Sunday, January 25, 2009

What Im Reading ...

Move over Marley, Enzo has taken the wheel!

I was very lucky to have been given this book for Christmas by Monika and I am so glad that she gave it to me and introduced me to Enzo.

I started reading this book on Saturday and have just about got to the end of it. It's just fantastic and Im loving every word of it.

The premise of the book is follows:-

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

Hi Mum and Dad

Look at me.... Im fat, Im happy and we have had over 30mls of rain and I'm .... DIRTY!






Love from Dirty Girl xxx

Joie and Miss Trixie


Funny how when leave a youngster in a paddock full of pick and even though you're still feeding them every day, you forget about them for a little bit: its amazing just how much they grow .. Miss Trixie is going to be a big girl just like her mama (Joie, pictured above).

I spent some time with her today and she really is a sweet gal, who loves to have cuddles and attention (and to be scratched just behind her right ear!)






Being a Little Angel ..

She is just a sweet little Angel.







Thursday, January 08, 2009

Guess Who's Having a Baby?

Another Southern was tested 14 days positive in foal to Mustaneer last week. Southern, like Nottie will be a maiden mum but I think she will be a good mum as she is so quiet and such a sweet mare.

Nottie was also tested 30 days positive in foal to Mustaneer last week. Gossy, unfortunately, was tested 14 days negative to Hidden Dragon. However, thats no matter as she has her hands full with the little Angel. Gossy will be Auntie to Pip's bub this year.

It certainly will be Foal City next year at Massie Lodge!

Wee Jimmy...First Race Start

(well, he will always be wee Jimmy to me!)
Private James (Private Agenda / Sweet Air) had his first race start to day at Townsville over 1000m and all owners would have to admit that we are all pretty amazed with what he did!

He drew Barrier 2 so had every chance. "Ding" and they were off. Jimmy was last to leave the barriers and then he jumped awkwardly and the field was away and gone.

That didnt deter our boy though. He managed to catch the field and ended up circling the field and missed running into 3rd place only by a short margin. What a great effort for a first start!

I had to smile when I found these baby photos of Jimmy and what a sweet baby he was.

This photo was taken shortly before he left Massie Lodge to go on his big adventure up north. I know he achieved only 4th placing, but still what an effort! A big congratulations to all owners of Jimmy and of course many thanks to Fred Wieland - his trainer.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Don't They Grow .. Especially When You're Not Looking!

Jack and Harry (and Evan)

Daisy
Trix & Daisy
Trix .. It only seems like yesterday that they were babies!

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Fat Girls ...

Southern

Nottie

Dirty


Joie

Creds .... and loving it!

No Words Required




*Sigh*

What I Have Just Finished Reading....


I just loved this book and couldnt put it down! I am a great fan of David Baldacci's and one of the reasons is because he hasnt lost the hunger or the enthusiam of a good story with this his 4th book in "The Camel Club" series. Each book seems to be as good as the first one ... which is important I think as it shows the writer cares about the story and isnt writing it for the hell of it!
Definitely worth the read.

The Massie Lodge Mowers are on the Job....

Our 2.5 Mowers ... Pip, Gossy and Little Angel


Mum stands still for a milkbar stop
Angel with Aunty Pip

Diary of a Broodmare ... Cont.

Hoof Date: 1st January, 2009.

See, even mares know what year it is.

Day 12,648 of having to have my leg bandaged and quite frankly, Iam over it. However, the missus tells me that it has healed over the bone and is looking good. Hmmm. She doesnt have to stand there and have it cleaned etc. Hmmpf.

If you ask me it still looks horrific. Luckily there are no boys around that I need to impress ... well I spose I dont have to impress anyone anymore being in foal.

I wonder if Gossy is in foal.... She went away for a few days to see a boy and quite frankly it was very stressful for me to be here on my own without her. I was so happy to see her and the little shrimp when they returned, I whinnied and kicked up my feet - mind you it was all for show. She's not letting on about her experience away or if she has a bun in the oven but I think she is, as she just adores being pregnant and fat. Oh well, time will tell but she is certainly keeping it to herself - most unlike her.

I must tell the missus that I need more to eat as I am eating for 2. Hah as if!


A Thought for 2009 ...


If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax, be much sillier than I’ve been on this trip. I would be crazier; I would take few things seriously. I’d take more chances, I’d take more trips. I’d climb mountains and swim rivers. I would eat more chocolate. I would have more proper troubles and fewer imaginary ones.



You see, I’m one of those people who have lived conventionally and sanely and sensibly, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and they were wonderful, but if I had to do it all over again, I’d decide to have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, over and over.



I would go barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way until late in the autumn. I would go to more dances. I would ride on merry go rounds. I would own more horses and more dogs and listen more carefully to their conversation. I would walk through the summer evenings and stare at the sunset.

And I would pick more daisies.
(with apologies to Nadine Stair, Readers Digest ,1953)

MAY 2009 BE FULL OF LOVE, HOPE, SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS FOR YOU ALL -
Helen & Evan Robinson