Mrs Mom-- a big, fat ZERO
Illness-- scored a TKO. (In other words, this round totally completely and thoroughly Kicked My Arse.)
It's been quiet on here.
Too quiet. (I only *wish* I could say the same about The Asylum. It is *never* quiet at The Asylum for more than five minutes at a time.)
Dear Husband did a multiple hour private lesson for some students who were from out of our country a couple weeks back. Unfortunately, these gentlemen were ill. Being kind folks, they shared it with Dear Husband. Who brought it home to me.
Instead of getting BETTER, we got sicker. (The kids were and still are OK. It was just the Big People who got kicked this time.) Finally, Dear Husband was able to get into the Doctor. Turns out the initial illness (a flu like issue,) merely opened a door for a secondary illness to attack, and he developed Walking Pneumonia. A couple days later, I got the same verdict.
So.
We've been on massive mega antibiotics, chugging fluids, and trying to drive on as best we can. Dear Husband is better- not near as much coughing, and he is pretty sure he left his lungs in his chest still. I'm gaining. Course, I'm told (by several of you,) that I would gain FASTER if I would slow the heck down a little bit. I have slowed up-- honest. Kinda. Everyday for about two weeks now, I've put in some silly movie for the Locust Brothers about 2pm, locked up the house, drawn the shades, and while they get lost in the magic of the boob tube, I crash on the couch. Trust me- that IS significantly slower than normal. (Oh, did I mention I also lock up the scissors and anything that will cut? Yeah- I don't put it past the kids to not be tempted to give Mommy a haircut while she is resting.)
Trying to catch up on posts on here has been beyond me. Keeping up with emails is about all I've managed to do. And I suspect there are a few buried in the inbox that I've missed. (So if you zapped me and I did not respond, I am very sorry for that!)
I had hoped to post a series of picture posts, delving into more hoof photos. KatyM is also patiently waiting for an answer to an excellent question (which is how does an owner learn about trimming their own horses hooves.) However, with the afternoon crash still firmly in place, there is just no way I've been able to get things done.
It's going to continue to be a bit quiet here, as we head out on 22 October for a grand adventure to Colorado, where we will have the pleasure of meeting GunDiva, Bill, Juanita and their herd of horses for some educational time. I also hear a rumor that there will be another blogger present, with her lovely daughter as well. (For anyone thinking now would be a good time to come and explore The Asylum and see what is worth helping yourself to, be forewarned. The house will be occupied. By someone who is a crack shot.)
I'll be back, when I can. Who knows- there might be some time when I'm perking up before we leave for me to post. (Oh who am I kidding???? There is laundry to be done, a house to tidy up, errands to run, and about 16 thousand things that need to be done BEFORE we leave on Friday. I must be delusional if I even *think* I can get it all done AND post!)
Oh- but before I go- I gotta tell this story. This past Sunday, I went on a barn call. (I know.. I know. My butt SHOULD have been in BED, resting. But I did it anyways.) As many of you know, the barn calls these days are few and far between, and this stop was one of my favorites. It's a Donkey. Not just ANY donkey either- but The Sweetest, Prettiest, Coolest Donkey Jenny in ALL of the South. This little lady has a pal that she rooms with- a very handsome pony gelding who is also a trip. My favorite donkey was worked on first, and she was very good. Next up was her roomie. Now, I'm used to having helpers no matter what I'm doing, everywhere I happen to go. Dogs, kids, other horses, and on this shining beautiful Sunday, I had a donkey helper. The whole time work was being done on this beautiful pony, Madame Donkey was right in the midst of things, helping. We got to the last foot, and y'all, I'm telling you-- I wish I had my camera with me. I felt a bit of pressure on the back of my legs. And a bit more... then a bit of pressure inside my knees... and I looked down at my boots and lo and behold, there was a donkey nose poking through my knees. Her prehensile upper lip was twitching and wiggling, stretching out as far as she could get it, making sure I did not miss a trick on her little buddy. She had already investigated every other foot, the tools, the tool caddy, my boots, her Mom's pockets, my pockets, and everything else she could reach.
But it was just The Funniest Thing for me to look down, and see that nose shoved between my knees, trying to check out what was going on.
I've said it many times on here, and I'm sure I'll say it many more times-- but Donkeys and Mules Totally RULE. We look forward to the day when we have a good size pasture, so we can fill it up with donkeys.
In the meantime, y'all take care out there, and stay out of trouble. I'll be back as soon as I can!
~MM
The days test subject was the little handsome bugger pictured above. Tiny feet and all, he was willing to be our model.
I liked the fact that there is really no way for anyone to rasp the skin off their hands. The shape of the tool fit my hand well, and was balanced nicely.
That was pretty much where it ended for me though. I understand that there are two types of blades available- smooth or fine (which we had to use,) or more coarse, almost like a real rasp but not as rough.
Maybe it was the size of the tiny hoof. Maybe it was the fact that we had the finishing blades instead of the more coarse blades. (Replacement blades are available for around $20. The tool itself runs around $40.) Maybe I'm just too used to using regular real rasps.
