Writer's Workshop

Living with horses is always an adventure. Whether you have to fix a fence, clean a stall, call a Vet, or just sit and laugh. They are big, adorable, loving animals, that can cheer you up on any given day, no matter how bad of a mood your in, or how lonely your feeling.

They can take a ho-hum day, and make it memorable.

Cisco on an Evening Graze

Imagine this if you can:

It's spring, still wet and muddy from our winter, and early spring showers. Horses are feeling good with the weather getting warmer. Cisco, our only gelding on the property, is a big boy, 16 hands tall! He is a Tennessee Walker, as are all of our horses.

I was making a round in the back yard on our lawnmower, when I saw Cisco come barreling down the hill. I just had to stop and watch, because I knew what was about to happen. Unable to stop in a normal fashion, he sat on his butt, front feet out in front of him, sliding closer to the creek!  I kept waiting for him  to start back paddling his front feet, looking for more traction.

The look on his face was absolutely a Kodak Moment, and me without my Kodak, wouldn't you know it! I laughed so hard and so loud, I heard my echo in the woods behind the house, where are horses roam. I got some funny looks from the rest of the herd, and it just made me laugh all the harder.

Family Time

I just spent over an hour on the phone with my mom. I had not talked to her in a few weeks, and it isn't like her not to call me at least once a week. So, I was beginning to get worried about her, and gave her a call.

It was good to hear her voice, I didn't realize how much I had missed her chatter. Seems she is doing fine, and doing some more work on her place. She and her dog, Winston, are doing good. Fairing the Georgia cold as well as any Floridian could.

Winston ~ Keeping Mom Safe from all

I miss being close to my mom, when we could visit each other whenever we wanted. I miss knowing she is within a few miles of me. Even though I moved to Tennessee several years ago, I still miss her unexpected visits to check on me and the kids. I miss the family gatherings, and the family fusses.

She has her friends, and is building a new life for herself. But so often, I wish she would have chosen to come here and be closer to me. I worry about her. Not in the present day sense, but in the future. I know she is healthy and able to take care of herself now. I want her closer to me, so I can care for her as she cared for me. Supporting her, loving her, enjoying her company, and learning from her.

I do have to wonder how she is going to operate her computer. My son, who is now 29, has been with her since he was a baby. And my parents had bought him a computer, which he grew up using, and even did some web design work, and gaming programming.

He has recently moved back to Florida, leaving my mom on her own with the computer. Sure, she used them at work, and actually got really good with the programs they had to use there. But, at home, for personal use, she is almost completely lost.

So, while talking to her on the phone tonight, we set up a Yahoo! email account for her. The first contact she added was me, since I was talking to her. And she started reading all my blog posts, tweets, and FB comments.

OHOH,, what have a I done? I told her now she keep up with me, and find out what I'm really up to. Of course, I didn't stop there! I just HAD to show her how we can chat live, with Yahoo Chat Web Version.
My next step, is to get her to Skype, so we can use video, and when her new great-grandson here, she will be able to meet him and get to know him.

Not sure how long this learning curve is going to last, so I hope she is a quick learner, and can adapt quickly. I wonder if Yahoo does video, then I would not have to teach her a whole new IM program!

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Long Overdue Updates

I realize it has been a while since posting anything here, and it is time to get back on track. It took me so long for updating this site, because I have been busy working on Diamond M Sales.

A lot has been going on since my last post. From our fellow WAHM getting ill, and being admitted to the hospital, to our garden coming in at the ranch.

Denise Dobbs, a close friend and loyal Consultant has been in the hospital since June 17th. Tests have been run, biopsies on growths have been performed, and still all tests are coming up negative. Last word was that she was getting moved to a specialized hospital for closer evaluation. If you would like to leave a personal message for Denise, please visit her Get Well Site. And while your there, check out our fund raisers that we have going to help with her medical expenses and other bills.

Our blackberries picking has been keeping us really busy. So far, we have picked and sold 11 gallons of blackberries, not to mention what we have picked to make our jams and jellies with! Although, I will say, my first batch of jelly did not turn out right, so it is now a blackberry syrup, but still very awesome!

Our garden has been coming in as well. From tomatoes to green beans. My first batch of salsa is done, we have picked 3 lb's of green beans, and still more coming in every day! The cucumbers are awesome, and the first batch of pickles were done yesterday.


If your into saving money,, then I highly suggest you start a garden and learn to can. If I can do it,, anybody can. You just need to make sure you have the right supplies BEFORE you get started. Don't do like I did last year, and figure you can improvise,, it just does NOT work with canning. But, I truly enjoy it, and I love to see my goodies enjoyed!

If you are new canning, or gardening, or you just want to learn more, I highly recommend Jarden Home Brands 21400 Ball Blue Book for your journey. These canning directions are easy to follow, and will tell you exactly what you need to know. It's been a true life-saver for me!

Until Next time! We wish you a very safe week, enjoy your family, and stay safe in this summer heat! And please keep Denise Dobbs in your prayers. 

Happy Trails ~ 

Vendor Of The Month

Vendor Of The Month

Thank you for the honor! I truly appreciate all that you Reps do for me, and when you highlight my company, I am so touched that there are no words.

Howdy!

Welcome to my life. I am a mom to 3 grown children, and a grandmother to one beautiful little girl. I love my life here on the ranch, and enjoy most things I do on a daily basis. And now that spring is in the air, things are happening again, I want to share our life with you. The good, the bad and the ugly. So, you just never know what your gonna find me talking about, or even ranting about. 

I work a part time job, 3 nights a week, at Subway. We currently have 5 horses boarded here, along with our own 7. Planting season is right around the corner, and I don't even have my garden ready to go yet! Although I am looking forward to our wild blackberries again this year. 

Our wild geese are back, and so are the ducks. Grass is turning green, and will soon need mowing. The deer are still coming up to their salt block that they share with the horses, and the dogs are happy to be getting out again. 

If I don't get my house into shape soon, it will have to wait until next fall / winter, when I'm stuck in the house again. So, join me as I share things with you, from shopping to saving, contests and give-aways. Things I find around the net, and things that happen around the ranch!

Enjoy your visit, make yourself at home, and become a part of the family! Be sure to leave a comment every now and then, and remember to follow us!