31 October 2009
30 October 2009
70 degree Perfection - Hiking & Geocaching
Mr. Bosseh-Pants (my hiking buddy) using his new GPS to get close to the geocache.
Found it - now to reach it... it's about 10 feet off the ground.
(By the way, I think this is a bad, bad, bad place to put a geocache. Mother Nature is going to put the smack-down one someone eventually).
The geocache is in a tiny hole in the saguaro.
Mr. Bosseh-Pants got it!
Me.
One of two helicopters we saw, I think this is an R44.
Phoenix Police helicopter
A treasure I traded from a geocache. I'm guessing this is stainless steel made with a water jet cutter.
When I took the turtle, I left four Army men and a pup to protect them.
Saw this stuffy laying in the middle of the desert, no clue what it was doing there besides looking sorry. I thought of taking it home, giving it a bath and giving it to my dog, but I left it near where I'd found it.
Sitting on top of the East side of Westwing Mountain, sometimes there is water behind the dam.
A unique feature on Westwing Mountain - lichen covered rocks and quartz.
29 October 2009
Charge
Our foster dog, Charge, will be live, loud and proud at a local dog event... please stop by and say HI.
Click Here for Flyer --> Art Whine & Fashion Festival
Sunday, November 1st
12-noon to 4pm
Desert Village Shopping Center
POSH Pet Boutique and SPAw
23269 N. Pima Rd, #123
Scottsdale, AZ
(Located on the SE corner of Pinnacle Peak and Pima)
Come and enjoy!
Sponsored by POSH Pet Botique and SPAw
Click Here for Flyer --> Art Whine & Fashion Festival
Sunday, November 1st
12-noon to 4pm
Desert Village Shopping Center
POSH Pet Boutique and SPAw
23269 N. Pima Rd, #123
Scottsdale, AZ
(Located on the SE corner of Pinnacle Peak and Pima)
Come and enjoy!
Sponsored by POSH Pet Botique and SPAw
28 October 2009
27 October 2009
James' Ride
My son says their ride started in Corona de Tucson, went through the Santa Rita mountains, Box Canyon, Sonoita, over the Santa Rita mountains via Gunsight Pass and back to Corona de Tucson.
My son's motorcycle.
Because I'm a GIRL, it took me several seconds to figure out just what my son was photographing at this gas stop.
I had to chuckle at the gas station food: soda, pizza, chips, pretzels. These guys must have iron stomachs.
James says this is the "hill test of manhood" = steeper than it looks in a photograph.
James' friend "Pringle Can" decided to ride up the "hill test of manhood".
Near the Santa Rita mountains at the top of Gunsight Pass, the Corona de Tucson side.
Gunsight Pass.
Gunsight Pass.
Gunsight Pass.
My son's motorcycle.
Because I'm a GIRL, it took me several seconds to figure out just what my son was photographing at this gas stop.
I had to chuckle at the gas station food: soda, pizza, chips, pretzels. These guys must have iron stomachs.
James says this is the "hill test of manhood" = steeper than it looks in a photograph.
James' friend "Pringle Can" decided to ride up the "hill test of manhood".
Near the Santa Rita mountains at the top of Gunsight Pass, the Corona de Tucson side.
Gunsight Pass.
Gunsight Pass.
Gunsight Pass.
Honey, I'm Home!
I'm home!
I have a mountain of laundry (most of it my own); my houseplants were so thirsty they were begging for mercy; I think everyone is glad I'm home. I cook, I clean, I bake cookies, what's not to be happy about? ;o)
My son gave me wonderful news today: "GML has earned admission to the University of Arizona as a Veterinary Science major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences!" -- that means that both he and his girlfriend will be attending the University of Arizona in the Fall of 2010! YAY!
Our foster dog, Charge relaxing in the yard.
Cierra sitting outside with me while I was reading a book.
Oh how I love my puppy-girl!
Cierra the Hen, she looks like she's waiting for her ball to hatch.
I have a mountain of laundry (most of it my own); my houseplants were so thirsty they were begging for mercy; I think everyone is glad I'm home. I cook, I clean, I bake cookies, what's not to be happy about? ;o)
My son gave me wonderful news today: "GML has earned admission to the University of Arizona as a Veterinary Science major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences!" -- that means that both he and his girlfriend will be attending the University of Arizona in the Fall of 2010! YAY!
Our foster dog, Charge relaxing in the yard.
Cierra sitting outside with me while I was reading a book.
Oh how I love my puppy-girl!
Cierra the Hen, she looks like she's waiting for her ball to hatch.
26 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 17 & Home
I spent most of the day with my mom, we ran errands, we went shopping, we both got a hair cut. I know for most mother/daughter duos, this is normal, but for us this is new. While at CostCo we stopped for a bite to eat, we each got the bargain slice of pizza with a coke. As my mom ate her slice of pizza, she very carefully nibbled toward the crust and I said "Mom, you have a smiley face on your pizza". It had pepperoni eyes, a sausage nose, and it smiled. She said "I know, it was there the whole time." We had a good laugh, it was a memorable moment.
I came home this evening. It's nice to see my Honey, my dog, my own home, and tonight I'll sleep in my own bed. I have a ton of laundry, and my houseplants were so thirsty they were begging for mercy.
I have been reading the book by Jack London titled "White Fang".
I wanted to share these two paragraphs, it takes place when the gray wolf pup takes his first steps out of the cave he was born in. It may be a story about wolves, but I believe these two paragraphs summarize how humans handle fear as well.
"A great fear came upon him. This was more of the terrible unknown. He crouched down on the lip of the cave and gazed out on the world. He was very much afraid. Because it was unknown, it was hostile to him. Therefore the hair stood up on end along his back and his lips wrinkled weakly in an attempt at a ferocious and intimidating snarl. Out of his puniness and fright he challenged and menaced the whole wide world.
Nothing happened. He continued to gaze, and in his interest he forgot to snarl. Also, he forgot to be afraid. For the time, fear had been routed by growth, while growth had assumed the guise of curiosity. He began to notice near objects - an open portion of the stream that flashed in the sun, the blasted pine tree that stood at the base of the slope, and the slope itself, that ran right up to him and ceased two feet beneath the lip of the cave on which he crouched. "
I came home this evening. It's nice to see my Honey, my dog, my own home, and tonight I'll sleep in my own bed. I have a ton of laundry, and my houseplants were so thirsty they were begging for mercy.
I have been reading the book by Jack London titled "White Fang".
I wanted to share these two paragraphs, it takes place when the gray wolf pup takes his first steps out of the cave he was born in. It may be a story about wolves, but I believe these two paragraphs summarize how humans handle fear as well.
"A great fear came upon him. This was more of the terrible unknown. He crouched down on the lip of the cave and gazed out on the world. He was very much afraid. Because it was unknown, it was hostile to him. Therefore the hair stood up on end along his back and his lips wrinkled weakly in an attempt at a ferocious and intimidating snarl. Out of his puniness and fright he challenged and menaced the whole wide world.
Nothing happened. He continued to gaze, and in his interest he forgot to snarl. Also, he forgot to be afraid. For the time, fear had been routed by growth, while growth had assumed the guise of curiosity. He began to notice near objects - an open portion of the stream that flashed in the sun, the blasted pine tree that stood at the base of the slope, and the slope itself, that ran right up to him and ceased two feet beneath the lip of the cave on which he crouched. "
25 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 16
After the evening horse chores, I cleaned up (yes, I clean up nicely), and went to my friend Bill's birthday party. I promised not to tell how old he is, but I can say we're exactly 20 years apart. I had a good time, I got to see long time friends I haven't seen in a while.
My mom is feeling better little by little. Monday might be my "release" date. But I think I'll be coming back weekly to give her a break from the work.
My mom is feeling better little by little. Monday might be my "release" date. But I think I'll be coming back weekly to give her a break from the work.
24 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 15
Things that make me smile...
Boy Cat was sleeping in the window with his forehead pressed against the wood.
Boy Cat was sleeping in the window with his forehead pressed against the wood.
Happy Birthday Bill!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Bill
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Bill
Happy Birthday to you
23 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 14
Let's see... in the world of horses, cats, birds, quails, roadrunners, pack rats, bunnies, and more...
My mom said the male Cactus Wrens were fighting over the new nest, so we put up another box at the opposite end of the porch, and the nest building began immediately.
Because my mom loves me, she bought a can of corn beef hash, fried it up, and served it over rice. I haven't had that in more than 20 years. Thanks mom.
Because my mom is Japanese, we eat everything out of little bowls.
I have a birthday party to go to Saturday, which I'm excited about simply to get a break from horse chores and will sleep in my own bed, but I'll be back by 6:30am for the morning feeding. My mom is still not up to par, but slowly improving.
Happy Friday.
My mom said the male Cactus Wrens were fighting over the new nest, so we put up another box at the opposite end of the porch, and the nest building began immediately.
Because my mom loves me, she bought a can of corn beef hash, fried it up, and served it over rice. I haven't had that in more than 20 years. Thanks mom.
Because my mom is Japanese, we eat everything out of little bowls.
I have a birthday party to go to Saturday, which I'm excited about simply to get a break from horse chores and will sleep in my own bed, but I'll be back by 6:30am for the morning feeding. My mom is still not up to par, but slowly improving.
Happy Friday.
22 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 13
Along the topic of horses, I thought I'd share a story song that brought me to tears.
The video can be seen here: We Will Ride, by Wendy Francisco.
The video can be seen here: We Will Ride, by Wendy Francisco.
21 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 12
Day 12! Wow! It's day 12! That means...
hmmm... I don't know what it means.
I've been working my butt off for 12 days. I'm not as efficient at this as my mom is, she makes it look easy, but to my lame defense, she has been doing this for over 20 years. I've mostly been observing, she really doesn't like help. To allow me to take over everything is a big deal.
My mom spent three hours in the chair at the tooth torturer's office this morning. I hope, hope, hope this is her last visit and that all will be well now.
Doc and BeBe give me a lot of love, Olive only loves her food, Ike simply minds his own business and Cracker is fairly quiet. None of them sleep at the foot of my bed like my dog does, and I miss her.
Everyone furry is tucked in for the night, it's my turn to eat and shower and rest.
hmmm... I don't know what it means.
I've been working my butt off for 12 days. I'm not as efficient at this as my mom is, she makes it look easy, but to my lame defense, she has been doing this for over 20 years. I've mostly been observing, she really doesn't like help. To allow me to take over everything is a big deal.
My mom spent three hours in the chair at the tooth torturer's office this morning. I hope, hope, hope this is her last visit and that all will be well now.
Doc and BeBe give me a lot of love, Olive only loves her food, Ike simply minds his own business and Cracker is fairly quiet. None of them sleep at the foot of my bed like my dog does, and I miss her.
Everyone furry is tucked in for the night, it's my turn to eat and shower and rest.
20 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 11, Part 2
A few more photos:
These toy truck tires have been under this bush since my son was about four years old. That was about 13 years ago. If my mom ever sells the horse property, I'll have to remember to get the truck tires.
I noticed while it was overcast that the gray skies made it easier to see the weather vane.
Sunset. Can you see the moon?
These toy truck tires have been under this bush since my son was about four years old. That was about 13 years ago. If my mom ever sells the horse property, I'll have to remember to get the truck tires.
I noticed while it was overcast that the gray skies made it easier to see the weather vane.
Sunset. Can you see the moon?
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 11
What a difference a few degrees makes when working outside most of the day! Rather than 100 degrees, it's in the low 80's today, what a refreshing change.
The Cactus Wren nest I mentioned previously.
The other side of the Cactus Wren nest, in case that matters. :o)
Boy Cat, sleeping on his tail. I thought this was cute. He sleeps very hard, but when he wakes up, he wakes very startled. I was able to get this photo without waking him.
Tomorrow my mom sees the tooth torturer. She's doing better. Hopefully I can go home within the next few days. I have a birthday party to attend this weekend.
The Cactus Wren nest I mentioned previously.
The other side of the Cactus Wren nest, in case that matters. :o)
Boy Cat, sleeping on his tail. I thought this was cute. He sleeps very hard, but when he wakes up, he wakes very startled. I was able to get this photo without waking him.
Tomorrow my mom sees the tooth torturer. She's doing better. Hopefully I can go home within the next few days. I have a birthday party to attend this weekend.
19 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 10
Wow, has it really been 10 days?
Earlier in the week most of the horses were stand-offish with me. Except for Doc, he's not shy at all. A few days ago it's like someone flipped a switch, and now BeBe and I are friends. She stands facing me and want me to scratch her chest while she rests her chin on the top of my head. I'll have to get a photo of this somehow.
Earlier in the week most of the horses were stand-offish with me. Except for Doc, he's not shy at all. A few days ago it's like someone flipped a switch, and now BeBe and I are friends. She stands facing me and want me to scratch her chest while she rests her chin on the top of my head. I'll have to get a photo of this somehow.
"Congratulations! You have earned admission to The University of Arizona..."
Yippee-Skippie!
My son received an acceptance letter from The University of Arizona College of Engineering.
Much of the letter has been edited to conceal private information, you can click on the letter to make it bigger.
I'm so proud of my son!
My son received an acceptance letter from The University of Arizona College of Engineering.
Much of the letter has been edited to conceal private information, you can click on the letter to make it bigger.
I'm so proud of my son!
18 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 9, Part 2
Where the prickly things live:
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear
This very much out of focus, but I liked the blue skies.
This is one of many entrances to the pack rat nest.
This is the top of the pack rat nest.
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear
This very much out of focus, but I liked the blue skies.
This is one of many entrances to the pack rat nest.
This is the top of the pack rat nest.
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 9
I did a good deed today... a pair of Cactus Wren (birds) were determined to build a nest under the patio eve where the wind would blow away the beginnings of each nest they'd start. I wedged a small box up there and the nest building began immediately. The Cactus Wren are happy now.
Here's an image of a Cactus Wren I swiped off the internet:
Here's an image of a Cactus Wren I swiped off the internet:
17 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 8
Last night I went home for a few hours. It felt good to be in my own home, with my Honey and my dog, and to sleep in my own bed with my favorite lightweight feather pillow and favorite blanket, and favorite towel and... sometimes there's no place like home.
We planned a BBQ about two weeks ago on behalf of our friend Gary. Gary and his girlfriend Julie are getting married November 7th. Congratulations!
Gary hadn't actually proposed on bended knee to Julie. He asked if we could help him out by gathering friends so that he could surprise Julie with his proposal. We were happy to help, besides, I love surprises, especially when they are surprises for other people.
Gary travels with his work, and couldn't make it home in time for the BBQ.
Ooops.
But, everyone gathered, Julie came, a good time was had by all. And the best part,
PJ got on bended knee, looked lovingly in to Julie's eyes, and asked:
"Julie, will you marry Gary?".
She said "yes".
We planned a BBQ about two weeks ago on behalf of our friend Gary. Gary and his girlfriend Julie are getting married November 7th. Congratulations!
Gary hadn't actually proposed on bended knee to Julie. He asked if we could help him out by gathering friends so that he could surprise Julie with his proposal. We were happy to help, besides, I love surprises, especially when they are surprises for other people.
Gary travels with his work, and couldn't make it home in time for the BBQ.
Ooops.
But, everyone gathered, Julie came, a good time was had by all. And the best part,
PJ got on bended knee, looked lovingly in to Julie's eyes, and asked:
"Julie, will you marry Gary?".
She said "yes".
16 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 7
I don't have any new photos today.
I took my mom out to pick up a new prescription, stronger pain pills - hello vicodin.
While waiting I bought a new lipstick for my birthday weekend. Not that the horses care what I look like.
A couple weeks ago we planned a BBQ at our house as a favor to a friend. Turns out the friend had a change in plans but we'll still BBQ regardless. So, I get to go home for a few hours, then I'll come back to Horse Care Boot Camp.
I took my mom out to pick up a new prescription, stronger pain pills - hello vicodin.
While waiting I bought a new lipstick for my birthday weekend. Not that the horses care what I look like.
A couple weeks ago we planned a BBQ at our house as a favor to a friend. Turns out the friend had a change in plans but we'll still BBQ regardless. So, I get to go home for a few hours, then I'll come back to Horse Care Boot Camp.
15 October 2009
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 6, Part 5
And the last time you saw one of these was...
most likely, never.
This is a show and tell item:
Two of them are about the size of a golf ball, plus one slightly smaller.
The texture is different on each one.
I think the texture of this one is the most interesting.
These lovelies came from the inside of one of my mom's Arabians.
They are called "Enteroliths", or more simply: intentional stones.
The common belief is that they are made up of minerals: magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. Most often found in Arabians or mares (these were from an Arabian). There is more information and good preventative advise here: Enteroliths
most likely, never.
This is a show and tell item:
Two of them are about the size of a golf ball, plus one slightly smaller.
The texture is different on each one.
I think the texture of this one is the most interesting.
These lovelies came from the inside of one of my mom's Arabians.
They are called "Enteroliths", or more simply: intentional stones.
The common belief is that they are made up of minerals: magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. Most often found in Arabians or mares (these were from an Arabian). There is more information and good preventative advise here: Enteroliths
Horse Care Boot Camp, Day 6, Part 4
Random photos...
I suddenly feel very short.
BeBe, Arabian, age 10 (she is the youngest horse)
BeBe, Arabian, age 10
"Phbbbt..."
Doc, QH, age 24
This is why it's hard for me to get photographs of Doc, he is a nibbler, those are my shorts he has his teeth on.
Doc, Olive and BeBe
Cracker, Arabian, age 27
Doc and Olive (touching noses) and Cracker.
Olive, QH, age 22
I suddenly feel very short.
BeBe, Arabian, age 10 (she is the youngest horse)
BeBe, Arabian, age 10
"Phbbbt..."
Doc, QH, age 24
This is why it's hard for me to get photographs of Doc, he is a nibbler, those are my shorts he has his teeth on.
Doc, Olive and BeBe
Cracker, Arabian, age 27
Doc and Olive (touching noses) and Cracker.
Olive, QH, age 22