It's A Small World After All...

We went to Disney World last week and had a wonderful time. We kept it a surprise from Michael until we got to the Southwest Airlines gate at the airport, then I handed him a typed up note saying "Surprise, Michael...We are taking you to Walt Disney World"! At first he thought we were going to California (Disney Land), but then when we told him Orlando, Florida, his face lit up with the best smile! Michael had a lot of fun getting autographs from all of the characters. The whole family had to get a hug and a picture with Pooh!

I had not been to WDW since around 1990 and WOW! This place has really grown. There is now the Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom parks in addition to Epcot and The Magic Kingdom.

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Have a Sparklin' Weekend - Happy Birthday, America!

Wishing you and your loved one's a wonderful weekend...be safe!

I Heart Faces Contest

I thought I would enter this contest for the fun of it. I love this photo of Roadie's adorable face. He was really focused on me because I had a treat for him if he listened well!

"You're Soaking In It."

On Thursday, the Forest Preserve/Park District did a controlled burn in the field out back to kill off the dead weeds and reeds, etc. They try to do it before any birds start nesting so as not to disturb the wildlife. Here are a couple of pictures of the burn... Whoa!! It sure looks like it might be getting a little out of control but it didn't. The fires went out pretty quickly. So now we have burnt grass, weeds, etc. out back except for the mowed trails that we like to walk on, well we used to just walk on the non-burnt trails. But now that the grass has been charred, "let's not listen to Mom as she calls me back to the yard and just run ALL OVER the nice burned grass"!

Burned grass and white Aussie paws do not mix. So of course a mani and pedi is in order. Do you ever wonder how dogs know by the tone of your voice that something is up...

Here is a little video clip of the escape. Roadie is running back to me but Holly took off the other way.

Giving Back

For the past 6 months or so I have been volunteering on Saturday mornings for a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding program and I love it! This program provides Therapeutic horseback riding for physically and mentally challenged children and adults. I get to the barn around 8:00 am to help groom and lunge the horses before the first riders arrive at 9:00. Then, I help out for the next hour as either a horse walker or side walker. It's really amazing to see how this program really helps the riders become physically stronger, mentally able to better communicate emotions or emotionally improving self-confidence and self-esteem.

I also love spending time with the horses - and I get to "get my horse fix"; smell the smells of the barn and horses, brushing and tacking.

Here are a couple of the horses in the program. This is Big Shrek - he's a 14 year old Percheron, pretty sweet,sometimes stubborn but great with the riders!


This is Little Cloud ("Mini Shrek"). He's 17 and has been with the program for 14 years - what a doll baby!


Here is KC - she's a little moody in the morning but that attitude disappears when they put on the vaulting saddle. She's used for the therapeutic vaulting sessions - very interesting to watch the kids - they are fearless!


I hope to snap some pictures this spring - if it ever gets here! Thank goodness the barn and arena are somewhat heated.

Happy Anniversary!

One year ago we drove to Ohio (near Cleveland) to pick up little Roadie. He has become such a wonderful member of our family. He's quite a little love bug and a little stinker, too!



Just kidding! Here is our handsome little guy...