How Dry It Is

yeah, yeah I know you think Iam whingeing about the fact we havent had much rain ... we havent really and considing that this is our wet season, or, more to the point we are still waiting for our wet season! We have had bits and pieces of rain since that last beautiful lot .... so how disappointing was it last night when we saw a huge storm brewing and it was coming our way, only to get a couple of mls out of it? Very disappointing indeed.

But that seems to be the way at the moment. How frustrating is it to watch all this rain go around us or come within kilometers only to miss out.? The weather has become very hot and the last few days have been pretty uncomfortable, especially for our Sydney visitors, Bob and Kim. They are off to Lightning Ridge and then on to Broken Hill and I suspect that they will encounter even warmer weather there!


We took our visitors to the Sandy Creek Pub this afternoon for a few drinks and while sitting on the verandah I noticed the farm across the road and it was a very grim sight indeed (as pictured). This place would make Massie Lodge appear lush and green!

It’s like any passion that you have - It gets under your skin, into your blood, and you just endure the ups and the downs that are thrown to you. We are obviously not seeing the worst of the drought, (thank goodness), but if you rely on crops for an income, how can you stay afloat and continue to keep riding the dry weather?

It really got me thinking seeing this property across the road from the pub and it really made me feel sad.

Meanwhile, back at Massie Lodge all the residents are doing well and enduring the heat.Maddie and Joie have now been served 3 times each by Portland Player (you would have to think that they would be in foal? Lol) and will come back home at the end of the week.

Flossie has finished with the bandage changes and will get some front shoes in the next week or so.

Max and Jimmy are not my favourite kids on the block at the moment with Jimmy deciding to give me a bite on the back yesterday (the little shit!). Maxwell just stood there and looked on … one might think it was a pair of kids conspiring with Jimmy drawing the short straw to do the deed. I think he might of regretted it after I turned around and quickly taught him a quick lesson that you don’t bite the hand that is feeding you!!

Tomorrow sees a return to work (for me …. Air conditioning, phew!) and hopefully a quiet day for Evan (who will be busy updating the PASS Blog and website, along with Gallopers as well!!!).

Life is good ... but better when it rains.


Helen.

Miss Millie..... who is missing Lancey's company very much and is actually going through a type of grieving process. She is sticking pretty close to me, but is doing some really weird things at the moment, like hiding in little areas and going off outside wandering. She would be missing Lance immensely, as we all are.

The very lovely and talented mouse catcher, Bessie Merle - who, like Millie, is missing Lancey.

The "Hay Man" on his trip down the back paddock.

Evan chatting with Bob & Kim Hookey who have been staying with us for the past few days.

Spikey-man after his dip in the dam.

Matilda enjoying a dip in one of the dams.





Southern (Another Southern) and Queenie (Why for Not) in their paddocks ... both looking nice and round.

The Life and Times of Massie Lodge...

Once again, I find myself struggling to find a witty and catchy title ... (probably due to the fact that its been a hectic week and Iam exhausted!), so you will have to make do with that!!

Evan was up with the early birds this morning posting emails to our subscribers to P.A.S.S - you would be kicking yourself if you havent subscribed already.... he picked 3 winners out of 3 selections with a top price of $5.40 today. I made sure that I had a look at that email, so that I could make sure that I put my bets on my TAB account before the normal Saturday morning rush, you know going into Warwick, doing the grocery shopping with a million other people... coming home, unpacking it, going out to do the equine lunches and then coming in to cool down and have some lunch ourselves.

What is it about shopping centres when it gets to nearly the 1st December? It seems the number of people increases 10-fold and it becomes increasingly harder just to zip into town, get a park and do the shopping and be home within an hour and a half. The Christmas bug certainly seems to have hit Warwick with people going crazy already. lol

Joie and Maddie have settled in at Colourwell Stud and were served yesterday and again today by Portland Player. From all reports, Joie took to her new career like a duck to water ... well she didnt cripple Player from the chat we had with the stud. (lol) Maybe she is looking forward to becoming a mum? Apparently Player has the temperament of a gentle giant and really looks after his mares during serving (with flowers and chocolates afterwards?). Definitely not a "wham-bam-thank-you mam ..." more of a sensitive new age stallion from what I have heard.

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS....

A big congratulations must go to one of our owners, Rob and Jane Koch, whose horse, Innocent Verdict, won today at Cairns. Excellent news guys!!

Well, its been nice being home with Evan, the puppies and the horses today. I have been a little sad, missing the brown dog.. but after spending the day enjoying their company, I must say that I am feeling much brighter. I did have some "special" Isabell and Lucy time today .. Isabell is so full of energy and is so confident of herself, and wee Lucy is slowly coming out of her shell too - gotta love the babies and what they give us.

Time to go and be with Evan and just enjoy being together.

Until next time, take care my friends.

Helen.

Miss Isabell ... "What are you staring at?"

"Right, I'm gonna get you..." which translates into can I try my new teeth on you? lol



The girls on lawnmowing duty... with the little ones getting the hang of it really quickly

Miss Lucy following mum Sweetie on lawnmowing duty.

Comings and Goings........

I know that sometimes I get on here and complain about the fact that my only contact with the outside world are the cranky customers that grace part of my working day, however, spare a thought for Evan who had a day like this:-

Wake up (suddenly) by Spikey-man at 5am with a cold nose in the face and a paw on the shoulder.

Go outside and clean up stables and yards (pick up pooh etc etc)

Start filling the water bowls

Start feeding the stabled horses

Continue on with the water bowls

Start feeding the other horses

Give hay to the stabled few

Come inside and have breakfast

Attend to the emails for Gallopers

Make calls for Gallopers

Come outside and wash Bob and groom mane and tail in anticipation of early pick up from Sydney Horse Transport

Watch Bob roll in the dirt

Chat with Leo from next door about Hay supplies - help him deliver hay to Hayshed down the bottom of property

Try and put mare collars on Maddie and Joie

Attempt to groom Maddie and Joie for their trip to Portland Player (brush body, mane tails)

Back inside to make some more phone calls for Gallopers

Ring stud re Joie and Maddie

Answer emails from Gallopers

Go back outside: check water bowls and give lunch to horses

Clean stables and yards (again)

(Are you exhausted yet?)

Come inside for lunch

Field more calls for Gallopers / make more calls / check emails

Transport arrives for Horses. Go get Bob.

Bring Bob up

Help load Bob (he's a good boy and no trouble)

Help load Joie (she loaded well, but got fidgety!)

Help load Maddie

20 mins later....

Help load Maddie (who didnt want a bar of it)

Wave truck goodbye! (finally)

Start checking water bowls (3rd time today - doesnt help when Max wants to swim in his)

Start feeding horses in stables

Start feeding others

Give hay to stabled horses

Come inside

Gallopers / P.A.S.S. web updates

Open a cold beer.

Think about dinner.

Sit on the verandah with beer and wait for Helen to come home

Dish up dinner

Form study time

Shower

Coma.

Wake up ... and do it all again!

Anyone who said this is a glamorous life, obviously hasnt spent a day with us!!! It certainly makes my job look like a breeze!

LOL

Helen

P.s. Congratulations to Evan on his first pick for P.A.S.S. who paid $3.90. (I told you to go and read his blog!!)

Where Do I Start?

when I start speaking about today? Today has been one of those days when it just goes on and on and on... but I am quite happy when that happens and Iam at home... its a bit different when you are stuck in the office, watching the clock wondering how much longer its going to take to get to going home time!

Not that Iam a clock watcher, however, there are some days when an hour seems like it takes 2 hours to go through (if that makes any sense).

Today has seen me stuck in front of the computer tweaking bits and pieces to the "other" website .. (Professional Analytical Selection Service), creating another blog to go with that website (click here to go and have a look at the blog), creating statistical counters and watching the traffic on all of the websites. I have so many websites and blogs on the go at the moment, I dont know if Iam coming or going!

Needless to say that all websites are getting lots of traffic at the moment, which is great!


I know that Evan has been busy blogging away in the other room and has put up a review for Ballarat tomorrow if you would like to have a look, Click Here!!

Massie Lodge Residents ....

I bet you were wondering when I would get to them! Lots of comings and goings tomorrow... rather goings with Bob (Centenn) going back to the Gold Coast and Maddie and Joie off to see Portland Player.

Oscar (Tannerong Baluk, pictured above) is set to get a visit from Ralda, our EMT Therapy lady on Friday as we have noticed that he just isnt right in his walking action and it isnt lameness... we're certain it will do him the world of good.

I walked out into the little boys (Max and Jimmy's) paddock this morning (to stretch my legs) while they were both stretched out on the grass having a sleep in the sun ... Iam positive that I heard Maxwell snoring! lol

Well, its only a short post tonight. By the way if you see any lost rain, can you send it down here?

Cheers my friends. Helen.

Beginnings and Endings...

I always think of the Billy Joel song, "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" when I think of beginnings and endings ... what does he say, "Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes, im afraid its time for goodbye again..." How true is that?

We got the news today that Irish Royal broke his leg in his box late last week and had to be put down. To say that I was shocked was an understatement. Our thoughts of sincere sympathy go out to Nigel Landers, who put his very heart and soul into this fella.

As you all well know, nothing is ever guaranteed in this life and with horses and horseracing that for sure is a certainty.

I guess when you look at life its a series of checks and balances ...


You are probably wondering who that dashing young colt is at the top of today's post. Maxwell certainly was a lovely little baby, who has grown into such a nice young man (hormones, notwithstanding!).

I also have some good news to impart.

After much discussion with Evan, he has decided to take his punting prowess out into the market place and offer a selection and information service for race meetings around Australia.

And so, Professional Analytical Selections Service was born today.

As previously outlined on the Massie Lodge site, Evan will give a Race Day Preview with a Horses to Follow service in the form of a blog (stay tuned for that URL!) and once subscribed, people will receive Evan's selections for race meetings in the form of a newsletter to a nominated email address or by sms to a mobile of your choice (by prior arrangement).

Have a look around the site and let us know what you think.

Those who know Evan know just how good his selections are. I'm very proud of him getting out there and giving it a go.

Monika came out today to do a last bandage change for Floss and to scan both Joie and Maddie to see where they were in their cycle. Both mares were given a shot of PG to help their cycle along and will catch the same transport on Wednesday as Bob, on their way to see Portland Player.

Monika reported that Joie's uterus was pretty normal for a maiden mare and will be back to do the 45day testing in due course. You could see the look of dread on Madd's face as she walked into the mare crush .. I think she thought she had been excused from foaling duties.

Well, time for me to go to bed, Iam absolutely exhausted.

Helen.

" Yes I do remember doing this 2 years ago ... can't say that Iam impressed either!"
Maddie not very happy with what Monika is doing.

"How much longer is this going to go on???" Evan with Joie in the crush.



.... not much longer Joie

Monika doing her thing up the other end ... (lucky her she gets all the good jobs!).





One of our pride and joys... Master Lenny who has grown up a treat. We're certainly very pleased with him (even if Sweetie is his mum!).

Bob (Centenn) contemplating life back in the stable at the end of the week. He will miss his girls, Trousers and Vera (who he has become very thick with).

Evan, Monika and Floss ... It was Floss's last bandage change today.




You will have to excuse me ... Iam indulging myself in some more photos of my dear friend Lancey.

Bessie Merle and Lance .... the best of friends.




Lance and Jack were the Christmas dogs of Massie Lodge in 2003.

Vale.

Please forgive me for not posting this last week as my heart has been too heavy to speak about the wonderful Massie Lodge residents that we are blessed to have at the moment.

It's been a very long week for both Evan and I, as we have had Lancey back in at the vets since Sunday of last week. Things took a bit of a turn for the worst last Sunday night with Lance's gag reflex going, which indicated to Luke that Lancey had been bitten by a paralysis tick rather than a snake.

I have been spending my spare hours sitting with him down at the vets and on Thursday afternoon, just before I arrived to see him, Lancey passed away. Luke believes that a complication took place with fluid on the lung and Lancey just couldnt fight anymore.

What a brave fight that he fought!

I feel like I have been walking around abit lost, like I have lost a child. Lancey was the first born of the first litter that I had with Jack (pictured above with his son Lancey and me ... taken approx. 5 years ago) and Jessie and it was a night that I will never forget as Lancey was the biggest brown Curly pup I had ever laid my eyes on and because Jess was a maiden bitch, I had to help out and fix Lancey up and get him on the teat.

As I said before, it was a night I will never forget bringing 9 screaming Curly Coated Retriever pups into the world. What a wonderful night it was.

Still, life goes on doesnt it? And as much as you dont want the sun to come up and night to fall, it continues to happen and before you know it, much time has passed.

Many heartful thanks to all my dear friends who have been in contact with me to make sure that I was alright. Iam blessed.

All the Massie Lodge residents are doing well with all the green pick on the ground. Miss Isabell and Lucy are growing at an enormous rate of knots and are both very different fillies. Isabell is very outgoing and confident and will make sure that she comes and says hello, while little Lucy is still very shy and hanging on to mum.

Joie's foot is healed (thanks to Monika's miracle bandaging techniques!) and will be visited by Monika tomorrow to see where she is in her cycle and then will be visiting Irish Royal at the end of the week.

The report from Paul Moody is good regarding Shortpants. She has had a good session being broken in and will have a short break before going back and learning about pads and barriers. After that she's back in the paddock for some more growing up.

The Dirty Girl is just about ready to be moved next door to where she is now, where there is a bigger yard & stable for her to move around in when Sweetie and Libs and bubs go back down the back. The Dirty Girl, Joie and Sweetie have become friends - a very interesting group there .. with 2 very bossy mares in Jo and Sweet and the Dirty Girl who is as sweet as pie.

Masters Maxwell and Jimmy are enjoying their time in their paddock with all the green pick and have become fast friends with both Lenny and Jake. I spent some time in the paddock with Max and Jimbo and they are two of the quietest colts ... just gorgeous. They are both into some serious growing at the moment.

Bob (Centenn) is heading back into work this week with Kaye Tinsley after just over a month off. He is so quiet and loveable and I have never seen a horse eat as slowly as he does ... he would never make it in a paddock with others ... he would end up starving!

Well, time for me to go and relax as I have spent a busy day today in front of the computer, mucking around with the various websites.

Life does go on.

Helen.

Master Maxwell, enjoying the green pick in his paddock... and the company
of Lenny and Jakey next door.




The beautiful Miss Lucy, who is rarely without her mum

This is more like it ... Lucy and her mum, Sweetie.

Miss Isabell ... who is quite happy to go off and do her own thing...





... but then it's good to be back with mum

20 year old Vera (Ophira) ... "Haven't I gone through enough with 12 foals?"

Oscar, not particularly happy about getting his back feet trimmed!





Bob getting his feet done last week. Bob will go back into work next week with Kaye Tinsley.

Trousers getting her feet done... This foot...





... that foot ....

How much more do I have to put up with? I ask you!





My darling brown dog, Lancey...

You can run and swim to your heart's content ...

For now you are free.

Miss you Brown Dog xxx

Another Blissful, Peaceful Saturday?

Not on your life!


Just when you think that you are going to have a quiet weekend, something always happens and its usually to do with one of the animals. Today it was Lancey, one of the Massie Lodge canines.

He was quite sick when we woke up this morning ... throwing up, lethargic... first thing that came to mind was snake bite. Well, it was off to the Warwick Vets with the big brown dog to see what was going on. First blood test wasnt very good and and signs were indicating that he had indeed been bitten. Luke decided that he wasnt sure as Lancey wasnt presenting with classic symptoms, so we decided to give him some time to see if he deteriorated. He didnt, so come 1pm it was time to go back into the vets to pick up the brown dog and to keep an eye on him when we got home. He is still not 100% as I write this post. He is still throwing up, however he is drinking lots of water and has been outside to the toilet.

I can see its going to be a long night keeping an eye on him. *yawn*

All the equine residents are well and enjoying the summer pick that has arrived. Max and Jimmy are having loads of fun playing in the water in the contour that runs through their paddock and then rolling in the mud puddle that they have made. Kids!

Libby and Sweetie and their bubs, Isabell (pictured above, trying to get down to the pick and having to move her long legs out of the way anyway she can!) and Lucy are doing very well and both Sweetie and Libby are happy to be reunited after getting the delivery thing out of the way (I know that we are glad that that's over too!). Isabell's teeth are coming through already, so lesson time will soon begin as she starts to try and use them!

Time to go and put my feet up ... hopefully to have an uneventful rest of the night with Lancey.


Helen.

The very fiesty Miss Isabell ...





The very lovely Miss Lucy out and about this afternoon with her mum, having a
wonderful time with all the green pick.

Both Libby and Sweetie are happy to be together again. Isabell and Lucy are on
their way to becoming fast friends.

Some Pictures ...

A very late bloomer, Flossie (Dodge / Wanchai Lady) has finally started to grow length ways and height ways ... she is in the middle of a huge growth spurt at the moment and is being fed 4 times a day trying to keep up with it. It's just like all of a sudden, since Shorts left to be broken in, she has got the message. She still has a ways to go though... mind you she has started from behind the eight ball due to her beginning, yet her owners aren't in a hurry.

Happiness Is ...

... being with my mum


Iam the centre of attention at the moment ... however I suspect things
will change when we meet up with Libby and Isabell...

Massie Lodge

Mud farm…. Not quite.. but getting there! I know that I keep saying this, but it never ceases to amaze me just how quickly the paddocks come back after some decent rain. It also never ceased to amaze me the amount of mud that there is around.

Note to our owners: I’m sorry but all your horses are covered in mud, from head to toe … even the Dirty Girl who is in the stable yard next to Sweetie and Lucy (pictured above), decided that a good roll in the mud was what the doctor ordered! We did give her a hose down this morning, as she was really quite putrid!

As you will see, Max and Jimmy are covered from head to toe, with Jimmy’s face covered in the stuff… but what fun they had getting to that state!

I took the dogs for a walk this morning round all the dams (which they all had to test swim in) and it just looked great to see them back to being full of the wet stuff. The big dam still has a way to go, but it is much improved from before.

Just a quiet day for us today, perhaps we might go to Allora to the pub for lunch … sounds like a good idea to me!

Enjoy!

Helen.

Lucy and her mum, Sweetie, enjoying the sunshine this morning.

The Massie Lodge canines enjoying the water-filled contours.

Max and Jimmy, naturally covered in mud.





Bob (Centenn), sticking his nose around the door of his stable, wondering if it's safe to come out now. Funny, both Oscar and Bob spent the entire duration of the rain in their stable and were perfectly dry. Unlike the Dirty Girl, who stood out in the rain and then had to roll in the mud!