Ruby's Homecoming

After three months of focused training at Journey's End Farm, Ruby came home a changed filly. A few of her impressive capabilities: leading, standing on crossties while being groomed, lifting her feet to be picked, and driving with reins. She also politely turns her butt away from me when I go into her stall (rather than aiming it right at me in preparation to kick!) Since Scar and Johnny Cash are at Dad's, Ruby and Jezebel are getting nicely reaquainted; I think they'll be best friends again in no time! I plan to continue her training in the round pen that Lance built over the summer; and by next spring, she'll be ready to travel once again to Bristol for saddle training.

Pictures include: (1) Jezebel and Ruby loaded in the trailer at Journey's End (it is usually wise for a horse to have a "buddy" while traveling); (2) Ruby on the lead rope after being unloaded at Walnut Grove; (3) Ruby working in the round pen.

It's About Time...

we made a new post! We apologize for being out of touch for awhile, but with school starting and Lance taking on new responsibilities at work, we've had to put the blog on the back burner. Not to worry, though, we're back with lots of exciting news and pictures. Mike has been busy laying the footers for the addition (see picture), and now we're sowing grass in the front yard. I am particularly happy about this project; the interim yard of mud was starting to wear me thin. Soon, I will be able to return my shrubs and flowers to their original, loamy homes. (They've been waiting patiently in red clay.)

We're also glad to have had the chance to visit with our nieces and nephews of late (see pictures below). Last weekend, Lance and I traveled to Nashville to attend his cousin's wedding, and we got to spend quality time with his siblings and meet (aka snuggle with, kiss, hug on) his new niece, Rae. She is a special one, not only because she is such a placid baby, but because she shares my middle name (also my grandmother's maiden name). On our way home, we stopped in at Shane and Bobbie's where Jackson enjoyed showing off the wagon we got him last Christmas, and two-week-old Reese McKenna snoozed on our shoulders. I think I have definitely caught the baby bug, but as we are knee-deep in restoration, we'll have to wait a couple more years to be fruitful.

P.S. Ruby is coming home this weekend, so I'm sure we'll post again soon!