Neighbors - can't live with em, can't live without them...blah!

Today my lovely neighbors to the northwest called me when I was in the middle of the job. Of course I saw their name come up on the call display, and thought to myself "what now?" so I didn't answer. Instead I thought it would be best to just check the messages and see if its anything important. Yes, she left me a message and this is what it was:

"ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" - in a moany painful sounding tone. I rolled my eyes and thought WTF!!! Better call her back, maybe at her age she could be having a heart attack, God only knows. So when I returned the call there was no "Hi Kelly how are you?" Just a simple rude "they're back over here.... ahhhhhh...... So I responded: "what? horses or sheep? "Its the sheep they are back .... they've crossed on to our pasture and they were heading this waybut now they've turned back and are on your pasture" So I calmly say: "so they are on OUR north pasture?" She says "yes, but they're close to ours..

Ok, first off - OH MY GOD!!!! Seriously? Having a nervous breakdown because my sheep are in my pasture but close to crossing over? They are ONLY sheep!!! Not the end of the world or anywhere close to it. AND on top of it all, this is coming from people who back in the 80's ranched this exact same place with over 800 head of cattle! So do they mean to say that not once did they have cattle get out? Honestly, I would be embarrassed to cause hell over something so ridiculous. Seniors have nothing better to do then look out their windows and watch for things to go wrong...it drives me crazy!

I have a friend in Alberta who is a cowgirl and stock dog person who too has sheep for training the dogs. She told me about a time when her sheep got out and went over to the church and grazed in their yard. The minister phoned and complained so she figured she'd fix this the first time so they'd never complain again (everyone knows that #1-sheep like to die & #2 sheep are always getting out!). She chased some cows over there too, a bunch of dogs and a truck and put on her own little rodeo on their lawn...lol.! The more & more I think about it, I may just have to do the same thing! Guessing there would be no more phone calls after that, a few sheep wouldn't hurt anything after all :D Ugh...bastards!

I thought of photo school today....

So today at the vet clinic....the memories all came back! I prepared large batches of developer & fix! Yes! AND, not only that...but I developed x-rays in the dark room! Ha ha....good times! Was very strange to inhale those fumes again....a small part of me would have to say that I almost missed them.

An interesting day indeed...I also helped out in my first surgery....holy crap is there alot to know...overwhelming, but I loved it. Tommorow, back in there again...with my notebook! A full morning of neuters and spays...yeeehawwww! For starting a new job, I have to say I felt more comfortable than any other new job that I've started...that must say something!

Animal health rocks!

The latest!

Well, I haven't posted anything "photo" related these days. Not that I don't want to but just seems like I have many things on the go lately. As anyone who knows me is well aware, photography is not the "only" thing going on in my life, nor would I want it to be that way. I'm a firm believer in not putting all of ones eggs into one basket! I've been there done that! There was a time in my life when all I did was eat - sleep - breathe horses. From sun up to sun down, I was either feeding, training or cleaning up after horses. It was great for a while, but people can easily suffer from burn out, if you just focus on one thing. It wasn't the horses that caused the burn out for me...it was the people I had to deal with in the horse industry. Although, horse people are generally my #1 companions, along with my dog friends...things can change with differences of opinion and when money exchanges hands. Making a living can bring on a whole new range of frustrations when something no longer becomes a hobby but your only means of survival.

So, I learned that I no longer wanted to focus on one thing. I felt the only way to stay fresh in everything I did was to keep variety in my life, and not to become dependant on one way to pay the bills. Now, I guess in some respect, I've kinda become the jack of all trades and next week the list will be expanding. Along with photography, pet grooming, boarding, farming...horses & dogs as my hobby....I will also start working as a vet assistant part time! Yep, a job I've always wanted to do! I will be starting next week at the clinic! I'm really looking forward to the job...been working out of the clinic as a groomer now since fall time, but now I'll be doing more around there. Yippeeee! Did I mention that I love blood, guts, and virtually anything animal health related? So here I go again....another adventure....and more training!

Other than that for news, I had another photo shoot. I absolutely love to photograph seniors. The elderly and the young are my preferences...and I think seniors have a wonderful beauty about them! Not only that, but many people forget to take the time to photograph family members in their later years. We always document the special occasions; weddings, engagements and kids as they grow...but what about taking the time for our parents and grandparents. Sometimes by the time we think of it it's too late.

Anway, here are some photos I took of a couple of lovely ladies! Aren't they beautiful? I think so!

Gotta Love It!

If you're a fan of Australian Shepherds, you'll likely have heard of Jay Sisler & his performances back in the day. If you're not a fan of Aussies, then you likely will be after you watch these acts. What an amazing trainer, I can't imagine how much time went into these dogs. AND, I must say....the monkeys barrel racing on Aussie dogs...totally crack me up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejioz8N9h3U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzD1DvhLtRg&feature=related

OMG...This video is so awesome!!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/18/extreme-sheep-art-video_n_176341.html

mmmmm....puppy breath!

"Mario" - red merle male

"Luigi" - red merle male
*above 2 tentatively reserved.

"Spot" - red merle male
*reserved.


"Johnny Test" - red tri male



"Pokemon" - red tri male

"Spongebob Squarepants" - red tri male

*one of the above red males reserved, 2 are available.

"Princess Peach" - red merle female

*reserved.

"Chloe" - red tri female

"Daisy" - red bi female

*Both of the above red females are reserved.

*My son helped me with the crazy names :))

Ah yes, nothing like the smell of puppy breath! Unless you've ever raised a litter you would probably think that sounds nuts!

Here are the Kasey x Coco babes at 4 days old! Starting to look like lil Aussie dawgs now!!

Aussie Pups Are Here!

Puppies arrived last night....9 in total. Sire: Mount Joy's Kasey Dam: Cherico's Treasure Of Mountjoy STDs. Reg'd Australian Shepherds, all working bred litter, carrying the lines of Hangin Tree & Las Rocosa.

1st pics of the "bobbleheads" are up on: www.mjfarmsstockdogs.blogspot.com

Snapshots from Mars!

A couple of friends and of course our "new friend" who we've affectionately named "Mullet Man" sneaks into the picture! Don't worry Mullet Man, we would never have forgotten you :P

Caught in the action! This is what the people do all night!

***After some discussion with my fellow drinking pals, we have decided to "re-visit the location"! Going to take on a whole new "project" here, AND we need to see if Mullet Man will pose for some formal portraits with us.....hahahahaha!!!!! Stay tuned for updates!

Kelly goes to Mars!!!!

Oh my goodness...where do I even start with this one? So, it was one of my best friends 40th birthday party, she wanted to have a girls night out which was just a super idea. There were about 8 of us and we rented a hotel room and went to this place called "a bar"! Ok, so I NEVER go to the bar anymore...really I don't. A lounge ya sure maybe, house parties...hell ya....I'm known to be the last sole survivor at some of those, watching the sun come up with a drink still in my hand, but the bar...well just not my thing I guess.

So anyway, we had munchies, laughs and shooters up in the hotel room before the bar...it was all good I'd say. Then the place we went to, it was packed like sardines, you couldn't move....and I tend to be a little claustrophobic. I found myself feeling a little out of my comfort zone and so I decided to take a deep breath, sit back with my drinks and pull an AO - which was instead of getting in there myself I would observe how these little creatures play...through a lens. Since I didn't want to bring my slr to this place I pulled out my friends point n shoot and started taking pictures.

Oh my! First off...the people! This was definitely a bar that was popular with the "older" crowd, (which was good with me!). The men all lean against the wall with a drink in their hand, stare at all the ladies as if to say..."pick me pick me"..how pathetic! The women, are all out shakin it on the dance floor while the guys all stand around the edge of it with their eyes bugged and tongues hangin out! The one bald guy.....I swear to God he was almost panting watching these 2 women (who must've been pushing 50) out on the floor, they had the big hair, heavy makeup and most definitely had faces which looked like they were surgically altered! It was just all too comical to me!

Is this the only thing some of these people do on weekends? There were men who showed up there BY THEMSELVES, stood in the same spot next to our table all night long and did not talk to a single soul. They just watched the women! OMG!!!! How sad is that??? I just cannot figure out why some people think it is possible to get a good catch at a bar! Please! Last night as I looked around the room, random thoughts ran through me head like...."I wonder if that guy knows how to throw a rope?....NOT!", "I wonder if that guy could fix a tractor?....NOT!", "I wonder if that guy would know a good workin dog if it bit him in the ass?....NOT!" And, what can I say, but there is just nothing attractive about the look of desperation! Perhaps I'm being a little critical here and its not like I could possibly know what every individual is like...and heck I was there myself (at least with a group of people)...but I guess the bottom line is...the bar scene is not for me! Its always a pleasure to go do something that I don't usually do, but this time it sure made me realize that the city nightlife is not my thing. Give me the coyotes howling at the moon anyday!

Anyway, met some interesting people and yes..I did have a good time. If I get that memory card back from my friend I will most definitely have to post some photos. In the meantime though...heres a photo of a "real man"! "Bill" would definately make the ideal boyfriend if he was human....he's highly intelligent, a true athlete, hard worker, once he starts a job he finishes it, loyal and trustworthy, ....and damn....is he ever good looking :P

"Cheers"

~KF

"Things you learn when you own a horse"

*I read this on one of the horsey emails that I frequently get - thought it would be worth posting!

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.
2. You should never buy a cheap girth!
3. A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes.
4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding, hit the ground the hardest.
5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.
6. The richest horse people most often look the poorest.
7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.
8. A solitary ride through the woods is more beneficial then six months with the best psychiatrist
9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.
10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look.
11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually worth half that much.
12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse, but it can be a quick way to get hurt.
13. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you buy 1,000 pounds - now this one I'll have to disagree!
14. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.
15. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate, you haven't.
16. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say 'yes'.
17. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.
18. If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.
19. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.
20. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.
21. If we need rain, schedule a show.
22. A clean stables and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.
23. Even free horses can be too expensive. Especially, free horses.
24. A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one.
25. I will never ever have an empty stable and I have accepted that fact.
26. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.
27. If you can't imagine life without a horse... DON'T.

New blog: www.mjfarmsstockdogs.blogspot.com

Well, I've started a new blog for my dog habit; www.mjfarmsstockdogs.blogspot.com The countdown begins for puppies to be born and I will be posting lots with updates....likely every couple of days with new pics and puppy progression! Its a very exciting time for all who have a pup reserved, and of course me too! Only 11 days to go now, Coco is getting huge and I won't be surprised if she has a large litter! Her pregnancy seems to be going by so fast - wouldn't it be nice if humans could have a 63 day gestation?

YAYE.....I see puppies!!!!!

Well, on to bigger, better, wayyyy more exciting things! Coco had an ultrasound today and yeeeeehawwwwww.....there are most definately babies in her belly! Tough to get a good count, usually there are pups hiding behind ribs etc, but we counted at least six! Here is an ultrasound image of three. The little "white things" inside the round "black things" are puppies ;)

Welcoming the new BC!

We've acquired a new prospect, how exciting....and this one has a tail!!! :) "Bee" was actually named "Beenu" by my son but to keep it easy we will call her Bee for short. I'm sure she will no doubt have some "sting" to her!!! She is a reg'd smooth coated black & white Border Collie, sire & dam are both proven trial dogs who are loaded with talent! We are very excited to have this lil girl come to our kennel!

Still addicted....

Yes, I am apparently still a sunset addict! I managed to get these during the "heat wave"!

:((

Kelly sad.....Kasey went home tonight! I will miss that tennis ball chasin, stock workin, red merled Dude!

"Kasey"

Here is Kasey, a male that I raised that is linebred Hangin Tree! I just love this dog! We had a change of plans here, I was going to take a female down south for breeding, but that was postponed due to the fact that the bitch was having an abnormal heat. Instead I tried her with this boy who was my "plan B" anyway! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for the next 27 days until we can ultrasound!

This is a pretty exciting cross for me, as the pedigree on the pups will be as close as I'll ever get to my old dog, which was the best ranch dog we've had to date. If I get anything close to being remotely like her, I will be truly blessed!

Here are some photos of Kasey havin fun! This dog will play with a tennis ball for hours on end! He really is obsessed! As a stockdog, he is loaded with power and natural ability, he is a very talented dog. AND last but not least....isn't he pretty? Who says a workin dog can't be gorgeous too!

Awww!

So, I just had to post this; this morning when my son woke up he was really excited and said "Mom, I had the happiest dream last night, I had a dream that you & I were out taking pictures together!"