MAY 2024

Happy May 2024!

We are off to take Daisy and Areion to VA Tech for pedicures today. Busy, busy!

KY Derby is this Saturday. Anyone got a hot tip about it?

Nope.  The dock still isn't in.  The water has been too high for the whole last month.  Matt has set two different weekends to put it in, but as tall as he is, some places would be up to his neck...  too deep to work effectively.  As of this morning, the water level is down a couple of inches, so maybe if it keep going down we can get it done in the next couple of weeks.  

I hope Donnie is feeling better now.

The picture at the top is a beautiful scene. Love it.

Happy May Day,

I'm finally rising from the ashes and just letting you all know that I'm alive and kicking (well not kicking). I had my knee replaced and leg straightened out on April 9th and recovering ok. The exercises are killers but a necessity. Finally graduated to a cane today from a walker.

Feeling a lot better that I had been. I can't take any of the pain meds that they want to give you, morphine, Percocet which is oxy-, they all make me really sick so I was relegated to Aleve and Tylenol. I go to physio twice a week and do my exercises home here. I have VON coming three times a week to attend to my dressing, that will soon be coming to an end as staples came out last week and I had a bit of drainage and that is really good now, just a drop. Incision is as dry as a bone elsewhere. I can't drive for at least six weeks so I have to depend on friends to take me places and get my groceries. I tried to get everything stocked up beforehand but you always need cathode, bread and milk!

Hope that everyone is well and enjoying the longer days and the sunshine. We have had wonderful sunny days but not really warm. The sun makes a big difference in everyone's mood though.

I'm expected to get on a zoom meeting very soon but wanted to let you all know that I'm here. I'll try to get back in the next while to see what is what.

Donna

Hi, Donna! Good to see you! I'm glad to hear that you are on the recovery side of the surgery.
Do you have stores in your area that deliver groceries? Door Dash? Uber Eats? Where I am there are several stores that will deliver for about a $10 fee. The local pharmacy will deliver, too.

I'm doing cardiac rehab. The therapists are kind, not like drill sergeants. They encourage but don't push. Sometimes I think I can start to tell a difference, other days I'm not so sure. I guess two weeks isn't really long enough to make a judgement.

DONNA:
Good to see you! I am glad your recovery is coming along. I was wondering how you were doing. The first two weeks after Donnie had his right knee done were pretty painful, but he is so glad he had it done. Next one this fall....I think. I am not sure what he would have done without live-in help, though. You must be tough!!


ELLEN:
Donnie is doing much better today, nearly normal. He still feels a bit weak, but after a week of little eating and major digestive upset, it is little wonder. He has been doing a lot today and tomorrow we take Annie back to meet with our other sister to go home. Annie wanted to stay longer, but didn't have enough meds to go any longer than this week with her. I was surprised she wanted to stay longer, in the past she couldn't wait to get back to KY. She has been very helpful with the barn this time and didn't seem bored out of her mind with farm life. It's been a pleasant visit.

We took the mares to Va Tech today to get their feet trimmed. The vet was there and wants me to take all my horses totally off grass due to their plumpness. Sigh.... she doesn't live with 5 equines who will be hating me soon. They only get an hour a day of grass as it is, but even that is too much according to the vet. They are surrounded by juicy grass fields and will be kept in the bare barnlot and arena. I see a riot coming on.....

Happy May Everyone.

Today is The National Day of Prayer. Please pray for the following.

GOVERNMENT
CHURCH
MILITARY
FAMILY
EDUCATION
MEDIA
BUSINESS

Have a blessed day.

Saturday's Kentucky Derby was amazing. I forgot it was on so didn't see it in real time but even so it was AMAZING! I read an article that was each of the jockeys commenting on how their horse performed. There was only one that sounded like sour grapes. I found it interesting that most of the jockeys sounded like they didn't really think their horse had a real chance at winning, they were just happy that they had the opportunity to ride in the KD and their horse did it's best.

It was a very exciting race! I heard there was some question about 2nd and 3rd. I saw the bumping going on during the end of the race, but the stewards didn't say anything. I hope they don't make any changes to final result. It was just a good close race.
The favorite was nowhere to be found. That's why I NEVER bet more than $2 on horses.

On Sunday, the NASCAR race had a very similar ending. The difference between 1 and 2 was 0.001 seconds. The photo showed Larson maybe a quarter of an inch ahead.

We seem to be recovered from our various ailments, although my foot still screams on occasion.  It's better, though.  The vets came this week and gave everyone shots, checked their teeth, and looked them over.  Only Trinket had to have her teeth floated.  A shot of happy juice and she didn't care.  




We are gearing up for hay season. Donnie is working on the tractor's rake to replace a couple of wheels and then will tune up the baler. The warmer weather has increased the amount of grass growing, so it is a bit early this year.

Just found out our new across the road neighbors with 3 horses and a pony are selling their house. They just bought it last fall. Not sure why they are selling out. Anyone want to be our neighbors?

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6260-Highland-Rd-Dublin-VA-24084/122673913_zpid/

How old are Trinket and Cactus Jack? It seems like they have been around for quite a while.

ELLEN:
 Trinket is 21 and Cactus Jack will be 27 in July.   Both are doing well, although Trinket seems to have some arthritis  and occasional bouts of laminitis.   Trinket is a riot, little but mighty.   She tells Cactus how high to jump.  She is 30 inches tall and Cactus is 37 inches tall.


We got Trinket when she was 3 years old and Cactus when he was 18 months old.  They have been around awhile.  






We can see Northern Lights here in Virginia this evening. Donnie made some radio contacts earlier where he bounced signals off the auroras on particular frequencies. (Not sure of the specifics on this, just that he was thrilled.)

Good Morning Foops........

It's a beautiful early morning here in Hebron. I'm going for breakfast at 8:30 with my friend Nancy, this is a community breakfast that is held every month in a French community about twenty minutes from me. I still can't drive so Nancy will come pick me up. Always a great time with the same people every time. Last one till the fall so we don't want to miss. Last month I gave Nancy and Bev money to pay for their breakfast as they were my care givers for a week. I'll sure be happy to be able to drive? It's my right knee so things are slow in that department.

Recovering slowly but surely. My physiotherapist is very happy with me in my progress, Me, I'm very impatient and think I should be going faster.

My housecleaner was here yesterday and I got her to do a lot of out of the usual things that need to be done. Wash all windows outside and in and put in the screens. The black flies are out now so that's. a necessity. Wash all the hardwood floors as my walker was doing a job on them and Fergie's feet added to it. She gets her paws wiped every time at the door but......

Not much new here. The weather has been good, a few rainy days and the rest sunny and lovely. Lawn has been mowed once and another time this afternoon. Trees are all leafing out and my perennials are all up and blooming. Spring is looking good......now if I just could drive!

ARK, I remember when you go both Trinket and Jack. Well maybe you had one before we were FOOPS but it seems that we were there from the first. You would take Trinket in parades with his cute cart.

Have to run. All have a great weekend and Happy Mothers Day, even if you aren't a Mother. we are all Mothers to critters.

My son is coming down on Tuesday and taking me out for Mothers day supper. He was coming today but has a funeral that he forgot he has to attend on Wednesday, both of us will go I guess. I'll go to church if there is a driver that can pick me up.

Donna

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful women who give everything for their kids, both human and animal.

Good morning, my friends!  While I’ve meant to visit you all for quite a while, what’s finally gotten me here is sad news that I thought some here would want to know about.  

Another of the Foops, Rosemary Schaffer, has crossed the bridge.  Her daughter posted on Rosemary’s Facebook page that she had had a heart attack on April 22 and passed away early in the morning on April 24 due to complications.  There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday, May 19, and I am planning to attend.  I believe Stacy is going to try to be there, as well.

The world will be a dimmer place without her, and she will definitely be missed.

sigh…..

I will be back again in the near future to check in with you all and try to catch up.
Blessings & hugs,
svet  

link to Rosemary's obituary

Good Morning All,

I just read Svet's post and can say that I was so shocked when I got the notice on FB from Ariel and Marie, Rosemarys granddaughter and daughter. I had noticed that there was no emails from her for a while and wondered about it but since her other daughter, Shannon, has cancer and was a big worry for Rosemary. I don't know if she ever ventured over to this site Ark and she wasn't one of the original FOOPS so many would not know her. She was a believer that the Lady on the white mare would arrive to take her home, I hope she was right.

It's a beautiful day here and if it wasn't for the damn black flies life would be great!!! I have a machine that really keep them in check but there is always strays ones that escape. They will soon be replaced by mosquitos and those I don't get.

I have physio after lunch today. My Son is coming later today to take me out for Mothers Day supper and then a visitation at the funeral home. I'm not going to the funeral tomorrow a.m. as it's really early and I don't think I would do well sitting all that time through an RC funeral with all the bells and whistles. I would be seized up by the time it was time to get up, lol. It will be nice to have him overnight and maybe two nights to get all the things done that I need finished.

I had a nice Mothers Day, my Grandson arrived for a brief visit and to get something to eat, he was just here on the fly picking up a part for my Granddaughter's husbands company and then bringing it back to Truro for someone to pick it up for Monday morning's work. My Granddaughters both did FaceTime and Cameron (grandson) brought me two huge pots of flowers from him and his Dad. I'm not a Mothers Day fan as you will remember. I'm usually here alone except for friends and no family.

I have already done my exercises and will put ice on my knee now for a while.

Have a great day

Donna

SVET:
Thanks for bringing us the news about Rosemary. While I didn't really know her, I have seen her on occasion in different forums. I am so sorry to hear she has passed away. I mostly remember she had a very difficult working life and must have been happy to finally retire. The image of a white mare coming to take her Home is very appealing. I hope it happened for her. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend...




DONNA:
You really stay busy! I am glad your family members checked in with you on Mother's Day. The flowers sound very nice! Since I never had kids and my mother died so many years ago, it is not a day I participate in, but appreciate it for others. I hope you had a good day!
Your knee sounds like it is coming along! You'll be dancing soon!



After 6 months of short arena rides, I finally got to go on a trail ride with Ivan yesterday. We went to Pandapas Pond with a new riding friend. The weather was so great and the flowers were starting to bloom in the forest. Flame azaleas are in bloom, one of my favorites. Ivan was pretty good considering he hadn't been off property since November and got along well with Rocket, the QH gelding we rode with. Good day!

I'm so glad to see Svet here again. I do hope she'll come back soon.

Donna, other than not being able to drive, how is the knee coming along?

Ark, it must have been nice to ride in the sunshine. I envy that. I did get a pontoon ride with the neighbors on Sunday, but it's sure not the same as being on a horse.

We are back into haymaking mode. Going to be a busy week. Donnie has the upper field mowed and will start "fluffing" it today. We had a lot of rain on Friday and Saturday, so the hay will have to be turned several times to make sure it won't mold.

Good Day All,

Ellen, Im doing pretty good with the knee, I drove on Friday........sneaked down the road about five KMS for a pedicure. This is week six so know I'm ok to drive now but my toe nails were so long that they were hitting the ends of my shoes. Badly needed fix. I go to physio twice a week and do my exercises a few times a day on top of that. It's a long process!!!!

I'm waiting to hear from SVET and Stacy to hear how the celebration of life went yesterday. I thought of the family all day.

I'm heading out in a few minutes to go visit a good friend of mine that had strokes a couple of years ago and is pretty paralyzed on her right side. She was a goer and doer always and never took a pill.....then these strokes! I haven't seen her since before my knee op. Here speech was involved in the aftereffects of her strokes and she has a time talking, one sentence will come out just fine and then next will be garble, then she throws her hands in the air and says well SHIT!!!! That comes out perfectly clear. Nancy (our other friend) and I fill in the blanks when she is trying to tell us something and then we all laugh at the results.

ARK, haymaking time again and here's hoping it is a good one for all you horse people. We need rain after having so much this spring, it's pretty dry.

I'll be back.

Donna

Donna, it's nice to regain some sense of independence when you can drive again. A nice pedicure would be a good way to start.

I'm about halfway through my rehab. I guess I'm making progress, but it feels pretty slow.

It is really hot and humid here for today and tomorrow with chances of rain in the afternoons. Typical haying weather.

My neighbor/handyman came and cleaned my rugs today. They were out on the deck so they could dry out. I brought them in this evening when they were clean, dry, and smelled pretty. While he was cleaning rugs outside, I was using the steam cleaner on the floors inside. They are all nice and shiny now.
By the way, if anybody is looking for a way to clean floors that doesn't leave a film, the steamer is GREAT. Before I got it, I had tried all sorts of cleaners and all of them left a film on my glossy floor.

DONNA:
 Congrats on being able to drive again!!   I am glad you are recovering from your surgery!     I hope your friend gets better after her strokes.  Strokes are so scary, not much warning and your life is changed.  My mother died of one when she was 42.  I suspect now days there would be better care for stroke victims than there was back then.  
 Let us know what Svet has to say when she gets home.....


ELLEN:
 I need to steam clean my tile floors and rugs.  After a winter of muddy feet, they need a good shine.  



Snake season has started early this year.  We usually have our big blacksnake invasion the first week in June.   This year it started last week.   So far we have caught, and re-homed, three  4 to 5 foot snakes in the barn and seen two more in the pastures.   Donnie and I are getting pretty good at catching the baby bird eating creatures, although there is usually a lot of screaming going on....not from Donnie....Trinket actually neighed to me in concern as I was dancing around  and shrieking with my snake catching net while Donnie was trying to get it in the box with his hooked snake stick and the snake was objecting.  I love Trinket........ I catch the head of the snake in the net while Donnie snags the rest of the snake and we dump it in the snake box and slam it shut.  Then it gets a ride down the road to a wooded area with no barns nearby.  We have a lot of nesting barnswallows and flycatchers and wrens and hate it when the snakes snack on the babies.  In non-nesting season, we leave the snakes alone.  If they only ate mice, we'd leave them alone all year.

Ark, you're right. Strokes are AWFUL. That's why I had the Watchman put in to eliminate one source of strokes. IF you get help within about an hour or so, they can reverse the effects.

I love my steam floor cleaner. Got it a really cheap one a couple of years ago. It works great.

I'm glad we don't have many snakes around here. There would probably be a lot more screaming if there were.

I hope all have had a lovely holiday weekend. We have vegged out for the most part. We find it takes us awhile to recover from putting up hay these days. Unfortunately, Donnie will be mowing the lower field tomorrow after I get back from Pandapas Pond with Ivan. The rest of our week is dedicated to making hay. The lower field is harder to do than the upper one, even though they are about the same size. We have to haul the hay out onto the road after going up a very rough rutted driveway that leads to the lower field. Not fun. Hope the weather is good to us after the terrific rainstorms we had yesterday.

I had a good weekend. On Saturday, my cousin and her family came. He put in my dock and the jet ski lift and did a few other little things. After managing a bank all week, he likes to do outdoor chores that don't require heavy thinking.
Everybody who had a boat of any sort was out on the water.
Sunday and yesterday were both colder and rainy, so there weren't many boats out either day.

Travis will get the jet ski ready for the summer and get it launched. I'm really looking forward to that.