June 25, 2011

Three months today.

We miss you Mom.

All of us do.

Jim Gaffney: 1935 - 2010

So after reading everything I can find I can clearly see that it wasn't just me. As a huge Secretariat fan, I felt that getting an opportunity to meet Jim Gaffney was one of the highlights of my life. His kindness and love of all things Secretariat in particular and animals in general came through in everything he did. You couldn't help but feel uplifted after talking to him because he was simply one of the most optimistic, cheerful people I have ever known.

Apparently many, many people felt as I did.

I will miss his friendship so much and hope he knew that so many people were pulling for him.

I also hope that Secretariat was waiting at the gate for him, with his saddle on, ready to take him the rest of the way.

God bless you Jimmy.

Thanks for everything.

Love always, PG

Tony Snow 1955-2008

Tony Snow passed away from cancer early this morning.
In an interview with David Gregory he said"

"God put us on earth to help each other."
As his wife noted, Tony is a glass 3/4 full guy.
He will be missed by many especially his wife and children

"When you die, you graduate," Snow told Gregory.

Happy Graduation Day.

Via K.Lopez,

From 1989 but it still makes me cry

Important events on this day in history

On this day in 1980 the Polish communist government agreed to the demands of the striking workers in the Gdansk shipyard. Workers would have the right to organize freely and independently.


http://leadandgold.blogspot.com/2007/08/solidarity-originally-posted-31-august.html

As anniversaries go, I think that one is more important than Diana.....

140 years

God bless Canada.
Remember not to take it for granted.
Cheers!

So the 'riddle' on the window in the lounge has been solved.
Our next Horse Show on Sunday, June 24 will have DOUBLE POINTS!
This should really open up the standings for the season.
We'll find out who wins each division on the last Saturday of June.

(Be honest. You were starting to wonder about those notes weren't you?)

Promises, promises

Just so it is a matter of public record, Becca PROMISED on Monday May 21st that she will never look down again.
If this makes no sense to you as you read this, take it up with Rebecca.
Cheers!

Update for Lily

Thanks for asking about Lily, Alyssa.
Sam rode her on Saturday and the horse seemed to do very well.
I am not sure if all of you knew but Lily had a real problem with her left front foot.
When we got her she had a pretty nasty crack in that hoof but she ended up splitting it right up to her coronet band and then got an infection in her foot.
The blacksmith did a major repair job on her foot by drilling into the hoof wall, wiring it closed and covering the opening with fiberglass. She was pretty sore for a while but has improved steadily over the last 6-7 weeks.
As I said above, she was ridden on Saturday and she looked great.
Hopefully she will be back in the school soon.

Skeeter

A hard decision today but we had to put Skeeter, (the best barn cat in the world) to sleep today.
As close to a dog as you can get in a cat and I mean that as a great compliment.
We are lucky to have such a good friend as Michelle who looked after my dear cat including the sad end.
It was very peaceful and gentle and G-d bless Michelle for having the skill and empathy to end his time with us in such a kind way.
I like to believe that he is a better place now.
Thanks for the memories Skeeter. I hope you will get fat and shiny once again.

Lily

Well, Lily has arrived. She is a little bit asymmetrical because she lost the tip of her left ear from frost bite. Hopefully she will never be in that situation again!
She seems very friendly and I look forward to seeing what she is like under saddle.
Stay tuned!

Another "rule"

“It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.” (David Hume)

Nov. 10, 2006

“The most important things in life you cannot see -- civility, justice, courage, peace.”
(Unknown)

A rule worth remembering......

Remember......

September 11, 2006

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
Jefferson.

Always remember.

Dominion Day

I was at the Super Centre on Yonge Street the other day. They have an upstairs area with tables and sometimes, when I have some work to do I will go there, buy a coffee and try to get some things done.
The other day, as I looked out over the rows and rows of colourful, fresh produce and the stocked to over flowing shelves I couldn't help but be thankful that I live where I do.
The Super Centre is ONE store in Newmarket. There are all sorts of grocery stores in this country that look just the same; overflowing with good quality, fresh food.
Why are we so 'lucky' in Canada?
Perhaps my opinion on that is best left to another day but today, on Canada's 139th birthday, look around, reflect on how wonderful, easy and glorious life is in this country.
Don't ever forget that there are places in the world that are not like this.
Don't ever take it for granted.

Happy Canada Day!

June 11th horse show

What a great day we had at the Blue Star show today. First of all, kudos to Shirley for making so many great renovations! The show grounds looked great.
Now about the Harrogate show team...What a great job they all did today. Everyone was turned out so nicely and had done a great job of getting the horses in 'show shape' too.
Every time we go to shows I always seem to see some people who have come unprepared and take it out on their horse. The Harrogate team, as always seems to be the case, comes ready to ride. They never blame their horses if things don't go exactly right and the whole impression is that the horses COME FIRST which is a philosophy I have always tried to live by.
I couldn't be prouder of all the riders from Harrogate today.
Thanks for making it so worth while!

I wish I had said that!

"Show me your horse and I will tell you what you are. "
~Old English Saying

June 6th 2006 can mean something more important....

Today is the 62th Anniversary of D-Day.
If you see a veteran, or if you know one, say thanks.
Always remember.
Freedom isn't free.

Thinking....just thinking....

Our last horse show for the season is coming up and I am thinking that we should involve the adults this time.
Hmmm. May be I'll run this idea by the folks over at www.horseloverschat.com and see what ideas we come up with.
Anyone reading this can comment here or there.
Later...

MORE NEWS!!!!

Okay. We have now launched www.horseloverschat.com and you can go there and post all your messages. There are different sections so if you are posting about your training schedule, there is a section for that. If you have questions about Harrogate Hills, there is a section for that. If you just want to talk to others about your experiences with horses, there is a section for that too.
Let as many people know as possible and we'll see you there.