, over my cell phone. I had no hope this would work.
Arriving early, we spent time looking her over, getting opinions from Bruce and Karen (see Living My Dream post), brushing, leading...yep, I was going to bid. Auctions are a great substitute for lots of highs. Oooh, adrenaline. I had my limit set, understood the strategy, and didn't think I had a chance. Well, you had to be there, but it seemed that everyone there knew I was supposed to take this filly home. I won the bid, the crowd applauded, and I cried. I had just purchased a skinny, large-headed, untrained horse. Her coat was four inches long, covering a severe case of dandruf. No vaccinations, needing a farrier and dental check. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
That was one year ago. Last weekend was our one-year anniversary together. Steve and I took our mares for a ride on Saturday, past rocky bluffs and down a long canyon. Ruby (her barn name) ambled (she's usually pretty hepped up), gaited, trotted, offered her first canter (oh, so gentle and easy to ride). She even did a piaffe all the way down the road, back to the barn! I'm sure she has more surprises for me, as she continues to mature, strengthen, and become more confident. You can see that her head is no longer too big for her body, and she has developed a great deal. We have developed a great deal, I should say. I am thankful every day to have this perfect horse and am looking forward to many more anniversaries to come.
Yep, riding again. This time, with our friend (on the left) nearby who breeds Tiger horses. If you're not familiar with Tigers, they are, basically, gaited Appaloosas (Steve's mare, Mona, is a non-gaited Appy). It was fun to ride Ruby (on the right) with another gaited horse. Our friend's is mature and well-gaited and mine is still young and learning. Bird was a fine teacher, as you can see from the photo. You can also get a good idea of what Nebraska looks like...lots of rolling pasture that never gets as green as Illinois. Great places to ride, though, with lots of caverns to trek up and down and prairies to ride as fast as the wind, that let you see as far as you can see.
This is Kenny. He knows just about everything there is to know about horses. He helps us not get killed with our horses. We are fortunate that he is only about 10 miles down the road, so it is a short haul to get there. This photo shows him sitting in his Coverall building. They are amazing structures for riding. I saw my first at the Parelli ranch in Pagosa Springs last fall.
(That's Mona, Steve's Appy on the left, and Buckshot, my old QH gelding, on the right.) They are akin to the Pasture Prince and his Princess. Poor Ruby is the indentured servant. However, her humble position in this little herd keeps her focused on me, which is the whole point. Here's how the welcome looks as I get closer:
This alone is worth the feed bill, pasture rent, truck and trailer, gasoline for the 64 mile round trip every time I go out, farrier, vet, etc.... Ah, the love of a horse. I know I'm anthropomorphising, but there is no doubt in my mind this little horse loves me as much as I love her. And, since we don't drink, gamble, boat, ski, go to the movies, or even the Husker games, I spend that time and money on this creature. And, we're both happy.
That's right, GPS on the trail! It seemed like a miracle when we could see the white speck of trailer off in the distance to take us back home.
Sue w/Lady Red, Steve w/Bandit, Spotted Saddle Horse
You know, lots of people go to their graves never having lived their dream. I'm not sure what I ever did right to deserve it, but at 56, my dream came true. Of course, I can't stop now. The next dream is to do a similar ride in Wyoming with my own horse, Lady Red's daughter, Ruby. I did tell her when I got home that the gig is up. I rode momma, and now know what to expect from Ruby. She dropped her head, looked guilty, and committed to getting serious about getting trained to do the deed. Maybe we'll be back for Memorial Day....
A few weeks ago, I had taken Ruby out in the trailer for a training ride at a nearby ranch. When we reached the top of the hill at the home ranch on our way back, this is the sight that was before our eyes. The whole bovine family was standing in the middle of the road, and no one was going to move for me. I parked the truck and trailer and got out to investigate. 
We are talking about "dumb" animals, remember. After all, the calf was certainly lacking judgement to have gotten himself in such a predicament. Kind of like kids. Especially teenagers. Lacking experience and wisdom, but having boundless curiousity and courage, they sometimes get themselves into perilous situations that could cause them irreparable damage. It is pretty easy to want to leave them and their sometimes embarrassing situations off to the side.
This little calf was certainly slowing everyone down from their pressing schedule of wandering and eating, but no one was going to get any fatter until the little guy was clearly out of danger. And, the cow concensus was apparent that I could be the redeemer come to the rescue. To their disappointment, I needed to make a couple of phone calls to those who could, truly, assist. Within a half hour, the calf was pulled to safety, and the herd was back on its dining mission.
What I don't want to forget is the dedication this family had to its own. My appearance on the scene, complete with a truck and trailer, could surely have caused the uncommitted to retreat in fear, but they stood firm. Do we humans always respond this confidently when times get tough and we fear the unknown? I will keep this example in my memory and try to be a better, braver support for my loved ones when they mis-step.
to have some fun with. Wish these wonderful kids could be here all the time. Grandma would have 'em muckin' and ropin' in no time!
The beautiful blonde with Eric is his friend, Lauren. She is brilliant, kind, beautiful and she loves horses!!
Then, it was on to the Bolder Boulder. It was Steve and Sariah's first go at it. If I remember right, there were 53,000 entrants. They were able to carry names of those who served our country, and Steve and Sariah had proud lists. Thanks to all who sacrifice to keep the US of A the premiere freedom example for our world.
Some other fun shots. And, PJ brought a terrific picnic lunch to enjoy after.
She has now taken her ranks with the champion pie bakers of all time. Purple ribbon!! Congrats, Sariah, and be ready to give me a lesson next time we meet.
