Chapter 3

I'm not very good at keeping on a schedule....so, I missed blogging in November, all together.  I enjoy blogging about life and often come across inspiring testimonials through friendships, acquaintences and everyday people I may meet.  I basically enjoy writing about my personal journey through life.  The downside, is that with my failing memory, I've lost track of some of the funniest times.  But bear with me, I may think of them, yet.  I'm not senile, but I do have a bad case of CRS, (can't remember sh&*.

My team of Belgians, Charlie and Judy, have taught me a lot about myself.  #1.  I'm not a quitter.  #2.  I'm willing to learn new things and share the knowledge.  #3.  This lesson in life may have been a little easier and less stressful, at an earlier age.

Charlie weighs in at 1960 and Judy weighs 1930.  That, folks, is two tons of power in front of my 200# wagon.  I wonder if that means 4000 Horsepower???  Whatever.  The point is:  I have not put enough pounds behind them to make them too tired to want to pull.  They are magnificent, though and are always eager to go.  Charlie makes me work a little at catching him and getting the halter on, but Judy makes up for it, by dropping her head and nuzzling me.  They both like horse treats and that's what I use to catch them.  I was feeling very good about trying out one of my buggies.  I caught and haltered Judy and got her harnessed, then took her to the buggy and tried to remember what I'd learned, in Ohio.  I hooked up some straps and snaps and put different lines on her bit and fastened the buggy shafts to her.  I did not know exactly how to do that, but I had some pictures, so I compared my hitching to the photo and they looked a lot alike, so I (with Joely's help) got her on the road and ready for a ride.  It was WONDERFUL!!!  I just knew that in the next few weeks, that I would be able to drive her downtown to get my mail and groceries, just like the Amish.

We got to Joely's house and it was time to load the Grandkids and take them for a buggy ride.  We went a little further up the dirt road and it was going great.  It seemed like the right time, to turn around, go through Joely's gate and go down to the highway and back around to our corral.  When we got to the gate and Ryan jumped down and opened it, Judy started acting a little differently, like something was bothering her......that was an understatement!  We had to go a little downhill, as we were going through the gate, and the sh&* hit the fan.  Because I had not hooked the shafts in the right place, the buggy was hitting her back legs, so in defense (?), she began to kick the buggy and buck and run off, down the hill.  This sweet, gentle giant was trying to kill us!  I know that you've never had ahold of a 1930 pound, big and scared, Belgian mare, so you cannot know the sinking feeling, when you realize that you cannot stop her.  Joely helped me on the lines and we got her turned into a tight circle and Joely and Madeline jumped out, as we got her stopped.  Joely went to the head and snapped the lead rope onto the halter and I got out to unhitch/unharness everything.  Judy was still frightened, even after taking the headstall off and she got away from us and ran away with the buggy.  She flew through one fence and ran all the way back to the barn.  When we got there, there was a scratch on the front of the buggy and some stressed wood on the back of the shaft loop, but no marks on her.  Too late, but I talked to Alvin Yoder, the previous owner and learned, that I had the shaft loops too far forward and that made the buggy come too close.  God has his arm around me, yet again and prevented anyone from being hurt or killed.  It re-injured my right knee, from when I was putting salt out and my cowdog, Dot, fell into it and hyperextended it.  I'm still walking with a limp, but I'm walking.

We decided (Robin did) that when a ranch horse causes problems, he ties him up for a while and lets him think it over....so....we tied Judy inside the arena and let her think things over.  Robin tied Charlie up, too, because they nicker and paw at the fence, when they are not together.  Separation anxiety was what we called it when the kids were little and didn't want me to leave them with a babysitter.

I didn't get to harness them for a few days, but knew that I had to, as soon as I could, or I was going to stay scared.  You know....get back on the horse that bucked you off and all that.  So, I harnessed them both and hooked them to my Forecart and drove them around the arena a few times and up and down the road a few times and then took my husband's advice and tied them up to the arena fence, with their halter ropes.  I was teaching them patience!  I left them there for a couple of hours and went to unharness them and when I got to the arena, I could see trouble, with a capital T.....they had gotten the safety latch over one of the rails of the portable panels and then backed up, so that it was very tight.  I had to call for help, again, and Robin had to lift the latch off, while I led the team forward.  He did a little muttering and swearing, but I caught "wish I'd gotten the hitch rack built."

It's been a new experience for me, but I'm not giving up.  I may have to go back to Ohio for a refresher course, but I love driving them.  It's such a peaceful, simple way of travel (when things are right) and just makes me feels blessed for having family that are willing to help me through all these trials.  One of these days, when it's right, we'll full a wagon with hay and take them all for a hayride.

Chapter 4

I've recently been remembering when I was a little girl, then in grade school, then High School.  I had a big brother and a little brother.  I thought the moon rose and set with Lee.  When he spoke....I listened.  I always thought he was so smart and that if he said something, it was true.  Because I had a younger brother, as well, I didn't let those feelings be known, but I love when Lee calls and we talk about the past or the future.  It is a bond that single children will never experience.  Yes, there is Sibling Rivalry and it's a bit&*, but it's always helped having a big brother that loved me.

My mother and grandmothers had so much, harder work than me.  Washing, cooking, ironing, baking, feeding many hired men (3 meals a day) and still being "Mommy."  My grandmother was still cooking and baking for men, when she was in her 70s.  I am very thankful, that I got the chance to be a witness to their hard work and learn from them.  My mom was so happy, when she got her first electric iron and gas stove.  I try to never take things for granted, because I am fortunate to have most of the newest gadgets and kitchen/household appliances.

God has been so good to me and Robin has been the best partner any woman could have.  We've been married 45 years and hope for many more.  At the moment, we are in Las Vegas, for the National Finals Rodeo.  We've been coming to them, since about 1968 and still enjoy them.  We don't drink or gamble, so usually stay in hotels away from the Nightlife scene,  We come to see the rodeo!  It's a good place for him to lay around and get some rest, which he doesn't get at home or at Steer Ropings.  We see a lot of old friends and go shopping at the Cowboy Christmas.  We usually go to a couple of movies, too.