Although it SEEMS like we have fallen off the face of the planet, I can assure you all residents of The Asylum are firmly attached to the ground.
We've just been crazy busy.
And I've been working my batooshie off. (No- for reals. The batooshie and various other portions of my anatomy have changed recently.)
Anywhogivesaflipaboutfattybutts--
Things have been insane. Good insane. But insane. By the time I get to sit down long enough to post, I am too pooped to pop. Brain dead. Dain Bramaged. To the point that returning phone calls (Sorry MiKael!! I'll call you in the next couple days!!!) is out of the question. (Can't talk for the exhausted drooling on myself. At least not and make a whit of sense anyways.)
All the pathetic excuses of a busy schedule aside, I will devote some time this week to this poor, sad, neglected blog.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with all of you dealing with the aftermath of Irene. And with GunDiva and her mare Her Royal Highness Queen Estes, battling a massive colic episode. And with my favorite Texans, dealing with a horrid drought.
There will be more soon, including some pictures. Meantime, everyone go smooch your horses, OK?
~MM
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Just So Y'all Know...
The Locust Brothers are pretty awesome. But-- and this is a pretty significant BUT here-- they are BOYS.
Growing, hungry, active, crazy, cute as all get out BOYS. B-O-Y-S.
And I never.
Ever.
Know what is going to come out of their mouths.
Now, for a prime example:
Bedtime two nights ago. The Locust Brothers and I had decided to incorporate some cooking into our homeschool routine this year. Wrecking Crew piped up and said, "Mom!! We need to make some bread in the bread machine! I *LOVE* That!"
Cub sat there, smiling and nodding his head, looking hungry. (For the record, Cub is ALWAYS hungry.)
I said, "Well, it is getting cooler- so soon we will be able to make pumpkin bread too! What types of things do we need to get to make that?"
Instantly, Wrecking Crew said, "Flour, eggs, golden raisins and umm.... some umm... Oh! I know! Squirrel nuts!"
(Yes, you read that correctly. Squirrel nuts.)
Cub immediately said, "No Wrecker! Mom is NOT going to chase squirrels around and pick their nuts to make bread!"
I'm thinkin Wrecker meant to say WALNUTS.
But then again... this IS Wrecking Crew. He may very well have meant exactly what he said about SQUIRREL NUTS too......
And I'm thinkin Cub truly believes that in order to make some sorts of bread, you literally have to go and pick nuts off squirrels.
(BrownEyedCowgirl- best go tell SCRAT to hide his nuts!)
(And for those who guessed that penis and flatulence jokes run rampant in The Asylum, You Are Correct. *sigh*)
Growing, hungry, active, crazy, cute as all get out BOYS. B-O-Y-S.
And I never.
Ever.
Know what is going to come out of their mouths.
Now, for a prime example:
Bedtime two nights ago. The Locust Brothers and I had decided to incorporate some cooking into our homeschool routine this year. Wrecking Crew piped up and said, "Mom!! We need to make some bread in the bread machine! I *LOVE* That!"
Cub sat there, smiling and nodding his head, looking hungry. (For the record, Cub is ALWAYS hungry.)
I said, "Well, it is getting cooler- so soon we will be able to make pumpkin bread too! What types of things do we need to get to make that?"
Instantly, Wrecking Crew said, "Flour, eggs, golden raisins and umm.... some umm... Oh! I know! Squirrel nuts!"
(Yes, you read that correctly. Squirrel nuts.)
Cub immediately said, "No Wrecker! Mom is NOT going to chase squirrels around and pick their nuts to make bread!"
I'm thinkin Wrecker meant to say WALNUTS.
But then again... this IS Wrecking Crew. He may very well have meant exactly what he said about SQUIRREL NUTS too......
And I'm thinkin Cub truly believes that in order to make some sorts of bread, you literally have to go and pick nuts off squirrels.
(BrownEyedCowgirl- best go tell SCRAT to hide his nuts!)
(And for those who guessed that penis and flatulence jokes run rampant in The Asylum, You Are Correct. *sigh*)
Friday, August 12, 2011
I Just Gotta Tell Ya
My Locusts? They are growing up. Life has been hectic to say the least of late, and Cub and Wrecking Crew have really proven themselves to be some amazing little mens. Now, I know- I'm their Mom. I'm *supposed* to think they are amazing.
But when someone else outside the family comments on it? Yeah- does my old heart wonders.
For example. I've been going to work now and then for a few hours. Which makes things hectic in the morning, and I skip paddock cleaning until evening chores. Imagine my surprise the other day as I pulled back into the drive to see both boys and one happy pony in the paddock. The boys, red faced, sweaty, dirty, looking for all the world like they had been toiling away in the hot sun for hours, projected an air of satisfaction.
I looked the Pregnant Gelding over. His bright red hide shone in the sun. And it hit me-- he had his fly mask on. I didn't put his fly mask on before I left for work. I had forgotten about it as I was tossing hay into the paddock and filling the water tank. Cub came marching up, wiping his sweaty brow. He noticed me looking at Lutin the Pregnant Gelding and he proudly proclaimed, "I put his mask on Mom! The gnats were getting in his eyes and making him upset. You should see him, Mom! He drops his head down for me and everything to put the mask on!"
Then I looked around a bit more.
They boys had raked the paddock
They had hosed down HoneyMare.
And since both horses were convinced that there was NOT enough hay, the Locust Brothers fully understood and gave them MORE hay.
How stinkin cool is that I ask?
Now for a giggle on Lutin's behalf.
When we had to be out of town a couple weekends ago, a very good friend of ours house and critter sat for us. Good buddy spent time with the horses, brushing them, feeding them treats, and in general just getting a horse fix in. The other day at work, he cornered Dear Husband and asked, "Hey! I've been meaning to ask Mrs Mom- but when is her mare with the long mane due to foal? She looked pretty close! I want to make sure to come out and see the baby when she drops!"
Well let me tell you. Dear Husband just about busted. A. Gut. laughing. Once he stopped gasping for air and was able to stand up straight again, he was able to explain to a very puzzled Good Buddy that Lutin was indeed, a gelding. A rather ROUND gelding, but gelding all the same.
Good Buddy cracked up then. And said that I need to exercise my horse more.
I have not had the chance to see Good Buddy since he asked Dear Husband about my "mare". But we'll be working together this weekend. So... yeah. I'm fully expecting some ribbing on this particular subject!!
But when someone else outside the family comments on it? Yeah- does my old heart wonders.
For example. I've been going to work now and then for a few hours. Which makes things hectic in the morning, and I skip paddock cleaning until evening chores. Imagine my surprise the other day as I pulled back into the drive to see both boys and one happy pony in the paddock. The boys, red faced, sweaty, dirty, looking for all the world like they had been toiling away in the hot sun for hours, projected an air of satisfaction.
I looked the Pregnant Gelding over. His bright red hide shone in the sun. And it hit me-- he had his fly mask on. I didn't put his fly mask on before I left for work. I had forgotten about it as I was tossing hay into the paddock and filling the water tank. Cub came marching up, wiping his sweaty brow. He noticed me looking at Lutin the Pregnant Gelding and he proudly proclaimed, "I put his mask on Mom! The gnats were getting in his eyes and making him upset. You should see him, Mom! He drops his head down for me and everything to put the mask on!"
Then I looked around a bit more.
They boys had raked the paddock
They had hosed down HoneyMare.
And since both horses were convinced that there was NOT enough hay, the Locust Brothers fully understood and gave them MORE hay.
How stinkin cool is that I ask?
Now for a giggle on Lutin's behalf.
When we had to be out of town a couple weekends ago, a very good friend of ours house and critter sat for us. Good buddy spent time with the horses, brushing them, feeding them treats, and in general just getting a horse fix in. The other day at work, he cornered Dear Husband and asked, "Hey! I've been meaning to ask Mrs Mom- but when is her mare with the long mane due to foal? She looked pretty close! I want to make sure to come out and see the baby when she drops!"
Well let me tell you. Dear Husband just about busted. A. Gut. laughing. Once he stopped gasping for air and was able to stand up straight again, he was able to explain to a very puzzled Good Buddy that Lutin was indeed, a gelding. A rather ROUND gelding, but gelding all the same.
Good Buddy cracked up then. And said that I need to exercise my horse more.
I have not had the chance to see Good Buddy since he asked Dear Husband about my "mare". But we'll be working together this weekend. So... yeah. I'm fully expecting some ribbing on this particular subject!!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Howdy!
We aren't even going to get into bemoaning the weather outside right now. It is just. not. worth. the effort. Honestly.
Dawn comes early these days. The sun just peeping over the horizon is beautiful, but a not so gentle reminder that daylight is indeed burning. (Ever feel like a vampire? Nocturnal to an extreme? In order to work horses these days, we have to do it after the sun has set or before it rises fully.) There is no actual "cool" to work in-- just times when it's not as hot.
Lucky for me, Lutin is a happy pony, no matter the time of day. He is more than willing to stand rock still for the boys to groom him, and for me to croon sweet secret words in his adorable ears. (Have I told you lately I just love this pony? No? Shame on me! I Love Lutin!)
Lutin is even happy as a lark to pack the kids around and around, licking and chewing the entire time, a happy look in his soft eyes. If you ask him, the Locust Brothers are HIS kids and his alone. (Good. Then Lutin can pay to FEED the Locusts for a month or so.) He is pretty good for me to clamber up on now and again as well, but... well, the look in his eye is not quite as happy. MOM makes him DO things. Like things faster than a WALK. Shame. On. Mom. Making the poor, fat pony jiggle his belly around. MOM also makes him do things like... dare I say it? .. FLEX and leg yeild. How HORRIBLE. Poor, Poor abused pony.
Yep. Lutin. Spoiled Dang Rotten, and loving every minute of it.
HoneyMare has been making great improvements as well. The old girl is perking up some, now that we have had a discussion or two on how to exhibit proper manners around the Locust Brothers. MOST of the time she is pure joy to be around. Once in a while though, she apparently has gotten up on the way wrong side of the paddock and she is a bad bad pony. This week? She's been great. In fact, she's been so great that the Locust Brothers have been doing some riding on her as well. If I had to hazard a guess though, I'd say her favorite form of work is what she and I do- freely, the length of the paddock at various gaits. She is smart enough to listen close and warm up slow. And I always know when she is ready to step things up a bit in pace, as she gives me "That Look"- a look that is a cross between mischief, happy, and a bit of wicked thrown in for good measure. Let me tell y'all----- when she is ready? And cuts that long, flowing extended trot loose? I get goose bumps. HoneyMare will show you what suspension is all about, and it seems her favorite gait is the extended trot. She floats around, effortlessly changing direction, ears on me the whole time, with a big grin on her face. She'll break into a canter now and then too, and is now able to utilize both leads properly, flowing from the hindquarters to her front end.
To say we're pleased with her rehab thus far is an understatement.
Now- one more quick note before I must apply myself to work:
MiKael.
I was able to catch her on the phone the other day. She is stronger, and sounded better, but still has a very long way to go until she is BETTER. She HAS made it out to the barn though and scored a horse kiss or two, which picks her spirits up tremendously. However, being upright or sitting in a chair is painful. Thus she is unable to be on her computer. She said, "I feel like I am in isolation. I miss my blog, I miss reading blog stories from my friends."
Can we remedy that folks? Anyone up for sending her old fashioned pen pal type letters and updates? Or a card? I am- how bout you? Phone calls are great, but taxing on her. Something she can hold in her hand though, and read and re-read, I bet would do wonders for her soul. If you'd like to write her, the snail mail is as follows:
MiKael Callier
9900 288 St. East
Graham WA 98338
That about sums it up from this little corner of the world. Work beckons (HA~.... it's work that does NOT leave me hurting, stinking like thrush/ abscess/ hoof cookies. It's work that I can do INSIDE in 110* heat. Duuuude... I'm totally loving my job!)
Happy hoofin' everyone! Now go smooch your horses!
~MM
Dawn comes early these days. The sun just peeping over the horizon is beautiful, but a not so gentle reminder that daylight is indeed burning. (Ever feel like a vampire? Nocturnal to an extreme? In order to work horses these days, we have to do it after the sun has set or before it rises fully.) There is no actual "cool" to work in-- just times when it's not as hot.
Lucky for me, Lutin is a happy pony, no matter the time of day. He is more than willing to stand rock still for the boys to groom him, and for me to croon sweet secret words in his adorable ears. (Have I told you lately I just love this pony? No? Shame on me! I Love Lutin!)
Lutin is even happy as a lark to pack the kids around and around, licking and chewing the entire time, a happy look in his soft eyes. If you ask him, the Locust Brothers are HIS kids and his alone. (Good. Then Lutin can pay to FEED the Locusts for a month or so.) He is pretty good for me to clamber up on now and again as well, but... well, the look in his eye is not quite as happy. MOM makes him DO things. Like things faster than a WALK. Shame. On. Mom. Making the poor, fat pony jiggle his belly around. MOM also makes him do things like... dare I say it? .. FLEX and leg yeild. How HORRIBLE. Poor, Poor abused pony.
Yep. Lutin. Spoiled Dang Rotten, and loving every minute of it.
HoneyMare has been making great improvements as well. The old girl is perking up some, now that we have had a discussion or two on how to exhibit proper manners around the Locust Brothers. MOST of the time she is pure joy to be around. Once in a while though, she apparently has gotten up on the way wrong side of the paddock and she is a bad bad pony. This week? She's been great. In fact, she's been so great that the Locust Brothers have been doing some riding on her as well. If I had to hazard a guess though, I'd say her favorite form of work is what she and I do- freely, the length of the paddock at various gaits. She is smart enough to listen close and warm up slow. And I always know when she is ready to step things up a bit in pace, as she gives me "That Look"- a look that is a cross between mischief, happy, and a bit of wicked thrown in for good measure. Let me tell y'all----- when she is ready? And cuts that long, flowing extended trot loose? I get goose bumps. HoneyMare will show you what suspension is all about, and it seems her favorite gait is the extended trot. She floats around, effortlessly changing direction, ears on me the whole time, with a big grin on her face. She'll break into a canter now and then too, and is now able to utilize both leads properly, flowing from the hindquarters to her front end.
To say we're pleased with her rehab thus far is an understatement.
Now- one more quick note before I must apply myself to work:
MiKael.
I was able to catch her on the phone the other day. She is stronger, and sounded better, but still has a very long way to go until she is BETTER. She HAS made it out to the barn though and scored a horse kiss or two, which picks her spirits up tremendously. However, being upright or sitting in a chair is painful. Thus she is unable to be on her computer. She said, "I feel like I am in isolation. I miss my blog, I miss reading blog stories from my friends."
Can we remedy that folks? Anyone up for sending her old fashioned pen pal type letters and updates? Or a card? I am- how bout you? Phone calls are great, but taxing on her. Something she can hold in her hand though, and read and re-read, I bet would do wonders for her soul. If you'd like to write her, the snail mail is as follows:
MiKael Callier
9900 288 St. East
Graham WA 98338
That about sums it up from this little corner of the world. Work beckons (HA~.... it's work that does NOT leave me hurting, stinking like thrush/ abscess/ hoof cookies. It's work that I can do INSIDE in 110* heat. Duuuude... I'm totally loving my job!)
Happy hoofin' everyone! Now go smooch your horses!
~MM
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