As a board, we agonized on what to do with poor Black. He was not fit to ride. He most likely wasn't feeling well and he smelled like nobody's business! One brush up against Black and a person's shirt was nasty-stinky! BUT, we all realized what a good horse he had been lifetime and to GGYR specifically. He was one of the first horses used in any situation.
to a happy, healthy ol' guy.
I bet he felt so fortunate he was well enough give rides and wear reindeer antlers at the Christmas Corral. Isn't that every horse's greatest ambition? 
Max and Tim joked about how humiliated the poor horses were with those on their heads. I guess every time Cochise found a way to tear his off before making it back to GGYR. Tim's theory was that Cochise had a reputation to uphold as the alpha horse. Reindeer antlers DID NOT fit his tough guy act so he refused to be seen like that.
Happy Birthday! 
There is something about eating food outside that makes it taste that much better. After our healthy hot dogs were eaten, we needed something sweet. We dug into the two bags of licorice and then typical debate started--Twizzlers or Red Vines? If you are my friend on facebook, you might remember I used to be squarely on Team Twizzler. Some how over the last couple years, I have absolutely-without-a-doubt switched to Red Vines. I will never understand what happened. In case you just have to know, there was only one Team Twizzler out of five women.
Beth, Dena, Roy, Steph and Melissa got it cleaned up in a hurry. I helped a bit myself. I have mold happily settling into my lungs as I type. 
Melissa is practicing her Karate Kid moves here. 
Garrett and Spencer helped haul the mess to the manure pile. Don't you love to see children working away? It feeds my soul. I raced them (and won) a wagon full which really sparked their competitive juices. Whatever it takes. Brooke, Spencer and Garrett also helped Max haul a few tables around this morning.
I didn't talk much about the poop part of the picnic. Max decided it has built up so much he is going to use a tractor for the big pen. He sure knows how to kill a good work out. I think he just wanted the rest of us to organize the two things he dreaded most instead of scooping. I'm on to that man and his trickery.
because I like it. 
Melissa and Nick stopped by the stand on the way to a holiday party.
Another picture of that Santa fellow, this time with three children I just adore.
Would you just look at Cashton being rotten with Santa's hat? Happy birthday to Coulter, the little guy on his lap. We love you, buddy.
Terry is an ultra cool FBI agent with the driest, most hilarious sense of humor around. Oh, and he and his wife Hope are very generous to Galloping Grace. That could almost make me feel bad how easy it is for me to whip him at most games. (Please, someone buy him ping pong lessons next Christmas!)
You know, Trish does a lot of wonderful things for GGYR. That is why I am going to have to look the other way. 
She was awfully hands on with Santa. (Not Max!) Every time I looked, she was tucking a shirt in here or grabbing a beard there. Very inappropriate.
Please, no one tell her husband Chase.
I'll leave you with one of those humiliated horses 
giving a ride to a most precious Alex girl. 
Until next time.
It was such a pleasure to be in attendance. I tell you what, brides don't get any more excited than Melissa. She was so very laid back about the details and just plain giddy to be there. Derik was equally happy, just in a calmer way. Whatever. However. It just didn't matter to them. All they cared about was getting officially hitched. So what the courthouse only holds weddings on Fridays--the park was available for their vowing pleasure. 
As the ceremony was about to begin, Max and I suggested they scoot over here and stand over there in our attempts at getting a better picture. Melissa walked where directed and promptly fell on the icy sidewalk. She got up laughing, still happy as could be. I love the smiles on both their faces. 
They are planning a bigger ceremony in September. Today was about making it official. Official it is!
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. R! May your marriage be as happy and fun as your wedding ceremony was. We love you guys.
Hank was friendly, but aloof. He had to play it cool with the kid. 
Riley just wanted a little love. 
It was only months before Hank was acting the same way. I think he saw what was coming. 
Puppy pile! 
Love hurts.
Hank, will you always be my big brother?
Well Riley, I wish I could say yes. In a couple short months your owners are going to whisk you away to some overly humid state to live the remainder of your days. This one day will be our only chance to bond. 
Be a good boy and enjoy the ocean for me. I'm going to stay here and chase jackrabbits and roll in horse poop. 
And so it was, their only day to know one another. I hate to leave you with a sad ending like this. If you find yourself disappointed, please feel free to blame Jason and Cindy. It is their fault.
The End.
Becky, thanks for all the beautiful wreaths you donated to the Christmas Corral. They sold like hot cakes! We appreciate your time and talents. 
Brooke got to do ear tags for the first time. Yea, Brooke! You are definitely growing up. 
OK, so Claire was caught by Melissa's camera a little horrified watching her brother dehorn for the first time. Was it the horn being dug out of the skull or the technique her brother was using? I'm not sure. She's sound asleep in her bed so I can't ask her. She did have fun working a gate on the chute most of the morning.
Cowgirl Kaley is pretty much like her mama. She wants in on the action and loves being a cowgirl. She often says, "Cowgirls don't cry, right mom?" On Sunday she had a field day whacking the calves as they came down the alley. 
Bliss. In her element. Loving life. Precious. 
Now meet Phoebe. Although she loves horses and riding, Sunday was her first day to witness what happens to a calf out on a ranch. 
I'm going to go out on a limb and say she wasn't impressed. She bawled and bawled watching the baby cows be worked. She finally started pleading to go home. 
Her only escape was the back of Max's pickup where Hank did his best to console the only way he knew how-- 
with doggie kisses to her teary face.
Please, no one tell Phoebe how hamburgers are made. I don't think she could handle it right now. It's all so fresh--and burnt! 
She is such a great lady--please pray for her healing. 
