I'm Back....Sort of

Geez Loweez, I just got internet and cable hooked up in the Hub's new house. I felt like was going through Blog withdrawal!! How sad is that? I've only been offline for 4 days!! I was able to check my email and blogs at the Hub's work, but I didn't want to stay online for too long.

Not much is happening here, yet. The Hub will be off Wed-Fri, so we will hit all the sights then.
I did drive around a bit yesterday and did a little shopping. They have a two story Barnes & Noble here (Love that store!!) so I hung out there, bought a few things and sat in their little cafe and had coffee.
I went to Bed Bath & Beyond and bought a few necessities for the house. The house (bungalow, they call it) is way TOO cute!! If I can get my camera to hook up to the laptop without any software, I will download some pics. It is very cute, a little small but good enough for him by himself. It's full of stained glass windows...let's hope I can post.
I did get a few flowers here on the property too...very pretty!
Oh and the exciting part, the owner has a huge garage full of antique cars and signs, it will be in there next to take photo's!! Can't wait! I'm going to do this whole series of B&W's from that garage. I think ya'll will love it!!
Anyway, I want to get those taken before it gets dark...so I will be back tonight!
Missed ya'll! TTFN

***Update***
Well I got some great pics, but I don't have my software with me to download the shots on the laptop :o(. We'll have to wait until I get back!! I also couldn't get any of the cars yet, they are all covered up and I just didn't feel right taking the covers off without the owner here. Maybe later in the week!

Checking In

Things are moving a little slowly so far. The Hub's house isn't quite complete yet, so I have limited internet access. Blah.
It's been hazy too (of course) so not many good photographs yet. I did get some great Macro flower shots on the property where the Hub will live. Once I get settled, I will load them up!!
They are so lucky they practically can grow flowers year round! And they have so many varieties!
Today I'm hanging out at Hub's work ( Animal emergency clinic) and invading their computer. Maybe I'll walk to Starbucks and have a Frappacino!!

Posting from Big Ole' California

I'm in a hotel room, sitting on a bed, so I'm not going to type much...but I will catch up!! I'm so behind on the blogs!!
The Hub's house won't be ready for two days, so we're stuck in here.
It's very crowded here (and I'm from Dallas!!), it's very nice weather and alot of amazing flowers around here!! I will be using the Macro lens alot!! I'm going to hit the Botanical Gardens while the Hub is working. I can post while I'm here. We're going to the Zoo on Tuesday and Catalina Island on Wednesday, so you will be overloaded with photo's!!
Ok, room service is here with dinner!! More tomorrow!! TTFN

California Here I Come.....

Well I'm off tomorrow morning for California!! I won't be back online until Wednesday!
I don't know how I'll do without my Blog addiction! I'm taking my camera ( of course) and my laptop, so I will be online. The hub has to work some of the time we're there, so I will have some time to myself.
I plan on visiting the LA Zoo and the Wildlife Refuge on Catalina Island, so I should have some great pics!! Ya'll have a great week! TTFN!

Today's Bear 

I've been Tagged...again!!

A) Total number of books I've owned: Oh Geez this is too hard..I own all of Stephen Kings books, and Stephen White. I couldn't even begin to count what we have.
B) The last book I bought: The Girl's Guide to Hunting & Fishing-Melissa Bank.
C) The last book I read: Creating True Peace-Thich Nhat Hanh
D) 5 books that mean a lot to me:I loved(1) The Stand by Stephen King..I'll never forget that book and will always be creeped out by someone with the sniffles.
I also loved (2) Misery by the Stephen King also. I could reread both of these many times.
(3) Creating True Peace.
(4) A Time To Kill by John Grisham. The story line affected me alot.
(5) Angel Cats
E) Tag 5 people and have them fill this out on their blog:
GreekChickie
Nicolette
Troy&Danielle
Ellen
Stephanie

**Update--In my hurry to get this done, I forgot a few things.
1- I was tagged by Gypsy!
And two major books when I was a kid that I actually kept on me all the time.
"Are you there God, it's me Margaret" by Judy Blume....huge book for me as a tween.
"The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe"--C.S. Lewis- We acted this play out in elementary school. I was obsessed with it!
**I still have both books**

Awe-Some Sight

We went on a four-wheeling trip with our neighbors yesterday to Gem Peak. The photos are from a tower up at the top. They use to use this tower to watch for forest fires but now they rent it out for sleep-overs, camping etc. It has some amazing 360 degree views! You'll have to ignore the shadowy pics, I guess a hair or something got in the camera...I was so mad when I saw the pics later!! Anyway, I wanted ya'll to see the awesome views. We are busy busy busy this weekend getting ready for our 10-day leave to CA!!

Clark Fork River from Gem Peak ( ignore shadow!) 

Gem Peak (ignore the shadow across the shot, something must have gotten in my lens) 

Gem Peak 

Just call me Dr. Montana

I just gave Blaze his injection in the butt!! Good thing he doesn't want to kick me to Wyoming! He's had his medication mixed in grain and is eating and drinking well. He hasn't moved much yet from his original position, but we're getting there.

Tonight I decided what my contribution will be when sending special things to our blogger friends. We will have fresh strawberries and rasberries this season and I always make jam out of them, so it will be a true Montana production!! Can't ya taste it now on that toast in the mornin'??

The Hub is delayed in Seattle, he will probably have to spend the night in Spokane and come home in the morning.
Alaska airlines is late 50% of the time, and that's a quote. It's stated on their website. Can ya believe it? Everytime he flies in on Fridays, he's at least delayed by and hour or two. He's supposed to land at 6:30 (7:30 Montana time) and drive 2.5 hours to our house, getting him in about 10:00. Since he's always delayed...his usual get home time is around 12-2am. How aggravating is that? Too bad he doesn't have another choice in airlines. We usually decide he don't drive home at that hour so he just spends the night there. Grrrrr.

I'm getting better at that macro lens, I think...what'cha think Laura?? I played today with B&W and the wet leaves outside. I just love B&W...it just says something to me. :o)
I also pestered Critter most of the morning, he was pretty uninterested in the whole thing. Now everyone can practically see up his nose!

To end this post, I have a friend out there who my heart goes out to tonight and you are in my prayers.
May God Bless. :o)

Reprieve

All is better this morning. Thank goodness! Blaze is still sore, but is able to walk around more. I was able to give him his medications this morning, so that was a relief! I'm just ready for the Hub to be home so he can take over!!

It's rainy and cold this morning, 47 degrees. Ick. No picture taking today unless I do it inside!! Here kitty kitty kitty........

I'm getting my lists ready for California. Filled out the form to hold the mail. Made a note to take the chargers to all my electronics...phone,laptop,ipod,camera. :o)
Major stock up at Wallyworld this week. I pamper my pet-sitter, especially now that she's my only one! I have to give credit to anyone that would want to stay with my little psycho's for 10 days. Bless her.

Oh and hey, if you're into taking Macro shots, check out this link.
I've found so many places to enter pictures that it takes me half a morning checking each link and entering photo's. Lovin' it!

Diagnosis

Blaze has Laminitis which is pretty close to what we guessed. Four very painful feet. We don't really have a reason, but at least I have the medications to treat it. I can now give crushed pills which will be so much easier and some injections in the muscle (butt end). I should be able to handle this!! The Hub will be home late Friday night so he will take over treatments then. Whew! What a week!!
I can already tell Blaze is feeling better since the vet gave some injections. I'm so glad this is almost over!

Here They Come....To Save The Day

Big smile...I have an equine mobile vet on the way to see Blaze. :o)
Me very relieved. At least I'll know now what I'm dealing with.

I've been playing with the lens on and off. It's weird to me. The photo's
have blurry edges sometimes. I don't know if that's normal or not. I need to do
some investigating over at Laura's site and see her photo's.

I've been doing some major cleaning today. I will have a pet-sitter here while
I'm in California and I want everything to be clean (cleaner) for her stay at the Heron
Zoo. The animals are enough to deal with!

I'll update ya'll later after the Vet leaves!
I think it's funny that my HUB is a vet, but I usually have to have work done
by another vet because he's always out of town...arrgghh.

Just when you thought.............

Blaze's treatment isn't going well. It's kind of stressing me out, and if any of you knew me well, I don't stress about much.
Blaze has figured out what this paste is and won't take it. He has been standing in the same spot for two days. I have moved the food and water to him. He's not as unstable as the first day, but still shaking. I'm sure it's from pain.
I try to spend alot of time out there with him, just to comfort. I don't think they need it like dogs & cats do.
I guess I'm just so frustrated because I've almost always been able to medicate an animal and it's just not happening for me. I'd almost rather go back to injections!! At least he didn't care if I was poking him. Uggghhh...I'm hating this. Hub will be home late Friday night, I guess I just have to deal with it.

On to better news, It looks like I might have some sun today so I get to play with my new lens!! I was like a kid yesterday with it and it was raining! I tried to get a macro of Critters nose, but he was not having any of that. :o)
We'll see what I come up with today! I might bombard you.

Ouch.Ouch.Ouch & Ouch.

Newest Update on Blaze.

The Hub called the Farrier and asked if he had seen anything unusual when he was with the horses on Monday.
"Oh, I'm so sorry I forgot to call you about that".

Grrrrrr.

Blaze's left front hoof is split in the middle...pretty high up. Must have happened in the fall. He had to clean out alot of rock from his hoof also.
So, hopefully that is what it is. It's still major pain, but it's not life threatening.
And, I only have to give him an anti-inflammatory paste every day. Phew.....easier than I thought.

Of course I could have been saved the frustration and midnight injections if this guy had thought to call. Ugggh.

Blaze Update

I wasn't successful last night with the injections. I took a flashlight out there with me and tried the best I could. It was very discouraging.
I didn't sleep well because one of my pets was hurting and there was nothing I could do. This is the part of living out here that angers me. Not many around to help you.

First thing this morning, he was still in the same position, shaking. I gave him his injections (first try:o)). He's eating and drinking so that's still a good sign. We can only assume, without a vet here to look at him, that he's in pain.

If you give me a cat or dog I can usually figure it out and treat it. Or, at least put them in the car and drive them to a vet! Owning a horse is a whole different story!
Another odd thought I'm having, and I have no experience here so I could be way off, is they had their feet done on Monday by the Farrier.
Blaze has been very tender on his feet and doesn't want to walk. I even noticed this morning that he holds one of his feet off the ground when he's eating. Any horse people out there that have a clue??

Well, that's my update for now...gotta feed the rest of the herd!
Thanks everyone for your concern. I actually felt better this morning when reading your comments. It really felt like I had support. Thanks SO much. TTFN.

Blaze 

Painful Blaze

Remember the painful Hub? Well now I have the painful horse. Accckkkk.
I went out to feed them for lunch today and the horse that he rode on "Blaze" is acting very funny. He's very unstable and shaking. I was worried about Colic at first, which I have never had to deal with, but he isn't showing all of those signs.
I had to call the Hub because ya'll all know that these things ONLY happen to me when he's out of town!!
I got to go into the pen and get this huge monster and lead him out into our yard. Mud covered my shoes. I then had to give him an injection, something I've NEVER done...thank goodness I found a vein right away! I gave two injections for pain. I am a little proud of myself considering I've never dealt with horses, only dogs & cats. I found the vein first thing..I was so impressed! This horse is HUGE! I'm thanking GOD that this is a good gentle horse. I hate when these things happen to me alone!
He's still pretty shaky and I'm keeping an eye on him...I know that I won't sleep now.
I have to give him another injection at midnight. Great, perfect time for those bear to come around.

#1. These aren't in any order, and it was WAY.TOO.HARD to pick Ten. The ten I picked all have good memories! :o) 

#2 

#3 

#4 

#5 

#6 

#7 

#8 

#9 

#10 of my Top Ten Favorite Photos 

Tag, I'm It! ( Again)

Whiskers on Kittens and Warm Woolen Mittens

I've been tagged with listing 10 favorite things of mine, but with a twist. Nicolette gave us a mission. I must list my 10 favorite photos. And tag four other friends. Check out Nicolette's blog and for the above title to see what I'm talking about. I'll post my fav's shortly!

So, I'm tagging
Laura, I think you should post your 10 favorite photos as well! And Marianna, Peanut Queen, and Troy&Danielle (favorite art pieces?)with this fun one. I will let you pick your own favorites though!

Thanks everyone for your concern about the Hub, he's going to be fine. He's flying to CA this morning and on pain meds. The horse is fine. I think he just came back muddy and thirsty!!

Ok, I now have to hard task of only picking 10 favorite photos! TTFN!

DR. to the O.R. Stat!!!

Quick update until tomorrow!!
We went to the doctor, they referred the Hub to the hospital for xrays and abdominal ultrasound. We sat at the hospital for 3 hours!! Aggghhh it was boring! He was in extreme pain so I was starting to get worried.
Luckily, all is o.k. He just has some torn cartilage. No broken ribs. The doctor was concerned about his liver, but all checked out. Now he's on some awesome pain meds and feeling no pain. Literally.
I watched the finale to Raymond tonight.........I loved that show..I will miss it.
That's about all the excitement here since we spent our day in doctors offices and hospitals.
I will be back tomorrow!
Ya'll have an awesome night!

Smoky Mountain Rain

I'm sitting here waiting for a Farrier to get here to work on our horses feet. He's 1.5 hours late. How annoying is that??? Thought I would do a weekend update.
We have to drive into the big city today(dr's appt) and we're just sitting around waiting for this guy. errgghh.
The Hub took a small trip on the new horse this weekend...took some interesting trails and roads, being adventurous. He decided to go up this small hill, when both he and the horse sank in very wet clay-mud. The horse went down to his knees and stressed out a bit.
Hub got off the horse to be safe and he went down to his knees too! The horse wound up falling on him and now we're concerned he might have a broken or cracked rib (or two).
He was very lucky considering this horse could have killed him. What a GREAT horse. He remained calm and didn't jump around or start flailing. Hub thought for sure that was it.
Geez.........I keep telling him to quit going out trying to get himself killed!!
I have to admit though (now that we know he's o.k.) that it was pretty funny to see him and the horse coming up the driveway completly caked in mud. I should have taken a picture of it but I think at the time he wouldn't have thought it was funny. We had to hose down his clothes so we could at least put them in the washing machine. His boots were the only casualty.
Anyway............he has a dr. appt today to see if he broke anything.

We tried out the new smoker this weekend..and OH.MAN. is that good food......*drool*.
The hub smoked a brisket & ribs for about 8 hours. It was so good! It reminded of the good ole' brisket we used to get in Texas!! Funny thing, no one around here has ever had brisket and we had to search three stores to find one. Crazy!!

It's raining today, hence the title. It still smells like smoke from the smoker (title again). It's a little cool, about 50 degrees this morning.

The Farrier still isn't here. One hour and 42 minutes late.
Hope he didn't fall off his horse....

Crowded Nest 

Nest 

Nests 

Adobe?

We went to the little town store today and saw these birds in nests along the
edge of the roof. I'm guessing their little houses are made of mud and rock?
I thought it was too cool so had to share. It's really hazy today so they aren't my
best photos..but, Check em' out!!

Even more helpful 

Big Help

We've been talking cats lately, so I had to post this photo.

Please ignore the messy desk, I'm having a bigger one built as we speak!!

This is where Critter has to be anytime I'm at the computer. He lays just like this.
It makes it a little difficult to type. Nothing bothers him. I have to move his feet and move his body many times and he doesn't care. It's funny. If I get up, he usually will too.
He must be really out of it to let me walk away and take this photo.

Oh and when he decides to roll over, he really messes everything up.

Office Assistant 

Inspiration

I've been inspired by Laura and looking into macro lenses. Her Photo Blog has some
awesome macro shots! The bumble bees are amazing!
I've always concentrated on Zoom and Telephoto because of where I live and I'm
always trying to catch that animal way too far away.
But, that has changed....I am now looking at This !

After the Silkmoth on my Photo Blog yesterday I have a new interest! We have some really neat butterflies around here, along with caterpillars, moths and who knows what else I haven't even noticed.

Staying on the subject of inspirations...

I was reading Cheeky Moo's post today and she said something that really stuck with me...

"And I learned early to leave everyone as it's the last time, just in case. I don't want to have regrets with anyone, and so far I haven't. Just a lot of happy memories, and perhaps even a lot of angels looking over my shoulder."

Her post is beautiful today, you should check it out.

"Cat Nightlife" 

Smells of Spring

My Lilacs came today....Yay!! I got two bushes and three trees and the sun's out today
so it looks like I'll be planting!!
I also got two McCartney Rose bushes(smell amazing!!)...just need to decide where to plant these.
I'm not sure how much deer like roses.
Our bleeding heart is getting really big too, I'll post a photo later.
We also got our smoker today, the HUB can now smoke meat.....he will be so pleased!!
And, I got my case of Dreamer's Candles. I love these and can only find them
in TX, so I order by the case. Banana Nut Dream Cake is TOO.DIE.FOR!
Snickerdoodle is pretty darn good too!
Imagine the smells around this place.........Lilac,Lavender,bleeding heart, roses,candles
& SMOKED MEAT. Mmmmm.....

Last night I drove to an area that bear are known to hang out. As I was driving up,
a Momma and two babies crossed in front of me! It was so cool!
Unfortunately, I was driving and couldn't get to my camera quick enough! dang!
I'm going to go back tonight and see if they are hanging around.

Our wood ducks are using the nesting box, so let's cross or fingers that we'll see babies!!
I've seen geese and family around the area also, I'm just dying to get a photo
of them! I don't think they nested near our pond :o( , so I will have to go looking
for them. We're staying light until 10:00 now so I have plenty of time to get out and
photograph them. The bear like to come out around dusk usually, so we'll see if
I have any new photo's tomorrow!

Till later,TTFN.

Traditions

I have this tradition with one of my friends.
We have been exchanging the same box, a photo box, back and
forth every few weeks or months. It doesn't matter when.
We put small tokens of friendship in them. Nothing overly
expensive. Maybe a Christmas ornament, with our favorite candy.
A cute address book. A trinket box. Necklace. Earrings. Books.
keychains. You name it.
We never know when the box is coming back to us, so it's always
a nice surprise!! It's really great when it comes on a bad day!

That led me to this next idea that Greekchickie and I have been discussing.
She makes Greek goodies. I bake cookies everynow and then and little
fun desserts or candy. Laura bakes and paints, etc etc. I'm sure there are
neat designs and treats made by alot of you out there.
How fun would it be to exchange these everynow and then? Obviously some
can't afford to send to EVERYBODY, or monthly, or anything like that.
M~ is sending some greek cookies to Laura and I. Maybe next time, I will
send out some cookies to Laura & M~ and maybe the Peanut Queen, and so
on and so on and so on!! I'm guessing that Memphis Steve could think of
interesting things to send along!

It doesn't have to be food, or anything expensive. Just a treat!

I just thought this would be something fun, especially since I probably won't
be able to join in the BloggyFriend weekends!!

Anyone interested?!?!?

Copycat

I copied Laura today and made my own Photoblog! I'm still working on it but I do have
one photo on it so far.
We had a full weekend again as usual. I planted 4 more trees, 2 sugar maples , 1 red
japenese maple and 1 Magnolia Saucer. You can see these trees Here.
I also planted two Forsythia bushes...they will be so pretty! I have 2 lilac trees and 2
lilac bushes on the way. I should be Very Colorful next Fall!

We got our third horse over the weekend too, his name is Blaze. He is so big &
beautiful! I'll get some photos up soon of him also. We've had rain all week, but that's
ok with me, it waters all those new trees. I posted the first bear pic over the weekend.
It was a momma and baby, but the baby pic came out blurry. There was a third bear
around, a red one, but he was too far away for a photo. They are guessing that Black
Momma bear was about 400#! I didn't get out of the car for these photos by the way!

I'm headed to California in 2 weeks, very excited! I got a pet/house sitter set up so all
is good! I will of course have my laptop and my camera...so I will overload you guys with
photos!

Well, I'm going to go play with my photoblog for awhile...TTFN!

First bear sighting!! 

Tulip 

I finally have some flowers blooming in the garden!! 

Sunflower