Hi all,

   Well we are back from vacation, back to flying and farming. Our vacation was great! Been a couple years since we went and we did NOTHING. We were with my family, we always laugh so hard and have a good time, probably because I don't think we are completely sane. Everything went good on the farm while we were gone thanks to wonderful, capable, trustworthy friends & family. Only one calf was born and that was with no difficulty. The last calf was born the other day, all are healthy and happy and act like they are trying out for the PBR every night in the pasture. Went for a couple trail rides, it was nice to get back in the saddle. Couranna's owner (mare put down after breeding) has purchased a new mare called Heathers Apparel. She is in foal to Andromada's Hero and is due about 9-7-08. She is a little too underweight for my liking, so we are trying to help her gain weight in a healthy manner. She is an absolute sweetheart and seems to have a "been there done that" attitude. I'm looking forward to spending some time with her, getting her to trust us and feel at home here. She has integrated well with the herd.  One of our current boarders has just purchased a Belgian gelding. He should arrive next week. I can't wait to see him and big John just hanging out in the pasture together. I usually ride my QH but may just have to take Big John out on a trail ride just to see the reactions of people when two hugh Belgians come clomping down the road. They are such gentle giants. We are really trying everything possible to get more weight on Big John ( thanks Heather) he has just been behind the 8 ball for so long, has no molars, a hugh gap in the middle of his bottom teeth and the uppers are about ground down to the gums, but I think we are making progress. One newer boarder has an 11 year old girl who has bonded with him so much, I swear his eyes just light up when she gets on him. He comes right to her from the middle of the pasture and his coat is just shining from all the good grooming she has given him. I think God brought them together for a reason!
 Well, just got back from a flight. Young guy was hit by a tree while on the job clearing trees and brush for the power lines. I can tell you, he has a badly fractured leg but had he not been wearing his helmet I don't think he'd be here right now. Now this is the same job my son does so of course I had to do the motherly thing and call him and make sure he keeps wearing his helmet. You never stop being a mother no matter what their age, if anyone out there knows how to put their kids in a plastic bubble and protect them all their lives let me know.
 If you get totally bored and want to waste some time go to www.youtube.com and search Virginia beach vacation 2008. I made it for my mom the last day of our vacation. It is 3 songs long, the last song by Mark Harris " find your wings" has such great lyrics.

Happy trails,

Tracy