ActonBuff

Long Nice Summer

2010-09-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

First off I will NOT say...sorry I haven't posted anything or did you miss me or I have been busy. I won't say any of that. Nope, I will say look at what a summer it has been.

July at Disneyland

Didier (Bucket Head) gets bigger.

Playing Frisbee at the park.

Our anniversary trip to Paso Robles and Cayucus.

Headed to New Jersey for John's Family Reunion.

Wildwood, New Jersey and John's childhood memories. Yummy pizza at Mack's, drinking Birch Beer (like root beer).

A visit to DC to see our nations capitol, the White House, Lincoln and Washington Memorials, Korean War Memorial...

And ending the summer, of course a Labor Day Party for our family and friends. Good way to end.

It has been a great busy summer. I am ready for the cooler, shorter days.

To My Mother

2010-05-09T07:35:00.001-07:00

This is a special day, Mothers Day. It's the day we honor our Mom's for who they are and what they have done and given to us.

I have a Mom, her name is Mary K. She is a great Mom. Through the years she has taught me to love this creation that God has so blessed us with. All through our lives she had gardened and created her own little paradise out of the land that my Father and she were so very blessed with.

It's amazing to think of all the new life they left in their wake. Every new home was immediately planted with trees. And as the seasons changed new life sprang forth.
Not only had she taught me to create with trees and plants, but she blessed me when I was very young with the love of horses. I am not exactly sure of the age but she bought a pony for us, Goldy. That was the beginning for me. That day forward my life has been involved in some way or other with horses. They are my passion and Mom gave that to me. What a lasting gift. If only there were some way to repay that.

Today I honor you, Mom, with pictures of pieces of me. Thank you for all you are and have been through the years.
I LOVE YOU!!!!

Your daughter, Buffy

Red Neck Lawn Mower

2010-04-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

This is our entertainment on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The boys are wrestling.
As Poneeh "mows" the lawn.

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

Life Uninterrupted

2010-04-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

I Am Here. Not there but here. Life is but a freight train headed north and south and east and west all at the same time. The Rennie Clan has undergone some great things in a few months. Let me give you the highlights.
John and I stole away for a trip to Disneyland. We haven't been there for quite sometime. Such memories. I became teary eyed as we walked under the train and entered the main street. This was the place of my preteen and teen years. Many hours of pure fun.
To make things even more fun, our good friends, Jeff and Debi showed up.
March was the Great Birthday month. Not only does the month of March include great ones such as Ron Howard, Jon Bon Jovi and Dr. Suess, it also includes my brother-in-law, Paul, my niece Meghan, but most importantly me and Dakota.
We had a great celebration for our little Dakota Jo Ann's big first Birthday. Amy, Caidan, Chris, Patty, Eric, Meghan, Robb, Nancy, Emily, Joan, Paul and Stewart were able to join us and many great friends.

As you can see, Dakota taught those of us in attendance of her gala how to properly eat you Birthday cake.
We were fortunate enough to have Jenn, Shawn and Dakota with us for the week. What a joy it was. Short time, but precious time.
The day before the Keyes left us, we were joined by or newest family member.
His name is Didier Dogba Rennie, born January 31st, 2010. Named after...da da dah...a professional futballer from the Ivory Coast, currently playing for Chelsea United. He's a gorgeous rottweiler. Full of himself and already in control of the rest of us.
Just like a Rennie. No respect for the woman behind the camera.
But cute none the less.

We move on...April. Not that April doesn't have a few famous Birthdays either. Some included are Lon Chaney, SR, Alec Baldwin (oo sorry, John), Tony Orland and Doris Day. But the best of the best was John's. Yup he is now %! years old. His Birthday was quiet and sweet. Dinner with family and friends, and a GREAT gift from LaChelle. "I'll be your Huckleberry"
And then things slowed a little bit. We began to catch up on our house , yard and work work. And now that we are almost caught up, John and I are leaving for Vegas baby. We are going to see Brookes and Dunn The Last Rodeo Tour. A great Birthday surprise from John for my Birthday.

You All Take Care. I will try to stay in touch better in the months to come.

Walking Parker Mountain

2010-02-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

This story begins with Face Book, sad but true. Well maybe not sad really. It is now the way we socialize.
Anyway, I was on FB and I became a fan of "Acton, Ca" and made some comments. Well, then J, my neighbor saw my comments, then she sent a friend request to me with the question, "Is this the Buffy that lives on ______ Ave?" and I accepted her friend request because I was just that one she thought I was.
So she and I met years ago when we first moved in. These past six years, we wave hi or stop to chat when we pass by on the street or at the market. That was pretty much the size of our relationship until this recent FB episode.
After we became friends, John and I were invited to her home for yummys and drinks. I find out she is hiking the mountain behind our home. I am intrigued.
Behind our home is Parker Mountain. It looks small in this picture, but it is not. For those of you who have been here you will remember how large, tall and beautiful it is. It has three trees at the top. Another friend of mine calls one of the trees "Elephant Tree" (because one looks like and elephant, duh).
J hikes up to the top four or five times a week. I am impressed and amazed and challenged. The challenge is not for competing with her or anyone else but for competing with myself. I love to push myself beyond my comfort zone once in a while, well, when I think I might succeed I mean.
So this past Saturday, I took her up on her offer to join her and some friends to the top. Here are some pictures of the way up.
It was awesome. Some places had a really great incline.

These two pictures actually show our home from above half way up the mountain. The one above shows the house on the right. The one below shows the house in the bottom left corner.

But what a success to reach the top.

Acton is amazing!!! What a beautiful place to live.
Here is our home again, from the top.

The cement foundation on which I am sitting was once a fire tower. As you look 360 degrees you can see why. You can see for miles and miles.

Santa Clarita Valley to the west. Santa Clarita is over 25 miles away.

Angeles Forest to the south.

Antelope Valley to the North.
Awesome work out. I intend to do this regularly.

Random Thoughts on a Thursday Evening

2010-02-04T20:20:00.001-08:00

Do you see the date on this picture? December, 1960. It's not me so it MUST be ????

"Hey you guys!!"
I love that line from Goonies. Sloth hollers it as he comes to the rescue of Chunk and his friends. If you haven't seen Goonies, you must. In fact I heard that the remake is in the works. Astoria, OR is home to Goonies. They will be celebrating the Goonies 20th anniversary next year. I heard there is a big party planned. So you might ask, What does this have to do with you? And I would answer, absolutly nothing. Just some random thoughts. I am good for those now and then.
This is NOT a picture of Astoria. It's Coeur d' Alene Lake, north shore, where the resort is. Pretty nice sunset.

You see, I am avoiding talking about me because at the moment I am one of twelve people residing in Lancaster, CA as a jury for a criminal case. We are not allowed to talk about anything having to do with the case.

Well, John is working hard to keep RLA (our computer software company) afloat. Things have been going well. Not great, but OK. We continue every month to meet payroll and pay health insurance for six employees. That is a blessing for sure.
We were very busy in the months of December and January. Besides Christmas and the fun that came with that, we were in Pismo for five days with the horses. See my "Because We Can" post for beautiful and fun pictures.

We left for Coeur d'Alene, ID on the 9th of January to visit with Jenn, her husband, Shawn, their daughter, Dakota and John's Mom, Jane for ten days. The weather was great. No snow, cold, a little rain and a little warming sunshine. Can't complain, that's for sure. It was fun to spend some quality time with Dakota. She is growing at a very fast (sad) rate. She was attempting to walk, but saved that for her Mom and Dad till after we left. That's ok. It was extra hard to leave this time. That little baby is changing quickly to a little girl and we don't want to miss anything.

After arriving home on the 19th and catching up on year end and year beginning work for the company, I finally seemed like life was getting back to normal and I get hit with a jury summons. I will go into detail later, but this is an interesting thing to go through I must say.

So that's the catch up. Where's the mustard?

We are looking forward to March. I turn 47, that'll be cool. And Jenn and her family will be here for a week, that'll be way cool!!

We hope to see some of the family in March too. A little Light and Healthy sounds kinda yummy, you think?

That's all for now!!!

A FaceBook String

2010-01-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

This is the the most awesome Face Book string I have ever been a part of (of course I started it, so I am a little more then proud). It is still going strong as I write this post. Here it is for all the world to read. Have Fun!!!

First allow me to give you some background. Southern California rarely gets big rain, snow or thunder, so when we get it, we are all excited, freaked out and anxious. Here is how the posts began on Thursday 6:46 pm pacific time.

My Post "I went to feed my horses this evening. They asked me to ask all of you if you wouldn't mind donating some cash so they could get a barn."
And the string begins...

"I think the answer is "Neigh"! But barn does sound like a good idea. lol" Thu 6:55pm
"Just text 'Moola' to 100 4 Poneeh" Thu 7:07pm
"so selfish. they are turning into sea horses as we speak" Thu 6:58pm
"You could always let them in for some quality TV time with the Family till it blows over." Thu 7:22PM
"thanks J I will tell John you said it was ok" Thu 7:24PM
"you so funny" Thu 7:07pm
And then things really got fun...

" OK forget the barn. I am bringing them in the garage. There is a hail storm predicted with up to 1 1/2 inch size." Thu at 7:01pm
"There you go! Good thinking, forget the cars, the horses are more important." Thu at 7:24pm
"AMEN!!!! You know it." Thu at 7:24pm
"Are you really going to. !" Thu at 7:28pm
"No, silly, we are putting them in your garage." Thu at 7:31pm
"my money is on her. " Thu at 7:33pm
"Sorry R, John forgot you don't have a garage. Bring Chance ans Santa Fe over. There's room. It's a three car garage. John won't mind your two being next to his Supra." Thu at 8:22pm
excitement beyond belief...

"Ok, you all know she is kidding... right?
"LaChelle, back Hot Rod out of here and get Crackers out of my cigars.

Not funny Tammy, Shiloh is drinking my wine!! And no, red wine does not go well with alfalfa....

Robyn, there is no Chance that Chance is spending the night.

You horse women are just crazy." Thu at 8:30pm

"I'm confused after what John just said. Does that mean that the horses are NOT going into the garage? I thought that sounded like a great idea. If not, then what about their trailers?" Thu at 8:51pm

"What all that meant is that all our neighbors and friends horses are in the house and they are getting into stuff.
(just go with it Kathy. John's having some hallucinations.)" Thu at 8:55pm

"Yes, If Buffy got her way, John by now is in the garage in his car and Poneeh is sitting in his chair watching Mr Ed while Lacey is in his bubble bath and all the neighbors horses are in the den playin horseshoes with Little Joe. " Thu at 10:20pm

"Awesome Jane. You must have seen this on the webcam. Its the next realty show hit, (are you listening Melanie?) The Horses Crib. Come join us each week as the horses become accustomed to their new digs. Next week Lil Joe takes a chance on the lap top. Watch and see how the picture unfolds." Fri at 8:38am

"FUNNY! Ransom will bring his Buddy and Cash!" Fri at 4:09pm

"Cool when Ransom brings Buddy and Cash then we will have enough money to buy a barn and all is solved. Yeah Ransom!!! Fri at 4:27pm

"AND....A Ransom Ranch Cafe!"
Fri at 4:32pm

"AWESOME!! Let's do it!!!"
Fri at 7:03pm

"I am looking forward to the lap top episode! Make sure you zoom in as hoof meets keyboard!"
Fri at 9:16pm

"I think it happened last night as John has had issues with his lap top since then." Fri at 9:36pm

"Ok, I am billing Lil Joe for downloading games on my laptop and infecting my pc with a virus.

Lacy you need to keep your colt on a short leash. Buffy might not mind cleaning up after you guys, but this is gonna cost you $3K." Fri at 10:46pm

"Darn I missed it. I told John to be nice to those horses. I'll catch the episode where Little Joe and his buds get hold of John's good cigars and his best wine and have a party while he is out. That is episode 3 right?" Sunday 6:59pm

"Coming out on DVD soon." Sunday 7:02pm

"Episode 3. John has had enough and evicts the horses. They immediately head to the local lawyers office. The lawyer happens to be a charter member of ACLU. There is a new case on the docs concerning evicting the horse minority from their comfortable digs. The basis of the suit is, "All Beings Deserve Warm and Dry Housing, no matter, race creed, sexual orientation or species"
Things are gonna get really heated in this one." 7:09pm

"John finds a local taco vendor to solve all his problems. Little Joe might be cut down to size.

Buhahaha..."
about a minute ago

There you go. Fun at Joy Mountain Ranch is unending. Glad you could be a part of our life.

Good night!!!

A Day In The Life

2010-01-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

Wake at 8:15 am (not normal, usually 6:15 am). Make my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Walk to the kitchen (hey how come there are no stairs). Make my way to the kitchen to make coffee. The coffee maker is white and only makes 6 cups (mine is black and makes 12 cups). I push the on button. (There is no delay start button so my coffee is fresher after I get back from feeding the horses and dogs.)
Wait a minute, where are the horses and the dogs? Oh well, guess I don't have to feed and pick up the poop.
Coffee's done. I can't clean anything. I can't do ANY chores. This is not my house. This is not my ranch...in case you hadn't figured it out, I am not at home.
I am in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In a little 1000 sq ft bungalow, located on a little street.
From now on when I say CDA you say Coeur d'Alene.
It's my Mom-in-laws house. Cute as a button, very nice neighborhood.
Normally this time of year, in the vicinity, there may be a few inches of snow on the ground. Unlike the Northeast part of the US the Northwest is having a warmer winter spell.
It's cold, but not freakin' cold. Sorry Ohio and Oklahoma, Idaho wins this one hands down.
Anyway, this is one of our several trips north to visit, J, the mom-in-law, and Jenn, Shawn and Dakota, the daughter, son-in-law and grand baby.
Jenn and Shawn live only a few short miles from here. Actually in Hayden, not in CDA.
Today J's sister, G, and niece, K are coming for a visit. They live in Spokane, Washington, only 45 miles from CDA. Spokane has the big airport, the big hospitals and big universities. The really nice freeways, big buildings and TRAFFIC, so I try to stay away from there as much as possible. It's nice that it's close, but nicer that it's at least 30 minutes away.
So here I sit, blogging to you about a day in CDA on vacation visiting, stealing the neighbors wireless connection.
I have pictures. You wanna see 'um? Ok, twist my arm.
Our approach to Oakland, Ca airport. Sorry the flight into Spokane was foggy and I couldn't get a good shot.
Pappa and Dakota. Not excited at all is he.
Unky Pat...excitement beyond belief.
Dakota has a thing with her shadow. Kinda cute.
Too cute for words.

Monday afternoon we headed up to Sand Point. www.sandpoint.com
The drive into Sand Point was beautiful. We had to go over the bridge over Lake Pend Oreille (sounds like Pond a ray).
Lunch at McDuff's Irish Pub on the main drag through town.
A view on top of Schweitzer Mountain, the local snowboarding and ski area to Sand Point.
Looking down onto Lake Pend Orielle.

Because We Can

2010-01-02T09:34:00.001-08:00

After a little bit of a struggle for the Beebe's to get here, we rested up on Wednesday evening around the campfire, Debi came up with the statement, "Because we can." Meaning, we are here and doing this because we can. We have been blessed to be able to do this and therefore we do it. I think it pretty much says it all.

This is the morning of Thursday, December 31, 2009. We are relaxing around the "patio" of Jeff and Debi's four horse live in trailer. Very comfortable digs.We begin our first trek out to the beach around 10:30 am. The Beebe's have been here several times with their horses. John and I have been here three or four times. Of the six horses we brought all but Lil' Joe have experienced the ocean. I am ponying him for the first look.

He seems to take it all in stride. Proving once again he has a very level head, is trusting and willing. Good way to start.

We pause for some picture taking opportunities. All around us are trucks, cars, people, dogs, waves, kites...we have to keep the horses minds trusting us and focused on us. There are times when that can be difficult, but ultimately they all do quite well. These are great horses.

The second day out I decided that I would ride Lil' Joe. I was a bit nervous and found myself often taking large, deep cleaning breaths to keep me and Joe relaxed.
Ultimately Lil' Joe did wonderful. He just kept a great head and took it all in. The white line in the ocean was the only real scary thing for him, but he adjusted and walked over it.

"Hey Big Bro, I kinda like doing this stuff. We should get mom and dad to take us here all the time."
A good two days spent in the sun. Adding new challenges to the horses training and seeing great results. Tomorrow we will ride again. More pictures to come.

Kinda Gross...Be Careful!!!

2009-12-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

You have been warned. The images below may be a bit disturbing. But part of a regular life for me I guess.

This is my vet, Dr Williams and his assistant, Amanda, holding firmly to Lil' Joe. He is in a wonderful contraption called a "gag" or a speculum and his head is supported by a sling. The purpose of this thing is to allow the "dentist" to work on a horses teeth. Not only is Lil' Joe installed in this brace he is also drugged up. If you know horses you know that there probably isn't one out there that would allow this to happen with out the drugs.
Because we don't allow our horses to graze all day as God had designed them to do we have to have their teeth filed every so often. I had avoided this for two reasons. One, it's ugly, mean and gross. Two, it's really, really expensive.
Today, I had all three of my "babies" at the dentist. Get it over with was my motto.
Lil' Joe hadn't lost his front caps completely so the dentist helped them a long. As you can see it was a little bloody and kinda sad. You remember when you had a loose tooth that wasn't quite ready to pull but you decide to mess with it and pull it out anyway. When you did this there was quite a bloody show. That's what this is all about. Notice the extremely relaxed lips. He was way out of it for at least an hour. Can't say I blame him.

Here are his two front teeth. Cute huh? Now he can sing it...you know the Christmas song that goes..."All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth". Awe, poor Lil' Joe. It didn't bother him that much because he has eating just fine after the drugs wore off. Gotta survive, that's what he says.
Here's a shot of Poneeh having the same procedure done. No teeth pulled since he's an old guy. The dentist did have to file his wolf teeth pretty far down though. I am sure he was not a little bothered by all of this. It's amazing he was so drugged that he almost lost leg control, but as soon as the "drill bit" started he wanted nothing to do with it. But all went well. It will be nice not to be concerned about their teeth for a while.

Well, that's it for today. I hoped you enjoyed todays lesson in Horse Husbandry and Dentistry.
Next episode...Removing Beans From Your Gelding. Just kidding. I wouldn't put you through that. If you thought this was gross, that would certainly take you over the edge.

Hello! Are You Out There?

2009-12-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

Yup, I am. It's been way to long since I have last given you all an update on our lives. Well, here it is in pictures. And small subtitles.

Our Thanksgiving Table. Pre-meal of course. See how clean it is. John, myself, Shawn, Maegan, Pat, Maegan's Mom Janet and brother, Evan. Yummy food, of course, I made it, duh!!

The day after Thanksgiving we had some of the Stewart's, Smith's, and Bergin's visit the ranch. It was fun. Not only did we eat, duh, but we played pool, talked, drank wine, and played with the horseys. But most of all we met our new family member, Britlyn. There unfortunately is not a picture here because I didn't take one because Paul was taking pictures and he hasn't sent them my way just yet. So you will all have to wait to see her.

Then John had a Racquetball Tournament in Irvine. It was a doubles tourney. He and his partner, Robert, did goo, but didn't win. So sad, but they seemed to enjoy themselves. We also met John's cousin, George, better known as Midge. Ask John, I don't have a clue about them name. And also, Bobby, well, Bob, John's second cousin and his wife Ashley. It was fun to meet Midge. Quite a character. And see Bobby after at least twenty years. Sorry no pictures of them.

Then Pat and I headed down to San Diego, La Jolla at SCRIPPS Medical center for addition epilepsy testing. While he was in the M.E.G. I was running at Torey Pines State Park. It was a sweet escape for a few minutes. What a great run it was too.

John and I went on a group trail ride in Acton for Toys For Tots. It was a great day except for the very large and loud jingle bells on a few of the horses. Poneeh wasn't having any of that so we had to stay separated from the group for most of the three hour ride. Fun anyway. Afterward we all ate at a local Mexican Restaurant, La Cabana, and had chips, salsa and Margarita's. A great way to finish off a great ride.

Well this will get you up to date in our lives.
Ahead is Christmas, A trip with friends and horses to Pismo and a trip to Coeur d'Alene to visit Jenn, Shawn, Dakota, Grandma Harper and Sherri.
Hopefully it won't be months before you hear from me again.

Have a Very Blessed Merry CHRISTmas ! And a happy joyful new year.

First Annual Thankfulness Post

2009-11-25T09:38:00.001-08:00

Ok, so it's not the first time I have been thankful. In fact I am usually thankful more then once a year as my previous posts have expressed a few times or so. But I do appreciate the opportunity to have a special day of the year to allow ourselves the right to express our thankfulness, not only about life in general but especially to our loved ones.
So here I go...

I am Thankful for:
My husband, John. He has spent the past thirty plus years of his life striving to keep me comfortable. He has done a DAMN good job, Thank you very much!
My kids. Jenn and Shawn (not my son, my son-in-law) produced a baby this year (in case you didn't know). Dakota is kinda cute and adorable and sweet and fun and cuddly and smells good and... shall I go on?
Shawn and Maegan have joined us in our home for the past six months. It's been hard for them, not having their own home, stuff, quiet... but it's been a time to get to know Mae a little more. this I am thankful for. And their moving out this weekend. YEAH, SAD, good, bummer all wrapped up into one. I will miss you and Xui Xui.
Pat, oh Pat. I've posted alot about him so I won't go into detail. But I am thankful that I have been given this blessing called epilepsy through him. I am growing day by day trying to figure it all out. I am thankful that I am available for him. God made me, his mom, just perfect for him.
If that doesn't make sense, try to figure it out.
My horsey's. Yup that's all I will say about that. If you know me you understand. If you don't understand, then you don't know me and what the heck have you been doing these past 46 years. Get on with it. Get to know me.
My doggie's. Right now they smell like dirty dogs, but I love 'um anyway. They worship me in their doggy ways. Is that good? I don't care. I am thankful that I have them.
My yard (the ranch). It's kinda fallish messy right now. I have neglected it just a bit. But the best part about it is when I get the drive to get to it it will bring me more joy then just looking at it. The hard work it takes is such a blessing.
My friends, old and new. You know who you are. You have helped me through life. You remind me that I need you everyday. We talk on the phone, text, email, ride horseys, have lunch, workout, study the Bible...together. These are the things I need you for and you are there.
I am Thankful for life, for the life that God has blessed me with. Beyond more then I could have asked for. Though I struggle every minute to be the best daughter, sister, wife, mom, and friend I can be, I know that this is what you have given me to help me grow and blossom.

Let's look to tomorrow not just as an opportunity to be thankful, but to make the remainder of our lives the opportunity to honor God in EVERYTHING we do. Every good, bad, ugly, sweet, lovely, horrible, wonderful, nasty, mean, nice, careful thing we do. Turn it around in honor to Him. That's why we live, to learn and grow more and more like Him.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all.

I give you permission to enjoy yourselves. Eat food, love your family, love God and His creation.

I AM SO EXCITED!

2009-11-16T08:47:00.001-08:00

First some perspective. This is Lacey, myself and Lil' Joe on the day of his birth, May 13, 2007. He and I go WAY back. Well, I am pretty much all he knows as a teacher / trainer. From day one he and I began our relationship.

Here is Lil' Joe on Saturday, November 14, 2009, two and a half years later. He's grown a bit, wouldn't you say? He and I have a had a few moments together.

This was our first opportunity to go public. I have had a few rides on him at home, but never in a new place with new horses. This was a training clinic instructed by Jeremy Dunn of www.jbcattleco.com .

I have worked and followed his training methods for a few years now. So it was obvious that I would start Lil' Joe with his assistance.

Now, mind you, this is only the second horse in all my forty plus years that I have started. The first was Spirit of 76 "Blue", a chestnut Paint filly, I bought for $500 when I was 15 and she was two. That went well, I think. She was ridable and I sold her for at least twice what I paid for her a year later. But I had no method to my madness back then. Just get her ridable, that was my goal. She had a quiet mind much like Joe's, but not nearly as pushy or smart as he is.
So here I am thirty years later attempting this again. And we did it. At least up to this point, I believe I have an intelligent, beautiful, solid horse. He's not "finished" and won't be for several years, but the foundation is solid and I couldn't have asked for it to be better.

I have done some Thank You messages here in the past and I once again will throw a few big thank you's out:

God, you have blessed us beyond what we could ever have imagined. You have allowed me to have these creatures in my life and I THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!!
John, most of all THANK YOU for putting up with my expensive and time consuming desires and dreams. They can be pretty out there, but you helped me fulfill them, THANKS! Hey and thanks for the great pictures here. I wouldn't be able to brag nearly as well without them. Thank you!
Dad and Mom, yeah you guys also. You started me on this great journey when I was just five. I thank you for Goldie and Lexy as they have forever been infused in my soul. They were the beginning of the passion that I have for God's most amazing creatures. Thank you!
Jeremy and Brandie, you have been such a help with even the little things. Jeremy, I didn't even sense frustration from you when you saw that Lil' Joe was still a little too pushy, thanks.

And now I'd like to thank the academy, oh wait...just kiddin'.

But really, this has been a lot for me and I just wanted to share a small bit of it with you.

Ten Things I Love About Home

2009-11-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

For any of you who really know me and/or have followed this blog, know that I have a thing for being in my home. Not so much in, but by, near, around, through, next to... I just like living here. It IS HOME.
Don't know if you have ever or will ever have that feeling. I am so very sorry if you haven't. It is a peace. A happiness. A connection. A feeling of completeness. (wow, sounds a bit spiritual) It is spiritual. Because I also connect with God in my home. Not so much that He talks to me. More that I know this is ALL His, even though I get to manage and "own" it. He is here in His creation and I get to be a part of it. Lord, I AM BLESSED!
SO I thought I might give you a snippet of my home in a blog title "Ten Things I Love About Home." Here I go, be forewarned these are not in any particular order, they are just what I love.

One.
My Acton Family (I have a family in Coeur d'Alene, when I am with them I am home too)

Two.
My Animals.

Ok these first six I can have anywhere, but they are apart of what is Home to me.

Three.
My Quiet Time on the porch every morning (unless it's less then 40 degrees)

Four.
My Crazy Garden

Five.
My Trees

Six.
Cleaning these every day

Seven.
My back patio.

Eight.
Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall (ok, no love here)

Nine.
My birds, ok, I don't actually own them, but they love my yard and bring me lot's of joy.

Ten.
The view.

Honorable Mention to:
My office, Cus, this is where I work, communicate, and create.

And Kiki, because, well, she's the kitty with no end. She seen seventeen years of our life. Amazing!!!

Can you see it? If you can't that's OK. It's my home anyway, not yours, unless you are John, Shawn, Maegan or Pat reading this.

Eight Days of ????

2009-11-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

So I have kept some up to date about what's been up with Pat. But let me replay some already given information to those who may not know.
Pat is epileptic, has been since 12 months old or so. He struggles with trying to maintain his seizures with medications, but has yet to be completely or even 75% controlled. He had a left frontal lobectomy (brain surgery) done six years ago. No change. Last year began with a change in seizure intensity.
On Tuesday, last week he was readmitted to Ronald Reagan Medical Center for a Video Telemetry Study, 24/7 EEG monitoring, to find where and how his seizures are behaving. He gave them 5 typical seizures, but because of a medication screwup, also gave them two large seizures, sometimes known as grandmal type (of which he has NEVER had). Since they have these all recorded they want him to continue in studies to see if he may be a surgery candidate again.
He (we) checked out the following Tuesday. It was eight days of sitting, keeping him company, encouraging him to eat, drink, sleep, shower, walk...just basically keep him going. He just sat, layed down, got in trouble for not calling the nurse to get up, sat, layed down, walked, ate, sat, layed down, played video games, sat, layed down, showered...
Here are some snap shots of the week.

Kirk, "installing" Pat's EEG paddles. (the glue smelled like model glue, yuck!)

It begins.

I stayed at Joan and Pauls a few nights. THANK YOU so very much for a little escape.

A Room with a view. UCLA football practice, right out the window. That was kinda cool.

Getting ready for a shower.

Nice. Don't be mad at me Pat. I just wanna show the reality of it all.

The RN's and the Care Partners were awesome.

Going for a Halloween Walk. Nobody in the other rooms had candy, WHAT?

Sheena, was so cute. She was the only one that dressed up for the occasion.

A visit with Jenn and Evie Langford. Thanks Jenn, so very very much!!!

Pat, My Dear Pat

2009-10-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pat is my youngest son. Born June 24 1986. He's a treasure. He has endured seizures all of his 23 years with out too much complaining. Life has given him some lemons, but he is continuing to make lemonade of it.
Those who have actually come in contact with him or spent any amount of time with him would say he's quiet, hard to get to know, opinionated when he feels compelled to speak up, selfish... He's not perfect. Nor am I or yourself, if you are being honest with yourselves.
You have to allow for understanding to really see him. He wears his life on his sleeve. He says what he thinks. Granted he has had a limited amount of worldly living and that has catered to his lack of understanding in some areas, but he understands a lot more then most usually give him credit.
I am writing these things about him, so that you who read may have just a slight bit of knowledge of him. He has struggles. He has a kind soul. He tells me often that his biggest dream ever in life, was not to have fame and riches, but to have a wife to love and children to grow. What does that tell you about him? I think its writes novels about him.
So I sit here this morning in a hospital room at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. Why? Because he is once again undergoing tests to determine seizure types and placement in his brain. He has never had them completely controlled. He has one or two a day. Can't drive and can't be independent. He's a young man. What young man have you ever known loves having to ask for a ride every where? And is completely at the mercy of every ones schedules? (OK I am whining a little for him)
That's how we roll. I say we, because John and I are completely involved in all this. In fact you may come to realize that you yourself are somehow involved and may grow stronger as a person just getting a glimpse into his (our) life (lives). We take it as it comes. We welcome the day in hopes that there be change, but are realistic about the outcome when the sun sets.
Have a grand, beautiful, sun shiny day.
Love isn't for keeping. GIVE IT AWAY!!!

Life with John and Buff

2009-10-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

So because of the previous post http://actonbuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/on-our-way-home.html
you know that John and I went back to Idaho to claim our new to us truck and horse trailer. Well here are some pictures to go along with the story. Funny thing is there are no pictures of the truck and trailer. And lucky you, there are only a few pictures. It was a fun trip, but glad to be home to use the trailer with the horses.
Yeah!!!

Just too cute for words.

Jenn and Dakota.

Headed east on I-90, just over Lake Coeur d'Alene. Early morning fog rolling away. Breathless.

Hey look it's me.

Approaching the Idaho / Montana Border. Lakes and rivers everywhere.

Truly Big Sky Montana.

On Our Way Home

2009-10-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

WoooHeee it's a long drive from Coeur d'Alene to Acton. 24 hours to be almost exact.
We flew up to Idaho on Friday morning. Jenn picks us up in our new (used) truck. We drive to Post Falls Walmart, buy a trailer hitch and snacks. Drive to Athol (hold your tongue and say "apple", teehee, made you say a bad word, no really that's how you pronounce it). Hook-up the new (used) trailer to the truck from the Pomerinke's house, THANK YOU GUYS!!. Drive to Jenn's and relax. Mom Harper brings over dinner. We eat. Then sleep. Wake up at 7 (late for me). Hit the road at 7:30, wait ...coffee and scones at Higher Ground, yummy. Drive for 12 hours to Salt Lake City. Eat at Outback. Sleep. Wake up, late at 8:30 (it was mountain time so actually 7:30, still late) Drive 8 hours to Primm Valley Resort, Neveda (stateline Neveda / California). And so here I sit writing this.
To be continued...

A Visit With Amy

2009-10-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hey You All!!! Long time no bloggy. Enough of that...
I gotta tell you about Amy. She's my lil' Sis. She's cute, some would say hot. Huh, Dan? This is an older picture of she and I at Jenn's wedding 2006.

Anyway, she and her youngest son Caidan came to visit John and I this weekend. Well it was more then a visit, it was for a Half Iron Man race in Santa Clarita. http://www.renegaderaceseries.com/index.php?view=details&id=36%3Amagic-mountain-man-triathlon&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=146
She is actually training for the Iron Man Arizona on November 19, 2009.
http://www.ironmanarizona.com
She did, (do you say, did?) her race this Saturday. Wow, extremely impressive. Swim (at 7am) 1.2 miles, then strip your wet suit and put on your bike shoes, cus now she rides her bike for 56 miles, up the grapevine. (For non-California's, the grapevine is the mountain range between Los Angeles and Bakersfield. It climbs a few thousand feet in only ten or so miles.) After returning to Santa Clarita with her bike, she strips her bike shoes for running shoes and runs a half marathon. Yes, 13.1 miles. She placed first in her Division, Women 40 - 44. She placed fifth with all women and Tenth overall. Here are her stats.
It says 49th overall, but in the actual triathlon, she placed tenth overall.

So while she way goofing off, that lazy, good for nothing bum, (notice the sarcasm) I had to watch her son Caidan. John and I and Caidan played.
It was like I had a grandson all the sudden. I could let him eat cake for breakfast, with chocolate milk and wear his pj's till noon. Well, he was dressed sooner then noon only cus he wanted to help me feed the dogs and the horses, and it was cold. But he did have the cake for breakfast.

Here is a photo collage of our time together. I just got him trained to help me with my chores and Amy took him home. Brat!! She does that to me all the time, JK!!

Filling the water buckets and playin' with Beckham.

Time for a sleepy on the dog beds. Cute, huh?

Scratchin' Lacey. She loves that.

Running, EVERYWHERE!!!

Hangin' with the youngest of the Rennie crew, Lil' Joe.

Ponneeh smoochin' on him.

I Am Still Here

2009-09-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well, finally I can get something in here. It has been since August 24 since I have added anything. And boy it's been way to weird, exciting, frightening, relaxing and fun all wrapped up in a 30 day package.
I will give you a quick synopsis into the month and then spend some time with more in depth stories and pictures after I catch up on my Real work with my paying job.
Anyway, here we go...
Thursday morning did yard work, strained my back, ignored it. Saturday woke up, couldn't move, went to the Chiropractor, helped a little. The sky is on fire, can't be outside, raining ash, that's OK cus my back hurts.
Way too early Sunday morning, get phone call from reverse 911, "Get OUT!!" (in so many words). My painful back and I load and unload, load and unload four horses, two dogs and one cat. Spend the next 36 hours with friends in Sand Cyn, laying on floor, wrapping Beckham's feet. Get to go home on Monday, leave horses until Wednesday, that's OK cus my back hurts.
Somewhat quiet for a few days. Can't clean house (yeah), ride my ponies (boooh), do much of anything cus my back still hurts.
Leave for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on Saturday, see daughter, grandbaby, mom in law, can't do much but lay there. Eat food (getting bigger), look at horse trailer, buy it, look at trucks, buy one, while the whole time eating (getting bigger still).
Drive to Seattle, John meets with new customer, maybe. Check in to hotel, nice, big. Walk around Seattle, eat raw oysters, YUMMY!!!! (getting BIGGER)
Walk to Occidental Park, meet thousands of screaming, happy, proud Sounder fans, walk to stadium, watch Sounders and Chivas play futball (soccer).
Drive to Vancouver, BC, John meets with new customer, maybe.
Board very big ship, nice room, love my bed and balcony, sleep with window open every night, sleep like a baby, relax, eat way to much (now very large), relax...Hey wait my back doesn't hurt, Yeah!!
See Astoria (Goonies, Never Say Die!), San Francisco, more raw oysters (on my way to extra large), Port of Los Angeles, home very soon.
Sleep in my own bed, ride Lacey, pony Poneeh. Relax, I AM HOME!!

OK breath...more later

Another First

2009-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I trailered Lacey and Lil' Joe to Totem Pole Ranch, south east of Palmdale at the foot of the Angeles National Forest. I met with some new horsey friends for an evening ride. The other five riders are finishing up and freshing up on their Trail Trials skills since there is a competition here at the Ranch in September. The reason they come here is that it's one of the few places in Los Angeles County that has some water to get the horses into. And if your training a real newby, (green horse is the technical word) getting him into the water was a great opportunity.
So the reason for this "Another First Post", Lil Joe walked into the water. Yeah, not a big deal in the normal world, but you forget this isn't a normal life. This is the horse world. And getting your two year old to walk into and go across a small body of water is a real big deal.
As we approached the water it was a fright for him. He planted his feet and took on the donkey pose. "I ain't getting in there. I don't care that my mom went in first. I could really care less if the other horses are across and leaving us. " Were his comments.
Sly horse trainer that I am, (I do get some bragging rights) I dalyed his lead rope around the saddle horn, pulled him right up to Lacey's rump and step by small step walked into the water. He did great. Of course when he realized his feet were in the water he jumped straight up.
I wish I had a camera and was on the other side of the water, with my two feet planted firmly on dry ground. I am SURE the scene was completely hilarious. I am scrambling to un-daly the lead line so I don't get clotheslined and pulled into the water. He is hopping, Lacey is frustrated, ears back and ready to kick him. As I reach around to pull the lead over my head, I knocked my hat off and it falls in the water.
Suddenly all is still. Joey has relaxed as he is standing knee deep in the water. Wendie, my encouragement from the other side, starts laughing and says, "Look at his foot he is holding it out of the water." I look down and sure enough he's got his right front foot lifted out of the water, holding it awkwardly so as not to let it touch the water. Really, really funny. They can do the silliest things.
We stand there a minute or two, I say so long to my hat as it floats down stream as no one is willing to get off and wade in to get it including me. We walk out as if it was all normal everyday stuff. Yeah! Lil Joe and Yeah! Lacey for doing a great job.
The rest of the ride consisted of small up and down hills, lot's of log walk overs and a big tunnel that went under the road. We did great on the whole ride.
I can't wait until I can start doing these things on Lil' Joe's back. He has had such a great start, doing them on his back should be cake.

No Pictures

2009-08-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

So on Thursday morning after my morning Bible reading on the front porch I was headed into the house for a coffee refill and my journey to my upstairs office and I discovered this:

This is a picture of a Praying Mantis on my front door frame

Oh wait, I actually discovered this:
I broke my camera. Well actually I killed my camera. Well actually I ran over my camera with Lachelle's truck.
Let me elaborate, I had to borrow Lachelle's horse trailer, again (I always borrow it from her, in fact I should be making the payments for her as I think I use it more then her), and Ron and Lachelle's suburban to take the horses and John up Angeles Forest Highway to ride (see Does John Ride post). My truck is to whimpy to pull over six thousand pounds up hill for any length of time.
So after a really nice ride and returning all the animals to their pens I had to return the suburban to its pen (garage). As I pulled into the driveway I see that my son, Shawn's truck is parked directly in front of the garage door. (why is Shawn at Ron and Lachelle's, you ask, because he and Maegan were house sitting, I answer) So I had to move his truck to get her truck in the garage so I could put his truck back where it was and get in my truck to go home (I said that all in one breath). In the process I took all my stuff out of Lachelle's truck and put it on the driveway. (your seeing a picture now, right? Cus' that's all your gonna get is word pictures) So I proceed to carefully drive the suburban into the garage and as I am something gets under the wheel. I say to myself, "self, there isn't anything on the driveway, why do you feel a bump on the concrete?" and then proceed to "ride" over the bump in the driveway. As I get out I discover that my purse and water bottle were the bump.
Water bottle destroyed and tossed in the trash, inspect purse, everything seems ok, even my phone which was inside the purse. Close garage door, replace Shawn's truck to it's rightful spot, get in my truck and head home.
All is well...until Thursday morning after my morning Bible reading on the front porch I was headed into the house for a coffee refill and my journey to my upstairs office and I discovered this:

picture of my broken camera and me saying "crap" now what do I do?

So that's my story and I am stickin' with it.

I am taking donations for a new camera, please send your monetary donations to:

Just kiddin' No really I did kill my camera, I was just kiddin' about the donations, unless of course you are feeling generous and have some extra cash.

Thirty Freakin' Years!!!

2009-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

I mean that in a very good excited way.
Around 2 am August 11, 1979, I awoke to the sound of rain and thunder. Usual, yes, in the midwest, but not in So Cal in August and on my wedding day. I kinda freaked, just a little, a Buffy kinda freak, which isn't really a freak in the world of freak outs and freaks. Then I rolled over in my twin bed and fell back asleep.
I then woke up later, not sure when, but I remember my older sister Joan rustling about the house, a little stressed about the happenings of the day to come. She and my mom had spent the last month or so helping me, well maybe I helped them, yeah, that's it, I helped them to plan my wedding. You see, I was very young and had never had those day dreams of marriage or weddings or having kids...I was never the domestic type of kid. I was the animal type, the tom boy type, the follow your big brothers every where type, play in the barn or ride th horses all day type.
So the morning progressed and the sun peaked on the horizon. The rain was gone, but oh what a beautiful day had dawned. For those of you who have the pleasure of living in California, you'll know this, but for those that don't, summers can be warm and in the OC they can be smoggy and dirty after no rain for months. So that mornings little rain storm was a blessing. It cleared the smog from the sky and cleaned the dust off the leaves. It was God's way of adding his blessing to the marriage. Dusting off the landscape for our little ceremony, if you will. Thanks God!! in case I forgot to thank you.
So we got married, under the canopy of elms and sycamores at Eisenhower Park in the City of Orange. With family and friends all around and the betting. What? Yes, betting amongst some of the crowd to see how long it would last. Really. John had heard a group actually discussing and betting how long this thing would last. I wonder if anyone won. I wonder if the people betting are still alive. Thirty years later it aint over yet. Hope you didn't bet too much. Wait, on second thought, I hope you bet the bank and LOST!! That was just wrong.
My brother, Kevin and my cousin, Marcia, sang for us. Loggins and Messina's Danny's Song. I wish I had the recording of Marcia and Kevin, but at least I can hear L & M's version when ever I want. Thanks Marcia and Kevin!!! in case I forgot to thank you

Kenny Loggins & Messina - Dannys Song -

The day was beautiful and since I had no preconceived idea of how these things were to go, it was the best ever. Thank You Mom and Joan, in case I forgot to thank you!! It was the best I could have asked for.

Most of the photos were shot by my father, Bruce and an assistant (name unknown). Thanks Dad!!! in case I forgot to thank you!

But better yet, this marriage is the best I could have asked for.
Thanks John!!! in case I haven't thanked you. Thanks for thirty years of fun, happiness, joy, tears and comfort. You have given me so very much. I can't wait to see what's in store for us in the next thirty!! YEAH!!!

I Told You There Would Be More

2009-08-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

Another Joey first that is.
I have been on Lil' Joe four times in the past month and he is doing great. I don't have pictures because I am the photographer and the rider. It's a little more important to be paying attention to riding when it comes to a VERY GREEN 2 year old. Maybe I can convince John to take some shots next time I am on him.
All the rides have been textbook. No bucking, rearing...he just turns his head towards my feet as if to say, "Hey, what's this?" and "Mom, why are you up there?" and "I can't bite you at that angle."
All is going well, except for he isn't to sure about moving just yet. I just have him walk out and he is ok with that. I ask him to get into a trot...well I urge, no I insist that he take a few steps into a trot and he doesn't get any cue but a leather popper on the butt, then he lifts his hind end and inch or two and takes about ten steps in a trot. That's all I ask for. He will get it.

So another first was on Saturday. This I have shots of because there is usually some one in our riding group that has a camera and is really great at posting them online as soon as we all get home from the ride.
SO here is Lil' Joe's First Big Boy Trail Ride. I joined ETA #138 Barrel Springs Riders, of which I am a member, riding in the hills south west of Palmdale called Joshua Hills. Gentle rolling hills, sage, juniper and shrub oak.
He has been out and about with me and Poneeh several times, but only on our home trails and only for an hour or less.
He has never been with any other horses other then Poneeh, Lacey and Cracker. These guys are all strangers to him.
He was mostly a gentleman around them. I wasn't sure if he would try to kick or bite a nearby horse or rider so I had to keep a good eye on him.
He went for two and a half hours and made it all the way. No biting, kicking or dragging. Well, a little dragging, but not much. As you can see in the above picture he took every opportunity to rest on Poneeh. Oh yeah and by the way, Poneeh was a great leader for him on the ride. He showed him how to do it right. Good job boys!!!!

Santa Barbara Polo and Raquet Club

2009-08-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sundays, starting the first Sunday after Easter and ending in mid-October, you can enjoy the coolness of the So Cal ocean breeze, sunshine, green grass and thundering hooves.

John and I made our first 2009 trip there this past Sunday. It really is a wonderful time of exciting action, eating good food and meeting some interesting people. We drive our car up to the field, unpack our picnic lunch and bottle of wine and sit under the umbrella just feet from the polo field.

This is how close we are to the play. I do not have a telephoto lense. This is just my little canon digital camera with an automatic focus lense.

Nice shot, huh?
Needless to say, you must pay attention to the game at all times. You have the opportunity of having a horse and rider in your lap or possibly just the little 3.5 inch wood, leather or resin ball at your head. Oh yeah or don't forget the mallet. That could be swung in your direction to.
Yesterdays competition was the final two games of a month long tournament. The four teams were awesome, considered 10 and 12 goal rated teams (you should google this and find out what it means) or I could give you the link for more info. http://www.sbpolo.com/polo/the_sport.htm

I have a confession. These are last years pictures. I forgot my camera yesterday.

Let us know if you want to join us in the future. We are always looking for an excuse to go and maybe I won't forget my camera this time.
I love this shot!!! Poneeh would like to try this sometime, I think. Um...NOT!!!

Does John Ride?

2009-08-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Yes, see...Saturday, July 25th Ride in Sulfur Springs on Pacific Crest Trail, in Angeles Nat'l Forest.
The weather was a slight bit cooler then home. John is riding Cracker, LaChelle's horse. We stopped half way and had lunch and relaxed.

Cousins in Costa Rica

2009-07-20T11:05:00.001-07:00

The Stewart Family Cousins, not all of them, but some. The six of them joined up at LAX on July 10th to fly to Costa Rica. Shawn, Maegan, Eric, Irana, Emily, James, Ian and Ashley. (in bold means connected by blood or marriage to brucemstewart.blogspot.com our patriarch). They spent 7 wonderful days of fun and relaxation in the vacation home of Chris & Patty, my brother and sister-in-law. www.docstewart.com/Jungle_Surf_Haven.html
Here's a few shots of their trip courtesy of Emily's Facebook photos.

Maegan gets peed on by the froggy. Nice face gurly.

And now for some video viewing. The cousins enjoying the falls.

Yeah how fun! I guess one day John and I will have to go visit. It sure is beautiful country.

Saturday Morning Ride

2009-07-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Poneeh and I going for our Saturday morning ride before it gets too hot. I know you can't be here so here is a little sample of what it's like.

Trimin' Trees

2009-07-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Just a little shot of one of my days working here at the ranch. We have over thirty-five trees and some of them need trimming at least twice a year.

Before and After

Before and After

Now only twenty-five more to go.

Acton Fourth of July, 2009

2009-07-09T07:44:00.001-07:00

To some this may seem strange.

To others this may seems strange. (don't worry, guns not loaded. It's just a Shot Gun Wedding down main street)

But this is just a normal, everyday, run of the mill annual July 4th Acton parade.
It's interesting, we the residents of Acton get excited over this.

We park our RV's, trucks, trailers, chairs, awnings... you name, it on the side of Crown Valley Rd. as early as five days prior to this AMAZING event. We have to save the best spots. We need to make sure we have shade and that we can get in and out of the spot easily.
Here are some random shots of our little group enjoying the sights.

Shawn, Maegan and Xui Xui Rennie.

Ticus and his Grand Daughter, Shane.

Dena having a silly string & water fight with he Grand Daughter, Ryley.

Devin and her daughter, Shane. (not two Shane's just two different poses)

Robyn Barrager and her friend Bryan. Cute, huh?
Robyn has spent many a July 4th as not a spectator but a participator. She has ridden her horses in them before. I asked her if she missed not riding today, "No way!" was her response.

Maegan, Shawn and John.

This is a snippet of some of my favorite parts.

Tahachapi Mountain Pipes and Drums

Super patriotic

My neighbor's son-in-law and Grandson. He was probably conceived on horseback. (eeew, sorry)

Who's his hairdresser. I need her number.

Another look at this amazing mane. Beautiful.

OK I will stop. I actually have lots more pictures. But I don't want to bore you. I really do recommend having you all over for the next fourth. It is a great time had by all.
BYE BYE!!

It's over...go home.

Poor Little Finches

2009-07-01T11:43:00.001-07:00

This is the view from my front porch.Sad I know. I live is such a terrible place.
Anyway, as the summer heat progresses and the flowers in my front "Crazy Garden" begin to need pulling so the new summer flowers can take over, somebody gets a little upset. The little somebodies are our resident finches.

If you look closely you might be able to see a couple. They really love the seeds or the bugs on these beautiful flowers. The come in droves all through the day. Their little bodies are able to balance on these very dainty branches.
So this morning I cleaned some of them out because they are getting a little rough looking and I am ready for a change of flowers. I hope I don't upset the finches so as they won't come back for more.
Now back to my "Crazy Garden".

Isn't it perfectly crazy?

Lil' Joe's First...

2009-06-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am sure this will be one of many firsts in the next few years, but I just could resist.
Well today was the first trail ride with a saddle on his back. He did really good. Just add to the list of "Really Good Things Lil' Joe Does"

Poneeh was an angel ponying him along. Lil' Joe proceeded to bite, pull on his rein, step on his feet and insist on being dragged up the hills.
Just add them to the list of "Really Bad Things Lil' Joe Does"

What can I say they are both good boys.

Staying Cool

2009-06-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

For Beckham, staying "cool" is easy. He is just "cool". All around "cool", with it dude you know.
Well Friday morning, when the heat in So Cal suddenly hit with a vengeance, he was having a little problem with staying cool, not the look or attitude cool but the temperature kind. He has problem with the cold too, in fact his perfect temperature is between 60 and 80. The colder it is the colder he is, the hotter it gets the hotter he gets. Maybe because there isn't an ounce of fat on him.
Anyway, Friday morning I am mowing the lawn and gardening. And as I walk around the corner from the back of the house to the south side I see this.
He is NOT dead. This is NOT his burial site. But gosh darnit he is cool and comfortable. An SOOO cute and cool, the attitude kind.

You can almost hear him saying, "leave me alone, I am finally cool and comfortable." So I left him alone.

My Dad

2009-06-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today is Father's Day 2009. I have a father. He is also my dad, my hero, the biggest flirt, the man who loves my mom and has for over 55 years, the man who created us nine kids, the man who showed me what hard work was and the benefit that it brings in your life, the man that showed me the beauty of nature and how it is our responsibility to care for it, the man that showed me that animals can work for us, bring us good things, but that they can be our best friends, the man who forgives me for all my blunders, but most of all the very first man I loved and will love to my very last breath.

Happy Pappas Day!! Love you Daddy!
Your number 2 girl and number 7 kiddo...Redbird...fubby
Buffy, Elizabeth Stewart Rennie

Cambria In May

2009-06-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful sunset right on the front balcony of the rental house we stayed in. As you can see we had ocean right out the door. http://www.vrbo.com/65237

She's so pretty.

Dena, this is not how you surf.

I surprised John with a Fiftieth Birthday Surprise Weekend with friends.
We spent the time together hanging out, eating, playing games, eating, drinking wine...

This is our guest photographer. Isn't he cute?

Lacey WAS NOT there.
I just wanted to remind you
all of how pretty she is.

Another Day in Paradise on the Back of a Horse

2009-06-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Is it boring to get more trail ride pictures from me?

Well it's what I do. I trail ride. And I love it. Well, it is better described as addiction. I am addicted and here are some others that support my addiction.

Patrick Ian Rennie The Graduate

2009-06-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to Pat. He is our youngest, 23.
On June 5th, 2009 he graduated from College of the Canyons with his Associate of Arts degree in Graphic and Multimedia Design, emphasis on Web Design. It took longer then most may have done it. But he has struggled with his epilepsy through it all.
Back in July, 2004 he had brain surgery to take away his seizures. It didn't work and he continues to struggle with daily seizures and tiredness from the three different meds he is on to "control" the seizures. (I put in quotations because there has been minimal control all of his 23 years)
As you can see this has been quite an accomplishment for our young man. Now he needs to focus on building his carreer in web design. That being said, if you know of anyone whom may need or want to start up or maintain their web site please give Pat a call. Currently he will be working under our company, RLA, www.rla-assist.com. In the future it would be great for him to either work independently or under a new company.
Please continue to pray for his health and his growth as a man who desires to be independent of us in many ways.

Lacey

2009-05-23T15:56:00.001-07:00

This is "Lacey". She is a registered American Paint Horse, breeding stock (not enough color). Her registered name is LG Bobby's Royalty. She is eight years old. I have had her since she was 2 1/2.
In May of 2007 she gave birth to a colt, "Joey". Better known as Keno's Royalty Lil Joe. He is a great little (big) horse, but I am not here to talk about him. I want to talk about Lacey.
She is the sweetest horse ever. We have had a very special bond since the first time I saw her. Her training was very short and I haven't added a whole lot of anything to her other then hours and love.
She was diagnosed with Navicular this past year. I have to say I was devastated. With the local vet we tried, bute and isoxaprene (spelling?). No help. Then we took the four hour journey to Alamo Pintado Medical Center http://www.alamopintado.com/ to see if they come up with a different diagnosis or a better treatment. Dr. Carter Judy offered much hope and we started a new treatment. To no avail she did not improve.
I was slowly coming to the conclusion that I was going to have to make some big decisions. One, and the worst case, would be that I would have to put her down. After all, maintaining a "useless horse" was just too expensive here in Souther California. No leg, no horse. Two, she had proven as a great brood mare, maybe I could use her every year as a producer and sell the foals for a few pennies of profit. Made a little sense, but still not a great option.
So while in my valley of indecisions, I came upon some interesting information, barefoot therapy for laminitis and navicular horses, many who have been deemed unhealable and on the road to euthanasia. One of the Natural Hoofcare Specialist, Steve Karshner, happens to be in Tahchapi, just 60 miles north of here. http://www.navicular-founder-rehab.com/ After making contact with him and several phone conversations later, he made his way south to see what he could do.
Well, long story, that could be longer shortened just a shmidgen...he has been working on changing the structure of her feet and teaching her that she doesn't have to be in pain with every step. It has been just two months and there has been a huge change in her. She doesn't walk in pain all the time. She is beginning to be able to make turns with out pain. And at a trot there is no sign of pain. There should be continued improvement in the weeks and months to come. Hum, drug free too. Sounds amazing, but it's true.
We are shooting for October our first trip back to Pismo Beach since her diagnosis. I hope to post some of those shots soon after.
I write this as information and hope for all those out there who may be dealing with a similar situation. Take advantage of the web. Google search natural hoof care, read, read read...

Leona Valley Ride, May 2009

2009-05-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

My good friend Lachelle Koester and I joined 16 other riders at the Sauer's Full Circle Ranch in Leona Valley Saturday, May 2nd. The weather was awesome. Except for two rattlesnakes along the way the ride was fun for all. Thank you Dave and Kathy for a delightful ride!!

Our Cute Little Dakota

2009-04-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

This was just one of those moments when you can't help but melt at her cuteness. Then she adds a little something special to the moment. Still cute no matter what you say.

The New Baby Girl

2009-04-21T09:15:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce to you our new Grand Baby Girl, Dakota Jo Anne Keyes. She was born on March 18, 2009 at 9:47 pm. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long. She is the most beautiful baby girl alive. Her proud parents are my daughter Jenn and her husband, Shawn.

I was so very fortunate to be able to be a part of the labor and delivery. On March 17, my 46 Birthday, I flew up from Burbank to arrive in Spokane at 1 in the afternoon. Jenn had a doctors appointment at 3:30. We made it to my Birthday dinner at The Porch, www.wedonthaveone.com, one of my favorite Coeur d'alene restaurants. We got home that evening and proceeded to watch Dances With Stars, decided to get to bed around 11 pm. Jenn went to take a shower. When she came out she lets the household know that her water just broke. "OK, well here we go for a long 24 + hour hospital labor and delivery room stay!"
Long story short, she ended up having to have a C-section after 2 and 1/2 hours of pushing. It wasn't an emergency, but quite necessary after all. Lil' baby was turned the wrong way so she wouldn't have made it all the way through on her own anyway.
Here she is!!

Idaho Road Trip - February 2009

2009-02-17T07:56:00.001-08:00

John and I just returned for a whirl wind trip to Idaho. We loaded up our rented Toyota Forerunner to the air vents with "gifts" of various sizes and uses for our Grandbaby to be, Dakota and for her mom and dad, Jenn and Shawn.
We began our journey on Friday, February 13th around 9:30 am.

Driving all day we arrived in Winnemucca, Nevada around 7 pm. The whole town was sold out of beds, but I had happened to call a highly recommended motel, Town House, first thing Friday morning and they just had a cancellation. It was a very humble, but very clean motel run by a couple from Spain. We ate dinner at a high recommended restaurant, Martin Hotel. Which by the way is not a hotel, but a Basque Cuisine restaurant. For those who have not eaten at a basque, it is spanish food served family style. Yummy it was!!
First thing Saturday morning we were once again on the road. This leg was to be the hardest. We drove for over ten hours straight. Through the remainder of Nevada then into Oregon, the lower west corner of Idaho, then back into Oregon. Eventually we entered into Washington and then once again into Idaho.

This day being Valentines day, John had in mind to find a "decent" place to eat for dinner. We search with some effort only to end up at Perks Restaurant just south of Spokane. At this point I was ok with that. We hadn't had a real meal all day and I was tired. Thankful, of course, it wasn't really fast food.
We arrived at Jane Harper's, John's mom, home around 8:30 pm. We were exhausted so we visited only a bit then headed off to sleep.
Sunday morning we headed over to Jenn and Shawn's with the loot. Boy were they thankful and excited. We spent the next day and a half just hanging with them.
We celebrated Jenn's birthday, Monday, 2/16 at The Porch in Hayden. BIG YUMMY!! Then we were headed home. This time via Spokane airport and a four hour flight to Burbank. Oh yeah, on our way to the airport we had to visit Cabella's, the Wal-mart of sporting goods and I don't mean basket and foot ball type of sports. The outdoorsmen type. Hunting, climbing, backpacking, fishing... you get it. Fun! I could live there. Anyway...
All said this trip was a fast one but well worth it. It was a blessing for me to be a part of this delivery. And so many useful things that were needed. Thanks to Amy and Dan Vasquez, my lil' sis and her husband, who made all of this possible as their littlest one, Caidan, is now to old to use this stuff.

TO HAVE A HORSE IN YOUR LIFE

2009-01-05T11:45:00.001-08:00

Knowing some of you don't have horses, but this is really how it is for us of that do.

TO HAVE A HORSE IN
YOUR LIFE :

To have a horse in your life is a gift.

In the matter of a few short years, a horse can teach a child courage, if they choose to grab mane and hang on for dear life. Even the smallest of ponies is mightier than the tallest of girls. To conquer the fear of falling off, having one's toes crushed, or being publicly humiliated at a horse show is an admirable feat for any child. For that, we can be grateful.

Horses teach us responsibility. Unlike a bicycle or a computer, a horse needs regular care and most of it requires that you get dirty and smelly and up off the couch. Choosing to leave your cozy kitchen to break the ice off the water buckets is to choose responsibility. When our horses dip their noses and drink heartily; we know we've made the
right choice.

Learning to care for a horse is both an art and a science. Some are easy keepers, requiring little more than regular turnout, a flake of hay, and a trough of clean water.
Others will test you - you'll struggle to keep them from being too fat or too thin. You'll have their feet shod regularly only to find shoes gone missing. Some are so accident-prone you'll swear they're intentionally finding new ways to injure themselves.

If you weren't raised with horses, you can't know that they have unique personalities. You'd expect this from dogs, but horses?

Indeed, there are clever horses, grumpy horses, and even horses with a sense of humor.
Those prone to humor will test you by finding new ways to escape from the barn when you least expect it.

Horses can be timid or brave, lazy or athletic, obstinate or willing. You will hit it off with some horses and others will elude you altogether. There are as many "types" of horses as there are people -
which makes the whole partnership thing all the more interesting.

If you've never ridden a horse, you probably assume it's a simple thing you can learn in a weekend.

You can, in fact, learn the basics on a Sunday. But, to truly ride well takes a lifetime.

Working with a living being is far more complex than turning a key in the ignition and putting the car or tractor in "drive."

In addition to listening to your instructor, your horse will have a few things to say to you as well.

On a good day, he'll be happy to go along with the program and tolerate your mistakes; on a bad day, you'll swear he's trying to kill you. Perhaps he's naughty, or perhaps he's fed
up with how slowly you're learning his language.

Regardless, the horse will have an opinion.

He may choose to challenge you (which can ultimately make you a better rider) or he may carefully carry you over fences - if it suits him.

It all depends on the partnership - and partnership is what it's all about.

If you face your fears, swallow your pride, and are willing to work at it, you'll learn lessons in courage, commitment, and compassion in addition to basic survival skills. You'll discover just how hard you're willing to work toward a goal, how little you know, and how much you have to learn.

And, while some people think the horse "does all the work", you'll be challenged physically as well as mentally. Your horse may humble you completely.

Or, you may find that sitting on his back is the closest
you'll get to heaven.

You can choose to intimidate your horse, but do you really want to?

The results may come more quickly, but will your work ever be as graceful as that gained through trust?

The best partners choose to listen, as well as to tell.

When it works, we experience a sweet sense of accomplishment brought about by marts, hard work, and mutual understanding between horse and rider.

These are the days when you know with absolute certainty that your horse is enjoying his work.

If we make it to adulthood with horses still in our lives, most of us have to squeeze riding into our over saturated schedules; balancing our need for things equine with those of our households and employers.

There is never enough time to ride, or to ride as well as we'd like.

Hours in the barn are stolen pleasures.

If it is in your blood to love horses, you share your life with them.

*** Our horses know our secrets; we braid our tears into their manes and whisper our hopes into their ears.

A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world.

A sheltered place where life's true priorities are clear.

A warm place to sleep.

Someone who loves us, and the luxury of regular meals.

Some of us need these reminders.

When you step back, it's not just about horses - it's about love, life, and learning.

On any given day, a friend is celebrating the birth of a
foal, a blue ribbon, or recovery from an illness.

That same day, there is also loss: a broken limb, a case of colic, a decision to sustain a life or end it gently.

As horse people, we share the accelerated life cycle of horses: the hurried rush of life, love, loss, and death that caring for these animals brings us. When our partners pass, it is more than a moment of sorrow.

We mark our loss with words of gratitude for the ways our lives have been blessed. Our memories are of joy, awe, and wonder. Absolute union.

We honor our horses for their brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give.

To those outside our circle, it must seem strange. To see us in our muddy boots. Who would guess such poetry lives in ourhearts?

We celebrate our companions with praise worthy of heroes.

Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and out of fields of battle.

Listen to stories of that once-in-a-lifetime horse; of journeys made and challenges met.

The best of horses rise to the challenges we set before
them, asking little in return.

Those who know them, understand how fully a horse can hold a human heart.

Together, we share the pain of sudden
loss, and the lingering taste of long-term illness.

We shoulder the burden of deciding when or whether to end the life of a true companion.

In the end, we're not certain if God entrusts us to our horses--or our horses to us.

Does it matter?

We're grateful God loaned us the horse
in the first place.

- Author Unknown

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

My little sister, her husband, Dan and son Caidan came over on Wednesday night from Phoenix and will stay until Sunday morning. They also brought Paul, my nephew who temporarily lives with my Brother in Scottsdale. He normally lives at home with his dad, my brother, in Wisconsin.
Our son, Shawn, his wife Maegan, and her mom, Janet, our son Pat, Amy, Dan, Paul, Caidan, John and I all sat down for a yummy meal at 3pm. Everything was grand, if I say so my self.
Anyway, no pics, Maegan has my camera.