The Waggoner Farm

All those productive things I planned to do over Holiday break right? Catch up on blogs, create a 2015 calender, set a vacation schedule. That all fell by the wayside and I spent the Holiday in Ohio reading Ann Rule True Crime novels and eating cookies.

And now we're home and Paul wants to paint the basement.
Before I bundle up with paintbrush in hand I wanted to share a few photos from the Waggoner Farm in Findlay Ohio, soon to be recognized as a Century Farm.

Just missing the gravel pile we used to play in

Up in the rafters of the old barn

Why farm some when you can Farmall?

View on the way to the "pink rock"

Equestrian Blogger Gift Exchange

My blogger gift was waiting for me when I got home on Wednesday night but as it was late and I had no wine I decided to carry on with the suspense until I could open with proper fanfare.

Blogger bud- Carly from Poor Woman Showing- must have known that I had worn holes in every single pair of riding socks at this point and I got 8- yes 8- new pairs. Zebras, Elephants, Argyle, Neon. I'm going to be the hippest girl at the barn- but more importantly- sans blisters!

We can't forget about the ponies of course- each got their own (labeled- which I thought was adorable) bag of peppermints. Perfect timing because Ellie keeps trying to sneak candy canes off the wreaths decorating the barn!

I am always in need of Chocolate in my life- but really this Hershey filled cane should read "Paul" instead of "Emily." Paul has this habit of eating one sweet treat a day until I finally go to indulge and find only crumbs. One spoonful of ice cream, one tiny slice of pie.....and one Hershey Kiss. Every day until they're gone.
We can't fault him- it's just his way.
So basically. I'm hiding these.

Finally the cats. How in the world did Carly know the perfect gift for cats? They are going to get so much enjoyment out of this box!

Thank you Carly (Poor Woman Showing)!!! You are awesome and hilarious!

And of course thanks to Tracy at Fly On Over for hosting the Equestrian Blogger Gift Exchange!

Unnecessary Vet Visits

It occurred to me as I was driving out to visit Wilbur on Saturday morning that if anything had happened to him during the stormy past few days that I wasn't in a great position. Leaving for Vegas in a few hours and being gone for five days does not a self-care situation make.

Sure enough he had a lump the size of Europe on his right haunch and in the slick mud it looked like he had literally dislocated a hip. A quick video/ photo text to the vet and it looked like he would be fine to wait it out until Monday when Natasha could stop out and visit.

Fast forward to Saturday evening, having dinner with my friend, Kasey, in Vegas who happens to have three horses at her farm. "Oh- a hematoma- it'll likely be gone by Monday," she said. "What's a hematoma?" I ask. A bruise. I am an idiot.

Sure enough he was sound with just a sensitive little spot where the monstrous lump previously resided.

I was not worried about the vet bill- I just don't want to turn into the "girl who cried wolf." Clearly I will be keeping Kasey on speed dial from now on.

Viva Las Vegas

Vegas at 6:30am

It's a ghost town.

Outfit prep with friends!

Fun dinner with some of the team!

Hacks By Lexi

While I'm away at our Sales Meeting- the awesome Lexi was kind enough to hack Ells on non-training days!
They look so cute!