But Ma, I don't wanna go back to school

Oh, wait...I'M the Mom (Dang it!  :o)

I can't believe it's time to go back already. Where did the summer GO?? *sniffle* I have to admit, it sure was nice to have lots of time to spend with the horses this year (last year I was battling that idiotic neurological "thing" that pretty much killed off any and all potential summer fun). As a dedicated Fuddyduddy - uh, that's one of them thar' technical terminyms - I am violently opposed to change of any sort. This is one of several reasons why horses and I get along like a house on fire *grin*. 
Since my previous student (a.k.a. DD) has graduated, I am off to interpret for someone new. Not only am I changing schools, but grades (high school to elementary). Nothing like a little culture shock, eh? Thankfully, I love the new school, and the classroom teacher is absolutely fantabulous. Er, another technical term there - sorry. The only fly (flies?) in the ointment is that it is three time farther (further?) than my previous school and I have to be there 10 minutes earlier. Ugh. Another change? DD is starting college this month. eek! She has also just gotten her driver's license. EEK! That's one way to achieve a more intensive prayer life (I'm going to wear out my knees on that one for sure). Oh, and in case you're wondering? I didn't Photoshop the bus in behind Bella; it lives next door, and of course the backpack is hers :o)

 

After some seriously hot, humid, yet rainless weather, we've finally started getting some rain. Unfortunately, all that icky sticky humidity threw an annoying (and unexpected) curve our way. Although our feed room is "inside" on the patio, it is screened and visqueened, not walled. We store our open feed in large garbage cans, and all bags are stacked against the wall on pallets (to keep them off the floor). Would you believe that one of the feeds was mildewing inside the garbage can? ARRRGH! Oh, and you definitely don't want to see the tack (blech). For now, I am buying feed every couple of days and storing the problem feed in the house. Of course I can't drag all of the feed stuff indoors, so I am now running back and forth like a lunatic. 

Did I mention that I have to leave for work at 6:45 this year? Sheesh. I am woman, hear me whine (Ha). After four years of a leisurely 7:15 departure time, this is pretty challenging because it means I've got to be outside feeding by 5:45. I have to allow enough time to feed everyone and cool off (ever try to stop sweating in a frantic hurry?), I have to have a wardrobe change (learned that one the hard way; horses love you lots more when you're clean) and slap on some makeup so I don't scare anyone. Here's hoping our pending grant comes through; it's got allotted funds for a dehumidifier in it so at least I can stop running in and out of the house. Of course my new schedule also interferes with my blog visits and Entrecard drops - so shall I apologize for my reduced appearance in advance?

Now maybe it's just me, but I found this solicitation for funds kind of tacky. As a survivor, I can state with absolute authority that cancer has absolutely NO appeal whatsoever (and har-de-har-har). Okay I couldn't resist that one, but let me be serious for a minute: While I understand that places like the Mayo Clinic are humongous contributors to research as well as a marvelous medical resource, it just doesn't seem right to ask their patients to donate money (Um, hello? I had enough trouble just paying my medical bills people). I guess if I were a gazillionaire I might be inclined to donate - and you'll pardon me while I laugh hysterically at that one - but I'm not. The other thing? Well, after three separate trips to Mayo - that generated three separate bills - I was left without a diagnosis. So sorry guys, my pennies are going to the ponies at Epic Farms... A much better bang for my buck don'tcha know ;o)
Look who I almost stepped on yesterday. I'll admit I was beginning to get just a teensy bit worried after a week with no bunny sightings (but a new stray cat in the neighborhood). I'm going to say that this is Harvey, as the little guy was initially invisible... 

I didn't see him until I almost stepped on him; he all but exploded off the ground at my feet (and that'll get the old heart rate up, let me tell ya). Here's hoping your week is full of sunshine and sassy smiles ('cause those are the very best kind). Thanks for reading!