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| Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 | | 12:29 pm |
Basket O'Kitties!!
Here's the Lucky Tiger with his bestest friend, Whiskie trying to prove that two bodies can occupy the same space at the same time,  | | Monday, April 25th, 2011 | | 10:04 am |
| | Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 | | 8:55 pm |
EW--Nature! Get it off me!*
* In the immortal words of Kylecassidy Ok, so I don't post very often. I don't have that many fascinating adventures, so mostly I just talk in short, pithy bits on Facebook. But this one deserved fuller treatment. This is Me Against Nature! Week 1: I plant a garden. Well, 6 tomato plants and a pepper. I water diligently, they grow like crazy. However, unbeknownst to me, I am being watched from the forest... Week 2: The deer, seeing these tasty treats set out for their dining pleasure, stroll by and randomly prune the tomato plants. Who knew? Week 3: Like Mulder's sister in the X-Files, 2 plants are...taken! Vanished! I declare WAR. I get some leftover no-climb diamond mesh wire from the horse's fence and enclose the tomato plants. Hah! Detante! Fast forward to Week 8: I water each evening and observe with pride as the tomatos start to ripen. Then--tonight: the horror! Tomato Worms! Ik! I hate those things! FOUR of them. Now, these plants are probably the only ones in a square mile or so. Where did those things come from? Who gave them my address? Did I mention that I HATE tomato worms? Beverley Nichols said that they were "filled with a sort of loathsome custard" and that pretty much sums up my feelings toward them. You have to pick them off, they hold on pretty tight, and the thought of smushing one of them in my hand is not to be borne. Anyway, I got them off. Using garden gloves, I broke off the branches they were on, conveyed them some distance away, and stamped violently on them. End of story... or is it? Stay tuned. | | Saturday, July 25th, 2009 | | 7:12 pm |
WooHoo! I won!
No, not the lottery (unfortunately), but it was pretty good anyway. I went down to the Tent Sale this morning. Now, Tent Sale needs no introduction to horse people who live in the NoVA area. It started at Dominion Saddlery 30 or so years ago and grew into a mega-extravaganza that had people lined up by the hundreds an hour before opening. It has been imitated by many, but this is the original. For years I worked at the sale--first for Alan, who founded Dominion, then for Reynolds the next owner, then for Dover when they bought Dominion a couple of years ago. Under Dover, Tent Sale is not quite the Big Deal it used to be, but one thing has remained constant--the drawing for the 3 minute 1/2 price shopping spree just before opening. Employees were, of course, not eligible--only the faithful shoppers who showed up to wait in line for the opening. Last year, I didn't work. Actually, I didn't even go. But this year, I decided that I needed to experience it from a shopper's perspective. Naturally, I needed to be there early and join the line. It was odd, seeing the activity from outside the fence; I kept thinking I needed to go in and start straightening piles of stuff. But when someone came around with the entry forms for the shopping spree drawing, I decided to put in my name, since I was eligible for the first time EVER. Lo and behold, I won! Three minutes of 1/2 price horsey shopping nirvana (excluding saddles--no 1/2 price Stubbens. Boo.) However, I did some serious damage in my 3 minutes. I now have enough fly spray to last me for awhile, I can tell you. This may not seem like a big deal to you non-horsey types, but the rest of us know it's huge. | | Thursday, July 16th, 2009 | | 10:46 pm |
WooHoo! I got a Nikon D-80! It may not be the best, but it's a big jump up from the Olympus E-volt 500 that I had before (which is now on its way to Spain, courtesy of Ebay!) For one thing, the auto white balance works--it's well, automatic. And it balances. It's not blue all the time. For another, the pictures are in 4x6 format, instead of whatever the Olympus put out, so I don't have to manually re-crop every image. Don't get me wrong, the Olympus was a good camera, but I had and loved a Nikon F3 for years and I should have known better. I feel like I've come home. Here's a random image I took this afternoon of one of the barn cats.  | | Thursday, June 18th, 2009 | | 10:10 pm |
| | Saturday, June 13th, 2009 | | 9:35 pm |
Please let troubles come in threes...
They say troubles come in threes. I do hope "they" are right. Let's see...Memorial Day weekend..Snoopy gets sick. Snoop is a grey horse, with two grey parents. He got a double whammy and has melanomas quite badly. We think an internal one ruptured (he's done this before). He had cellulitis in one hind leg and LOTS of swelling in his sheath and along his midline. Frantic calls for vet, TWO bottles of Naxcel, one bottle of Gentomycin (three shots a day), much wrapping, $400 later (a bargain!) he's OK...till the next time. It's part of the deal with Snoop, I know that, I don't begrudge it, but did it have to be on the holiday weekend? Fast forward to the next weekend...I get a call from the barn manager--Ariel is lame "maybe she has an abscess" she says. "I better go out there and check on her", I think. I pick up her foot and clean it out. Chink! I hear. She's got a NAIL IN HER FOOT. She must have come in lame in the morning, AND NOBODY NOTICED. ARGH! So, now it's infected, her leg is swollen, plus, SHE"S GOT A NAIL IN HER FOOT. Now, it's 9pm, another emergency call, more shots of Naxcel (four a day, this time) plus wrap and soak twice a day on a massive four year old who doesn't much care for the idea. Yikes! At least, it looks as if the nail missed everything important. All she has is a large hole in her frog, which will have to be treated for several weeks, but it looks like she will be OK. And then, there's today. No crises, I'm going to go ride. Right. I'm on the first horse, I ride for a few minutes, I notice it smells...skunky. I look down, and there's the skunk. The obviously sick skunk. Wandering around in circles in my ring. OMG! Luckily, the horses' s rabies shots are up to date and so are the cats'. So, I get off, put the horse up, gather the cats, call Animal Control, and wait...and wait. While the skunk continues to wander closer and closer to the barn, until it finally collapses (poor thing). Eventually, Animal Control shows up and takes the skunk away. By now, I'm completely unstrung and so are the horses, so I call it a day and go back to the house, only to find out that the toilet is bunged up. I can't wait to see what's in store for me next weekend. | | Thursday, May 21st, 2009 | | 9:21 pm |
In which I decide to go to a horse show...
Showing was my life for the last four years. Actually, for many, many years before that, too. I've showed since I was, oh, 12 or so. There was a long hiatus where I evented and foxhunted, then I didn't have a horse at all for nearly 10 years during the 1980s. Then came 1992 or so, when I got the the opportunity and started riding again. I had horses for quite a while, did a little dressage, became a Pleasure Queen with my dear OTTB, the "real" Triple Ransom, until he retired. Then a few years ago, a fabulous warmblood got dropped into my lap. Brahmmie and I were pretty successful in the Adult Amateurs for a couple of years, until his ulcers and my wretched knees caught up to us. Last year, I didn't show at all. This winter, my knees hurt so much I wasn't sure I would ever be able to seriously ride again. But with the spring, hope has surfaced again and here I am, entering a show. Not over fences, mind. Not on my young horse, either. I'm going to try and limp around and do the Pleasure at a local show. Anyway, I'm entered. We'll see. It's a start... Current Mood:  optimistic | | Sunday, May 17th, 2009 | | 12:54 pm |
Kittenz!
I was at a party yesterday and the new barn cat (not socialized in time to catch and spay her) had a litter of 4 teenykittens. Their eyes were just barely open, ears not quite up yet. They were too young to run, so we were able to pick them up and do some serious cuddling. Three were fine with it, one growled, hissed, and spat the whole time. So funny to see this little teeny thing you could hold in one hand so determined to put up a fuss. The mom had already decided she was a tamecat, so she didn't mind a bit, but as each kitten was put back down, she planted a paw on it and held it down while washing it up thoroughly, just to make sure it was OK. Of course, I didn't have my camera. | | Friday, May 1st, 2009 | | 4:06 pm |
Well, I got a Dreamwidth account. FYI, I'm Tripleransom over there too. For some funny reason, that name was available. Works for me. I can't see myself using the account much. between LJ, Twitter, Dreamwidth, Facebook, and Lord knows what, there's waaaay too much information to keep up with. I'm sorta forced to Facebook, because some of my friends do, but there's gotta be a limit! | | Friday, November 28th, 2008 | | 9:20 pm |
Thanksgiving
Whooee! I hope everybody had as good a Turkey (or Tofurkey, as the case may be) Day as I did. My turkey came out great. I cooked it in a bag, as always, but for once, I used a thermometer AND PAID ATTENTION TO IT so it wasn't overdone. The mashed potatos were creamy, with just enough lumps, the gravy had NO lumps, and the asparagus with orange sauce and pecans was very cool. In addition, this year I had something to really be thankful for. A couple of weeks ago, Acey was diagnosed with a melanoma on his tail. Unlike human melanomas, melanomas in grey horses are not exactly trivial, but not usually life-threatening. In non-greys, they are very unusual and can be malignant and aggressive, but not necessarily. Acey is bay, so of course, we were pretty worried. My vet freaked and practically ordered me to have his tail docked immediately, but I just couldn't see doing that without knowing how bad it was. Instead I opted to have the tumor removed and wait for the pathologist's report before we decided what further action to take. The operation was done Sunday, the pathology report came back Wednesday. The margins were well defined and it looks like the surgeon was able to get it all! WooHoo!! So, yeah, it was a REALLY happy thanksgiving. | | Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 | | 9:29 pm |
La Dia de los Muertos
Today is the day of the dead. It's not supposed to be a sad day; rather, you are supposed to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are gone from you. In keeping with that spirit, I'm listing their names. First, the cats: Biggie, Bobbie, Bouncie, and my dear, dear Shadow Man. Then, the horses: Out Board and Danny, the first ones. who still have a special place in my heart, though they've been gone for 30 years or more. Pretty Lady and her baby, little Fan, who died in a fire 12 years ago. Sweet old Charity, who died giving life to Buffy. Banbury Cross, age 34, who brought joy to so many people. More recently, the twins Artus and Athena, who never got to live at all, and baby Anahita, dead at 6 months. And the others, whose fates I don't know: Littleman, Sunshine, X, Bobby, True Soldier, Sporty, and Frostie. I salute you all, guys. Vaya con Dios. | | Friday, August 29th, 2008 | | 8:17 pm |
Pincushion
What a day! I spent the morning pleasantly engaged in watching horses being 'scoped for ulcers. Kind of ooky, but interesting, especially since none of the horses were mine and I didn't have to pay for it. They ALL had 'em to a greater or less degree. Then, since my knees have been killing me lately (well...for quite a while, actually) today was the day I plucked up my courage and went to the doctor's. When I staggered out, three hours later, I had 1 Cortisone shot in my left knee 2 Cortisone shots in my right knee 1 shot in my hip for...something 1 needle in my right arm to draw blood Plus a biopsy incision (more needles!) in my right foot. How many was that? I kinda lost count. If you've never had it done, Cortisone in the joint hurts like bloody H***. However, it is very effective. Now I get to do the knee part again in three weeks to get some HA put in the joints. Fun. But my knees don't hurt--much, anyway. Current Mood:  drained | | Monday, May 19th, 2008 | | 10:08 pm |
WooHoo! It's a boy redux!
Helen Kelly had her foal yesterday and it, too, is a boy. He's a little lighter bay, with a bigger blaze. He had a little trouble right at first, but looks like he's going to be OK. Keep your fingers crossed for him. Newborns (of any species) are so dang fragile. Baby #1 is doing fine. More pictures later. Current Mood: exhausted | | Wednesday, May 14th, 2008 | | 10:27 pm |
WooHoo! It's a boy!!!
Ninja had her baby today, right on time. As usual, she is being a great mom. After the twins two years ago, I don't think much could faze her. (We did catch her counting anxiously to make sure there was only one this time.) So, without further ado--presenting Shamballa!!  and  We're hoping that Helen Kelly will follow suit and have her baby without incident tomight. Keep your fingers crossed. | | Saturday, May 10th, 2008 | | 10:48 am |
Spring in Virginia means...tent caterpillars! They are the worst this year than they have been for awhile. They're everywhere. I generally try to have a live and let live attitude towards most critters as long as they're not actively trying to eat me, or sting me, or what have you, but I kinda draw the line at bugs. Ok, butterflies, sure. Thanks to ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1) drag0nette I'm even prepared to weep over a spider's death, but creepy-crawlies? Nah, gotta draw the line somewhere. I HATE TENT CATERPILLARS! In the immortal words of kylecassidy "Ew! Nature. Get it off me!" | | Sunday, May 4th, 2008 | | 10:31 pm |
Festivaaal!!
Today I drove over to the 35th annual Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, home of all things fiber-y. It's supposed to be the biggest one on the East coast. LOTS of sheep, with bunnies, a few goats, and some alpacas thrown in. And YARN! OMG, the yarn! Wool, of course, and silk, and an unbelievable microfiber and rayon that had to be felt to be believed. Camel and bison, and some wonderful novelties. Felting seems to be in right now--there were lots of felted garmets and supplies. Needles--I craved the straights made of Ebony and then there were the GLASS circulars, which came in many colors and carrried a lifetime guarantee. OOKay. Some things never change, which is refreshing. Basically, it's about the same as when I first went, must be 20 years ago now. I wasn't impressed with the various contest entries this year; it just didn't seem like the quality was as good as in years past. But the lamburgers were delicious, the sun was shining (unlike in some years), and all in all, it was a great day. What fun. | | Monday, April 28th, 2008 | | 10:33 pm |
April is the cruellest month...
ARGH! Today was dental day. Seven unhappy horses and one unhappy B, who had a human dentist appointment for the beginning stages of an implant. He says it hurts like !#@#$%^! The horses probably think the same, only they can't say anything. They didn't have implants, only "floating" and plenty of tranqs and Bute. B is making do with Demerol, they have the consolation of grass tonight. Chacun a son goute. | | Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 | | 10:21 am |
Ok, by public demand...picture of Ev and me in a show last fall. Bear with me guys, while I learn how to do this. *Actually, I've been doing the riding thing for many years (although Evan is pretty green). My LJ skillz are what is significantly lacking!  | | Saturday, April 19th, 2008 | | 9:32 pm |
Well, I finally got to another show today. Evan was wonderful--he won both classes over fences at about 2'3" but hey, it's a start. Anyway, he was champion, because he was also 4th in the Under Saddle. This in addition to placing in all three of the Pleasure classes. WooHoo! Current Mood:  tired |
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