Because They Said So

I mentioned before we have had poop shortages. Strange, we know. Still, if you're the one with virtually no piles of poop yet have several children longing to scoop away, it becomes an issue. I think I mentioned how the weed chore is really a chore. Crushing cans is fun, but there are not enough of them.

I told Max we need to start letting the children help clean saddles. He liked the idea. However, sometimes what we want is not necessarily what's going to happen at GGYR. Others just might have a contrary opinion--a strong one at that!

I was walking by the tack room when I happened upon De and Maddy cleaning saddles. I said, "Oh wow, Max and I talked about letting the kids do that as a chore."
I must take a pause from this riveting narrative and give you a little background on De pictured above. Let's just say she has taken this whole make the tack room orderly project her baby. That lady runs a tight ship. Shovels can now be seen residing with fellow shovels. Rakes are hung in an orderly fashion. Fly spray here. Dewormer there.

We laugh about it.

We obey!

When I mentioned this potential chore as a dandy ol' idea, De barely looked up from her saddle soap when she announced, "Nope. I clean the saddles." Well, OK then.

Maddy is De's understudy. She takes her orders from De. She learns from De. I think De earned Maddy's eternal respect the day she taught her to put up a fence. It's a safe bet Maddy will not be handing over any rags unless requested by her sensei.
I guess I'll let them be for now. As if I had a choice anyhow. Just great--now I need to think up more clever chores to occupy those willing little cowboys and cowgirls.

I always do have piles and piles of laundry to fold. . .

On the criminal scene, Max chatted with the code enforcement officer for the City of Rio Rancho. He let Max know their office has dropped the criminal charges against us since the water line construction has begun!! Oh happy day! Happy things are rolling along and happy that we were lucky enough to get a code enforcement officer who has shown patience with us through this long process. He didn't have to been as understanding as he's been. Our court date should now be cancelled.

Saloon

One day we had two visitors show up at the ranch. Their names were Frank and Maddy. Maddy was interested in volunteering for us. (Which she has done consistently since that day.) Frank was along for the ride. As we got to chatting, I discovered Frank used to be a home builder. I jokingly asked him if he wanted to build a play house for us.

Fast forward many months to this beautiful sight. And this one. Mr. Amazing Frank whipped up the most adorable saloon this side of the Mississippi! And if you've been out to the ranch since his masterpiece was finished, you can attest to how popular it is with the youngsters. How could it not be with all all the wild games of poker, piano playin', and belling up to the bar! Good times, folks. Isn't it so cute?! Frank, we sure appreciate your handy work! Saloon don't get any better than ours. Thank you kindly.



And if that wasn't enough wood working for GGYR, his wife commissioned him to make two signs to hang--one for the obstacle course and one for the arena.

I've said it before, I'll say it again--

Our volunteers are the best!!

Hey America--Happy Independence Day!