2011 - That's A Wrap

Well, only a few more days, and 2011 will be no more! It was a year of big changes in our lives, packing up (what the heck, we are still packing) and moving to Saskatchewan was (and is) a big endeavour. The other large thing that happened this year was going over to England to compete at the World Trial with Gin - hopefully I can do it again in the future. Now it is time to get used to the fast (as a snail) pace of Mankota/McCord life.

In the short time span I have been here, I have learned that the laws of the land include 1. Never leave home without a full tank of gas,2. Always be ready to wave at the passing motorist because they will be waving at you, whether they know you or not, and 3. Always keep an eye out for the crossing deer - you don't want to make them mad.

I work (at trying to keep busy) at the Mankota Vet Clinic a few days a week, and the other days of the week trying to stand in a vertical position since the wind blows here - a lot. I think I saw one of Louanne Twa's sheep from High River, Alberta blowing by the other day - or maybe it was my own. I do believe my sister thinks I will have a large amount of time on my hands, since for Christmas she had given me a ukulele - watch out I will be playing Tiny Bubbles next year at the dog trials.

A few hounds (the pups are losing their cuteness factor each day they grow) will be loaded up and transported back west to brighten the lives of some people-most notably mine. Louanne is having a New Year's Bash, and some crazy new puppy owners will be there to take these growling, ankle biters off of my hands (Oh, I meant, sweet bundles of fur). Three more will take their passports and go the the USA to raise havoc - I am afraid terrorist attacks will still occur - as long as they have their sharp baby teeth.

Twas About 16 Hours Before Christmas

Now cuddle up, get your hot chocolate (don't forget the marshmallows), and enjoy the endless classic (which has been changed slightly for this blog).

Twas Sixteen Hours Before Christmas

Twas Sixteen Hours Before Christmas

and all in the yard

were 43 red and white heifers

and an ass named Jenny on guard.

The sheep were escaping,

as fast as they could,

from any hole in the fence,

no matter how small they would.

The Borders were all barking,

and some making a tunnel,

it would be only minutes,

until they were out of their kennel.

Chris in his long underwear,

and I in my nightie,

had just settled down,

to watch some CBC.

Coronation Street was just over,

and Two And A Half Men was on,

I flicked the channel to see,

OLN talking about a fawn.

"How fitting," I thought,

watching the blurb about the deer

But the barking outside was worse,

So outside I went to place some fear.

The dogs they were crazy,

trying to get to the stock.

"That's enough you guys!"

I yelled as I did walk.

To the kennels I strode,

with my ears burning red.

"If I get my hands on you,

you will wish you were dead!"

When out of the corner

of my eye did I see,

a streak of something gray

running quickly to flee.

I knew right at that moment,

it was not my eye's trick

It was a big coyote,

God I wish I had a shooting stick!

He quickly glanced at me

with a glare in his eye

took one look at my hairy legs,

and turned tail and cried.

As he ran off to the north,

in the direction of McCord,

I yelled out after him

"I hope you get hit with a Ford!"

Merry Christmas All!

New Year Babies That Couldn't Wait

Shadow, has a new shadow following her these days.

Once in a while, we have some new folk arrive in these parts that we didn't expect...

...and Frosty was one of unexpected visitors.

Oh, and we can't forget about these boys as well.

It won't take long for Frosty and his friends to grow - just look what 8 weeks did to this little one.

Perhaps in 2 years she will be in nursery. But for the time being, all of these young ones are in the nursery, playing grownup games.

http://youtu.be/lZ1xyDhpF0E

Home, Home On The Range

Let's sing together now...

Home, home on the range....

Where puppies glug milk all the day...
Where one sees a flock...

..and a dog looking like Spock...

...and others wanting to chase them away.

She's Alive

There has a small hiatus since last blog, and after the local mortuary called asking what should be on my tombstone, I decided I had better let everyone know that I am alive.

Now, where did we leave off?

I do recall we were on our way to Agribition. It has turned to be a mini family reunion over the years, with my sisters coming to cheer Chris and myself at the competition.

Not sure why they looked so happy, Saskatchewan Roughriders did NOTHING this year.

Even my nephew Timmy and my great-nephew came to watch (and for the life of me, I can't remember his name-Alzheimer's, meeting people for the first time every day!)
The sheep were proven to be tough - grips were allowed, and most dogs gripped. Some dogs flossed their teeth more than others. I was pretty happy with both Gin and Floss. They moved the woolly beasts with few problems. Floss however will have remedial classes this winter regarding flanks.

Chris showed his great aptitude in mixing up his flanks, and getting frustrated with Jill when she took the flanks he had asked for.

Poor Jill - perhaps Chris should have remedial classes in flanks.

Two clear rounds had to be done to get into the finals. Gin finished 6th both rounds, and overall came in second. Kayleen Forsyth, Jared Epp, Peter Gonnet and Dale Montgomery (the King as he was noted) would be the other top handlers going to the finals during the evening's rodeo.

Someone (Jared) ticked off the rodeo clown. Beware of the blue goop.

Gin and I ran second last, and managed to beat Peter and Taff by 1 second.

Alas, the pixie dust was forgotten, and Dale Montgomery and Ben (with help with his teeth) managed to beat us by 15 seconds.

The Western Canadian Agribition of 2011 would go down in history again. The King continues his reign.

As the Queen of Mankota, we will be back. Possibly a dethroning will occur next year.

Time will tell.