Leap Day

It only rolls around every four years so I believe it deserves a post this morning.  Mare is still looking uncomfortable but no baby yet, maybe a "leaping " baby tonight!. Just praying not on the night of the Hunt Ball. This is a photo of Rachael Alexandra's colt by Curlin, both Horse of the Year parents- that is a lot to live up to!
I was looking back at last year's posts and saw that I heard the spring peepers a year ago today and I mentioned that the forsythia was budding. I had thought that this year was so unusually warm, but it must have been warm last year. I did not notice my forsythia budding yet ! this year. Will have to go look.
I was preparing for two weddings last year and when I think over all that happened , it was a milestone year!!  Sam graduated, got a new job, got married and bought a house. Sarah started several different jobs and pursued makeup business, also got married and she and Kevin are now starting the house hunting  adventure. Will helped keep me sane by being a college kid! I will miss those basketball games! Now, I have Charlotte NC to look forward to in the fall I guess.
Mike is finishing his Master's at the Naval War College, I am writing a book ( more like compiling a book) about our Hunt Club's past 75 years and the next chapter begins for the whole family. It has been very interesting writing this book, as I am including a historical timeline for each year. As I research it has been eye-opening to try to only pick one or two major milestones out of some years because they were  jam-packed with huge events. Like 1945. Those war years were incredible for life-altering events, happening all over the world. One thing that is jumping out with this "look back" is how small events in one year, end up having major effects later. As WWII ended, peace treaties being signed, Germany being partitioned there was a small note that said "Vietnam became a Republic with Ho Chi Minh as President , (and we helped!)" Little did we know what was to come. I wonder what is happening right now that will become a major event for the next generation!

last basketball game

 I know I am playing catch-up here, but sometimes there is just too much to do. Last Friday was Will's final basketball game. We drove to Roanake and had a few minutes to chat with his coach of four years, before the game. He surprised us by saying Will was going to start that night!!  Woohoo. His last game and his first starting position- it was awesome. Coach had some really great things to say about Will's leadership of the team over the last four years and that, at times, he was "blown away by some of the things Will did for the younger guys!"  That is the Will I know. I asked him later and Will said he would encourage the freshmen, when they were discouraged, by reminding them that "being a baller was bigger than just playing in the game ".  He went on to explain that " being a baller was an attitude, a swagger or bragging right - it was just very cool to be a basketball player and it meant more than hoops".  Playing ball for four years certainly put a "swagger" in Will. He stood taller, carried his shoulders straighter and reached for the stars. He always was "the man", but I understood what he was talking about and am glad that he was able to lead a team and be part of that team for his college years.

Now, foal watching starts in earnest. First mare due tomorrow and she is looking uncomfortable this morning. I think I will start napping!!

Will's Senior Game night....

I can't believe how fast four years went by. Will does not share my sentiment, which I suppose makes sense, but as I watch the freshmen sit "on the bench" at these last games and watch proud parents whom I don't know, I remember the first few games I attended. I didn't know any other parents and Will didn't play, but I was the proudest parent in the whole world and I cheered for the whole team. I have cheered for the whole team for four years and been so proud of my son, now co-captain with his friend Kyle. Tonight the team honors these two men and it is truly an accomplishment. I remember Kyle had a broken wrist when they met  as freshmen. Will was and still is the hardest working player- that work ethic impressed his coach enough to be recruited and that doggedness earned him over four years the respect of his whole school. They cheer tonight, " Bill, Bill, Bill!"   The "Bill"moniker an easy tease. He guards his opponents with a fierceness and strength that is all his own. Sometimes they get by but his courage and spirit and leadership over these past four years are an example to all. The light from his soul comes thru and shines when he plays. I am so glad I have been a witness to these moments and will forever cheer for my son and his whole team. Love you, Will.

Happy Valentines Day !

I want to wish a Happy Valentine to my whole family; my husband and grown- up kids. To the wonderful people they have all chosen as partners. To my sisters and their families, my niece and nephews. To all my friends.  And I will give all my horses and dogs and even the barn cat an extra pat and hug ( not the cat that bit me). I try every day to tell the people in my life that they are important and loved but today it is an easy and joyous chance to make sure everyone knows they are loved. You are all the fabric of my life and together we weave the tapestry that we live. Have a loving day and pass it forward! I love you.

foal watch starts

I brought the mares up last night because it was a cold, rainy night and I did not want a foal in the field. They seemed very grateful. First momma to be came in and rolled and rolled in the fresh straw. In fact I finally decided she was a little colicky! because she was rolling too much! Gave her some banamine and hoped she felt better soon- which she did. Mare is so big. It will be her fifth foal and she seemed to recognize the foaling stall. Just gave me a long look, like AGAIN....!  I have a girlfriend who is also having a baby right now. I keep watching Facebook, hoping to hear the happy news. I feel for her, it has been a long labor or wait anyway. Motherhood is awesome, labor is just tough, aptly named!
Watched a couple of bald eagles while hunting yesterday. They are so beautiful. I did not realize how deadly they can be until I watched one snatch a skunk in my back pasture. Dropped it, dead, a few minutes later. Stinky,  not surprised he ditched it! Then, my tenant who hunts,  saw the eagle grab a full grown raccoon, kill it and try to fly off. Also got dropped in the middle of pasture. Case of eyes bigger than talons I guess. But still, I am keeping a closer eye on my two little dogs!

February 2012

The warm weather has continued and now I am praying it just lasts the rest of winter. The three year old filly has come back to the farm and a new career.  Lily, one of my foxhunters, decided she really didn't like this new addition and chased her mercilessly. Went thru the fence in back and took down 5 panels of post and rail!!  No rails broken, just snapped the posts off!  Michael was kind enough to stay home and repair all the fence, so nice of him. The two mares seemed fine, although now in separate fields. Lily can be such a bitch! Great foxhunter but nuts.  One mare slipped her baby at some point , so I am expecting 4 foals now, starting end of this month.  Sleeping lots now as foal watch starts soon.