the life and times of massie lodge

Happy Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-23T20:08:00.000+10:00

Well here it is, and I’m sure that you have all beenwaiting with baited breath for this newsy-Christmas greeting to arrive! We both hope that you haven’t been sitting bythe post box waiting for your paper version with illegible writing to arrivebecause I’m afraid, that once again, time has gotten away and it’s just toodarn late to post it!!

So this is about as good as it gets!

Pikey

Go get yourself a cuppa, a piece of ChristmasCake and sit back and enjoy!! Thegentleman up above of course is Pikey, dressed up as a Christmas elf… whatcan I say?? I had planned to get some photos of Evan andmyself and the canines, equines… but, you guessed it – time has beaten me andyou will have to wait and read the blog site after Christmas where I plan toput up some photos of us, the dogs, the horses etc etc.

Like everyone it seems, 2011 has been a verychallenging year for us. Evan had a lifechanging experience with June of this year by suffering a heart attack – not aserious one – I mean he managed to getout of bed and feed the horses, cut wood, sort out the water to the horsesbefore going to hospital … but itcertainly made us both stop and look at our lives to find out what wasimportant and what we can do without. Italso showed the strengths of our many friendships and the love of the peoplearound us – a simply amazing experience for both of us and one we will neverforget.

Ruby

2011 was a year of finding my voice when it came tothe travesty of Coal Seam Gas Mining in the Darling Downs of Queensland – Australia’s Food Bowl – mind you its notrestricted to Queenslandin any shape or form. As a result, The BlackCockatoo Blog (and FB page) wasborn to communicate information to thepeople. It keeps me very busy … as wellas working locally as an Office Manager, looking after Crazy Horse Marketingclients and the Massie Lodge residents: leisure time is often sitting on thelounge with my trusted laptop … working!! It was also a year of finding mypassion for photography…finding the beauty in our surrounds and trying tocapture it through the camera. Adding fuel to the fire was some success in acouple of shows…so that has also fuelled my love of picture taking. I have come to the conclusion that if I couldmake a living out of taking photographs, I would be in heaven!

Evan continues to run Gallopers which has evolved froma bloodstock site into something completely different – a one stop website withall the racing information that you would ever need to follow the races.Gallopers also has an ever growing popular presence on FB. Evan’s knowledge ofhorse racing is outstanding and the “Gallopers Good Thing” is running at 50%winning strike-rate this month.

Matilda

Evan continues to represent successful senior Jockey -Damien Robinson (based in South Australia) and Victorian Apprentice, Chris Pace – whois currently out of action injured. Evan still gets up in the middle of the night to watch his belovedLiverpool FC – you know, there are something things that will never change!!

So, there you have it in a nutshell… we’re both hopingthat 2012 will be a year of new endeavours and a year of following our passions and hopefullymaking a living out of the things we love to do. There will still be dogs and thoroughbreds –hopefully Jimmy is on his way to a comeback after injury and a very long spelland Harry will go out into the racing world and show us the potential that wethink he might have. Remembering that there are never ever any givens when itcomes to Thoroughbreds – that is one lesson that we both learnt very quicklywhen we moved to Massie Lodge.

Bessie Merle (minus Christmas getup!)

So, from Evan and I, we wish you all a very happy andfamily-filled Christmas Day and may 2012 be the year that realises all yourdreams and wishes!

It Really Is Getting Close To Christmas…

2011-12-16T11:35:00.000+10:00

Today in the mail we received our first Christmas family newsletter today… and I think for the first time in many years I didn’t baulk, raise my eyebrows, or think how totally ‘over-the-top’ it was. I think I actually welcomed the news.

My mother was one of six siblings, she was the only girl and there is no doubt in my mind that she was the black sheep of the family, not because she took my father’s surname nor by the outlandish things that she did, but more by her very strong sense of character and will that made her stand up to her father – who was very strict – but not unlike many of the men of that time.

She passed away in 1998 after a very long battle with a rare form of cancer – but I do truly believe it was on her terms to go when the time came and not the disease – but that was her, a woman truly in control of her life, and her death, and strong in every sense of the word.

I remember vividly having a conversation with her during her illness at the beginning of 1998 - the conversation that no-one wants to have with a loved one who is terminally sick – oh, how we both cried together and hugged each other!! It was the conversation where I told her that it was ok for her to leave.

My mother being the person that she was kept going until her body decided to give up – due to a tumour in her groin that had opened up and had become necrotic, her groin artery burst. My first thought on remembering that memory today was the amount and the bright colour of the blood that had spilled out. The ambulance arriving and then being told in the hospital that I would have to learn how to clamp the artery in case it happened again. While I stayed at the hospital until she was stable, she then sent me home to “clean up” while unbeknownst to me, she organised her departure and I believe it was totally on her terms.

A month or so after her funeral when I was clearing out her room, I remember coming across one of her journals and while at first I felt abit awkward to read her private thoughts, it gave me a huge insight into her when she was a young girl. I wasn’t really that surprised at what I read; her brothers had joked many times about her strong will and assertiveness and to see her words come to life in her large looping handwriting made me understand just who she was, her dreams and what she wanted to do with her life.

Years later I met Evan and my life began.

My uncle once said to me, “You are the spit of your mother” - at the time I didn’t realise the significance of those words… but now I know it’s her strength, will and dogged determination that make me who Iam today.

I caught up with my mother’s extended family finally this year – at the funeral of one my Uncles - and it made me feel so awkward in the realisation that I hadn’t seen these people in years and that it took an “occasion” – albeit a sad one - to be together again.

I still miss my mum and more so at this time of the year - I guess you never really get over losing a parent especially when they are such a strong influence in your young life, but it takes a family occasion like Christmas to bring the memories to the surface again.

Christmas for us this year will be quiet – but that’s ok. We will bring out the Christmas Tree, hang the wreath on the front door and adorn the living room with tinsel. Every year I toy with the idea of Christmas Cards…but usually lack of time dictates and it usually ends up being an e- newsy letter – like the one I received today, figuring that it will mean more than a store bought Christmas Card.

My brother Neil will come up to Massie Lodge and will spend time with Evan and I, the Massie Lodge canines and equines. We will exchange a few presents, eat some good food and drink some good wine – and with all the hype and commercialism that normally surrounds this time of the year, when it comes down to it, to me, this is what the true meaning of Christmas is.

The Greatest Show on Earth

2011-12-03T20:37:00.001+10:00

The Life and Times of Massie Lodge

2011-11-25T12:55:00.001+10:00

Friday, its taken all week to get here. Im sitting here on the lounge with my laptop on my lap … Ruby (pictured above in her 2011 Christmas photo) is next to me on the right… Matilda on the left. Pikey is on the other lounge nestled in between 2 pillows and snoring… and Bess is just on the other side of the lounge on her bed… making funny wee squeaking noises. Evan is at his computer updating Gallopers… which is really a fulltime job.

I have spent the better part of a couple of hours updating The Black Cockatoo (which has become enormously popular as a News Blog) – it’s inbox generally has about 20-30 emails and news alerts waiting for me every morning – I guess that just shows just how much news is around about Coal Seam Gas mining.

I do have an update to do on Damien’s blog – A Jockey’s Journey – but I will wait to do that. Instead I indulge myself and take a walk amongst the thousands and thousands of blogs which are on the Blogger network. Wow, some of the blogs are outstanding and make mine look, rather plain (lol).

My very good friend was involved in a car accident the other day – they were turning right into their property and there were one or two cars behind them: one of the cars behind them with some young men in it decided to overtake and ended up clipping the front car which had my friend in it. To cut a long story short - they were allegedly speeding – and ended up totalling their car into an electricity pole with the result of a multiple cost of human life.

How fickle is the thread of human life? One minute your alive and busy living it – and then the next minute, through a bad decision or an indecision - you’re not?

Definitely a life changing event. I know that my friend is closely looking at the aspects that make up her life and re-evaluating the parts that make up her every day.

I know it made me stop and think about my life and if anything made me be cranky at myself for my ongoing procrastination on doing the things - and being with the people - that really matter. To help me along I have made a list of the things that I want to do – and it doesn’t matter if Im no good at it. (lol).

LOL – Sorry guys Im not brave enough yet to show the list to anyone, however, Im sure that at some stage I will.

Its been awhile since I have updated the Equine Residents at Massie Lodge:

One of the little yearling colts, Rocky has come up lame today and we’re now waiting for the Eric to come and look at him. Boys will be boys and young colts do play hard. Herman continues to be cute however both boys are now trying it on a little bit but that’s normal for colts. They still come up to me when I go into their paddock and want some affection... but if you keep your hand there just a little too long...there could be a nip!

My beautiful mare, Epiphany (Pip) continues to love her life down the big back paddock with Mazwell. Every day she goes for a swim in the dam and rolls in the mud – it’s one of the special things that I love to watch. She keeps telling me that she wants to get back into twittering (Diary of a Broodmare) as she has a lot to say. Scary! Her two kids, Harry and Pix live next door and they are both looking a treat. I keep telling Harry not to get too attached to paddock life as he still has a racing career ahead of him… Full sister Pix seems to have gotten over her broken neck and is looking fantastic. She just adores Harry… Funny I see Pip hang over their fence and talk to them and all body language indicates that it's with love ..

The two grey boys, Buck Rogers and Northie are a funny pair. Buck Rogers is a big gentle grey giant and Northie – black – and as cheeky as – continues to try and be “the naughty one” except when it comes to getting a scratch behind the ear.. this is the one thing that he loves and will actually stand quiet while you do it. Buck Rogers’ wound continues to heal nicely with the aid of Flint’s Oil.

The 3 ladies down the back, Southern, Nottie and Daisy have the run of 3 big paddocks with 2 dams that provide swimming pleasure for all 3 of them. Both grey ladies have water marks up their bellies...

Jimmy (aka Private James) continues to spell up North and the question mark still remains if he will ever race again.

Iam looking forward to this weekend – my big brother Neil is up for the weekend and it will be great to share some time, eat some good food and drink some good wine with him. We’re both die-hard movie addicts so Im sure we will be watching some dvds or going to the movies over the weekend. I know that Evan will be busy as Damien is riding on Saturday at Morphettville and at Clare on Sunday – so he will be glued to Sky. There is the thought of Roast Lamb tonight ... baked dinner.. always a favourite in the Robinson household!

So all is well at Massie Lodge. Ruby has flipped over and is now on her back with her feet up in the air demanding a stomach rub.. and who am I to deny her??

To Read or Not To Read?

2011-11-17T21:01:00.001+10:00

I had a very interesting question asked to me the other dayby a good friend….and for the life of me I couldn’t answer the question.

Why do I read?

And my first response was, “I don’t know, I just enjoy it”.

The next question that was asked of me was, “Are you into EBooks?” To which I responded without asecond thought, “Noooooo!!!!”.

I guess there are many reasons why people sit down with abook . Some people sit down withself-help in mind, hoping to get the right answers about their life so that theyfind a direction and don’t make any silly mistakes. Some people may read books to get inspired orthey read books about other people doing things that they wish that they coulddo. Some people read books to beam themselves off into another universe and far away from reality.

I know that Evan rarely reads – he has a book that he takeswith him to pass the time of day when he is travelling by plane. He is still reading this same book: it wentto Adelaide in February, to hospital in June andback again to Adelaidein August. It is currently sitting inhis carry on luggage waiting for the next trip. Ask him and he'll tell you that the reason he hasnt finished the book is because it's crap...

But why do I read? The chance to disappear into a novel with flamboyant and outrageouscharacters into exotic locations doing something other than office work is one ofmy most favourite things to do – not that there is anything wrong with officework (lol) and this has been the same since I was a little girl. I have spent many, many hours held up on thelounge, or on the back step, or sitting on the side of the large dam way downthe back paddock spellbound by thelatest instalment of The Camel Club (David Baldacci), or the latest KayScarpetta (Patricia Cornwell) instalment . I can even be found on the front veranda surrounded by the Massie Lodge canines with the latest DianneBlacklock novel. I just love it.

Every night before I go to bed I get out my latest bookand try and read a few paragraphs before my eyes close and refuse to re-openuntil morning. More often than not myeyes close while I am still trying to read the same sentence for the 3^rdtime and wake up with the light on andthe book still open and hour later. Am Ihopeless or what? But its part of the magic of reading a paperback book!

And what of Book Shops? I cant tell you how many hours I have spent in my life just browsing through book shops - not always to buy - but just to get up close and personal with all the books, be they new or used. It would have to be one of my most favourite things to do. There is something very cold and calculated about dialling into the World Wide Web to find a book to buy - don't you think?

So why the negativity of E Books? As with buying a book online, its hardly the same ambience sitting downthe back paddock under a big umbrella staring at an IPad screen scrolling through an electronic book. I spend too much time as it is staring at mylaptop screen when I am working – why should I have to then do the same to read my belovedbooks?

To me, there is something very romantic about holding a book of 900 dog-eared pages,with the smell of prime paper in your hand with the anticipationof turning the next page to find out whatis going to happen next with the characters who have become part of your world for the duration. It’s like you step into the Wardrobe and walkinto Narnia – you become part of the story. Can you do that with an E Book? I dont this so. I mean what happens when you get to the important part and you have to recharge???

Its the having the book in your hands, the turning of the pages, its the smell of the paper, its the fact that sometimes you have to sticky tape the pages back into the binding ...

Ok, I know that for writers E Books are another market to sell their books... but its just not the same is it? Maybe I'm just an old romantic?

Simply put, I believe its having the book in your hand, being able to fall asleep at night with it after reading a most compelling chapter, its about being able to disappear into a book with the characters - isnt that the magic of books?

Somewhere in the back of my brain there is the thought thatI would like to write a book – who knows - hold that thought!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel .....

2011-11-07T17:07:00.000+10:00

There is something quite unruly about my hair.

I have quite vivid memories of my childhood where my mother would just look at my hair and say “darling, you have such special hair…” and I always wondered what was so special about my very thick, red - curly, wurley hair that was ever a distraction to me while I was growing up. Always on my list to Santa each year would be: 1. Ladies Bike, 2. Ronson Hairdryer with attaching inflatable drying hood and 3. Long straight red hair.

Growing up my hair was the centre of my universe: long or short my friends and I would make an afternoon of trying to straighten my hair and of course it was an exercise in futility: like paper always wins over rock, curls always win over straight hair.

Damn!

My best friend had beautiful straight locks that were the envy of all the girls in our class. It would flow way beneath her shoulders and down her back – in fact we spent many hours in school cutting out her split ends … much to chagrin of all the teachers. She always carried around a special pair of scissors for just this occasion and her ever warning words, “just cut out the split ends and not the good bits” – still ring clear in my mind some thirty years later. By the time we finished year 10, I have to say that I had become a very proficient split-end cutter but what was the chance that I could get employment with that skill?

The cumulative amount of money and time that I would spend at the hairdresser nearly amounts to the National Debt: washed, dried, cut very short with a different colour rat tail, or grown long and braided with pretty coloured ribbons; blonde highlights, dark red highlights – I have tried it all. No wonder my hairdresser was always happy to see me – a full morning spent in the salon followed by the “must” purchase of special anti frizz, protein adding shampoos, conditioners, special colour conditioners, anti frizzing gels, lotions and crèmes – I have tried them all! Mind you, all it took was one step outside the hairdresser’s and gone was my “do” and back came the curls!

Speaking about the trip to the hairdresser: there’s something very scary about letting a new hairdresser loose on your hair with a pair of scissors especially with my hair. More often than not we would discuss what I would like and then you would wait for her or his interpretation of what I wanted. Yikes! Cup of coffee in hand, I would sit quietly but nervously in my chair looking into the mirror hoping like hell that they wouldn’t notice me staring at every movement of the scissors while sending them special thought messages not to stuff it up.

Ok, I have to admit that I haven’t been to the hairdresser for 10 years – so yes you are right surmising to say that I have taken to cutting (trimming) my own hair and putting a colour into it every now and then.

Even after hours in front of the mirror and with the most expensive anti-frizz cream, Evan still tells me that more days than not I look like the wild woman from Borneo with red curls flying all over the place doing what they feel they must, rather than what I want them to do but that’s ok I have finally realised that my red trusses, albeit messy and wild, are just a part of who I am.

And Evan loves his wild woman from Borneo!

Who Is Going To Win The Melbourne Cup?

2011-10-31T19:04:00.002+10:00

One of the best ways to pick a winner, any winner – and it’s a tried and tested method is by one of the following means:-

Toss a Coin
By Silk Colours
By Favourite Jockey

And most importantly …

By Horse name.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ……………….

Someone once asked me how I do my form and I replied with great trepidation. I now had to give away my secret formula of reading the form and I cant pass this information on in detail now otherwise I will have to shoot you.

The Melbourne Cup as you will all know has always been a favourite betting race for all Australians – however this year with there being so many overseas horses with information unknown there will be many snakes and ladders – so punters do take care.

I guess the most important issue I feel is to know is that the horse can actually run the distance. If your horse runs out of gas at the 2500m mark – its all over and he’ll be home with the cab-catchers!!

Another important factor to me is the jockey – no one knows the nuances of Flemington like the local grown lads. Ok, so you have picked your horse, he has some unknown overseas gentleman riding the horse for the first time at Flemington and more than likely will be sitting 5-wide for the whole trip! Goodbye money!

Barriers. Always, always a contentious issue. You know, if you were running your horse in a maiden at Doomben and you drew Barrier 24 – you would scratch him without a moment’s notice. But, this is the Melbourne Cup, so, if you happen to have drawn 24 in the Melbourne Cup – good luck!! Mind you, Brew did it…

Barriers are a big thing… ask yourself the question… will the jock go forward and use up the much needed gas needed for the sprint home?? Or will he or she go back and slot in? Horses drawn the inside barriers will be taking it easy having a snooze while those from the outside will be whisked like scrambling eggs trying to find a position.

Ok, now looking at the horses themselves…. Will they be wearing any different gear to get them through the 3200m? An example of this would be Americain who will now be sporting Concussion Plates instead of normal racing plates. He might have a jarring up problem… not that they are going to tell us!!

Over to the Overseas Contenders – in fact they all are really with the exception of Older Than Time, Niwot and The Verminator.

With the overseas contenders one issue to contemplate is, have they been out in the Victorian sunshine competing in races? Statistics show that overseas horses that have done the quarantine thing and are competing in races during the carnival do better than those who haven’t raced in Australia – they’ve settled in, their eating, their racing and can be competitive.

The yard stick to measure the overseas horses seem to be Jukebox Jury, Americain, Dunaden and Drunken Sailor who have spent the last couple of months competing against each other overseas.

Jukebox Jury has beaten all of these horses during this time. However, in saying that, the question still remains, has Jukebox Jury settled in and acclimatised?? How do we know as he hasn’t raced since arriving in

Australia

One thing that sticks out like the proverbial is that Niwot can run and win at the distance. He has a strong local jock to steer, has a half way decent barrier and is being trained by Team Hawkes – who takes no prisoners ( remember Malucky Day who ran 2^nd last year in the Cup after winning the Lexus – and coincidentally just like Niwot).

Ok, the 64,000 question …. Who is going TOWIN??

Whatever you want TOWIN, I hope it does go on TOWIN for you.

Mmmmm…. now, where is that coin??

On a Special Afternoon...

2011-10-30T11:32:00.002+10:00

I got to witness Mother Nature at her best. Really, words don't seem to describe it.

Traditions, Memories and Fairytales - The Melbourne Cup

2011-10-29T09:24:00.000+10:00

The Melbourne Cup has always been a tradition in my house. I remember growing up during my school yearsand making sure that I was always home, to be around for that time of the afternoon when the “Race That Stoppeda Nation” ran – I am wondering how the teachers never cottoned-on to that as every year, on the first Tuesdayof November, I would be home and sick! Or, at worst come home at half day because of a sudden onset of migraine that needed me to go home to my bed.

This was an event that my mum and I shared together: Every Sunday prior to the race we would bescouring the papers, getting all the latest mail and advice from the columnistsso that we could make our informed choices then mum would make her way down tothe local TAB so that she could put on our bets – which for my mum was a hugeevent as she would walk in and throw herself on the mercy of one of the tablocals to find out how to fill in the cards.

On her return from the TAB, back in front of the tv armed with all sortsof goodies to watch the flamboyance and glitz, we would sit patiently waitingfor the parade of champions.

Think Big, Van der Hum, Gold & Black, Arwon, Hyperno, Subzero,Jeune, Saintly, Might & Power and Jezabeel – to name a few…we stood up andcheered them all home…willing each one on to victory. Not forgetting of coursethe year that the Goondiwindi Grey ran third carrying a massive 60kg. These moments were certainly a highlight ofmy childhood and they are memories that I will always have and cherish.

And the rich stories that have come to light from the journeys of thesehorses to actually get to the race. In fact, the magical stories that come from the Melbourne Cup are probably more important than the Cup itself.

In conversation with a friend the other day I was shocked to hear myselftalking the great race down… and further I wondered how I had become so cynicalof the actual thoroughbred industry itself.

This year the Melbourne Cup is a totally different race. No longer is it the reachable dream of thebattler owner-trainer who has a horse that "goes-good". Remember Snowy Lupton& Kiwi, Les Bridge & Kensei, George Hanlon & Arwon or even thefairy tale inaugural Melbourne Cup winner Archer - who walked from Nowra to Melbourne to take his place in the race.

Rather now, the Cup is a raceof the internationally bred high-dollar flyers who also come with their ownoverseas-grown jockey. Interestingly enough, the actual timing of the raceitself is also geared towards overseas betting markets.

It really goes deeper than that: Australians no longer breed stayers because the race clubs are no longerscheduling staying races. Which meanswhen it comes time for the Melbourne Cup, the cupboard is bare.

The racing industry these days is now geared towards early 2YO sprintracing with the State bonus schemes also encouraging with enormous winningbonuses.

I have never been an advocate of early 2YO racing when clearly most horsesare not mentally capable or physically mature enough to handle the wholebusiness of racing. Hand in hand with 2YO racing are the yearling sales thatencourages a yearling horse to be grownartificially to the size of a 3YO.

Is horse racing now all about those who have the most money to spend on ahorse, a service fee or yearling?

Is it about growing them quickly and not realizing their full potential so that they can win the bonus schememoney?

Or is it about rearing a foal with love and nurturing it through its first fewyears until it’s mentally and physically ready to be broken in?

Yes I will be watching the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday and I will bethinking of the fond times that I spent with my mum, however, there will be nofairy tale finish in 2011.

After all these years I still hold the dream of breeding a stayer; aMacdougal, or a Gold and Black – I guess you never know what tomorrow maybring.

Matilda ... 13 Years Young

2011-10-24T20:54:00.003+10:00

What I'm Reading..

2011-10-24T20:50:00.002+10:00

The Synopsis:

Ellen O'Farrell is an expert when it comes to human frailties. She's a hypnotherapist who helps her clients deal with everything from addictions to life-long phobias. So when she falls in love with a man who is being stalked by his ex-girlfriend she's more intrigued than frightened. What makes a supposedly smart, professional woman behave this way? She'd love to meet her!

What she doesn't know is that she already has. Saskia has been masquerading as a client, and their lives are set to collide in ways Ellen could never have predicted.

This wonderfully perceptive new novel from Liane Moriarty is about the lines we'll cross for love. It's about the murky areas between right and wrong, and the complexities of modern relationships.

As Ellen is about to discover, we're all a little crazy – even her.

What I Think...

To be perfectly honest, Im not sure... its taking me forever to get motivated to settle down and read it... but when I do settle down to it ... it seems ok. MMMmmmm...I just think that with the seriousness of having a stalker you would think that the main character would be a little more ... um, er dynamic? Am I too tough on it? Im not even half way... I'll keep going and see what happens... I like it but ....

Ok I Do Have a Secret…

2011-10-23T17:41:00.000+10:00

I am addicted to the show, Brothers and Sisters. I don’t know how it happened, and its wayafter the free-to-air showing – it just sort of happened accidentally, as domost vices. So, I have been seen poppinginto Big W to pick up the next season instalment so that I can keep feeding myaddiction – much to Evan’s annoyance … he says its crap. Lol

So I walk into Big W last week itching with anticipation ofpicking up Season 3 only to see that the store is already geared-up for Christmas! AAArgh!

I stop suddenly where Iam standing and unfortunately thelady with the pram and the 3 kids who are trailing up behind me come to ascreaming halt as well – much to the mum’s disgust. All I can see are aisles and aisles of trees,decorations, cards, wrapping paper – you name it, they have it.

Surely it’s not that time already? I have a momentary panic … surely its not…and I check my Blackberry and its 20 October … I raise my eyebrows in mild annoyance at thefact that the big “Do” at the end of the year is approaching – and quickly –quicker than Black Caviar over the last 200m at Moonee Valley.

But what is it about Christmas that turns normally rational,sane people into gift-buying fanaticsthat turn a Shopping Mall into a place only for the very brave? Forget about Christmas Cheer lol, as everycarpark is turned into a battlezone and it’s survival of the fittest, thefastest and the biggest 4WD. My littlePulsar doesn’t stand a chance of getting out alive!!

Once you finally get a parking spot after a good 50 minutesof stalking around the lanes, watching the comings and goings of all thepeople, waiting to snatch that 1 parking space then its up into the shoppingmall with all the other crazies who have been sitting on their bums thinkingabout Christmas for the last 3 months.

5 hours later you have found 1 gift after walking around andaround and around going in and out of stores. Its all starting to get to you, your level of patience is 0. Yourstomach is beating out a wild SOS trying to get your attention; your eyes aretired from all the air conditioning and your feet are screaming with tirednessand its as much as you can do to put one foot in front of the other back to thecar park only to find that you didn’t park your car on Level3 – C …

Breathe Helen, breath…aargh!! Im hyperventilating just thinking aboutit.

And then there are the Christmas Cards that have to be outin plenty of time … so that you can respond to any that come in that youweren’t expecting. I won’t even go nearthe family newsletters that seem to be very popular at this time of year.

*Sigh* I have had to grabhold of Ruby to get some canine therapy to soothe my savaged nerves.

I do have a plan this year though. It involves a cup of Merlo plunger coffee, something sweet .. mylaptop, my debit card - and my lounge chair.

Im Only Going to Speak About This Once…

2011-10-21T11:50:00.001+10:00

And its one for the WPMO file…

It’s like a ritual, every morning Evan and I get up – Evan feeds and waters the horses and I get up and sort the dogs out… yeah, they are like my kids I guess – I turn on the tv to Sky News and see what horrific events have happened in the world overnight.

There is the odd murder, there may have been a disaster of cataclysmic proportions that we can view live as it happens, or there may have been a report of a scandal regarding a well known celebrity; but these days we seem to be suffering from “Ground Hog Day” when it comes to the political news on the tv and the management and governing of our country and to be quite frank, Im just over it!

Iam over that woman getting on the tv and instead of talking about progressive policy and legislation that she will be introducing with her minority government, she is playing school-yard tattle-tailing about the Opposition Leader about something that was said 3 weeks ago. And it’s not just a once-off, its endless and mindless and to be perfectly honest Im done listening to it.

Mind you, her opponent is not blameless either as Sky News gives equal viewing to both sides; I hope like mad that something has changed and he will put forward some future progressive policy and a reason to change the Goverment, however all I hear are his very scripted speeches about nothing in particular (with the words, NO and NOT always featuring prominently).

Ok, Porridge is eaten and it’s time to have some toast with my cup of tea before I get ready for work… by this time of the morning the news is done for the moment and it’s time for AM Agenda.

The format of the show if you don’t know it is for the host to bring on 2 pollies from either party – so that you can get 2 opposing views of the topic (mind you, most mornings the topics are the same: Newspaper Polls, Asylum Seekers or Carbon Tax – take your pick its usually one of these).

Both representatives are usually in 2 different studios, and it’s probably for the good reason that Sky News is frightened that they will end up in a huge all-in-brawl – the host will then ask each representative a question and the other representative gets the right of reply.

Seems like a winning format for a tv show doesn’t it? Informative, with lively discussion eminating from a strong host who can control both parties.

Problem is most days the show usually ends up as a brawling match with both pollies yelling and screaming over the top of each other trying to be heard and a very timid host trying but failing dismally to control them.

Perhaps this show should be renamed, “World Championship Verbal Bashing”?

I turned to Evan this morning (before he turned the sound off) and told him that this show was reminiscent of my school debating days, when the ability to shout and scream over your opponent while they were talking always gave you the upper hand. I cant repeat to you what he replied!

So what you have in essence is a prime time current affairs show, 2 over paid politicians constantly talking over each other with snide and sarcastic comments and a host who might as well not be there! Perhaps the pollies think that they are back in the House and don’t have to behave like an adult human being?

And here’s another thought, where is the media that should be keeping them accountable to the people they serve?

To me it seems that our federal politicians and our country leaders have lost the plot as to why they are in politics. Perhaps they could be there to serve us, the people? Now there's a novel thought!!

This morning I made an executive decision when AM Agenda came on. I turned it over to the Food Channel.

Food Glorious Food?

2011-10-19T13:06:00.000+10:00

Eating. One of my most favourite things to talk about! I have been told by Evan that I expect too much from restaurants ...

Ok, I have to admit that I do have very high expectations when it comes to the flavour of the food that I eat. I know that most times I can usually taste the flavours before the food actually hits the roof of my mouth.

C’mon, you know what I mean… have you ever opened a packet of salt and vinegar chips and the split second while you are opening the packet your mouth is already juicing up experiencing the tangy taste sensation of the acidic vinegar mixed with the salt and you just cant wait to put the chip into your mouth and bite down and actually live the flavours that your mouth is dreaming of?

Same goes when you walk into a restaurant, hungry and anxious with expectation of a great meal out. Your mouth begins to start watering with the anticipation of deliciously tasting food. Not only does it get the digestive juices dancing, but it puts you in a good mood and the endorphins start rushing around and you’re bursting with excitement at the prospect of enjoying some stimulating company, drinking some beautiful wine and ultimately filling your tummy with some beautiful flavours. Well mostly!

Living on the Darling Downs of Queensland the choice of good eating establishments is limited (oh how I miss my favourite haunts in Balmain and Surry Hills!) so you can imagine how crabby I was after a recent experience at a local pub – where both Evan and I left feeling bloated, disappointed and wildly out of pocket for a meal that was not worth half the actual cost of it!

Perhaps I am unrealistic? But then again, why shouldn’t I get good food and service when I am paying for the privilege of it?

Ok, I wasn’t expecting the level of service and food as "Ampersand", but this was ridiculous! How hard can it be to deliver an edible Chicken Burger accompanied by hot, well seasoned fries?

Why should anyone have to suffer through a 13cm high (get your ruler out and check out the size!!) Chicken Burger, filled with an over cooked oily chicken fillet and runny, warm coleslaw? Ok, there was some lettuce and tomato also present at the scene of the crime - and to add insult to injury there were also some mostly warm unseasoned fries on the side as well.

Do I mention that the meal was also accompanied with a paper napkin, a fork and a butter knife? No serrated knife that might actually cut the burger was sighted in the restaurant.

It was at that point after getting RSI of the wrist through cutting the dam thing with a Butter Knife that my digestive juices packed up and left me for the afternoon. Not to mention the endorphins – they had immigrated south for the duration.

And to add insult to injury, our waitress, did not utter a word when she came to pick up the plates – which were mostly uneaten.

Surely chef’s must realise that something is wrong when plates keep coming back into the kitchen with the napkin purposefully placed over the leftover food?

And whatever happened to serving staff actually caring about your dining experience and asking you, “How did you enjoy your meal?” and really meaning it rather than bearing up to the table with a sullen face and just picking up your plate - under sufferance because they have to?

Eating out should be full of good experiences - good food, good wine and great company and friendly staff that want you to enjoy their food and make you want to come back again.

Is it too much to expect???

We've Changed.

2011-10-18T10:49:00.005+10:00

Like the rest of the world around us, both Evan and I have felt a urgent need to change and re-invent ourselves, Massie Lodge and the things that we do every day.
Evan has changed www.gallopers.com.au in a big way! No longer is Gallopers just a place to buy a thoroughbred horse, in fact, selling horses is probably a very small part of what Gallopers website now is.

Gallopers is now the one place to go when you want to find out about the Thoroughbred Industry as a whole. Jockeys, Horses, Track Conditions, Race Previews, Articles, Exotic Betting (quinellas, trifecta's and quaddies) and of course not forgetting "GGT" - Gallopers Good Thing - a free tip that is given out on the website.

Not only does Gallopers look at the thoroughbred industry, this all new website encompases NRL, AFL and EPL - with guest writers who have the best knowledge on their given subject.

Evan is still a Jockey Manager for 2 Jockeys: Damien Robinson in South Australia and Chris Pace (Apprentice) in Victoria. As you can imagine you need a good thorough knowledge of the industry to look after a jockey successfully - and those of you who know Evan, know that he is a very astute form student.

Massie Lodge has changed over the years and we both decided that while we do like having horses around the place, the industry has changed so much that there just isnt a market for a small boutique agistment place when it is obvious that the large establishments are failing by the bucket load.

However, in saying that, Massie Lodge is not about bums in paddocks and never has been - it is still a thriving, loving environment for horses who need something extra - rather than being a number in a big paddock.

We are still taking in horses for agistment on a small scale and are happy to speak to people who have a need and prefer a small, intimate establishment for their horses to spell or have a mare that needs to foal down in a small, caring environment. We offer the very best of care to all residents and like to think that because our numbers are small, we can give each horse one-on-one attention and lots of love as well. I like to think because our numbers are small its our very big advantage over other properties.

Please call Evan or myself if we can help you in this regard.

And me? Well I seem to be going in many directions at the moment. Crazy Horse Marketing is out there in the market place and has some nice clients and is also doing some volunteer work for community groups as well.

Under the banner of Crazy Horse, I am authoring 3 blogs: A Jockey's Journey and A Black Cockatoo - and of course The Life and Times of Massie Lodge - which when I get a few minutes to myself will also undergo some cosmetic and directional changes as well.

All very different blogs. If you get a moment go and have a look. I will place them on the right hand side so that you can keep up with each of them.

I have decided with this blog that I am going to go back to what I do best: telling my side of the story.

When I started this blog it was my intention to make this blog not only about Massie Lodge but about the things that meant alot to me; my thoughts and impressions about life as I see it. I believe that its time to go back to this and be true to my writing self. I have so many things to say about a whole lot of issues and experiences - I reckon its time to reinvent myself and be true to myself. I hope that you will enjoy what I have to say.

Photography and writing are my passions ... its time to be true to them and to myself!

Well, that about sums it all up.... I hope that you will come back to making this blog a part of your life and reading experiences and be entertained with my views on life, the universe and well, everything!

Helen :)

If It's Friday... It Must Mean That Tomorrow is Saturday!

2011-07-22T08:12:00.004+10:00

It's only been 1 week since I last posted - much better than the previous where it took me 6 months to pull my finger out and post something. You know, its not that I didnt want to post anything, its just that time always seems to have a way of running out - and the further you get through the year the the quicker time seems to fly. You only get the time to do the things that you have to do or are work-related and the things that make you smile and make you feel happy - get lost by the wayside.

Its been another hectic week in the Robinson household - while Iam out at the office, Evan is running his jockey-empire (not really an empire, lol). He is still looking after Damien Robinson in South Australia (if you want to check out Damien's blog, please click on the following link: A Jockey's Journey), and he is also looking after Chris Pace - an apprentice in Victoria. So, his week day's are fairly full chasing rides for the boys, watching races, keeping Gallopers up to date, looking after the Massie Lodge residents and everything else that crops up during the day (lol) and he even manages to have the fire lit by the time I get home - and cook dinner!

So, by the time the weekend rolls around, we both are relieved that we can both kick back and just chill a little. Im wondering this weekend if I can drag him to the movies... LOL ... not if the boys are racing!

The winter has been cold this year with most mornings finding the mercury below 0. There have been plenty of heavy frosts (which have just about killed all of my vegetables), and most days the sun manages to come out with a very weak prescence - usually blown away by the prevailing winds that seem to come off the Arctic Caps themselves. We are both officially "OVER" winter - and we still have August to come to grips with. August, however, is usually not as bad as July (thank goodness). Both Evan and I are desperate for our break at the end of August where we will be down in South Australia and where we will be able to watch Damo ride in person.

With the days being so cold and miserable, the incentive and enthusiasm to go outside and spend time with the horses has been sadly lacking unless its feeding or doing something that needs to be done.... still I am hoping for a nice day over the weekend so that I can get outside and hang out with them as I miss just being with them.

My camera is also feeling very neglected and I'm hoping that I can rectify that. Watch this space lol

Saturday morning sees Eric coming over in the morning to Microchip Herman and Rocky - finally. I caught up with Eric during the week and he said that he has been extraordinarily busy - and the breeding season hasnt even started yet (mind you its not that far off!).

We dont have any babies due this year, and I have mixed feelings about that, still, I wasnt going to put Pip back into foal as she is retired and loving her fat life down the back paddock with Goss (who is also retired). Pix is no way near ready to be a broodmare, so we will sit this year out - as I said with mixed feelings. Mixed feelings about not having any foals as they are such funny individuals to have around but also mixed feelings about where the Queensland Racing Industry is heading. Honestly, there's not much to like about Qld Racing and especially their Executive and their policies.

Perhaps if and when AI comes in for thoroughbreds, Pip may still have another baby - indirectly -which means I would need a recip mare to carry it for her. LOL (Dont tell Evan that Iam even thinking about it!).

Harry continues to nurse his sister in their paddock - Im not concerned that he is not racing yet... but dont worry it will happen - leaving Jimmy in the paddock certainly didnt hurt him and he won 5 races!

This has turned into an epistle! Time to do some work - until next time :)

Evan - A New Life Chapter

2011-07-15T15:39:00.002+10:00

Evan suffered a heart attack at the end of May. Its actually funny writing about it now... it all seems such a long time ago ... and I always wondered how I would react if Evan had another incident as he had had an angioplasty back 12 years ago and he was always saying to me, "Nah, it will never happen."

Well yes, it did happen and it happened when I came to bed one night and he woke up and said I have some indigestion and a weird feeling in the throat. I said to him "Are you ok?" He said "yeah" and went back to sleep.

Well he woke up as normal the next day and went and did the horses, cleaned out water troughs, chopped some wood and came in and said I dont feel well. I pretty much picked him up by the scruff of his collar, threw him in the car and took him up to Warwick Hospital where the lady on Reception came out from behind her desk and took him straight into Casualty.

After a trip to The Wesley in an ambulance on the Friday - he had a stent put in on the Wednesday and was home on the Thursday. Exactly a week from when all this started.

Needless to say being in a health fund made all the difference in the world, however, in saying that, he was treated in the Public System at Warwick and we couldnt fault it. They were fantastic.

So, yes, it is a new life chapter for my Evanski. And things are already different. :)

The Colours of Autumn

2011-07-15T15:33:00.003+10:00

There's not much to say about Autumn/Winter in Warwick - apart from it being f*** cold! One of the nice things has been the changing of the leaves .... such a pretty thing to take place in such a cold, dark miserable season.

Pix

2011-07-15T13:13:00.002+10:00

My little filly, Pix - full sister to Harry and daughter of Miss Pip broke her neck in February of this year. To say both Evan and I were horrified would not be close to it.

I, by chance, found her in her paddock lying down and she had blood all over head. She managed to get up and we get her over to the house stable and got Eric over in an instant.

Have you ever seen Wiley Cyote stand up after being hit from an anvil falling from a cliff - his eyes would bulge and would be spinning in opposite directions. This was Pixie.

Thanks to Eric's quick work and intravenous drugs, the trauma in her head settled down pretty quickly and the fact that she was interested in eating was all a good sign. However, we were told by Eric that Pix would have to stay in the small stable yard for 3-6 months till healing of her verterbrae that was broken commenced healing.

So, we brought Harry and Buster up next to her to keep her quiet and happy and the first 2 weeks would be make or break for my girl.

Keeping a horse in a stable and quiet for 3 months is very difficult, however, Pix was a good patient and was spoilt rotten! After 3 months she was allowed out into the small yard outside which she enjoyed immensely after being in a small yard for 3 months.

Its now 5 months after she did herself the damage and she is now in the paddock next to the house with her favourite brother Harry - who she adores.

What is in Pix's future? I dont know at this stage - she is the best bred filly on the farm - maybe when AI comes in we can get her to become a broodmare... I dont know, I'm just happy that she is still alive.

Crazy Horse Marketing

2011-07-15T12:58:00.003+10:00

Well folks here it is - my logo. I have waited patiently for it ... and have been working on it's design since October of last year.

It's funny, we just couldnt get the right horse image... and as it would be I was walking down the alley way at home one morning and there was Buck Rogers, standing just outside his stable looking magnificent! Naturally I didnt have my camera, but I figured if I ran back up to the house and he was still standing there in the sun having a snooze, then it was definitely meant to be.

And he was. And then began the conception of my logo!

Your probably wondering what I do? I do everything! Some of my websites that are up and running are, Oakey Vet Hospital, Halls Stock Horses and Summerland Grain is on the way! I am also managing the blog site of senior South Australian Jockey, Damien Robinson - A Jockey's Journey.

And so much more!

Harry's Education

2011-07-15T12:53:00.003+10:00

March saw the continuing education of Harry after having a month and a half off after being broken in. Craig rode him 3 times a week and some very valuable lessons were learnt by Harry during this time and he really did turn into a horse during this time.

At the moment Harry is quietly in a paddock with sister Pix. His future is about to happen!

A Trip Away!

2011-07-15T12:39:00.002+10:00

Finally in February, Evan and I had a 3 day break down in Adelaide. What a wonderful place Glenelg is! There is nothing like going away to be a normal person again. We had a great time - we visited with Damien Robinson and eating and drinking was the order of the day! On the Saturday we went to Morphettville Races to see Damien ride Universal Bolt and win on the youngster - so that was a great boost (and reason to drink more Champagne!).

Many thanks to our dear friend Sue who made it all possible by animal and house sitting while we were away.

The Marina

View from our Motel

Take Me Away...

The Marina

January 26, 2011

2011-07-08T08:29:00.003+10:00

Was the last time that I had the time to sit down and write, care and add some love to my blog. I feel so ashamed. But, that is now going to change as I now make it a priority to bring our blog back to the present.

Come back here on Sunday and I promise that I will bring you all up to date.

Love Helen :)

Harry & Buster - the Conatus Boys

2011-01-26T14:47:00.002+10:00

It's back to work for our young Conatus boy, Harry after over a month off in a paddock with thigh-high grass. Both boys, Harry and Buster, were ridden by Craig yesterday and both boys definitely did not want to leave their lush grazing paddock. Both boys needed a reminder of what they had learned while being broken in.

Harry has grown and is now 15.2 and a stunner (well to me anyway!) and both boys have very big tummies from their time in the spelling paddock

Today, due to the heat, only Harry was ridden and Craig was very happy with what he remembered. Craig will continue to ride Harry with a mind to muscle him up. Harry will go back out when he has had enough. 2011 Stradbroke? lol

It's Not All About Pikey....

2011-01-26T14:43:00.001+10:00

Bessie Merle

Ruby (Daughter of Bessie Merle)

Matilda - 12 years young

Somewhere Between Sunset and the Storm

2011-01-25T10:50:00.000+10:00

More Rain

2011-01-16T11:35:00.002+10:00

As everyone knows the Queensland floods affected everyone ... once again Warwick was cut off by the bulging Condamine River who raised its level enough to devastate the town and it's businesses, some for the second time in 2-3 weeks.

Once again we were cut off and just had to stay put. The horses stayed in their shelters and were safe and are glad that the mud has gone away. We only had a small price to pay - unlike Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley where both towns were devastated and human life was lost.

Anyway, life goes on.

Warwick Floods - Warwick/Allora Backroad

2010-12-31T14:18:00.000+10:00

Warwick Floods - Oehlmann Road, Railway Under Pass

2010-12-31T14:14:00.000+10:00

Warwick Floods - Toolburra Plains Road

2010-12-31T14:11:00.001+10:00

2010-12-24T20:29:00.003+10:00

.... Twas the night before Christmas ... and once again all those in the Massie Lodge household were running around frantically trying to tie up all the loose ends from the year. Those who know us say thats pretty normal and standard. LOL.

One thing that I havent got to is the annual newsletter or the resident's Chrissy photos ... these things are to come!!

So, from all of us here at Massie Lodge to you our friends, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Helen & Evan

Epiphany

2010-12-17T23:13:00.003+10:00

You know there are days when she can be the biggest bitch in the paddock - she wont let you catch her, you cant do anything to her leg without her biting you and pushing you around.

Then on some days, she calls out to me and rushes up to greet me in the paddock and gives me a cuddle.

That's my gal.

A Jockey's Journey

2010-12-17T23:04:00.002+10:00

Ever wondered what a jockey's life is like? I know the more that we work with Damien the more I wonder what the lure is. I know there is an obvious answer, but its gotta be more than that because it's not an easy life.

If you get a chance have a look at A Jockey's Journey.

Friday Night

2010-12-17T22:54:00.002+10:00

What a crazy week its been. I have been flat out for most of the week finishing off Terry & Chris Hall's website - www.hallstockhorses.com.au - and the last 2 days running into town picking up things for Christmas Day.

I would love to say that I'm organised ... hahahah .... but if I did I would be lying. Its just the usual last minute thing for us as we're both flat out trying to juggle 4 or 5 things at once. But I DID get Christmas Cards out early... hahaha .... I still have some to send electronically, and I still need to do the newsletter thingo ... and I still have to take the Resident's Chrissy photos for their families... hahaha its just the same as last year!!

Not to mention fix up the Massie Lodge website, create something fantastic for Crazy Horse (am still in the design process for the logo.... its not easy I tell you). One thing I have realised is that you have to be true to yourself when your doing this sort of process.... hopefully we're on the right track now :)

Time for me to hit the sack... I think im expected to get up early tomorrow!!! LOL

The Birds...

2010-12-17T22:50:00.002+10:00

While I always seem to take notice of the sunsets and the sunrises, sometimes it pays to look a little closer and see who also lives at Massie Lodge!

My Back Yard

2010-12-17T22:47:00.002+10:00

One special moment in time and I was lucky enough to be able to witness it. Amazing.

Buck and Northie ... Growing Up

2010-12-11T16:53:00.003+10:00

We have moved 2 little boys Buck (Mustaneer / Another Southern) and Northie (Mustaneer / Another Southern) since they have been gelded to the paddock behind the house where there is plenty of pick and plenty of room for them to run around and be boys.

Many thanks to Craig who came over before heading off for Christmas to do some trims.

Both boys are "works in progress" ... :)

Matilda's Vet Visit

2010-12-06T14:03:00.003+10:00

Every year about this time, something always happens to Matilda. Im not quite sure why it does, but sure enough this year has been no exception.

For those who know Tilly, every morning when Evan goes out at 5.30am to feed the horses, Matilda sets off on her morning constitutional and follows a set route: up the back alley, down to the back paddock up into Ted's down through Leo's and then walks up by the side of the road and then into the front gate. She then lets herself in the back door and waites for me to get up (and her morning biccies).

On Christmas Day the year before last, Tilly went off on her constitutional, however, this time she had an argument with a passing car.

Both Evan and I happened to be up near the front and raced up to see what was going on. Matilda was flat on the road. The poor lady who hit her raced into our front paddock and was beside herself with grief.

In the meantime, Tilly got up, dusted herself off and continued on her way into the front yard - albeit a little shaky and in a little shock.

We brought the lady inside and gave her a cup of tea and when she was ready she continued on her way. Matilda sat by the lady hoping to get some of her biscuit.

Last year in December, Matilda had a cyst on her eye that had to be taken off.

This year is no different. I rushed Matilda into see Greg Harris (Warwick Town and Country Vets) this morning as she had a big abcess on the bridge of her nose - and it had just broken. The abcess apparently coming from the root of one of her teeth.

Both Greg and I were surprised at the abcess as her teeth are in great condition for a 12YO.

So, $$$$ later, (minor surgery to remove the tooth and clean the abcess) - Matilda has received her Christmas present for this year.

The Life and Times...

2010-12-05T16:18:00.003+10:00

Hope you aren't getting sick of the sunsets? I know that I don't .... Pretty scary that its getting so close to Christmas - why is it that people start flocking to the shops and spending enormous amounts of money that they can't afford for this particular day?

Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas (um, Im not quite so sure about Evan!) but I think people have lost the plot with it. I mean, its fun to be able to open lots of presents, but what's the point of getting yourself so heavily in to debt over 1 day? Maybe people feel obligated to go and buy the biggest and the best ... I don't know.

I remember great Christmas days with my family when we were growing up. Being the youngest of 4, my mum and dad and my brothers always made sure that I had a great time and got caught up in all the festivities that included 100 (maybe not quite 100!) relatives visiting over the 3 day period .... and of course that meant lots of food and drink and massive amounts of lollies and chocolate covered peanuts and apple cider (non alcoholic of course!).

These days its just a quiet affair ... but thats ok. It means more this way and makes the day more special.

Evan and I have been going along flat out ... every day there seems to be plenty to do - not just around the farm, but with our respective jobs.

I am on the precipice of sending my websites that I have created live. I am also waiting (patiently!!) for the development of my logo.... once I have that I can get my website - Crazy Horse Marketing - up and running!

Evan and Damien are working very hard even at this point of the year (it never stops actually) - just because the end of the year is coming up, there is still plenty of racing - except for Christmas Day - Iam wondering how they are going to cope having a day without any racing!! I am sure that Evan will have the DT's by the end of the 25th... I know I will manage ok. LOL

Congratulations must go to Damien who has had successive winners in town in Adelaide. You know, as I keep saying, it's tough being a Jockey ... the early mornings, the fasting, the travelling, the race days - its nice to see him bear the fruit of all his hard work.

I can tell you that I know that Evan rides every race with him; he paces up and down, he stands in front of the tv (that is always tuned to Sky) and doesnt miss a heartbeat of a furlong of a race.

:)

Im really looking forward to the prospect of getting a Taos mare in the new year as my main breeding mare (for those of you who dont know, Taos is a son of Century and is out of the good mare, Pink Cloud). I was upset to have to retire Epiphany as she is only one of a handful of daughters of Century who are still alive, however, I figured after 9 foals, she is due to have a good life without the burden of motherhood. (Mind you if you ask her, she will tell you that she is busy being Aunty to both colts, Herman and Rocky!).

I still have her youngest filly, Pix by Conatus - who is quietly growing up in the paddock under the watchful eye of Mazwell (she is officially one of "his" girls) and there is no way, just no way (!!!) that she is leaving the property (lol) - except to be either broken in (but im crossing my fingers that Craig Belford will work his magic with her for that) or to go to the trainer. Mind you, we're still not sure if she will have a racing career due to her neck injury as a wee foal ... time will tell. (You gotta remember that there are NEVER ANY CERTAINTIES WITH A THOROUGHBRED !!!! (Experience and a lot of heartache has taught us that one).

Im sitting here at my laptop and time is ticking away as it does on a Sunday afternoon and the races have been run and won. I have Ruby at my feet, Pikey to one side of me and Bessie Merle on the other - my protectors - and guess what, Im cooking tonight - hah! what a shock for Evan!

Rocky

2010-12-05T16:15:00.000+10:00

Ruby

2010-12-05T16:14:00.000+10:00

Herman

2010-12-05T16:09:00.000+10:00

Massie Lodge Maggies

2010-12-05T16:06:00.000+10:00

2010-12-05T15:49:00.002+10:00

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to spend time just browsing through book stores - Im a great believer that you will never know what you will find if you keep looking. This particular day I was up in Toowoomba and after spending a day taking photos for a website, and I treated myself to a browse in the local Dymocks before heading back home.

I saw all the usual authors, however, right up the back of the shop I did come across this book - "Life with Rosie" by Helen Thomas who is a journalist in Sydney.

The line on the front cover said, "The highs and lows of owning a Rachorse" - as soon as I saw that I had to have the book as I was intrigued to see how other people perceived being in the Thoroughbred Industry.

This book is as good as its cover says. There is no glamorisation of the industry - its just a warts and all story about the heartache of breeding, breeding to race, yearlings and racing.

There were some thoughts in the book that I didnt agree with and once again those people who know me know that I abhore 2YO racing and the way the industry manufactures yearlings to go through the sales and the millions of dollars prizemoney that draws people into pushing these youngsters too early.

On the whole, however, I did enjoy the book and I empathised with Helen when she related the stories about horses who are supposed to be grazing quietly rather than running into gates, fences etc etc. Those who do own a horse will understand this clearly!

If you see the book, and you're in the industry - grab it ... it does make for a good read.

You Never Come Between a Man and His Bone...

2010-12-05T15:45:00.002+10:00

Pikey

Harry and Buster

2010-12-05T15:36:00.002+10:00

We have moved the 2 Conatus boys into the big spelling paddock that is knee high with grass so that they can spell and think about their education. As you can see, both of them are growing outwards rather than upwards!

We have had a few enquiries about Buster, but nothing serious. Its funny watching the dynamics of the side paddocks ... Harry and Buster are next to Mazwell and his ladies. On the other side of them are the 3 other mares, Nottie, Southern and Daisy. Mazwell will not tolerate Harry going anywhere near his girls and chases him away from the boundary fence.

Harry says that's fine and goes and hangs out with the other ladies ... I love watching the relationships between the horses, it's fascinating.

Harry

Buster

Harry - at the boundary fence until Maz came and chased him away!

Buster

2010-11-14T16:21:00.002+10:00

Isnt technology great?? Unfortunately we have had to make the decision to sell one of the Conatus boys and we have decided to keep Harry and give him a go at being a racehorse.

Buster (By Conatus out of the good racing wining mare, Tycoon Diva) is an unnamed 3YO Gelding who has just been broken in and is now back out in the paddock with his mate Harry to think about what he has learnt.

Its the worst decision ever to make, its like choosing between your kids.... Harry certainly has something and we're hoping that the something is that he can run.

Please excuse the quality of the video, it was my first time with the camera using it as a video camera. And what do they say, "Never work with animals ..... lol"

Damn It!

2010-11-10T07:02:00.002+10:00

I was busy in the kitchen cooking (hah! yeah that in itself is a miracle!) and missed the best part of the afternoon sunset.... Can you imagine how glorious it must of been in full flight? AAAAArgh!

Bloody rained in Townsville at Race 4, by Race 6 some of the Jockeys decided it was too dangerous.... that is some of them ... and Race 6 was abandoned. Double AAAAAArgh!

Damien Robinson

2010-11-09T13:07:00.003+10:00

Evan has taken up the opportunity to manage Senior South Australian Jockey (and former Apprentice Jockey's Premiership Winner), Damien Robinson. Very uncanny to have the same surname!

Damien is a very down to earth bloke, who works hard at his trade and is carving a niche for himself riding winners over in Adelaide.

Have you ever sat down and wondered what was a typical week for a Jockey? Up at 3am most mornings to do track work riding; eating and drinking very little (according to Damien, one meal a day which is dinner) to maintain their weight - not to mention the compulsory sweats and exercising.

It's certainly a hard life and I know that I wonder what drives them (apart naturally from the money that can be made) to continue on such a difficult road especially when race falls can be the normal part of their everyday existence.

I think, myself, that you would have to be a special person to have that sort of dedication.

If you would like to engage Damien at all, please dont hesitate to contact Evan on 0409 470392.

JIMBO....

2010-11-08T21:57:00.001+10:00

is racing tomorrow at Townsville TAB meeting with the big boys over 1200m. Unfortunately Mark Elliot hurt himself at trackwork the other day and we have a different jockey - Peter Cullen.

Wish Us Luck!

Harry

2010-11-08T21:51:00.003+10:00

Harry is coming along nicely ...

Buster

2010-11-08T21:46:00.002+10:00

Buster (By Conatus out of Tycoon Diva) is coming along in his breaking in process. I love to watch them being ridden... gives me a chance to see who they are (if that makes any sense) under saddle.

Flutterby

2010-10-31T22:53:00.002+10:00

Sometimes just standing and watching you will see the most amazing things. This was one of those moments. No matter how shitty your day is, seeing a butterfly do it's thing always makes you feel better.

Miss Pip

2010-10-31T22:49:00.001+10:00

The very beautiful Miss Pip (Epiphany) - 19 years young. She's my gal.

Do You Ever Get Sick Of ....

2010-10-31T08:48:00.003+10:00

Mother Nature's Best Show On Earth .... and it's completely free!

I know that I dont.

Room

2010-10-31T08:17:00.002+10:00

I was a bit sceptical about reading this book but when I started ROOM, I couldnt put it down. Room is like nothing else you have ever read. If you get the chance, read it. It is a great read.

Welcome to the World...

2010-10-31T08:04:00.003+10:00

Dirty (Dirtiere) had her Easy Rocking foal on Thursday morning at 5 past midnight. It was one of those births that you read about in a text book. She did everything right - and Rocky (her brand new Colt), also continued to do everything right. He' s a real sweetie and Johnny the Vet also "oooh'd" and "aaaaaah'd" - this is one well put together little boy.

Meanwhile, Miss Pip in the next paddock has been standing looking over the fence at the new addition with a longing that is quite sad to watch. I have continually toyed with the idea of getting her back into foal and I have to keep remembering that she will be 20 next year - and when is enough, enough????

We are blessed to have Harry - who is doing everything right at the moment while being broken in. Craig has said that Harry "will go". We also have Pixie Lix - who is quietly growing up in the paddock with her mates, Maz and Poss. Pix is not a glamour like Harry (in fact she downright ugly at the moment), however, she is one of the best bred fillies on the property and she is sweet. Miss Pip has certainly done herself proud with her 2 Connie kids and 8 foals in 1 lifetime is enough - don't you think?

Today

2010-10-26T14:20:00.003+10:00

Here I am, 6 days into not having a job and how do I feel? To be perfectly honest I am happy that I dont have to put on a fake persona for 8 hours a day anymore. I dont even know if I liked the job - I guess because it was near to home it was convenient and the fact that I could come home for lunch each day made it easy to front up each day and go through the motions.

Its actually taken me a few days to get over what happened - going through the whole gambit of emotions - but you know what, at day 6 Im starting to get my head back together. Lots of love and thankyou to Evan, my big bro Neil, Sooz and Heather for being my voices of reason and sanity - you are all very dear to me.

So - onward and upward. Now to pull my finger out and get Crazy Horse Marketing up and running.

Ruby's Afternoon Nap

2010-10-26T14:18:00.000+10:00

Hello and Goodbye ...

2010-10-26T13:30:00.004+10:00

Welcome to new Massie Lodge resident, Nick (unnamed Niello Gelding) who has come to Massie Lodge for some R&R after his first preparation.

The beautiful Nippa (below) has been sold and has now departed Massie Lodge. What a beautiful mare she is! I have to say that I thought about buying her ... seriously..... but the timing just wasnt right with me losing my job.

Herman

2010-10-26T12:44:00.002+10:00

.... meanwhile little Herman is quietly growing up (and learning how to bite!)

Dirty

2010-10-26T12:43:00.002+10:00

Waiting, waiting, Waiting .... not long to go.

Harry

2010-10-26T12:29:00.004+10:00

What can I say about Harry? After waiting, waiting, waiting for him to get to a point in his maturity so that we could break him in ... here we are. I think we have another racehorse on our hands. Thanks Craig, you're doing a great job with the boys!

Buster

2010-10-26T12:05:00.002+10:00

What a star Buster has turned out to be - after just 3 days Craig has had him out riding like an old campdrafter. He just seems to do it ...

Educating Harry

2010-10-18T15:27:00.003+10:00

Much to their annoyance, its time to break both Harry (pictured) and Buster (the Conatus boys) in - no more lazying about their paddock doing nothing but eating and chatting up the ladies!

Craig Belford is doing the job and what a steller job he is doing! Stay tuned to watch their progress.

Pikey

2010-10-18T11:49:00.002+10:00

I never thought that I would get close again to a dog like I was with Jack - I have to say that Pikey certainly has become a special person in my world.

Jimbo ... Next Installment

2010-10-18T11:47:00.001+10:00

Charters Towers - Class 4 over 1100m. WINNER!! Next stop the TAB meetings.

GO JIMBO!!!

Eat Pray Love

2010-10-18T11:39:00.003+10:00

I wasnt quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I found the book to be a pretty personal account of a woman who had lost her way and needed to make some pretty dramatic changes in her life to get her life back on track.

I did enjoy it and it certainly made me stop and think about my life. Im now reading the next installment, Committed - which so far has not captured my imagination at all.

I think that if you are a woman you need to read Eat Pray Love.

Can Someone Tell Me What is Going On With My Mum?

2010-10-04T06:55:00.002+10:00

Adam came over last week to start the round of trims again and young Herman was most intrigued by what was going on with his mum. His feet dont require anything at the moment, however, we will get him going in the near future with his first trim.

A Man and his Dog

2010-10-04T06:52:00.001+10:00

Evan and Ruby ... off to do some work

The Condamine

2010-10-04T06:44:00.001+10:00

Im obsessed...

2010-09-28T21:48:00.002+10:00

.. with taking photos of flowers and trees and buds and bees... gotta stop and get back to animals - lol.

Saturday..

2010-09-25T14:09:00.003+10:00

I have to say that Im having a lot of fun with my new camera.. I dont know whether Im any good at it, but I love spending time out and about just taking photos of the horses, dogs and whatever I find when Im walking around the place.

I like to think that I see "something" ... would life be great if I could do this full time an get paid for it? I know that I would have a ball.

I have Evan creating a new website for me .. and Icant wait for it to be up and running. At the moment I am just finalising the name of my Company - it is a marketing and PR company for the horse industry which encompasses managing and conceptualising websites (of which I have 4 great clients), writing and creating, taking photographs. I have to say that I would love to be doing it full time.

Anyway, we shall see ....

We have had another 3/4 of an inch rain over the last few days and the place is back to being "bog city" - it has been quite a while since we have had this sort of weather.

Evan and I took the dogs out this morning to feed the horses down the back and check out what was happening around the place - we are under water mostly, can you believe it?

Jimbo is having a two week let-up and will be back in action very soon after his latest win. Who would ever have thought that Jimbo would be a Class 3 horse?

Harry and Buster are just about to go to school - now that will be interesting!

Oh, time to go and feed up.

Herman ...

2010-09-25T14:05:00.000+10:00

2010-09-22T07:02:00.002+10:00

The little filly passed away on Monday morning. Not that Iam surprised, however, I am suprised at how upset Iam.

I knew when she entered the world 4 weeks early that the chances of her living a normal life were very remote - but I always figured that while she was breathing, there was hope that she would get past those crucial first days.

She was a funny little thing. She wore Pikey's purple Weatherbeeta rug to keep her warm (that gives you an idea of how tiny she was). When she slept I threw the Onkaparinga blanket over her.... her mum, Nippa, was very good to her.

Its funny how Mother Nature sorts these things out. She had a few problems that would of had to been rectified...

I spent most of the weekend nursing her along .... I knew it was going to be a long shot.

Sometimes some things are just not meant to be.

Just Another Saturday Night....Not

2010-09-19T11:39:00.002+10:00

I sat down last night to watch a movie and just chill out ... Evan had gone to bed early and I thought that I would watch Young Victoria - all the horses were doing as they normally do - so I thought.

After watching the movie I thought that I would go and do a quick round of the horses, I call it "tucking them in" before falling into a coma, lol.

I went down to see Goss, Herman and Pip .... they were fine. I went over to see Nippa and Dirty and .... and ... Nippa's foal that was 4 weeks too early.

Raced in and yelled at Evan ... "WAKE UP ... NIPPA'S HAD A BABY..." There was enough in my voice for him to wake up, lol, and spring into action (he had been asleep since 7.30). Evan grabbed his mobile and called Erick - he came in a flash - and there was plenty of concern.

The little filly couldnt stand. She was stargazing .... but she was able to suckle.... after tubing her with Nippa's milk and some additives and then giving her a bag of fluid with vitamins in it he said the only thing we could do was to hope that she hadnt been starved too much of oxygen - he believed that the placenta had become compromised and thats why she came early - 4 weeks too early.

Evan and I set up camp out in the paddock. The little filly was wrapped up in blankets and had on Pikey's Weatherbeeta purple rug (and it fit her!). We now had the job of feeding the filly hourly and trying to get her to stand. Erick believed that she was compromised, but the morning would tell more about her mental state.

We brought out chairs, rugs for ourselves and the picnic set (not really!) ready for the night in the paddock with the little filly.

We rang the owners and said that she had a 50/50 chance of surviving. Not good.

Then it started to rain.

Ok, time to up camp and get the mare and the filly into the stable and out of the rain. I grabbed Nippa and Evan picked up the filly and into the stable we went. I had lain down an old doona on the floor of the stable so that we could keep her warm, along with the Weatherbeeta coat and the Onkaparinga blanket.

We set her up and then came back for the chairs which was parked outside the stable. I sat there huddled under the awning of the stable and under Evan's jacket so that I wouldnt get soaked.

Every hour Evan would milk Nippa and then I would get little Sally to suck from the bottle.... luckily she had a strong suckle - a very positive sign.

By 4am both Evan and I were the walking dead. The little one was not responding as she should have been. Evan sent me to bed as he would be able to handle it for a few hours as I had not had any sleep. I had a feeling that by the morning she would be dead.

I woke at 8.00am (Pikey thankfully had left me to sleep) - Evan had come in and said that Erick had just been and Sally had been standing and doddering around on her own but had yet still to suckle.

Erick was amazed. Evan thought she was a gonner. I didnt know.

The littlest pumpkin is still alive and doddering around now (its now 12pm). Against all odds. She still has a very long way to go to get out of the woods... but where there is life there is hope.

:)

Campaign Ruby

2010-09-18T20:56:00.002+10:00

I didnt realise the hype that surrounded this book until I got it home and found out that it was by the daughter of the ex Prime Minister.

It actually is a good read and I enjoyed it immensely. The plot ... well the plot is similar to what happened in real life - talk about art imitating life.

If you get a chance to read it - do ... its good fun.

Um, er....

2010-09-18T20:44:00.003+10:00

Jimmy won again today at Atherton ... what can I say.... Woooooooo Hooooooooo ...... Many thanks to Brad Furber, Mark Elliot (super Jock).

He is now going for a well earned rest after a great preparation.

Wee Jimmy - Private James - Class 3 Horse .... What a Hero!!

Gossy and Herman

2010-09-18T20:39:00.002+10:00

Little Herman is growing up quickly and has realised that he has teeth and what they can do. Goss is being a brilliant mother and naturally Pip is the best Aunty.

Ruby

2010-09-18T20:37:00.000+10:00

Congratulations!

2010-09-16T06:59:00.002+10:00

To Massie Lodge friend and owner of Posssum - Paul Batley who is now the proud owner of a little filly by Tanaboata out of his mare, Distinctly Magic. We wont tell Poss as she needs to get ready to go back to work!

Winners are Grinners........ Jimbo Does It Again!

2010-09-11T16:50:00.003+10:00

Wooohoooooooo! What can I say? Jimbo has done it again, this time at Mareeba where he won a Class B over 1200m. He certainly is doing us proud up north. After speaking with Trainer, Brad Furber (pictured above with Mareeba Committee members and other Jimbo owner, Mark Fuccilli), he is planning to give Jimbo one more run before giving him a spell - and a well deserved spell at that!

Hopefully both Evan and I will be able to travel once all mares have had their foals and we will be able to go and see Jimbo race in person. Its been a long time since I have given him a cuddle!

Many thanks to the Koch's for the photos, the Maltam's for the texts and of course congratulations also to the Koch's for the win by Lightning Blue in the first!

Spring is Here!

2010-09-11T16:46:00.001+10:00

Not Long Now Nippa!

2010-09-11T16:33:00.003+10:00

Lovely Tessa Rossa mare, The Nip (fondly known as Nippa), is next up to have her foal. Not due until the middle of October, Nippa is certainly getting nice and round. There is certainly plenty of bubs in there!

Miss Qld Mud - 2010

2010-09-11T16:25:00.002+10:00

My old girl (she'll kill me for saying that!) decided that it was time to have a mud treatment this morning seeing that we had an inch of rain yesterday. Things are much calmer between her and Goss, with Goss now over the protective mum bit. Both ladies are back in the paddock together, happy to be in each other's company.

Gossy and Herman

2010-09-11T16:20:00.000+10:00

2010-09-11T16:05:00.002+10:00

People who know me know that I cant help myself when it comes to animals. If there is a stray looking for a home or a kitten or cat that needs feeding, Im usually the one who will start buying cat food so that the cat will not go without.

We have some cats at work and naturally I have taken it upon myself to be their guardian and when the latest batch of kittens lost their mum at a wee age, naturally I couldnt let them go without milk and feed. So, Whiskas jumped onto the shopping list every week (much to Evan's amusement) and I would sneek out during different parts of the day and feed the little ones - and their siblings as well.

I certainly dont do myself any favours though. Last Friday, little Pumpkin (pictured on the left above) didnt show up for a few days and when I found her on Friday morning, her back legs had been mauled by a dog and were rife with infection.

So it was down to the vet with her (while going out to collect the mail) and I said out loud to the nice receptionist at Greg Harris's that I would take responsibility for the little one.

After leaving the kitten to go and get the mail, I got a call from the vet telling me that the prognosis was not very good for the little one and that putting her to sleep would be the kindest thing.

So, with my new responsibility I agreed with the vet and the poor little pumpkin was put to sleep.

I get so attached...

I see Fields of Green ...

2010-09-11T15:56:00.001+10:00

After 3 inches of rain over the past few weeks, Massie Lodge has turned from tradition brown and dusty at this time of the year, to green and lush. All the dams are full and the paddocks have full contours. Matilda was feeling pretty good this morning and decided to take a dip in the bottom dam and check out the ducks. LOL

We took the dogs for a walk around the property this morning to check them out and the paddocks were still squishy ... things are looking pretty good this summer.

Hanging Out with Harry, Buster and Maz

2010-09-08T22:46:00.002+10:00

Sometimes your just lucky to hang out with the boys and see what they get up to when they all meet up. I dont know who enjoyed it the most - the boys or me being able to watch them!

Gossy and Herman

2010-09-08T22:41:00.002+10:00

Jacky Lee .... Winner at Cairns Today

2010-09-03T15:01:00.002+10:00

Jacky Lee (pictured above with his mum, Gossips) has done it again and has won the Cairns Airport Handicap at the Cairns Amateurs today. Over 1250m, Jacky paid a cool $17 for the win and we hope that his owners, The Koch's had $5 each way!

It always give me a sense of pride to know that both Evan and I played just a small part to getting him on his way. Go get 'em kiddo!

Remind me to tell Gossy when I get home that her boy has done good!

Welcome to the World ....

2010-09-02T11:21:00.003+10:00

Local News (Gossy) had her foal - finally - last night... a little (hah, not that little!) colt who I have nicknamed Herman. Evan continually asks me why I choose these names and I tell him that the names just seem to arrive with the foals...

Good friend Heather has said that he should be named "National Enquirer" as his father's name is Publishing and his mum's is Local News!

Im surprised that Pip hasnt been on twitter to comment, guess that will come soon enough!

Congratulations to the Koch's on their new arrival!

Dirty's Got a Half Sister

2010-08-29T10:59:00.002+10:00

Congratulations to the Koch's on their latest addition. Polly (Pollution) gave birth to a filly the other morning.

We're still waiting for Gossy..... *yawn*

Thursday afternoon...

2010-08-23T11:20:00.002+10:00

Sometimes there are not enough words in the English language to describe such a show that Mother Nature puts on. I think it's best to let the pictures do the talking.... :)

Jimbo Update ....

2010-08-18T08:29:00.002+10:00

After a run that we would all like to forget, Jimbo is being backed up at Atherton this weekend in a Class 3 over 1400m - the distance that he won his maiden over.

Sometimes the horses can only do with what the Jockey's give them. Sometimes it isnt very much!

Fortunately, we have Mark Elliot to steer this time in.

GO JIMBO!

Waiting, Waiting.....Waiting....

2010-08-18T08:24:00.002+10:00

The heavily humungous Gossy ... keeping us all waiting....

A Day in the Life

2010-08-18T08:11:00.002+10:00

Massie Lodge resident, Nippa (aka The Nip) had a great day yesterday. The sun was out, there wasnt a cloud in the sky, there was green pick on the ground and there was water in the contours...

What better way to end off the perfect day than to have a wade in the contour, followed by an extended roll in their very own sandroll?

* sigh *

A Man and His Dog

2010-08-14T16:42:00.003+10:00

.... should never be parted. Evan & Ruby

Oh No, Its Mare Watch Time Again....

2010-08-13T15:19:00.003+10:00

Yep, we're back to Mare Watching again here at Massie Lodge.

Gossips, aka Local News, is definitely humungous and is ready to drop her bundle any minute... and is sick of being woken at night by the torch and no hay.

Pip (Epiphany) can't wait to be "Aunty Pip" and has already started whingeing on her Twitter - Broodmare Inc.

So, its back to very strange bed times for both Evan and I for the short term until Gossy decides its time. Nippa (The Nip) isnt due until Mid October.

*YAWN* I get tired just thinking about it.

Jimbo - Racing at Innisfail

2010-08-13T15:10:00.003+10:00

Massie Lodge born and bred, Jimmy (aka Private James) gets a start this weekend at Innisfail with jockey Jason Stopps aboard for the ride.

Over 1200m and drawn out to the carpark, young Jimbo will hopefully do us all proud once again. I am hoping so as I have a few dollars to put on him!

I did ask his trainer, Brad Furber what is happening with the barrier draws... he just laughed!

He says that Jimbo is jumping out of his skin and when he takes him for work, can hardly keep him quiet. "He just wants to get going" - Brad commented this morning on the phone. I had to laugh.

Other owners, Mark & Karen Fuccilli will be there to see him tomorrow.

Oh well, we'll keep our fingers crossed for tomorrow!