I love this snapshot.  This big ole smile is always on Tom's face when he is handling one of these Cleveland Bays.    I keep thinking sooner or later the new might wear off, and he will no longer look like a little boy on Christmas morning when he has a hold of their lead, but so far, that's not the case.   I'm loving it though, because it makes for great photo opportunities. 

Victoria is still staying with Dr. Hilt.   The good news is her cycles finally leveled out and we were able to order semen last week.  According to Dr. Hilt, the timing was near perfect, so now we wait and see.   By the end of this week, we should know if we can expect a little Lion/Victoria baby in 2015.    Keep your fingers crossed! 

A little bit of fun with José the other day.   You just never know what kind of mischief  Tom  and the kids are going to get themselves into.   They have insisted we pick up an inner-tube for them.  Apparently frozen cow pies and gopher mounds are a bit rough. 

About seventeen years ago, Tom and I sold a big sorrel horse to a gentleman up near the Canadian line.   We called the horse "Leap", and he was quite a character.  Leap had come to us as a 3 year old.  Tom used to ride the youngsters for his brother- the deal being Tom would ride three and get his pick of one.   Leap was big- kind of gawky looking, and really kind of a knot-head.  He was a character though- and his willingness to work and his gentle nature made him one of my favorite rides.     It was a stretch to get on, but I was well mounted.   Unfortunately, real life dealt us some vehicle repair bills, loan payments needing paid.... And we decided to sell Leap. 
    Every few years, we'd run in to Leap's new owner.  He'd changed his name to "Big Red", and with every conversation it was clear he thought the world of his big red horse.    As Big Red, Leap had a great life.  He was well taken care of, spoiled in a good sort of way, and didn't have to work as hard as he would of if he would have remained here with us.  His owner would share Big Red's antics, and we were relieved and thrilled to know our Leap had gone to such a great home. 
     Earlier this year, Big Red's owner tracked us down.  It was not such an easy feat, as we had moved three times and had an unlisted phone number.   He had retired from farming and ranching, leased his place out, and was looking for a good home for Big Red.  Arrangements were made, and Big Red was loaded in our trailer, and Leap was returned home.
    Oddly enough,  our third move had been back to the Diamond Bar- the ranch we lived on when Tom and I married, and where Leap was born and raised.  I was so very excited to see him again, and when he walked off the trailer we headed for the barn.  Seventeen years later, Leap walked in the barn, walked into "his" stall, stuck his nose in the oats box, and then turned and looked at us as if to say "Where's my grain?".    After that many years, he remembered the drill as if he'd only been gone a day. 
    Now, I have to admit, it was the sentimental side of us that agreed to bring Leap home.  We thought very highly of him when he was young.  The practical side of us argued with that sentimental side, knowing Leap was for all intents and purposes- "retired".  Tom spends some very long hours in the saddle over some pretty rough ground, and it's a lot to ask of an old horse.   We are limited on the number of horses we can care for.   Bringing Leap home meant we would be taking up a spot that could be used for a younger, more usable horse.  Thank goodness we don't always do things according to logic though, as Leap has been a blessing!
    The old man is still in great shape, with a lot of "git-up-and-go" left.  He's got many years of knowledge under his cinch, and he knows how to take care of himself.  That same gentle nature we grew to love has only matured in his 20's.  And the greatest part?    Leap and Wylee have hit it off, and he's teaching her so much about how to handle a herd of cows.   On Wylee and Leap's first adventure, Tom's instructions to Wy were "Give that horse his head and let him go to work!".   Wylee came home with a big grin on her face, convinced that Leap knew what the cows were going to do before the cows did!  
    As for Tom and I?  Well, we've been reminded of the value of an old horse.  Welcome home Leap. 

I'm often told how lucky we are to live the life we do.  Most times I agree, and wouldn't change a thing.   There are times though, when we get stretched a little thin, and the trouble just keeps coming.   
The trouble the last couple weeks has been in the form of a particularly nasty strain of pinkeye in the cattle.  No one is sure where it started, and when it's going around like it is, no one really cares.  The trick is getting it stopped.  With fly season upon us, getting it stopped is a monumental task.   Several herds here in the Bear Paws are being gathered and treated.  Neighbors helping neighbors, and the lines of communication are open and discussing what's working and what is not.  We're crossing our fingers and hoping we can get it cleared up quickly.

We've been  short handed here- still trying to finish up haying.  The big Bosses have been here trying to help keep the day to day going, but it seems there just are not enough hours in the day.  We did slip away yesterday though- to go to our home place and help my Dad move his cows to new pasture.  Luckily- no pinkeye there.   We were able to have a short visit with the horses that have been turned out- the foals included.  Neechi and Eloquence are both doing well.  The mares are fat and sassy!  None of them were feeling to much like cooperating with a photo session, but I did get a few pics I will add to the foal page. 
The girls start back to school on Wednesday, and I am just not ready for that.   I don't think they are either.   I can't hardly wait until T gets her drivers license and transportation isn't such an issue. 
Before I sign off, a shout out to my nephew Steve and his new bride Misty- Congratulations!  Wishing you both many years of wedded bliss! 

William's third and final baby for the 2013 foaling season!  We finally made it to take pictures of her last night.  She was born just a few days before Eloquence. 
The story behind this little girl is one of those complicated "family deals".   
The condensed version;  She's by William and out of my Sister-in-laws mare, Doll.  Logic would say she's Karen's filly, BUT Karen's son Larry laid claim prior to conception. 
I tell you this story, so I can explain why this filly's name is subject to change.  Karen insists the filly's name is Scarlett.  Larry insists she doesn't have a name yet as he wants her to grow and choose a name that suits her personality.    There's a good spirited debate as to who has naming rights, but it's clear they both have bragging rights, as the filly is sure a pretty little thing! 

I blinked and July has flown by.    What a busy month this has been! 
Haying season is in full swing, although I did pry Tom out of the swather  long enough to get him over to the western side of the state.  We attended The Event at Rebecca Farm.  This is the first time we've ever been to such a thing, and all I can say is Wow!    We were in heaven- three days surrounded by good people, lovely scenery, and some of the worlds most talented horses.  It just doesn't get any better than that!   Tom even decided that cross country jumping looks like a lot of fun, and if he could wear his jeans and boots instead of riding breeches he might even give it a try. 

I got a surprise letter in the mail from Florida that made my day!  Pictures and a note from the proud owner of a William gelding, Charter.   Charter is stunningly beautiful, and gives us a glimpse at what we can look forward to!  We love to see William's older babies and know what they are up to- such a talented group of "kids" he has! 

Speaking of talented kids... Wylee and Tawnya have been having a good summer.  Tawnya has spent some time traveling around and visiting friends.  Wylee and her friend Kendra participated in the kids rodeo during fair.  They each did the flag race and barrel racing.    Wylee also rode a steer and came in 2nd.  Lots of fun was had by all.  Last Saturday was the 3 mile Nee Wah run.  Wy had been bugging me all year to run in that, so Grandma took her down and got to watch her come in first for her age division. 

Last evening we finally got over to Warrick to take pictures of Neechi and Eloquence.  They've been turned out on summer grass and are growing like bad little weeds.   They are learning all the things good ranch horses should know- how to maneuver around in the rocks and trees, crossing creeks, and growing strong running up and down the hills.  They've gotten a little independent since being turned out, but were still pretty curious about why I kept following them around with that darn camera.   I'm looking forward to weaning when we will get them in and be able to handle them on a daily basis.

Hope you all are doing well~ Check out the new foal page for more pics of Neechi and Elly.  I put a slide show on there that I will update with pictures wh

Tom takes great pride in his girls.  Lots of little girls grow up playing dress up or playing with Barbies.  Our girls never had an interest in those things.  They spent their formative years following their dad around the barn, cleaning stalls,  watching him train young horses, and taking care of cattle.   As parents, we've always believed you just don't see many "bad" kids leading a horse around, and their participation has always been encouraged. 
 
As their confidence has grown, so have their abilities.    They've gone from riding the old "automatic" ranch horses that follow along and babysit the kids to riding colts they've started themselves.  There have been moments when I've sat paralyzed with my heart in my throat- watching them run full speed down a hill  or over a ditch to turn a cow, but there is no denying they are capable. 

Now that our three have reached the teenage years, our family has expanded to include two more girls.  Friends from school that have visited over the years- these two girls did not have the opportunity to grow up with horses in their back yard.  Upon meeting the Brown girls though, we've observed there is something that happens to a young girls brain when she is introduced to horse hair.  Every opportunity they get,  they visit us to help with brandings, moving cattle, or just  a good old fashioned trail ride.   Those "automatic" ranch horses now are trusted with our "town" girls, and those girls are also becoming quite skilled. 

I  lovingly  tease Tom about his "herd" of girls.  He just grins, because he knows there is not a job around this place that he cannot do with the help of his gaggle of girls.