Today Home At Last Sanctuary had three sets of visitor. First was our neighbors and new friends Pat and Chuck with their grandchildren. When you live in the country even someone who lives three miles away is considered a neighbor. Then came Rina and her girls. Soon thereafter our dentisit Dr Ron Wilson and his family came.
Everyone got to meet horses, donkeys, mules, goats and calves up close and personal. Our animals are so sweet and loving that they give warm welcomes. Who can resist a goat snuzzle or a long calf kiss? Even old Jonathan let folks pet him. Dobbin stayed right in their hip pocket and Frankie got jealous when Stuart got brushed. He stood as close as he could so he could have his turn.
We had Frankie and Moon Dancer in the upper turnout but they were very unhappy there, so out they came this morning. Our back yard is jammed with critters, but everyone seems very happy.
In the back yard are Callie and Juan mules, Jenny, Jessie, Jonathan and Dobbin donkeys, Gracie the mini horse, AnnaBelle and Bucky ponies, Maggie mini mule, Sugar and Posey mini hinnies, Stuart, Skittles, Frankie, Moon Dancer, Tess, Amira and Marnie horses. Yep 19. It does get a little hectic at feeding time but each one is so loving and sweet we don't like to be away from them. So are all the others, but I guess 19 is enough (in the back yard anyway).
We walked down to the lower well where Jake, Tucker and Navajo made a special trip over to say Hi. The others were still finishing breakfast. They acknowledged us, but kept on eating.
Going to friends for dinner so we will feed a little early and then have a relaxed evening.
Thank you Christina F for your continued support. Your generosity makes it possible for us to care for the herd.
The dragonflies continue to make the ranch magical as they dart and swoop everywhere. The polywogs are morphing into teeny tiny frogs and occassionally the big ole toad appears. We have lizards by the gazillions and many birds. Even Maven and Cliff Caven Raven have been stomping around the back. Our place is alive, busy and peaceful.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Patience
I have lots of patience. Tons of patience. In fact patient friends get impatient with me because I'm so patient. My patience was (were?) tested today at the DMV. I don't know about other states, but California is really suffering from the bad economy and the state offices suffer even more.
So in I went at 9AM and 2 hours later got to go to the counter. I had only one question- How much would it cost to register a truck whose registration paper I had but we had not yet purchased because we didn't know how much the registration would be. I was told I don't answer questions. Huh? I thought he was joking so I asked again and was told he wouldn't give me the information until I had the title or bill of sale. Thinking he might be trying to tell me without breaking any rules I said"How much would it approximately cost to register a truck similar to this one?" Again"I can't answer that unless you have the title or bill of sale."
I walked out frustrated and really impatient with the whole set-up. I had made notes during my two hour wait on how often the clerks got up, walked to the back room, wandered over to visit with another clerk. We could hear them talking. It was not business. At first I thought maybe it was just me, but looking at the notes I realize there was a definite work slow down. The 35 people waiting in line and sitting in chairs were of no real concern to the clerks. The lady with the two kids hitting each other, crying and then being jerked around by mom didn't help either.
The real entertainment came when a new person took a number, looked at it, then looked at the number being served. The variety of expletives were interesting, but not real creative. The looks were priceless. I was #236 and when I walked in they were serving #189. Only one clerk was working at that time.
Enough!! Won't go back unless I have to. They didn't even have a cafeteria, or taco wagon or a vending machine.
This morning at 6:15 we got a phone call from a lady, Tina, who had rescued a really thin horse. We were able to help her with ideas on how to try to put some weight on the horse. She has decided even on her very limited income to help this poor creature. If you can help Tina please, call her at 530-693-4399. Even $10-15 a month would allow her to give this horse a chance. She'd also like to have some suggestions for a name.
It's kind and caring people like Tina who make the world a better place.
Early afternoon we got a call from someone who wanted a pony. Since none of our animals are sold or rehomed we were glad to recommend HorsePlus as a place to check for a pony.
Aaron the farrier came today and several horses got a hooficure. Little Sugar really needs one, too, but she ran the three of us in circles until we were exhausted. I'll try trickery tomorrow.
Then Anna and Michael brought a pizza and 2 ice creams and we had a good dinner together.
It's been a day that makes me glad that our critters are here. The nickers, hugs and love looks make the bad things disappear. I can feel the well of patience refilling. (But I hope it's not tested for a while yet).
So in I went at 9AM and 2 hours later got to go to the counter. I had only one question- How much would it cost to register a truck whose registration paper I had but we had not yet purchased because we didn't know how much the registration would be. I was told I don't answer questions. Huh? I thought he was joking so I asked again and was told he wouldn't give me the information until I had the title or bill of sale. Thinking he might be trying to tell me without breaking any rules I said"How much would it approximately cost to register a truck similar to this one?" Again"I can't answer that unless you have the title or bill of sale."
I walked out frustrated and really impatient with the whole set-up. I had made notes during my two hour wait on how often the clerks got up, walked to the back room, wandered over to visit with another clerk. We could hear them talking. It was not business. At first I thought maybe it was just me, but looking at the notes I realize there was a definite work slow down. The 35 people waiting in line and sitting in chairs were of no real concern to the clerks. The lady with the two kids hitting each other, crying and then being jerked around by mom didn't help either.
The real entertainment came when a new person took a number, looked at it, then looked at the number being served. The variety of expletives were interesting, but not real creative. The looks were priceless. I was #236 and when I walked in they were serving #189. Only one clerk was working at that time.
Enough!! Won't go back unless I have to. They didn't even have a cafeteria, or taco wagon or a vending machine.
This morning at 6:15 we got a phone call from a lady, Tina, who had rescued a really thin horse. We were able to help her with ideas on how to try to put some weight on the horse. She has decided even on her very limited income to help this poor creature. If you can help Tina please, call her at 530-693-4399. Even $10-15 a month would allow her to give this horse a chance. She'd also like to have some suggestions for a name.
It's kind and caring people like Tina who make the world a better place.
Early afternoon we got a call from someone who wanted a pony. Since none of our animals are sold or rehomed we were glad to recommend HorsePlus as a place to check for a pony.
Aaron the farrier came today and several horses got a hooficure. Little Sugar really needs one, too, but she ran the three of us in circles until we were exhausted. I'll try trickery tomorrow.
Then Anna and Michael brought a pizza and 2 ice creams and we had a good dinner together.
It's been a day that makes me glad that our critters are here. The nickers, hugs and love looks make the bad things disappear. I can feel the well of patience refilling. (But I hope it's not tested for a while yet).
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Dragonflies, Sunflowers and Zucchini
Now I know if I want to have pictures on the blog I'll have to pay for them. Checking into other options.
Use your imaginations some more.
There was a dragonfly hatch today and we were showered with hundreds of rainbow colored beauties.
Many sunflowers have acknowledged summer and have bloomed. The little birds who love their leaves have left enough for the flowers to explode with their vibrancy.
And what would summer be without those prolific green veggies? We now have a basket full of zucchinis. Had some for dinner. Mmmmm.
The garden has gone wild again. We have a Darwinian theory that it is the survival of the fittest. Several fit fellows have taken over. Lots of tomatoes, not yet ripe and even an eggplant or two.
Had a nice visit with a new friend today. See you Tues., Kelly.
Jim got a truckload of hay (2 days worth) and will go back with the trailer soon.
I visited friends Lin and Darell. Sparkle, Ruby, Bobbie and Jesse are fat and shiny there. They have some pasture and lots of good hay. Foster parents are wonderful. Lin had an unexpected visit to the hospital and I did a little ironing for her. Feel better soon, Lin.
Last night I sprayed Juan and Callie's legs with fly spray. Nothing seems to do much good. I wrapped Juan's legs with vet wrap to keep the flies away for a while. He was appreciative.
Don't forget to visit our website http://homeatlastsanctuary.webs.com and see us on FaceBook under Donna Kyle.
Have lots of unexplained, itchy bites. Jim keeps saying "bedbugs," but they aren't. Maybe a wild and wayward spider is loose. Anyway they itch and they are not all in scratchable places. Maybe I'll go out with the horses and find a good branch to rub on.
We are boycotting Subway and Nike because they have Michale Vick as their spokesperson. No way does Home At Last support anyone who has harmed animals.
Love this cooler weather. How about you?
Use your imaginations some more.
There was a dragonfly hatch today and we were showered with hundreds of rainbow colored beauties.
Many sunflowers have acknowledged summer and have bloomed. The little birds who love their leaves have left enough for the flowers to explode with their vibrancy.
And what would summer be without those prolific green veggies? We now have a basket full of zucchinis. Had some for dinner. Mmmmm.
The garden has gone wild again. We have a Darwinian theory that it is the survival of the fittest. Several fit fellows have taken over. Lots of tomatoes, not yet ripe and even an eggplant or two.
Had a nice visit with a new friend today. See you Tues., Kelly.
Jim got a truckload of hay (2 days worth) and will go back with the trailer soon.
I visited friends Lin and Darell. Sparkle, Ruby, Bobbie and Jesse are fat and shiny there. They have some pasture and lots of good hay. Foster parents are wonderful. Lin had an unexpected visit to the hospital and I did a little ironing for her. Feel better soon, Lin.
Last night I sprayed Juan and Callie's legs with fly spray. Nothing seems to do much good. I wrapped Juan's legs with vet wrap to keep the flies away for a while. He was appreciative.
Don't forget to visit our website http://homeatlastsanctuary.webs.com and see us on FaceBook under Donna Kyle.
Have lots of unexplained, itchy bites. Jim keeps saying "bedbugs," but they aren't. Maybe a wild and wayward spider is loose. Anyway they itch and they are not all in scratchable places. Maybe I'll go out with the horses and find a good branch to rub on.
We are boycotting Subway and Nike because they have Michale Vick as their spokesperson. No way does Home At Last support anyone who has harmed animals.
Love this cooler weather. How about you?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday we spent the day in San Francisco. What more can I say? The bushman jumped about and scared folks. We ate great food. Went through the aquarium-lots of good sights there. Nibbled in Chinatown and came home tired and in need of critter time. Thanks to Laura, Linda and Brian who fed for us. It's wonderful to have folks you can rely on.
Sunday I had a horrendous migraine all day. Sympathy to all sufferers of that. Seldom do I get headaches, but this was a doozy.
Today it's back to regular, peaceful, busy and rewarding life on the sanctuary. We love the cooler weather. It was not too bad for Jim who had to replumb the upper tank with the help of Rico and Marnie. They had endless questions. What's this? What's that? Can I eat it? Can I hold it? Can you rub my back? Can you pet my nose? Can I get in the pump house? Oh look! A frog . Can I play with it? Finally, I got some hay for the upper bunch and they left him alone. Of course, the others behind the house wanted hay, too, but they'll have to wait until tonight.
Writing midday still feels weird, but my paradigms are getting stretched.
Frankie will not keep on a fly mask. He usually has it off before I make it to the gate. He, also, got a lesson in behavior from Stuart.
Stuart and Skittles are in the back yard now, and Frankie thought that maybe Stuart needed to see who was bigger. True Frankie is a good 17 hands high and Stuart is about 14.2. And Frankie does have a BIG horse attitude. Stuart is a Kiger mustang and decided Frankie could learn a lesson, too, so when Frankie snaked his head at Stuart, Stuart merely turned his rump to him and lifted a hind foot. Lesson over. New respect for the smaller guy. Now peace reigns again in the back yard.
Thanks, Cathy S for your continued support. We need and appreciate it.
Sunday I had a horrendous migraine all day. Sympathy to all sufferers of that. Seldom do I get headaches, but this was a doozy.
Today it's back to regular, peaceful, busy and rewarding life on the sanctuary. We love the cooler weather. It was not too bad for Jim who had to replumb the upper tank with the help of Rico and Marnie. They had endless questions. What's this? What's that? Can I eat it? Can I hold it? Can you rub my back? Can you pet my nose? Can I get in the pump house? Oh look! A frog . Can I play with it? Finally, I got some hay for the upper bunch and they left him alone. Of course, the others behind the house wanted hay, too, but they'll have to wait until tonight.
Writing midday still feels weird, but my paradigms are getting stretched.
Frankie will not keep on a fly mask. He usually has it off before I make it to the gate. He, also, got a lesson in behavior from Stuart.
Stuart and Skittles are in the back yard now, and Frankie thought that maybe Stuart needed to see who was bigger. True Frankie is a good 17 hands high and Stuart is about 14.2. And Frankie does have a BIG horse attitude. Stuart is a Kiger mustang and decided Frankie could learn a lesson, too, so when Frankie snaked his head at Stuart, Stuart merely turned his rump to him and lifted a hind foot. Lesson over. New respect for the smaller guy. Now peace reigns again in the back yard.
Thanks, Cathy S for your continued support. We need and appreciate it.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
More Imaginings
Honey cat loves to sleep on my lap, head under my chin, kneedy feet where ever she can put them. We put a soft blanket on the top of the china cabinet-now a bookcase and Honey makes giant leaps from lap to top and back again.
The donkeys walk head to tail where ever they go. It's so neat to have Jonathan be part of the herd. Usually Jenny leads, then Jessie, Dobbin and finally Jonathan. They walk up the hill, down the hill, into the barn, out of the barn.
(Jim just asked me "What is it Tiggers do?" Do you know?)
The dogs have found their various cool places. Mac is under the breezeway, where it's nice and cool. As soon as the sun moves off the front patio, Zoe is on the bridge with her head in the small curb. Keecha often hops in the primordial swamp and sits with a big smile. Love stretches out in the breezeway, looking down through the slats at Mac.
Bucky pony continues his multiple personalities. He can be a donkey, a mule, an Oldeneburg and sometimes a Thoroughbred. You can see him change personalities as he morphs into something new. Sometimes he's just a silly pony romping all over. Nobody told him a club foot was a hindrance.
Don't know about your place but Yankee Hill is HOT!!!!!
I have a paradigm that blogs should be written at night at the end of the day, but by the time we get in from feeding 8:30-9 PM it's too late, so I am stretching to do afternoon blogs. It seems very weird.
Paradigms are funny things. They make you think inside the box. Breaking them can open a whole new world. Blog in the afternoon. Grey haired lady with a pony tail and shorts . (Boy, would my mom have had a hard time with that one). Women using weed whackers. Owning more critters than you can put in the car.
More later
The donkeys walk head to tail where ever they go. It's so neat to have Jonathan be part of the herd. Usually Jenny leads, then Jessie, Dobbin and finally Jonathan. They walk up the hill, down the hill, into the barn, out of the barn.
(Jim just asked me "What is it Tiggers do?" Do you know?)
The dogs have found their various cool places. Mac is under the breezeway, where it's nice and cool. As soon as the sun moves off the front patio, Zoe is on the bridge with her head in the small curb. Keecha often hops in the primordial swamp and sits with a big smile. Love stretches out in the breezeway, looking down through the slats at Mac.
Bucky pony continues his multiple personalities. He can be a donkey, a mule, an Oldeneburg and sometimes a Thoroughbred. You can see him change personalities as he morphs into something new. Sometimes he's just a silly pony romping all over. Nobody told him a club foot was a hindrance.
Don't know about your place but Yankee Hill is HOT!!!!!
I have a paradigm that blogs should be written at night at the end of the day, but by the time we get in from feeding 8:30-9 PM it's too late, so I am stretching to do afternoon blogs. It seems very weird.
Paradigms are funny things. They make you think inside the box. Breaking them can open a whole new world. Blog in the afternoon. Grey haired lady with a pony tail and shorts . (Boy, would my mom have had a hard time with that one). Women using weed whackers. Owning more critters than you can put in the car.
More later
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Imagine
When I taught Kindergarten I'd often tell the children that I was going to read a book to them, but not show them the pictures. They would have to imagine what they thought the story characters were like. Sometimes we'd read a page, then they would draw what their imaginations would tell them.
Since Blogger won't let me add pictures, you'll have to use your imagination to picture some of these funny scenes.
Frankie broke a water pipe, drained 3000 gallons of water from the tank before we realized what happened. He was standing in the huge mud puddle, as happy as a grey white horse could be in gooey black mud. He tried to help Jim fix the repair in the 105 degree heat, but was not welcome.
Posey the mini hinny needed a good roll. She started at the top of the little hill in the backyard and slid all the way down on her back. It was so much fun that the roly poly little girl did it again and again.
Levi was helping Jim fill the water trough by sticking his nose in the running water and begging for a good bath. He got one.
A jack rabbit ran past Keecha, Love and Zoe dogs. I thought for sure the poor bunny had lost it's mind and would probably be killed. Keecha was busy chasing shadows and couldn't be bothered. Zoe just sat and watched it zoom by her and Love who was digging a big hole looked over her shoulder and just kept digging. Those rabbit feet were really lucky,
Jonathan now follows us around to get neck massages. It took him almost a year to realize we were not bad guys who would hurt the poor old arthritic fella. He has a most unusual hee haw, even for a donkey.
Patches cat sat in front of the outside door that has glass in it and watched with amazement as a teeny little frog crawled all the way up. He'd turn his head one way, then the other trying to figure out what the funny little thing was. When the frog jumped, he jumped.
When we go out to feed there is a line up at the back fence that includes 4 donkeys, 2 big mules, 1 minimule, 2 mini hinnies, 1 mini horse, 2 ponies and 3 horses. The side fence has 3 mules and 7 horses. That doesn't count the other 8 turn-outs.What a musical greeting we get. And boy, do we hear about it if we are a little slow. Jim calls them Donna Groupies.
More imaginings later.
Thank you Eileen G, Holley Y and Mary R for your continued support. It's great folks like you who help Home At Last give sanctuary to so many horses, donkeys and mules. Thank you Marla for the hay.
Yesterday I was tired and grumpy, but Juan and Callie gave the needed mule hugs to make everything better. Can't imagine life without our beloved critters.
Since Blogger won't let me add pictures, you'll have to use your imagination to picture some of these funny scenes.
Frankie broke a water pipe, drained 3000 gallons of water from the tank before we realized what happened. He was standing in the huge mud puddle, as happy as a grey white horse could be in gooey black mud. He tried to help Jim fix the repair in the 105 degree heat, but was not welcome.
Posey the mini hinny needed a good roll. She started at the top of the little hill in the backyard and slid all the way down on her back. It was so much fun that the roly poly little girl did it again and again.
Levi was helping Jim fill the water trough by sticking his nose in the running water and begging for a good bath. He got one.
A jack rabbit ran past Keecha, Love and Zoe dogs. I thought for sure the poor bunny had lost it's mind and would probably be killed. Keecha was busy chasing shadows and couldn't be bothered. Zoe just sat and watched it zoom by her and Love who was digging a big hole looked over her shoulder and just kept digging. Those rabbit feet were really lucky,
Jonathan now follows us around to get neck massages. It took him almost a year to realize we were not bad guys who would hurt the poor old arthritic fella. He has a most unusual hee haw, even for a donkey.
Patches cat sat in front of the outside door that has glass in it and watched with amazement as a teeny little frog crawled all the way up. He'd turn his head one way, then the other trying to figure out what the funny little thing was. When the frog jumped, he jumped.
When we go out to feed there is a line up at the back fence that includes 4 donkeys, 2 big mules, 1 minimule, 2 mini hinnies, 1 mini horse, 2 ponies and 3 horses. The side fence has 3 mules and 7 horses. That doesn't count the other 8 turn-outs.What a musical greeting we get. And boy, do we hear about it if we are a little slow. Jim calls them Donna Groupies.
More imaginings later.
Thank you Eileen G, Holley Y and Mary R for your continued support. It's great folks like you who help Home At Last give sanctuary to so many horses, donkeys and mules. Thank you Marla for the hay.
Yesterday I was tired and grumpy, but Juan and Callie gave the needed mule hugs to make everything better. Can't imagine life without our beloved critters.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Well, Love and Keecha are the only ones allowed to upload. They find the coolest spot and laze away their days.
The hot Summer days are here and we are up early doing chores, then tucked away inside for the hottest part of the day.
Jonathan donkey now comes to the fence and waits for his treats. He let Jim give him a good neck rub then followed him around for more. He's quite thin and he refuses to be locked up so we can feed him more. The other day when I closed all four donkeys and Callie mule in the barn, there was such a caterwauling that I had to let them out. They hated being closed in, even if they spend the entire day in the very same spot. Oh Longears, you are so complicated.
Thank you, Marla, for the hay you donated. It is always so nice when folks help the animals at Home At Last.
Jim will hook up the hay trailer tonight after we feed, then leave early tomorrow to get there and back before the heat hits. Another 92 bales needed for the week.
Four die cast collectible 1/24 scale Sprint cars were donated and they are selling for $50.00 each. Call me if you are interested 530-514-1439.
Don't forget to visit our website http://homeatlastsanctuary.webs.com and the Thrift Store at 611 Walnut Chico. Closed Mondays.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)