Grooming Day ~ Horses

Grooming Day! 

The Hadlee family may be increasing in numbers soon, not by one, but by 3. Three beautiful horses. I've had my eye out for some horses for us as family pets, as well as use for my equestrian school for children. Serendipity Saddle Club. We have come across three beautiful horses. A beautiful dapple appaloosa (pictured below) a handsome stallion appaloosa and their young stallion - who is a beautiful striking white color. They are staying at our barn for the time being. We're unsure if we will make a full purchase and acquire ownership of them just yet. We're boarding them for now and seeing if they are a fit with my riding style and work load. Thus far, they are a perfect match for our little family. We had tested out a new cart that we plan to use later this fall for hayrides on the island. I removed her tack and hung up everything in the barn. After riding you should always groom your horse at least in a simple fashion. They're usually sweaty and dusty. This is also a perfect time for some bonding. I wanted to take this opportunity to get to know her personality better and form a rider/horse bond. 

Ivy, of course was very eager to help Mommy groom her. Her back was dotted with sweat and dust build up from where the hardness and pads had been from the cart straps. Ivy has her very own grooming bucket, and I my own. Ivy has been around horses her whole life - I am thankful I've been able to start teaching her at such a young age. Watching her with the horses and our other livestock is simply heartwarming. She cares so much for all of our animals. She's ever asking questions and curious about one thing or another.We started first with the curry comb. Ivy pushed her small step stool across the barn and climbed a top it to brush her back and sides. Ivy is a wee bit nervous around the horses feet, with good reason. I've taught her to respect horses and realize they are large animals and they can hurt you, even if it's not on purpose. Being alert and aware when you are around any large, or even small animal is essential. Ivy asked me to do her leg's while she did the top. We spent hours in the barn using our varied brushes on her coat. After about one hour Ivy looked to me and exclaimed "Mommy, my arms are gonna fallled off! I need a break!" I chuckled, and of course had her sit down, I put her on treat duty. I'd like to begin praising the horse while she's groomed for good behavior and standing still for us. The bonding starts now. While I brushed this beautiful mare my heart began to slip into a dream.. the days where I was young and learning to ride. I remember the first time I ever jumped a large fence. Galloping through streams and up over hills into the forest, barefoot and bareback. (This is a real RL memory! I often include them if I am talking about me as a child.. it's me as an RL child. ) 

Brushing with the curry comb

After we finished brushing her body with the 3 brushes I wanted to start on her mane. This is something that I really enjoy doing. I find a lot of peace in grooming a horse. Something inside of my heart let's loose and I feel a total inner peace. It almost feels as if the world around me stops and it's just the horse and I. We connect, at least I feel as if we do. Perhaps I am too emotional for my own good. I spent quite a bit of time on her beautiful raven black mane. I found myself stuck in old memories, and singing a song softly under my breath. I connected with the mare's eyes and stared into her deep soulful eyes. Horses have such beautiful eyes. They are by far window's to their soul. I find them so peaceful and majestic. I had taken her small braid out of her mane to brush out. I had asked Ivy to go and fetch a new elastic for her new braid. Of course, Ivy wanted pink - however all she found was white in the drawers. She returned and I was still in a dream like state. I came to only to hear her own humming and her stretching the elastic around her little fingers. We finished up her side braid and carefully wrapped the elastic around it. This was her 'signature' braid that will always be kept. Ivy had asked me many questions over this grooming session. I really love how curious she is and eager to learn. That's one thing I love about being a Mom.. teaching my child. It's beautiful.

Brushing her mane

Finishing her small braid

Whenever I groom the last thing I do are the hooves. It's the last step before I let them back out into the pasture. At least for me. Ivy doesn't do this part, as the horses leg is much to heavy for her, and she's worried about the sensitive area on a horses hoof called the 'frog' she gets a real kick out of it.I bent down at the waist and ran my hands down over her leg, gently applying pressure at the 'chestnut' (or the elbow of sort) and asked her 'up' to pick up her foot. She obediently lifted her leg for me and shifted her weight accordingly. She had quite a bit of build up from the dirt roads and the pasture in her hooves. I used our small hoof pick on all 4 hooves and fully cleaned out her hooves.

Cleaning her hooves

After this was done Ivy ran to the cupboard and grabbed two treats for her. One for herself, and one for me to give to her. We need to praise, praise and more praise for this girl. She stood so well for us in the barn and offered no trouble to us during grooming. I gave her mine first with a gentle tap to her neck and an affectionate "good girl". Ivy held her hand up as a taught her, flat and even. The horse came down and lipped her hand to gather the small sugar cube. Ivy's little hand was now covered in horse slobber. She had tried to see if perhaps Ivy was hiding anymore for her. Ivy laughed a bit and exclaimed "eeeew!" and wiped her hands on my pants.
Smart girl.
I unclasped her from the cross ties in the barn that held her in place and clicked my tongue to signal her to follow me with the lead rope. We walked together, the 3 of us out to the pasture. I walked her just inside and unclasped the lead rope from her and let her roam. She walked just enough and instantly started to graze. Ivy still can't seem to get over how much she really eats. She even said we may not ever need to mow the lawn again. Especially with three horses at the house, we may not!

Pasture

Roaming the pasture

We watched her graze and explore her new surroundings until the sun began to set. It was time to bring her back into the barn and in her stall for the evening. She was easy to round up and lead back into the barn. She almost happily entered her stall and laid down. I said my good nights and closed the stall. Leaving happy and my heart warmed. I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful bond. Perhaps we have found our horses..

Goodnight 

Love,
  Meg

Home

Home

What does that mean to you? Home. It's one word but it speaks a thousand silent expressions. My small family has moved a few times over the past few months. You've all been with us on our small journey. SL is a place where we can chose who is family, where we live and what we look like. You'd think it would always feel like 'home' to you. After all, it's what you made, your design and your creations, right? Wrong. 

As of late I've been feeling extremely sappy and insightful. Maybe it's the change of the seasons that is fast approaching. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It's the one time of the year where I really feel alive and myself. The crisp autumn air kissing my cheeks, the perfume of leaves, salty ocean air (at least for me) pine trees, and the call of the loons slowly leaving as the calls of the crows and owls creep back in. My whole life I've been very introspective and emotional. It's something that I've never pushed away, I've always embraced it with open arms. At times it can feel as if it's a burden, because I feel so very deeply. I wouldn't change it for the world. I have another blog that I currently write in with more of my thoughts and emotions. I've been tempted to share from time to time.. perhaps one day.. 

My family and I have been spending a lot of time together as of late getting our home and property ready for the season's change. Hanging small wreaths, pulling up some of the toys and putting them away in the shed and tending the gardens. I'll have to start canning lots of the veggies soon, we'll need to have some for over the winter months. I will be covering the shrubs and readying the storm windows for the winter months. 

After hanging a new autumn wreath on the front porch and setting a small basket of pumpkins out I stood there and just stopped. Pickles, the cat at my side. I stood there and inhaled the crisp air. The wind was blowing ever so lightly. Just enough to tease the small wisps from my braid. I watched a small family of sparrows fly over the mountains. Perhaps they were on their way to another climate. The leaves were dancing in the distance, and I could hear the crashing of the waves below the hill out front. I thought to myself... this is home. This really is it. Home, where I belong. I've never felt more at home than I do with my family, and my small cottage by the sea. I want for nothing. I have a beautiful daughter, an amazing sister and two incredible nieces. We have a plethora of pets and a small farm. Our ocean side country home is all I could dream of and more. To know that I am home, to feel that I am home in my heart is such a wonderful feeling. I have so much love to express and at times I can't always describe the feelings I have for my family and my home in SL. Always know no matter where the road takes us.. I'll be with you, holding your hand. You're my family, no matter where this country road goes. 

Filled with love,
  Meg

Zombie Land!

Zombie Land!

If you don't know already ~ our little family *loves* zombies and anything related to them. We took a little trip to a local carnival. I brought Ivy on the carousel.. my favorite ride. Maybe because of it's the horses, it's a classic ride, always beautiful. I simply love them. We stopped for a quick picture just outside of the ticket booth.. and.. to our surprise..

Say Cheese!

 We were photo bombed.. but not by a human.. well perhaps an undead one. A ZOMBIE! We heard the groaning behind us. I flipped around as fast as I could .. we both let out a big scream and went running. I couldn't believe it. This carnival was littered with zombies!

Zombie Photo Bomb 

Even though there were zombies at the carnival.. we stayed. Called in my sister and tried to take care of them all. It was hard work.. but maybe playing those zombie video games could teach us a thing or two on how to REALLY do it...

Those are some aerial shots of the place.. now we get inside.

Can you spot the zombie?!

My sister, Kara. She's got her combat vest on! 

Ready to fight.. I think. Hey, at least I have a health pack! 

Med kit! 

I found a small jar of bile.. from a boomer. We ALL need boomer bile! It attracts the hoarde! 

Ready to fight! 

We spent a few hours here trying to rid the carnival of the infected.. let's pray we got them all.. if not..
 ... we are all doomed. They're coming....


Safe and not infected...
... I hope.
    ~ Meg

Welcome Home Ivy!

                                           Welcome Home Ivy! 

As most of you may know by now - Ivy has been gone for the month of August at a summer camp (RL vacation!) and I had been one lonely Momma bear. You watched me clean my home, pay bills, and the random humdrum of a quiet home.

She came home shortly after my little friends left after our afternoon swimming. I had balloons set up out front and when she came across the front porch I released 100 pink balloons over her! I couldn't have been more excited to have my little girl back home and in my arms. I carried her with me all night long. I couldn't bare to have her away for so long again! I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful little girl, she makes me so proud.

In all of the excitement.. I forgot to save any photo's of her big welcome home.. but I suppose that means we were just having too much for a camera!


Happy and loved,
   Meg

Lazy summer days

Lazy Summer Days

Summer is winding down to an end. The days of swimming in the lake, running barefoot down the road, the feeling of the cool morning grass between my toes, the crickets singing me to sleep and the loons call will soon be but a dream. I had a few tiny friends over for a swim in the lake before the summer sun allows the fall breeze in to take over. Aiyde, Riley, Maelie and I all ran down to the lake and jumped in. We decided that we would have a 'raft' race from the dock all the way to the big brown bridge. I gave the 1-2-3 GO! for the kids to begin paddling. I swam behind them as they raced to the finish line. We stayed and watched the ocean waves crashing around the light house in the distance. I explained to the kids that we can't swim any further than this - out there is the big wide open ocean. We didn't want the ocean to 'hug us' and bring us out to sea. We had a lovely afternoon of swimming and relaxing. These summer days will always be a wonderful memory to keep. I'm thankful for my time with my 'lil friends and our raft race. 

Aiyden, myself, and Riley. 

Lazily enjoying the last bit of summer,
   Meg

Beauty Sleepover

Beauty Sleepover

  Last night my little friend, Maelie came over for a visit and sleepover. She had not been over to the house for a while and I was more than happy to have her! We were thinking "What can we do, what can we do?" It was evening and starting to get dark so outdoor play wasn't going to be an option for long. Then it hit me. Makeover time! This is something I love to do. I asked her if she'd like me to paint her nails. She said "Yahh! Pink!" So we went into the living room and sat on the floor. My Little Pony was on the TV behind us and I started to paint her little teeny tiny nails. She then expressed she would like 6 white polka dots on each nail. How cute were these going to be?! 

As I finished up one hand, I asked her to blow on her nails and reminded her she can't touch anything or they will smudge. She told me "I canned do that" She sat there very still and blew on her nails while I worked on her other hand. They looked so pretty all pink! I held her hands up for her "Look, Mae! Perfect pink nails!" She was so excited. I reached for one hand and gently dabbed my fingertips on each nail to make sure they were dry and ready for the white dots. I used a small toothpick to gently dot each nail with 6 white polka dots! 

She held them up proudly and I took a picture with my cell phone. We decided I should send it to her Mother, Bella. I quickly sent her the text, and her reply was that they were "Beautiful!" 

Picture message to Bella

Next it was my turn to do the same thing. Maelie said because my nails are bigger, I should have 10 dots!

I quickly painted my nails as she watched some TV. Then we both held our hands and squeaked how pretty they were. We had matching princess nails! 

While I had been painting my nails I mentioned to her we could wear some beauty masks. I had done this at camp and Mae had been there for it. She asked me "The chocolate kind?" It sure was! We raced into the kitchen and I set her up on the countertop and was going to paint the mask on her face. I took out a small bowl of fruit for a 'lil snack for us too.. and who knows maybe an eye mask or two.

At first I just dabbed a little of the mask on her nose with a small makeup brush. She laughed and tried to lick it off. She was pretty cute sitting up there. Then, I drew an M and a G on each cheek for her name. She laughed because it tickled her so. I finally finished up her face and next was me..

She said she wanted to paint my face for me.. so, I handed over the brush shut my eyes and leaned forward. It was hard trying to hold still. She tried to draw me a heart on my cheek and laughed while trying. She told me we were going to be the most beautiful girls. 

Finally, we were covered. We had to wait for the masks to dry before we could take them off. So.. why not dance? I helped her down off the counter and raced her into the living room. Turning on the radio and turned the volume way up. We danced quite a bit in the living room and laughed harder than I have in a long time. She told me "You got moves!" 

My mask was starting to really dry now. It gets that itchy tight feeling, y'know? You girls know for sure! I stopped our little dancing and grabbed some little cucumber slices for our eyes. She asked me why we had to do this. I explained that it's nice and cool for our eyes and helps our skin look beautiful. We took a quick silly picture and took them off and headed to the kitchen to get the masks off.

I carried her into the kitchen and set her carefully in the sink. She told me she wanted to try to peel it off herself ~ I explained to her previously that you can peel them yourself sometimes. It was almost like peeling glue off your hands when it dries. I knew that would get her attention. She did a pretty good job on her own. She got it nearly all peeled off. I used a soft damp cloth to wash her face off. While she had been working on getting her mask off, I peeled mine and washed my own face a bit with a cloth. 

We had settled back into the living room when I heard the doorbell ring "Helllooo?!" It was my sister and my little niece, Giselle. I ran to the door and let them in. They had been out on a walk and decided to drop in for a visit. I explained to them what Mae and I had been up to and that she was going to sleep over for the night. I invited them as well. They were both really exited about the idea. So they ran down over the hill, over the bridge and to their house to grab sleeping bags and pj's. Maelie and I got some cookies out and and I let her watch some MLP on tv while we waited. We had both had a few cookies in our belly now, I thought we'd better save a few for my sis and Gissy. I stood up and looked out the window.. it had started to rain again. This is the bugger about living on an island in the ocean - rain. It really likes to storm out here. So, I send a quick text to my sis "You two fashionista's okay down there?" She I am sure, laughed. She called be back and explained she was driving back to the house and the car was packed up. (I missed all of these photo's..darn it! I don't like when I miss them!) We saw them pull in the driveway and I yelled for them to come indoors. Mae and I had already set up two sleeping bags on the living room floor and rolled them out. Now with two more people sleeping here, I'd  have to push the couch back and the table. I pushed the couch back against the entryway to the classroom, and tucked the table along with it. 

Just as soon as I mentioned to both of them - "You can use my room, or Ivy's to change if you like" Giselle had jumped over the couch and hidden in the stairwell to change. We all chuckled, and Kara headed upstairs to change. 

While Giselle was changing I asked her how she was going to get back over the couch.. she laughed and said "Umm.. I haven't gotten that far." Then retorted with "Oh, I will go out the classroom door and around and come in the front" 

Well, if you were with us the last time it had rained at night.. Giselle ran outdoors to play in it and slipped down the hill and hurt her ankle. 

"No, no. I will help you over the top, I don't want you walking outdoors at night with that slippery grass. I don't want you to fall, okay?"

She wasn't happy with my answer. 

"Don't talk to me, don't listen to me and don't talk to ME!" Giselle wasn't pleased.

At this point, Kara had some down the stairs "Giselle Elizabeth Adored. Who are you talking to like that, I sure hope not Auntie Meg" 

I quietly explained what had happened earlier.. They went outdoors in search of a slipper and upon their return Gissy had an apology for me and I explained to her that I want to keep her safe when she's at my house, or anywhere. That I love her very much and I was scared that she was going to get hurt or fall down. I can't keep her safe if I can't see her, especially at night time. 

We all set up for the night and I pulled out a brand new book that I'd not read yet. The girls were curled up in their sleeping bags for a good bedtime story. Even Pickles came around to hear it. 

Squish Bunny

After the story I was nearly falling asleep myself. We all snuggled into our sleeping bags and said our goodnights. The rain continued to pitter patter outdoors on the deck. What a way to end the day.

Goodnight, Moon

Goodnight from the Hadlee House

 Love,
   Meg

Cleaning House

                                                     Cleaning House


Well, I've made it pretty far since my last update. I've been keeping fairly busy these days. I've gone on a few day trips - and left my camera at home. (I hate when I do that!) Well, Ivy is due home in about 5 days now. I figured I should give the house a big overhaul before she gets home. Get all of the little fingerprints, goldfish cracker crumbs, hair ties, dolls and such all picked up and clean before she gets home - only to give me those 'lil crumbs and prints all over again. Can't believe I am saying this but.. I miss those little crumbs and her tiny fingerprints on the windows.

So.. I started at the front entryway. I opened the door and swept all of the dirt out. Tidy'd up the rug, took it outdoors and shook it. Watered all of the plants, dusted the frames and washed my barn boots and tucked them back in place.

Sweep the dirt out the front door!

Tidy, Tidy, Tidy!

Next up was the living room. I had to pick up the floor cushions, and the board games. I laid them both on the sofa, and a chair. Our cat, pickles is terrified of the vacuum. You can see him, if you look closely. He's on the mantel hiding from the noise. He managed to get up there via, the TV an then knocked over a vase of dried flowers. Little bugger!

Note: Pickles up on the mantle! 

I leaned the vacuum against the wall for now and grabbed a cloth and spray bottle - time to window wash! We need to be able to see the lighthouse from the living room! It's one of my favorite things about where we live. I had lots of little fingertips to wash off, some likely from my nieces Giselle, and Darla as well.

After the living room, I swept the dining room and tossed the table cloth at the base of the stairs to take up with me to toss in the laundry. I needed to mop the kitchen floor. First, I swept up. Had to get under the cupboards edge.. that's where the cracker crumbs like to hide. Lost elastics and little toy pieces.

I turned on the faucet and let the water fill up the bucket and ran back to the living room and turned up the radio I set out on the top of the TV. I needed to hear some tunes while I did all of this cleaning business!

Whistle while you work? Heck no, SING while you work! 

While I let the floor dry in the kitchen I ran the table cloth upstairs and tossed it in the laundry along with some dish towels, the top I was wearing and other little things I found downstairs. (I needed a new top(it's hot and sweaty doing all this work!), I had some clean in the laundry room!)

The dreaded task has come. You all dread this. Don't lie.. the litterbox. NO ONE wants to clean this. Nope, not anyone.

Here goes nothing. We have two cats and a little ferret who all use it. I plugged my nose and did the deed, cleaned up all the poo.

Plugging my nose.. here goes nothin'. 

Ugh, so much poo! 

All done! No more poo, clean litter! WHEW! What a job! 

While I had been sitting, gagging and trying to clean the litter box, the laundry had finished and I swapped over the wet things into the dryer and took out the dry to fold. I stood there folding Ivy's little dresses and my big sweatshirts. Thinking.. one day she will grow. I can't imagine her ever fitting into a shirt like mine.. alas one day it will come. She's already been to overnight camp twice this summer. It doesn't seem possible she is this big already. I remember the day she was born. She was so tiny.. the years have really flown by.. I sat there in thought and dream until I was through the laundry.

One last room that really needed cleaning was - Ivy's. I dragged the vacuum upstairs and started with vacuum her pretty rug. Lots of little hairs from her ferret and her kitty, Muffin.

Last but not least.. I put on some clean sheets into her crib for when she returns home.

Nothing feels better than clean sheets!

I was exhausted after this. I still had the craft room, ballet studio and classroom to do. Maybe another day. I still have a few more until she comes home. I was able to get the 'vital' area's of the house done. That in it'self is pretty darn good in my book.

I hope you enjoyed cleaning my house with me .. maybe. At least you didn't have to clean yours, right?

Love,
 Meg