July 2008 – updates, blogs and Happy Birthday America!

July 6th, 7:47pm: Just a quick note for those still watching the cams and noticing you’re seeing mostly empty stalls because, well, mostly they’ve been empty lately with everyone playing outside. We’re moving the cams around to different positions, the two public cams are now facing outward so you can see the pen area and the north pasture when the doors are open so you’ll get to see a variety of horses. The North cam will need to be moved for a better view but hey, it’s public television so enjoy!

July 6th, 9:57am: What a glorious weekend! I hope you didn’t spend all of the 4th watching us have fun over the webcam, though I understand quite a few did. For those that actually went outside and enjoyed the day what you missed was grandma (my mom) coming out with my sister’s kids (and sister), a great BBQ (practice for the one coming up later this Summer!), horseback rides (yes, walking in more circles in the sun…), 8 kids laughing as they got rides on Excalibur and had far too much sugar. My sister’s kids (only 6 of them are her’s, the others were spares brought in case one of hers broke down) are adorable. When I asked one of her youngest to say grace awhile back, he gave a benediction that was so eloquent (and long) that I was embarrassed afterwards at my own short missives to God which are general along the lines of “Thank you Lord for the blessings we’re about to receive and, ummm, for this beautiful day. Amen.” No matter how I try to vary it, it generally ends up along that line. What an absolutely wonderful day though – sure makes you grateful to live in this great nation doesn’t it? Something about the hot sun – how wonderful it makes lemonade taste…isn’t that a part of the experience, it can’t be in a plastic cup, it must be in a glass, filled with some ice cubes and then the lemonade poured over the top. Every degree above 75 degrees makes it exponentially taste better I think. We spent the evening then enjoying the soft breeze and the sounds of country life and the evening watching several different fireworks displays. Raindance sits atop a hill, the highest point in the area, and thus we have a view of Lake Superior and the firewords from Duluth/Superior, as well as surrounding community fireworks. In the winter we pay for it with a ton more snow than surrounding areas and pretty much constant wind. It’s worth the tradeoff.

Well time for a breakfast that would make the less hardy cringe – black coffee, eggs over-easy fried in bacon grease (left over from making bacon yesterday, figured I’d give it a try) and of course to top our cholesterol-clogged menu, some slices of bacon. You’re welcome to join me if you’d like, if you’re not as brave, you’re welcome to some good hot coffee and a bowl of oatmeal or some slices of toast instead? It’s going to be a gorgeous day – time to get started enjoying it. I hope you all are having a fabulous 4th of July.

OHHHHH – one other thing before I go. There’s a little pony needing surgery and the Legacy is stepping up to help the little guy. Details are posted on the forum – please consider helping if you’re able. The thread is called “Help Rowdy” under the “Abuse and Neglect” topic on the forum.

July 4th, 9:54am: Happy birthday America! What a beautiful day. Not too hot here, mid-70′s, blue skies, time to get all of our flags flying. Today all of our equipment flies Old Glory, with Excalibur typically flying a big version of it off the hay spear (though today will fly smaller versions, I’m using the other big version to fly off the pole on the side of the house). The younger horses have been out racing and having a ball out there, somehow they seem to know the really good days. Maybe because so many of their days are good? I hope you all have a truly wonderful day – spend it dwelling on positive things. Some folks love to look back and dwell on negatives, you ever notice that? But why let them ruin such a beautiful day, huh?

And for those that love to dwell and watch life being lived, rather than live it – feel free to watch our various barn cams – gonna go outside and enjoy the sun, a good cigar, cup of coffee and a hug from each of the gentle souls wandering around our pastures (or if they’re our ineffective rodent patrol, they’re laying on blankets in the garage and barn giving the mice directions to get to the grain…cats…grrr!!!)