Ready to Do This Again

A friend of mine started her own blog and it has motivated me to return to my blog. It certainly has been a long time since I've posted anything here. So much has happened. So much has stayed the same.

My pups, Baxter and Lucy, are still the loves of my life. My husband is still the most wonderful man. I am back working at Red Barn Farm and Kadance is still my best girl. She and I have worked hard at becoming a partnership.

My paycheck and spare time go to her and our training. We competed in a local show and amazingly enough, we placed second in two separate classes. I was thrilled. My only hope  for that show was to have Kadance remain calm. She did much, much better than I expected.

Fun on Repel

Wednesday morning, my husband informed me that the cadets would be at the rappel tower and I was welcome to join them.

Of course! It is super fun!

The last time I went off the rappel tower I played it safe. Two times off the 50 foot side, regular style. The skid, simulated helicopter skid, has no wall. Just a free fall. I wasn't confident enough to try that.
Not this time. My first repel was off the skid at 50 feet. Phew! It was a wee bit unnerving, but I did it. Yeah for me!

My second rappel off was the regular 50 foot side. No worries, no problems, simple fun. The cadre was having none of it. The easy way earns zero bonus points with them. So, up the tower I went.

This time, Spider-Man. Yep, upside down, face first. Brake hand straight out in front the following rope wrapped around my leg. Initially, I was hesitant to ease off and let the rope  slide through my brake hand. Then, I settled in and went for  it. I did it. It wasn't pretty and I didn't earn any points for finess. What I lack in talent, I make up in enthusiasm. Yeah for me!

Apparently, there is video of the experience. Not sure where it is. I'll have to check YouTube. Maybe it'll show up there.

My Kadance and I

The other day a friend of mine sent me a link to her video webpage. I was thrilled with the images she had captured and made a comment that she was lucky to have had someone around to take pictures of her and her horse.

To my delight, she sent this back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kifiwTXRkHg

My girl and I have greatly improved since this photos. She has gotten much, much bigger. We have also passed our Parelli Level I and ground skills Level 2.

My mother came to visit in December and she took some pictures.

This past Tuesday, I went out to the barn. The ground was very muddy and slick. I opted to hang out in the dry lot with her and play games.

I wanted to have more pictures of the two of us together so I took some self portraits.  It was difficult to get both of us in the picture. My arm wasn't long enough.

My friend, Donna, said she would add pictures to the video she made. Naturally, I'm going to take her up on the offer.

A few days later, I asked my trainer to take some pictures.

She did and I have yet to put them on the computer. Actually, my husband prefers that I let him download them because, somehow, I don't do it right. Something about compressing.

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for All.

We are a REPUBLIC.

Ailment Finally Relinquishing Its Grasp

Last Tuesday, I ate something that truly didn't agree with me. I, in a moment of weakness for the tasty treat, purchased gingerbread cookies from Walgreen's.  I believe they were the cause of much misery.

In my research to determine the cause of the tremendous itch in my weepy red eyes and the epidemic of canker sores throughout my mouth, I discovered that canker sores can be caused by emotional stress or  trauma. So, the crunchy crunch of the cookies in combination with the holiday stress, must have triggered the outbreak.

My doctor was at a loss for a diagnosis. He prescribed steroid cream for my eyes and face and antiviral medicine for my mouth. Nothing helped. Nothing. My eyes were red and swollen, the skin under my eyes was red and swollen, my forehead was red and my lips and gums were red and swollen. I looked like I'd been hit by a truck. The pain was excruciating. Oxycontin was the only thing that even remotely touched it. With the drugs, I couldn't sleep through the night. Trying to open my eyes was a challenge as they crusted over during the night. It wasn't bacterial pinkeye as the exudate wasn't purulent, only serous. Still, the goo solidified and effectively sealed my eyes closed.

Continued misery and now six days of missed work (dreadful effect on my paycheck) forced me back to the internet. All this time, I had been thinking horses, but as time passed and pain increased, I started hearing the hoof beats of zebras. Behcet's Syndrome was at the top of my list.

The literature indicated persistent canker sores should be seen by a dentist. A visit later, I was prescribed Magic Mouthwash. The most amazing stuff leaves my mouth numb and tingly. The combination of Magic Mouthwash and hydrocodone make my world fluffy and bubbly. No pain.

Last night during the wee morning hours, when the drugs wore off, I woke up and was able to open my eyes. The first time in a week that they weren't sealed shut. I must be on the mend. I hope so. At least I don't look like I've survived a car wreck.

Here Kitty, Kitty. Hello Mr. Squirrel

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Herpesviridae: Gotta Love It

Having taken several science classes, I have become intrigued with the etiology of diseases: Bacteria, Protozoa, Virus, Richettsia, and Fungus. The same class of infectious organism can cause a multitude of ailments in various tissues of various hosts. Take Herpesviridae. It can cause respiratory ailments, ulcers, abortion in animals, miscarriages in humans, birth defects, flu-like symptoms and cancer. Its ability to flourish in an array of hosts make it a formidable adversary.

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) is associated with several diseases in cattle: infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IPV), balanoposthitis, conjunctivitis, abortion, encephalomyelitis, and mastitis. Only a single serotype of BHV-1 is recognized; however, three subtypes of BHV-1 have been described on the basis of endonuclease cleavage patterns of viral DNA—BHV-1.1 (respiratory subtype), BHV-1.2 (genital subtype), and BHV-1.3 (encephalitic subtype). BHV-1.3 has been reclassified as a distinct herpesvirus designated BHV-5.
BHV-1 infections are widespread in the cattle population. In feedlot cattle, the respiratory form is most common. The viral infection alone is not life-threatening but predisposes to secondary bacterial pneumonia, which may result in death. In breeding cattle, abortion or genital infections are more common. Genital infections can occur in bulls (infectious pustular balanoposthitis) and cows (IPV) within 1-3 days of mating or close contact with an infected animal. Transmission can occur in the absence of visible lesions and through artificial insemination with semen from subclinically infected bulls. Cattle with latent BHV-1 infections generally show no clinical signs when the virus is reactivated, but they serve as a source of infection for other susceptible animal.


Bovine Ulcerative Mammillitis ( Bovine Herpesvirus II, Bovine Herpes Mammillitis): Bovine herpesvirus II (BHV-II) causes a severe, ulcerative condition of teat and udder skin of dairy cows that is often referred to as bovine ulcerative mammillitis. BHV-II can occur sporadically or in outbreaks and often results in marked loss of milk production as well as high incidence of secondary mastitis.

Early signs may vary, but the lesions often begin as one or more thickened, edematous plaques of varying size on the skin of one or more teats. Vesicles develop and may rapidly rupture, leaving a raw, ulcerated area that becomes covered with a dark-colored scab. The scabs tend to crack and bleed, especially if milking is attempted. The lesions are of variable size and can include much of the teat wall and orifice. Teats are generally painful and affected cows often resist milking, leading to development of mastitis. The highest incidence is often seen in first-lactation cows, but previously unexposed cows of any age are susceptible. Severe lesions may take several weeks to heal.


Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and confirmed by histopathology or by virus isolation from early lesions. Treatment is directed toward supportive care, as there is no effective therapy for this virus. The use of iodophore-containing teat dips with added emollients may help to inactivate the virus. It is important to isolate affected cows and to use separate milking equipment. Furthermore, separate paper towels and clean gloves for milking personnel help to prevent spread of the agent to susceptible animals.


EHV-1 is also often referred to as “Equine Rhinopneumonitis"  EHV-1 is a fairly common disease that causes respiratory symptoms and abortions in horses. EHV-4 is often confined to the respiratory tract, infection may spread beyond the respiratory tract to cause more serious disease, characterized by abortions, newborn foal death, or neurological disease.
 
Caprine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1), an alphaherpesvirus closely related to bovine herpesvirus, causes enteritis and generalized infections in neonatal kids. In adult goats, CHV-1 can induce vulvovaginitis, balanoposthitis, respiratory disease, or abortion.       
 
Feline Herpes Virus (Cat Flu)-Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Cat Herpes. Also known as "feline viral rhinotracheitis", feline herpes (FVR) is an acute upper respiratory disease of cats caused by the feline herpesvirus type 1 or FHV-1.Feline herpesvirus is the most common cause of upper respiratory disease in cats, it is more common in kittens, cats in stressed/overcrowded environments such as animal shelters & multi cat households. Kittens & older cats are more at risk than healthy adults, and are also at greater risk of dying. Once your cat becomes infected with the feline herpesvirus it will have it for life.Herpes viruses are a leading cause of human viral disease, second only to influenza and cold viruses. They are capable of causing overt disease or remaining silent for many years only to be reactivated, for example as shingles. The name herpes comes from the Latin herpes which, in turn, comes from the Greek word herpein which means to creep. This reflects the creeping or spreading nature of the skin lesions caused by many herpes virus types.


There are at least 25 viruses in the family Herpesviridae (currently divided into three sub-families). Eight or more herpes virus types are known to infect man frequently


Herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common worldwide. HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infections that occur on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters. Often symptoms are triggered by exposure to the sun, fever, menstruation, emotional stress, a weakened immune system, or an illness. HSV-1 is extremely common – as many as 90% of American adults have been exposed to the virus – and there is no stigma to having a cold sore.

Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) Herpes 2 is a sexually transmitted viral infection, which often produces painful sores, usually in the genital area. Once infected, an individual may carry the virus and be subject to recurrent bouts of infection. Some estimate that as many as 20 percent of the adult population in the United States has been exposed to the virus.



Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection affecting primarily the genitals of men and women. Genital herpes is characterized by recurrent clusters of vesicles and lesions at the genital areas or below the waist. A person usually gets HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection.

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) Epstein-Barr virus, frequently referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses. The virus occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. In the United States, as many as 95% of adults between 35 and 40 years of age have been infected. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Sometimes, a swollen spleen or liver involvement may develop. Heart problems or involvement of the central nervous system occurs only rarely, and infectious mononucleosis is almost never fatal. There are no known associations between active EBV infection and problems during pregnancy, such as miscarriages or birth defects. Although the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually resolve in 1 or 2 months, EBV remains dormant or latent in a few cells in the throat and blood for the rest of the person's life. Periodically, the virus can reactivate and is commonly found in the saliva of infected persons. This reactivation usually occurs without symptoms of illness.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) CMV is a common infection that is usually harmless. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life. Among every 100 adults in the United States, 50–80 are infected with CMV by the time they are 40 years old. Most healthy children and adults infected with CMV have no symptoms and may not even know that they have been infected. Others may develop a mild illness when they get infected and have the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands. But since these are also symptoms of other illnesses, most people don't realize that they have been infected with CMV.

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the cause of chickenpox and herpes zoster (also called shingles). Chickenpox follows initial exposure to the virus and is typically a relatively mild, self-limited childhood illness with a characteristic exanthem.
Approximately 1 per 4000 children develops VZV encephalitis, an acute neurologic disorder with potentially severe complications. In addition, immunocompromised children (eg, those receiving chemotherapy for leukemia or those with advanced HIV infection) can develop disseminated VZV infection, a potentially fatal complication.
After primary infection, VZV remains dormant in sensory nerve roots for life. Upon reactivation, the virus migrates down the sensory nerve to the skin, causing the characteristic painful dermatomal rash. After resolution, many individuals continue to experience pain in the distribution of the rash (postherpetic neuralgia). In addition, reactivation of VZV infection can cause a spectrum of atypical presentations, ranging from self-limited radicular pain without rash to spinal cord disease with weakness.

Human herpes virus 6 (exanthum subitum or roseola infantum) HHV-6A is the strain most likely to be found in MS, CFS and AIDS and cancer patients. HHV-6B causes roseola, febrile illnesses and encephalitis in infants and reactivates in transplant patients, causing complications such as encephalitis, pneumonitis and liver failure.

Human herpes virus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associate herpes virus). Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common cancer in HIV-infected untreated individuals. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV; also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)) is the infectious cause of this neoplasm.

Herpes Virus Taxonomy: Herpesviridae:

Ictalurivirus Ictalurid herpesvirus 1 Vertebrates
Alphaherpesvirinae Mardivirus Gallid herpesvirus 2 Vertebrates
Simplexvirus Human herpesvirus 1 Vertebrates
Varicellovirus Human herpesvirus 3 Vertebrates
Iltovirus Gallid herpesvirus 1 Vertebrates
Betaherpesvirinae Cytomegalovirus Human herpesvirus 5 Vertebrates
Muromegalovirus Murine herpesvirus 1 Vertebrates
Roseolovirus Human herpesvirus 6 Vertebrates
Gammaherpesvirinae Lymphocryptovirus Human herpesvirus 4 Vertebrates
Rhadinovirus Simian herpesvirus 2 Vertebrates

Owl Ears

Some time ago, I had learned that the owl's face and feathers are designed to enhance its ability to locate prey. Not only that, but also that its head doesn't really turn all the way around, just a mere 270 degrees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yps7pgq1TAk

Sometimes You Just Have to Speak Your Mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaR9ZcQ05oo

Tiny Dwellings

While browsing on the internet the other day, I discovered Tumbleweed Houses. The designer is very crafty, a man with tiny personal space, but clever nonetheless.

It got me thinking about camping. If that little house on wheels could be towed to a forest area and set up, it would be just like Daniel Boone or Davey Crocket times.

Then, I started thinking about my horse. Her stall at Green's Acres is bigger than the tiny house. She probably weighs more, too.

When I move her to Red Barn Farm, her run-in shelter will be bigger than the tiny house. I think it would be kind of neat (for a brief time) to park my house right next to my horse in the pasture.

Actual Conversation

me: Did you move the candles?

my husband: Yes

me: Why did you do that?

my husband: Because I wanted the tree smell in the living room.

Grades for Fall 2010 Are Posted

Well, my current 4.0 GPA combined with my previous semesters of 4.0 GPA still can't overcome those first two years of undergrad.

Poop.

One day, I might be interested in academics beyond a bachelor's level. Unfortunately, my overall GPA doesn't muster up to the required GPA for entrance level of a master's program. I just might have to revisit Chemistry 101 and 102. Those classes are out of date for me anyway. Seems current programs aren't impressed with science classes older than 10 years. Okay, I get it. Technological advances and new discoveries. The basics are still the same. Two Hydrogens plus one Oxygen is still H2O and NaCl is still salt and 3 molar hydrochloric acid fumes will burn contact lens and corneas.

Foiled Equestrian Workout

This past Wednesday, I had gone to the barn at Green's Acres with the full intention of bringing Kadance in from the pasture to work on walk-trot-walk transitions using very light aids. Funny how things chance in a few seconds.

I was bundled up against the cold, yet the sun was shining and felt warm. I collected my halter and lead rope and began the long walk out to the far pasture. The closer I got, the fewer horses I could see. There should have been four, yet I could only see two. Too soon to panic, I suspected my big girl would be further away and possibly in the tree line. She sometimes does that to either get away from the wind or heat of the summer sun. I continued my trek.

Then, I noticed Gunner, a spotted gelding laying down. He was clearly sound asleep. His deep exhalations visibly billowed about his head. Although my approach was soon discovered, he chose to remain recumbent. A few yards passed him, laying near the tree line, my big girl slept soundly. She stirred at my approach yet made no effort to stand. I ever-so-slowly moved closer and she still remained down with her front legs curled nearly under her.

"You're okay," I calmly told her as I gently set the halter on the grass. "You don't have to get up."

She sighed a cloud of warm breath and I knelt down and began easing closer to her.  My predatory-like behavior didn't phase her.

Inching next to her, I sat and rested my head on her shoulder. She looked at me then closed her eyes. Although I was leaping and squealing with excitement on the inside, I forced myself to take slow deep breaths and show no emotion other than complete peace and serenity. Not concerned that my elbow dug into my side or that my bum was not only absorbing the dew, but also the chill from the ground. My only concern was Kadance's need for safety and comfort. Twenty minutes of bonding bliss.

When she finally decided to stand up, she shook and we stood face to face. Neither of us were in a hurry to move. Eventually, Gunner decided to get to his feet and join us. Sniff and pets satisfied, I retrieved my halter and lead rope. Testing how far I could go, I opted to not use my artificial tools, and simply placed my palm under her chin and lead her back to the barn. In those moments, when she is relaxed, Kadance is amazing and compliant. Only when she gets emotional and excited does she loose her mind and forget what is being asked of her. But, there we were walking easily across the pasture, to and through the gate and into the barn just as nice as you please.

After that experience, there was no way I could make her physically exert herself. So, I fed her some hay and put her into the "Jenny Craig" lot. We played chase around the round pen and she helped my scoop poop. Apparently, I didn't have enough poop to remove, so she added some.

And such was my day with my horse.

Level 2 Audition

Yes, Kadance and I passed our Level 2 ground skills. We now much work on our riding skills. That will take some time. We've got  to get a smooth canter and an 18 inch jump.

And What's New With Me?

Let me back up a bit.

Back in October, my brother finally got married. As he and his now wife live the life of excitement, their marriage started off with a bang with a wedding cruise to the Cayman Islands and to Cozumel.

The wedding was a beautiful ceremony on a deck overlooking the sea. Very nice, intimate and casual. They were surrounded by friends and family. She, naturally, is a delight and makes a fabulous addition to our  family. Plus, she makes my brother very happy.

As they were doing their newlywed thing, my amazing husband and I did our thing. Not passing on a Kodak moment, I made my ever-patient husband be in many photographs. Of course, we had to have one overlooking the sea where my brother was married. I didn't notice until later that one of my earring had magically disappeared. I looked silly wearing only one earring, so we had to take more pictures. The retakes weren't nearly as flattering as the originals, but what are you gonna do?

After the wedding, we had a bit of free time, so we wandered around town, checking out shops and a few typical tourist spots. My husband, who in the past has been forced onto big boulders, a mechanical bull, statues at zoos and even onto a display in Las Vegas, accepted his inevitible fate of having to pose next to a giant Jabber Jaw goofy cartoon shark.

Prior to the wedding outing, the cruise had a formal dinner night. I had this great dress and I loved how it made me feel like the center of attention. Then, my mother suggested that I looked like a hussy. Humph. She might have been right. No wonder folks were looking at me.  What really matters is that I had a good time and my husband likes it when I'm a little bit trashy.

When we stopped in Cozumel, I had planned an excursion with Jungle Buggies. That was super fun even though it was pouring rain. The guide described our buggies as Mexican "Lambor-genies." And yes, that's how he said it.

A Momet Retrospective

Searching for a photo that I had previously posted on this blog, I reminisced while looking through my history. Turns out, I have several photos of animals. Lots of horses and lots of goats. Even before I knew I wanted a goat, I've loved goats.

When I worked for Weston Red Barn Farm, the LaMancha doe had a baby and they named it after me. Isn't that soooo nice? I was thrilled.  I was especially delighted to see my name-sake goat when I went back to the barn for a wedding. All dressed up to celebrate the wedding of farm family to farm friends, I was in the goat pen having a wonderful time. The little white one to my left is Kelly.

The wedding was wonderful. Turns out that several farmer friends were in attendance and we had a great time visiting. Had I known about Red Barn Farm when I got married, I suspect it would have been on the short list as a venue. Then again, I would have had to convince my Southern California beach man that a barnyard wedding would have been wonderful. Even now, I don't think that would be possible. I suspect I could; however, get him to agree to a renewal of vows at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Naturally, I'd have to dress as a wench and he as a pirate. Theme weddings can be cool.

The Ozark Fair came through town a few weeks ago. I attended several days. One day, I was lucky enough to enter the arena just in time to witness the miniature donkey cart class. Completely memorized, I had to watch. Naturally, approaching a donkey owner was a priority. A lady was standing next to three donkeys and when I began speaking with her, she pleasantly shared her donkeys with me. During our conversation and walk to the barn where she showed me her other donkeys and assorted pictures, she mentioned that one of the other competetors was from Leavenworth, KS. This information peaked my interest and I was determined to meet him.

His name is Tim Mendenhall is a delightful man and his barn Rocking M Donkeys is a place I want to visit. He told me he prefers driving animals over riding them. I mentioned to him that I so wanted to learn how to drive and that I would love to learn with smaller animals, like his donkeys, before I attempted to drive bigger horses like my Kadance. He graciously invited me into his cart and allowed me to drive! Completely excited, I was hooked. Squealing with delight, I experimented stearing and performing small circles. Tim then explained that this donkey was an intact Jack and wasn't nearly as easy to drive as one of his Jennys. When that donkey finished her test, Tim allowed me to drive what he termed his "auto pilot." She was wonderful! I had such a wonderful time.

Alas, not a camera in sight. 

Having experienced driving a small animal cart, I recalled I had discovered a company that sold goat carts. I had mentioned this to Cindy at Red Barn Farm and proclaimed Mr. Pat, her alpine whether, had a cart in his future. Now that I know how much fun the activity is, Mr. Pat DEFINITELY has a cart in his future.  

Final Grades

As expected...I received an A in Animal Science. Yippie for me! Now that school's out for the summer, I'll have to keep busy with the horse, the bees and my pups. I'm still at Chico's, but uncertain as to how much longer.

Next semester...Vet Science and Intro to Horseback Riding.

My New Job

Yesterday was my first day at Honey Heaven and I am completely delighted. I helped in the kitchen, both preparing the lunches and washing dishes. I worked the register (I'll need more practice and learn the prices of the items) and ... poured honey. It was four hours well spent.

What Nightmares Are Made Of

I found this image on google. I think if I were to open a container and discovered this, I would literally scream, crap my pants and pass out. I can't think of anything more horrific than a box of vile beasts.....

Study Nerd Gets the Grade

I am currently studying Animal Science. We have completed the Beef Cattle and the Dairy Cattle sections. We recently took the exam over Swine. I am proud to say that I scored a perfect 100%. Yep, 58 correct of 58 questions. I am as tickled as can be.

We are now studying Horses. Hopefully, with my previous semester in Introduction to Horses, I can achieve a satisfactory score on this section.

Sheep and Goats are next. I can't wait.