tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985616322989641562024-03-05T19:19:50.611-08:00The Copperbottom Ranch BlogAudrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-11465419976367692322012-09-25T08:54:00.003-07:002012-09-25T08:54:21.138-07:00Cute new Buttercup happenings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hate having to go to work during the days, simply because I know I'm missing so much cuteness! That lil bugger can't go two minutes without doing something extremely adorable! Such as.....peeing and then trying to cover it up like a cat would. (she's been watching the cats too much) Getting an itchy butt and rubbing it all over Mom. Yesterday as I was driving towards my place, I could see her running at a full gallop in circles in the pasture, just as fast as her little legs would take her! Of course once I got home and got out the camera, she stopped. She is getting much more brave. She will even hang out in the barn, out of site of Mom. She's made friends with the mini horses now, which is great, though I'm sure Dinker will be a bad influence on her. <br />
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I've been working with her to get her to trust me. Lots of patience and kissing noises have gotten her to the point where she will now come up to me without me asking. This is great. I can pick up all four feet. I can touch her pretty much anywhere without her getting scared. I need to halter train her very soon, so I've been taking the halter with me every time I go out to feed her. No need to put it on her just yet, but I've been keeping it in my hand as I rub her down, getting her used to the sensation. Hopefully one of these days, she'll just let me slip it right over her nose without a fuss. <br />
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I can't wait to hang out with her for the next 25 or 30 years. I'm going to make her the best horse she can possibly be. Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-57124383241707942752012-09-21T09:42:00.000-07:002012-09-21T09:42:02.453-07:00I am kind of a dorkTo the outside world, I may seem a little over zealous in my love for my critters. But that's OK. I never claimed or wanted to be normal. So sometimes I write letters to my animals. I keep them in a book and then one day when they are old, I can look back and read them and remember all the little things that time normally erases from your brain. This is the letter I wrote to lil Buttercup, a couple days after she was born. <br />
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Dear Buttercup,
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You only came into my life two days ago
and I can't believe how much I love you already. You were, as I was,
a surprise. Not a mistake. Not an accident. A surprise. One I
never expected. The first time I laid eyes on you I had to stand
there for a couple minutes to wrap my mind around what I was seeing.
I remember thinking, this must be a dream. I am so glad it wasn't.
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You are so fun to watch. I love seeing
you experience things for the first time. The first time you felt
the wind, you looked around to see what the heck was making your hair
move like that. The first time you stuck your nose in a water
bucket, you were scared by the sensation. Every single thing you see
and hear is a first.
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Your mom loves you so much, and I can
tell you love her. She will take great care of you. You will be
likely be the first foal that won't be taken away from her after
weaning. She will have you at her side till her last day on earth.
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Your hair is so so soft. Like nothing
I've ever felt. Like velvet, but better. Like shag velvet. You
have the sweetest little muzzle. It reminds me of both Billie's and
Cutter's. You will be sorrel it appears and I am thrilled with that.
I hope you look like Cutter when you are older.
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I can't believe how long your legs are!
You are already taller than Dinker and Bucky. I'm giving you a week
till you'll be too tall to fit under your moms' belly.
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You have given me so much joy in the
two days that I have known you. Your mom is so happy, the happiest
I've seen her since she came to the farm. She is so content to have
you to care for. I am happy too. Very happy that you've come into
our lives. You will make an excellent addition to the Copperbottom
Ranch.
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I look forward to watching you grow up,
teaching you things, and watching you become a beautiful strong,
smart, and loving horse. Someday we will travel the trails together,
you and I. But for now, you just stick with Mom. Just learn and
grow and be a filly. And don't be in a hurry to grow up now.
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Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-17400940718574315662012-09-20T11:17:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:17:15.035-07:00I apologize. It has been far too long since I've checked in. Perhaps you are all worried about me, perhaps not. Well, first off I have been doing GREAT. Seriously really, really, great! Where to start? Oh who am I kidding? I know exactly where to start! My life has been forever changed with the events of the last month. In one word, BUTTERCUP. Who or what is Buttercup you ask? Well she is the newest addition to the farm, my beautiful little baby filly. What's that? You didn't know I was having a baby horse? Well, neither did I! Billie had been acting funny for a couple days. I was worried about her, got up to check on her one morning and there, laying on the ground beside her in the barn, was a little bundle of joy that was VERY unexpected. My jaw dropped as my mind processed what I was seeing. Then the little bundle of joy stood up on her spindly, brand new legs, and it all became very real. OH MY GOD BILLIE HAD A BABY!!!!!!<br />
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I have had Billie since last fall, in my mind it was nearing a year that she had been with me. When I got her, I took her to the vet and had her pregnancy checked, since I was unsure of her history. They has assured me she was not preggers, so in my mind it wasn't even a possibility, since she hasn't been around a stud since I've had her. A horse has an 11 month gestation period. "How is this possible?" I kept asking myself. Well, after looking up the paperwork, I had brought her home on October 3rd, 2011. She foaled on September 3, 2012. Yep, 11 months to the day. She must have been bred a matter of days before I picked her up. I assume this is why the vet didn't catch the pregnancy. It must have been too early in the process to feel the baby. The horse rescue I got her from claims it is impossible that she was bred there, but I wonder if their fences and gates are as secure as they think they were. They do have a stud on the place (which you shouldn't if you are a rescue) and I am sure that is lil Buttercup's dad. I know Billie hasn't been into any funny business since I've had her, so I see no other possibility. All this said, I couldn't be more pleased. I am like a glowing new mother. <br />
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The only one who is happier than me is Billie. I have never seen a horse so happy and at peace as she is with her foal. Its touching, really. She is a wonderful mother, but nice enough to let me in anytime I want to play with her new baby. It's been a real game changer at the farm. I've never had a foal before, so it's a whole new world to me. Buttercup is so lovely. Just a doll. Just...perfect! She is three weeks old now and I can't believe how much she's grown already. Her muscles are developing and she runs and jumps and tries to eat hay like her mom does, even though she's got no teeth. I could go on and on. In fact, I think I will. Her legs are so long that her mouth can't reach the ground without bending her knees, which is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. She's got the color of my old mare, Cutter, who was closely related to Billie. The same markings on her muzzle as both Billie and Cutter. Billie reminds me so much of my dear Cutter, that I can't imagine Buttercup won't take after them both. Nothing would make me happier than seeing signs of my old mare in my new baby as she grows.<br />
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I didn't know what to name her. I wanted to name her after Billie, but didn't want to leave Cutter out of it either. So a friend suggested Butter. The more I said it, the more I liked it. When thinking of all the nicknames I could call her (Butter ball, my Butter baby, Butthead) I couldn't pass up Buttercup. It just fit. <br />
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Also, Billie wanted me to pass along a message to everyone for all the fat jokes at her expense. "Suck it! I just lost about 200 lbs in one day!" She says. <br />
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So yeah, that's what's new with me...pretty great, huh? And the best part? I have even more good and exciting news as well, but I think that's enough for today. Upcoming topics include: I catered a wedding, I have a BOYFRIEND who is awesome, Mitt Romney should just shut up, and a great spinach dip recipe. Later, y'all!<br />
Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-7126706737349312732012-08-30T14:06:00.000-07:002012-08-30T14:06:40.850-07:00Sweet Billie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The nice thing about having an obese horse is that when you ride them bareback, its such a nice, wide, cushy seat. :) Plus I look 10 lbs thinner when I stand by herAudrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-85399332508529588922012-08-24T13:33:00.003-07:002012-08-24T13:34:16.381-07:00Just another weekend in the life of Aud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New things going on....Shooter and I attended the Puppies in the Pool fundraiser to benefit the local animal shelter last night. It is his favorite day of the year and he played and swam and fetched for a solid two hours. He had just enough energy to throw an absolute fit when I had to make him leave. He's a very well behaved dog and I have never seen him throw such a tantrum. Like a tired kid, he passed out halfway home and slept like a rock all evening. It was a great time.<br />
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This weekend I will be attending a bean bag tourney...winning team wins a hundred bucks. I won the bean bag championship at the Winter Games last year, so I may have had a few beers and talked up my skills a bit more than I should have. Truth be told, I'm generally not good at things like this. I'm afraid it will be like my pool shooting skills. I'll have one perfect game out of 20, the other 19 games are like watching a drunken toddler try to climb a ladder. Oh well, we'll have fun even if we lose.<br />
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Then I will visit my good friend Arin and we will all hang out at the campground for a while. The weather sounds like it will be perfect. I also will be hanging out with a very very nice guy I recently met. In the spirit of not jinxing things, that is all I'll say about that for now. <br />
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My apple tree limbs are hanging nearly to the ground. It is a bumper year for my apple crop, so I'll be making a ton of apple crisp. I like to make a bunch and hand them out to people who help me out at the farm during the year. Do you wish I was making you apple crisp? Well, let me know, I always need favors :)<br />
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I have finally secured enough hay to get the horses through winter. It was hard to find with the weather being so dry. Luckily, my fantastic hay guy came through for me in a pinch and even stacked it in the corn crib for me. He'll be getting some apple crisp for sure. <br />
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That's all I've got for now...Have a great weekend!Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-89083237396833415912012-08-22T12:38:00.000-07:002012-08-22T12:38:11.759-07:00Sorry for my absenceI have been busy lately. Not "bad busy" where there just aren't enough hours in the day. More like "good busy" where you are just having fun enjoying life. Things are looking up for ol' Aud. Perhaps I will expand on that statement in a few days.....Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-6374553653137260532012-08-08T12:35:00.001-07:002012-08-08T12:35:15.270-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is something I love about this picture and I can't quite put my finger on it. It has a kind of timeless quality to it. I like how it appears I only have a stump for an arm. Very Venus de Milo. <br />
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I make fun of my Dad a lot, but he really truly is a great guy and a great dad. He gave my dog a haircut last night and was nice enough to saddle up his mare, Molly for me to ride. At first I resisted, since it was sunny and I was without sunscreen. Then I decided we'd just get to the shady spots as fast as we could. Molly is a great horse. Though it kills me to admit it, she is a better horse than any I have. Just a nice steady no frills horse that goes where you ask and does as she's told. I so wish I had a horse that was this well broke. <br />
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We rode down to what is locally known as Dead Man's. A creek, some trails, nice trees. Not a large area at all, but the trails criss and cross and go up and down and it is just lovely. Molly and I took a couple laps, went out for a trot, went and made a couple more laps, and then cantered back to the farm. I haven't cantered in years. I can't remember the last time I did it. I am normally happiest at a walk or trot. I had forgotten the smoothness, the nice rhythm of a canter. It felt great. It really is the small joys of life that make it worth it. Now if I can just figure out a way to talk him out of that horse....Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-42123897754248110772012-08-06T14:05:00.000-07:002012-08-06T14:05:20.061-07:00Feeling a little blue todayI guess it's just one of those days today. It's really a beautiful day. I have no reason to feel blue, but I do. I think sometimes when you know you have no good reason to feel the way you do, you end up feeling bad for feeling bad. Which is kind of silly and completely self defeating. It'll pass I suppose. Tomorrow or the next day. <br />
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It's times like these that I wish my horse was well broke enough that I could go home and hop up on there for a soul-soothing, leisurely ride. Sadly, getting Billie to ride away from the farm is like getting a kid to eat brusell sprouts. <br />
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Have I ever mentioned my extreme dislike of Wal Mart? Well I can't stand the place. Two minutes in there and I'm ready to run away screaming. They do, however, have a fantastic pharmacy with very helpful employees. So I get my insulin there, at half the price of every other pharmacy. Still, I dread walking in that place. The point being, I have to go there tonight to get a prescription filled. So by the time I leave, I will likely have a reason to be good and grumpy. That is the best silver lining I can put on the situation.Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-92154995958606061842012-08-02T13:59:00.000-07:002012-08-02T13:59:13.076-07:00Dad's keys<br />
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I come into work this morning and dad is mad at my bro. Apparently they had some drinks last night, dad locked himself out of the house and keys for both his vehicles were in the house so he couldn't leave. Rather than help, Al was enjoying giving him a hard time, asking why he even bothered to pull the keys out of his truck. (good point, Al) Anyway, one of the grandkids had spare keys to the house and eventually showed up to save the day. Dad gets his truck keys and goes to the farm to do chores, and says he knows he left the truck keys in the ignition after that.<br />
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So this morning, dad gets in his truck and finds no keys. Hence, him being mad at Al, assuming Al had taken them and hidden them somewhere in the truck to teach him a lesson. (exactly the kind of thing Al would do). So he searches through his many coffee cups, under all his junk (a LOT of junk) in his truck. Sees a big sack of screws, and figures they are probably at the bottom. He goes through the whole sack. Can't find em anywhere. He finally gives up and drives the tractor to work. Al comes in this morning and dad jumps him, Al denies everything (a totally Al thing to do, that kid has a poker face like none other). Dad is convinced. I was still not sure, as Al started laughing pretty hard when dad told him the story. I did too, trying to decide which would be funnier, if Al did steal them, or if Dad misplaced them and is throwing this fit for no reason. <br />
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Finally later in the day when it is just Al and I in the office, I said, "you took them, didn't you? Just admit it to me at least." He swears he did not touch them and I believe him. 10 minutes later it's just Dad and I in the office and I tell him, "I asked Al and I really don't think he took them." He sheepishly replies, "I know. I found them. " Where? "In my pocket." The pocket of the pants you are wearing right now? "Yeah". HAHAHAHAHA! Then in the weakest cover-up attempt ever dad says, "He must have slipped them in there when I wasn't looking." Uh huh. <br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-54970138430124907072012-08-01T13:00:00.000-07:002012-08-01T13:00:51.208-07:00And time marches on<br />
I live on a farm. I may be the only person who lives there, but I never feel like I live alone. I've got my animals and they are as close to kids as I'll probably ever have. I love them and I care for them and they give me a reason to get out of bed when I don't want to. People often ask me how I do it, all on my own. I don't really know, except to say that I imagine it is similar with children. You just do it. No one else is going to do chores when its 20 below. No one else is going to fill that water tank. You just do it. Much like parents "just do it" when their child is sick and crying at night. You don't consider not getting up. You just do it, you know? Its part of your daily routine, right? Getting the kids up and off to school. Running them to swimming practice, etc. Well it's the same with me. I can't imagine not doing chores in the morning. Can't imagine not filling the water tank every other day. Can't imagine not having those smiling faces greet me when I come home from work.<br />
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There is a downside though. And its when you lose one. Hollywood is gone now. The farm seems amiss. Something is wrong. The horses are edgy and discontent. So am I. Our natural order of things has been messed with, and its going to take some time to adjust to. Billie keeps whinneying for Hollywood. Keeps looking around corners for him in the pasture. She will run to me every time I'm outside. She'll lean on me, rub her face on my arm, then run to the fence to see the mini horses, then back to me, then look around, then take a run around the pasture, and back to me again. Repeat. Repeat.<br />
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They say horses are a mirror to your soul. I have never realized this more than when watching Billie. The way she is acting is exactly how I am feeling. Just lost. Just...off. I know it will pass. Time truly does heal all wounds, for horses and people alike. Billie will be fine too, one of these days we will get used to three horses instead of four. But for now, I just feel....rattled. Unsettled. Sad.<br />
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I wonder if this is how parents feel when a child goes off to college. There sits the empty chair where they ate breakfast everyday. There's just a void. Just silence and nothingness in their place. Sure you have memories, sweet ones that you will cherish forever. Framed photos of them on the wall. But it's not the same as having them there. And somehow you know, though you'll get used to it, life will never quite be the same as it once was. <br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-47386737393359355952012-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:002012-07-27T10:13:25.892-07:00Time to say goodbye...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The sorrel horse pictured above is my old mare Cutter, who passed away about a year and a half ago. The Buckskin is my gelding, Hollywood. I'll try to make this story as short as I can. <br />
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Cutter was my first full sized horse. My best friend and my constant companion. I miss her every day. I had gotten her at age 25 from some people I know who were moving to town and needed to find a good home for her. She was the last horse they had, the others had been sold and it seemed no one wanted sweet ol Cutter due to her age. So she became mine. <br />
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Fast forward a couple years, I had Cutter and another full sized mare. They were very close. Long story short, the other mare had to go and went to another home. Poor Cutter went into a full fledged depression. She missed her buddy so much it was sad to see. She quit eating, started losing weight, and just stood there with her head hung low for several months. At her age I knew I had to do something. We were coming into winter and I knew she needed every pound of fat she had on her to make it through. So I started looking for a companion for her. A friend referred me to a gal about an hour away who had an old buckskin gelding. I went up to see him. I fell in love, much the same way I did with Cutter the first time I saw her. $300 later, he was mine. <br />
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Now here is the part that will give you goosebumps. As it turns out, this buckskin (Hollywood) had lived with Cutter for nearly 20 years. They were the husband and wife's trail riding team for many years. Remember how all their other horses had been sold when I got Cutter? He was one of them. They hadn't seen each other in 4 years. We put him in the trailer and brought him home. He got out of the trailer and let out a big whinney. Cutter heard him and came running to greet him. I hadn't seen her ears perk up like that, her eyes so bright, her trot so enthusiastic since the day that other mare left. She was truly reborn again. You could almost see all her muscles relax when she saw her old buddy. Everything about her changed back to the horse I remembered. For the next few years, you never saw one without the other. You could tie a three foot rope between the two of them and it wouldn't have bothered them a bit. It was almost like, "I lost you once, and I'm never letting you out of my sight again!" <br />
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During those years they spent together, nothing made me happier than seeing them together munching grass, scratching each other's withers, dozing off in the sun together. I often would look at them and think, "I want that kind of relationship. That easy going, I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine, I love you forever" kinda thing that they had going. He stood by Cutter's side till the day she passed. He took it just as hard as I did, and we both helped each other through it. (anyone who rolls their eyes at this, has never experienced all the emotions that horses have)<br />
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And now, a year and a half after Cutter passed, it is Hollywood's time. He is 30 and it is showing. I can't keep weight on him and that spark is gone from his eyes. I knew this would be his last summer, that he wouldn't make it through another winter. But sadly, his condition is just getting worse. I know my horse. And I know it's time. So a big thank you to Hollywood for the years of wonderful service, for keeping sweet old Cutter company, and for being there for me. You filled your role well old buddy. I don't know what happens to horses when they die, but I sure hope you two are together again in some way. I hope Cutter is waiting for you when you cross over that bridge. <br />
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It'll be a tough day, for sure. The vet appointment has been made, the skid loader lined up, a friend called in to hold my hand when the vet shows up. He will be laid to rest beside his best friend. Between now and then, it'll be nothing but bucket after bucket of his favorite food. Lots of brushing down and pampering. Probably lots of crying. I know it's the right thing to do, but boy oh boy is it hard to say goodbye. It's a part of farm life I never get used to. But all the pain I feel is because of the love I have for them, and I wouldn't trade that love for anything in the world. <br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-34841317669951656462012-07-25T10:58:00.000-07:002012-07-25T10:58:26.187-07:00Oh Billie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a whole lot of mutual love going on in this photo! A neighbor and her son came out last night to see the horses. It was a fun visit. It was the first time I've had Billie around a little kid. My old mare Cutter (Billie's relation) was always a gem around kids. So gentle and kind and she just loved them. I guess it should be no surprise that Billie is the same way. She stood there so nice and still while getting petted, didn't get pushy or fidgety. You could see her just soaking in the attention. It made me tear up a little, because she acted just exactly like Cutter would have. Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-78050970369443750092012-07-24T10:06:00.000-07:002012-07-24T10:06:25.488-07:00Someday I will have....A set of Wusthof knives that will last me the rest of my life<br />
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A commercial convection oven<br />
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A horse I can just hop on and ride, with no lunging or fear of getting bucked off<br />
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A man who loves and respects me and visa versa<br />
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A wrap around screened in porch where I can sit and drink fancy cocktails and watch thunderstorms roll in<br />
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A house that is paid for<br />
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A nice barn for my horses with automatic waterers, fans, and fresh cedar chips lining the floors at all times<br />
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A Vitamix blender<br />
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A nice big farm dog that never runs off and chases cattle<br />
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A gleaming, bright white painted wooden fence that lines my acreage <br />
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A job I enjoy<br />
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Financial freedom<br />
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And finally....the time to enjoy all these things!<br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-7710887216721598822012-07-18T12:25:00.002-07:002012-07-18T12:25:53.838-07:00I'm doing it!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Catering is going really really well! I am so happy about this! Its great to find something that you love to do and get paid to do it at the same time. So far it's been all successes, and the calls are coming in! This is really taking off faster than I thought it would to be honest. I'll probably never make a full time living doing catering (not around here anyway), but its sure a nice side job to have. <br />
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Also, I am going to start selling Premier Designs Jewelry beginning in August. This is something I never pictured myself doing, but I am very excited about it! Premier is a great company with great jewelry and I can't wait to get started. So, counting my unpaid job as a semi-farmer, that makes four jobs total. Whew! I plan to schedule about 20 minutes of down time in mid November, other than that, I will be a busy busy gal! No complaints though. <br />
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Maybe if all goes well, I could afford the swanky luxuries of life someday. Like satellite TV and driving a car that was built in the last decade. Maybe even (gasp!) an iPAD or internet service at home! Oh a girl can dream....Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-27603761446468305542012-07-16T10:41:00.000-07:002012-07-16T10:41:29.081-07:00Ghosts of relationships past....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I ran into an ex while out with some friends this weekend. It's amazing sometimes, though years can pass, how seeing someone from your past transports you to a different time and place. Memories come back, both good and bad. It's almost scary...thinking of the person I was then. The lies I fell for. The crap I put up with. The support I gave to someone who needed me, and the memory of the pain that came when it all came tumbling down. But I also remember the happy times, the ones I miss. I think there are certain people who you never really get over. You may not think of them everyday anymore. But you realize they have, for better or worse, shaped your life in a way that will never go away. You will never be the same person you were before you met them. I loved this guy. A lot. Sadly, I will never be the trusting person I was before I met him. I don't think I'll ever blindly trust someone like that again. I'm not saying I'll never get over it, but it sure made me a more skeptical person. <br />
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I have known guys who have hurt me worse than him, but at least they
were honest about it. At least they communicated. At least they said,
"sorry" when they really messed up. They acknowledged it, and that
makes all the differences. <br />
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I can forgive people. Its totally within my power to do so. But it's really hard to forgive someone who never asked for it. Never really apologized or acknowledged their wrongdoings. So remember that next time you have to break someone's heart. It's not fun. Its going to suck. But there's a right and a wrong way to go about it. Go with the right way. No need to damage that person more than needed. Be honest. Be straightforward. Apologize for the things you did wrong and thank them for the good times. When someone gives you their heart, take care of it, even if you have to return it in the end. <br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-52705070121925263542012-07-12T11:30:00.002-07:002012-07-12T11:30:38.411-07:00Overheard at the barSome advice I gave to my friend Arin (who is 24) at the bar. Apparently the bartenders overheard me and thought this was very hilarious. "I know what it's like Arin. You're in your twenties. You think you have forever to find someone. Well, if you find someone you like, take hold and do something about it! Or next thing you know, you'll wake up, be 32 and broken, have crows feet, and a shit ton of cats."<br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-14381381804245613192012-07-06T09:56:00.000-07:002012-07-06T09:56:02.290-07:00Now it feels official!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the addition of real business cards and the purchase of my very first chef's jacket, it seems very official. I AM A CATERER!! Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-38351241586936466052012-07-05T12:03:00.000-07:002012-07-05T12:03:01.859-07:00It's been a nice summer....<br />
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So I haven't been dating anyone this summer. I'm kind of taking a break from the whole thing. I'd be lying if I said I never get lonely. I'd take a good guy over no guy any day of the week. That said, its been nice to not deal with any guy drama. Really really nice. There is something to be said for being able to take the time to make YOURSELF happy, rather than wasting your energy on someone who doesn't give you much in return. Two summers ago, I was in the middle of guy drama central. I had hardly any fun, didn't spend enough time with my animals, and was constantly unhappy. Such a contrast to this summer which has been filled with girlfriends, bonfires, boat rides, good food, and lots of laughter! Keep it coming, summer. I'm loving every minute of it!!Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-60980638527511798372012-07-02T10:25:00.001-07:002012-07-02T10:25:57.307-07:00Awesome weekend!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brandy, Nicole and I boating our lil buns off! And we finished off the weekend by seeing Magic Mike. Good movie, but the best part was watching the two little old ladies walk out halfway through. LOLAudrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-9457577033465170052012-06-26T10:22:00.000-07:002012-06-26T10:22:08.711-07:00I love that this is a normal sight now....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember being on vacation in Northern Minnesota with my family as a very young child. While on the lake, we saw a beautiful bald eagle soaring above. Dad told my brother and I, "remember this kids, it may be the only one you'll ever see." At the time, this was a true statement. They really were that rare and it was quite a sight to see one. I love that now I see them all the time. Its not rare, its hardly even noteworthy to be honest. Quite a success story for the eagles. I drive over the west fork of the Des Moines River everyday on my way to and from work, and certain times of the year you can just about count on seeing at least one of them daily. <br />
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Who ever would have thought that the wide eyed little girl in the boat with her dad would one day own an acreage and have a bald eagle that hangs out there on a regular basis. Certainly not me! I took this picture last year, while this guy was perched a top my tallest evergreen tree. Pretty awesome indeed! <br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-71000169369012288742012-06-25T07:53:00.000-07:002012-06-25T08:14:16.068-07:00Yang and her ying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet my two good friends, Arin and Yang. Arin is a very special lady. She has a love of animals that rivals (or even surpasses) mine. I love people who's best friends are animals. She and her goat, Yang, have a connection that is very touching. That little goat lives for her. I have never met another animal (other than a dog) that loves their "person" so much. Once she is out of her sight, Yang will practically have a melt down. Arin can "call" to yang from across the farm and he will answer her every darn time. I tried it repeatedly, and got no response. They go for walks on the walking trails together. He is a celebrity at the Dickinson County Nature Center, where Arin works. He shows up for public events and get togethers and is the star of the show. And such a well behaved and polite little gal at that! (more than I can sometimes say for Arin :) Arin is truly the ying to her Yang. If, one time in my life, I found someone who loved me as much as that goat loves Arin, I'd consider myself a very lucky lady. It makes me miss my old goats very much. SO much personality per pound! They have to be one of the most enjoyable animals to just sit and watch. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger, Polly, and I. Oh how I miss thee...</td></tr>
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-19326251546420286222012-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:002012-06-20T10:51:15.764-07:00Can you tell which one is named Marshmallow?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-13546236128100695852012-06-12T13:50:00.001-07:002012-06-12T13:50:30.274-07:00A dog's life....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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People say, "its a dog's life" like its such a bad thing. I guess it depends on who you belong to. I would be my dog any day of the week!Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-27321056055894772252012-06-11T10:12:00.000-07:002012-06-11T10:42:26.630-07:00A ginger in the sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went boating this weekend with some great friends. ***A note to all gingers, if you buy the good sunscreen, you can do it too! I look a little red in this pic, but I did not get burned after a full 4 hours in the sun. Neutrogena Ultra sheer broad spectrum SPF 45. Its the best money you'll ever spend.****<br />
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Pictured with me is one of my all time favorite kids, Sharon's daughter, Addison. Love her! She was even very brave and got in the lake with us. We had such a good time and it felt good to take a day off from mowing and chores and...well...life in general. So yay for fruity cocktails, crab salad, jumping in the lake, and good friends. <br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598561632298964156.post-79103216854357006102012-06-05T12:51:00.000-07:002012-06-05T12:51:13.942-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So for those of you who don't know me well...I love politics. I watch a
lot of news. I am a democrat, through and through. I wouldn't call
myself a feminist, but others might. However, there are two things that
fly in the face of my liberalism, and I'm OK with that.<br />
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One is my love of shooting guns. I don't do it often, and never shoot anything living. But when I am in the mood, nothing else will scratch that itch better than pulling a trigger. I own one shotgun, but my dad owns many. Since he lives in town, he sometimes uses my farm as a shooting range. This is great for me, since I never have to buy guns or ammo, just join in for the fun of it every now and again. <br />
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Last weekend, I got to shoot an AR15 and it was a most excellent experience! <br />
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The second is my love of cooking and serving food to people. I am all about women's rights....but oddly I am normally happiest in the kitchen. Nothing gives me more pleasure than cooking for others. That pecan pie you see above? It is so good it could make you cry. Granted, if I was married to someone and was "expected" to provide a daily meal, I would probably get all kinds of irritated about it. I guess it being my choice to cook when I want to is what makes it enjoyable. <br />
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My point being, labels can be misleading. There is an exception to every rule. There are democrats who love guns. There are republicans who value education. There may even be smart tea partiers for all I know. <br />
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One more pic for your enjoyment below, the best Halloween costume I've ever worn. I have to say, I really nailed this one. I can't stand the woman, but that was one fun night! Me as Sarah Palin:<br />
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<br />Audrey Gagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05822520531848588729noreply@blogger.com0