Stick a fork in me I am done!

You guessed it, no pics in this post either. I have contacted blogger help so hopefully they can explain why I am unable to download images. I have tried everything under the help section. Ugh!

On Saturday what did I see? How about the ignorant horse owners walking the mare and foal down the road again! And this time it was more of a close call than ever before. Now that the foal is older she is wandering more and more away from mom. Curiosity. Sure enough a big white truck came barrelling down from around the curve, the owner of the mare and foal isn't paying any attention to what the foal is doing and sure enough the foal is meandering looking at this and that.

The white truck never slowed down, just veered off to the right of the road in the gravel ( which is right next to my pasture fence) and continued on his way. I heard the guy yell something at the truck but that was it.

After closing my mouth due to my jaw being dropped open, I got downright angry. If those ignorant horse owners continue walking the mare and foal on a busy highway, chances of that foal getting hit is high. And with my horses and donkeys in the pasture on this side of the road, it is only a  matter of time before the foal wants to meet them. Can you say an accident waiting to happen!

I have fumed over this latest incident for two days now. I have two options.

1- Punch those ignorant horse owners across the head then write with a permanent marker the word 'Idiot' on their foreheads. I know, that wouldn't do any good but hey, it would give me a frustration release. Or.......

2- When I see the idiots leading the mare on the road, to stop whatever I am doing and go across the road to at least stop traffic. The last thing I want to see is that foal getting hit.

Okay, enough of that.

On Friday I had lunch my my best friend who is actually a sister to me. Anyway, we had a wonderful lunch in Jacksonville, then sat on the steps of one of the historic buildings and chatted for about three hours.

My allergies have been horrible this year. And am pretty sure it is due to a whole lot more pollen here in the Applegate Valley than it was at my old house.

Oh, and my brother came over yesterday, went up on one of the hills behind the house, came down to inform me that both hills are covered in poison oak! Um, so much for trail riding up there.

I still haven't found Goat kitty. Hope is fading.

Garden spots are ready for planting. Just have to wait until the rain and wind stop.

Until next time............................

Is it me or what?

I'm thinking I should just stay away from people or learn how to keep my mouth shut.

Sunday I met one of the owners of the mare and foal that are across the road. He came over to introduce himself and to say that he and his wife used to live here. He babbled for a bit about the house then he said something not so nice about the landlady. Again, people are entitled to their opinion but I immediately spoke up and informed him that the landlady was an Angel in my eyes and to please not say anything more about her and besides, it isn't my business what happened between them and her. 

Then he informs me that him and his wife own 23 horses scattered throughout the valley because they don't have a place to put them all together. Okay, fine. Then he says that he and his wife don't work and haven't in quite a few years. Okay, fine. Then he says that he and his wife have rented over eight different places in the last four years. Okay, fine. Then he says that him and his wife are janitors at the big Christian church about ten minutes away. They don't get paid money for their work because they are working for God. Okay, fine. He then says that they breed their horses, but it has been difficult selling the offspring. Duh! Really?

Then he asked if I own all the horses and donkeys in the pasture. Yes. I briefly explain that I rescue animals and that they were all rescues ( except for my Paint and my daughters mare). He then asks if we are renting or buying this place. Renting I say. Then I went ahead and  briefly explained about losing my house and having to find a place to rent that would accept this many animals. I told him that giving them up was never an option and I would have lived in a travel trailer on some friends property to ensure they stayed with me.

Okay, here it comes. He looks right at me and says, " You really should have found them good homes and even now if a good home comes along you should give them away".

Really? This guy is saying for me to give away my animals that I have rescued when he in turn has his horses scattered all over the valley, is breeding the crap out of them knowing full well the horse market is near non existence, has no income, etc....

That was it! I actually felt my blood boil. My head start to throb and my temper rising. Instead of reaching out and slapping him alongside his head ( which believe me I wanted to), I firmly told him that all these animals came into my life for a reason and that I made a solemn promise that they will all live out the rest of their lives with me where they will forever know love, respect, full bellies, etc... And on top of that, they are all God's creatures and we as humans are to help and protect them.  ( Yes, I threw in the Religious part in there due to him saying he was a good Christian.)

Please know that I am in no way saying anything bad about all Christians, just the hypocritical ones! And I seem to be running into them more and more.

I am wondering if I have a sign on my forehead that says, " Go ahead give it your best shot to piss me off" or maybe it says, "This is a test of the patience kind so go ahead and spew your ignorant thoughts". Hell, I don't know!

It probably doesn't help that I am concerned over something else so is making my patience a tad thin.

Seems all I have been doing the last few posts is ranting and raving and venting. Sorry.

Until next time...................

Tired and a vent.

Sorry, no pics today. Computer is not wanting to load them. Must be the rain.
And speaking of rain. It was on the news this morning that we have had 20 days of rain in the month of March. No wonder everyone is ready for the nice warm days of Spring.

My brother and sister came to visit over the weekend. It is so nice to see them now that we are all getting along again.

And my brother is coming over tomorrow to help me clear out some blackberry bushes that are on one end of the area where the garden is going to go. Not only is he going to help with the bushes he is going to bring his rototiller over this weekend and till up the ground where the garden is going to go.

As you know I am an animal advocate through and through. Wherever I can help I will. Being on facebook I am able to keep up more with what is going on with animal abuse, horse slaughter, the BLM horse and burro roundups, PMU farms, puppy mills, etc... I write letters, email, sign petitions and make phone calls on behalf of the animals. But I have to admit that seeing and reading about how many people abuse and or kill animals, how many horses are sent to slaughter and what they have to endure, how the BLM conducts their roundups, well, it just gets so sad and frustrating because it seems as if we are not being heard. The so called punishment the abusers get is usually a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again. The BLM continues to do their own thing regardless. The double decker slaughter trucks horses are transported in continue to roll down the roads even though it is against the law to transport horses in double decker trailers. The kill buyers haunt auctions looking for cheap horses to sell for slaughter or they respond to ads for free or cheap horses and lie just to get the horse so they can sell them for slaughter. The known irresponsible breeders allowed to keep breeding their horses, dogs, cats. And on and on.

For those of us involved in trying to change the laws, stop the illegal transportation, shut down puppy mills, close down the PMU farms,etc... it gets really tiring. I am not saying I am going to give up because that is just not going to happen. Just saying how it can just make one tired.

Oh and something else that has really gotten under my skin is there are more and more rescues that aren't doing what they should be doing. Such as spending donation money on themselves and not the animals. Please, if you donate money to an organization, please make sure they are legitimate. Check the the Better Business Bureau. Check with websites that list organizations and see what the rating is for that charity. There are excellent rescues all over the world and it is sad that the bad ones make it hard for the good ones. One way to donate to an organization without giving money is to send/drop off supplies, purchase a gift card that can only be used at a local feed/dog/cat store. Or even find the name of the vet that is used and send money to the vet's office to be put on the account of the rescue organization. Adopt from a local rescue to make room for another to come in rather than have more animals euthanized or in the case of horses/donkeys/mules sold and sent to slaughter. No animal should ever have to suffer at the hands of humans.   

Although I have to say that when there is a victory on our side whether it be small or large, it is worth everything that was done on behalf of the animals.

I feel better now. Thanks for listening. Although I must warn you that I will vent from time to time about this same subject.  And please give all your critters a hug or a pat from me or in some cases a hello to them will be just fine.

Oh, my tattoo is fabulous! No, it didn't hurt, but I have to say that the next day my leg did feel like I had been kicked by a horse! But really, it was no big deal.

This Friday I am spending the day with my youngest and oldest daughter at the historic town that is about twenty minutes away from where I live. We are going to have lunch and then 'tour' an area in that town that we all have been to several times before and love. Yes, there are going to be tons of pics taken and yes, will post about it. There are several of you who I know will very much enjoy the pics. 

Oh my gosh, one more thing I have to mention. My sister who lives in Texas has finally started her own blog. If you would like to stop in and visit  her blog just click here  http://ccantiquesandanimals-whatalife.blogspot.com/.  Love ya Sis! :)

Until next time.........................

Does it ever end!

If there is a day that is dull and boring I would have to ask why. Seems there is always something going on here that keeps me on my toes.

Somehow I got poison oak in winter from going up on the hills behind the house getting wood. Being highly allergic to the stuff and knowing the signs of it  I can get a handle on it before having to go to the doctor and getting a shot. But it really is a pain in the ass!

Last evening the four goats decided they wanted to explore so they all squeezed under the panels I put up and started checking everything out. Trying to convince the girlie goats that for their own safety they needed to stay in the pasture with the horses and donkeys turned out to be quite the challenge. They were insisting on exploring where  I was insistent on them going back where they belong. After what seemed like an eternity ( mind you it was 30 degrees outside and the sun was going down), the goats finally decided to do what I asked.

Yesterday it was another day on one of the hills for more firewood. Better to have more than needed for when the day comes the temps are too cold to get up there and get some and you really need it.

Last night I swear every sound was amplified. The cats were arguing or getting into something. One dog was snoring so loud I am surprised it didn't wake the dead. So am a bit grumpy today from lack of sleep.

This morning my youngest daughter calls me to tell me that her boyfriend broke up with her last night because she wouldn't have sex with him!!! She is standing her ground and will not 'give it up' to just anyone until she knows for certain she is in a true relationship. I am very proud of her for keeping to her promise.

Yesterday afternoon the chickens, who have lots of acreage to go, decided to duck under the driveway gate and go right next to the road! And the road is actually a scenic highway so there is a lot of traffic. I can only imagine what the traffic will be like come summer time! Between the wineries that surround the area here, the lake and river, and just folks taking the scenic route, I can see lots of vehicles passing by everyday. Hmmm, maybe I will have to have some fun with the tourists as they pass by!

Okay, I have vented and whined enough!

So, how has your weekend been so far?

Oh, I was asked who the pinto is in the video. Click here http://wwwaj-oaks.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-you-ever.html and you will meet the big goober and how he came into my life.

Until next time..................................

Christmas vent

Alrighty, it is time for one of my vents.
I woke up this morning grumbling about the holidays. Specifically Christmas. Not sure if it is because age has crept up or it has just gradually become worse over the years.

The whole commercialization of Christmas. Buy. Buy. Buy. If the kids don't get the top seller of the season then they are devastate and think life is unfair. If it isn't a top of the line, name brand item, then it is embarrassing.

The employees in stores are required to say " Happy Holidays" and not "Merry Christmas" for fear of offending someone. Really? Well, I am offended when  someone says Happy Holidays! Yesterday at the bank the gal behind the counter said "Happy Holidays" to me. I stood there, looked at her and said loud and clear, "Merry Christmas". She grinned and said it back to me. I thanked her and left. 

Whatever happened to baking goodies, putting them into a basket or gift box and giving that?
Or making something and giving that? Or doing something for someone that would help them out?

As I sit here writing this, the gifts I most remember are the food gift baskets from neighbors/family/friends. Now don't get me wrong, there are some store bought gifts I have to this day. But I couldn't tell you each and every gift that was store bought over the years and whom it came from and most likely don't even have anymore because it ended up to be just stuff after awhile. The items I still have are ones that were heartfelt. I'm sure you have some too. The ones whenever you look at them still brings a smile to your face.

Is it my age making me think this way? Has it really become so commercialized that the true spirit has faded into the past of a bygone era? Have times really changed to such an extreme we have forgotten the true meaning? 

My mission this Christmas season is when I go to any store, it will be a loud and clear "Merry Christmas" said. If I offend someone, well, too damn bad. I am tired of being being offended by all this politically correct B.S.!  

And so on that note I say a loud and heartfelt Merry Christmas to you all!!! 

Okay, I'm done venting. :)

Until next time..................................  

Okay, now I am just pissed!

I must have woke up this morning with a bee in my bonnet. You know the mood, get in my way and I'll run you over! As I was perusing Face Book I saw this picture on my news feed. After reading the news article

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/102502389.html I got downright pissed off. Then the more I thought about Champ ( horses name), the more my anger rose towards any person who abuses or neglects any animal. I am sick of abusers/neglectful owners getting away with acts of cruelty .

Why do people send their horses to the auction where most likely they will be bought up by kill buyers, then crammed onto trailers ( yes those double deckers that are suppose to be illegal to use for horses), then sent to Mexico or Canada to be slaughtered under inhumane ways.

And the men who were arrested for the 20 horse butcherings that went on in Florida but are now thinking about taking a plea deal.

And how some workers at medical facilities who experiment on animals torture and abuse and neglect the animals on frickin purpose and thinks its funny.

What about the people who tie their dog up in the backyard and forget about it! How can you forget you have a dog!!!

What about the men ( I use the term loosely) that beat baby calves severely and filmed themselves doing it. These same 'men' hit cows in their faces with crowbars while the cows were restrained and couldn't move.

And what about OUR Mustangs being rounded up off of OUR public lands by so called professionals ( BLM) and the horses are dying during the roundup and in the holding pens. How many horses have to die before this madness stops?

The list just goes on and on and on.

Where is the real justice for these animals? What consequences do the abusers/neglectful owners receive? What punishment awaits people who do horrible acts to animals? How loud do we have to scream so that the justice system will finally do their job and prosecute to the full extent of the law people who abuse/neglect animals? What is it going to take to get some damn justice for the animals? It's time to replace the elected officials that don't give a rats ass about animals!!!

Yes, you can bet I call and email and write real letters on behalf of animals.

Okay, I had better stop now before my head explodes with anger.

Thanks for listening. I'm off my soap box now.

Time to use this energy I have going on something productive.

Until next time............................

Wild Bird and a vent

This morning as I was coming back to the house after feeding, I heard a bird in distress. After a few minutes of searching I found Kirby ( one of the outside cats) holding down a wild bird. Um, nope, not while I see or hear it. So, I picked up the bird, looked for wounds, and tried to set it free. But it didn't fly off. Just layed their in my hand with no attempt to escape. The wings seem to be okay, however I suspect one leg might be broken. Okay, now what to do with the bird. It won't fly away. I can't just put it in a tree and let it fend for itself. Hmmmmm. So, I grabbed a cat carrier, put some pine shavings in it along with a container of water, set the bird inside, took the carrier out to the chicken house and hoped for the best while I went to town.

Well, as soon as I returned from town, out to the chicken house to check on the wild bird. To my surprise the bird is still alive! Eyes wide open, breathing normally, but no weight on the suspected broken leg. So, I will do my best to help heal the bird, then set it free. I really have no idea what to do for the broken leg so thank goodness for the Internet. Hopefully I can find some info.

Little Inger is still sitting on eggs. What is it with her and wanting to sit and raise babies! The other hens could care less.

And now Bonnie is insisting on sitting on eggs. Aw, come on girls. Just how many babies do you think we need around here!

Alright, are you ready for my vent? What is it with customer service anymore. Is there a question on applications that asks if you can be rude to the customer?! And if you check yes, you get the job. As I was grocery shopping this morning there were so many rude, inconsiderate employees at the store. They wouldn't get out of the way of the customers. It was the customers having to veer around them as they stood there talking with another employee. Or if they were coming in the opposite direction of an aisle, it was the customer who moved over to let the employee pass by first. Um, wait a minute. It is the customer who keeps the employee in a job! Make the customer a happy camper and they come back to spend their heard earned money. There are several stores in town I refuse to shop at because of their poor customer service.

I worked customer service for many years. And it didn't matter if I was in a bad mood, or not feeling well, or dealing with a ridiculously ignorant, rude customer, a smile was always on my face, tone of voice nice, being helpful, etc..... So I know what it is like on the other side of the coin. It is not easy dealing with the public. Most are wonderful. There are a few who are jerks. But you still put a friggin smile on your face and play nice! If one chooses to work with the public, then be nice, not a stuck up, non helpful, rude ass!

Yes, customer service is a big thing with me. And no, I am not a demanding customer. All I want is a smile and possibly some small talk at the register without attitude!

Until next time......................................

Offended & I don't want to see that!

This morning I had to go to the little store down the road for something I forget when I was in town. As I was standing their paying for the item the gal asked me how all the animals were doing. All doing great I replied.

I then mentioned that I am still trying to find a home for two of the donkeys here. They were rescues and it is time they move on to a permanent home. Anyway, as soon as I said that she looked at me and said, " Donkeys!" And this is what she did next. She very loudly made the hee haw sound. And then she laughed. Well, I took it as she was referring to donkeys as a lot of people do. Making fun of them. That they are stubborn and dumb and good for nothing. That offended me! Rather than set her straight about how wonderful they are, I thanked her and walked out. Although the lady who was next in line did see my reaction ( the right eye half closed, eyebrow raised) and am fairly certain she said something to the gal behind the counter. Maybe I overreacted, but when it comes to animals, well, what can I say.

Now that summer has arrived there is something I just don't understand. Why, oh why, do some men who have big old nasty beer guts and man boobs ( some man boobs are bigger than some womens!) think they look sexy mowing their lawns on their riding mowers without wearing their shirts! I know, I know, to each their own. It is not for me to judge. I can look away ( which you can bet I do!). But when you turn a corner and it is right in front of your face, how can you not notice! Now if a good looking guy is shirtless and is sweet looking eye candy, heck yeah I'll look! Because that is something easy on the eyes!

Okay, I'm done venting. Well, for now anyway!!

Until next time...........................

What goes around.......

For the past three days I have been pondering whether to blog about this or not. Well, you guessed it. I am. Mainly to get it off my chest.
On Friday we received a registered letter from the county telling us that someone complained that there were too many animals here! We have lived here since 2004 and no one has ever complained. When I started rescuing larger animals I cleared it with Animal Control. No problem. But now the planning department says otherwise.

A few of the donkeys that are here belong to some dear friends. She had a stroke two years ago and so brought their donkeys here. Her and her husband come out and visit their donkeys which is great therapy for her. They love their donkeys so much, but cannot have them at home until she gets better. I don't even want to think of the possibly of losing her donkeys will do to her.

Yes, according to county ordinances we are a few large animals over the limit. All of the animals here both large and small are well fed, up to date on vaccinations, wormed regularly, vet out when needed, hooves trimmed, etc,..

After I call my dear friends and let them know of the letter, I am going to contact the gentleman at the county and go from there.

I have no clue as to who complained or why. At first I was angry as all hell, but after a few days of contemplating, there is no reason to be mad at whomever complained. The way I see it is this....... If they weren't 'man' enough to come talk to us first, then they have something to hide themselves. So I hope that they have all their ducks in a row because karma can be a bit#$. I won't or have any desire to use anymore energy wishing ill thoughts on the person. I am a firm believer that what goes around comes around three fold.

Personally I don't care what other people do on their own property. Well, okay, other than if they are abusers both to animals and humans.

Until next time............................