Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE . . . . . . . .

[horseshowmom]

Good morning ladies!

It's FRIDAY

I was here yesterday but got busy. Then late in the day we had a series of earthquakes I grew up in California. Earthquakes scare the crap out of me, my knees shake, my hands shake and my adrenalin gets going. Anyway we had a small one last week and then yesterday we had a pretty decent one 4.2.

I'm glad everybody made it through the earthquake!

I was shutting down my computer and grabbing my keys when my phone rings, it was DD "MOM, YOU CAN COME HOME NOW!"

Bless her heart, she tried to stay brave!

DD and I had a great time at the pottery place. She painted a penguin piggy bank that she named Frederick and I painted a new fruit bowl for the kitchen counter. I painted red, brown and tan stripes on it and finished it off with a black rim which matches my kitchen. We pick up the finished pieces next week after they have been glazed and fired. I personally find the painting to be a cheap form of therapy.

I think DD and I would enjoy it too (although I have NO craft talent at all).

BTW: Prom was good although the kids all said the DJ was awful. DS and GF looked great! Her hair was a head full of barrel curls on top of a small subtle french twist with that smooth look on the front and bang area. She looked so good! Then my BFF got ahold of her and did her makeup and topped her off with diamond earrings and CZ bling in a choker, bracelet and ring. We added some glitter gel to her shoulders and chest. We could tell she was floating on a cloud. In walks DS in solid black (of course) with a fuschia tie.

It sounds so wonderful. I'm glad they had such a good time and enjoyed dressing up so much! It sounds like GF was lucky to have ya'll to help out.

Sheila: Any contract yet? Or will it just take time?
What did your DH decide to do about the advisory panel?

Had a discussion Thursday afternoon. Everything is supposed to be fine, but I'm not counting on anything until I see a contract (should be the middle of May).

We are headed to N. California tomorrow for the annual Earth Day party at a friends. I have my huge bowl ready to make my famous chinese chicken salad and all the folding chairs are in the van.

You know, it's so funny. I can remember when you did this last year (I remember your talking about the chinese chicken salad (I'd never heard of it before). Isn't it funny that we've been around this long?

We will finally get to meet GF's Mother and step father because as it turns out we share the host of the Earthday party as a friend in common. GF's Mother lives in that neck of the woods, we are about an hour away.

How did the meeting go with GF's mother?

Fishies are fine. We added two blue tangs on Sunday (think Dorie fish from Finding Nemo) and they have been the most interesting thus far. But I think if we add an anemone for the clownfish, they'll be happier.

Sounds better and better!

What are you doing for Graduation? Do you have a big shing-ding or a small gathering?

Something small - like a nice dinner out. We are definitely not into big flashy parties.

We went to Orlando and took DD's best friend with us. We did a graduation dinner at Planet Hollywood (which was her choice). We're also not much on big parties (glad that DD and DFi really wanted a small wedding ).

 

[Sandy V.]

So Melissa, how did your Earth Day weekend turn out? What did you think of GF's parents?

You are one brave woman to have your FIL there for two weeks. Let's hope there are no casualties!!!

Yes, Sheila, I "do" small gatherings better than large ones. I can deal with the large ones every once in a while, but I tend to get nervous and distracted. I'm better with a small mix of folks.

Work is slowing down a bit. Well, rather I've decided that I'm going to handle it as best as I can and not let it get to me as much as it has over the last two weeks. I also think I was more bothered by DS not going to prom, and now that that's "old news" now, I'm feeling better about the situation.

DD got a summer job at Starbucks in Boulder, so she's thrilled. She also went for an interview with an advertising agency in Denver for an unpaid internship and really liked the place a lot. They represent clients such as Molson-Coors, Proctor & Gamble, and Polaris snowmobiles. Oh - mom brag - she got an economics scholarship for the fall!! It covers a decent chunk of tuition, so that's a very good thing!!!

DS is still looking for summer employment. We have a friend who works at Home Depot that we are hoping will put in a good word for him there. Fingers crossed that it all works out.

DH has a trial next Monday, so I'm sure he'll be busy preparing this weekend. We rode the Harley on Sunday and it was enjoyable, if a bit cold.

Well, back to work. Talk to you later!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Yes, Sheila, I "do" small gatherings better than large ones. I can deal with the large ones every once in a while, but I tend to get nervous and distracted. I'm better with a small mix of folks.

Same here. I'm just really not a big socializer. DH never meets a stranger and would be very happy to have lots of folks around all the time (if we happen to have snow or ice and are in the house for more than a couple of days, he gets antsy - I, on the other hand, could go for days and never mind being at home and not seeing anybody else! ).

Work is slowing down a bit. Well, rather I've decided that I'm going to handle it as best as I can and not let it get to me as much as it has over the last two weeks.

Things are a little slower for me right now too (but will pile up just before school gets out).

DD got a summer job at Starbucks in Boulder, so she's thrilled. She also went for an interview with an advertising agency in Denver for an unpaid internship and really liked the place a lot. They represent clients such as Molson-Coors, Proctor & Gamble, and Polaris snowmobiles. Oh - mom brag - she got an economics scholarship for the fall!! It covers a decent chunk of tuition, so that's a very good thing!!!

Congratualtions to her on both the job and the scholarship! I hope the internship comes through for her. As you well know, it's certainly a plus for students to have some work experience in their field before they graduate. I was really glad when DD's "class rotation" turned into a job offer. She can always use the money, and I really felt like she needed some time in a pharmacy before she graduated.

DS is still looking for summer employment. We have a friend who works at Home Depot that we are hoping will put in a good word for him there. Fingers crossed that it all works out.

We'll keep our fingers crossed!

DH has a trial next Monday, so I'm sure he'll be busy preparing this weekend. We rode the Harley on Sunday and it was enjoyable, if a bit cold.

We had a little bit of a cold spell here too.



I was pleasantly surprised yesterday afternoon at DD's horse's improvement, but this morning he looked bad again. I'm afraid that we may have to make a trip to the equine specialist (and he doesn't know any numbers under $500 - he starts there and goes up ).

Of course, I mostly don't want to lose this horse. She intends to show him again, but even if she never does, he helped her win a slew of awards, and we really do love him. A hoof problem can really be serious. It concerns me that he didn't show any reaction when the calipers were applied.

We'll give it until the end of the week and go from there (where is that fingers crossed smiley when you need it).

 

[mamacatnv]

it's my turn, I am being remiss - busy crazy week - I'll catch up later

Sandy: Hope the Lacrosse is going well

Sheila: Pray the horse's hoof is getting better

Melissa

 

[Sandy V.]

it's my turn, I am being remiss - busy crazy week - I'll catch up later

Sandy: Hope the Lacrosse is going well

Sheila: Pray the horse's hoof is getting better

Melissa

Glad it's someone other than ME who's busy!! We do understand, Melissa.

Snowing here today. DS is not happy about having lacrosse practice today; he just left the house grumbling. The playoff game is on late Saturday afternoon. I need to get my camera charged up to take lots of pictures.

Talk to you all later!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

it's my turn, I am being remiss - busy crazy week - I'll catch up later
Melissa

Hope work is better soon!

Snowing here today. DS is not happy about having lacrosse practice today; he just left the house grumbling. The playoff game is on late Saturday afternoon. I need to get my camera charged up to take lots of pictures.

SNOW! Considering we're having to soak a horse's hoof in a bucket of epsom salts twice a day, I'm really glad it's not snowing here.

I hope things go well on Saturday (and that it warms up some before the game).



Horse update: Not good so far. Our farrier came by to check him yesterday (he's also our vet's brother). He was sure that he would be able to find something, but he wasn't. It acts like an abscess, but there is absolutely no sign that it is (and you can't just dig around in his hoof making holes trying to find it somewhere inside). He still shows no sign of pain from the hoof testers (calipers). Also, no sign of injury, but now all four of his legs are swelling due to the stress from the one painful hoof.

The farrier put wedge shoes on his front feet (to get him up off the sole of his hoof), and that definitely helped some (probably 50% better), but that's not a good sign, because that probably means it's not an abscess (but still don't know for sure). It could be navicular (which can be managed but never cured ). But you don't usually have navicular in only one hoof. At this point, we don't know anything.

I've got a call into the vet now (he's out of the office on a farm call) to see if he wants to go ahead and x-ray him now or leave him up on the wedge shoes over the weekend. There's an old adage in the horse world, "No hoof, no horse", and I'm worried.


Melissa, I thought about your DD this morning. I found, of all things, a MOUSE in my kitchen. The one thing we NEVER have is mice (which, as Sandy can probably attest to, are very common out in the country with fields everywhere) since we have so many cats. DD said that when she mowed the other day she saw numerous dead mice, shrews, and even some moles.

I can't imagine how this poor little thing made it into the house, but I saw Chachi (the chihuahua) nosing around behing the kitchen table. Bobbie (one of the cats) was also under the table. I looked over by the wall, and there was this dead mouse. I went to get a dust pan to pick it up, and then I realized it was still breathing (it's little heart was pounding ). I didn't know whether it was severely injured or not, but it did struggle some when I picked it up, so I held it in the pan with the little brush ( which took some doing for me, because I really don't like mice ).

I took it outside to put it in as safe a location as I could find (considering I have a slew of cats) to give it a chance to recuperate if it could. I checked before I left for work, and it was gone (and I didn't see any cats in the vicinity, so I'm hoping it made it okay).

My DH would have once again been shaking his head...

How is Nibbles doing?

 

[Sandy V.]

SNOW! Considering we're having to soak a horse's hoof in a bucket of epsom salts twice a day, I'm really glad it's not snowing here.

I hope things go well on Saturday (and that it warms up some before the game).

Welcome to springtime in Colorado!! Thanks for the well-wishes; DS has the "honor" of defending the opposing team's top scorer, so he'll be busy!

Horse update: Not good so far. Our farrier came by to check him yesterday (he's also our vet's brother). He was sure that he would be able to find something, but he wasn't. It acts like an abscess, but there is absolutely no sign that it is (and you can't just dig around in his hoof making holes trying to find it somewhere inside). He still shows no sign of pain from the hoof testers (calipers). Also, no sign of injury, but now all four of his legs are swelling due to the stress from the one painful hoof.

The farrier put wedge shoes on his front feet (to get him up off the sole of his hoof), and that definitely helped some (probably 50% better), but that's not a good sign, because that probably means it's not an abscess (but still don't know for sure). It could be navicular (which can be managed but never cured ).

I've got a call into the vet now (he's out of the office on a farm call) to see if he wants to go ahead and x-ray him now or leave him up on the wedge shoes over the weekend. There's an old adage in the horse world, "No hoof, no horse", and I'm worried.

I'm so sorry about your horse. The whole thing sounds so painful. I hope the vet can diagnose and treat his condition. At this point, you want the poor animal to be out of pain.

Melissa, I thought about your DD this morning. I found, of all things, a MOUSE in my kitchen. The one thing we NEVER have is mice (which, as Sandy can probably attest to, are very common out in the country with fields everywhere) since we have so many cats. DD said that when she mowed the other day she saw numerous dead mice, shrews, and even some moles.

I can't imagine how this poor little thing made it into the house, but I saw Chachi (the chihuahua) nosing around behing the kitchen table. Bobbie (one of the cats) was also under the table. I looked over by the wall, and there was this dead mouse. I went to get a dust pan to pick it up, and then I realized it was still breathing (it's little heart was pounding ). I didn't know whether it was severely injured or not, but it did struggle some when I picked it up, so I held it in the pan with the little brush ( which took some doing for me, because I really don't like mice ).

I took it outside to put it in as safe a location as I could find (considering I have a slew of cats) to give it a chance to recuperate if it could. I checked before I left for work, and it was gone (and I didn't see any cats in the vicinity, so I'm hoping it made it okay).

A mouse!?!? I would have to move!! I am more scared of mice than anything in the world. They just creep me out so badly. You were much braver than I would have been!!

Still a dusting of snow here, but it's supposed to be warmer over the weekend, so it should be mostly gone by tomorrow. Not much else to report here; we're pretty boring!!! DD is trying to figure out when she's coming home after finals for a few days. She's trying to fit it in with her job training at the Starbucks. It might be next week, but more likely will be the week after.

I just spent $68 to fill up my SUV's gas tank!! I couldn't believe it. And that was with a 10 cents off per gallon discount. And, unfortunately, I can only foresee that they'll get higher in the near future. The price of food is starting to climb up as well. Yikes. Well, here I am, Little Miss Sunshine . . .

Have a good weekend, everyone!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Still a dusting of snow here, but it's supposed to be warmer over the weekend, so it should be mostly gone by tomorrow. Not much else to report here; we're pretty boring!!! DD is trying to figure out when she's coming home after finals for a few days. She's trying to fit it in with her job training at the Starbucks. It might be next week, but more likely will be the week after.

I know you're ready for her to come home. Maybe it will be sooner than later!

I just spent $68 to fill up my SUV's gas tank!! I couldn't believe it. And that was with a 10 cents off per gallon discount. And, unfortunately, I can only foresee that they'll get higher in the near future. The price of food is starting to climb up as well. Yikes. Well, here I am, Little Miss Sunshine . . .

Well, not to try to one up you, but when DH filled up the truck yesterday it was $84.70. Around here, diesel is significantly higher, and it, of course, runs on diesel (would you believe that when we bought it diesel ran 50 cents a gallon cheaper than gas? ).

DD and I were discussing this yesterday. She asked me to bring her a sandwich when I came home at lunch to meet with the farrier (there's a grocery store here in town that makes just plain old sandwiches very cheaply). Their sandwiches are normally $1.35. When I picked hers up yesterday, it was $1.99. I realize that it's just a sandwich and is a small amount of money, but basically, it's a 50% increase in the prior cost. Like you, we're seeing a major climb in food costs as well. Another example, our farrier said that shoes (horseshoes) went up 20% and then went up again another 20% on the new price.

I agree with you, this is really the worst I ever remember things being. Right now, there are more people in this area losing their jobs than I ever remember happening (and I'm almost 50). I really feel for the people who are barely getting by.

 

[Sandy V.]

I know you're ready for her to come home. Maybe it will be sooner than later!

We are. We really miss having her around. Although I talk to her on the phone nearly every day, it's not the same.

Well, not to try to one up you, but when DH filled up the truck yesterday it was $84.70. Around here, diesel is significantly higher, and it, of course, runs on diesel (would you believe that when we bought it diesel ran 50 cents a gallon cheaper than gas? ).

DD and I were discussing this yesterday. She asked me to bring her a sandwich when I came home at lunch to meet with the farrier (there's a grocery store here in town that makes just plain old sandwiches very cheaply). Their sandwiches are normally $1.35. When I picked hers up yesterday, it was $1.99. I realize that it's just a sandwich and is a small amount of money, but basically, it's a 50% increase in the prior cost. Like you, we're seeing a major climb in food costs as well. Another example, our farrier said that shoes (horseshoes) went up 20% and then went up again another 20% on the new price.

I agree with you, this is really the worst I ever remember things being. Right now, there are more people in this area losing their jobs than I ever remember happening (and I'm almost 50). I really feel for the people who are barely getting by.

It is very scary. I'm 48, and I have never seen it this bad either. My industry has a lot of jobs going overseas to India and the Philliphines. Since my work is pretty specialized (legal analysis) and directly "touches" the customer, our jobs are "safe" for the rest of the year, but no promises beyond that. So management has put a lot of pressure on us to "work harder" to make our group so productive they could never AFFORD to get rid of us (translation: no one would work as hard as we do for the amount of money they are paying us - they would want more $$$ and it all boils down to dollars and cents). That's one of the reasons I've been so stressed lately.

Anything more about that and I'll take it to a PM . . . never know who's reading these boards!!

 

[horseshowmom]

We are. We really miss having her around. Although I talk to her on the phone nearly every day, it's not the same.


It is very scary. I'm 48, and I have never seen it this bad either. My industry has a lot of jobs going overseas to India and the Philliphines. Since my work is pretty specialized (legal analysis) and directly "touches" the customer, our jobs are "safe" for the rest of the year, but no promises beyond that. So management has put a lot of pressure on us to "work harder" to make our group so productive they could never AFFORD to get rid of us (translation: no one would work as hard as we do for the amount of money they are paying us - they would want more $$$ and it all boils down to dollars and cents). That's one of the reasons I've been so stressed lately.

Anything more about that and I'll take it to a PM . . . never know who's reading these boards!!

I know just what you mean. I have a brother who works with a fairly well known racing supplier. He's been with the company for 26 years, has worked his way up, and has been one of the upper level employees for years even though the company has been bought several times from the original owner (who started the company and initially hired my brother).

The company has another affiliate in Memphis. He was recently told that he was being moved to the Memphis office. That means that he now drives 77 miles one way to work each day (a 90 minute drive). He's not happy, but at least he wasn't let go (like several others were who had been there even longer than him). His salary was not increased, and you can imagine how much his gas bill went up (he drives a Crown Victoria). His stress level has defintely increased too.

It looks like all of us are having a difficult time these days. You try and enjoy your weekend too (trying to unwind is sometimes harder than you would think, isn't it?)!

 

[Sandy V.]

I know just what you mean. I have a brother who works with a fairly well known racing supplier. He's been with the company for 26 years, has worked his way up, and has been one of the upper level employees for years even though the company has been bought several times from the original owner (who started the company and initially hired my brother).

The company has another affiliate in Memphis. He was recently told that he was being moved to the Memphis office. That means that he now drives 77 miles one way to work each day (a 90 minute drive). He's not happy, but at least he wasn't let go (like several others were who had been there even longer than him). His salary was not increased, and you can imagine how much his gas bill went up (he drives a Crown Victoria). His stress level has defintely increased too.

It looks like all of us are having a difficult time these days. You try and enjoy your weekend too (trying to unwind is sometimes harder than you would think, isn't it?)!

Thanks for the kind words. You try and relax as well - it IS easy to say and not so easy to do. Hope that the horse gets much better!!!

 

[Sandy V.]

Good morning to all!!!

Had a very nice weekend, and I wanted to tell you about it.

Let's see, Friday night, DH and I each had Happy Hour "dates" with some of our own friends, so we each spent some time socializing before we met up at Famous Dave's for barbecue (yummy). A very pleasant evening.

Saturday, DS's team WON their playoff game 10-9!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness, it was SO exciting and nerve-wracking. I felt like I had a tennis ball bouncing in my stomach the entire time. The team played the best all year that we have seen. And our goalie, who has been a friend of DS's since they were 3, played the best game of his life. Great saves.

DS was assigned to defend their best scorer (he always gets that assignment, because - mom brag coming - he is the team's best defender.) Let me tell you, this guy was g-o-o-d. But DS was responsible for holding this guy to 4 goals, which was very respectable, at least in my opinion. Coming into this game, this guy had over 40 goals and over 20 assists, so he was a real force. DS was so intense on the field; I am really going to miss watching him play when this is over. He was absolutely worn out at the end of the game; he spent every ounce of energy in the game.

We were up with 25 seconds to go, and the other team had the ball. I swear those were the longest 25 seconds of my life!!!!! Of course, they gave the ball to #10, the guy DS was defending. Fortunately, our goalie had a great save with about 10 seconds to go and threw the ball down the field to run out the clock. It was so amazing - when time expired, the team ran onto the field and down to the defense to celebrate with them. I got so excited then when I stood up to cheer, I got light-headed and had to sit down again!!!

After the game, we went out for dinner with the goalie's parents, and then after that, we all met up with a bunch of the lacrosse parents for a nightcap at a local Mexican restaurant. Lots of fun.

The next game is on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Ft. Collins. The Ft. Collins team WON the state championship last year, so it will be a very tough game. But hey, if the team plays like it did Saturday night, we can win it. DH and I are taking off early from work that day to go to the game - we wouldn't miss it for anything!!! We may try and sneak in a side trip to Boulder to see DD. She has her last final at CU today and is starting her training at Starbucks today as well.

And now, here comes the best part of the story . . .

During the day, DH and I took our luxury sedan to a car dealership. With the high price of gas, we have been thinking about getting rid of the car for awhile. Plus, DS's car is over 13 years old and starting to have problems, so we knew we'd have to replace it before he went off to college. He plans to take it up into the mountains skiing, and it's a rear-wheel drive car, so we were NOT comfortable with that. We saw too many accidents this season and we didn't want DS to be one of them in the future.

We were able to trade our Mercedes for a Volvo C30 (new front wheel drive hatchback that averages over 30 mpg highway) AND a 2006 Subaru Imprezza for DS (all wheel drive!!!). We just had to pay a small amount to make up the difference and the deal was done. So, we parked one of the cars at the local Park-N-Ride and drove the other to the game.

After the game, DS and the team grabbed dinner together, but DS was so exhausted, he came home and took a shower and "crashed" on the couch. Our initial plan was to already have the car in "his" parking space in the garage, but since he beat us home, when we got there, we took his car out and put his new car in the space. Then, when we walked into the house, we acted a little upset and said, "What happened to the hood of your car?" DS knew something was up, said "Nothing happened to my car. What are you two up to?" Then he came out to the garage and saw his new(er) car. He flipped!!! He was so happy!!! And DH and I are happy that he's got a car that will safely get him through the ice and snow and take him skiing in the mountains without us worrying too much (I can't say that I'll ever stop worrying - as a mom, that's my job!!)

Sunday was mostly spent catching up on the mountains of laundry that needed to get done. DS is finishing up BC Calculus - the AP test is Wednesday and he will be SO glad when this class is done!! Then it's AP Biology the following Monday and he'll finish classes on the 16th.

DS had his interview for the summer job at Home Depot. He thought it went well - the guy liked DS's experience landscaping and installing sprinker systems last year, so we're hopeful. In this economy, there are 35 people vying for the part-time jobs!! So the "odds" aren't that great, but DS thought he "marketed" himself well. He'll hear by Thursday or Friday if he'll get a callback. Fingers crossed.

Oh and DS has a girl that's VERY interested in him right now. Maybe there's a summer romance in the works?!?! Who knows? He went over to her house on Friday night with a small group of kids to watch movies. Stay tuned . . .

And now here I sit, back at my computer working. But at least I've got a job, so I'm happy. So I'd better get to work!!!

I hope that everyone else had a good weekend. Check in when you can!!!!

Addendum: DD just called. She'll be able to make it to DS's lacrosse game in Ft Collins on Wednesday and is coming home Thursday and spending Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday with us. Yay!!! I'm so excited to have her here. I may take a vacation day to spend some time with her!!!!!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Good morning to all!!!

Had a very nice weekend, and I wanted to tell you about it.

Hey, that's what we're here for!

Saturday, DS's team WON their playoff game 10-9!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness, it was SO exciting and nerve-wracking. I felt like I had a tennis ball bouncing in my stomach the entire time. The team played the best all year that we have seen. And our goalie, who has been a friend of DS's since they were 3, played the best game of his life. Great saves.

Yay!!!

DS was assigned to defend their best scorer (he always gets that assignment, because - mom brag coming - he is the team's best defender.) Let me tell you, this guy was g-o-o-d. But DS was responsible for holding this guy to 4 goals, which was very respectable, at least in my opinion. Coming into this game, this guy had over 40 goals and over 20 assists, so he was a real force. DS was so intense on the field; I am really going to miss watching him play when this is over. He was absolutely worn out at the end of the game; he spent every ounce of energy in the game.

We were up with 25 seconds to go, and the other team had the ball. I swear those were the longest 25 seconds of my life!!!!! Of course, they gave the ball to #10, the guy DS was defending. Fortunately, our goalie had a great save with about 10 seconds to go and threw the ball down the field to run out the clock. It was so amazing - when time expired, the team ran onto the field and down to the defense to celebrate with them. I got so excited then when I stood up to cheer, I got light-headed and had to sit down again!!!

After the game, we went out for dinner with the goalie's parents, and then after that, we all met up with a bunch of the lacrosse parents for a nightcap at a local Mexican restaurant. Lots of fun.

I know that must have been exciting. It really sounds like they played well together as a team. As a mom, I suspect it was very nerve wracking to have it come down to the wire like that!

The next game is on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Ft. Collins. The Ft. Collins team WON the state championship last year, so it will be a very tough game. But hey, if the team plays like it did Saturday night, we can win it. DH and I are taking off early from work that day to go to the game - we wouldn't miss it for anything!!! We may try and sneak in a side trip to Boulder to see DD. She has her last final at CU today and is starting her training at Starbucks today as well.

Be sure to keep us updated! I hope everything goes great at the next game (and having played that well may give them just the momentum they need to rise to the occasion! ). Good luck!

I also hope you get to visit with DD (and I hope she enjoys her new job at Starbucks! ).

And now, here comes the best part of the story . . .

During the day, DH and I took our luxury sedan to a car dealership. With the high price of gas, we have been thinking about getting rid of the car for awhile. Plus, DS's car is over 13 years old and starting to have problems, so we knew we'd have to replace it before he went off to college. He plans to take it up into the mountains skiing, and it's a rear-wheel drive car, so we were NOT comfortable with that. We saw too many accidents this season and we didn't want DS to be one of them in the future.

We were able to trade our Mercedes for a Volvo C30 (new front wheel drive hatchback that averages over 30 mpg highway) AND a 2006 Subaru Imprezza for DS (all wheel drive!!!). We just had to pay a small amount to make up the difference and the deal was done. So, we parked one of the cars at the local Park-N-Ride and drove the other to the game.

Wow, that's great!

Now, what are you going to buy him if they win the championship??? ( )

After the game, DS and the team grabbed dinner together, but DS was so exhausted, he came home and took a shower and "crashed" on the couch. Our initial plan was to already have the car in "his" parking space in the garage, but since he beat us home, when we got there, we took his car out and put his new car in the space. Then, when we walked into the house, we acted a little upset and said, "What happened to the hood of your car?" DS knew something was up, said "Nothing happened to my car. What are you two up to?" Then he came out to the garage and saw his new(er) car. He flipped!!! He was so happy!!! And DH and I are happy that he's got a car that will safely get him through the ice and snow and take him skiing in the mountains without us worrying too much (I can't say that I'll ever stop worrying - as a mom, that's my job!!)

Now that's the mark of a kid with a strong sense of security. When I was his age, I would have jumped up and run outside, scared to death! My DD might have been concerned to start with but would probably have switched into the same mode that your DS did pretty quickly. These kids are way too comfortable...

DS had his interview for the summer job at Home Depot. He thought it went well - the guy liked DS's experience landscaping and installing sprinker systems last year, so we're hopeful. In this economy, there are 35 people vying for the part-time jobs!! So the "odds" aren't that great, but DS thought he "marketed" himself well. He'll hear by Thursday or Friday if he'll get a callback. Fingers crossed.

Good luck to your DS with the job. His background experience could very well be the deciding factor when they make their decision. If nothing else, it shows that he's a "worker" (which many kids that age aren't).

Oh and DS has a girl that's VERY interested in him right now. Maybe there's a summer romance in the works?!?! Who knows? He went over to her house on Friday night with a small group of kids to watch movies. Stay tuned . . .

Hmmmm....



Horse update:

Situation worsened last night. The right hoof came up lame worse than the left hoof was. The farrier was here until 11 last night. Same situation as the other one (every sign of an abscess but no indication of tenderness). After a long time, he did finally find a small spot and got 2 to 3 drops of pus and was able to determine that the abscess is buried deep in his hoof (too deep to dig for). He gave us directions on what to do and told us to call the vet this morning for antibiotics.

The vet (who is his brother) agreed with his assessment and his directions, but he did say that he was concerned, because it is very unusual to have an abscess in both front feet. He said to follow the farrier's directions (along with the antibiotics) and watch him for a couple of days. If he's not better, we're going to x-ray him (the reason he's put off the x-rays this long is because there are a lot of things that an x-ray won't show, and he's not one to try to run up his fees).

I will say that he's definitely better this afternoon. DD and I have spent the day gathering meds and treating the horse (first he has to be soaked in epsom salts, then the hoof is dried and painted with turpentine, afterwards it has to be packed with some vile smelling paste, and wrapped with packing cotton and duct tape). It's pretty time consuming and hard on the back. She goes back to school for finals Wednesday - Friday, so DH and I will have to make do without her for Weds. and Thurs.

 

[Sandy V.]

I know that must have been exciting. It really sounds like they played well together as a team. As a mom, I suspect it was very nerve wracking to have it come down to the wire like that!
Be sure to keep us updated! I hope everything goes great at the next game (and having played that well may give them just the momentum they need to rise to the occasion! ). Good luck!

I also hope you get to visit with DD (and I hope she enjoys her new job at Starbucks! ).

I wish that I had been running the game clock - it would have sped by a LOT faster, let me tell you!!!

If you saw my addendum, you'll see that DD is coming to the game and is spending Thurs-part of Sunday with us here at home!!! Yay!!

Wow, that's great!

Now, what are you going to buy him if they win the championship??? ( )

A tankful of gas!!!! That's reward enough. (You are bad, Sheila!!)

Now that's the mark of a kid with a strong sense of security. When I was his age, I would have jumped up and run outside, scared to death! My DD might have been concerned to start with but would probably have switched into the same mode that your DS did pretty quickly. These kids are way too comfortable...

Yeah, I would have reacted the same way YOU say would have. Darn kids are too sharp for their own good. . .

Good luck to your DS with the job. His background experience could very well be the deciding factor when they make their decision. If nothing else, it shows that he's a "worker" (which many kids that age aren't).

We're hoping that's the case. If he gets hired, he'll work Thurs.-Sun. most weeks. I think it would be a good arrangement.

Horse update:

Situation worsened last night. The right hoof came up lame worse than the left hoof was. The farrier was here until 11 last night. Same situation as the other one (every sign of an abscess but no indication of tenderness). After a long time, he did finally find a small spot and got 2 to 3 drops of pus and was able to determine that the abscess is buried deep in his hoof (too deep to dig for). He gave us directions on what to do and told us to call the vet this morning for antibiotics.

The vet (who is his brother) agreed with his assessment and his directions, but he did say that he was concerned, because it is very unusual to have an abscess in both front feet. He said to follow the farrier's directions (along with the antibiotics) and watch him for a couple of days. If he's not better, we're going to x-ray him (the reason he's put off the x-rays this long is because there are a lot of things that an x-ray won't show, and he's not one to try to run up his fees).

I will say that he's definitely better this afternoon. DD and I have spent the day gathering meds and treating the horse (first he has to be soaked in epsom salts, then the hoof is dried and painted with turpentine, afterwards it has to be packed with some vile smelling paste, and wrapped with packing cotton and duct tape). It's pretty time consuming and hard on the back. She goes back to school for finals Wednesday - Friday, so DH and I will have to make do without her for Weds. and Thurs.

My goodness, that's a lot of steps to follow. But I'm sincerely glad that the hoof seems to be getting better!!!!

Good luck to your DD in her finals this week. I'm sure that you can manage without her for two days.

 

[horseshowmom]

If you saw my addendum, you'll see that DD is coming to the game and is spending Thurs-part of Sunday with us here at home!!! Yay!!

I missed the addendum (you might have posted it while I was typing). I'm really glad that she's going to make it to the game. Something like that is a really good thing to have family support for. I know your DS is glad too.

I don't blame you a bit for taking off to spend the day with her. I'm sure it will be hard to have her gone for the summer as it is. As you can see, I'm off today (although it is primarily to take care of a sick horse), but I'll have to say, the way things have gone lately haven't made me feel excessively responsible (and I have about 60 sick days built up).

Yeah, I would have reacted the same way YOU say would have. Darn kids are too sharp for their own good. . .

You know, I may be wrong, but I really think it comes from being much closer with our kids than our parents were with us. Don't get me wrong, I have great parents, and they certainly loved my brother and me, and we were involved in family activities (had a motorhome and ski boat and were at the lake every weekend). But we have a much more open relationship with DD than I had with my parents (it's just a different time). It sounds like that might be the case with your family too (and Melissa's). I really think that's a good thing.

My goodness, that's a lot of steps to follow. But I'm sincerely glad that the hoof seems to be getting better!!!!

Good luck to your DD in her finals this week. I'm sure that you can manage without her for two days.

Well, at the risk of sounding terrible, it's her taking the majority of the responsibility for tending to the horse while she's home that is what's going to make us miss her so bad. I told her that I thought DFi needed to take on some responsibility for her a little early and get out here to tend to this horse while she's gone!

 

[Sandy V.]

I missed the addendum (you might have posted it while I was typing). I'm really glad that she's going to make it to the game. Something like that is a really good thing to have family support for. I know your DS is glad too.

I don't blame you a bit for taking off to spend the day with her. I'm sure it will be hard to have her gone for the summer as it is. As you can see, I'm off today (although it is primarily to take care of a sick horse), but I'll have to say, the way things have gone lately haven't made me feel excessively responsible (and I have about 60 sick days built up).

No, I can certainly understand your position, work-wise!!!

I think I'm going to take Friday off so she and I can spend the day together!!!

You know, I may be wrong, but I really think it comes from being much closer than our kids than our parents were with us. Don't get me wrong, I have great parents, and they certainly loved my brother and me, and we were involved in family activities (had a motorhome and ski boat and were at the lake every weekend), but we have a much more open relationship with DD than I had with my parents. It sounds like that might be the case with your family too (and Melissa's). I really think that's a good thing.

No, I think you're absolutely right. As I think I said here over a year ago, I have two "Spill your guts to mom" kids. It takes a real POKER FACE sometimes to listen to what they have to say without going , but I've been practicing for quite awhile!!! I know our relationship is much more open with our kids than that of our parents.

Well, at the risk of sounding terrible, it's her taking the majority of the responsibility for tending to the horse that is what's going to make us miss her so bad. I told her that I thought DFi needed to take on some responsibility for her a little early and get out here to tend to this horse while she's gone!

Hey, at least you're honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

No, I think you're absolutely right. As I think I said here over a year ago, I have two "Spill your guts to mom" kids. It takes a real POKER FACE sometimes to listen to what they have to say without going , but I've been practicing for quite awhile!!! I know our relationship is much more open with our kids than that of our parents.

That's the way I've always been too. I know some people might roll their eyes, but she really does tell me everything (and like you, sometimes I have to inwardly take a deep breath before proceeding ). I would NEVER have talked about things with my mother like DD does with me.



DD got a little annoyed yesterday. A friend of hers texted her to ask about possibly renting her apartment for a month of the summer while he's taking a summer class. She was thrilled at the prospect of getting some of that rent money back and not having to pay the utilities/internet/cable/etc. for that month, but of course, she had to ask her roommate. The roommate casually brushed it aside and said that no, that wouldn't work, sorry. (Keep in mind that RM's parents pay all of her rent, etc. while DD's comes out of her excess scholarship money.)

DD was mad because the other girl actually has a keyed lock on her door that would keep people out of her room. This guy comes from a very wealthy family (meaning that he's used to a LOT nicer stuff than what they have in their apartment ) who has done an excellent job with him and his sister. We know them from having horseshowed together (both he and his sister who is DD's age) for years. He is not only considerate and well mannered, he's conscientious and is NOT a partier. The roommate has met him but "doesn't like him" because she thought he had a crush on DD (he did hang out with DD some when he first got to the university because he didn't know anybody else, but the boy is dating one of DD's friends - who also horseshowed with them). He was also the guy who made a point to keep an eye on her when she was having problems with the ex-BF (this young man is probably 6'4" or taller and very stout).

I can see both girls' perspectives, but I do know that that additional $350 -400 (DD's share) would have helped my DD out a lot.

DD was so perturbed that she decided to drive back and forth for exams. They all start at noon, so she won't have to leave early (about a hour drive and only Weds., Thurs., and Fri.). That will help us with the horse too.

 

[Sandy V.]

That's the way I've always been too. I know some people might roll their eyes, but she really does tell me everything (and like you, sometimes I have to inwardly take a deep breath before proceeding ). I would NEVER have talked about things with my mother like DD does with me.

You're right - it DOES take practice to hide your reactions and listen to them. Sometimes you have to walk the fine line between "parent" and "friend". Of course, we ARE the parent but you know that they wouldn't confide in us unless they trusted us as a friend.

DD got a little annoyed yesterday. A friend of hers texted her to ask about possibly renting her apartment for a month of the summer while he's taking a summer class. She was thrilled at the prospect of getting some of that rent money back and not having to pay the utilities/internet/cable/etc. for that month, but of course, she had to ask her roommate. The roommate casually brushed it aside and said that no, that wouldn't work, sorry. (Keep in mind that RM's parents pay all of her rent, etc. while DD's comes out of her excess scholarship money.)

DD was mad because the other girl actually has a keyed lock on her door that would keep people out of her room. This guy comes from a very wealthy family (meaning that he's used to a LOT nicer stuff than what they have in their apartment ) who has done an excellent job with him and his sister. We know them from having horseshowed together (both he and his sister who is DD's age) for years. He is not only considerate and well mannered, he's conscientious and is NOT a partier. The roommate has met him but "doesn't like him" because she thought he had a crush on DD (the boy is dating one of DD's friends, but he did hang out with DD some when he first got to the university because he didn't know anybody else). He was also the guy who made a point to keep an eye on her when she was having problems with the ex-BF (this young man is probably 6'4" or taller and very stout).

I can see both girls' perspectives, but I do know that that additional $350 -400 (DD's share) would have helped my DD out a lot.

DD was so perturbed that she decided to drive back and forth for exams. They all start at noon, so she won't have to leave early (about a hour drive and only Weds., Thurs., and Fri.). That will help us with the horse too.

Isn't her roommate her cousin? I would be peeved as well. Seems to me that the girl is being a bit selfish. The guy sounds like a perfectly acceptable roommate and a nice young man. That would really help your DD out financially.

I hope your horse is getting better. I've been thinking a lot about him and horses in general, especially with the Kentucky Derby tragedy.

Beautiful day here; nice to have some warmth and sun!! Have a great day, all!!

 

[horseshowmom]

You're right - it DOES take practice to hide your reactions and listen to them. Sometimes you have to walk the fine line between "parent" and "friend". Of course, we ARE the parent but you know that they wouldn't confide in us unless they trusted us as a friend.

Yes, and I think that makes all the difference in the world when it comes to dispensing advice.

Isn't her roommate her cousin? I would be peeved as well. Seems to me that the girl is being a bit selfish. The guy sounds like a perfectly acceptable roommate and a nice young man. That would really help your DD out financially.

RM's dad and I are first cousins. DD and this girl were not close at all growing up (seldom saw each other, but both happened to get into pharmacy school and are the same age). She has always been very petted (by both her parents and her BF). An example, a couple of years ago her BF had to return her Christmas gift either 3 or 4 times (can't remember exactly which) until he got exactly what she wanted.

DD has a hard time with her frequently because RM gets annoyed that DD's grades are better than hers (although DD is careful to never talk about grades at all due to that) and gets very distant and haughty (which she admits to when she's in a better mood). When DD sent DFi a card and a homemade certificate "good for one back rub guaranteed to dissipate FFA stress" when he was getting his teams ready for state competition and was very stressed, RM asked her why on earth would she want to do something like that and said that DD and DFi sure were sappy.

Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that roommates that don't party are hard to come by, I think she would move out. She's also going to need somebody who is going to Jackson the year after, because she really doesn't want to live by herself there. She said that it was a good time for summer to come.

I hope your horse is getting better. I've been thinking a lot about him and horses in general, especially with the Kentucky Derby tragedy.

We always watch it, but DD can preach a pretty good sermon about why there are issues with those particular races. The horses are two year olds and really are put under a tremendous amount of stress. Their growth plates aren't even finished yet. Also, there's a lot more of that type of injury than the general public knows about. Of course, there was Barbaro, and this year the same thing happened to a horse that was running in the stake race that was named after him. When it happens in less publicized races, nobody hears about it.

(Just as an aside, that's one of the reasons that it's best not to run barrel horses until they're 5 or so even though a lot of people do it anyway.)

That said, Big Brown was awesome. That horse wasn't even worn out after the race (I don't know if you saw it, but he actually threw the jockey after the race ).



As far as our horse goes, I didn't check him before I left because I knew DD would when she got up. She studied late last night, so I'm going to give her until about 10 a.m. If I haven't heard from her by then, she's going to have to get up because he'll need his meds. A good friend of ours gave us a tip yesterday. She recommended adding Maalox to what he's getting (pain meds and antibiotics) to keep him from getting stomach ulcers. She had had to do that as a preventative in the past (per her vet's instructions) when she had a horse receiving similar treatment. Made sense to me, so now he's getting that too!

 

[Sandy V.]

RM's dad and I are first cousins. DD and this girl were not close at all growing up (seldom saw each other, but both happened to get into pharmacy school and are the same age). She has always been very petted (by both her parents and her BF). An example, a couple of years ago her BF had to return her Christmas gift either 3 or 4 times (can't remember exactly which) until he got exactly what she wanted.

DD has a hard time with her frequently because RM gets annoyed that DD's grades are better than hers (although DD is careful to never talk about grades at all due to that) and gets very distant and haughty (which she admits to when she's in a better mood). When DD sent DFi a card and a homemade certificate "good for one back rub guaranteed to dissipate FFA stress" when he was getting his teams ready for state competition and was very stressed, RM asked her why on earth would she want to do something like that and said that DD and DFi sure were sappy.

Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that roommates that don't party are hard to come by, I think she would move out. She's also going to need somebody who is going to Jackson the year after, because she really doesn't want to live by herself there. She said that it was a good time for summer to come.

Man, this girl sounds very high-maintenance. She's not particularly thoughtful either, is she?

Sounds like a roommate situation that is getting close to running its course. The jealousy factor can be very hard to deal with. Our DD has had to deal with that in the past (not with her roommate, thankfully) so I empathize. It gets frustrating because there are times when you would like to "brag" a bit about their accomplishments/grades, but you just KNOW that there are so-called "friends" who take it the wrong way and try and cast negative characteristics on your children or on you. So you keep quiet.

We always watch it, but DD can preach a pretty good sermon about why there are issues with those particular races. The horses are two year olds and really are put under a tremendous amount of stress. Their growth plates aren't even finished yet. Also, there's a lot more of that type of injury than the general public knows about. Of course, there was Barbaro, and this year the same thing happened to a horse that was running in the stake race that was named after him. When it happens in less publicized races, nobody hears about it.

(Just as an aside, that's one of the reasons that it's best not to run barrel horses until they're 5 or so even though a lot of people do it anyway.)

That said, Big Brown was awesome. That horse wasn't even worn out after the race (I don't know if you saw it, but he actually threw the jockey after the race ).

As far as our horse goes, I didn't check him before I left because I knew DD would when she got up. She studied late last night, so I'm going to give her until about 10 a.m. If I haven't heard from her by then, she's going to have to get up because he'll need his meds. A good friend of ours gave us a tip yesterday. She recommended adding Maalox to what he's getting (pain meds and antibiotics) to keep him from getting stomach ulcers. She had had to do that as a preventative in the past (per her vet's instructions) when she had a horse receiving similar treatment. Made sense to me, so now he's getting that too!

He threw the jockey off? No, I missed that!!!

I admit that I know NOTHING about raising horses, or horse racing. They all look like beautiful animals and I like that. But I can see how hard it is on the young horses and the toll it can take on their bodies.

Well, I hope that your horse is better today. Sending positive thoughts. The Maalox sounds like a great idea!!!