Using up hay

It's almost December (that means Christmas is on it's way) and it has been very cold. We loaded the fourth bale of hay today. There are five left. Sure hope we have enough.

Chili feed with TEA

The Equestrian Academy (TEA) had a Chili feed. We had great food. Dawna makes great chili. I brought better than "horseback riding" cake, which was a success.

We watched a video on horse conformation by Deb Bennett, which I think is going to be helpful if you need to buy a horse.

Cantus Christmas concert

Dan got tickets a few months ago to a Cantus concert - an all male acappella vocal group. It was held last night on Harriet Island in St. Paul. We arrived early and found a great place to eat nearby -- Joseph's Grill. I highly recommend it. The burgers were big and juicy. The fries were fabulous, coated in parmesan cheese and lightly seasoned.

At the concert, there was hot apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies and amazing harmonies. At intermission, they provided hay rides on wagons drawn by teams of Belgians. OK, there was one black Shire. We sang Christmas carols. It was so much fun! Then during the second half we had a singalong. Go next year if you get a chance.

I thought Red was big. The Belgian are huge! And they let you pet them.

Whiteout!

This has nothing to to with horses, but is newsworthy. I was driving back from a conference in Green Lake this morning where I gave a presentation on "Writing for the Web." When I neared Osseo, there were whiteout conditions and traffic came to a screeching halt. I sat for 4 1/2 hours (!!$#@%@#$@) in one place on I94. I found later that traffic was backed up for 10 miles. Semis had slid off and overturned and blocked the highway. The State Patrol's office investigated 30 accidents and pulled more than 100 cars out of the ditch. I guess I'm lucky to be home safe and sound and only a little inconvenienced.

Voting day

We had some great weather so I took the afternoon off and did my patriotic duty. Then I headed for the barn. Red almost nailed me. I was picking up his foot when Cosmo our cat strolled in and startled him. Good thing I had just let his foot go cuz he jumped sideways toward me and caught the side of my foot.

Then I led Sparkler out down the drive. Bob came home with the school bus and she went balistic. Round and round. The lead rope got tangled between her front legs and I began to get twisted between her and the rope so I let go. Off she went - luckily straight toward the barnyard.

Tarp #2

Yesterday was cold. Today was a lot warmer so we put up the 2nd tarp.Why do we always wait until it's so late that you are at the mercy of mother nature to get your projects done?

I am happy to say that we have decided to turn the pole shed we rent out into a riding arena. This means, though, that we have to tell the renter he needs to find another location to store his machinery. That is not going to be easy to do. But I will be able to train the horses so much more safely and through cool and rainy weather!

Woody

Dawna, Karen and I made a trip to Sheldon to see Woody, a beautiful black and white TWH. We got lost (don't trust Mapquest) and we arrived later than we wanted. It was cold. Judy was wonderful. You can tell she loves her horses and she is the warmest person.

I think Woody is a great horse, but again, I think I need one with more experience. He's only 4 and needs some finishing. If I had more time, I'd really consider him. Dawna may know someone else who'd be interested, so the trip was not wasted.