Joe

You know that old saying good things come to those who wait? Well, tonight I learned that is most definitely true!! Melissa has been nagging me for some time to get the story of our amazing new horse Joe on the blog. I couldn't get my soul to cough it up. I didn't feel like I could do it justice. I didn't want to sift through all my pictures. Tonight, after listening to her ask for the umpteenth time for me to write something, I told her to do it. Do it she did! The wonderful post AND pictures below courtesy of Melissa D.
Melissa, take it away--

This is the story of Joe. Sort of.

On August 24, Galloping Grace received its newest blessing. Sweet Joe. He came all the way from Flagstaff, Arizona to live with us here at GGYR. His lovely owner Amita graciously donated Joe to GGYR because she knew that he had another purpose in life, and that would be to bring joy and love to children. Joe and Amita have a very special relationship and we can never thank her enough for bringing him into our lives. After meeting Joe, I realized he reminded me very much of a certain lovable bear..

Just like Pooh, Joe comes from the woods. He loves to eat and he is quite a whimsical, cuddly old ‘bear’. He’s gentle and kind. He’s patient and slow.

Joe is a draft, quarter horse paint cross. He is a most amazing creature and has a Buddha-like nature about him that makes you want to walk up to him and give him a squeeze and wrap your arms around him. He’s extremely sweet and loves getting treats!

After being at GGYR for only a week, we saddled Joe up this past week and he took to the kids right away and didn’t mind giving a few rides, even though he has decided that he\is napping in between rides is part of his contract, and definitely a must.

Spending the past couple of weeks with Joe, I have decided under my own conclusion that he does in fact remind me of Pooh Bear..

And so my friends I will leave you with this:

In the words of Winnie the Pooh..

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?”

The Wait Is Over

I get this comment this morning from my dear friend Misha--

Meesh said...

Hey, it's been like a week since you ran the big teaser of 'huge day at the ranch!'

just how long you makin' us wait?

:)

Guilty! So guilty. In my defense, I was out of town for a day and a half. Also, the computer I load most of my pictures on (in) was acting crazy all last week. For stories so big, I always feel like I need to include a lot of pictures. Not happening tonight. I will just end the tease and report the cold, hard facts. No frills. No back stories. Just enough to get that pushy Misha off my back.

In one day, we got FOUR new horses! Crazy, we're well aware. Absolutely crazy! One was from Flagstaff and three from a town not far away, San Ysidro. Their names are Joe, Casper, Bones, and Dollar.

The end.

(For now.)

Found!

Back in December Joe and Bonnie (super sweet, generous people--Bonnie being the elf from the Christmas Corral) brought a bag full of treats for our children and a card containing a donation for Galloping Grace. Let me say that December was an absolutely crazy month! We had tree sales going on and impending heart surgery in the back of our minds. I was extra disorganized. If you could see my garage now (which I'd never let you!), you would see a tons of stuff from both the pumpkin and tree stand thrust in there when the mad rush was over. In that chaos apparently sat the bag given to us by Bonnie.

Bonnie had inquired, through my mom, when we might be depositing their check. Ahhh--I didn't even know there was a check. I tried searching in the garage in a few hot spots, but had no luck. I was beginning to get really sad thinking that we lost their donation when a miracle occurred--the bag!

Joe and Bonnie, we have it! Thank you for donating to Galloping Grace and for waiting patiently while we located your gift. You two are a blessing to the ranch and two very generous people.

Bonnie is a hoot! This picture was taken at a birthday party she and a couple friends threw for my mom on her birthday.

Bonnie--you are too much. We're so glad to know you and watch you spread the love. Thanks again.

Thankful Thursday--Tack Room Edition

Before I start talking about the tack room, I would like to thank Joe and Bonnie for being so great! They are so much fun. We were introduced to them by my mother back in April, and they have been supportive of Galloping Grace ever since. Joe was part of the volunteer crew that picked pumpkins out in the field and then helped unload them back at the stand. They have stopped by on many occasions to say hi and cheer us on. The day this picture was taken, they came to bring us a case of water and a bag of treats for the horses. Too kind! Joe and Bonnie, thank you very much.


I would also like to thank Lynn Williams for all his hard work on the tack room.

Max and Lynn are in a men's group together. Lynn agreed to help Max finish building the tack room. Actually, it has become Lynn's project. He has put in many, many hours to make it look great!

There's Grant with that hammer again!
We are so excited at how it is turning out. I can imagine many great pictures taken in front of that building. Oh, and of course it's great that our tack is being protected. Of course that's what really matters (to Max!)

Sadly, this is the best picture I have of the finished project.
Lynn, thank you, thank you!!! It looks incredible. We appreciate you giving of your time and talents to make such a difference at GG. Please thank your wife, Silvie, for sharing you with us.


Lynn is a realtor in town. I would like to give him a plug and propound that you use him because he has done so much for us. If you are in the market for purchasing or selling property in the Albuquerque area, he might be your man. If you do give him a call, please thank him for helping out at Galloping Grace.

Shucks--I can't get Lynn's link to work. I will try and call him tomorrow to find out the exact address.

Shucks again! I forgot to thank Keri, Cindy and kids for working shifts at the stand yesterday when I posted this last night! All this help has been so great--we are actually being able to get things done this year. Last year our life came to a halt in October. Guys, thanks again!!