Gustav

So, I have been waiting and waiting for this hurricane to get closer so I will know what to do. Mr. Cowboy doesn't want to leave, as of right now. He is thinking the storm will stay east and then we won't get much of the bad stuff. It will be down to a category 2 storm and we can hold that out here.

I do believe that everyone who is living on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana is going to get some piece of this storm. If I want to get out of the storm's way I will most likely have to drive about 5 to 6 hours north, or east, or west. Mr. Cowboy wants me to go to Katy, Texas. I don't think that is safe enough. If the storm takes a western turn then I will be a sitting duck. As of right now we are on the west side of the storm. The west side is the good side. It doesn't have a lot of the rain and tornadoes. I would prefer not to see any tornadoes. I drove 30 minutes today to pick up a man that goes to church with us. He is from Mexico and barely speaks any English. I am very rusty with my Spanish. Some how we have been communicating. He is very nice and very grateful for us coming and getting him. He was living in a trailer. So, he will stay here with Mr. Cowboy, or he will evacuate with me and the kidos. I will know what to do tomorrow. I am packing bags tonight. I figure if I pack my bags then the storm will stay east. I pray it stays east.

Happy Birthday Cowpokette

I can hardly believe it has been a year already. Time sure flies. Last night we had some family over for a small birthday party for Cowpokette. I worked hard all day on her cake. I have come to the conclusion that I am not nearly picky enough to ever do cake decorating. I just do not have the patience. First I tried the whole fondant thing. Yeah, that was interesting. Let me tell ya, this was the good side of the cake. I tried calling my sister for help but she was no where to be found. I did figure out that I put way too much butter cream frosting under the fondant. It was all oozing out of the bottom of the fondant. I was licking my fingers like crazy. I put polka dots all over the cake. See that really bad brown one right on top there? That was the last one I put on and let me tell ya, I was finished. This was definitely not my forte. My sister always told me that every cake has an ugly side. Well, this side would have to be it. I couldn't smooth that side to save my life. Good thing for my fondant balls, they saved the day. This was my favorite part of the cake. The only polka dots that looked decent. It was really a lot of work. I think I would have rather been outside oiling my saddle. I was so glad when it was all finished. Few, it was done and out of the way. I can just hear my sister chuckling while she is reading this!! :)There is my masterpiece, complete with number. While I was constructing this disaster, Cowpokette was extremely fussy. I tried to feed her some lunch and she did not want anything to do with it. She was just not having it. She wanted my attention and I just was too busy with her birthday cake. So, I let her help me a bit. It couldn't have gotten any worse. It was not much longer when it was time for the party. Dinner was all ready and my Cowpokes were starving. The party was supposed to start at 6:30 pm. The family did not get there until 7 pm. I let Cowpokette eat while we waited for every one else. We fixed "Ugly Chicken", her favorite dinner. She loves it. It truly must fit its name because when the cousins got there they said, "Yuck, that looks gross, I don't want to eat it." But they did and they loved it. Then it was present time. She first got "sugars", aka kisses, from Paw Paw and Nonny. She loves to get kisses. She really loved all her presents. She was so excited and so very expressive with every one. Her favorite was by far the stuffed bear. She almost attacked the poor stuffed animal. Then it was time for the birthday song and cake. She really loved to be sung to. She just stared at everyone and smiled. Then she "blew" out her candle. Well, it some how blew out from a strange side wind that was blowing. She didn't seem to mind. She was still smiling from all the singing. Then it was time to eat some cake. Good thing that the cake tasted way better than it looked. That is one thing I can do. I can read a recipe and cook. Even the Cajun eaters said that my cooking has improved since I moved there. I love the one where she is lifting up her shirt like she is saying, "Get in my belly!"All in all she did not get too dirty. She had a really fun birthday. She had so much fun last night she didn't get up this morning until 10:15. I still can't believe she is 1 already. Time sure flies.

Yikes, No Gas!

Mr. Cowboy has had three calls from different people today saying that that there is no gas in town. Mr. Cowboy told them we had our gas cans filled and they could have some. I told him no way. That gas is for my generator that is going to run so I have air conditioning! Sorry, I am going to be stingy with my gas. But it is true. A lot of gas stations in town are closing because they don't have any gas. I filled up yesterday. While I was filling up there were a bunch of people filling up 50 gallon tanks. People are doing some serious hording. It's scary. I also went to Sam's club and got a bunch of snack stuff and two more pallets of water. You can never have enough water. Mrs. Mom asked for some hurricane preparedness tips. Here are some things that I do all year round to make sure that every summer and fall I am ready.

1. I have a ready to go 72 hour kit. This has everything from canned food, clothes, toiletries, games for the kids, and some basic first aid supplies. We also keep copies of important papers in a plastic zip lock bag. This is in a Tupperware bin so that if I have to leave right away I can. I can just grab this bin and run for the door. After I have grabbed the tower to my computer.

2. Every time I go to the grocery store I pick up some water. We are always using and rotating our water storage, so I am always picking some up. Right now the stores here are pretty well stocked with water. Three years ago that was a different story.

3. Food Storage. Need I say more? I have tones of canned food to eat just in case we are stuck here for a while. I have a lot of food that the kids will eat. I have a bunch of canned chicken. This is so I will not have to go to the store for anything. I have enough for about two weeks. If we had to stay here.

4. Invest in a generator. It is a life saver. I am so glad we have three. So, even if we can't run them all day long we can at least have air conditioning in the night time for comfortable sleeping.

5. Top off your gas tanks before the storm hits. Make sure your gas cans are full. If you plan to leave do so in enough time so that you are not stuck in traffic. I know people who already have made hotel reservations for this weekend. Nobody is messing around this time. People are being evacuated from New Orleans by 4:30 today.

I am sure there are more things that we do. But these are just the ones off the top of my head. I know right now I am cleaning and doing laundry like crazy, just in case I won't be able to do this for a while. I know we have things like tents and some serious camping supplies. We also have stock in batteries and flashlights. I have candles too, so, I feel pretty ready. I can sit through a category 2 storm, but any bigger than that I think I will cry and have to leave. I don't have anywhere to go right now. That is the hole in my plan. All my husband's family lives closer to the Gulf. We are about 25 minutes form the Gulf. Hopefully the storm will die off completely. Which I doubt, but I can hope.

Oh What a Beatuiful Morning.....

This morning at 5:30am I heard the wonderful sound of pitter patter coming down the hall. Then my darling Little Cowpoke peaked up over my bed. The look on his face said it all. I could not jump out of bed quite fast enough. I did manage to push him back a little bit so he wouldn't throw up on my face. Then I directed him to the wood floor, and thank goodness I did. Let me tell ya. They should make alarm clocks that sound like sick kids. That has you jumping out of bed so fast. It's like lightning speeds, that are so not normal for that early in the morning. After it was all said and done Little Cowpoke said, "I feel better Mom." I am glad he feels better poor little guy.


Now this is what I have been eye balling for the last two days. See that orange hurricane marker? That is right over my house. Yep, that is where I live. Right in the heel of the boot. It looks like no matter what I am going to get to meet this nice Gustav. Luckily though, as of now, he isn't too strong. I am going to wait out a category two hurricane. Anything bigger and I am out of here. You don't have to tell me twice. My plan right now is that on Sunday afternoon, to go and get Ozzie and bring him home to wait out the storm in our pasture. Then we will wait out the storm in the house. Mr. Cowboy is gearing up the generator so we can run our fridge and one air conditioner for us to sleep in comfort. He is so sweet. I think he just doesn't want me to leave. But three years ago it flattened the very house we live in, so, I am a bit nervous. Just a tad. Not as freaked out as I was this morning, but still a bit nervous.

Truths

Yesterday afternoon I went over to my friend's barn to finally see my horse. Of coarse my "trainer" wasn't there. He said he got caught in some traffic or something. He was about 45 minutes behind me. While I waited I talked to my friend. Finally the "trainer" arrived. He came over where we were sitting and sat and listened to us chit chat about this and that. Then he got up and went out to the horse trailer. He was out there for a while. So, I decided to get up and see what was going on. You see that stock trailer? That there trailer is the trailer that my "trainer" argued with me about. This is the trailer I asked him why he couldn't bring my horse on Monday with. And all of a sudden here my horse was inside this stock trailer. My friend had told me that he didn't use it the days before because he had put cows in it and they had pooped all over the trailer and the "trainer" didn't clean it out. So, I guess he finally found a hose and cleaned it out. Ozzie was so excited to see me. He looked good. He had gotten fatter. So, at least I know he was feeding him. But a horse will get fatter when you feed him and don't ride him. It then took about an hour to get Ozzie's feed unloaded and to get Ozzie out of the trailer. My "trainer" was arguing with someone on the phone, so, it took him a while to get things done. Ozzie then stood here tied for a while. Ozzie was a bit nervous about his new surroundings. It's good for him to be in a barn situation like this. I even got a picture taken next to him to show Mr. Cowboy how much taller Ozzie has gotten. Ozzie waited patently tied to the wall. Then my "trainer" came over to him and started to tie him around. I wonder if he does this before every ride? I forgot to ask him. I will have to ask him again today. I sat in the corner and took a few pictures. I watched and watched. I do have to admit that my "trainer" has no sense of fashion when it comes to cowboy boots. Yikes. We are not trail riding in Texas with all sorts of prickers, we are in an indoor arena. Do you really have to tuck your jeans into your incredibly too high boots? He finally got on Ozzie. It seemed like forever. This is where he saw me with my camera and tried to "threaten" me again. He asked, "What have I told you about taking pictures of me?" I then replied back, "You told me that in two weeks I could video you and it's been three and a half weeks, so I think I am safe. Plus if you don't like it then I will take my horse home." He shut his mouth and kept riding. Then some guy called him on the phone. They talked for about 20 minutes. My "trainer" kinda turned Ozzie in some circles and walked him around and around. It was terribly boring. That is what I did while I was waiting for him to get off the phone. I have not worn spurs in such a long time. I forgot how fun it was to walk and let them chink around. But anyway. I finally got bored and took a mounting block and set it in the middle of the arena and looked annoyed. He got the picture and got off the phone. I think Ozzie looks a little miffed right here? Look at his nose. Ozzie is really an easy going horse. He just kinda goes with the flow. He never really picks his head up higher than that and he is really slow with his gates. He worked on moving his shoulder. You can see in that picture how Ozzie is stepping out with his right front. He did a little head setting. Which I think he made a bit harder than I had it. I used to just pick up with my hands and Ozzie would drop his neck and bring in his nose. I asked him about that and he had some lengthy description of why he does it differently. For the most part Ozzie looked good, at the walk. The man never asked him to jog or anything. I brought that up too. He went on and on about how he has not ridden Ozzie in about two and a half weeks. He blamed it on the weather. He then said,"How about we start over. We start today with a new month and start over." I am not too sure about that, being that he was a big fat liar from the previous month. I thought about it. I figured that the horse was going to be fed along with the other boarders and I would now be able to go out and ride when ever I wanted. So, I told him okay. But if he messes up just once, then I am taking him home. I also told him I wanted that horse loping by next week. Considering I had him loping when i dropped him off. After that conversation I got on Ozzie. He has all sorts of different buttons and I have to learn a different way to ride. I just let Ozzie walk around. We relaxed and I didn't ask him for much. I personally don't see much a difference between the "trainer" and me. We both were just sitting there. Hee hee hee. I am going to see how the rest of this week pans out. Then we will have to see what the hurricane does. If it hits us we might not be riding for a while. So, I now have my horse in a safe place and where people can tell me if he rode my horse or not. I also found someone to pull my horse's mane. I hate pulling manes. I am going back out there today. I want to jog Ozzie today. There is no sense in Ozzie not jogging.

Awards

I have now calmed down a bit from yesterday's trainer ordeal. I am taking my camera and video camera with me to the barn today. So, I am looking forward to 12 noon when my babysitter gets here and I can be off to see my horse, no matter where he is.

I also have been neglecting to post some awards that I have been given. I have not forgotten about them. The first one I received was from Cowboys, Kids, and Sunsets. Thank you so much!! Train Wreck, you are too kind!

This award has made its round through blogging world, so I hope I am not re gifting when I give it out to these five. Here are the details about this award.

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you think deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4. The award-winner and the one who has given the prize must show the link of the “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. http://arteypico.blogspot.com/

Alright so here we go the five I have chosen are, in no particular order..............

1. Karen over at The Rocking Pony. She has a lot going on over at her place. Between 6, or is it 9, dogs, four kids, some horses and ponies, and a really nice store where she sells handmade kids' clothing, there is always a great story to tell. Plus I love her sense of humor.

2. Harmony over at Blog on a Stick. She is my sister's friend and I have been lurking at her blog for a while now and talk about beautiful. She has some of the most beautiful photography. She is very creative and has the most adorable children.

3. Erin over at Raising Country Kids. She has amazing photography and she lives in a really cool state. I wish I lived there. She has a wonderful way of writing and I love to read her posts. Her family are farmers and defiantly have no problem keeping it real.

4. Laura over at Ramblings of Mine. She is a fellow southerner, but she was born here so she is the real deal, not an implant like me. She has four beautiful children and she has the best sense of humor. I love to read about her takes on life. She is very funny.

5. The Knutson Family. I just started reading her blog, she found me, and I love it. I love her horse tales and her pictures. She is telling her story of how her love for horses all began. It's really good.


The next award I received was from kdwhorses over at Blackjack Land and Cattle Company. Thank you girl, I love your blog too!!!Here are the details about this award.

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you have nominated.

So, here is who gets my "I Love Your Blog" award, in no particular order here they are:

1. Nuzzling Muzzles. She is one hard working horse woman. She works hard at riding her two Arabians. I love her dedication and I really love her stories.

2. Ranch on Salmon Creek. Here are a couple of ranchers that have no problem living off the land. They have a beautiful ranch. I love their informative posts about raising chickens, raising good beef, and so much more. They have beautiful photography and always great advice.

3. Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. Who could not love Max and Michelle. They have the greatest ranch with the greatest purpose. I will someday go and visit them. They have big hearts and are not afraid to share the love with everyone else. I love her photography too.

4. Livin' in Da Heel of Da Boot. This is my good friend from down here in the swamp lands of Louisiana. She is an amazing mom and an amazing cook. She does some great cooking demonstrations. Yummy!!

5. Amanda's Veranda. This fine lady has a great taste for beautiful photography. She has taken some really brilliant photos. It's always so refreshing to go over and see how this former Louisiana Gal is doing up in the big state of Washington.

6. I Hate Whine! This mother of four always has something going on. She has beautiful flowers and very adorable little boy. I can always count on her to leave me the nicest comments.

7. Around the Funny Farm. This Farm Diva is the best. She and her family go around on weekends to barrel races. She has a need for speed. She has an amazing garden that I could only wish to have mine look like. I love her sense of humor and her love for her family.

Few.....that was a lot of blogs. I love all the blogs I read and it was hard to choose seven. Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and I hope you all have a great Wednesday.

Just Plain Mad

So, Ozzie, my three year old gelding that I put in training on the 16th of July still has not moved to my friend's barn. He was going to move him of Friday, but the "trainer" smashed his hand. Then he promised to move Ozzie on Monday and he had horse trailer issues. I was only a bit mad. Then I got a call today about three minutes before I was going to leave and it was my friend. She told me that the "trainer" was "trying" to call me all day long and couldn't get a hold of me so I needed to call him. I called him and got his voice mail. He called me back and told me how he wasn't bringing my horse to my friend's barn because his horse trailer didn't get dropped off at his house this morning and when he went to go and pick it up it was still hooked to his friend's truck. His friend was in at work and couldn't get back to his truck until 7pm. Thus, my horse was not going to be moved.

I told him I would gladly go and pick my horse up and take him to my friend's barn. He flipped out saying that the man who's place my horse is at doesn't like people coming over. Let me clue you all in on something, the man that doesn't like people to come over is a Preacher at a local church. Yeah, I am sure he doesn't like visitors. He went on and on about how he was so sorry. I am not buying it. I told him I could come and get my horse. He then tells me that he is almost to the barn he was supposed to bring my horse to. He was going to ride someone else's horse and he was running late. Let me tell you my face was red. I then said, "I can come and get him I am sure the Preacher would not mind at all if I go over there and pick up my own horse." The trainer then promised that he would have the horse there in the morning and would meet me there so I could ride him. He promised me. But that thing is he promised me that last Friday too.

I am so sick and tired of every time I ask to go see my horse there is a magical rain cloud above his house and he can't ride. There are trailer issues, broken hands, more rain, more excuses. The entire time he has had my horse I have seen him twice. I am so mad I could cry. He has no idea how excited I am from the time I wake up in the morning until the time comes for me to go and ride. I get so excited to go and ride. It is my escape.

I told my trainer that if my horse was not at that barn tomorrow morning he was going to see ugly become unglued. And then my husband and my father in law said they didn't have anything planned tomorrow and they would love to go and meet that nice Preacher man. So, finally tomorrow if nothing happens and my horse is not there, oh boy I will feel bad for the so called "horse trainer".

And because I can not have a post with out a picture. This is my back up. They are ready to unleash a can of whoop a%* on anyone who make's their mamma mad. I love you boys.