The Cheyenne Chronicles

A Near Miss!…………0r ( Something`s Afoot!)

2012-03-08T20:37:00.001+01:00

The manure heap is the size of my house! Huge, monstrous, and steaming like a steel plant chimney! But, the plants are gonna love it, and the worms are gonna eat the stuff! Well at least that’s the plan!

I`ve cut back this year on the veggie patch area, too much. So today was a spread the muck day! I was really enjoying myself, and to be honest having a good time. That is until ?

Have you ever done something, a certain something, that just before you do it, and while doing it, you know you shouldn’t be doing it? Well that’s what I did!

The sharp pronged fork I was using to spread the muck, (a great bit of kit!) was held aloft, in order that I may thrust it into the pile! It was then, that I rebalanced myself.

I placed my left foot on the pile of dung. Then I began the downward thrust of the fork. As it descended, I was acutely aware that this was a bad idea. But it was too late, the sharp prongs were heading for a collision course with my left foot!

I knew it was going to hurt, and there wasn’t a thing I could do. I distinctly remember the sharp prongs entering through the top of my wellington boot. In went one prong, straight through and out via the sole. I stood and waited for the pain.

Nothing happened at first, so I retrieved the fork from my foot, and waited for the blood to seep out onto the ground. Nothing!

My immediate thought was, that I had damaged a nerve, so I sat down, and began to remove the boot. To my delight, the prong had passed right through the boot, and between my big toe and the next one along! I was as pleased as Punch!

Here is the boot, notice the puncture hole?

Here is the foot! All in one piece!

Odd Shoes?

2012-03-07T18:58:00.001+01:00

Ok, today was a logging day. Yes! It`s that time again, well in actuality, I have been logging for the last couple of weeks. I know this is none horsey, but! …………….While I was logging the other day, I came across a set of Horse shoes. Rusty wasn’t the word, more sort of……made of rust! Anyhow, there was only two shoes, one front and one rear. I could not for the life of me decide for what purpose they were made.

In all the few years I have been messin` with horses, I have never seen a set like this.

The right shoe is a front one! It has a square toe, each shoe is 6 inches across. The left shoe has a lip on the out side edge. Also the right hand edge as you can see tapers away to nothing.

As you can see, from the pictures, they are rather large. It would appear they were made for a Clydesdale Horse some time ago. For the show ring. Apparently this design, is used to push the hocks together, by lifting the outside edge of the hoof. Makes for a better show? My friend and local genius, Fiona, she has Clydesdales, and was able to show me a recent pair, used in today`s Show ring. All in all, these shoes are for Foals!! About a year old, maybe less.

This is a new addition, “Hermione”, a two year old Clydesdale Filly.

Thought I`d share with you all. Interesting, how one task, seems to lead to another?

Interesting?

Can I Have Some Sunshine Please?

2012-03-06T16:23:00.001+01:00

The forecast is for a stormy night. Heavy rain, and everything else! I have to ask the question! Whats going on? I mean really, c`mon! Its rained since April, 2011! The south of England has drought orders out, and we here in SW Scotland are drowning!

Mind you, we did have a good summer! (not) It occurred during the first two weeks of said April, yes two weeks! As Eisenhower, once asked, ”Dont you have a summer?” But he had his own issues. I think he was referring to D Day!

But back to the question in hand. What does constitute a summer? Hot sunshine, endless blue skies? (How exciting!!) Not necessarily so! I would argue, that fine weather, the odd shower of rain, warmth and a certain amount of blue skies, could just about cover it!

What am I saying????? God help me! I want sun! Heat, cloudless skies, the list goes on. I want to roam about in “T” shirts and shorts! Flip flops! I want to need a big hat `cos the sun is too hot! I dont want to be wrapped up in waterproofs, wellies and a bloody Sou`wester! I dont want everything green with moss and algae! I dont want another year of Rain scald, mud and feeding hay all year `cos the ground is too wet to let the horses on!

I want to eat salads, cold cuts, and fruit! Not stews and roasts `cos its too cold! I want a sun tan! Not that melancholic paleness, associated with TB victims! Let me have some warmth in my damn bones! I dont want to have to put the roofing slates on again this year, `cos the bloody gales keep ripping them off! I dont want to be flooded out again, cascades of water flowing through the kitchen, stepping over fish and frogs washed down from the rivers! I dont want to have to clean out the septic tank, (again) `cos its been flooded with too much rain water and all of the years sewage is spread across the bloody road!

I really dont want to watch the furniture float across the living room again, …………..nor have to rescue the damn dog, swimming through the lounge looking for a safe haven! Finally, I dont want Trench foot again!

Its ok folks! I`ve not lost it, no. ……………………dont think so?

Trip Out!

2012-03-05T17:12:00.001+01:00

Now before I get into this, lets just say, we dont mention the rain? OK?.............................

Sunday, arrived, shed its cloudy start and become a really beautiful day! So I, and a good friend managed to extricate ourselves from the bondage of winter, and ride out towards Burnswark Hill. As you can see from the distinctly inadequate photo, its a rather unimposing hill.

But! It has a secret history! On either side of this hill are , Roman Forts, and a Parade ground. Plus what we believe to be positions for Ballista. Sort of an old Training ground!

Anyway, it was muddy, cold and really miserable! But we got out, and did around ten miles. Roll on Summer! My bones wont take much more wet!

Welcome!

2012-02-19T11:26:00.000+01:00

Hi! I`d like to welcome Dave P Perlmutter, to the blog! Hope you enjoy, maybe stay a while.

Relief!

2012-02-18T14:33:00.002+01:00

I have been have been a compete "Door Knob!" Let me explain. I wasnt going to put this on the blog, but I thought it my help others. It all started 4 weeks ago...........................

"Go on try it!.....It only takes a minute........what, frightened of what you`ll find?" I shrugged and smiled, "Ok then".
So I let my Auntie Jane place the Blood Pressure collar over my arm and start the little box. All of a sudden, she exclaimed, "This must be wrong, the machine must be broken! 202/100? " She took it again, and it wasnt much different. I was startled at their expressions. So with dire warnings ringing in my ears, I toddled off to the doctors the next week! I still thought I was ok.
Finally I went.
"Ok, your blood pressure is way to high! In fact its dangerously high! " So with his words in my ears and a prescription in my hand I began the treatment.
I have been taking the tablets for several weeks now , and what a difference I have felt!
No headaches, no pains in the neck, feeling lethargic, not sleeping, and loads more! Its like a new start. My cholesterol is up, so there`s pills for that too!

But hey? I feel really good. Of course the eggs and bacon for breakfast have to cease! No more cream in my coffee, no more butter, and lots more. ( Why is it, that all those wonderful things are bad for us?) Anyhow, he we are, I`m losing a few pounds, which will cheer Gracie up! But what I`m trying to say is, have it checked guys! Dont put off, do it today!

Welcome!

2012-02-18T11:05:00.003+01:00

Hi there! I`d like to take this opportunity, to welcome Reddunappy, from "There is a Horse in my Bubblebath!"
Welcome! Glad to have you along. Hope you`ll stay a while.

The Horse in the Street.

2012-02-15T22:11:00.000+01:00

Rosie, was dead. There was no bones about it, she was passed her best. Well past, according to Algy`s Mum!
"She`s been dead since last night! Look at `er, stiff as a board! Popped `er clogs she `as, nothin` we can do now! " With those harsh words, Algy broke into tears. The tears ran down his dirt stained face, leaving clean streaks of skin.
"Rosie! Rosie!............" He was inconsolable. It was late afternoon when the Knackerman arrived. Algy saw him walking purposefully towards the stable, which was really a shed, and was Rosie`s last resting place.
" `ere? Whats ocurrin` `ere then? You should be at school! " The Knackerman was a short rotund man in his late fifties, balding and with the smell of stale Tobacco on him.
Algy didnt like him much.
"Its my `orse Mister, she`s dead."
"Well thats what I`m `ere for ya daft lad! Dont worry son, I`ll `ave `er away soon as quick like!"

With that, the man tied a steel cable round Rosie`s front hooves, and attached it to another cable that ran between two Shires horses. With one movement of his hand, both Shires pulled as one, and Rosie started her journey out of Algy`s life.

Two days later, Algy was leaning on the half door of the stable. His mind was wandering through his short life with the horse he had come to love. Rosie had been a Coal Mans horse, hauling tons of coal around the streets, up and along the cobble stoned roads of the dirty grimy town he called home.

One day, while he was out playing on the streets with his mates, he saw the Coal man beat the horse, she looked tired, worn out and in pain. After some loud curses from the Coal man, Algy watched as the horse collapsed onto the cold stone cobble sets. It was a sound he would not forget.
The baleful stare from the coal man towards the horse was seen by the boy.
But Algy was at the horses side before the raised arm of the Coal man could land another blow on the beleaguered frame of the poor horse.
"Hey Mister!" Algy shouted, "Leave him alone! Your `urtin` `im!" The man snarled, " Well if ya so good wi` `orses, `ave this `un! An` by the way, its a She!" With that, the Coal man unhitched the fallen horse, and with a parting gesture, kicked the poor beast in the rump.

The man pushed the empty coal cart away from the horse, as Algy ran to see what he could do.

Algy knelt beside the fallen beast, his hands caressed the greasy mane ans tired face. An eye opened, and then closed. There was a long sigh from the horses nostrils, and after that he couldnt hear anything more..

Algy lay with the suppine body of this tired old horse, and as he let his arm fall across the chest, he felt the chest rise, ever so slightly, but it was there!

Quick as a flash, Algy was up and across the road into his house, through the front room, up the stairs, and like a maniac he swept up all the blankets he could find! In two shakes of a lambs tail, he was back on the street!
" `Oright boy, I`ll save ya, jus` you see if `ar dont!" Algy threw all of his Mums best blankets over the horse!
"Dont worry lad, these`ll keep ya warm!" The horse didnt react to the gesture. It was some time before Algy`s Mum arrived home from her cleaning job. But when she saw her son prostrate, over what seemed to her, to be a body in the street, she went into shock!
" Oh my God! Algy!!" She screamed the words at the top of her shrill voice.

Algy had his backside " tanned", his mother, couldnt believe that all her best blankets, including the ones used for "good" were keeping that moth eaten beast warm! " Ow could ya? Them`s me best blankets!"

As Algy watched the pile of rags across the street from his bedroom window, he wiped a tear from his face.

The next morning, Algy was up before Bantam Fart! (And thats early!) He quickly dressed, and was out the front door of the house! The horse was gone! Only a sad pile of trampled blankets lay, where the horse had been. He was devastated, moreover, he began to cry. The first tear had barely dripped onto the cobble stones, when Algy heard the sound of screams from up the top of his street. He turned, and to his delight, he saw Rosie! She was standing among Mrs Williams garden, hanging from Rosie`s mouth was a large bunch of Daffodils! He ran for all he was worth. On reaching the scruffy horse, he wrapped his short arms around its neck, and smothered it with kisses. Mrs Williams demanded the return of her Daffy`s! Rosie didnt comply! It was there, that Algy and Rosie became firm friends. But that was several years past, and Algy knew, that Rosie had been cared for in those remaining years.

"Algy! Algy! A` you at the bloody stable again? Get over `ere lad its time for tea!" Algy`s dream time was sadly broken. But not before, " Mam? "
"No ! Ya cant `ave another `orse!"

Summing Up!

2012-02-14T16:24:00.000+01:00

Remember all those logs? Well? They`re still there! Thing is, I got time to slice up the big trunks today, and also the other big limbs. Got myself few loads stacked, and was surprised to see, that I hadnt really made much of a dent in the pile! Still, a start has been made, and with the help of Dichlophenac, I should manage the rest!
Gotta say those little brown pills certainly take the pain away! So does drink, but I wouldnt recommend that with chainsaws!!
On another matter, 25th Feb, sees the start of the horse sales. This one is at Kirby Stephen, a small market town in Cumbria, formally (Cumberland & Westmorland!)
Lets see? What else is on the cards? Oh yes! The weather is improving slightly, warmer with a nice breeze. But, the BFLWM says its to get warmer still! I`ll believe that when it happens, cant trust the BFLWM !

Anyway, back to work tomorrow, awwww! But no, it has to be done, I will be retiring on or around the 31st March 2014, yes Sir! Thats the date, one for the diary, I`m getting the wine and beers in now, so I should have a few for a party! God help the wife! She`s dreading it, me home all day? Poor lass! Lol!!!!!

The ground is drying up, the mud is only up to our horses pasterns now!

Welcome!

2012-02-14T16:08:00.002+01:00

I`d like to welcome Rocky Mountain Yankee to the blog! Hope you enjoy what you find, and glad you dropped by!

Welcome!

2012-02-09T11:12:00.003+01:00

Good Morning all! First off, I`d like to welcome "Story", from http://allgearnoskill.blogspot.com/ to the blog!
Welcome Story!
Please feel free to stay a while, and enjoy!

Jobs a Good `Un!

2012-02-06T14:13:00.001+01:00

Next years logs!..An old limb, from a large Beech tree came down last month. It was lying in a field with no one to look after it! So, I thought it my duty, nay! Civic duty, to take up the challenge, and save it from unscrupulous loggers! No! I`m joking! Two friends and myself, had the opportunity to cut it up, so yesterday we got onto the frozen land, and began the job. All for next year!

The Days Events.

2012-02-04T21:08:00.001+01:00

Charlie is back at the stables. he is not gaining any weight, and I am concerned for him. Especially since it started snowing today, and then remained cold with some rain. So he is on a high oil diet with veggies. he has been here for 3 days so far, and already he has started to pick up.

he`s eating “like a horse!” So we`ll see how he goes. On another matter. Had a visit from the local “plods”. (cops) It would seem that farm machinery and power tools are getting pinched. “had I seen anyone suspicious?”

I thought for a second, and replied,” Just you two!” lol. They didnt see the funny side. But as usual they do try to notify us all when there are issues of farm break in`s. Gracie is up at the stable too, she is due her teeth done on Monday, and well……….she could do with a ride out. Tack room is now totally finished, peace at last.

Found one of my Ice Axe`s today, also my old rope.Brought back some good memories. So, the rest of the day was splitting logs and chain sawing some tree trunks!

Odd Moment.

2012-02-01T00:07:00.001+01:00

I fell off today!………..I am sorry to say, it was my own fault. It could not have been in a worse place too. Hard concrete! All 15 stone of me, flat out on my back, looking for all the world like a beached whale! The wind knocked completely out of my aching and somewhat tight chest. As I stared up at the passing grey clouds, it occurred to me that I should take more care! make sure my feet are secure, that my balance is good, and my hold is correct! Perhaps I should even wear a helmet?

I know I should! But I do feel such a dork, I mean the only safety helmet I have is Rainbow coloured! Anyway, as I continued to check my limbs for cracks and breakages, my wife appeared!

“ ladder slip then?”……………….”Yeah, those lights are in an awkward place!”

“Tattie and Leek Soup!”

2012-01-30T20:15:00.001+01:00

Today has been cold. Not as cold as Nebraska, or Wyoming! However, here it tends to be wet and cold, miserable would be a good description!
So after I`d finished work tonight, I came home to a welcoming pan of the very same nourishment!
Two or three bowls of this stuff, and even Capt Scott would have been warmed up! The original consists of Potatoes, carrots and the wonderful peppery Leek! (Leeks) I like the green and white things, a “common food?” Not in my book! All that shoved in a large pot, water to cover, Oh I should mention, all the veg was peeled and chopped! Two onions, and salt and a little butter! Cooked gently until soft and leave to cool, check the seasoning, and taste! My OH does a really good one. Anyway, its cold and fine tonight, the stove is full of logs and I feel warm at last. Good night!

Welcome to Cheryl Ann!

2012-01-25T17:18:00.000+01:00

Hey! Welcome to Cheryl Ann! Hope you stay a while, and enjoy what you find!

The Make Over!

2012-01-24T11:10:00.001+01:00

BFLWM again! How do they do it? Its a little after 10am here, and of course its persisting it down! No! Dont say anything, just let me rant!

I seem to be going through bales of hay like there is no tomorrow, and no doubt, according to the Mayan calendar, there wont be! So another day is a total wash out! And I took two days off work, (legitimately) to get some riding in!

Anyway, I could always finish the painting? That is, the Tack room is getting a make-over! From Yellow, to the more clinical White!

Did you notice the red book on the Sideboard? ………..

This is the bit I have got done.

And this is the bit that needs doin`! Ah well, better get on with it!

See ya!

Welome!

2012-01-23T19:39:00.006+01:00

Welcome Ccrazycrystal to the blog! Hope you`ll stay a while, and enjoy what you read!

Great Award!! (How good is that!)

2012-01-23T19:35:00.000+01:00

Crystal, from RanchRiding@blogspot.com has awarded me, and Gracie! This award. I am well impressed! Thank you Crystal. I shall try and do it justice!

How cool is that?

Horses Don`t Like Whisky!

2012-01-19T23:10:00.000+01:00

Thats the washing up done! The horse fed, and mucked out. Its raining, and the forecast is poor. However, there is a bright side to all this!
I have sourced a supply of logs for next winter, and its a good a regular supply. Albeit I get to cut down the trees and do all the work. And thats just fine for me. There is something satisfying about hard physical work, don`t you think? Now the good news! I have sent off my cheque to pay the deposit for next years trip to America! Now its just the hard work of savin` the rest!!
Gracie is back off the Lame list, Sunny is looking good, and poor Charlie has still that ribby look, but! He has passed no worms and is running the field like an idiot!
The tack room has been painted afresh, a new rug adorns the tiled floor, and I have replenished the whisky cupboard!
So, whats a chap to do? The only thing a man can do, and thats to slake his thirst! Ah yes!......Now where is that 20 year old "Dalmore" Single Malt?
ps.......Before I go, a thought just crossed my mind, isnt it a good job horses dont like whisky!

"Gracie! Put that bottle down!"

A Follow on!

2012-01-13T22:54:00.001+01:00

This is a follow on from the last post, re what I carry on long trips. I dont propose that everyone should take enough gear to cover everything!! Lord no! ……..This is just what I carry, and for good reason……………….

About two years ago, I had been out riding with Gracie, and another friend, who shall remain nameless. We had covered just short of 15 miles, across varied landscape. However, my friends horse had been slightly slower and showing some slight lameness, during the last mile or so, which is unusual, as she was a very fit animal.

We stopped to check the horses lower legs, couldnt find anything, that is until I lifted the hoof on the front right, immediately this opened a deep puncture wound on the front of the Cannon bone area. It was to the bone.

A slight panic set in! What to do, too far from any habitation, we didnt have half the stuff I carry now. All I had was some elastic bandage, and some Lint pads. Anyway by now the blood had started to seep from the wound and it was clear to see that the sinew sheath that covers the bone was open to the air. The horse was starting to show some discomfort, so we wrapped the lint pads on the leg with the elastic bandage. Trouble was every few yards we had to re tie it!! Finally we got it tight enough to keep it there. Of course time was pressing on, and my friend was getting worried. had I had the basic sutures and gut, together with some sterile pads, and sedative paste, we would have been able to sort this pretty damn quick! ( I am not advocating that we should all do stitching of wounds!)

We finally got the horse down towards a farm, but she wasnt for moving any further! So I set off on my horse to cover the last two miles.

Needless to say the cost of getting a vet to where the horse was, at night! Lets just say my friend was most shocked! But after some sedation ( the horse that is!) and a good cleansing of the wound plus sutures, all wrapped neatly with a bandage, the horse was able to walk, albeit slowly to the farm.

There it stayed for nearly three days. Until the vet gave the all clear for the horse to travel.

It was that vet, who showed me what to carry for the horse, just the basics, anyone can do basic stitches to skin, its not that hard, but sedation is a help! Lol! Anyway all was well that ended well.

The main thing is, you never know whats round the corner, and horses are a costly item, so now I am prepared, for the next time!

For AllHorseStuff!

2012-01-13T16:00:00.001+01:00

AllHorseStuff was wondering what I carry in my saddlebags, when out on a ride. More usually than not, if the ride is a local “round the corner ride” I take maybe only a few snacks for me and the horse. But if the ride is a long ride, or over hill country, thats a bit different. So I thought I might share with you, the things I carry. here goes!

First off, my Cavalry “style” saddle bags! They can carry a fair bit of kit! Leather, and well made.

Next?…Map and Compass (essential!)

I always use a large scale map, 1:25000

Hoof boots! x 2! Lighter than metal shoes and nails!

Then we have, watertight tin with scissors, tweezers, sutures, needles, Bandages, elastic and otherwise.

A tube of Oral Sedative Gel, lasts about 6 hours, directions on the box! Great when horse has a cut that needs stitching! Or you need to remove an object from the lower leg etc.

Finally, I always carry fixed to me, usually on my lower leg, a complete set of personal details, plus medical info!

I must also point out, I carry a sharp knife, plus hoof pick. Then comes enough food for me for the day, and I also carry around 4 pounds of grain for the horse, and a 2 litre water container!

Hope that helps KK!

Tube In!

2012-01-13T00:52:00.001+01:00

Poor Charlie!..........In goes the tube! .............Poor chap, shook his head, and tried to shake the wormer from his throat!
But just like a Toothless Buzzard, I succeed.(s)! Sunny got the remaining dose! Poor soul, it must taste foul, anyway, that was all done. So we`ll wait now and in a couple of days? We should see some results. I have used Paramox, it covers all the usual stuff, but also, Encysted Red worms! Which according to the vets here, are rather prevalent, this winter due to the current weather conditions.

I have also dosed the rest, just to be on the safe side!....Photos to follow! On another matter entirely, the diet is going well! I know, `cos I`m starving!..............No not really, but it feels that way. I have`nt weighed myself since I started, but that`s another matter.
My "cold" has taken a turn for the better. I only cough every ten minutes now! lol. And my lungs stay in place too! So thats it, the weather is on the up, I feel better, and that poor horse of mine is in for a shock!

But more about that later.

Finally!

2012-01-11T23:57:00.001+01:00

Sorry about this!!! But guess what? I finally got WLW to install both my blogs!!!! YIPPEE!!!!
Now we are in business!

Charlie.

2012-01-11T22:13:00.001+01:00

Charlie, above, was bought in October. He was a bit "ribby" then, more so now. So here`s the plan and the reasons behind it!
I had an e-mail circulated from one of our horsey forums here in the UK. Its a warning re the sudden increase of Liver Fluke in Cattle and Sheep. Mainly due to the mild winter and incessant rain! Also a further note re encysted Red worms. Although Fluke is very rare in horses, where there might be an increase in Fluke, the advice is to dose all horses. Funnily enough we have our horses on a sheep farm!

So tomorrow, I`m off to the vets, for some wormer`s! There isn`t a licensed Fluke dosage for horses in this country, so I hope my vet will let me have a one for Cattle.

He is eating well, but he seems slow and not as energetic as he was, but we`ll see after tomorrow.

ps. Another pic loaded! (after about ten tries!)

2012-01-11T18:43:00.000+01:00

Hello? ........This is me using the new blogger interface! Dont like this!!!!........But I suppose I`ll get used to it. Anyway, today was a better day, more in the way of weather. There was no rain, but there was no wind either. Got our sheep in for scanning tomorrow, we`ll see what each tummy holds! Hope more twins than singletons!!!

Still having trouble posting pics on blogger! Just tried to post one now, its so frustrating!

Hoo ****** Ray!

2012-01-10T15:44:00.002+01:00

Ok!...I like Bloggers ease of working, so I`ll stay for now! Have to be honest though, its not good? Just had a phone call from a friend, she is having the same trouble!!!!..........

At least we are`nt on our own, this issue has been running for some time it would seem. Have tried to download pics to blogger also, no chance! have had some lovely comments, saying that readers would move with me if I did so.
So good to hear that. But at the moment, I shall stay. On the horse front? Well what can I say, young charlie, is still doing ok, however, as one reader suggested, I shall worm him.
He is a happy little chap, always happy to see you!
Temperature is the same as yesterday, 50F. like a Spring day? Well apart from the bloody rain!

Been a while since we had weather like this!
Forget what I said about uploading pics!!!!!!!! This one worked! Hoo bloody ray!!!!!!

Problems "error 505"

2012-01-09T21:45:00.000+01:00

Well! I have just about had it with Blogger! I have been trying to have Windows Live Writer publish this blog from this new computer on windows 7. All I seem to get is "error 505!"
Seems this is their fault.
W7 has Wordpress as their auto blog publisher, might have to move across! Cant even publish pics now either!

Anyone had any issues with this before?

Update!

2012-01-08T19:07:00.001+01:00

"Out with the old, in with the new!" So they say!...But as far as I can see, its just more of the same. No, I`m not being a pessamist, not even a cynic! Just a realist. Its all to do with the illneses. Now ordinarily I wouldnt bother, well, I would just shake off a bad cold. but this time, its been a real bugger! Been hanging on my chest for weeks. A few friends have been the same! But atrip to the Doc, revealed nothing I didnt already know. "Its a virus!" How unusual! He said that the last time!

But that apart, things have taken a turn for the better! It would seem that although we thought hay prices would rise, they have remained stable. Feed prices in general are doing the same.

Gracie, is doing well, carrying good condition and looking fit.! Sunny, the same, and so is Wally and Jacob! Bob, the little Welsh, is also fine.
However! Charlie, who you may remember, was a Weanling I bought around October gone. he isnt doing too well, he`s losing condition and looking a bit "ribby!"
I would post pics, but cant as yet, havent transfered files from the old machine yet!

Have been catching up on all your blogs, and am pleased to be back in action!!

2012-01-05T00:34:00.000+01:00

Guess where my grandson put his "sticky" finger? No?................The touch pad keys! Of course he had a liberal amount of the best sticky Toffee, which he duly eased into the crevices of the keys!
Of course getting this stuff out isnt easy, in fact I am writing this post on a New Laptop!!!!! Yep!

I`ll get back to you all soon as!....................

Water Polo.

2012-01-01T20:29:00.002+01:00

I was wondering, does anyone know where I can purchase a couple of 6`6 inch water wings for horses?
They dont need to be new, but in working order, as my horses are in need.
I have managed to teach the others to swim, but unfortunately, the last two, have been struggling with swimming.
Overall, they have done well, but if I was honest, they are all finding it hard to swim and graze at the same time.
Having said that, I still manage to row out to the ring feeder, but I find that the bale of hay tends to weigh the boat down!
This morning the wind got up, the waves caused some headaches, but, it was fun to watch the horses playing Water Polo in the paddock.
Maybe there is another group of horses out there, that could help form a local team?

2011 A Recap!

2011-12-31T22:46:00.002+01:00

I thought I`d keep it short! Here is my take on the year.
!It has rained, and rained, and rained some more! I was told today, that we have had 1.8 meters of rain in total!” …….
Here`s to 2012, may it be a tad better!
Happy New Year!

A Late Christmas Thought.

2011-12-24T23:19:00.001+01:00

I sat forlornly looking upwards at the black velvet night sky, sprinkled with brilliant diamonds. Then I thought, “I must get a roof on this toilet!”

There it ended! A moment of sheer lucidity. Turkey done.

Gravy done, Gala Pie done!

Just the stuffin` to do, so lets say? Another two hours of pleasant work, and lo! Its all done. Oh! Just one more thing!

A small libation, so here`s to you all, have a very Merry Christmas, and remember! If you turn up for a drink, fetch a bottle!!

Seasons Greetings!

2011-12-21T07:21:00.001+01:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my blogging friends out there, a Happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year! Sorry I havent been in touch lately.

But my best wishes are with you all.

Cheyenne.

Is it Me?

2011-12-06T01:01:00.001+01:00

Is it me?………….Have I become an anachronism? I believe I may have! I bring your attention to the case the “Door Opener!” Yes a simple matter of how the male species has lost all credibility with the modern female species.

I, that is me, while engaged in the normally harmless pursuit of Window shopping! Became embroiled in what would now appear to be a very dangerous occupation!

I was outside a well known Department store in our nearest large city. My other half, (she who must be obeyed!) was within, trying numerous garments, for an upcoming event. I, not being all that interested in ladies garments, after having made that terrible mistake, most men make, when asked by their spouses, out shopping, ” So what do you think?” I replied, ” Its fine dear.”

That question, should carry a Health Warning! And my answer ? it should never have passed my lips! God forbid!

Anyhow! There I was standing very near the double swing entrance doors to this Monolith of Female expenditure, when a young lady, carrying several large shopping bags, attempted to open the said doors. I without a momentary hesitation, stepped gallantly forward, and opened the door. A more polite gesture could not be envisioned!

Ah well! Was I wrong!……” What the hell do you think you are doing! Dont you think I`m capable of opening a door for myself? Thats typical of men today! Always trying to control women!”

This tirade, was of a somewhat loud nature, and caused me to be silent, for some time! While still holding the damn door open! Having regained my composure, and stepping quickly from the place of my own ridicule, I tried to hide my embarrassment. I was flummoxed! I could not begin to understand why opening a door for a lady, had caused such a response.

As I stood silent, I felt a tap on my shoulder, turning, I saw the doorman, he smiled at me. Smiling back he said, “ You have to be careful nowadays pal, some dont want the door opened `cos they believe in equality, others like it, `cos its polite, and its old fashioned manners.!” I began to open my mouth to answer, but he walked back to the doors.

I have to ask, “Where has manners gone? Where has the time honoured principle of being polite gone? Or am I alone? destined to wander the byways and highways of chivalry, all alone! I was always taught to open doors for a lady, be polite, tip your hat,(if you wear one), and give up your seat on a bus etc, for a lady, elderly or not. Or has reality finally caught up with me? I just dont know anymore. Was my generation the last to learn manners?

I`m off to the Pub!…………………….My brain hurts!

Good News, Not so Good, and Good News!

2011-12-04T16:31:00.001+01:00

Here`s a further update on the jobs front: Seems we may have done some good! The powers that be, have given us a new date, after much consultation. Now we are looking at 2015! Not brilliant, but better, gives folk time to set themselves up, and straighten out the future!

Me?……..Well I retire in 2 years time, at 60. I got to! Been like most folk, working since I was 15 years old. Need a rest! Lol.. Its the young ones, they need a chance, and the way things are going, doesnt look like they`ll have much!

Anyway, this gives me a chance to make provision for my beloved horses. Looks like my newly negotiated redundancy payment, will help me keep the horses after all. So, where next? Well, my OH has told me I need to get to Montana, for a Working ranch holiday! So I`ve booked for 2013! two weeks, with another horse mad fool!

Been Missing.

2011-12-03T17:33:00.001+01:00

Sorry have`nt blogged for a while, been busy, very busy trying to save mine, and others jobs! Looks like our jobs are to go, quicker than we think. So I will be a bit pre-occupied for a while. Trouble is, if my job goes, so do some of the horses. Thats a real issue with me, I made a sacred promise to my friends, and I will try and keep it, but things look pretty bad at the moment.

300 of us are to go, this Gov, is cutting for cutting`s sake, its a total mess here in the Uk.

Barney`s New Friend!!

2011-11-20T17:09:00.002+01:00

What constitutes a good day?………….Let me tell you.   A few days ago, I posted an advert for Barney, whom you all may remember!! I posted it on a local Horse Forum. We had a couple of interested enquiries, but only one came to see.    Her name is Karen. Along with sister Christine and husband and two kids!

Barney is going on long term loan for the winter, after very careful consideration, and long chats, Karen having tried him out, has decided to take him!   All in one day!! So his home is fairly local, and a good horsey one. It turns out I know both ladies from the Endurance Club. So there we are, its a small world! I cant begin to tell you all ,how hard it is to find the right home. I just didnt want another carryon like the last one! Barney seemed happy, and his new “owner” was too!   ( So were the kids!)

The real tester was when Karen, (above) came to collect Barney!!   Loaded, and never looked back! Not even a snicker!!

Never looked back!!

Anyhow, he`s going to a good working home, good riders and also Jumpers? So we will see whats round the corner. Good luck.

Welcome!

2011-11-18T10:37:00.001+01:00

Good morning to you all! I`d like to welcome Janice from Own A Morgan & QH also, Once Upon an Equine to the blog! Nice to have them along!

Changes. And Real Progress.

2011-11-14T21:14:00.001+01:00

This little foal, of which this picture, is my only one! Is “Sunny”. Or to give her, her real posh name! Is “Misty`s Tyshion Sunshine Surprise!” Here she is just a few hours old, 21 April 2009.

And a year later!

And last summer!

She is now 2 years and 7 months old, and a whole new horse!

Its a little after 5pm here, and darker than the inside of a “Ditch diggers left boot!”

She, Sunny is currently just under 15hh, maybe just on? She is currently under saddle!!! Hey! And is responding really well. Today we had our second short ride, in a Bosal, and she has a really cool attitude. I`ll post some “work” pics tomorrow.

Lest We Forget.

2011-11-11T13:02:00.001+01:00

Today is just another day to most. But for others, it will be the one day, when all else stops, time will stand almost still, and thoughts will turn to those who are no longer with us. I have been reminded of an old poem. I shall put it here. As I grow older, I feel it more, I am alive, and thank God for that, but I shall always shed more than one tear for those that are no longer with us.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scare heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago,

We lived, felt dawn, felt sunset glow,

Loved and were loved; and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

We live, because they gave.

Welcome!

2011-11-08T20:07:00.002+01:00

Welcome JD Best, to this here blog!

Last Night of Comfort.

2011-11-06T21:29:00.001+01:00

Its cold tonight. In fact, its about time! recently we have had one of the wettest summers and Autumns for decades. But tonight, all that is almost forgotten, so much so, I decided to pop out to the stables, check the two horses that are in just now, and see whats happening.

Charlie! Poor boy, tomorrow he joins the herd! Wormed, injected, handled, and ready for the fray! While next door, in the other stable is???

I took this without flash, just by the fluorescent light. (A bit yellow) Unfortunately, Gracie, wasnt too happy to be disturbed!

This is what she did next!

Total disgust! I tried again.

She wasnt having any of it! Grumpy old thing! Tomorrow she goes back to the field also, and Sunny comes up. Sunny begins her training this week. I decided to leave it until the weather was better, and I had more time. Looking forward to it!

Good night all! “Gracie? Say goodnight!”………………..” Sod off!”

Playing Catch-up! …….

2011-11-05T13:32:00.001+01:00

It has arrived! My new saddle arrived a few days ago, all the way from Oklahoma. Been waiting for what seems like ages, but it was worth it!

It took a long time to decide what type of saddle to get, but I finally plumped for the “Billy Cook, Arbuckle Wade Ranch Saddle”. The pics not brilliant, but it will do for now! Yes I was excited, but worried, just in case I had measured her (Gracie) incorrectly. Well I neednt have worried! Rode out yesterday, what can I say? I came back as comfortable as I went, but whats more, Gracie felt different? Softer, easier, or was it just me?

Anyhow, did an hour again today, again, brilliant! Definitely, the horse was easier, and softer. The old saddle must have been past its best!

Down Came The Trees!!!!

Finally after months of waiting, the trees opposite our cottage, have been cut down! No more Larch needles blocking drains, guttering, overflows, and getting wedged in the car windows!!

But the best thing?? More of a view, and more sunlight! The trees standing to the right in this picture, have now gone too!

The day was a wet one, but hey! Are we happy!! It has been so dark these last ten years, but now? We have light!

We had no power for most of the last week, during the day, and as I have been working night shifts, I have`nt posted, Sorry!

Ok, just one more of the saddle!!

Warning (Spammers)

2011-10-28T18:32:00.001+02:00

I thought i`d better warn all. This blog has been Spammed. Unfortunately, I missed the first one. Someone using access to this computer, managed to post on this blog.(God knows how?) Anyway, thats been sorted. But today, I was hit again.

So have added a bit more security. If things are slow to access comments page I apologise in advance.

New Arrival. (Charlie!)

2011-10-28T17:24:00.001+02:00

Well I couldnt resist!! I mean c`mon! Look at him.

A bit “ribby”? True, but there is potential. Charlie is 6 months old, not sure what breed…………(57 varieties?) But, he handles very well, is real easy to be about. Halter broke, stands tied, and will make just under 15hh.

A quick learner, already since I got him last Saturday (22nd Oct) he lifts his legs, you can brush him all over, and handle all of his body! So to be honest, I think I could be onto a steady horse in a few years.

The horse sale prices here in the Uk, are pretty crappy, this little fella? £45 guineas! Around ($ 73 dollars). Even 3 year olds, made only a few hundred pounds. Its a sad fact that the economic downturn, has been bad for horses.

But this little chap? Well he`s here now.

Hartsop to Riggindale

2011-10-19T20:00:00.001+02:00

The weather today was exceptional, 8.30am saw all four of us at Cow Bridge car park! There was rain in the sky. The idea was to take the Bridleway from Hartsop to High Street. A climb of about 2,500 feet, and around 11 miles. But as things go, it didnt quite work out that way!

This is the view looking back towards Hartsop, in the English Lake District. From L-R. Dollywaggon Pike, in the far right, we have Helvellyn. The small lake in the middle distance is Brothers Water. We left Cow Bridge around 9.30 am, after several cups of Tea! we needed it! It wasnt the warmest of days. Travelling up through the remote village of Hartsop, we began the long climb on the south side of Hayeswater Beck. This lies between Prison Crag and Grey Crag.

The picture above shows Hayeswater Beck, we have just crossed it, and are preparing to ascend towards the Knott. Unfortunately here we discovered that the ground ahead was very wet and soft. But we pressed on with the proviso, that should it get worse we would head down.

The ride itself is a fantastic trail across the most beautiful countryside. In the shot above, the ground we are standing on is very soft. In the distance are Helvellyn and other hills. It was decided that we would terminate the ride at this point.

L-R. Sheena, Katy, horse with the blaze is “Tiny” and with his “Butt” to the world, “Topaz!”

The ground being so soft, was begining to drain energy from the horses. Plus up on these Fells, there are real chances of the horses stepping into Peat Bogs, easy for the horse to disappear!

“C`mon Dad!………….. Lets go back down?”

Back at the Waggon, more Tea, and some hot buttered Toast!

Day Trip To Heaven. (part 2)

2011-10-17T19:50:00.002+02:00

After the first days ride, I left Gracie with Katy and Sheena. Corralled, safely with the other three horses, she spent the night recovering.

Thats her! In the middle, as I said I went home, taking Fiona and her horse, “Tig” minus one shoe!! So her riding was finished for the time being.
This morning, I collected Annette, pictured below.

So after a quick Sausage butty! Several cups of Tea, courtesy of Sheena! We left the comfort of her warm waggon, for the increasing wind of the Northern Cheviot Hills.

This is Schillgreen, a small steading, below our route to The Schill, one of the high hills around here. If you look closely, our route follows the track across the middle hill, from the trees on the right, to the cleft of the hills on the left.
The wind was increasing by the hour, and by the time we were 200 feet below the summit, and finding it difficult to stay in the saddle! We called it a day, and headed to shelter behind a stone wall for a bite to eat!

This wall , is what I had to lean against to stop the camera shaking in the wind! Here we are at 1600 feet. It was so strong, Sheena was almost blown away!

A windswept Annette, and her horse Kara. It was blowing an absolute hooley!

Back down!………Fantastic day!

On the way home, a bit calmer here, and time for a graze! A really good ride, horses behaved impeccably. Everyone happy!

Day Trip To heaven! (part 1)

2011-10-16T21:01:00.002+02:00

The forecast said,”Fine, with a gentle breeze!” What more did we need?
Hitting the trail early, we ventured forth!

The low October sun, really did have some warmth in it, horses sweated, as we climbed up to the top of the Border Ridge. This Ridge divides the Countries of Scotland and England.

Unfortunately, as is the case here, the weather didnt last! Still we managed a good four hour ride, and in good company!

It was a real shame when we had to turn for home, its not often we get days like this, and after the “summer” we have had, you`ve got to grab them while you can!

Update.

2011-10-11T13:45:00.001+02:00

Hi all! Ok, this is where my sight is now. I can see better than before! Its finally settling down, and apart from tired eyes later in the day, which is getting less and less. I am very happy.

So thanks to all for there kind remarks.

How Unpredictable?

2011-10-10T21:11:00.001+02:00

Yesterday……….Not cue for a song.

I am going to relate an incident that happened, while riding, yesterday with friends. It all started innocuously enough, a few snickers and squeals. But nothing that would indicate the future.

It was raining when we left the Forestry Commission car park, at a little after 10 am. Nothing to heavy, just one of those Drizzle`s!

After about 20 minutes, I moved my horse to the front of the line of four, as we were doing a different trail and the others hadnt been before. Gracie was fine, a little “sprightly”, perhaps looking back, we could say “eager?”

The trail lead through Forest, and felled woods, we were all chatting quite amiably, when, for no apparent reason, Gracie decided she had to be next to one of the two geldings in the party. From then on, things got a little bit tiresome! Side stepping, head tossing, and the odd “look at me” buck! The gelding reacted with a upward kick, this caught my right leg, and Gracie`s flank. She was starting to become, really strong, and just was not paying any attention to me. This was not the horse I owned! It must be an alien! Thats how it felt. Any way, I decided to circle her, try and get her attention, but to no avail. Meanwhile the others had moved on downhill. They were some distance away, maybe 400 yards? Then it happened.

Within a milli second, she had whipped round and was charging off downhill at speed! I tried desperately to turn her, but without any response. There was nothing for it! Hang on, and see where she went!!

As we caught up with the others, they moved aside, (probably heard my shouts!) Gracie was still full speed, we got to the bottom of the hill. It was here I managed a one rein stop! I was hauling for all I was worth on this one rein………..she started to circle left and finally came to a grudging halt! To say i needed a fresh change of underwear, would be an understatement!

The rest of the ride for me was called off. I rode her back to the trailer, all the while she was constantly jogging, very bouncy, and without any real acknowledgement of my presence! We arrived back at the trailer. I checked all the tack, it was her usual kit. No changes or faulty kit.

As I skirted round the rear of the horse, I maybe found the cause. I`m not saying that it is, but hey? It`s the only other explanation. She lifted her tail and winked!

Got to be in season. Later that day, I found her displaying to one of the geldings in an adjacent field. I thought it was a bit late for this time of the year. Anyway, I learned something again, horses are just animals, and can be unpredictable, as was proved to me. That horse had never really put a foot wrong, in all the time I have owned her. You never know. Never really liked galloping downhill!

Latest!…..

2011-10-06T20:53:00.001+02:00

Today?…….A whole different Ball game! Thank God!….I was getting a tad paranoid? So here it is. The Opthal….dooodah? Anyway, after a slightly heated debate as to whether or not, I was losing it, the eyes were checked, thoroughly! (We parted on good terms!)

I have been a little premature on the sight front, (no?) I have been advised that……as my long vision was the one corrected, it, takes a little more time to recover. OK, he explained it very slowly, and I am more happier.

Now then! Today? I arose at the un Godly hour of 4 am to get to work, low and behold, as I looked around the house, I realised my sight was way clearer than previously!

All morning I found I could see much more, although the far distance is still a bit blurry, the rest? Looks promising. Tonight my eyes were tired, and they reverted. No complaints!

Sally?…….I was panicking, so dont let me put you off, I was expecting too much too soon!

Serious Doubts!

2011-10-04T23:28:00.001+02:00

Ok! This is an update on my sight. You all know last Tuesday, I had my sight checked and after some humming and harring, decided to go ahead with Laser Surgery.

Its now been a week. This is how I stand at the moment. Before the surgery, I couldnt see to read a newspaper in front of me, even at arms length. I have been wearing glasses for that. My middle distance and distant vision was blurred, I could drive, and see a registration plat clearly at about 60 m`s. Beyond that it was getting an issue.

Today, I can see to read a newspaper, great! but cannot see anything past an arms length! Its all really blurred. Tomorrow, I go for a checkup. Thats gonna be fun! I cant drive properly, and cant see the end of my road!

So anyone thinking of this stuff! Hang on! Dont do it yet.

I know it could still be too early, but I`m having my doubts. Tomorrow will tell.

Clanger`s Demise!

2011-10-04T17:04:00.003+02:00

“Clanger”, whom you will know doubt remember, from a recent post! Unfortunately met his/her demise today. I say this with a heavy heart, not least, because I am not a“natural born killer”, no! I found the body, lying on its back, feet in the air, and stiff as a board!
Poor soul, my eyes are filling with tears of remorse for this delightful creature. Its soft furry face, large ears, velvety to the touch, and those whiskers? Aaahhh! ((Sob!))
How may you ask? Well?…………..I was sitting in my faux wicker chair, idly perusing the latest blogs, when out of the corner of my eye, I espied a sharp movement to my left, just by the whisky! Had he/she, seen me, see him/her? I couldnt tell! But I watched, and sure enough a little later, there “it “ was! A little taller than I remember, and somewhat more ferocious! In fact, as I sat watching him/her, watching me, watching him/her (ok! thats enough!) I noticed that the mouse, was carrying what appeared to be a Corkscrew type thingy! (uh?)
Immediately! Alarm bells began to ring, aha! This chap is after my stash! Well he wont get it! …………………Quick as a flash, he/she was shimmying up the Oak sideboard leg! Straight into the sideboard! In total terror, (of losing the whisky!) I jumped up, only to see my laptop, sailing through the air! In that split second, I too was leaping across the room, not towards the laptop, oh no! But towards the Mouse! ……………..Too late! OMG! Too late! The little tyke, had attached a length of rubber tubing to the upturned whisky bottle, and was leading the other end into ………………………..his hole! AAAAAAAAARRrrrrrrgh!…..In the moments that I was airborne, and before I landed on the now empty bottle, the mouse squeezed into his hole, I began to cry! “Oh My God!…………Not the 20 year old “Dalwhinnie”…….Oh no!” I was mortified. but what drove me to near insanity was what happened next!! As my tears dropped upon the tiled floor, I caught a glimpse of, what can only be described as a mouse waving at me! …………………To add insult to injury, when I checked the rest of my stash, it too had been appropriated!
“I`ve been Robbed!”………I shouted….To no one in particular! And so it was, that I began to lay my plans!
Let me tell you! This was War! All out war!………..Donning my best Mouse catching trousers, (those with tight ankle fit!)   I mulled over tactics.
Then it came to me! The Rat poison! Ah yes!   …….Total over kill!
Before the stroke of midnight, I had laid the bait, tightly sealed in small thin plastic bags, each one smeared in chocolate butter! (they love chocolate!)   I banked up” Milly,” the stove, and went to bed.
In the morning? There he/she was! Job done! The only down side to this carryon, is that my wife has left me. She failed to understand, why a fully grown male, would be covered from head to toe in Chocolate butter, and wearing only a pair of tight fitting trousers!………With several empty whisky bottles on the floor!
I could see her point!   I did try to explain, but …………..to no avail. Now there is only me, a dead mouse, and empty whisky bottles.   Its true! ……………………Honestly!

Welcome!

2011-10-04T16:31:00.001+02:00

I`d like to welcome Frances Garrood to the blog! Your very welcome, and hope you might stay a while!

The Stove, a Mouse, and a Whisky

2011-10-02T22:56:00.001+02:00

This summer, after last years arse freezer, I decided to supply heating to the tack room. It came in the form of a small cast iron stove. I call her “Milly!”

The tack room is actually our conservatory, but as we use it to dump junk, I took claim to it, my OH, bless her, didnt get a look in!

One wall is given over to tack, and the other, to an old Oak sideboard. It stores some paper work and my Whisky.

The Log basket, nearest the door, is the home of an itinerant mouse. Although full of logs, and the odd newspaper, the mouse, who we will call “Clanger”, seems to be comfortable! But as all good things come to an end, this will too!

I have one or two more things to do in the “Tack Room”, but nothing urgent. It looks cluttered, but its just fine, all I need now is an armchair, a wall map of the riding routes, and a Brochure of American or Canadian Ranch Working Holidays!

The Court Case!

2011-09-28T18:15:00.001+02:00

“M`Lud!……I didnt do it!…….” The cries of unbridled anguish rattled around the courtroom. Poor Aunty Jane!……Infact poor me! There we were, me a fine upstanding citizen of this fair, demoralised and bankrupt Island, and standing next to me, was poor Aunt Jane!

“Silence! In this court!…..Another outburst like that, and I`ll hold you in contempt!” The judge showered spittle as he strove to utter those very words! Banging his Gavel for all he was worth.

The courtroom was packed to the rafters, all the villagers, the newspaper reporters, even the local Tv news was here! ! forget the name of the programme, something like, “Border Crack and Deek-about? “

But I wander from the story!

As we were dragging the poor Policeman, you remember! The one that admired the laburnam tree! Well, it turns out he wasnt alone! There were several Cops doing house to house that night! A bad move on our part! It was only a matter of time, we hadnt really thought about where we were going to put him, we were running out of space! It was then Aunty Jane suggested, “Lets bung `im in the Garden Pond!” She was right, so we did, he stayed there for some days, until Mrs Hepplethwaite, from next door called round, on account of the bad smell!

Our Lawyer was now on his feet,” My Lord, it has not been proved that my clients had anything to do with the dead bodies in the pond, compost heap or the two workmen found in the drains! (Oops! I forgot about those!) Therefore I must object to this line of questioning!” He sat down, to be immediately replaced by the Council for the prosecution!

“ My learned friend is mistaken! We have incontrovertible proof that they both conspired to commit murder and we shall show it!”

It was at this point, that the judge, dressed in his wig, and robes started banging with his gavel again, now here is where the story gets interesting!

You see, the head of the Gavel flew off! Right across the courtroom, with such force, that it killed the Council for the Prosecution! Stone dead!…………At which point our Lawyer bless him, asked for an adjournment, with Bail! Now anyone with an ounce of sense, would have said No! but the Judge so taken aback with shock, replied in the affirmative! The court was cleared and we went home! So what? You might ask, well! had you forgotten the two mill! sitting in my garage? You had! Hadnt you?

“ `ere! You fancy some Cavy whatsit? Them little eggs?”

“Why not! In fact we could wash it down with some Bollinger? Lifes not easy, well at least for us! We have never been to Aruba before! Takes some getting used to, I can tell you! Say `bye Aunty Jane!….Bye!”

Thank You.

2011-09-28T17:41:00.001+02:00

A follow up: I`d like to thank everyone for their kind words. AS I sit here, and with two fingers, type the required words, I feel inspired, in fact I feel Epic!…………I can only see five feet in front to of my nose! But hey! Its progress! Lol!

So thanks to all, much appreciated. In case anyone out there in blog land is thinking of it? There is no pain at all, in fact you can watch them, while the Laser your eyeball! Even while they cut open the lens! Amazing stuff.

There is one small point! After the Anaesthetic wears off, your eyes feel like they have been rubbed in fresh cut onions? Yeah… thats about right! But that only last for about………………..an hour.

Get it done!!!! Oh!…….One other thing, minor really, Dont drive, take a taxi, train plane whatever.

Ps? Any one know of a good Insurer?

Eye Surgery?…………………..

2011-09-27T20:38:00.001+02:00

Well?………Its done. Both eyes, Yep!……………But let me start at the begining.

It all started a few months ago I couldnt see a damn thing, thought the fog had come down on the trail!………………………..”Say Doc, you tellin` me, these here eyes `o mine are needin` fixin`? “

“ Hell son, they`s almost beyond fixin`!……But got me a friend `o mine down near South Fork, he`s got some new fangled eye fixin` contraption!……..He done two cowhands eyes a week ago….they can see well enough now!” I listened as Doc Wiggins rambled on.

“How much Doc?………I ain`t got me nuthin` more than a good hoss an` saddle!”

“Shucks son, ain`t that much!………….No Sirree…he`ll probly do it fur the saddle!”

Well I wus kinda taken with the idea, so took me on down ta South Fork. Found the local saw bones, buried in this contraption, lights sparks an` all manner of shenanigans! Took me a mite of time to git his `tention.

“Say Doc, you the man can do this here sight savin`?” …

“Thats right cowboy, how many eyes you wanna save? One or both?”

He looked a mite wild, all his clothes looked kinda burned, sorta charred. I was not inspired! No Sir!

“ I want both saved Doc, how much?”

The Doc rubbed his dirty chin, took a slug of Whisky an` said, “ Lets see now?……..I`ll take the saddle son, or the horse, dont matter which one!”

I had no choice, “Take the saddle, its a good one”

With that I was told to set on an `ol Dentists chair, kinda worn, horse hair wus stikin` out.

“Set still son, be over in no time!” Before I could say anything, I was strapped to the chair! Good god almighty! It wus a frightening thing. All manner of lights an` this new fangled `lectric juice!

“Hell Doc! Wat you doin`? I ain`t never been strapped down afor`!”

“Well son, you ain`t been to the right establishment! Jes sit back an` enjoy the ride! “ He kinda re`minded me o` ma crazy Uncle Silas, but thats another story.

I dont re`member much after that, but I do know, it wus like gettin` stabbed in the eye by an` `ol Longhorn! Damn it hurt! Once the lights stopped an` the wirrin` noise stopped, the Doc let me up, he said, “ Son? That wus some ride! hell I ain`t seen no one scream like that afor! YeeeeHa!”

Anyhow, I was outta there like a frog on a hot stove! Its been stingin` for hours now, been down to the Bar T, talked to them other cowboys. They told me the same thing, hurt like hell!

But tomorrow`s another day, an` I hope all bein` well, I can take the bandages off! Ain`t no fun ridin` bareback blindfolded !

Kershope Foot. (West of Keilder)

2011-09-25T21:00:00.001+02:00

Kershope Foot today!…………Of course nothing ever goes smooth, got to the girls place, wagon wouldnt start! Did a bit of “jiggery-pokery” and it fired! A short drive to Newcastleton, and a diversion for Kershope Forest.

L-R, Tiny, Topaz & Gracie! This is a disused quarry. great for parking.

Looking North across the Moffat Hills! The trees last year were`nt this tall!

L-R Topaz, and his rider Katy, Tiny and his rider Sheena. It was a good day, calm warm and most important of all! It didnt rain!

“Left or Right, c`mon dad!”

To roll? Or not to roll!………….

Ok! Thats enough then! A really good ride, plenty to see and just enjoy! Good tracks, and good company, all washed down with a terrific cup of tea, and a cheese and pickle sandwich!

A Policeman Calls (part 3)

2011-09-23T17:27:00.001+02:00

The cottage in the village, where I lived, was spacious, it had all mod cons, and whats more, it had a large garden! In the far corner, facing due East, was a large compost heap. It had been steaming away quite nicely for some months, and was developing a rather earthy smell!

“ Aunt Jane?”……….” Yes dear?”……………I was looking at the compost heap, and nodding to it, as Aunt Jane arrived along side me. “ Think me stupid? Aunt Jane”, ……..”Naw! you wus the clever one in the famly! naw, you ain`t fick, a little timid, but defin`atly not fick!” With that illustrious vote of confidence, I began to outline my plan, over afternoon tea.

It was late in the evening, a little after seven. My trip to the local Garden center was precise, knowing full well what I needed, and got exactly what I wanted. The would deliver the Laburnam Tree tomorrow! I had left Aunt Jane sitting beside the fire in the lounge, she was tired poor thing, and in need of sustenance, of the liquid variety! Upon my return, I parked the car, (my own!) and made my way to the house.

The front door was ajar….From inside I could hear voices, hushed, almost whispered tones. I pushed the door open, and ventured inside. As I approached the lounge door, I became aware of a large presence behind me! To say he was tall, would be an understatement, broad strong and without doubt of East European extraction! I began to introduce myself, “ My name is………” I decided that discretion, was the better part of valour, as the business end of a large pistol caused my nose to turn upwards! I was then ushered into my own lounge unceremoniously! “ Aunty Jane? Whats going on?” …………” This is Sergei!….Say hello, Sergei let me `ave the car, remember! i told ya before!” A short elegant man stood in front of the fire place, he was well dressed, and sported what can only be described as a “Terry Thomas” type moustache!

“ Good evening”……..his heels came smartly together with a pronounced click. My immediate thought was, that I was in a cheap 1960`s spy movie! But that was soon dispelled!

“I am Count Sergei Alexandrovich Levantov!”……….My Aunt, until now had been rather quiet, but just then she chirped in, “ Aww! I`nt `e nice! `E s a proper gent `r is! I was tellin` `im all about our situation dear, `an e`s offered to `elp!” A large sigh rent the air, and I began to lose all hope of ever getting out of this little mess!

I had always loved her, but there were times!!

The Russian spoke, “ Your delightful Aunt, she tells me you have a body? And not just any old body, this I can live with! Tell me, how do you propose to get `ow you say, rid!” ……………….”Its all right son, I only told `im about the body, I didnt mention the loot!” At that, the room became a tad frosty! The Russian became alert. “ Ave I said som`ink wrong son? ……….. I`m sorry. Aw ma Gawd! I done it now in I?”

“ My Aunt is old and senile” I interjected quickly, “ She doesnt know what she is saying!”

The Count stood taller now, “ Show me… this loot!”……….. His accomplice casually waved the large pistol in my face. As I passed my Aunt, she looked at me, and gave a small wink! I couldnt begin to think what she had up her sleeve! I walked to the garage, there neatly arranged on the concrete floor, were the three bags.

“Open them!” The Russian barked at his body guard, with that the man mountain stepped forward and proceeded to do as he was told. My Aunty, standing beside me, grabbed my arm and started to take a step backwards, I followed suit, “Steady son, follow my lead”, she whispered. There then followed a conversation in Russian between the to gangsters. Both were bent over the bags with there backs towards us, at which point my Aunty picked up a large pick axe handle, gave one to me, and one for herself! It was over in seconds, apart from the blood, and one or two bits of brain splashed around, it was a neat job!

But that left us three bodies, and a car! “ Aunt Jane? how did these two get here?” I pointed at the two recently deceased gangsters.

“ Car I expect, ain`t seen it!”

As I thought upon the problem, Aunty Jane came to my rescue. “ See `ere son, that `ole you`s gonna dig, jus make it bigger, no one `ll know, `an the tree will cover the top!”

“ Yes thats true, but three bodies? That`ll take some rotting down.” Then it came to me! The compost heap!

The next day, the tree arrived, and I began the laborious task of digging a hole. By the end of the day, my hands had blisters and my back was breaking, but it was done! That evening after the tree was planted, we dragged the three bodies across the shaded garden to where the compost heap was steaming nicely away. I had fully intended to move the heap, but had never got round to it. That night was the perfect time to do it! And while Aunty Jane said a small prayer, I covered the three sleeping beauties with rotting compost. It wouldnt take too long, about six months.

“ Breakfast son?.. I made you some nice boiled eggs an` a slice a toast! there ya go, get it darn ya son!” She was a treasure, after she moved in, we sold the Merc, not as a whole, but as parts, on Ebay! We made a small fortune, which helped to swell the already bulging coffers, courtesy of my Uncle!

Several months later, there was a knock at the door. “ Mornin` Sir! I`m makin` `ouse to `ouse enquiries. `Ave you seen this `ere chap?” The officer showed me a photograph, it was the Russian. “ Seems `e as gone missin`, `an as is car was found near `ere some weeks ago, we is checkin` it out, so if you do see any one like `im, can you give `us a bell at the station?” I replied I would. As he turned away, he stopped and said, “ `ere, thats some Laburnam tree! real nice one, `owed you get it ta flower like that? My missus is always goin` on about `ow ours dont flower as it should!” Aunt Jane, her ears always pricked, had arrived at the door, “ Everything al right officer?” She smiled, “ can I make you some tea?” I smiled at the officer, and pushed Aunt Jane back into the hall. “ You can put that pick axe handle away Aunt jane! we wont need it!”

I watched as the officer, made for the Laburnam tree, he smiled, and turned towards the garden gate, and then stopped! he bent down, and seemed to pull something from the compost heap! ” Oh my God! Aunt jane!” ……The wooden handle crashed down. I sighed, and made my way to the garden shed, to get the spade.

The Boot Lifted Open! (Aunty Jane Part 2)

2011-09-23T08:08:00.001+02:00

As I said earlier, my Aunt Jane had arrived. Although she stayed for quite some time with me, here in this peaceful haven of rural England. Things were never quite the same.

My resumption of consciousness that day, brought with it many questions, not least, was the body in the boot! “ `e tried ta stop me!” She croaked, over the remains of a Brandy, intended for me, and although my hand was outstretched, I never got it!

“Who tried to stop you?” I retorted. “ `e did, that fella in the car, ya know, the big geezer!” ………….I, and Aunty Jane stood staring into the car`s boot. She was correct, he was big. “How on earth did you get him in the boot?” I asked. Jane replied, “ It were`nt easy, I can tell ya! I jus told `im the loot wus in the boot, `e looked in, and wallop! back `o the `ead, bish bash bosh! Job done!” I stared at this apparent paragon of virtue. I couldnt decide if I was mad, or she was. My next question was, “ What loot, Aunty Jane?”

Aunty Jane shot me a look that told me she was about to confide some sinister tale. She began. “Well, its like this `in it, yer Uncle, had a partner, a partner in crime so to speak. Them two, were responsible for more jobs done in London, than Charlie Peace! Any way, your Uncle decided `eed `ad enough. Wanted out, but they fell out over it, `an they both went there seperate ways. But as soon as matey boy `ere, found out `bout yer Uncles demise, he wanted a share, `an `e came lookin`!”

I bowed my head in thought, and stroked my chin, but had to ask, “Aunt Jane, what loot? Where is it? All you`ve got here is a body!” She smiled, “its under `im! All of it, `e`s lyin` on it! To `eavy to move, jus left `im there!” Between the two of us we managed to move the now, very stiff body, from the boot.She wasnt joking! He weighed a ton! “ Who is he anyway?” I casually asked. “ `im? Ah, `e`s a nobody” The reply rang alarm bells in my otherwise simple mind. “ Aunt Jane?……..Who is he?”

“Thats Johnny, Johnny Fingers!” You could have heard a pin drop. My mouth went dry, my ears started to ring, and a small part of me puckered up! “You`ve got Johnny Fingers in your car boot?” I screamed. “Actually son, its not my car.” …………She smiled that smile again. “So who`s bloody car is it?” I was losing it big time now. “No need to get all airy `ated son, its only a motor!” She was a master of understatement. “It belongs to a bloke from Russia! Said `e didnt need it for a few days, said I could `ave it.”

By this time any ideas of money or whatever was in the boot had been pushed from my thoughts. Now there was a Russian connection! I tried to calm down. But I wasnt to be so lucky!

“ `ere! C`mon son, gis an `and wiv this bag!“ Aunt Jane was almost falling into the cars boot, struggling to retrieve whatever it was from the depths of the Merc. Stepping forward I lent a hand. It was a large leather holdall, brown, and with a small padlock on the zip. “ Pass that there screwdriver son!” She said, pointing to an old rusty screwdriver on the wall board. I did, and with deft hand movements, the bag was open. I stared, inside was money, lots of money!…………………”Your Uncle didnt like banks, always worried they wus gonna get knocked off! I got two more `o these `ere bags on the back seat.” With that casual aside, I whipped open the rear passenger door, it was true! There was close to two million quid in those bags, I lost count after four hours! It worked out that the money was in bundles of ten thousand.

The body still lay on the garage floor. What to do?………..” We could dig `an `ol? `An shove `im in, know one need know any fin!” No we couldnt, to dangerous. “Wat about acid? or me`be we could cut `im up? Or we”……” Aunt Jane! I`m thinking, leave it out!”

It came to me in a flash! “ Aunty Jane!” ……”yes dear?”……” here`s what we`re going to do!”

A Day with Aunty Jane.

2011-09-22T17:11:00.001+02:00

The car passed without incident. Well, that is, nothing happened. It was driven sedately passed myself and Gracie, almost at a snails pace. Now normally that would`nt bother the two of us, we live near a busy route, and occasionally, it gets busy.

So there it was. A large silver Mercedes Benz, sporting large, low profile tyres, and with more than enough chrome to sink a battleship! Talk about “Pimp my Ride”…………… This car was severely “Pimped!”

I watched as it meandered away along the black asphalt, its sleek looks and growling engine. I immediately thought………Debt Collectors? …………Drug Dealers? But gave up after several minutes. To make matters worse, in my curious state of mind, was that I was unable to see who, or what was behind the wheel! I did see a pair of slender, ring adorned hands on the steering wheel, but that was it. I mean, it had to be someone with cash? Didnt it?

Well, the horse and I arrived home, and after the usual brushing down, putting tack away, I decided that, as the day wasnt quite finished, and the evening was just right for sipping a “cold one”, while leaning against the gate on the drive. I did just that!

A short while later, the very same Silver Merc, I had seen earlier, drew along the road, and began to slow to a stop out side my gate. I was, at the time in mid suck, of a large mouthful of beer!

The drivers door opened, I, while trying to look as though I didnt care, was quietly choking on the half swallowed beer in my throat! As I coughed my way to Heaven, I saw the bejewelled right hand of the driver, reach for the top of the open door. Just then, my ears were immediately assailed by the sound of, what can only be described as reminiscent of a 1970`s Boom Boom Box!! It stopped as fast as it had started, and was quickly replaced by a rather reed like voice.

“ ere! gis an and? me shoes stuck under this peddle thing!” That voice was unmistakable! “Aunt Jane?” …….My words shot out, spattering good cold beer everywhere! “yes dear, its me, I`m stuck! Bloody car!………….”

Eventually I extricated my Aunt Jane from the Silver Pimp mobile. “What on earth are you driving this for?” I asked, she was a little hesitant to answer at first, then as she looked up at me, she smiled! That big broad grin of hers, ear to ear, she replied. “ e`s dead in `e! Died last week, lit a fag in the old garage, `cause it was full of old petrol cans! Told `im often enough, stupid old fart!”

“So my Uncles dead then?” “Oh yeah! “ she replied, “ dead as a door nail son!” I asked again about the car, she looked at me, and said, “ you remember what your uncle did? Naw! Dont `spose you would, well, after he blew himsel up, the “Filth” came round, done the place over, like in the Sweeney! They wus lookin` for stolen jewels, turns out your Uncle an` my `usband wus a jewel thief! All those years I spent in poverty! `An `e had money stashed all over! It was even in the toilet cistern!”

At that she turned away on her heels and tottered into the house. I ran after her, still with a million questions on my mind.

I stared at her clothes, she was covered in the worst, but most expensive clothes I had ever seen! But my Aunt was smiling all over! Although she looked like “Mutton dressed as Lamb” I still thought the world of her. “ Yeah! But what about the car?” I asked again. “Oh alright, dont get yer knickers in a twist son!….c`mon, I need yer help!” We headed back out to the car.

We stopped at the boot, (trunk) Aunty Jane then proceeded to reconnoitre the neighbourhood with her bird like eyes. She began to pop the boot, but held it down for a second or two, and said, “ You sure son? `cos it ain`t pretty wats in ere!……” I looked at her face, age had taken its toll, and the once tanned clear skin, looked more like tanned leather! “Its ok Aunty nothing in here to frighten me!” I said.

The boot lifted open, I casually gazed inside and……………….It was a while later when I woke up. “What on earth is a body doing in that car!” I screeched………”Your not gonna believe this son, but……….”

Its been some time now, since Aunty Jane came to stay, but we are happy.

The boot lifted open………….

The Future.

2011-09-22T10:28:00.001+02:00

It all started a couple of weeks ago. I knew my blogging was getting less, and although i wanted to blog, I found it becoming more of a chore, than a pleasure. I also knew my eyes were starting to cause me problems.

It began with the 1:25000 scale maps. (Thats 2 and one half inches to the mile, for us Imperial die hards!) Its one of the largest scale maps available over here. I couldnt see the writing! The small stuff, I was having to hold the damn map at arms length! Not the way to do it! Then there was my glasses, I was needing another prescription, 6 months after the last one! All at £350 (pounds) a pop! Things were getting bad.

Even writing the blog was a real effort, as I was making so many typo`s! After a while I`d give up, have a coffee, and try again! The headaches? It was never ending, work was suffering, every thing was getting me down.It even got to the stage where I was starting to drive by “feel!” Lol!

I`d heard about all the possibilities, Bi focals, stronger glasses, etc. Then, and I dont watch that much tv, my OH pointed out the Laser surgery thingy! Well by this time, I was really frustrated with myself. So last week I ventured into the world of Laser Eye Surgery.

It was really quite fascinating, computers, graphs, bright lights, coloured eye mapping? Well, anyway. Finally, a very nice lady showed me into a small room, and squirted some drops into my eyes, and, after I had done the “wall of death dance” around the room! She began to tell me to look through this and then that. Lastly she said to me, “ Your eyes are pretty poor, try this last view of the eye chart?” At that a lens dropped into place before my eye.

“Bloody hell!”………..That was my first expletive, followed by gasps of amazement. She said, “Can you read the bottom line of letters?”

I replied, “Made in England”. I was stunned at how sharp and clear my vision was. She explained that this was how my eyes would be after Laser treatment. I was flabbergasted!

So next week, Tuesday the 27th Sept, I will have the surgery. At this moment I am excited. Looking forward to it.

I shall finally be able to ride the horse, and know where I am going! I shall be able to find my zip, in a hurry! Ah! Bliss!

Ps. My close up reading will not alter that much, but all the medium and long vision will be perfect.

Welcome Margaret!

2011-09-09T16:48:00.002+02:00

Hi, and welcome to the blog!.......Misty is a 17.2 hh Irish Draft, cross Thoroughbred. Sold over a year ago, to an eventing family. I still own her sister, Gracie.

Welcome!

2011-09-09T13:06:00.001+02:00

Welcome to Hywela Lyn, glad to hear from you! Hope you get to stay a while!!

Welcome!

2011-09-08T11:55:00.001+02:00

Welcome Hannah@Bubblebay! Welcome to the blog, hope you like what you see, and stay a while!

Welcome!

2011-08-30T21:00:00.001+02:00

I`d like to welcome the 4 R`s Ranch members to the blog! Hope you`ll stay a while.

Barneys Day Out!

2011-08-29T12:50:00.003+02:00

Not the usual pair of lustrous Grey ears! No these belong to a rather smaller horse. Black and hairy! Its rather an unusual feeling, riding a smaller horse, at 14 hh`s and a bit! he is a tad small. But he makes up for that in stamina, fitness and strength! He`s a bold little fella, and although stubborn at times, will plod on for hours.
Today we headed for the forests, with strong winds forecast, and rain on the way, neither Lynne or myself wanted to be driving home wet through! The car park was almost empty when we arrived, the odd MTB-er`s! But that was about it, all the tracks in the forest had recently been resurfaced, mainly due to the recent visit of the Scottish National Car Rally. They do tear up the tracks!

Not the best of pictures this. I`ll blame Lynne! I was riding him “English”, its just not me. Still we did a cool 12 miles together!
Here he is back home, (butter wouldnt melt!)

Evening Feed.

2011-08-18T19:56:00.001+02:00

How many heads can you squeeze into this trough! Barney Sunny and Bob.

Sunny and her leg shake! Why is that?

“I`ve got the bucket!” Wally.

Finally, we get to Bob and Barney, “gan on yer sel son!”

Gracie needless to say had her own trough, no one to go near it, and all for herself!

New Shoes! ……No Hassle!

2011-08-18T17:23:00.001+02:00

I have mentioned our Farrier before, well here he is with one of todays great success`s! Sunny, has had her first shoes ever on today! The chap next to Sunny here is Ninian, the Farrier!

A first for us too, as she has never had anything done apart from being trimmed. She stood like the true “Lady” she is. Even the banging of the shoes at the anvil, the hammer on the foot, and even when the nails were hit home, she never flinched! I must have done something right with this horse! I had decided to shoe her as she goes back into work this week, and as we are going onto tarmac roads, she will need her feet protected.

Success number two! Wally! he was a little “Tinker” to catch, but a well thrown Lariat sorted that out!

But here is the thing, once I caught hold of him, well, it was like “wonderful!” He stood fantastically! As you can see, he isnt tied, the rope is on the floor, and he isnt bothered one jot!

A bit “ribby” maybe, but that will improve. He has rock hard feet! And learns fast. It was only a few weeks ago that we got him. And he has had his feet handled regular since then, so he is coming on nicely.

Barney`s turn next! God love this horse!

He has always stood well for Ninian, sorry about the odd shape of the horse, but I was a tad too close!

And finally, bringing up the rear! Here she is, the Matriarch of the herd………Gracie.

again she dont need tied, stands herself, and goes to sleep!

So that was the morning today! barney has his “new” secondhand saddle from ebay, so we are back on the road as it were! Money well spent!!

Technorati Tags: Gracie,Barney,Sunny,Wally

Loch Stroan: Galloway

2011-08-14T18:18:00.002+02:00

Once again, we made for the Galloway Forest Park. Its a really great place for everyone, let alone Horse Riders!…..It was a 10 am start, well 10.30 am, maybe? Ok! By the time we all saddled up and got away, it was 11 am! There were two new additions to the usual Duo, Sheena and her horse “Tiny”, and Sheena`s daughter Katy, and her horse, “Topaz”.

Stroan Viaduct-disused now.
Due to the very heavy rain over the last weeks, we had to abandon the more adventurous routes. It was forest tracks today, as it turned out, it was a good decision. Further up the hillside, we came across many places where the tracks themselves were rutted and had been damaged by the recent rain.
Also, and here I have to come clean, Gracie, was in season! And was she!!! We had Lynne and her horse Craig, plus two new geldings already mentioned! It was like Christmas for my mare! She didnt know which one, to let honour her!!
Anyway, it was a good ride, but sadly no pics of us on the trail, due to having to hold onto my sanity with that mare of mine! But there are a few of us at the end of the ride!! It didnt rain at all.

L-R…Sheena, Katy & Lynne.

Boot Advice?

2011-08-10T07:37:00.001+02:00

Hi everyone, I was wondering, I`ve been looking around for a really good riding come work boot, Western style. Seems there`s that many around. Any advice from you guys across the pond? Looking for a comfy western boot, maybe the type all you ranchers and riders use, nothing flash? Any advice would be grateful. Been on Ebay, not sure what would be best.

Thanks.

Welcome!

2011-08-10T07:26:00.001+02:00

I`d like to welcome Katy Little to the blog! Hope you can stay a while. Great to have you along!

He`s Back!…………..

2011-08-09T22:14:00.001+02:00

He`s back!…….Unfortunately the family that bought him, realised that keeping a horse was no easy matter, and it demanded more time than they could give. So I have taken him back and he is once again “For Sale”.

Its a shame really, but thats how it goes. So he is back with the herd, not 4, but 5 horses now! here is some random stuff from tonight.

“Stay away from my grub!” Wally and Sunny, argue over rolled Barley!!

Sunny gets a “tickle!”

Gracie, Sunny & Barney.

Wally gets nothing!…………….Aaw! Poor thing!

But he did really!………..he got to feed from the bucket! He`s very wary at the moment, but coming round. His “op” went well and you`d think he had never had anything done.

I`m Going Regardless!

2011-08-07T16:26:00.001+02:00

“Lets ride tomorrow?” ….”Ok, Ae,?”……..”Fine! See you there!”

It was raining, but then thats not entirely unusual! But! I was going, regardless. As we drove to Ae Forest, the windscreen wipers worked relentlessly to clear the water. Spray from vehicles on the road hampered visibility and made the trip a little tiresome.

But we got there, and after a quick change of clothes, and with Gracie all dressed up, Lynne arrived with Craig! A few minutes later we were off along the trail!

Sorry for the rain spots on the camera lens, but it was a bit damp! The idea was to follow the “7 Stanes Route”, one of the MTB rides across the forest, and end up back at the car.

The most of the ride was on open tracks and renewed surfaces. But not to worry, as it turned out the whole ride passed in a flash, all three hours of it! Twelve miles, a nice little starter, for the next long ride.

The three hour ride really did pass in a flash, seems that we need to do longer distances! Ae forest was really magnificent today, wet yes, but fantastic!

The Kindest Cut of All!!!!

2011-08-03T19:19:00.001+02:00

The vet got cancelled on Monday, due to other things happening. So he came today. Poor Wally! ……..OMG! The trouble we had with him today, not only was there an issue with his “bits”, but he decided he would take to jumping fences! So here is the tale!

The vet arrives and Wally is knocked out!

Now obviously, as one would, we checked for the little “objects”, before we dropped him! Having located them, we checked again after he was down, could we find them? Not on your life! But eventually we did!

But only one!!!! Then after some searching, the vet found the other, as it turned out, they were quite small, and it seems may have been a problem later on. Although dropped, they were`nt too well developed.

The whole thing took less than 15 minutes, but we may have saved ourselves an issue later on! It seems that although they were dropped, one may have been taken back up into the body and later on been missed, had we not castrated him now.

After he came round, he laid like this for some time, a good 20 minutes passed before………

“Dad?……….Some things are missing!” (sorry!)

Now then, I mentioned he began to jump out of his field? Oh yes, shortly after this was taken, Wally, decided he wanted to be back with the rest!

Two fences later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He managed to get back to the others! All I can say is, he must be made of strong stuff!

(The Money Pit!)…..Poor Sammy!

2011-08-01T17:00:00.001+02:00

If there is an accident waiting to happen, it will happen to him!

Sammy got himself savaged by another dog yesterday, bad enough? You`d have thought so wouldnt you! Not content with that, his left ear was bitten clean though, and his little body is covered in puncture wounds!

But hey! There`s more! For some time now, Sammy`s eyes have been needing cleaned very day, and although we know his breeding is in question. His eyes have always been, shall we say? Poor! Small black eyes set back into the sockets, so when we took him to the vets, with the bites etc, we were also told that he has “Dry Eye!” The poor little devil doesnt produce enough of his own tears, to keep his eyes moist! Thats not all! No dear readers, it gets worse!

Then today after his patching up, the vet also informed us that he has “Entropy “, his lower eye lids are turned slightly inwards. Suffice to say, that the vets bill, the one we have finally managed to reduce substantially since the last crisis! Has now swollen to the size of a small Mediterranean countries debt problem!

But undaunted, we agreed to the op! For such a small rescue dog, he does get his fair share of vets attention! I would also point out that he is only two years old, so then that begs the question, “ what else is going to happen?”

Its Monday today, and as the song goes, “ I dont like Mondays!” I dont. In my quest for the country idyll, I fear I have become the sole financial supporter of my local vet! For `tis he who has the large house, `tis I with the large overdraft! It is true that Sammy`s value, is on a par with the value of Gold, per ounce of body weight! I have also thought that perhaps, I could recoup that value by offering shares in him on the stock market, for without doubt his value rises with every week!

But poor Sammy, he is such a jolly little chap, always on the go, always has his tail wagging, but as thick as pig s**t! So there we have it, I only await the “Bailiffs” and the debt collectors, my home to be repossessed, and the car to be towed! For my wife to leave with what money I have left and for all the horses to be stolen! LOL!!

True, it could be worse, but Sammy, the money pit, is ok, he comes home tonight!

Welcome Edward!

2011-07-30T10:25:00.001+02:00

Good morning all!! First I`d like to welcome “Edward”, to the blog! Thanks for dropping by, your very welcome to stay a while! Hope you find it interesting.

Wally`s Truce?

2011-07-27T10:33:00.001+02:00

Wally is back in the field, overnight, nothing has happened. It would seem that a truce has broken out! So this morning, there is a distinct pecking order achieved. Numero Uno, is Gracie, then Sunny, Bob, and bringing up the rear is Wally!

“The Culprit!” Young Bob, but he seems to have settled now. I`m sure things will work itself out. Thanks everybody for their advice!

A distinct lack of interest from the two mares!

Technorati Tags: wally,bob,gracie,sunny

A Problem!

2011-07-26T19:18:00.001+02:00

Well, I got me a problem! Remember Wally? Well he was introduced to the herd two days ago, gradually. The two mares didnt show any antipathy towards him, just a sniff and walked away! Little Bob, the Welsh section A, has been a complete nightmare! he has chased Wally out of the ten acre field twice! I am at a loss, as I dont have a lot of land. So Wally is in a stable at the moment.

To be honest, this is the first time I have seen this, I have always had mares and geldings together, without any issues, but now?

What to do? Anyone?

Welcome!

2011-07-25T00:07:00.000+02:00

Hi Susan, welcome to my blog! Checked out your page, cool! Hope you can stay a while!

Welcome to Mari!

2011-07-24T23:02:00.001+02:00

Welcome Mari McCusker! Welcome to the blog, I managed to get some time to read your blog. Interesting. Hope you`ll stay a while!!

Wally`s Shocker!! (Contains some scenes that might offend!)

2011-07-23T13:39:00.001+02:00

Technorati Tags: wally

He looks a bit stressed!!

You all remember how Wally got wormed yesterday?…….Got home from work at 6am this morning, to find him standing quiet, and a bit sweaty, he was also kicking his belly!!

To all those of you with horses, first reaction? Collic!! So out came the vet an hour later, big examination, “Looks like we got him early!” quoted the vet.

Anyway without going into too much detail!!!! It turned out to be an infestation of Roundworms! Horrible “Big” buggers! But we helped him shift them, although I had followed the vets advice, about the amount of wormer to give him, it would seem we underestimated the worm burden! (And how!)

So with a new stall, and clean straw, a good wash down, Wally is back on track! It was a bit scary, but he will be fine, he is now eating literally like a horse, although he is limited to small amounts for a while.

Phew!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is one of the creatures!!!

Wally Gets Wormed!………….

2011-07-22T16:26:00.001+02:00

There it is!…..the nasty horrible paste!……..Well its done, and to be sure of it going all the way down, I always lift the head. Unfortunately, as I lifted his head, which was close to my left shoulder…………..a large pink moving object shot out of his mouth! His Tongue, pink and covered in Worming paste!

He obviously wanted me to share in the taste, I did not, but he won! My left ear, prior to this incident, all clean and free from worming paste, has now been sluiced out, and a substantial amount recovered! He was wormed again……….this time I won!

And to prove he is none the worse for this medical procedure…………………..

None the worse, and as if “Butter wouldnt melt!” By the middle of next week, he will be with the rest of the herd, Vet came, and then went! Seems he is fine.

Technorati Tags: Wally,Sunny,Gracie,Bob.

Barney Leaves!…………Wally Arrives!

2011-07-22T09:14:00.002+02:00

There has been a loss to my herd. Barney, the Black Cob, has found a new home in the Galloway Hills! He has gone to live with Linda & Tom, near Corsock. They farm cattle and sheep, and Barney will become the family horse! I am sorry to see him leave, but I do know he will be very well looked after!!
Tom and Linda, together with their two boys, have gone a bit “Green”! Barney will have some work to do, and rounding up the aforesaid cattle and sheep is his new job!
Tom Junior, has his eye on the new addition! Last time I spoke to Linda, she said, Tom junior was in the field, teaching Barney the rules of soccer!!Lol!
This is “Wally!”

He is a Cob, a so called Gypsy Cob. Note his Blue eye? Hence his name Wally! (we call an eye like that a “Wall” eye.)

He arrived yesterday, a Colt, 14 months old, probably make around 14-15hh. He`s a bit thin, needing some quality food, and some TLC!

Nice little chap, and with promise, no bad manners and with some presence! He will become a riding horse, with good manners, and he is already showing a calmness not usually seen in one so young! Worming today, and vet check! More to follow!

Welcome to The Blog!

2011-07-22T08:32:00.001+02:00

Good Morning every one! First I`d like to welcome Michelle, and also April, thanks both for stopping by. Hope you enjoy what you see.

Misty`s New Life.

2011-07-18T20:12:00.002+02:00

This adorable Mare, is Misty. She is the sister to my very own Gracie, she of the “header” shot! I decided to sell her last Autumn. She was green, and in need of work. Standing at 17.2hh, she was on the tall side for me. So after some advertising, the lady in the shot, expressed an interest.
Misty, had done nothing except produce a foal, “Sunny”. This I still have. But I digress, Misty has taken to Eventing like a duck to water, and is doing quite well. I have posted a few shots for your perusal.

Bit blurry this one!!!!!

So there we are, doing well, and with potential.
Misty has been a miss to me, but I cant complain, she has a new life, and I keep in touch.

Welcome!

2011-07-17T17:23:00.001+02:00

Welcome to “Out on The Prairie”, good to have you along for the ride! Stay a while.

Welcome!

2011-07-16T22:11:00.001+02:00

I`d like to welcome “russ-stickacres” to the blog!…Glad to have you along.

Cheviot Challenge: Three go East!

2011-07-15T14:00:00.003+02:00

The Three Amigos headed for the hills last weekend. Three days exploring, and riding some of the trails we hadnt done before.

We had planned this all year, three uninterrupted days of riding and socialising! We had decided to ride along the old Roman Road from Hownam to Barrowburn. Across the Cheviot hills, taking in as much scenery and as many hills as we could on the route. As usual, there is always a glitsch! On the day of the race, our horses had other ideas!
All three were in the same field, but during the night, Hafla, a delightful Icelandic, belonging to Nic, came into full season! Of course, Craig, Lynne`s horse, being a gelding with attitude, decided to keep my horse Gracie, away from Hafla, as she now belonged to him! What would have been an easy 8 am start, gradually became a 9am start! Finally after many rounds of th field, we caught all three!
Leaving Cliftoncote Farm, we headed for Belford, not Hownam, cutting a couple of miles off the trip. But as it turned out, that wasnt such a bad thing.
It was an easy walk to Belford, there we headed up the valley to Seefew.

The remains of an old building, mark Seefew. The track here wends its way downhill, before heading up onto the start of “The Street “, as the Roman Road is known.

Here you can see Lynne and Nic, powering up the hill from Seefew, towards the begining of the Trail. From here it was a slog uphill for some miles. The Street, is well preserved, and in good riding condition, however it does pass through some of the wettest areas around so care needs to be taken.
Cant leave Hafla out of a picture! This point, marks one of the highest points of the route, with some miles to go, gates do abound, but most are open.

This signpost, marks the point at which we cross from Scotland into England. Also the signpost marks the route of one of the uk`s longest Hill Walks, The Pennine Way. Lunch time seemed good here!

Nic and Hafla,

Lynne, and the cheeky Craig!

And of course me and Gracie!
From here we headed South to BarrowBurn, Taking in some fantastic scenery and wonderful hills.

This is the Rowhope Valley, it was here we left The Street, and headed along here towards Uswayford, crossing the Rowhope Burn, and heading uphill towards Clennell Street, another major Roman Road that would lead us down to our final stop, Alwinton.
Looking back towards the Border Ridge, only a few miles to go now, and a cup of Tea!

All the horses did well, all deserved and got a bath, and final turnout!

What else would they need?…….time for a few beers!
A good 25 mile ride, good weather, and no rain! Jan and Jimmy, at Well House Farm did us all proud. But a special thanks goes to another person, not mentioned here! To Ron, the Chef de Equipe`, he did well too! Well he did fetch all the Beer!

The Grey Blob, and why Drinking Can be good for you!(not to be read by those of a squeamish disposition!)

2011-06-29T00:02:00.001+02:00

The tick was embedded in my skin. In fact, I hadnt noticed the little blighter attach itself. But as I perused the little creature, its chewing gum coloured body, was already swelling. I had heard of all the various illnesses these buggers can pass on to humans. Yet, I wasnt panicking, infact I was dead calm. It was not within me to race about screaming, nor, was it in me to prance and point. No, I was more the, “fuck me!” type.

I had spent the afternoon, grooming the four equines, I have the pleasure to own. They, while grazing the rich green grass, that covers their pasture, had allowed the little “ticks” to attach themselves, to their bodies. So, obviously, I had acquired one of these little blood suckers. It continued to suck delightfully on my blood, and I began to notice several things begin to happen. the first was, that my interest in these Arthropods was increased. Also I was aware that there were three illnesses, that are transmitted, by the little buggers, Lyme borreliosis, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis.

Trouble is, I couldnt decide what to do, knock it off? Burn it off? Rub Vasilene on it? Or, drink vast quantities of alcohol, and hope it gets drunk, and falls off!

I, being of a very sanguine character, opted for the latter! Sure enough, after several bottles of wine, and a large quantity of whisky, I was free of the little shit!……..It lay on the wooden floor, hic-cuping like mad. Finally, it whispered, “I fink me livers buggered!”…….It then died.

I fortunately, never contracted any illness, however, my wife wanted to know why I was totally pissed out of my brain, and why I was talking to a chewing gum coloured blob on the floor…….I started to speak, and then gave up! No one would believe me anyway! I would like to offer some advice. …………….But I have decided no! No advice to you, from me, can ever be enough!

Welcome!

2011-06-27T22:16:00.001+02:00

Welcome to the blog Deanna! Hope you stay a while!

Guilt!

2011-06-27T19:57:00.001+02:00

If it could happen it will………To those prophetic words, I commend this tale.

Fathers Day has come and gone, but all in all it was pretty good. I mean, there was harmony. Everyone seemed to be on good terms, and the day went well, each of my daughters, had spared no expense, cards, chocolates, and good wishes! Now, I am not one for chocolate, well, not really! …………It is just a solid mass of brown gooey, sweet beautiful stuff!

It stayed on the sideboard all day, four bars of Dairy Milk Chocolate. All day, never moved, I felt proud of myself! I am on a diet you know! Have been since Winter ceased. ( Sort of!) The horse has noticed the difference, I have, my trousers no longer bite into that ever expanding waistline! No bread, potatoes, biscuits etc. I have been a good boy! Oh yes! However, as the day wore on………….

Agitation, is not something I enjoy, I start to pace, look for stuff to do, bite my nails.(whats left!) generally feel ill at ease. Well wouldnt you? Four half pound bars of solidly beautiful dairy Milk Chocolate? Of course my OH, she chided me on the evils of coveting! Which I took to mean that she had her eye on at least one bar!!

But all in all, it was a good day! ………I distinctly remember reminding my girls, “ No chocolate please this year!! I am dieting!” Fatal words. In my paranoiac state, I must have thought that my only two lovely children would want to eat the Candy they bought for me! Knowing full well I was on a diet! How can a parent think that, eh?

No not me. Later that evening. Much later. In fact it was after midnight, around that time, when the “Munchies” take hold. And they only do that because they know you have something extraordinarily wonderful, lying waiting to be eaten!! Aarrgghhh!

In my state of hunger, fixated paranoia, and with malice aforethought! I manfully made my way from the bedroom, where my OH was laying, (or so I thought, it was dark!) out through the door, and along the hall. In the dark, I could dimly make out a shadow, there in the low light, the shadow was dancing across the lounge wall! A lithe looking creature it was, hunched and holding its hands to its shadow face! The cat? The dog? One of the horses?……….I burst into the lounge, not a moment too soon! All my senses told me I had been duped!

It was sorrowfully true! My Oh? Oh yes! Her lips stained with the tell tale chocolate!………….She of the “I never touch the stuff!” Was now reclining on the sofa, with the look of the Sphinx! “Well whats a girl to do?” She intoned.

“Move over!” I said!

The following day was one of terrible regret. The evidence was clear to all! Silver foil, covered the floor, chocolate wrappers everywhere! But worst of all? Was the beeping of my mobile phone. There on the screen for me to see, was a text. It read,”Eaten it all then, Dad?” Oh the shame! How could my daughters know me so well??

Blogger!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-27T18:17:00.001+02:00

Whats going on with this Blogger.com? Lost all my followers and friends!!!!!!! Anyone else?

Welcome!

2011-06-23T22:13:00.000+02:00

Hi Mary!
Welcome to my blog, hope you enjoy it! Good to have you along.

I`m Still Waiting?

2011-06-23T20:45:00.001+02:00

(For the Sun!)

Another ride, another wash out!………..This by the way, wasnt a shower! No its was like this all day, wind and rain!

Poor Bobby! There he is, on Reiver, his Fell pony, stoic to the end!

Annie, and her “Crazy Horse”, spirits dampened, as well as her behind! God it was awful!…….We are suffering one of the wettest Junes I have known, and it shows no sign of stopping!

So a warm bath, a large Whisky, and some TLC! (for the horses, of course!)

Glenwhilly Station to Colmonell.

2011-06-18T11:16:00.001+02:00

That BFLWM!! “There will be a 48 hour window of dry weather across SW Scotland!” Well we cant sit by and let it pass, we all met at the lonely Railway Halt of Glenwhilly Station! The sky didnt look very promising, with dark grey clouds, with the odd blue bit! A slight breeze caressed the horses tails, as we began the process of tacking up. Gracie as always, stood patiently.

The route we had decided to take, is an old metalled road, now unused. Originally built to service the railways, and the farming community, during the 19th century. It winds its way across some of Ayrshires wildest country, and in bad weather, getting lost is easy! But with an intrepid band of eager riders? What could possibly happen? The group consisted of Annie, now in her 70`s, Bobby also in his 70`s, Lorna, Lynne, and myself. In the picture below, most of the crew are shown!

Getting all of the riders to pose can be an issue of the mightiest proportions! There are those that wish the limelight, and those who do not! If they got any damn closer! So having started the route, the sun finally came out, and although the temperature was only 48 deg F! It was to be a very pleasant day. The metalled road is shown below, not a tree in sight, and stretching for miles.

I couldnt decide what was happening here, did he fall off? Or was he pushed?………….Lol! Turns out he needed a personal break! One of the main snags of this country is the bogs, serious stuff, it doesnt pay to wander too far off the main route.

Our shy and retiring Annie! This her crazy horse! An Arab, Highland cross, here we are coming down towards views of the Firth of Clyde, the track has deteriorated into a grass covered trail. this next shot what we saw! This is the lonely island of Ailsa Craig. Its reputation for the finest Granite Curling Stones, is world wide.

It was such a shame that this hazy shot was the only view we managed all day. From here it was down hill towards to the lunch spot. needless to say, the sun finally came out!

From this sylvan spot, our route lead off into the distance along the line of trees, shortly after this things began to change! Although the weather held, spots of rain could be felt now and again. Once beyond the line of trees, we headed for the village of Colmonell, to get there we needed to traverse Glen Tig. Although no pictures are available for this section of the route, it was here that Annie`s horse decided to take a “flakey!” It dumped her, and legged it off into the distance! Fortunately, it couldnt get too far, and Annie was wearing body armour! So with no injuries, we meandered on.

I should point out, that a lot of fields with stock in around here are protected by mains supply electric fences. Not always signed! It was while passing through one of these fields, that one horse managed to test the power of these fences. It and the unfortunate rider were last seen training for the Calgary Stampede! We sailed into Colmonell after our days ride, to find a pleasant field awaiting. Camping out at my age isnt what I remember it to be!

This was to be a two day ride, but! ………….It was torrential rain the next day, with Gale force winds across the hill tops. So much for the BFLWM!!!!!!

A Little deflated.

2011-06-02T11:59:00.001+02:00

This is how I feel! Totally deflated! Pissed off, and wrecked. Not through anything other than the weather.

Ok, so this is how, this summer has been so far. I never really swear, but today, as the meticulously well knitted grey and not so grey clouds rolled in again, I had to ask myself this question.

“Why is it, when it rains in this country, it doesnt know when to F***ing stop?” So April was a wonderful month, well it was sunny and dry. I was out riding last night near Parton, West of Dumfries. Good country, no question. But the amount of trees blown down, water every where and just plain dumb weather!

I know you guys over in the states have had it worse, and I feel for you all, but by now, the 2nd of June!!!!!! We should be having wall to wall sunshine! C`mon! What`s occurring here! I have it on good authority, that its due to a “kink” in the Jet stream, West of us. Oh yeah? Or its a cycle of Global warming. That would be good, at least we could rise above the daily temp of 10 deg C?? Well? Derrrr!

Sorry for this rant, but the veggie patch has also taken a hit! My potato's are doing good, (they love water!) But the Beetroots and Leek plants are doing shit! My Cabbages didnt do anything, and the Cauliflowers are dead! So for now, I`ve given up! Its back to the supermarket!

The only good thing I hear, is that fuel has come down in price, yep! True! Maybe `cos no bugger could afford to buy any and sales were down!!!!! So they had to lower the price!

The Jeep needs new tyres, Car Tax is due next month! Thats another £450 pounds! Oh Yes!….There was one ray of light, in an otherwise day of misery, Her Majesty`s Collector of Taxes, has announced that my tax code will change! I will pay less tax, yes, I will pay less tax this year! The almighty sum of £20 pounds per year! Well “ whoop di do!” let me see? What could I buy with £20 pounds?

Oh yes! I could buy two bags of horse feed!! Well i`m quitting while I`m ahead, its nearly lunch time, and there is an up side to all this, here it is, the weeds this year are truly massive!

“Whomsoever!” A small History of Me.

2011-05-27T22:13:00.001+02:00

“Whomsoever,” now isnt that a really interesting word? I often see it written, in the most “English” of prose and verse. I also remember the Vicar, at my first marriage saying that wretched word!He was a tall man, slightly stooped with an intensely sallow complexion, a walking Cadaver of a man! His booming voice, seemed to echo around the church, to this day I reckon he was a portent of my life to come!

It was down to him, the whole damn shooting match!……I sha`n`t reiterate the whole phrase, in which that word was embedded, suffice to say, no one stood up and gave a reason why I should not Wed! I look back on my first marriage with a great fondness, it was a collection of rows, arguments, and harsh silences! Interspersed with the odd happy moment. I was far too young to do the deed, indeed at 25 years of age, far to young, and with too much “energy!”

My pre-married life had consisted of various “opportunities” with select people, and some not so select! Like minded people who were leftover from the so called 60`s love revolution! They still wore flared jeans and Tie-dyed “T” shirts! I must have missed something there?

Looking back, I can see where life had me by the short and curly`s, I was to quick to give. Once given, I had to give to someone else!

But my moral duty prevented me from other dalliances while under the spell of marriage, which for me was like an alcoholic not having a large whisky! My brother, bless his soul, was more of a steady type, sound and courageous, never did anything wrong, always paraded as a paragon of virtue. I liked him. He had the brawn of a Rugby player, and the eyes of a lost dog. Women swooned at his feet, but for some reason he was at a loss as to what to do? (Whereas I ?)

He, bless him, finally got hitched, she was a delightful creature, (more of the night than daylight!) prone to much buying of clothes and shopping with those “women who lunch!”

I always felt that my life was being directed by some mad 1920`s German film director, shouting orders through an overly large Megaphone! Everyone running about in rather badly made costumes, with terrible sets, but perhaps I am being too simplistic, I look back at my life with some laughter, and with some tears. The people, all the lives I have touched,…………………and then pray to God, they are all ok!

Dont get me wrong, I am no philanderer, no sir, these days I would rather have a cup of Tea!………tastes better and lasts a lot longer! I shall now end with a rather old joke:

A man bought a Cockerel, he put it in with his flock of hens, and watched to see if the Cockerel was of stout stock!

Sure enough, the Cockerel performed magnificently! During the next few days, each hen was attended to by the Cockerel, but he wasnt done with just a few scrawny hens! He tried his luck with all manner of fowl and beasts of the field!

One day, the farmer, out for a stroll, came upon the Cockerel, he was lying on his back, both feet in the air. To all intents a purposes he looked dead! The farmer thought his Cockerel had died through over exertion! But above the Cockerel, circling in the air, were two black Vultures, and as the farmer leant over the Cockerel, the bird opened one eye, winked at him, and said, “do you see those big buggers up there? They`ll be down in a minute or two”!