Life isn't easy

I'm trying very hard to stay focused on the happy moments and positive things in my life, but darned if some less-than-happy things don't manage to work their way into my thoughts every day, sometimes multiple times a day.
In the past week to 10 days, I've cried nearly every day, sometimes in great amounts, sometimes I'm able to fight the tears enough that I can dab them away with a tissue before they spill from my eyes. And I'm getting tired of feeling so sad, depressed, and more than a little hurt and disappointed over the actions (or more precisely inactions) of others.
None of this has anything to do with my household, family or close friends. Nothing to do with death or illness. Most of it revolves around another area of my life.
It would be easy to bad mouth those involved, but I refuse to do it. I'm not going to stoop to that level.
I was given a 2 hour (or longer) "talking to" the other day about a lot of things, including others' hurt feelings, feelings of disrespect and of course the ever-popular-topic: my bad attitude.
Okay, fine, so be it.
But what about my hurt feelings and feelings of disrespect?
Does anybody ever stop to consider my feelings? Perhaps it's these things that lead to me developing a bad attitude.
I internalize so much sh*t, it's unbelievable!! I keep it all bottled up inside and it grows like a malignant tumor, manifesting to the point that it surfaces as a "bad attitude".
If people only knew!
Perhaps I don't know how to express myself in a healthy way.
Perhaps I spend way too much time trying to take into account others feelings and trying to avoid confrontation for the sake of keeping peace, that I end up causing myself too many problems. Again, if people only knew!! But instead, they just jump to conclusions and call me out for all the wrong reasons.

Every person is different. There are different personality types and what-not.
Some people are out-going where as others are shy.
Some people are loud and overbearing where as others are quiet and soft spoken.
Some people seem to be always happy and in a good mood, where as others may seem to be unhappy or in a bad mood.
Some people go through life with a smile plastered on their face, but that is simply a facade, and are often actually hurting inside or are just masking their true emotions. These are the people that we hear about on the news when their neighbors are saying "I never would've suspected..."
Some people go through life with a frown on their face or a furrowed brow, and it's automatically assumed that they are pissed about something or just simply mad at the whole world.
Does anyone ever stop to consider that nothing is wrong at all, but that that person just has a naturally down-turned mouth, or maybe the brow is furrowed because they are often deep in thought? It doesn't mean they are a bad person or a negative person. Sometimes we simply just can not adjust how our faces look.
Some people have an easy time talking to others, whether it's someone they know well or a perfect stranger and have no problem opening up to others, where as some people aren't as quick to make friends and have to get to know a person over time before opening up. Perhaps these people have been "burned" by others so often in life, that they have no reason to be automatically trusting and friendly to everyone they encounter.

Trust, respect and friendship have to be built and earned. It's not an automatic "given" in life. They are an on-going process, ever evolving and changing.
Just because a person doesn't have a happy and bright, sunny personality, doesn't mean they aren't a trustworthy person, a hard worker, and that they wouldn't bend over backwards to help another.
And just because a person is bright and bubbly all the time, doesn't mean they are dependable and should be given the gold key to the crapper, so to speak.

As I said, I'm trying to stay focused on the happy things, but it just isn't easy. But then, life isn't easy.

C.M.A.

C.M.A.

And I don't mean the awards show.
Finally, something positive to blog about for a change.

I know I shouldn't look a gift-horse in the mouth, but I just had to in this case.
I wanted to C.M.A. (cover my ass) in case our utility company was making a huge mistake somewhere.

Everybody complains about their gas/electric bill going up, up, up.
When I watch the news reports, they talk about how utility prices are going up, up, up and how we should prepare for a hike in our rates.

So imagine my surprise these past few months when ours has done exactly the opposite. They've gone down, down, down.
I added up all the bills from two years ago and they averaged $98.
The same bills for the past year was down to an average of $89. Nine dollars cheaper!
Forgive me for being just a bit suspicious.

Now admittedly, I'm a tight-wad with the use of the furnace. But we still had an awful lot of really cold days this winter and the furnace ran quite a bit. We never had any 70-degree days in February as we usually do that would normally allow me to turn the furnace off for a few days. Instead, it ran everyday. It's only been in the past couple of weeks that I've been able to turn it off from time to time.
And I can't think of any other changes we've made around the house these past few months that would attribute the lower bills.
So I called the utility company to ask if my latest bill of $44.81 was indeed correct, because I didn't want to get slammed a couple of months from now if the company discovered they'd been charging me incorrectly and then sent me a huge bill to make up the difference
The customer service rep reviewed my bill for the past few months, assured me that the meter readings were actual and not estimated, and that everything was in order.
SWEET!!
Why couldn't everything else in my life be going as well?

Screwed over as usual!

I'm no tax expert.
I don't even attempt to try and do our own taxes.
I tried many, many years ago, back when I was still single and it should've been easy, and couldn't make sense out of it, so seriously, I wouldn't even try to do it now.
So of course I know nothing about tax laws, what percentages/rates, counties, blah, blah, blah.
Needless to say, I found out today my company has been screwing me by taking out taxes that they shouldn't have, for the 7+ years I've been working here. And of course you can only go back for 2 years to file for a correction, or whatever.
Bend over Pitawoman!

Early on-set Alzheimers??

I think I'm starting to lose "it". Is it possible at 42 I'm developing early on-set Alzheimer's??

I find myself doing more and more silly or forgetful things.

In the past 8 hours alone, I've done the following:
*I got the bottle of dish soap out from under the sink, used it, and instead of putting it back under the sink, I caught myself walking towards the refrigerator to put it away.
*When I went to the restroom a while ago, I realized I'd put my underwear on inside out this morning.
*Also, when I got dressed this morning, I neglected to put on an article that I consider crucial to my daily attire.
Am I losing my mind? Perhaps one could say I've just been distracted today, but today is just one example. Seriously, these things seem to be happening more and more of late.
Should I be concerned?

Good times!

Despite one crappy email I received this morning from someone, I refuse to let it dampen my spirits. Right now, life is good and I'd like to ride the wave of happiness and good times I'm experiencing right now.
Last night, I was able to get in a riding lesson for the first time in almost two months. Despite the knee pain by the time it was over, I could hardly stop grinning from ear to ear. It was undoubtedly the best ride I've ever had. I spent almost the entire class at a light jog or canter, and was able to keep John (the horse) going the whole time, not needing the riding crop to encourage him to keep going. The weather was fabulous and it made for riding without a jacket very pleasant.
When I got home last night, I got a long awaited phone call. After many months of delays, the date has finally been set for Olivia to take her test to become a therapy pet. April 3rd is her big day, I can hardly wait!
Five years ago today, the husband and I were making the final plans for a vacation we were getting ready to take out west. Little did I know on that day, that my life (our lives) was about to change completely... and for the better I must say.
Five years ago today, my darling Olivia was born. I remember the first couple of times I saw her when I was dropping our other dogs off to be kenneled for our vacation and then again when I went back to pick them up, I was almost repulsed by her, but fate has a way of stepping in and changing one's view of things. The once ugly-duckling has become my beautiful, white swan. I can't imagine life without her. Most people only cry when they lose a pet or if some major illness/injury happens to it. Despite her good health, I often find myself tearing up just looking at her or thinking about her (as I am now), because the love I have for Olivia overwhelms me at times.

"One's life is not as fixed as one believes. Surprises may lie in store for you, the unexpected often tends to happen, sometimes bringing in its train the most delightful change in one's life or circumstances." Elizabeth Aston

Truer words were never spoken!!
I never would've imagined last summer, that a chance encounter while working at a booth for the Luci Ctr., would lead to what I'm sure will be a wonderful new path in mine and Olivia's lives. Wish us luck on the test next week.
Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!!




Olivia, age 6 weeks




Livvie, 3-4 months old






Taken Feb. '09



Taken 03/24/10... compare to photo taken 13 months ago, her nose has less pink on it than a year ago.



My sweet little birthday girl was snuggled up cozy as a bug in a rug this morning.

I leave you with a song "Good Times" by Chic. It pretty well sums up the way I'm feeling about things right now. Have a great week everybody!!

Bald is beautiful

Well, maybe not beautiful, but certainly nothing to be be ashamed of.

Every Monday evening, we go to Moe's for dinner (nothing beats Moe Mondays!!) and our neighbors/friends Tony & Jeanie meet us there. Last night our group grew when the Worths joined us.
Tony has been battling cancer for sometime and recently had his head shaved when he started losing his hair.
I felt like I didn't have hardly any hair, but compared to him, I feel like I've still got a head full!


Feel better Tony!!

Back in the saddle again!

7 weeks it's been since I last rode. I've been pining away for the opportunity to go riding again. **sniff**
When my husband announced last night that he was only going to Lebanon to spend the day (Wednesday) this week, I announced: well, if you're going to be home on Tuesday, then I'm going riding!
So to celebrate my return to riding (even if it isn't on a regular basis as yet), I give you Gene Autry, singing "Back in the Saddle Again"

Inquiring Minds Want To Know...

I have an inquiring mind, and it would like answers to my curiosity questions.

* Why do so many of the UFC fighter paint their toe nails? Most of the ones I see are painted black, but I have seen one painted red. I find it all very peculiar.
And while we're on UFC fighters, specifically, why does Alan Belcher wear trunks that either have fringe on them, or else that he rolls up like a diaper? Looks like a freak!

* If your employer runs the payroll week Saturday thru Friday, then doesn't it seem only right that your vacation should run Saturday thru Friday as well? My husband's employer follows the actual calender for vacations, meaning Sunday to Saturday, therefore, part of your vacation pay falls on one week, and one day of pay falls on the next week. Why would an employer do this? All I can think of is that it really screws over the employees, especially where over-time is concerned.

* If someone you know is a very bad driver, has had several fender-benders and just recently totalled out his/her own car, then why on earth would you loan that person your vehicle? Better yet, why the heck would you act so surprised when that person returns your car to you with a big dent in it?
True story there folks. If I'm lyin' I'm dyin'!

Dog Show pix

Spent a few hours at the dogshow Saturday morning, rooting on "Sawyer" (Triplecrest Hometown Hero).

The dobies were in the ring next to the danes. Aside from the difference in color (black vs. red), I'd hate to be a judge in that ring. The dogs all looked exactly alike to me!

There were many beautiful dogs there. As well as some very odd looking ones, and dare I say , some ugly ones?

Ignorance is bliss / St. B's 2010

Sunday morning, after I had returned from working at the farm, I was walking towards the front door when one of my neighbors suddenly appearred on my front step, startling me and the dogs. She was bringing me a folded up section of newspaper.
I stepped outside to talk to her and see what it was she was bringing me. I unfolded the Metro section and gasped in horror. There, front and center on the cover, was a less than flattering photo of myself. Horror of horrors!! Do photographers purposely take photos of you looking your absolute worst?? That certainly seems to have been the case in this instance.
The fact that my head was half-shaved at the time wasn't what made the photo so bad. I had my eyes squeezed tightly shut and my face was screwed up in an awful expression. I think it was a combination of the hair-bits getting in my eyes and that was probably the moment when the barber poked me with the shears, inflicting a brief moment of pain. Darn photographer! Don't know why he couldn't have gotten a photo of me when it was all off and I was smiling big.



Yeah, I'd been better off never having seen this paper. Thanks Maggie!


When I had opened my eyes, said photographer was about a foot from my face and coming in closer...

I don't know if he was trying to get every pore in my skin or what.

Here are some more photos from St. Baldrick's 2010...

A great big THANKS to the following:

Jeanie F.

Deborah S.

Micki H.

Carolyn D.

Heady-Radcliffe

Lynn C.

Cathy D.

Restaurant Review: The obscure Sergio's

Last night was the 3rd Thursday of the month, that meant it was time for the group of retired firefighters that my husband and I have known and served with over the years to once again meet for an evening out. I think I mentioned once before how they typically choose hole-in-the-wall places, either off the beaten path or that isn't part of a chain of restaurants. Last night they chose a small dive down in what I believe is referred to as the Clifton neighborhood/area of Louisville. An older section of the city, a little run down, with a lot of shot-gun style homes/businesses. Not really a bad neighborhood per say, but not really a nice one either, and one that I was only too happy to get out of before darkness completely took over the sky.
It's located on Story Ave., just east of Frankfort Ave. It's easy to miss the place. For starters, the parking lot is behind the business and if you don't know this ahead of time, then you will drive right past it, then have to circle around 3 city blocks in order to come back to it. There is no sign indicating that the lot is for Sergio's. Needless to say, this is what happened to us.
Once parked, we followed the sidewalk down Frankfort and then turned onto Story. We saw no signs above or on the front of any of the buildings that gave us any indication where Sergio's was located. The only reason we'd finally found the parking lot is my husband had called one of the other f/f that had already arrived and told us where to park. So we walked up Story Ave., passing by business after business. Surely it couldn't be this far up the street? We back-tracked to the intersection and started over. The first business we came to was a dimly lit bar, we walked in, despite not seeing a sign, took two steps inside and quickly turned on our heels and walked back out. No way! that could've been the right place. It was a combination bar and bait shop. Seemed like a strange place to sell bait! Perhaps whatever bait they didn't sell ended up on the menu? or vice-versa??
We continued walking up the street, and the next business we came to had a large, old sign with the majority of lights burned out on it, but it announced the establishment as being "Fusion", we kept walking, but out of the corner of my eye, the health department score sheet that was posted in the window caught my eye and I saw the name "Sergio's" written on the business name line. Jackpot!! We'd finally found the dump, er, I mean restaurant.
When you enter, you walk through the front section where the bar was located, up a few stairs and down a dark hall (creepy!!) that opens up into the dining area which had a perhaps a half dozen booths (3 on each side) and four tables w/chairs down the middle. Our group took up all the tables and chairs. There were kegs and boxes of beer stacked everywhere, taking up every inch of free floor and surface space. There was barely room to get to the emergency exit if necessary. As badly as I needed to use the restroom towards the end of our evening, I didn't dare!
The menu had lots to choose from, 'though most of it seemed to be along the lines of Mexican dishes, the prices were reasonable, the portions generous without being huge. The food was good, although I wouldn't call it great. The service was slow, and considering we were pretty much the only ones there, that's bad. The food tended to come out one or two plates at a time, so as a group, we didn't get to eat together. My husband's food arrived just as I was finishing mine.
The beverages. Here's where it gets interesting. The waiter doesn't serve alcohol, and not because he's under aged. If you want a beer, you go to the bar, get it yourself and bring it back to the table. They don't keep a running tab on what you've ordered, nor do you pay as you go. It's done on the honor system. In this day and age, have you ever??! If you order a soda, it's brought to you in a can. I personally don't like drinking sodas from a can, so I just ordered a glass of ice water. Well, they don't have ice. Period. Again, have you ever??? I was brought a glass of tepid tap water. Blech!! I gave in and got a can of Coke. Iced tea was not an option either. You either drank beer, canned soda, or tap water.
When we had placed our orders, I made a point of telling the waiter that my husband and I were together on one check, everyone else was by themselves. Did I waste my time doing this? Yes.
When the waiter brought the check, everybody was on one check, which had no prices listed on it, just the items we'd ordered. It was up to us to stop at the bar on our way out, tell the bartender what items were ours and pay for them. Talk about the honor system!! Still, John and I told the bartender TWICE what items were ours. We knew from having looked on the menu that our bill should've been about $22 + tax. After he rang it up, he told us our total was $18. Eighteen even. I thought "screw it!", if they can't come up with a better system than what they operated on, then they deserved to get short-changed, so I paid the $18 and we left.
It's a cash-only business, no credit cards accepted, so I'm guessing they don't charge sales tax on anything. Good luck with the IRS Sergio!!
Speaking of Sergio, he passed through the dining area at one point and we stopped him to talk to him for a moment. The man had the personality of a soggy cornflake.
Seriously, how is it some people feel they are qualified to run a business, especially one that is service-based??

So to recap:
There is no sign for this business, you simply have to know where you are going
The food is good and not skimpy on the portions and reasonably priced.
They have just about any kind of beer you could possibly ever want.
Other beverages: Sodas from a can only or tepid water.
Service is slow, so don't go there if you're in a hurry.
Not a place I would take a child to eat. And I never saw any high-chairs or booster seats among the clutter.
But the health department rating on the window gave it an "A" with a score of 95%.
Everything is paid for on the honor system, sans sales tax.

I doubt I'll ever go back there again, but it's worth going to at least once, just for the experience.

Crazy Artwork, session 3

I thought I'd bring everyone up to date on Crazy's artwork project.

I don't spend a lot of time on this at each session, maybe 10 minutes (if that) so it's definitely a work (or rather, an artwork) in progress.


This is what we had at the end of our first session.




Fortunately, I had some wonderful help for the 2nd session, and much more of the paint went on the pallet this time, and less on me and the floor.



For the third session, I was back to doing it alone, but have developed somewhat of a system, and of course now that Crazy is a more willing participant, it's going better. Rita took some wonderful photos of our artwork in progress...

I know it's hard to see in some of the photos, so I cropped a couple and enlarged them a bit so you can tell that Crazy is actually the one holding the paintbrush. Once he takes the paintbrush from me, I let go and don't guide him, merely hold my hand close by to either take the brush away from him or to try and catch it if he lets go.

So at the end of our 3rd session, this is what we have...

If anyone has any suggestions for a third (and final) color to add to the painting, I'd appreciate any and all ideas. I'm leaning towards yellow, but what do you think????

One of my psych-moments

I think I may have experienced one of my "psychic moments" the other day.

I spent the last few days at my friend's house, watching over the place and caring for her dogs while she was out of town at a dogshow. Left in my care were 4 of her danes.
When I arrived home Friday evening, I parked my car at the bottom of the drive to stop and get the mail and open the gate. As I exited my car, I could hear someone calling out. I turned to look and saw the next door neighbor. She was standing in her back yard yelling at her dogs.
Now mind you, out in the country like they are, "next door" is a loose term... yes, she's the next door neighbor, but a fairly wide chunk of land separates the two houses. Probably a couple of acres worth. I watched the pack of dogs that was milling about on her property. They are all different breeds, and no two look alike. One dog immediately stood out in the pack. Five of the six dogs were large, and one of these was nearly solid black with a white patch on it's chest.
My heart nearly lept out of my chest as it looked just like Magic, the youngest of my friend's danes.
My mind was racing! How could she have possibly gotten out? I knew without a doubt that she was locked in her kennel when I left this morning. How was I ever going to get her back? Was she the dog the woman was yelling at?
I strained my eyes to focus on the dog that was waayyy up the hill and I finally realized that it was not Magic, but one that closely resembled her. I breathed a sigh of relief and finally drove on up the hill to the house.
When I went in the kennel, sure enough, Magic was in her kennel. I let her and her mother out to run, then went to change clothes. When I came back out, I could hear them both barking frantically on the other side of the property. I called to them and they both returned to me. I set about cleaning out the pens and they took off again. A short while later I heard them barking again and I called. This time neither came to me. I walked to the edge of the front porch as it offers a pretty good view of the whole property. I could see the girls down near the gate, running up and down, barking at the neighbors pack of dogs. I called again, again I was ignored. I started walking down the hill and as I got closer, I suddenly realized that Magic was running on the outside of the fence. Holy crap, she'd gotten loose!! There was no mistaking her this time. I ran out the gate and went after her, but needless to say she wouldn't return to me. The horrible fear (vision?) I'd had earlier was now being realized!!
To make a long story short, I finally was able to get her back inside the fence, and she wasn't allowed the freedom to run loose the rest of the weekend. I never found the spot where she might've gone under the fence, so unless she has a secret spot, then she must've jumped over.
Regardless, it was a scary moment, both when I imagined it and when it actually happened.
I don't like those kinds of visions. :(

Crazy Artwork

Well, I put the clicker-training I learned last year to work over the weekend, in an attempt to teach one of the horses how to paint. In all honesty, this really should be a two-person task, but I was alone, so I winged-it. It was truly a lesson in patience (on my part that is). And for those of you that know me well, well, let's just say I'm not always the most patient of people.

I'll try and give you the short version of how things went...

Meet Crazy...

He's a retired therapy horse at the Luci Ctr.


A little grungy looking right now, but considering how muddy it's been, it's a wonder he's not solid brown.

I chose to work with him and see if I could turn him into a budding artist.


I started working with him Saturday, but I think I might've overwhelmed him with all the paints, pallet, brushes and table set out in front of him. He had no interest in even trying to pick up a paintbrush on his own, so I attempted to place it in his mouth.
He'd either immediately drop it, or else stand stone-still and not move his head... I think that he might've been thinking he was about to get a dose of medicine squirted into his mouth or something. Needless to say, Saturday wasn't a smashing success and not much was accomplished.


Sunday, I got to thinking that perhaps the handle of the paintbrush was too hard to hold between the teeth, so I wrapped several layers of duct tape around it to pad the handle a bit. I started slower this time, not even concerned if we made it to the point of painting this time. I poked the handle of the paintbrush through the bottom of a paper cup and sat that on the ground. After several minutes, he finally started touching it and knocking it over and becoming curious about this new object.
I moved the table back in and put the brushes on that, and he again touched them. I decided to get the paints and give it another go.

After a few false starts, we settled into a routine of me dipping the brush in the paint and then handing the brush to him. He'd grip it in his teeth, move his head slightly in one direction or another, and then let go of the brush. Sometimes I could catch it before it hit the floor/shavings, sometimes not. One time he knocked the pallet out of my hand and it landed upside down in the shavings, turning his artwork into "3-d abstract art", complete with a few Crazy-hairs and I noticed one little splotch of Crazy-spit on it.


It was impossible for me to take pictures while he was painting, maybe if I can get some help next time...
I put his work aside and we'll work on his masterpiece again next week.

Truth or Fiction?

If you read my previous post on "Finding Joy?", then you know it refers to the fire chief in the community I live in.
If you clicked on the links to the news stories, then you saw where it mentioned a "website" that the reporter had visited, with info on the new firehouse and other subjects.
There is a website: http://www.worthingtontruth.com/
Some of it is down right commical to read. Maybe not to the average person, but for those that have been involved in the fire service at one time or another, it is (and I have). But commical s some of it may be, much of it, sadly, is the truth.
Many good firefighters, both paid and volunteer, were forced out for various reasons, all so one person could fill a personal agenda and get a bunch of ass-kissers in place. It's sad what has become of the fire service over the years. Once upon a time, it had a family atmosphere, not it's all politics.
Very sad indeed!

Finding joy?

I know it's wrong to find joy in anothers misfortune.
But if one person's misfortune leads to the betterment of many, many others, then is it sill wrong to find joy?
Well, regardless of whether it's wrong or right, I'm taking great joy (dare I say I've been giddy?) in this news story (link to the local newspaper).
I got a phone call last night informing me of what had happened. Then, when I turned the tv on the local news this morning, it was one of the headlines. I was doing a happy dance.
Of course the reporter stated that other local fire chiefs were "shocked" at what had happened. I somehow doubt that! If they were shocked about anything, it's that the man still has a job at all. I've talked to firefighters and officers in other departments over the years and they've been expecting it for quite some time. I would find it hard for anyone that's "in the know" to say they are shocked.
This has been a long time coming, and if anything, is way over due in happening. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Giving it all up? or just, Giving Up?

I surrender!
I look at my life (our lives) and all that we do and I just can't help but shake my head in dismay and despair.
Since the beginning of February...
I've given up my riding lessons
I've given up going to the chiropractor
I've given up getting my therapeutic massage sessions.
There isn't much else I(we) can give up now that would be considered a luxury, other than our $10.60/week we spend dining out at Moe's. But it may soon come to that.
The mechanic had my husband's car for a day and a half in an attempt to make all the necessary repairs. We dropped it off first thing Tuesday morning and it wasn't 'til Wednesday afternoon they finally handed over the keys to him. Fortunately, some coupons arrived in the mail Tuesday afternoon for said mechanic, and while they generally only allow the use of 1 coupon per visit, they were obviously taking pity on us and allowed us to use several. While the original estimate to fix the car was about $1600, after coupons the final cost was $1948.00.
That pretty well used up our credit limit on that card. I hope we don't need any other repairs for the next umpteen months! At least this card has 90-days interest free, so I'll pay as much as possible and then pay it off with the one other card I secretly have that is very low interest. I've been paying on it like crazy, trying to get us out of debt and had high hopes of having us debt-free by early fall (aside from the house and car payment) so that we could then buy the husband a new vehicle. Not now though! Grrr! With this new debt, unless we by some miracle have a fabulous tax return this year (and it would be the first time ever if we do), then we'll be lucky to be "debt-free" by the end of the year. When will it ever end? And there goes any hope of a vacation later this year.
I suppose we could give up our cablevision, of course that bill is less than $15/month, but if we did, our tvs would cease working as they are older sets. I could give up the 5k's and charity walks, but then there goes the tax deductions that keep us from owing taxes each year. It's a no-win situation!!
Dammit!!!!
I really just want to sit down and cry sometimes. It seems no matter what we do, we can't get ahead. I know I shouldn't complain, there are way too many families in worse situations than us, that don't even have jobs or a roof over their heads.
For the life of me, I just don't know how some people do it.

Exciting stuff!

There are some very exciting things happening at the farm.
1) The horses are starting to shed their winter coats so that means spring isn't far off!! Yippeee!!
2) There is a new horse, pardon me, pony coming soon. A Welsh pony to be exact. Can't wait for him to arrive. It's always exciting when we get new "workers".
3) There is an up-coming fund raiser in May called The Luci Ball. I don't have all the details yet, but they will be having a silent auction to raise money for the farm.
4) There are many items being donated for the auction by businesses, but there are also some paintings that I can't wait to see.
The paintings are done by none other than some of the horses at the center. You heard me right, the horses painted them! I'm hoping to start helping with this project this coming weekend. I'll be posting updates if/when I do get to participate. I can hardly wait!

2010 Polar Bear Plunge!

Saturday morning, it was a frosty 29 degrees outside. Fortunately, there was little to no wind, thus no windchill factor to worry about. As it has been almost 3 months since I've had Olivia out to any kind of event where there are large groups of people, I thought it was time I got her once again acclimated to being petted by strangers and having people do strange things to her (and believe me they did!). So I loaded her up in the car and we headed down to the Brown-Foreman amphitheater next to the Tumbleweed on the Ohio River, and watched the Polar Bear Plunge. This event is held every year all across the country to raise money for the Special Olympics.
We had front row seats, even though we stood up for the whole event. We stayed for over two hours and watched many people jump in, but with over 1300 participants, we didn't stay to watch all of them. Before the jumping began, the participants paraded past. Many were in costume and there was a prize for the best costume in the 1 or 2 person teams, and for the 3 or more member teams. Some of the groups were quite large. Many were funny, some quite elaborate in their get-ups, and some were very original. It was fun to watch, and we'll probably put it on our calendar to do so again next year.

Here a some of the pix from the event...





There was a large houseboat that pulled into the docks that had probably 30 or so young men, most in their 20's, and they called themselves the bachelors. Not all of them jumped, but they all wore matching t-shirts, and appeared to be swilling beer, even at the 10:30 a.m. hour.

The next couple of photos are of a large group of men, dressed in drag.

And we have Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head...

This group called themselves the "One Night Stands"

I think they might've won the group award for best costume.

There were several people there dressed in evening wear.

Sponge-Bob and the old west

Some dressed as super heroes, either in actual costume, or else by painting their bodies to look like super-heroes. The guy with the "S" on his chest like superman, that was body paint and looked mighty fine in person.

This group was cute. If you saw the "Little Rascals" movie that came out a few years ago, then you'll remember the "He-Man Woman Haters Club". They all dressed in character, complete with an Alfalfa!

This was the Oldham County Nascar Club, complete with rednecks.

This was my favorite group, spoofing the Geico commercials claim that ...it's so easy, a caveman can do it!"

There was a big group of Ninja warriors. I'm not sure if they were part of some karate school or what.

And then of course there was just the silly.

Once the parade was over, it was time to get down to business. All participants had to don a life-vest before jumping. The water was a frigid 34 degrees. BRRR!!!!!!!!!!! Are these people nuts?!?!! In all honesty, I admire them for having the nerve to do it. I know it's something I couldn't work the courage up to do. I'll stick to shaving my head.

Of course, Olivia had no idea what all the fuss was about. She just enjoyed the attention she was getting, and believe me, she was getting a lot!, and all the dog treats I kept giving her.

I think she was one of the most photographed objects that morning. If I had one person stop us and ask to take her picture, I had 20 (and that's probably a conservative estimate). I think I'm going to start charging people to take her photo.

I really don't mind people petting her and getting enjoyment out of loving on her. But it's the damn idiots that lean down and get nose to nose with her and the one fool that literally pulled her mouth open and put his fingers between her teeth. What the hell are these people thinking? Are they purposely trying to get bit so they can sue me?

While I'm greatful Olivia behaved and tolerated their bad behavior, a small part of me was almost hoping she'd snap at them and teach them a lesson. Of course I know I'd probably end up in court, but it might've been worth it.