Dear Mom,
My bags are still by the front door-----Well do not tell my forever person, but I have secretly been unpacking them. My forever person has done a complete turnaround since our trip to those technicians. She has been pampering me with new foods. She rubs and kisses my cute itchy rotund belly. I think she has learned that you cannot starve a kitty and give that kitty to technicians to do horrible experiments on.
She even brought in this big toy for us to play with. It has all these little thingees swinging on it. DIL loves staring at the blinking lights. Then there were packages under it for us to play with. Then Christmas morning there was wrapping paper all over the floor for us to scatter around in.
Some puppies came to stay with us over Christmas. Mary Ann and Ginger were just DIL and my size. We had so much fun running back and forth with them. They move a lot faster than the cranky old blind dog.
Well DIL is getting on my nerves BIG TIME. She has not been the same since the experiments. She is just taking the wounded kitty act and the traumatized psyche a bit too far. She did learn from the best, ME, but I don’t look that sickening. I have flair but DIL is outright needy and does not know when to quit. The cranky old blind dog has taken pity on her. DIL and the dog are so tight now. He licks her ALL DAY LONG. She rubs up against him ALL DAY LONG. She follows him from room to room ALL DAY LONG. She sleeps with him ALL NIGHT LONG. My forever person wakes up in the morning, all smiles and says how cute as she sees DIL nestled in with the cranky old blind dog and just raising her head a bit above his tummy to say good morning. Pathetic!!!!! What about me! I choose to sleep under the covers with my forever person. Just because she can’t see me doesn’t mean I am not cute too.
AND DIL smells funny with all those dog germs on her and her hair is all sticky and spiky. YUK!
Happy New Year Mom
Your Drama Queen and Sweet Diligence
DQ and DIL

Happy New Year Dil and Drama Queen. Tell your forever person Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year Dil and Drama Queen! I am sure you are living in a very special place with a very special person. I love it when you post messages to us.

Here are the beginning of the party pix. First there is Layla's cake that she ordered and I had to have fixed and next is Eddie watching the web cams as part of his security surveilence, since he wont go outside now it is cold.

and the next batch

and more

There's my beautiful Eddie. He has white on his neck,I thought he was completely black, that's what I get for thinking, though.

Looks like you all had a good time. It's nice to know that Eddie is still keeping an eye on security I was watching the cams before the party started & saw Chaos playing with his apple. He looks like he's getting so big!! It's hard to tell from the cams but is he almost as big as Layla?

He is a big boy, one time I wasn't sure if it was him or another horse.

I truly believe that WindChill sent Miste to us. One of our WindChill sisters pointed this out and i totally agree.
She is so loved. We have been on a journey the last year with Miste. We all gained. Thank you Kathi for bring her to us.

Carol and Paula, what beautiful souls you two are. I just read your Miste story. I think you should publish this. Perhaps a little book of Raindance gems - for the Legacy Outreach?

You will be blessed a hundred-fold for what you are doing.
Mary

Another Wed. night at Raindance
It was a cold Wed. night to go out to Raindance for our Miste visit. Miste and Kathi were a bit shocked to see us. We had been out there Monday night in below zero weather because we could not make it Sunday. Kathi made the remark that we are dedicated. WELL we are but it doesn’t feel like that to us. We just LOVE being here in the barn with these horses, us giving attention and getting so much special horse attention back. There is nothing in the world like it for us.
Kathi had not put the horses in the barn yet so it was a treat to see each horse in their own unique way and personality-wise way get into their stalls. Miss Miste came in first in a very ladylike manner. Layla came in sizing things up and went right into her stall. Chaos had to explore everything on his way in and then some. Everything in the barn is new and exciting and a toy to him. Gramma Carole and I had a good laugh as Magic went to her stall. There was no unique personality, roundabout way with her. She went straight as an arrow in a beeline as fast as her little legs could go to get to her grain and hay. She had a mission and nothing was getting in her way
Gramma Carole had a good talk with Layla about her birthday party. Miste asked if Gramma Carole had brought the carrots she had given to her as a birthday present. Gramma Carole said of course and showed Miste the bag.
Miste was a gem tonight. She was a nuzzler between eating her grain and hay. Her eyes told us she was very happy.
Chaos was his sweet huggy nuzzling self. His eyes are so expressive. He is a beauty inside and out.
Stella greeted us at the gate when we first came and waited by the gate patiently for her grooming and personal time.
It was warm in the barn but our cheeks got rosy and our fingers a bit numb out in the barn paddock with Stella. It was such a beautiful night with the stars as we talked to Stella for a half hour before grooming her. During this time she gets up the courage and understanding that she can touch our hands, hats, and jackets with her nose. This is the horse, that when we first met, she kept turning her head away from us and had terrified eyes, the whites of her eyes always showing. She truly does not know how to nuzzle or show any social manners of love and affection. She wants to so bad but is terrified. You move your hand suddenly by her face and you can feel her body tense and see her head raise way up as well as see the whites of her eyes instantly. It is sad to see the terror in her eyes.
She is a very well mannered horse who stands perfectly still when we groom her. We can lead her anywhere. Her eyes are showing a bit more relaxation with us now. We can slowly brush her face or massage it if we move slowly. We can steal kisses once in a while. She accepts carrots and apples out of our hand now. We do not have to throw them on the ground anymore.
As usual no matter how cold our hands are, we can’t leave without a final apple treat for both Gwen and Shania. Wed at Raindance had worked its magic again. We left with such contentment and peace.
PS: Just to show you how cold it was on Monday and Wednesday, by the time we got done grooming Miste and Stella, our bags of carrots were frozen with white frost formed around each individual one. Miste and Stella didn’t seem to mind the added crunchiness.

Has Kathi posted anything about Stella's background - why she is so afraid of people?

It sounds as though you have made a lot of progress with her.

You two ladies are really hardy!

Now Paula, about that moose... I was going to plead with Kathi to let a nice humble Clydesdale join the elegant beauties at Raindance!

Colleen

On Sunday Paula and I went to Raindance for an afternoon of calm and peace. Little did we know that Kathi was going to shake our world a little by telling us that one of our first lessons when we start again will be the emergency dismount. Paula and I just looked at each other in utter terror. I asked Kathi what day she was to do this as I was going to be sick that day. Now we not only have to be afraid of the letters TR(trail ride) we have to be scared of emergency dismount. Amara was there and showed us how it was done. She makes it look so easy. Of course if I am riding Gwen I don't have to worry about an emergency dismount as I have trouble getting Gwen to even walk. then think about this short, chubby leg trying to get over the saddle in a hurry so i can slide to the ground. NOT. The spring should bring some new adventures to our world
By the way we did find our calm and peaceful place again when we got to interact with our Miste and Stella. Thank you girls for working your magic on Paula and I. We went home smiling again.

Your funny Carole. Look at me laughing, I should be talking, I would be the same way.

Dear Mom,
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!! DIL and I love you very much.
I am in LOVE with a tall dark stranger. And he says he loves me too. He came all the way from Boston, Massachusetts just to see me.
What an exciting week for me. A visitor from Boston fell totally in love with me. DIL called me a big flirt. This visitor was a handsome 6’2” giant and as Auntie Eilene would say, a tall drink of water. One night around midnight my forever person came down stairs wondering what was going on with all the laughter she was hearing. She found her 29 year old son sitting on the top step of the basement playing with me. He thought I was adorable and I was.
When his friends came over, I had the manners and grace to welcome them but DIL was very rude and ignored them. I was introduced as his sweetheart and he just raved about what a wonderful, playful kitty I was.
He got it so right. I hope he visits again. It is inspiring to be so outwardly and affectionately appreciated for my outer and inner beauty and to be recognized as the extraordinary fascinating kitty I am.
Well Mom I guess I have to tell all. DIL is also in love too and she has fallen hard for a short squat muddy drink of water as Auntie Eilene would put it. In fact he is downright ugly.
MOM, he has this nervous condition with his tail AND he has no manners. He doesn’t chew his food. He just keeps stuffing his mouth to the point where his cheeks just puff out from being such a pig.
I told DIL she has to have higher standards like me. But no she accepts him for who he is and sits by the kitchen window watching him adoringly.
I told DIL he is a squirrel, a rodent for GOD sakes but she does not care.
Your Drama Queen and Sweet Diligence
Happy Valentine’s Day Mom
DQ and DIL

DQ and Dil. Sounds like you really had a nice visit with the handsome man from Boston. Are you a smitten kitten?

Paula called me earlier today, she is in Florida, with some members of her Red Hat group, waiting to board the ship for her first ever vacation and cruise. Yesterday they were in Elvis land. She is so excited and will be taking lots of pictures to share with her Windchill family.

Cool!! Well by now she is probably crusiing the ocean blue. I hope the weather is nice, well, she's on a ship anyway.

I hope Paul has a blast!

Betty and I have been caring for her babies. They all miss their Mom. I did see a bag partially packed by the front door. The kittens have been an absolute delight to be around.. They have both taken a couple of naps on my lap. Even the cranky cat has come up on my lap for her attention. Lightening is an absolute delight. He so reminds me of my Little Guy. The birds sing and make noises when i talk to them. And the snake stays right where he is suppose to. Sometimes i just sit and read in the front room and they all take naps close by. i feel honored that Paula would trust me with her special babies. You can tell that each one of them feels loved.

When will Paula return?

she will be home late tomorrow night

Paula keeps a snake as a pet?


Colleen

The Caribbean Islands….riding horses through the ocean waters……ocean breezes blowing through my hair……. galloping as one with the horse…….. giggling as the spray of water feathers out everywhere……..
That was only in my dreams of course. I was too chicken to sign up for that tour.
100 feet below the ocean in an Atlantis submarine……watching all the inhabitants of the coral and giant sea turtles and stingrays swimming by…….cancelled due to waves caused by the earth quake in Peru. (WHEW!)
Instead I did the safe ones…… I toured Cozumel and the Mayan ruins which were awesome, and a tour of Grand Cayman Islands with a ferry and a speed boat ride (chewing sea gum for nausea all the way due to huge gigantic waves) to visit the Cayman turtle farm (450 pounders), Tortuga Rum Factory, and 7 Mile Beach (due to high gigantic waves we could only look at the beach and crashing spray of the waves from the bus).
It was on to Ocho Rios in Jamaica. I tried to sign up for the Bob Marley Tour but it was sold out so I went on the 18th Century Plantation Tour. I rode a tractor driven carriage through the jungle, looking at sugar cane fields, pineapple fields, saw how coconuts are harvested from the trees, and other fruits, and iguanas are cooked over a slow fire. I fed ostriches and camels. I watched a little of the horse riding tour. Then it was on to Dolphin Cove to see all kinds of reptiles, parrots, goats, dolphins, and sharks and eat traditional Jamaican food.
On the cruise I got used to room service, eating 24 hours a day, a room steward tiding up my room 4 x a day, being waited on hand and foot, being entertained every night, and getting lost at least 5 x a day, the boat rocking in high waves but I hand sea bands on each wrist, completely giving in to the lap of luxury, and people watching when out on the deck.
However I missed the C of C&P which was clearly pointed out to me by my friends as I constantly called my roomy, Carole at least 12x a day. (Her name WAS Gloria). And at least 3x a day as I ate and looked out at the ocean going by, daydreaming, and my friends commented regularly that they knew I was missing “my horses.”
I had a great time and will go again. I hope I will have the guts to finally ride horses on the sandy beaches of the Caribbean Islands. I have 2-3 years to get ready. Hopefully by that time with Kathi’s help and a really big miracle, I might get out of the small safe secure warm and friendly barn paddock .

Yes Colleen I have a cuddly cute little snake about a mile long who likes to give very tight hugs. It is a cross between a fox and corn snake. I spent some years as a zoo docent and fell in love with reptiles and other 'icky" animals. Both my boys were junior zoo docents and could handle the really big, big huggy type of snakes. My snake goes by the name of HUGS. He is a rescue, found in a bundle of clothes at Good Will. I was called to get this fercious 12 inch long skinny as a toothpick snake that sent everyone screaming. He has been with me for 20 years and has grown considerably. He eats 3 mice ice cubes every 3 months.
Thank you for asking.

Hmm...the techs who checked the air filter of the Prius last week took 2# of sunflower seeds out of it and Gary cleaned out the Highlander's of a bunch, too (we USED to keep them in the attached garage). We apparently have available meals for Hugs in our garage...

Welcome home, Paula! It sounds like a wonderful trip(except for cooking iguanas). I always thought it would be awesome to visit the Galapagos Islands and see these incredible creatures. Did they have entertainment on the cruise?
Everyone so often, one sees someone carrying a python around NYC.
Were the cats happy to see you?

Colleen

Every night there was an incredible Las Vegas like act on the cruise. I did not miss a one. That is how good they were. Yes my kitties were thrilled to see me. Gramma Carole and Betty W. gave them so much attention that they did not pout like the last time I was gone. They all slept with me my first night back and they are really sticking close to me these last 2 days. It is good to be home with my animals!!!!!!!

sounds like you had an incredible trip, Paula. I don't think I could like the iguanas as a meal.

Sure the kitties are sticking close, they don't want their mom to leave them again, they missed their mom. I have to say when I had Little Bit, he was the only cat I had at the time. I had to go in the hospital for 4 days and I missed him so (now Little was a very independent cat and not real social) couldn't wait to get home to see him, didn't faze him one bit, when he saw me. Buttons stayed with mom when Dad and I went to NY for a week. As soon as we hit the state of Florida, I couldn't wait to see him, I ran in the house and he was running around chasing his mom and paid me no attention. He did cuddle and sleep with me.

Paula I am happy for you that you had such a wonderful cruise. Welcome home. Bet you're still smiling.

Welcome back Paula! Sounds like a great trip.

Sunday Raindance Visit March 14
What a Sunday!!!!! Sunny and warm---no hats, gloves, jackets BUT high boots needed for all the water and strong leg muscles needed to lift those boots out of the muck. I can see why Layla is building an ark. There is not much dry land.
The first thing Grandma asked Layla was, “Can I get passage on your ark?”
Kathi asked us to catch Stella and Miste for their flu shots. Well of course us been green horns, we went through the middle of the pasture on a mission straight through the middle of Muck Lake. Kathi yells at us that our pants were going to get full of YUCK and she was right on. We were caked.
After her shot, I groomed Stella. I got to use my new shedding thingee. It was snowing like crazy with Stella’s white winter coat flying everywhere. She really adapted well to our winter. Kathi sure gets a lot of credit for getting her through her first winter up north. Her coat was so thick. In fact it filled in a big puddle of water.
Chaos was very lovey dovey. He followed Gramma Carole and me around and around. Gramma Carole decided to use her new shedding tool on him. He loved it. Everyone once in a while Chaos had to let out some energy and wiggle but he was a joy. As I looked over there, Gramma Carole had the biggest smile as she groomed Chaos for the first time.
I came over after finishing Stella, while Gramma Carole was finishing up with Chaos. Chaos thought I was doing all the work so I got so many hugs and soft nose kisses. He is a wonderful loving youngster. His eyes are so bright and they look deep inside of you with pure happiness.
Then Kathi asked us if we wanted to help more horses shed their winter coats. NEED SHE ASK SUCH A QUESTION? DUH!!! IN THE BIG MARE FIELD?????? OK SURE!!!!
Earlier Kathi and Gary were out in the big mare field trying to rake muck to drain the water. Gary showed his engineering skills and really got the water flowing, making a gigantic lake in the next pasture. All the horses were pointed in the same direction, watching him, waiting for the lake he created to swallow him up. It was pretty funny.
Gary made these big wide fast flowing rivers in the pasture that made the horses be separated on islands. It was so funny because the horses did not want to cross the rivers he made, yet they hated being alone. It was a great lesson in horse watching and seeing them get the courage to cross these rivers. Then you saw how not very gracefully and very tentatively they traversed the muck, making loud embarrassing sucking noises as they lifted up their hooves. They just HATED walking through the stuff.
So now as Gramma Carole and I trucked through the muck, the horses were laughing at us as we were the ones who were not very graceful, slipping and sliding, and making the embarrassing sucking noises. Well if we had just followed Kathi. Somehow Kathi knew where the smallest high dry ground was and she was very graceful. In fact her boots and pants were pretty clean but we were a MESS.
Gramma Carole and I were like too little kids playing in the mud except this was tons of smelly, slimy, slippery, sucky concentrated horse manure.
Kathi gracefully got Dance on a hay island and Gramma Carole and I double teamed her. WE LOVED IT. She was all crusted from rolling in the muck. Kathi, Polly, and Gary stayed on high ground, downwind, and high and dry and spotless, as they watched us as matted manure winter coat with tons of dry skin cells flew in the air, all around us. We were covered from head to toe but we were so energized and thrilled. Wow what a difference we made. We got rave reviews from the clean spotless crowd that Dance’s coat was shiny sparkly smooth in the sun. She was back to being gorgeous. We took our bows.
Then pregnant Grace came on the hay island too and waited patiently for us to finish Dance. Kathi kept close to make sure we were safe and nonchalantly kept an eye on us and as she brushed the manes of other horses. Grace was even worse. She was so matted down. She had done several rolls. Polly said it was a good thing it was dry muck not all wet.
Pregnant Grace wanted us all to herself so when a horse came too close her, her ears went flat and she went after to chase that horse away, then she came right back to us in the exact same place like it was nothing. She did that about 5 times.
What was so great was that Gramma Carole and I did not get scared or freak out. We saw Grace’s ears go flat. We gave her a bit of space. We somehow knew it was not about us and she kept her people space.
Kathi could see we were really enjoying this. In fact we were in heaven. Gramma Carole and I just get into our rhythm. It feels so good. Our arms are building up muscle. Each horse shows such genuine appreciation too.
Well we could not believe Kathi asked us if we were up to doing another horse. . NEED SHE ASK SUCH A QUESTION? DUH!!!
It was Whispers!!!! We said SURE enthusiastically but Kathi pointed. There was Whispers standing in the middle of Manure Swamp. It was so deep and full of muck that no horse would be in it, let alone sensible people. Kathi explained that Whispers did this to keep the other horses away so we could groom her. At least that was the story and Gramma Carole and I are very gullible.
Kathi foolishly asked if we wanted to be up to our knees in Manure Swamp. NEED SHE ASK SUCH A QUESTION? DUH!!! She already knew the answer. We were thinking she was just being gracious.
We waded out there happily with our boots sucking and our pant legs dragging, absorbing water and manure. I t was only up to our ankles. We are not that gullible Kathi, Polly, and Gary.
It was fun. Jokes were being cracked from the clean people but Gramma Carole and I were in heaven because our sweet girl, Whispers, had one of the thickest, dirtiest, dry skin cells, muddiest winter coats of all the horses. We made with pure joy, an island of hair and dry skin cells in Manure Swamp. Whispers was sooooooo grateful.
Then Lily decided she was next and waded out to Manure Swamp to join us. Lily stood behind Whispers right up on Whispers butt, supervising us. She gave us hugs and nose nudges the whole time. Lily is a very gentle horse. She made it clear that she was next in line and there would be no butting it by any horse whatsoever (even though no horse in their right mind would have been caught dead in the middle of Manure Swamp). Finally as we finished Whispers, Lily had me penned in as she kept hugging me. Everyone was laughing at her. It felt so good to have 2 horses giving me so much love.
Too bad Kathi had to go so we could not groom Lily.
Well at least Gramma Carole and I learned our lesson….well not exactly. Kathi took pity on us and said. “Follow me.” There were 2 reasons for that. One she felt sorry for us and helped us traverse the higher ground. How she knows what will suck you under and what will hold you up is beyond me. Secondly though there is a way to walk through the mare field, as you look to see who is messing with whom. Mary Ann was messing with Treat and if not for eagle eye Kathi, I would have walked right in between it.
After leaving Manure Swamp, Kathi and Polly laughed at us as we found a puddle to make a feeble attempt to wash our boots off. Our boots were coved in hair and Gramma Carole commented that this was her first pair of mohair boots.
Then we looked at each other. We were covered from head to toe in all colors of hair and white skin cells and our pants, half way up to our calves, were a very dark muddy brown. Oh well that is the price you pay for a great time.
What a great Sunday. We groomed Stella, Chaos, Dance, Grace with her growing baby, and Whispers. It was wonderful.
Gramma Carole and I have to be honest. You have to understand we do not go out in the mare pasture too much. This was our third time. This was a real honor and privilege. Gramma Carole and I do not have the skills to spot trouble before it happens in the mare field and we do not have the confidence yet either. So it was a big deal to have Kathi take us out there, when she had tons of work to do and stay with us just so we could have a BLAST.
Gramma Carole and I try not to overstep our boundaries or should I say limitations. We err on the side of being very cautious but people say we have come a long way and unknowingly have picked up and absorbed, and been talked to a bit (by Kathi) which has added to our horse sense. We have learned to recognize some horse behavior and gain some confidence but Gramma Carole and I know we have a very long way to go.
Kathi has worked darn hard at keeping us safe we know. We are so grateful that despite our shortcomings and mistakes we are still allowed to enjoy volunteering at Raindance. We know Kathi really wants to keep us safe. She is a great teacher. Hopefully we are not making the job too hard for her. We think we score a lot of points from a lot of the comic relief we somehow manage, without even trying, to provide her.
Well Gramma Carole and I knew our bodies were heading straight for the shower and our clothes in the washing machine when we got home BUT what a big surprise, as we were leaving Raindance, Kathi asked us if we wanted to do more grooming. NEED SHE ASK SUCH A QUESTION? DUH!!! She said how about Wednesday. Oh, Carole and I drove home on a cloud of anticipation.

No pictures, ladies? You are true "iron women". I remember jealous Gracie from my first visit to Raindance. Kathi was near by, to prevent her from going after any other horse that we dared speak to! She also had this wonderful thing that, if you bent over in front of her and reached back and scratched her chest, she'd grab your shirt! I think there's a wonderful picture of Deb S. getting this treatment. Her baby might be quite spectacular, judging from that incredibly beautiful stallion. Perhaps the Barn Engineer, who is truly a Very Smart Man, will figure out how to mud-proof the field before next winter. Thank you for describing this amazing experience!

Colleen

I remember muck and mud manure very well. It would get so messy at grandma's in the spring. i lost a boot or two from my foot getting stuck. I was a little girl back then.
Sounds like the perfect day. I know it would be a special honor to get to go in the mare field. What a joy to make the horses feel so good.

Sunday was absolutely awesome. We love grooming and windburrs. What a pair we are.

Your children are probably absolutely astounded at their amazing mothers!

Colleen

Colleen......my kids were so worried I was going to be a basket case when I retired. I am not a tv, sit around, relaxing type of person. WindChill gave me a passion and Kathi and Jeff give me the privilege of volunteering at Raindance and the WindChill Legacy. I could never have imagined having the guts to take up this challenge that has become such a joy in my life and the truly genuine people I get to interact with.
Also to be able to have such a warm, caring, openhearted, fun, intelligent, always giving, and NOW RETIRED friend, like Gramma Carole to share all this with has been heaven sent.
My sons are very much in awe and are so happy for me.

My family could not quite believe that I had found such a passion that was way outside of my comfort zone. As a child I was very quiet and afraid of most things. Nor was I ever a joiner of groups, in fact I would shy away from them. They have all seen the profound change it has made in me and how the joy is seen in my face and heard in my words. My son told me it was about time I did something for myself. several friends are in awe of the passion I have found at this stage of my life. Thank you WindChill for never stopping when pulling at the strings of my heart. I am honored to be part of this wonderful familyand want to thank each of you for sharing your lives with me. Each day is a new adventure. thank you WindChill, thank you Kathi and Jeff, and thank you to my dear and wonderful friend Paula who I am sharing this wonderous journey together. she is an inspiration to me and has helped me so much along the way. Without her I would not be the Grama Carole that I am. Remember C&P are always up to something. Paula and I were meant to meet, be friends and share this passion together.
In an hour Paula will be picking me up and we will be off to grooming heaven at Raindance today with shedding tool in hand.
And the SUN is OUT today.

Carole we were kind of alike, I was never afraid of animals, but I was very shy and I would never join in anything stayed to myself. I was telling my mom the other day, none of you guys knew each other, most of you are almost like neighbors, living in the same area, and then a little colt came along and brought you all together. I'm still shy about some things.

Now Paula I'm different than you. I'm a stay at home kind of girl, it doesn't bother me one bit, if I never discovered the computer and the forums, I would be watching the TV. I love being outside in the yard. Now, I have my parents and their home and things with them.

Wednesday March 17 Farrier Day
With great excitement and anticipation, Gramma Carole and I raced to Raindance this morning. Kathi invited us out all day Wednesday to help with winter coat removal.
Today was a GREAT day for Gramma Carole and me. It went way beyond our expectations. We got to see the farrier in action and how each horse reacts differently to getting their hooves trimmed. We watched closely and Kathi explained things. What a hands on education.
Then we got to use our shedding tools all day long as Kathi saw our faces fill with JOY as she asked if we wanted to do just one more horse. Winter coats were flying; dead white skin cells were flying: dusty caked manure was flying. The horses just closed their eyes, relaxed, crooked their back foot, released sighs, while we went to work. Every once in a while, they turned their head to nuzzle us to say “AHHHHHHHH! You hit a great itchy spot. We love you for doing this.”
What a difference we made. A dirty manure caked, patchy wooly haired, smelly, dusty horse was turned into a magnificent SMOOTH shiny steed. However Gramma Carole and I turned into just the opposite. We were transformed into unsightly beings, covered in hair, white dander, with black dusty faces, mud caked hands, hay hair, and itchy sneezing noses. BUT IT WAS HEAVEN!!! Kathi gave us her famous YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING LOOK as we kept expressing our joy and contentment to her with our big dirty mud flaked horse hairy beaming smiles of glee and hearing the phrase so many times with our deepest gratitude, “THIS MUST BE WHAT HEAVEN IS LIKE. “ To which she shook her head and walked away stifling a fit of laughter.
It was so funny. Kathi brings in a horse. It doesn’t look so bad on 1 side BUT on the other side oh my a mess. Kathi told us that horses lay down on the same side all the time. We can sure tell. It took twice as long to do the side they lay down on. Again do I need to say it again? It was a joy and we were in HEAVEN!!!(See what Kathi has to put up with)
Then we got to see Kathi ride Treat and Gwen. Oh my is Treat a beautiful horse. Kathi is really bringing her around from where she was at 2 years ago.
However, it was slow moving Gwen( who is our lesson horse in the barn paddock) who really stoled the show for us. Kathi rode her out in the drive way. This was not the same slow moving patient horse Gramma Carole and I ride in the barn paddock for our lessons. With Kathi on Gwen, it was full steam ahead and ShowTime. Oh my she looked stunning with her arched neck and pointed ears, tail held high, and going through the beautiful Tennessee Walker gaits. Our mouths fell open.
We had never seen Gwen like that. We were so impressed. In our dreams we wish we could look as relaxed and dignified as Kathi did on Gwen. Gwen got a good 20 minute workout and the Kathi had us feel her heart beating. I learned the difference between flank and withers. Her whole body was heaving.
Kathi says Gwen is a great trail riding horse. She has to be in front though. She just goes and there is no stopping or resting.
Joanne got up on Gwen and did a great job of holding her back. We were so envious. Brave Joanne looked fantastic up on Gwen.
Kathi is bringing up this word TRAIL a lot lately. Today it was mentioned a few times. Gramma Carole and I just look at each other and then look at the safe, fenced in, secure, small, enclosed barn paddock we ride in and both agree that that is trail enough for us.

Sounds like you had an absolutely glorious fun filled day.

Maybe a "trail" is in your future Paula and Carole.

as long as the trail is inside the arena pen

I think the back woods or the Bird Sanctury would be fine for you ladies...

Vicki

I think you are probably better riders than you think. Confidence ladies!

I agree with Paula and Carole, Wednesday, March 17th was a fun packed awesome day! The day was beautiful...in the 60's, no wind, and the sun was shining. When the farrier left, the brushing began! Paula and Carole are exceptionally good horse groomers! They work until the horse is sparkling.

But today was extra special to me because it was the first day that Axel and I rode outside of an enclosed area. Kathi had us going out of the pen, turning around, and going back into the pen...over and over. It wasn't very far out of the pen, but it was OUT. Then, when Kathi finished riding Gwen, she asked me if I would like to ride Gwen up and down the driveway. With very little hesitation I said "YES". WOW! Gwen can really move! And riding her was fun!
My next goal is to be ready for a trail ride with Axel when Ann comes up to Duluth/Superior for a horse clinic in June.
Ann, I WILL be ready!

Grama Carole & Paula, trail riding is so much fun At least if you have a horse that is good on trails. And Kathi wouldn't let you go if you're not ready - would she???

How cool JoAnn! A little taste of freedom. I am proud of you for riding Gwen. Very cool.

You might be graduating to a trail ride - oh, my! This is so exciting!

C&P, I am admittedly living vicarously through you just a little bit!

Colleen

P.S. I have advised Chaos to have a talk with Kisses, so that he will not make any more mistakes about how to behave with the treat girl.

Paula & Grandma Carole

Do Me Do Me

we would be honored to be able to groom you Vinney

Vinny we are coming down for the MN HORSE EXPO in April. We promise you will get the full C&P treatment as described below.


Finding Your Horse’s True Beauty
C&P Spa Cares about Your Horse**
A Beauty Oasis

We know a horse’s life is hectic, stressful, and sometimes down-right crazy. Horses have things to do, places to go, people to see. It’s called a horse’s life and it moves at a very fast pace, especially around Springtime. Gramma Carole and Paula understand that so we created a spa for every horse that needs to rejuvenate and get away from it all.

Our spa offers the services your horse needs to look and feel beautiful. Our trained staff, with a whole nine months of intensive training, translates your horse’s vision of health and beauty into reality. We help you put your horse’s troubles behind him/her, and make your horse look and feel her/him best.

We specialize in mudpack/manure/dust/dirt/winter coat/wind burr/mud chip removal and other icky yucky really gross crud. We want your horse to find the right look for his/her personality and lifestyle and individuality

Your horse will feel itself “let go”, starting to relax, slow down, and breath differently as we gleefully use all the tool thingees at hand. Gramma Carole and Paula are really warm, welcoming, easy to talk to, and treat your horse like he/she is special and happy she/he is there.

C&P SPA is a nice intimate experience and your horse will always leave feeling centered, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

We are passionate about out work.

We are located in elegant, luxurious surroundings in a completely friendly, down–to-earth atmosphere at the Raindance Barn and Grill

Sometimes your horse just has to turn its back to the world. It is a time for them to just hit the pause button, step back, take a deep breath and experience what it’s like to feel truly alive. We invite your horse to come and indulge himself/herself. The world will wait.


Hopefully Highly Recommended by Kathi and Jeff Tucker
*All proceeds will go The WindChill Legacy
*******************Shealth cleaning not included*******************

Vinny C&P want you to know that you are getting the full treatment.


Wind Burr Specialists*
Entrepreneur Wind Burr Groomers
Let’s Tell the Truth about Wind Burrs!

Horses always look so nice in the movies. Horses run wild and free with their manes and tails flowing gracefully in the wind but owners know that the manes and tails of horses usually end up a tangled mess of snarls and knots.
Can you believe some owners use baby oil which is cheap but a little messy? Some owners use the more expensive commercial products like Cowboy Magic, Xtreme, Eqyss Survivor Super Detangler/Shine. Some owners use their wife’s or daughter’s detangler. Some use cooking spray or WD 40.
Gramma Carole and Paula Moore know that grooming is very important in maintaining the health and happiness of your horse. We know that tangles and knots should be separated with ones fingers to limit hair loss. Knots and tangles should not be combed out or cut out. Rather gently work the hair away from the knot until it is free. This method prevents excessive hair loss.
Let the professionals who know that wind burrs, tangles and knots should not be combed out.
No swearing! No frustration! No kicking the feed bucket!
Let the professionals give your horse one on one wind burr attention with patience, understanding, and enthusiasm!
Hopefully Highly Recommended by Kathi and Jeff Tucker
*All proceeds will go to The WindChill Legacy

What? No sheath cleaning?????

Paula, any collagen treatments for the older mares? (-;

Mary

Sheila---C&P have learned a few things in the last 2 years.
*********NO SHEATH CLEANING********

Oh boy, Mary what does collagen treatments entail??? C&P are getting really nervous now.

Miste has not told us about those kind of treatments. We will ask her what those are on our Sunday afternoon visit. We won't insult her will we----Is it a delicate matter???????????

Just kidding! This old mare had a collagen facial just for fun. Got rid of most eye and facial wrinkles for a day or so. Good for a special occasion I guess. But your older "clients" may not care about their wrinkles! (or know that they have any).

Mary

LOL. I remember that video and vivid description of what the sheath cleaning entailed. SO, seriously I can see why C&P are opting out!

Vinny, is it a go with C& P?

I want to be centered, relaxed, and my best self!

I want to hit the pause botton and just stop!


"Anonymous"

I am finding time before bed to sit in silence. I have a candle burning and just sit and relax. I have been trying to do this for a couple of months. Just to shut down. I find I don't get to bed and start thinking about a million things. I love listening to the quiet.

Hmmmm!!!!! Kristin Hanson mentioned donating show number magnets to the August auction. I had to ask Kathi what they were and how they were used. My hopes were quickly dashed when I heard those magnets were not for the purpose of holding down your rear end in the saddle or keeping your fingers from sliding up and down the reins, or keeping your knees tight. If they could have been used in that manner, Gramma Carole and I would have bid until there was no tomorrow on those number magnets. (SIGH!!!!)

what are they?

Kathi says they are used to hold up your show number on your jacket instead of using pins. Kristin told me, " The magnets are pretty darn strong. They probably can do amazing things (they do get you stuck to metal stalls!).

Well as you know it was Layla's birthday. Gramma Carole and I gave her a C&P Spa Certificate.

Finding Your Horse’s True Beauty
C&P Spa Cares about Your Horse
A Beauty Oasis

C&P Spa Gift Certificate
To: LAYLA TUCKER
This certificate is good for 1 month of facial massages on Wednesday nights at Raindance Farms, LLC.
From: Gramma Carole and Auntie Paula
Authorized by P&C ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING

Layla, what an especially good gift. Facial massages. You are so lucky.

3/21 Raindance Sunday Visit
It was Layla’s Birthday Party Day. Gramma Carole and I were waiting all week, busting at the seams. Kathi MADE a strawberry swirl cake with fondue frosting and DECORATED it with a brightly colored bow and flowers. It was a masterpiece, a work of art. It tasted so good. Layla was on her best behavior.
Gramma Carole and I gave Layla a brand new face brush with pink hearts on it and her name in pink sparkles. We also gave her a gift certificate from C&P Spa.
Then of course Gramma Carole and I got down to work, using our shedding thingees on Miste, Stella, Chaos, Shania, and Gwen. As Gramma Carole and I worked confidently in a steady rhythm on each horse, their eyes closed and their foot crooked. It is one of the most enjoyable things we do at the ranch Gramma Carole and I think our shedding thingees are our favorite tool. They are holding up well despite all the heavy duty wear and tear they are getting.
This is our third time over 7 days of taking off winter coats and yet once again we were covered in hair and the hair on the floor was do deep even the horses’ hooves were hidden like needles in a hay stack. One thing we have learned is how well insulated these healthy horses at Raindance are for winter weather.
Those other 2 times this week, we must have just loosened up the winter coat. We spent about 45 minutes on each horse today and we could have done more. Again no matter how much we did more just kept coming. However progress is being made. The horses are looking better and better. Gramma Carole and I step back and take a prideful look. WE ARE GOOD. Miste and Kathi have trained us well.
Magic got a new coat from Polly. It is the cutest hot pink rainproof coat I have ever seen.
Of course it was just another fabulous Sunday.

And I thought my horses were spoiled. Shedding season is my favorite season. I love watching all that hair come off the horses. It means to me that better things are yet to come. Spring!! Glorious spring!! When I shed out the mini's, I think I could make another whole horse. Did Layla get to eat her cake? I make carrot cake once a year to give to all the horses as a Once a Year Birthday Celebration. If not carrot cake, apple muffins. No wonder they dig me! But my horses would be so envious of face massages. You guys have got me beat! I love reading the stories-keep them coming.

C&P is very thankful to Darlene for taking the time to teach us how to do the facial massages. She is the Master and she taught her grasshoppers well. We got lots of practice with Miste who needed facial massages badly to help clear out the green slime in her sinuses. The difference it made in Miste's breathing was noticeable right away and in the substantually increased amount of green slime that flowed out. C&P is forever grateful to Darlene for giving us a skill that gives us just as much joy doing it and the pleasure of seeing a very relaxed contented horse with dreamy eyes in la la land.