soon to be discovered

Rachel Retires 9-28-10

2010-09-29T11:39:00.003-04:00

Lookin At Lucky wins 2010 Haskell

2010-08-01T20:13:00.003-04:00

Top 3 year old!

Run In Peace

2010-04-19T14:12:00.008-04:00

Ever since I saw Tough Tiz's Sis

give Zenyatta a run for her money, I've been a fan of Tiznow and his offspring.

So this year I've been following Tiz Chrome. Saddened to say that this beautiful horse suffered a compound fracture (when the skin is broken, severely decreasing the chances of recovery) and had to be put down.

Make A Wish

2010-04-08T13:10:00.009-04:00

Bloodhorse/HRTV has a video of the story.

Inspiration - Molly the Pony

2010-03-12T15:48:00.006-05:00

Be sure to check out the videos at Molly the Pony.

Rachel Alexandra's 2010 Debut

2010-03-10T18:09:00.003-05:00

Great Article from Daily Racing Form:

Fair Grounds | Posted 3/10/2010, 5:39 pmPrint
Tight schedule adds a hurdle for Rachel
By Marcus Hersh
Rachel Alexandra
Barbara D. Livingston
"I thought her 2009 campaign, by the end of it, she was just tired," assistant trainer Scott Blasi said of Rachel.

NEW ORLEANS - As any handicapper knows by now, Daily Racing Form keeps detailed trainer statistics. First-time starters, claimers, blinkers on, so on and so forth. The shorthand for one category is +180 Days - that is, win percentage with horses returning from a layoff of a half-year or longer. Steve Asmussen bats .170 in +180 Days, a good, solid mark.

Just last weekend, on March 7, an Asmussen-trained filly named Songtress made her first start in more than 20 months and won an allowance race by almost three lengths. This weekend, the spotlight shines ever so brightly on Asmussen's skill at readying a horse after a long layoff, with Rachel Alexandra set to make her first start since the Sept. 5 Woodward Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds in the New Orleans Ladies.

When Rachel Alexandra heads to the paddock for Saturday's 1 1/16-mile race, 189 days will have passed since the Woodward. That's plenty of time to prepare a horse to run, especially one who went out of action without an injury. But Rachel's connections gave her plenty of rest and recovery after an arduous 3-year-old campaign, and then encountered roadblocks in the form of bad weather once Rachel resumed training. With Songtress, who began prepping for her comeback at training centers before even returning to the racetrack, Asmussen could tinker and take his time. The same formula might have been employed with Rachel Alexendra, until Zenyatta and the Apple Blossom popped into the picture.

On Jan. 16, Jerry and Ann Moss, owners of Zenyatta, runner-up to Rachel Alexandra in 2009 Horse of the Year voting, officially unretired their champion mare. On Feb. 4, Oaklawn Park announced that the April 3 Apple Blossom would be changed from a stakes to an invitational and would offer a $5 million purse if Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta were to start. Late on Feb. 10, Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra's majority owner, issued a press release saying that the Apple Blossom came up too soon for Rachel Alexandra to be properly readied. The next day, the $5 million race was back on, rescheduled for April 9. Rachel Alexandra had a major target. And at the time of the announcement, she had all of two timed workouts.

To find an analogy for Rachel Alexandra's post-Woodward September, think NFL off-season. Rachel had battle fatigue. She had raced eight times in 2009, starting Feb. 15 and going steadily through the Woodward. Not only that, Rachel Alexandra had been in racetrack training for a solid year. She had run hard, and she had lost weight.

"I thought her 2009 campaign, by the end of it, she was just tired," said Asmussen's assistant trainer Scott Blasi, who has spent as much time as anyone with Rachel Alexandra.

After the Woodward, and after the Saratoga meeting ended, Rachel Alexandra remained at Asmussen's Saratoga barn. Gone were the crowds, gone was the pressure.

"The month [after the Woodward] was awesome for her," said Blasi, who stayed behind with the Saratoga string. "No reporters, no cameras. We spent the whole month up there. I'd turn her out in a round pen. She's smart. She figured it out, and she wouldn't want to come in. I'd leave her out there, go eat lunch, I'd come back and she'd be out laying down, sunning. I mean, you talk about a horse that absolutely enjoys her time off, it was her. She'd lay down, she'd roll. I'd take her hay and water."

"In mid-October, we moved back to Churchill, but her time till then was about getting to be a horse," Blasi said. "Her whole disposition changed within three weeks hanging out there."

Back at Churchill, and back into the bustle. The stalls at the track in Louisville housed hundreds more horses than had been stabled at Saratoga. Gone was sunshine on her back and slow afternoons. Rachel Alexandra spent more time in her stall. A saddle soon enough got cinched on, a rider legged up not long after that.

"She was definitely heavier, softer, when she came back," Asmussen said. "We tack-walked for quite a while at first."

After walking around the shed row in Asmussen's Churchill barn for several weeks, Rachel Alexandra on Nov. 23 got her first look at a racetrack since she had been led away from the Woodward winner's circle.

"We took her for a little jog around the track once or twice before we left Churchill for New Orleans," Asmussen said.

Rachel Alexandra came to Fair Grounds on Nov. 27, her connections plotting nothing more than a yet-to-be-determined 2010 comeback race.

"Nothing's scheduled," Asmussen told Daily Racing Form the day Rachel Alexandra arrived at Fair Grounds. "She won't work for a long time."

Rain defined December in New Orleans. The airport measured almost 26 inches of rain during the month, a record, and Rachel Alexandra on several December mornings found herself confined to Asmussen's barn. Between rain in December and freezing conditions during this unusually cold winter, Rachel Alexandra missed between six and eight days of scheduled training, Asmussen said.

On Jan. 20, after a spirited gallop, Asmussen said he still wasn't sure whether Rachel Alexandra could be readied for a start during the Fair Grounds meet.

"It's too early to say yet," Asmussen said.

But Rachel had, from the time she got back into training, given her connections positive vibrations.

"She's definitely not a normal horse in that sense," Asmussen said at the time. "Usually when you get started back with a horse after being off that long, they're a little sloppy and slow at first. She was not like that at all."

On Jan. 31, it was time to let the bear out of her cage, though on a short leash. Her exercise rider, Dominic Terry, let Rachel stretch her legs beyond a gallop or a two-minute lick, and Rachel Alexandra worked a half-mile in 52 seconds.

Rachel came back with another work one week later and has breezed every six days since then, an accelerated schedule. She has hit her marks, but not without impediments. Sloppy conditions on Feb. 12 forced the mildest of five-furlong drills; Rachel was timed in 1:03.80. On Feb. 18, a keyed-up Rachel started her work going faster than intended. On March 2, doing the most serious work of her comeback, Rachel Alexandra worked in company for the first time, with a horse named Depaul. This time, the work started off far too slow. Rachel was timed in 1:13.60, but Asmussen had hoped for something faster.

This is the second winter in three seasons that an Asmussen-trained Horse of the Year has regularly worked out on the Fair Grounds track. Curlin was here in 2008, readying for his trip to Dubai for the World Cup. Blasi spent day after day with Curlin, just like Rachel Alexandra.

"She's a special girl," Blasi said. "She's not as easy as Curlin was. She's more giving, more aggressive in her training, not as patient. But she's the most athletic horse I've ever seen. The way she covers ground. The part we have to work on is getting her to show a little patience."

In her routine gallops, Rachel whizzes around the track at a pace much faster than the typical galloper. She's done that since before she came into the Asmussen barn last May.

"We do a lot of walking, just spend a lot of time with her," Blasi said. "You pay attention to how she starts off into a gallop, do everything you can possibly do to make her understand."

Back at the barn, Blasi leaves Rachel to her groom, Javier Espinoza, and lets her do what she wants. Rachel's no rogue, but she will bite, Blasi said.

"I don't mess with her," he said. "I leave her alone. When she's done, that's it. I let her be a horse."

But it's not all horses whose every move inside their stall is monitored via real-time video in her trainer's office - Rachel Cam. It's not all horses whose routine, no matter how mundane, makes news. Yes: On the one hand, this is another horse coming back from a long layoff for trainer Steve Asmussen. There's a protocol to follow, and Asmussen knows it well. But there's only one reigning Horse of the Year. This year, that horse is Rachel Alexandra. Fully ready or not, it is time for her to run.

/

Corn Straw Broom - Snow

2010-02-17T11:04:00.003-05:00

Remember when your mom, or perhaps your grand-mom, dusted the snow off you before you got to go back in the house?
Remember how sometimes it seemed to be a little too vigorous?

Winter Olympics 2010 - Kentucky Style

2010-02-15T15:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T00:49:00.002-05:00

Feb. 2, 2010

2010-02-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

Curlin's a Daddy!

2010-01-15T11:53:00.003-05:00

He has a, no doubt, beautiful baby filly!

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/54829/champion-curlin-sires-first-foal

Einstein Retiring?

2009-11-27T20:24:00.007-05:00

A major contender for the Eclipse Awards champion older male, Einstein, age seven, ran third in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs November 27, 2009. Despite breaking from the fourteenth post position and facing a very talented field, he was only closely beaten by the three-year-olds Blame and Misremembered. Bullsbay crossed the wire in seventh. Macho Again finished ninth.

Although it has not yet been confirmed, it was believed to be Einstein's final race before retirement. Whether it was or not, here's a little video tribute, courtesy of Margo Moon, to the incredible Einstein.

Dona Nobis Pacem

2009-11-04T21:06:00.009-05:00

Eclipse of Peace

without hatred

without fear

without greed

without prejudice

PEACE

BlogBlast for Peace - Thurs. Nov. 5, 2009

2009-11-03T21:41:00.006-05:00

Thursday, bloggers from around the world will dedicate their blogs to peace. To join or just see what it is all about, check out BlogBlast for Peace.

Lookin At Lucky

2009-10-06T21:51:00.003-04:00

Here's one to watch:

See Rachel Run

2009-09-04T10:02:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, most tv viewers will not be able to watch the historic event of the filly phenom, Rachel Alexandra, taking on older, male, horses in the Grade I Woodward Stakes at Saratoga, Sat. Sept, 5, 2009. However, there are other resources:

TVG - tv & net
HRTV - tv & net
Twinspires - net
NYRA Saratoga - net & info

Remember, Run Like A Girl!

Rachel Alexandra - video treat

2009-09-01T08:02:00.002-04:00

Here's Rachel Alexandra's most recent workout as she prepares to take on older male horses in the Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga on Sat. Sept. 5th.

A Bright Idea

2009-08-14T09:26:00.003-04:00

For those who care about the environment, Home Depot recycles your burned out compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Okay, She Looks Happy

2009-08-03T13:14:00.003-04:00

Look Out Boys

2009-07-28T11:24:00.002-04:00

Dawn at Churchill Downs - Featuring Mine That Bird

2009-06-05T23:16:00.011-04:00

On this Belmont eve, I'm finally getting around to posting some photos I took on the backside of Churchill Downs on May 21, 2009. And, yes, the last three are of Mine That Bird.

Rachel Alexandra - Doesn't She Look Happy?

2009-05-15T19:49:00.008-04:00

"Bitter, party of one."

Okay, maybe I am applying human feelings to animals. Sorry, if I have insulted them, the animals.

Look at Rachel Alexandra now.

All dolled up. Tongue tied. Away from all the happiness, or at least the happiness that could be achieved under the control of humans, that she had known.
Into a new world.
Best of luck, Rachel Alexandra.

Rachel Alexandra, Money Can Buy

2009-05-06T23:25:00.004-04:00

The beautiful filly, Rachel Alexandra, who won the Kentucky Oaks, May 1, 2009, has been sold.
Although I know, from being a Curlin fan, that she will be well cared for, I am sad.
Once again, a horse will be taken out of her surroundings, away from those she loves and those who love her,...as if it does not matter. As if, she is only property.

But, she is not.

I know from too many experiences of how horses grieve and search for friends who are no longer there.
But, humans think that as long as they have food, water and exercise, it won't matter.
Sure. She'll adjust.
Just as a human waves a tearful goodbye to dear friends.

Rachel Romps!

2009-05-01T21:14:00.010-04:00

Rachel Alexandra easily takes the Kentucky Oaks 5-1-09.

A Ride On Zenyatta

2009-04-30T21:26:00.007-04:00

While catching up on Derby and Oaks news, I found this great video of Zenyatta with Mike Smith aboard wearing a helmet camera. Zenyatta is scheduled to run in The Louisville Distaff (Churchill Downs 7th race May 1, post time 2:10pm EDT), but if the rainy weather makes the track not to her trainer's liking, she may be scratched. So, enjoy this ride as a possible consolation.

Kentucky Oaks 135

2009-04-28T11:57:00.004-04:00

I've been watching this filly for many months now. She'll be flying out of post position 6 on Friday, May 1, 2009. Oaks Day. Not only is she cute, but she is incredible!
(Note: Top photo, credit Barbara D. Livingston.)

Click here for more information about The Kentucky Oaks 135 and The Kentucky Derby 135.

Baby Girl

2009-03-18T13:42:00.002-04:00

Rags To Riches' new foal.

Congratulations!

And The Winner Is...

2009-02-11T09:29:00.007-05:00

Stump!

Westminster Kennel Club's 2009 Best In Show.

This ten-year old Sussex spaniel became the oldest dog to ever win the title.
Just for fun, he came out of retirement for this year's Westminster. In 2004 he took top honors of the Sporting Group. Then, nearly died shortly thereafter of a mysterious illness. He truly is the come back dog!

But before you go looking to get one of these pups, please consider a shelter dog first. Pedigree brand dog food sponsored the coverage of Westminster and they are matching donations for placement and care of shelter dogs. Check out their site dogsrule.com.
As well as local shelters, there are many organizations helping place homeless animals. Best Friends, I have mentioned before.
Who knows? Maybe you will find your "Stump" at one of these.

Happy tails and CONGRATULATIONS STUMP!

Who Will It Be? Who WILL it be?

2009-02-10T13:25:00.007-05:00

Thanks to modern technology (Direct TV) we are able to watch the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! Above, past Best In Show winners: 2006 Rufus - Bull Terrier, 2007 Diamond Jim - Springer Spaniel, 2008 Uno - Beagle.

The final night, including Best In Show, airs Tuesday Feb. 10 on USA.

Oh, Mary Carillo is one of the commentators. Just sayin'.

Groundhog's Day!

2009-02-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

Have a happy one!!

(Groundhog's Day Wreath orders available upon request.)

Eclipse Awards

2009-01-26T11:16:00.003-05:00

It's a racehorse thing. TVG is covering it live Mon. Jan. 26, 2009.

Prayers For Bobby

2009-01-23T13:01:00.006-05:00

Sat. Night 1/24/09, Check It Out:
http://prayersforbobby.com/

Belated Happy New Year

2009-01-09T12:24:00.004-05:00

'nuf said?

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T10:51:00.002-05:00

Gift Idea

2008-12-10T12:20:00.004-05:00

...just sayin'.

Perspective

2008-12-03T12:37:00.015-05:00

Churchill Downs Tribute To Curlin

2008-11-29T23:34:00.016-05:00

For more on Curlin's retirement ceremonies, check out today's Starr Ann Chronicles

All photos © 2008 JoeyJo

Einstein

2008-11-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

“To be able to win a stake like that means the world to me, but to get a graded stake on the dirt for him is super. It was kind of my main objective coming in here," Pitts said. "He was second in a grade I in the Stephen Foster. But to win a graded stake on the dirt for him, he deserves it more than anybody out there because I’ve never had a horse that loves his job and loves to train and loves to run as much as he does. When he turned for home, I knew he’d dig deep down inside to find all he could to get there. He’s a very special horse.”

I Think

2008-11-11T09:06:00.007-05:00

I think sometimes people think too much. Or maybe, I think, sometimes. Anyway, it seems to me that people are thinking too much, or at least I am, I think.

It used to be that I could sit on the deck, enjoy a cup of tea and a granola bar and relax. Now, when I try it, I drink the tea, crunch the granola bar, and think! Think about stuff like what others think or what will they think!!

I think I am not the only one who does this. I think others who don't care what other people think, think about what other people think.

I am not saying that caring about what others think is wrong. No, rather, I think that thinking and re-thinking about what you think others think will eventually find you "having another thought coming".

Having said that, I am thinking, should I end this post here or should I go on?

I'll have to think about that.

...and still thinking about this, as the story goes, when my brother was a little kid and saw a statue of "The Thinker" he said "He is thinking about where he lost his clothes."

Dona Nobis Pacem

2008-11-06T08:28:00.007-05:00

Ever fall asleep with the Sun shining on you? Perhaps, you were on a couch with the rays streaming through a window. Or maybe you were in a hammock basking in the brightness. The heat that penetrated your pores filled you with a sense of calm, a sense of peace. Then, a dark cloud drifted across the sky, blocking the radiance. A chill settled over you, disturbing you. You were awakened. But when the beams broke into the clouds and became stronger and stronger, the warm glow returned. You were once again enveloped in serenity.

Hopefully, the dark cloud that has hovered over our great nation is passing and peace will begin to radiate throughout the world.

Decision 2008

2008-11-04T05:47:00.003-05:00

Today, be a part of tomorrow.

VOTE!

As my friend Starr Ann (hi, Starr Ann) would say, "It's a booth, not a closet."

Breeder's Cup 2008 - Hats Off!

2008-10-27T14:36:00.009-04:00

Curlin.

Zenyatta.

One of two...Zenyatta!

Nothing more be said.

Breeder's Cup Classic. What a race!

Way to go, Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator!!
And Tiago!!!

Things just didn't work out for my favorite, since Barbaro, Curlin.
Considering everything, I was worried about the Euros and they came through. Truly a classic race.

But, I am looking forward to welcoming Curlin back to Churchill Downs, Kentucky!!!!

Breeder's Cup 2008 Curlin - Zenyatta

2008-10-22T14:07:00.015-04:00

Curlin

Zenyatta

Election 2008

2008-10-15T13:26:00.003-04:00

Another debate tonight will rob me of much needed sleep. Yet, I will stay up and watch and hope that the public will see who the best candidate is.
I could go on about all of the obvious, ... hasty decisions (Sarah Palin), the strong economy (not), the Party that landed us in this place, the loss of human life to a greedy war, disregard for fellow inhabitants of the earth, etc., etc. (Dang. I did go on a bit.) But, it looks like citizens of the United States are ready for a change; a move to the positive direction.

Be a part of that change...VOTE !

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

2008-10-03T23:15:00.004-04:00

New Movie! Bet everyone who didn't get one during the Taco Bell surge is gonna want one. They are precious little creatures. My first, very own dog/doog, "Cutie Pie" (named her myself) was a Chihuahua. They may be a bit head-strong, but they are highly devoted. Please remember that they are very small, thus, despite sometimes a big dog demeanor, very fragile. They are meant to be a companion dog and tend to be a lap dog. That means, they should live inside where they are protected and warm and loved. Treat them as a child or at least a fellow living creature, not a disposable possession. And if you do decide you are up to being a good human to one of these little ones, check this out:

Little Dog Birthday!

2008-10-01T12:47:00.013-04:00

Butten thinking about cake!

In case you are not aware, today is designated "Little Dog Birthday". Most of our pups (except Bug) have been rescued. So, we have had only a rough idea of when they were born. But it seemed like Oct. was about right for our first, a pound puppy, Challie (Jellybean Chalfonte..."Jellybean" never really fit) the second, street-wise puppy, Skippy (Skippy Peanut Butter...was retrieved from a four-lane parkway) and then, energetic Butten (found on another busy street that we now refer to as Butten Boulevard). All three whole-heartedly adopted Oct. 1st as their birthday.

Challie, one of their adored Moms, and Skipper
Little Dog Birthday 1997

Butten, as it turns out, was his real "given", misspelled name. His owner had died and her son had just turned him out and didn't care whether or not he came back. I digress.

Anyway, today Butten carries on the tradition
celebrating his 17th birthday!

This Is,

2008-09-21T00:01:00.001-04:00

This Is..............................................................BUG!

And this is Bug's 6th birthday.

She's gonna have presents and cake, but wants to bypass the ice cream on account of what happened last time!

On the Happy Trail!

2008-09-17T23:00:00.003-04:00

Powerful Memory - Eight Belles - Powerful Legacy

2008-09-07T19:36:00.007-04:00

The remains of Eight Belles have been laid to rest at The Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. Today, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, a memorial service was held there. I, now, have a heightened respect for Eight Belles' trainer, Larry Jones. Stifling his emotions, he said:

“I was the lucky one who got to see her come into the barn as a long-legged, gangly 2-year-old filly and was also the one who was lucky enough to see her turn into a lovely, gallant and courageous racehorse,” Jones said. “My memories of her on the day (of the Derby) is that she had so much poise. She knew everyone was here for her and she just decided that with 150,000 people looking, she felt she owed it to every one of them to make eye contact. I think people were mesmerized by her."

In the words of Rick Porter, her owner:

“I’m convinced that her tragic accident is a possible catalyst for the several crisis-level changes needed in Thoroughbred horse racing. If her death can bring about much-needed rules eliminating unnecessary medication and the implementation of a racing commission to whom all of us will be accountable, then Eight Belles will not have died in vain.”

Eight Belles, such a glorious, amazing creature.

GREAT NEW BLOG!

2008-09-01T19:49:00.003-04:00

lolsarahz

Check It Out!

Deal With It

2008-08-21T13:19:00.004-04:00

I believe that the only way to survive this world is to accept what it deals you and believe that there is a reason. (Most likely, the reason is not transparent.) Nevertheless, when times are tough, I have a hard time with my own philosophy. But, hay (intentional misspelling), it is all for a reason!

Thurston B. Howl IV

2008-08-18T12:33:00.001-04:00

Shimmy Shake. Mr. ShimShamMan.

"Thurston the Murston. He is a puppy dog. He is a pup. He is a pup. He is a puppy dog!"

Santa, AmyJo & THURSTON! Christmas 2006

Thurston

Feb. 1998 - Aug. 17, 2008

Sordid Lives

2008-07-30T09:28:00.006-04:00

Looking for some refreshing, bizarre entertainment? Tune in to LOGO Wednesday nights for the new series 'Sordid Lives'. Some of the best acting I have ever seen comes from Beth Grant, playing the role of Sissy. But, the entire cast is awesome. (Yes, that is Rue McClanahan!)

Of course, I am partial to Olivia Newton-John. She plays a tough lesbian country singer. She also has some great songs.

And Leslie Jordan (remember him from 'Will & Grace'?) plays Brother Boy!

Oh, here's one more photo of Olivia...just because.

P. S. If you don't get LOGO, you can rent the movie.

Ever Get The Feeling?

2008-07-18T12:51:00.011-04:00

That somebody or something is bigger than life?

I saw a woman perform a few years ago at a womens' music festival. She was dynamic. She had stage presence. She had humor. And she could SING (and play the guitar). Oh, did I mention cute?
It was a full day and I intended to order her music. Never did.
Subsequently, I heard about her and her health problems. Had to be her.
Bound by her spirit, I, peripherally, kept up with her progress. Not too long ago, she was doing better, enjoying life and had hope.
Next thing, it all crashed. She died.

Surely, there is a reason.

Katie Reider

Katie Reider 1978 - 2008

2008-07-15T09:10:00.002-04:00

Her voice and spirit now soar the heavens.

Magnetic

2008-07-08T10:53:00.003-04:00

When I was a kid (still am, at heart), we had a magnetic pool game. Remember those?
Anyways, I used to pick up the pieces, and one way I would hold them they would absolutely repel each other, but if I turned them around it would be difficult to pry them apart.

C'est la vie.

Creating Time

2008-06-24T08:41:00.003-04:00

Today's world is hectic. Seems like everything is approaching at warp speed. The mind, even during allotted resting moments, tends to race to unfinished projects or commitments.

We need to slow down, but in reality, that won't happen because there is always something that should be done. So, if we can't change reality, we should try to change our perception of it.

I used to play tennis (I don't have time to anymore). When I was "in the zone", playing my best, I found that I was slowing the ball down. It wasn't coming at me so fast. Of course, it was, but I perceived it slower. In essence, I was creating time.

It can be done.

Curlin - Stephen Foster

2008-06-16T12:51:00.002-04:00

WARNING: Don't Boil Corn Today

2008-06-13T11:44:00.003-04:00

When I was a teenager, my grandmother, who lived with us (and was my 2nd mom and mentor), was preparing corn on the cob. You know, boiling water and all that. Can't/cain't even guess how many times in her life that she had done that. But this happened to be Friday the 13th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Somehow, the pot got tipped and the contents, in full boil, dumped onto her foot.

Have a safe day!

Go With What You Feel

2008-06-12T12:48:00.006-04:00

Curlin

Grasshopper

Einstein

Reckon that sums it up.

(or maybe Einstein, Grasshopper)

(Or maybe...)

Da'Tara!

2008-06-08T17:05:00.001-04:00

2008-06-07 12:11:06 Bet Belmont 11 Win/Place/Show $2.00 4+6+7 $18.00 $131.30 ;)

Dona Nobis Pacem

2008-06-04T00:36:00.000-04:00

PEACE
...when the kids have gone to bed and the house is quiet.
...when, at daybreak, you realize that it is a weekend and you can go back to sleep.
...when you finally remember the name, or song, or whatever, that has been eluding you.
...when you gaze upon a sleeping face.
...when the only sound heard is the wind thru the grass and trees.
...when you clasp a comforting hand.

...when you witness a dynamic sunrise or sunset.
...when you bow your head in prayer or meditation.

...when the weapons are silent.

On Golden Puddle

2008-05-29T11:26:00.003-04:00

For a few years now, I have been fortunate enough to observe a pair of mallards take residence at a near by pond. Really, more of a puddle. Couldn't be much more than 100' x 75'. A veritable lake by some standards(another story)! Anyway, these two free-flying fowls have their choice of numerous bodies of water around here, from the mighty Ohio River to Goose Creek, from Lake Cumberland to Long Run Lake. Yet, as I saw again this morning, they are back, and seemed to be quite content as they zeroed in for a landing on their Golden Puddle.

Lesbians Don't Need Nothing

2008-05-28T11:20:00.000-04:00

You know, historically, in numbers, there's power. Well, just observing here, I have noticed that when "sisters" were needed (circa late '60s forward) "sisters" were there. Now, thanks to the strength of those people, today, we don't need nobody.
We are mainstream! We don't need no lesbian heros. We don't need no lesbian concerts. We don't need no lesbian bars. We don't need nothing,...but the cruises are nice.

Poof

2008-05-27T13:13:00.005-04:00

Just watchin' Dreamer asleep on the love-seat this morning, brought back wonderful memories of the two of us (October 2007). "Dude", as I like to call him, is quite the ham. Loves to have his picture taken!
Dang. How time flies! Seems like "poof" it is gone.
At least Dude is always ready for a new photo shoot. Guess I'll have to get out the
camera!

One of "Those" Days?

2008-05-22T11:01:00.004-04:00

Don't worry, the waters are calm! And I hear there are mermaids in the area.

Internet Dependency

2008-05-21T12:59:00.003-04:00

Couldn't help but post this Internet Addiction Test.

For more information, check out the net!

Gotta go. (It is after noon and I haven't finished morning chores, yet.)

Life's Good

2008-05-15T10:57:00.011-04:00

Yep it is. Life is good.

Sure there are challenges, which faced with head down, can result in drowning.

Of course an occasional dip in the wet stuff may not turn out to be all bad.

But, if you keep your head up, you can not only taste the salty water, but you can also fly. Just a thought. Enjoy!

Blog Blast For Peace

2008-05-09T15:44:00.004-04:00

Check this out:

Blog Blast For Peace

8 Bells for Eight Belles

2008-05-09T10:57:00.001-04:00

http://8bellsforeightbelles.org/

I'm Just So Proud To Be Here

2008-05-08T15:52:00.004-04:00

Just got word that I have been inducted to the Posse, Hall of Fame, (not to be confused with femme)!

Ride'm cowgirls!

On Some Level

2008-05-08T13:18:00.006-04:00

I've experienced life for more than quite a few years now. I have been grief stricken by many losses.
I can only believe that there is a certain point in any one's life, be it human or animal that, on some level, it is time to leave this world. They/we call it.
I do not condone mistreatment of animals or humans. In fact, I have risked my life many times to protect animals and, although not as risky, an elderly woman.
However, on some level, I think we all "call it".
Okay, to the point, Eight Belles...Yes, we must do everything possible to make life better and safer for everyone, animals and human alike. Perhaps this is what Eight Belles wanted us to understand or maybe she just wanted to go out in glory...who knows.

Eight Belles

2008-05-04T01:19:00.004-04:00

It's a horse race!

2008-05-01T11:19:00.009-04:00

Okay, it is a whole bunch of horse races, big ones, too.

Tomorrow is "Oaks Day" at Churchill Downs. That means that the fillies (young female horses) are in the spotlight. Above is one of my favorites, Awesome Chic. I first saw her when she won the Florida Oaks. I bet on her then because she looked so much like my Rex (the young horse in profile photo) and guess what? She won! She is not a favorite, but I believe "she can do it"!!!

Favorite, if Eight Belles goes to the Derby instead of the Oaks, is Proud Spell.

Eight Belles

Proud Spell

However, Country Star is my other choice.

There are a bunch of good horses in the race, did I mention A to the Croft!:

And if you are interested, you can join twinspires.com to bet on the Oaks, as well as the Derby on Saturday and the Woodford Reserve, the big turf race right before the Derby. There is a bit of a dispute going on, so as of now these will be the only races that you can bet on from this site, but that could change. Whether you want to bet or not, all of the races can be viewed live from this site (if you are a member).

Now, for the Derby.

I can't really get a handle on it. So, I think I will stick with Pyro.

Took this photo myself on a not good day for Pyro. I think I will blame it on the track.

But, I like many of the other horses and if time permits, I'll go over them in another post.

BEST OF LUCK!

Pansies

2008-04-21T09:27:00.004-04:00

Ever notice how really beautiful pansies are? With their bright colors and velvety pedals, I'd have to say that they are my favorite flowers.

Ever notice how they tend to hang their heads? Wonder why.

Any suggestions on how to encourage pansies to hold their heads up, would be appreciated.

The Blood Flows

2008-04-15T13:46:00.006-04:00

Nicanor- Barbaro's little brother

Sometimes, I kinda wonder what "it" is all about. Of course, I will never know, but a pattern seems to emerge. A legacy, if you "will"...

Some of Life's Greatest Challenges

2008-04-10T08:48:00.007-04:00

Cancer is one of life's greatest challenges. The Great Walk To Beijing 2008 is an incredible undertaking of Olivia Newton-John's to raise money and awareness for fighting cancer.

Olivia is a breast cancer survivor. Melissa Etheridge and Kate Jackson are among many other celebrities who have met the challenge.

Katie Reider is fighting her own different battle now.

Reminds me of this quote from my youth. "Hold on to what is good. Support the weak. Help the suffering."

Life Is A State Of Mind

2008-04-04T12:24:00.003-04:00

Mine happens to be Kentucky.

Kentucky derived from Iroquoian word

"Ken-tah-ten"

meaning land of tomorrow.

(I'm not really talking about the Derby prep races!)

Happy Birthday Margo!

2008-03-31T00:01:00.001-04:00

"Run With The Wind"

2008-03-25T11:43:00.003-04:00

Okay, I found this incredible post thanks to Mr.Ed.
Check out "I Am" on the "Spiritual Side" of this site.

Run with the Wind
by Marie Buchfink

I Am

I am drinker of the wind, daughter of the stars. This is my voice that I claim in the name of the gods.
I am lover of the meadow, keeper of the ponies, large and small. It is to me that the deer speak and the raccoon wanders.

I am born of the sea and the moon, meant to be heard, gifted with words.

By day, I lay upon the golden grasses as they chatter in the breeze, warmed by the sun, watching the yellow butterfly flutter through life.

By night, I listen to the creek, seek the wisdom of the snake and dream of the power of the buffalo.

The clouds are my steed, the cats my companions. While I sleep, they linger nearby. The beaver readies the waters for my wakening.

Rags To Riches, Retired 3-24-08

2008-03-24T15:09:00.004-04:00

Rags To Riches, left. Curlin, right. (2007 Belmont)

Rags To Riches re-injured (March 2008)...retired to be a brood mare, "mommy".

Dubai World Cup March 29, 2008

2008-03-24T14:43:00.003-04:00

Curlin

Just Sayin'

Tagged, Take Two

2008-03-18T12:37:00.006-04:00

Hog Heaven

Okay, my blog mentor claims that I was "kinda cheatin'" on my tag. So, wanting to please, I thought I would try again.
Where you go, there you are!

Tagged

2008-03-17T13:46:00.005-04:00

Takes Being Tagged Way Too Seriously

I received notification Friday that I had been "tagged". As I have been busy with other stuff, such as following the Derby trail (note: Barclay Tagg is the trainer of the horse that won the Tampa Bay Derby on Sat.), I have just had this challenge sitting in the back of my mind all weekend. Then, when I started getting serious about it, I didn't have the foggiest of what to say. I wanted to ask someone else to write it for me. Reckon that sums it up! So, my reply is "Takes being tagged way too seriously."

Oh, and as for the others I am tagging, I'm new at this game and since I have been tagged by Hahn at Home and I don't think Hollywood farm girl will respond, I tag Margo of The Starr Ann Chronicles and Cap'n Dyke and any other posse members who stumble upon this post.

The rules are:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post.
4. Tag five more blogs with links.
5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Sasha

2008-03-06T14:59:00.008-05:00

A beautiful soul departed this world today.

Dreams

2008-03-03T13:23:00.004-05:00

When I was in "High School" I took an English class that required frequent journal entries. I remember writing "Dreams die and we with time." Mysteriously, that journal has been lost. But as Hahn has reminded in a comment, lost dreams give birth to new ones and, so perhaps we are re-born?

Mr. Ed

2008-02-22T11:06:00.005-05:00

I have no idea where this thought process came from. I only know that Mr. Ed must have been talking to me. I even had a Mr. Ed puppet when I was a kid. "Oh, horse feathers!!!!"

Box lunches, white picket fences & Volvo station wagons

2008-02-19T14:29:00.004-05:00

'kay didn't go for the big dream? How 'bout just box lunches, etc.? Still a dream.
Can't make life fit into a box dream. That's all I'm sayin'.

Against All Odds

2008-02-19T13:34:00.004-05:00

Remember all those movies, tv shows, songs, commercials? You know the ones. You are born free to be whoever you want to be. Go for the gusto. Go for the dream. WARNING: Don't buy into it. Think about it. How many people get what they desire?
You could be President. How many presidents are there? Horse-wise, you could win the Derby. How many Derby winners are there compared to those who have tried?
This society is, and has been, breeding a world of mal-contents. When their dreams, which they were taught to believe in, are dieing they turn to alternatives that numb their loss.
Yes, some achieve the dream. Touch the surface of the moon. But don't forget that this is all at the cost of those who didn't make it.

Open to feedback.

February 14th

2008-02-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

This is actually a jigsaw puzzle.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Hope your heart is in it.

Rape/Despoil

2008-02-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Day

2008-02-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

In Memory

2008-01-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Barbaro

April 29, 2003 - January 29, 2007

Final Resting Place

"Grief is the price we all pay for love," Friend of Barbaro quote

Philosophy

2008-01-26T14:21:00.000-05:00

Feeling Free

2008-01-24T09:17:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to post today, or even for a few days. Time crunch, you know. However, a thought just seemed to keep popping up. My last entry had "born to run. Feeling free." under the 'about me' profile (I intend to change these with each post, by the way.) And what kept striking back was "Feeling free". Notice, it is not being free, rather it is feeling free. Harkening to the perceptive post,...perhaps that is the key.

Spirit

2008-01-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

Horses have spirit. Women do, too.

After the tragic death of Barbaro last January, I could not fathom ever being interested in horse racing again. But as the First Saturday In May approached, I found myself taken with the spirits of Curlin, Rags to Riches and English Channel. (All beautiful chestnuts. Note a pattern, here?)

Believe it or not, but my partner will attest to the fact, I have been cheering them on all year. The Belmont was difficult as Curlin and Rags To Riches faced off.
What heart and drive they both demonstrated.

Curlin, my boy, had that same type of heart and drive behind him when he first came on the scene. The heart and drive of two women in particular. Helen Pitts, trainer and Hanne Jorgensen, exercise rider. Following are excerpts from two Bloodhorse articles:

But in situations such as this, behind the celebration there are those left behind. As the cheers rang out for Curlin, another scene was being played out a short distance away. Watching the race in the hospitality tent at the end of the stakes barn was Curlin’s former trainer Helen Pitts, who had earlier seen her Midnight Cry Stables’ grass star Einstein stumble while avoiding a fallen horse in the Dixie Stakes (gr. IIT). The son of Spend a Buck unseated his rider, Robby Albarado, who would come back to ride Curlin to victory. Einstein, second choice at 5-2, then ran loose the rest of the way, suffering a minor injury when he grabbed his quarter.

Two races later, Pitts had to watch the colt she had nurtured through a series of physical problems as a 2-year-old and whom she finally was able to get to the races at 3, become a classic winner for another trainer.

“I have mixed feelings,” she said afterward. “I really don’t want to say anything. I’m just happy for Steve and Scott (Asmussen’s assistant Scott Blasi). Horses like this are hard to come by, and I feel honored to have been a part of him at some point. But what can you do? It’s hard.”

Watching back home in Louisville was Curlin’s former exercise rider Hanne Jorgensen, who had taken his departure particularly hard. “I cried my eyes out when they sold him,” she said shortly after the sale. “We babied him for such a long time. He bucked his shins twice and we tried to get him through it and worked hard with him. And then, one big race and he’s gone. We felt he was something special before he even started; we really did. I remember working him and coming back and saying, ‘I’ve never sat on a horse like this before.’ I understand it’s hard to turn down that kind of money, and they did keep a piece of him, so it wasn’t hard for them. But it’s hard for us, because you get so attached to them.”

RE: http://www.bloodhorse.com/articleindex/article.asp?id=39048

Asmussen had shipped into Gulfstream from Fair Grounds to run Gunfight in the Swale Stakes (gr. II) and was stabled in Pitts' barn, so he was able to get a good close-up look at this magnificent chestnut. It was Jorgensen who had helped him by getting on Gunfight in the mornings. When Asmussen left, Curlin went with him. Jorgensen was devastated, and still is, watching her "baby" clinch Horse of the Year honors for someone else, while increasing his bankroll to more than $5.1 million.

"He was always a physically strong horse, but I admired how mentally strong he was," Jorgensen said. "It's bittersweet. You take care of them and cultivate them for almost a year and then someone with more money comes in and snatches them right out from under you."

RE: http://www.bloodhorse.com/articleindex/article.asp?id=41778

These women possess the same type spirit as those horses. The spirit that is the driving force of my life.

2007 Eclipse Winners:
Curlin: Horse of the Year and Three-year-old male
Rags To Riches: Three-year-old filly
English Channel:Turf male

Perspective

2008-01-20T21:08:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, cast in a crisp blue morning sky, I saw a beautiful array of vapor trails. They were not the typical Xs like the ones my mom says are my father blowing her kisses from heaven. These formed a web. South to North arcs intersected others running West to East. An unintentional masterpiece created by the nearby UPS hub.

At night, gold man-made meteors skate across the horizon amongst stars and planets, casting eerie glows when piercing clouds. Awesome, really.

A few years ago, when I lived much closer to the hub, that same fleet would rock the late night and early morning skies, disturbing my peace or waking me from sleep. Piece of something, I thought. Definitely not masterpiece. Awesome, really.

Rock Star

2008-01-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

Many years ago, there was a young man who was somewhat mentally challenged. He frequented an eclectic part of town. Everyone around was fond of him. His last name was similar to Jagger. He would introduce himself, "Hi. I'm Michael Dean J...(insert last name). Sounds like a rock star, don't it?"

I have since moved from that area (Less eclectic? Perhaps), but I am sure that he is still charming the people there.

Racehorses seem to have eclectic names. I frequently choose a horse by it's name, only. And there are many neat names to choose from for this year's Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Hope you are good at names!

Hi. I'm JoeyJo. Sounds like a racehorse, don't it?

Blogosphere Vortex

2008-01-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

I have been a lurker. You know, just kinda watching and only when votes are necessary, not participating. Now, I find that I have been pulled into the blogosphere vortex, Black Hole, if you will. Really, it is not so bad, so far. For more on Black Holes, checkout Cap'n Dyke's post!

Birth Of A Blog By A Virgin Blogger

2008-01-16T11:56:00.000-05:00

How this blog came about...

I went to The Lesbian Lifestyle to nominate Lori Hahn for Lesbian Blogger of The Year 2007, and where it said 'blog,' I just put "soon to be discovered". Having not put the "http:" stuff at the front of it, I thought it wouldn't show up as an actual blog. However, when I checked the post, my "soon to be discovered" was clickable. I sent a frantic email to my favorite geek, Margo Moon, asking her to set up the framework of the blog as soon as she could. I was afraid my nomination would get cancelled if there wasn't a blog by that name and I didn't want it to shine a bad light on Lori. So, now I am in the blogging business.

Not only that, but I am delighted to learn that I have become part of Cap'n Dyke's crew!

(Word has it she likes virgins, even virgin bloggers)

Enough about me, go nominate Hahn at Home (Lori) at TLL.