Strike a Pose

I have to start with what is arguably the most exciting thing to happen all week. Just a hand full of people know I was involved in a photo shoot earlier in the spring for Pendleton Woolen Mills ( http://www.pendleton-usa.com/ ) Pendleton was shooting a special line of clothing dedicated to the 100th year celebration of the Pendleton Round Up. For the shoot, they wanted authentic cowgirls from the area and I guess I fit the bill. It was a lot of fun and I am sure they got some great photos. Now, if I didn't tell you it was me you would most likely skim right over it in the catalog or on the internet and not make the connection. But here is the shot that made it in the catalog to show case a beautiful silk scarf with the trademark bucking horse in the middle. After the photo shoot I was asked by Pendleton Woolen Mills to come back and model their spring 2009 line at the July sales meeting which took place yesterday, Thursday. I, along with two other women from the area, modeled 9 different styles in a runway type setting. It was a lot of fun and I was extremely flattered to be involved in these two projects.

In addition to the exciting runway show this week focused around the divorce trial of my brother in law. I can't tell you what a long process this has been. She left in February 2007 and it has been nothing but an ugly battle since she stepped out the door. Thankfully, no children were involved, and we feel a very fair judgement was handed down yesterday during the judges decision. This is the first divorce our family has dealt with and I hope I never have to witness the process again. Painfully ugly and damaging. There were no winners.

Wednesday was a fun morning out on the farm. Our neighbors grandkids came down for the annual horse ride. They spend a week of their summer vacation over here during harvest every year and we always look forward to seeing them. They are great kids, full of personality and charm. Elvis gladly gave everyone a tour of the pasture and waited patiently while photos were taken to document yet another summer visit. I think this is what he really thinks of the riding we do with him.

Today, Friday, we hurried in to help my mom move hay before her new hay for 2008 arrived. I don't know how it works out that my mom has two horses that get fat on air and I have a horse that eats what should satisfy 3 horses! Cash and Cruiser both demand a lot of hay to maintain their weight. But anyway, we were happy to go help my poor broken up mom move her hay. She thinks she broke a rib last week doing some work around her place so moving bales only aggrivates it. While I was moving the last of the hay, Kate and Hadley got to visit with the new barn kitties. I couldn't believe it but Hadley was afraid to hold the baby kitties. Kate didn't hesitate holding and has such a nice way of picking them up around the neck. Their mom was a rescue kitty my mom got from the mountains where they have a cabin. I believe she is a sister to my cat, Grass. Hadley named Grass and he has been the best cat. So when my mom brought home his sister I couldn't think of a more perfect name then Weed. Don't you agree?

Our fence building continues on. Doug's enthusiasm is amazing. I appreciate his positive attitude and willingness to do so much work for another person after putting in long, stressful hours at the clinic. We have a system going now, he puts up the boards and I paint the shelters while he works. Typically the girls sit in the shade of the water troughs and play in the dirt. Strangely enough, it feels very calming and productive. Everyone seems to know their role in this task.

Let me share a word about goats. As they have grown older I have developed a love hate relationship with them. They are fun and spunky and friendly. I appreciate that. They are pushy, they jump on everything and they sometimes knock the girls down. I don't like that. I brought home a load of straw from my mom's that I use for bedding in the goat/chicken coup and while I was unloading it I caught this photo on my camera. I am not a fussy person by nature but when it comes to this pickup I like it to be kept as close to new as possible. Goats on the roof doesn't fit into the range of what I deem acceptable. I must admit I thought about what a goat would taste like after being roasted when I saw her take that final leap onto the roof but decided she was worth too much money to eat. After the fun of unloading straw and watching the goats and the kids play on it, I decided it was timeto get out the hoof trimmers and trim their hooves. It was a bit of rodeo and I wish someone had been there to see the fun. Don't underestimate the strength of a goat who doesn't want his or her nails done. They are supposed to have their hooves trimmed every 4-6 weeks and this was the first time I have taken them on. It took some serious wrastling around and pinning them against the wall or straw bales but we got it done. Not without working up a man sweat though.

Kate seems to be developing an affection for riding. She loves the time we spend down at the horse pens and I have to keep an constant eye on her because she is forever wanting to get in with the horses and pet their legs. Thankfully they are kind and gentle horses. Cruiser's 1450 lbs compared to 30 lbs doesn't make it a safe combination. Whenever I am with her she is allowed to pet them or sit on them and she always loves it. Anyone who knows Cruiser knows how big he is, a solid 17 hands but kind as a teddy bear.

So there you have it. Another week on the farm.