Lance supervising Tahnika gather the wood.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
It's Sunday...
and I know that I have used that title before, but too bad. LOL
We have had a wonderful time with our dear friend Sue and her grandkids (pictured above having breakfast on the verandah) over the weekend - its been so nice being able to kick back and just enjoy the company, the animals and of course the wonderful surroundings that make up Massie Lodge.
Some of us had a late start to the day (not pointing any fingers Evan!), but one of us had to stay up and watch Liverpool win into the wee early hours of the morning! But that's what its all about isnt it? Taking the time to do things that we really want to do.....
As I sit here I can see the white cockatoos swarm over the paddocks in waves going back to their trees for the night, ready to make the journey again in the morning once the sun comes up.
I did take a moment today and reflected on previous Mother's Days gone by, and had to laugh at myself as I used to get up at the crack of dawn and annoy the crap out of my mother and try (and try is the word!) and cook her an edible breakfast and leave the kitchen in a mad state of chaos. Still, she would always smile and give me the biggest hug and we would sit there and chat over her gooey eggs and a cup of tea.
Iam also reminded of the times that we went away on holiday and my best friend of many years would come along as well and we would surely try my mother's patience out to the end! We were always getting into mischief my friend and I, but my mother always managed to see the funny side of some of the crazy things we got up to. She was surely one in a million.
I guess with occasions like Mother's Day, I do miss those times spent with the most important influence in my life.
Tomorrow sees the birthday girl being taken out for lunch in town... do you think I will wake up feeling any differently tomorrow? Do you think that there will be a new found wisdom and maturity that only comes with being 42?
LOL, I doubt it!
I bet I wake up and am still the same old dag that Iam today. Not that there is anything wrong with that!
Helen.
We have had a wonderful time with our dear friend Sue and her grandkids (pictured above having breakfast on the verandah) over the weekend - its been so nice being able to kick back and just enjoy the company, the animals and of course the wonderful surroundings that make up Massie Lodge.
Some of us had a late start to the day (not pointing any fingers Evan!), but one of us had to stay up and watch Liverpool win into the wee early hours of the morning! But that's what its all about isnt it? Taking the time to do things that we really want to do.....
As I sit here I can see the white cockatoos swarm over the paddocks in waves going back to their trees for the night, ready to make the journey again in the morning once the sun comes up.
I did take a moment today and reflected on previous Mother's Days gone by, and had to laugh at myself as I used to get up at the crack of dawn and annoy the crap out of my mother and try (and try is the word!) and cook her an edible breakfast and leave the kitchen in a mad state of chaos. Still, she would always smile and give me the biggest hug and we would sit there and chat over her gooey eggs and a cup of tea.
Iam also reminded of the times that we went away on holiday and my best friend of many years would come along as well and we would surely try my mother's patience out to the end! We were always getting into mischief my friend and I, but my mother always managed to see the funny side of some of the crazy things we got up to. She was surely one in a million.
I guess with occasions like Mother's Day, I do miss those times spent with the most important influence in my life.
Tomorrow sees the birthday girl being taken out for lunch in town... do you think I will wake up feeling any differently tomorrow? Do you think that there will be a new found wisdom and maturity that only comes with being 42?
LOL, I doubt it!
I bet I wake up and am still the same old dag that Iam today. Not that there is anything wrong with that!
Helen.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
42
Is this the answer to "Life, The Universe and Everything?" Or is it the number of years that I have nearly lived ? Unfortunately its the latter with me taking the last couple of days to try to come to terms with the fact that Iam about to be nearly middle aged. AAAArgh! Perhaps like ArthurDent from "The Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy" I should get into my dressing gown and hitch a ride around the universe before the earth is demolished to make way for a Hyperspace Bypass?
Yes, I am in my jamys and dressing gown (not to mention the Ugg Boots) but I think I will give hitckhiking a miss - especially around here!
Today sees a new Stallion Road Test and I have to say that this one was a labour of love. This fellow has a very famous brother, a very famous Father and Grandfather... he compares with Mister Kwila when it comes to depth of racing progeny, can still sell his yearlings for $37,000 yet has since moved to Queensland and has a very reasonable service fee. Have I piqued your interest to take a look?
Good news was the order of the day last Thursday when it was found out that one of Vera's (Ophira - pictured above, who is rising 20 years young I might add! You will have to excuse Vera as she has "Broodmare Belly" - a non-serious condition arising after having 12 foals!) progeny won a barrier trial at Warwick Farm last week in good company. I did mention it to her this afternoon when we went down to get the hay, however, she seemed a little preoccupied and was rather disinterested when the hay came out. "Stylish Mist" is a full sister to Oriana (who unfortunately passed away last year). Sports Works is another underated Stallion.... what a buggar he is in NSW!
Tomorrow (or today as its nearly 2am) sees a visit to Massie Lodge from our dear friend Susie Black along with grandkids Tahnika and Cecelia and also Patch the dog. We're both looking forward to kicking back and having a few drinks and some good conversation.
*Yawn* time for me to hit the sack.
Helen.
(Support your local Queensland Stallion!).
Yes, I am in my jamys and dressing gown (not to mention the Ugg Boots) but I think I will give hitckhiking a miss - especially around here!
Today sees a new Stallion Road Test and I have to say that this one was a labour of love. This fellow has a very famous brother, a very famous Father and Grandfather... he compares with Mister Kwila when it comes to depth of racing progeny, can still sell his yearlings for $37,000 yet has since moved to Queensland and has a very reasonable service fee. Have I piqued your interest to take a look?
Good news was the order of the day last Thursday when it was found out that one of Vera's (Ophira - pictured above, who is rising 20 years young I might add! You will have to excuse Vera as she has "Broodmare Belly" - a non-serious condition arising after having 12 foals!) progeny won a barrier trial at Warwick Farm last week in good company. I did mention it to her this afternoon when we went down to get the hay, however, she seemed a little preoccupied and was rather disinterested when the hay came out. "Stylish Mist" is a full sister to Oriana (who unfortunately passed away last year). Sports Works is another underated Stallion.... what a buggar he is in NSW!
Tomorrow (or today as its nearly 2am) sees a visit to Massie Lodge from our dear friend Susie Black along with grandkids Tahnika and Cecelia and also Patch the dog. We're both looking forward to kicking back and having a few drinks and some good conversation.
*Yawn* time for me to hit the sack.
Helen.
(Support your local Queensland Stallion!).
Monday, May 08, 2006
Monday is
still a day off for me, starting with my first cup of tea for the day, helping Evan with the feeds and then breakfast outside on the verandah. Bliss!
Another trip down to the furthermost boundary fence this morning to make sure everything is secure for when we open the gates for "Mares Pty. Ltd" to come out into their winter paddock (Evan is pictured checking out the furthermost boundary fence nearest the railway line). We ended up opening the gates this afternoon and to say they went beserk is an understatement! Hopefully this big area will keep them occupied for the coming months. As I look out over my computer monitor, I can see Queenie (boss), Southern, Vera, Trousers, Maddie and Zandrea all with their heads down quietly getting on with the task at hand.
All residents are getting themselves ready for the coming winter and are starting to grow their winter coats...
As for the human residents, it hasn't quite got down to lighting the fire of an evening yet, although its getting very close.
Other than that, all quiet here at Massie Lodge (which isnt such a bad thing!).
A Quick Note on Dodge....
I was very pleased to read today on "Breeding and Racing" that Dodge finally got a stakes winner amongst his progeny:-
Hard To Catch Wins Prime Minister's Cup. Raheen Stud stallion Dodge (Canny Lad-Damzelle, by Zamazaan) recorded his 1st stakes-winner when 4YO gelding Hard To Catch (Dodge-Mrs Bligh, by Celestial Bounty) scored a 1.5-lengths victory in the $175,000 Listed Prime Minister's Cup (1300m) at the Gold Coast. Hard To Catch now has 8 wins & 8 placings (including both the Listed Weetwood Handicap over 1300m & Listed Tattersall's Members' Cup over 1600m during March) from 23 starts for $457,500 prize-money. His sire Dodge "has 44 winners from 123 runners to date" noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (May 8).
Definitely a patience issue with Dodge progeny.... but well worth the wait.
Well, this post is going to be short but sweet ... but I promise to write soon.
Take Care.
Another trip down to the furthermost boundary fence this morning to make sure everything is secure for when we open the gates for "Mares Pty. Ltd" to come out into their winter paddock (Evan is pictured checking out the furthermost boundary fence nearest the railway line). We ended up opening the gates this afternoon and to say they went beserk is an understatement! Hopefully this big area will keep them occupied for the coming months. As I look out over my computer monitor, I can see Queenie (boss), Southern, Vera, Trousers, Maddie and Zandrea all with their heads down quietly getting on with the task at hand.
All residents are getting themselves ready for the coming winter and are starting to grow their winter coats...
As for the human residents, it hasn't quite got down to lighting the fire of an evening yet, although its getting very close.
Other than that, all quiet here at Massie Lodge (which isnt such a bad thing!).
A Quick Note on Dodge....
I was very pleased to read today on "Breeding and Racing" that Dodge finally got a stakes winner amongst his progeny:-
Hard To Catch Wins Prime Minister's Cup. Raheen Stud stallion Dodge (Canny Lad-Damzelle, by Zamazaan) recorded his 1st stakes-winner when 4YO gelding Hard To Catch (Dodge-Mrs Bligh, by Celestial Bounty) scored a 1.5-lengths victory in the $175,000 Listed Prime Minister's Cup (1300m) at the Gold Coast. Hard To Catch now has 8 wins & 8 placings (including both the Listed Weetwood Handicap over 1300m & Listed Tattersall's Members' Cup over 1600m during March) from 23 starts for $457,500 prize-money. His sire Dodge "has 44 winners from 123 runners to date" noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (May 8).
Definitely a patience issue with Dodge progeny.... but well worth the wait.
Well, this post is going to be short but sweet ... but I promise to write soon.
Take Care.
Helen.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Beaconsfield, Tasmania.
Today I lost my cool when a few things didnt happen to go the way that I wanted it. I sat down on the step on the side verandah and just brooded and sulked because things I wanted to happen were not going to happen. And then I remembered that there were two miners, two fathers, still stuck underground in a small cage, waiting patiently for rescuers to dig them out. This realisation made me feel stupid, selfish and self indulgent.
I then picked myself up and went on my way and went to visit the little men in their paddock, thankful that I was not sitting a kilometre under ground in a cage.
I then heard on Sky News that Richard Carlton had a heart attack and died while working for 60 minutes at Beaconsfield.
It was this news that really made me feel like I had no reason to be sulky.
Iam 41 and 3/4 years old (yes, 42 is approaching in just over a week... AAArgh!) ... Iam healthy, I have a wonderful husband who would do anything for me, I live an idyllic lifestyle on 80 acres on the beautiful Queensland Darling Downs, Iam surrounded by horses and dogs (and birds?) - so why the hell am I feeling so hardly done by?
I then knew that I should be thankful for the opportunity to be able to live the life that I live.
I have seen it written that life is wasted on the living, and that is so true. Too many people keep putting off things that they want to do in their life because of no real reason - all these reasons are just excuses we make to justify why we won't move out of our way and take the first step to get out there and give life a go.
After pondering all of the above, I then realised that today will never come around again - its gone.
I guess like the miners, we are all in a cage that is our life, with the difference being each one of us can change the way our cage is shaped and we are each in charge of how long we sit out and watch others really living their life.
Perhaps now is the time to make a few changes.
I then picked myself up and went on my way and went to visit the little men in their paddock, thankful that I was not sitting a kilometre under ground in a cage.
I then heard on Sky News that Richard Carlton had a heart attack and died while working for 60 minutes at Beaconsfield.
It was this news that really made me feel like I had no reason to be sulky.
Iam 41 and 3/4 years old (yes, 42 is approaching in just over a week... AAArgh!) ... Iam healthy, I have a wonderful husband who would do anything for me, I live an idyllic lifestyle on 80 acres on the beautiful Queensland Darling Downs, Iam surrounded by horses and dogs (and birds?) - so why the hell am I feeling so hardly done by?
I then knew that I should be thankful for the opportunity to be able to live the life that I live.
I have seen it written that life is wasted on the living, and that is so true. Too many people keep putting off things that they want to do in their life because of no real reason - all these reasons are just excuses we make to justify why we won't move out of our way and take the first step to get out there and give life a go.
After pondering all of the above, I then realised that today will never come around again - its gone.
I guess like the miners, we are all in a cage that is our life, with the difference being each one of us can change the way our cage is shaped and we are each in charge of how long we sit out and watch others really living their life.
Perhaps now is the time to make a few changes.
So, the next time you say to someone, "I really want to go and see....", or "I would really like to try .......... " Stop thinking about it - just do it.
Helen
Saturday, May 06, 2006
It's Been
a very busy day after a late start this morning. It's been one of those days where you seem to continually be chasing your tail... but never catching up to it!
After spending some time with Broodmare Inc. down the back paddock, (and I have to admit that I have been also spending quite a bit of my spare time with the young men - just hanging around them, getting them used to different things, picking up a front leg here, a back leg there, bringing out the brush and combing their mane and tail so they dont get upset by it when it will happen as a matter of course when they are older), I annoyed Eric (pictured above in his mowing role - note the Massie Lodge washing line!) and brushed him down and his mane and tail. Talk about a no-fuss horse who cant stand being fussed over!
After spending some time with Broodmare Inc. down the back paddock, (and I have to admit that I have been also spending quite a bit of my spare time with the young men - just hanging around them, getting them used to different things, picking up a front leg here, a back leg there, bringing out the brush and combing their mane and tail so they dont get upset by it when it will happen as a matter of course when they are older), I annoyed Eric (pictured above in his mowing role - note the Massie Lodge washing line!) and brushed him down and his mane and tail. Talk about a no-fuss horse who cant stand being fussed over!
Life is Good, isnt it?
Helen.
Friday, May 05, 2006
With a Little Help From My Friends....
What a relief to wake up this morning and know that I could ponder a moment and enjoy the fact that it was Friday and know that I didnt have to get up ... just yet..... I opened one eye, saw my cup of tea... reached out and saw that it was at the perfect temperature for drinking... opened my other eye and greeted today with much enthusiam and glee.
How wonderful to have a long weekend in front of me!!!
What should I do today? Should I organise myself outside on the verandah with my book and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the morning? Maybe I should browse the net and see what is going on in the world of horses? Maybe I should start organising a couple of days down at the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast in June?
Alas none of the above as the household shopping beckoned (I was down to my 4th last Dilmah Potbag) and heaven forbid that I should run out of my second most favourite beverage! (It runs a close second behind Champagne, naturally!).
So after battling the Friday morning crowds in Woolies it was back to Massie Lodge where it was time for me to get up close and personal with all the residents to see what's going on in their lives.
Hamish (Sir Weather Vain) and Bob (Centenn) left Massie Lodge on Thursday to go back into work and you could tell it was time for them as they had had a nice break and put on a big round tummy. Hamish has gone to Andrew (Bluey) Cowell and Bob has gone to Kaye Tinsley. I will be looking forward to seeing them race in a month or so. Diva Gold is to have 1 more run before having a holiday.
Tee Cee (Thunderousclassics) is starting to get bored with his bandage and has been seen trying to bite it off... we have been trying to keep it on so that the skin gets some time to mend over the cut. But he is full of beans and ready for some work as well.
Sunny (aka Silly Bitch) has not put her foot through her feed bid since my last post but there is always tomorrow!
The Little Men (Billy, Max and Jimmy - pictured above talking with Joey) are well and all are sporting round bellies. They are still enjoying their time in Rosie's paddock. Talk about inseparable. I had a lot of help from them today as I went around and did some mending to their fences... Billy wanted to help me with my hat; Maxwell helped me with the fencing; and Jimmy kept annoying Max by biting his back leg. Its terrible to think that my little friends will no doubt become interested in girlies very soon and have to be moved!
We have been keeping the paddock down at the hayshed vacant for months, holding off as long as we can so that "Mares Pty. Ltd." (Trousers, Vera, Queenie, Southern, Maddie and Zandrea) can use it as their winter paddock. There is plenty of grass in the winter paddock and hopefully all the ladies will behave nicely as 1 herd. Who is the Manager of "Mares Pty. Ltd"? Why its Queenie (aka Nottie) - she has them all fooled (except for Trousers who doesnt put up with any crap from anyone when it comes to food!).
Meanwhile, "Broodmares Incorporated" (Sweetie and Libby), in the big paddock, have decided that there are way too many scary monsters down the back of the big dam and will not venture anywhere past it. Needless to say that is where all the grass is.
Eric has rekindled his romance with Joey since he has been grazing in the alley way, much to the chargrin of Gracie ... Aint love grand?
I couldnt think of any better way to spend a day .... could you?
Helen.
Monday, May 01, 2006
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Sunny?
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Sunny?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Sunny?
A flibbertijibbet! A silly twit! A clown!
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
Unless its with some hay
How do you keep her foot away and stay sound?
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Sunny?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Sunny?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
Helen.
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