Hope For Washers

In case you're one of the people checking the blog to see the Hope Huskies in action, I would like to apologize for the amount of time it's taking me to get your group's story posted. A quick group shot to hold you off until I can do your visit justice.
Don't they look swell?


What are the chances that a person's washer and dryer would BOTH BREAK on the exact same day?! I would say very rare! Come next Wednesday I will be washing and drying in style--at least 16 pairs of jeans at once. Does it get any better?

Have a great one.

Super Troopers

In the Funny Faces post, I gave you all a glimpse of the extra hard working girl scout troop that galloped out and graced us with their presence last week. They were some impressive young ladies, I tell ya! I will now quickly caption the scenes from their visit. (They were too cute to only show a couple pictures. Believe me, these aren't even half of what I took. )

They sat and quietly listened as Max and Brooke demonstrated horse safety. We could tell right away what a well mannered posse they were.

Once their instructions were given, they jumped right into their poop scooping roles as if they did it for a living.
I love seeing children working hard, making themselves proud.
I don't think Garrett was overly tortured being surrounded by all those girls.
Here is their official poop portrait. I'm sure most of them thought I was off my rocker wanting them to stand behind the wagons full of manure. The polite little ladies did as they were told.

Their reward for working so hard in the pen--popsicles! I can't say serving frozen treats was my finest idea. Most were pretty mushy by the time we got around to eating them.

Anyone know the big wigs at Breyers? If so, would you please ask them to send us a corporate sponsorship since I kindly posted their product here on this blog? Thanks. We appreciate it.

The pretty in pink gal is Lori, a new volunteer. This was my first day to meet her and I can tell you, I liked her immediately. She is a preschool teacher at the School of the Deaf here in Albuquerque. Eventually, she'd like to bring a group of children out to be with the horses. This day she was just visiting to see how things ran at GG. We put her right to work scooping away. Oh no--I'm getting wordy. I promised to be brief. Do overs!

I love this picture! It shows the girls reacting to the odor as Max cleaned out the horse's hooves. Acquired smell I guess. Mangy, wet, stinky Hank came over to see what all the fuss was about. I think he was a little baffled by the girls' reactions.
He thought the aroma was quite pleasant. Some really good stuff gets trapped in hooves. Plenty of grooming took place followed by learning to saddle.
Then each girl got a turn riding in the round pen.
Another great day at the ranch!
We're excited that this particular troop is scheduled to come back at least two more times in the next few weeks.

Ladies, terrific job! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Makes Scents

Two of the greatest assets to have in life are patience and wisdom.

Sorry to post a forward--I just felt it was something Hank, our fragrant golden retriever, needed to see.

Happy Birthday, my dear Regina. I hope what ever dinner Tug brings home for the exciting day meets all your expectations. We love you.

I was just informed by Regina that the image did not show up on her computer. Anyone else having the same problem?

What about now?  I reloaded.  Such fuss for what?!!

Scenes From A BBQ

Saturday we had our first ever BBQ lunch for potential volunteers to Galloping Grace. I'd like to reiterate that this was NOT a lunch to thank all those that have volunteered time to us in the past. If so, we'd have hundreds of people who have positively affected GG in some way. This was more a chance to get connected with those willing and able to serve in some capacity this next season. We realize the list was probably not complete, and for this we apologize to anyone we might have unintentionally left out. Please don't feel that we do not want or need your help--quite the contrary. Call. Write. Email. We want you to want us, to help us, to volunteer!

Friday afternoon I heard a weather report for Saturday which got me really nervous--something to the effect of GALE FORCE WINDS! Even though I rarely panic or blow things out of proportion, hearing that the winds were going to be severe got my attention. I clearly remember the misery that was Claire and Easton's birthday party last year. UGH! I did not want to try and do something nice for the volunteers that really would be more like torture. Sand-filled burgers and flying buns are not considered desirable in all cultures. I ran around like a chicken sans head suggesting the BBQ be postponed. Why set ourselves up for failure?

It's a good thing my momentary panic did not result in a cancelled party. The winds were there, sure, but they were nothing tough cowboys and cowgirls like us couldn't handle! After all, most regular volunteers to Galloping Grace have experienced far worse on any prior visit to the ranch.
Children were able to eat without watermelon slices flying off their plates or grapes from their hands. Smiles could be seen on facesand hairdos stayed intact.

That right there is a good day, I don't care who you are!

Max and Trish almost ruined things with all their boring talk about waivers and procedures and background checks. Blah blah. Talk about your Debbie Downers.

Dearest volunteers. We will now require that you give

us your firstborn child as a donation. In addition,

fill this out and then that and don't forget this other

boring form about that boring thing. And then...we just

might let you scoop some poop--if you're lucky!

Listen folks, I never get uptight about safety so I had absolutely NOTHING to do with all that. Well, maybe just a couple small details...for the children ,of course!

When you l00k at this group shot, please note the losers hiding in the back row. I am appalled at their actions. No, I did not just take the picture when they accidentally moved out of position. There were several similar pictures taken that look the same. These turd ladies deliberately avoided my camera. I would never do such a thing and am shocked there are others out there who would. Carri, Steph, Deanell, Beth, Renee--unbelievable!

To the rest of you smiling faces, thanks so much for braving the wind and joining us for a fun day of meeting new people and hanging out with friends. We thank you for your willingness to serve others, especially at Galloping Grace Youth Ranch.

And to the clean up crew--you're the best! You are hereby officially invited to any and all future events held at the ranch.

Justin--Happy Birthday to you!

We love you!

Quick And Dirty

Max here:

Michelle has allowed me to put my foot down tonight, so I am making her go to bed instead of posting.  However, In order to keep the "every night post" streak going, she has insisted that I write tonight.  I love it when she lets me put my foot down!  So prepare for a quick and dirty update of events.....I am sure Michelle will expand on them soon!

1. The session schedule for the month of May at GGYR is almost full!!  (This is huge for us.)

2. We had a great volunteer BBQ at the ranch this weekend.  (The wind held out until we                 were finished.)

3. Last week we had two amazing groups of kids come out to work and ride.

4. And lastly, Ken, I mean Kurt, has built us a website that should be published very soon.

Good Night!!

Funny Faces

Isn't that enough for you this weekend--cute girls standing by poop?

I sure hope so because I'm super tired and headed for bed.

Deluxe Treatment

Many of you might remember the several months writing block I had. You know, the times when there was absolutely nothing going on at GGYR yet I posted anyway. Well, those days are long gone! We are some busy people now a days. I have gone from having nothing ranch relevant to write about, to having more than I can handle in one week. Good problem to have.

Because I have a BBQ luncheon to prepare for, I'm going to leave you tonight with a couple pictures of Black having a really hard day. Poor horse had six adorable girls lovingly brushing him at one time. Rough conditions.

I'd say this is a far cry from his days as a working/roping ranch horse! Again, we are so grateful our family cattle ranch manager donated him to GGYR. I think Candido would get a kick out of the life Black is now living.

Candido tells the story of a day about twenty years ago when his wife got it in her head that she was going to groom Black and braid his mane. That's exactly what she did. When Candido later saw his tough working horse looking like a pampered freak, he was not pleased in the slightest. He immediately went for a pair of clippers and cut Black's mane completely off!! I think that was the last time Flora ever made that mistake.

Black, enjoy all the love you can get--you've earned it!

Galloping Grace...bringing pure joy to horses.

Do Your Boots Boogie?

Ed, a regular Galloping Grace blog reader, sent an email letting all of us know about this open casting call.  If you have what it takes, dust off those ol' cowboy boots and go for it!  We'll see you in the movie.  

Don't forget to thank me (and Ed) when you accept your Academy Award.  

I Love It, I Love It, I Love It, I love it!!

You may now exhale.

The world famous video testimony of Max played last Saturday at church is now available for your viewing pleasure.

On the way to church last weekend Max told me that he really couldn't remember all of what he had said when Chris interviewed him--he had Hydrocodone in his system the day it took place to try and take away that weird nerve pain. Hearing that didn't help my nerves. I was imagining Max a drugged out and babbling fool, embarrassing our good family name. After watching it, I was proud. He not only made sense, but he was handsome as could be.

If you have any interest in watching our pastor's sermon, you can check it out here. Once there, click over to the right where it says "message." This particular sermon was about finding a job that fits your passions and your abilities. He's one funny dude, I tell ya. (Regina--I don't even want to hear it!) ;)

BBQ Luncheon

So our friend and super volunteer Dan suggested we have a BBQ to get all the volunteers together that will be donating their time and talents this season.  We thought that was a good idea, so we have planned to have something this Saturday out at the ranch.  

As much as we'd like to have a lunch thanking ALL the wonderful people that have helped over the last several months with an assortment of most appreciated good deeds, this particular lunch is to organize the troops for this upcoming season who will be directly volunteering with the children, landscaping, etc.  

If you think this applies to you, PLEASE let us know.  We do not want anyone to feel left out of the loop.  Plus, we'd just like to tell you thanks and throw a little food your way.  It is very hard for us to remember everyone that has expressed an interest.  Trish has kept a list of many people that have contacted her, but we know that isn't complete.  

You can leave a comment here on the blog or send an email to gallopinggrace@yahoo.com.  Trish checks the mail there and will let us know of your intentions.  

To everyone else--thanks so much for the support!   

Eating Crow

(Well, maybe not crow but a bird none the less.)

As told by Hank, our lovable golden retriever.

I start with the freshest of birds. That's very important, you know.
Truth be told, I probably wouldn't mind when it died. I'm just being honest here--a bird is a bird is a bird.Start by gently removing those nuisancy feathers. I'm not sure why they're even on birds--Annoying and clingy, those feathers!Stop and take frequent breaks. It is not imperative to eat the whole bird in one sitting.

Ignore the stares of judgmental humans.

They just don't understand.

I must admit there are times I question why I consume copious amounts of food.

I often regret my gorge sessions. Is this all there is to life? Eating should not be everything to me.

I am done with food.

I will eat ONLY when I'm hungry from now on. Wait... Dessert! Just a little something to satisfy my sweet tooth.

I tell ya, it's good to be a dog.

I gotta go sleep this off. Check back with me again--maybe I'll teach you the proper way to take a bath.