Hoosier Pony Live

Rarely do I get the chance to attend a model horse show. But when one is held only two hours away and is a collectibility-only show (which is the focus of my collection), I do my best to squeeze in the time and make it to the show.

Last weekend's Hoosier Pony Live, held in Bloomington, fit all those parameters, so I sent in my entry last December and made the trek. I was able to drive down and back in one day, with Craig coming along for company and to help with the drive (I am fine during daylight hours; nighttime is another story.)

 The show hall opened at 8:00, and I began the unpacking of the pieces I had brought to show.

 I had a ten foot table, and covered it completely! (I brought 70 pieces to compete.)

The cards are used in collectibility shows as a way to document what you are showing for the judge and to point out any unique aspects of the piece.

The show began right on time with six rings running concurrently. At one point, I had pieces in four different rings - keeping track of my entries was difficult, but I did not miss a single class, thank goodness.

 The Monrovia Era Hagen Renaker Class - Stallions/Colts was my first class. These are the super oldies and generally the most valuable of the American china pieces. I had two pieces in this class.

(Photo by Lois Bennington and used with permission.)

My Sherif is a multiple champion at past shows and has a reserve national championship at NAN. He took second in the class, qualifying him for future nationals. 

 My pair of Alabaster old mold Proud Arab Mare and her Proud Arab Foal.

 Another piece of mine that usually does well - Jarkko, the Icelandic Pony won the Breyer China class.

 There were classes for vintage customs, too. This (I think) is the 1990s class.

Pace's Hi Hopes done by Sherri Cook was the earliest custom at the show. I bought him in 1971 and brought along his old photo show pictures as part of my documentation. Never thought I would show him again, but as collectibility shows rise in popularity, it would not surprise me if I got to bring him out again.

By early afternoon, two of the divisions were completed, and the pace of the show had slowed down (at least, for me it did!)

The Breyer Flocky class was a lot of fun!

I had my rocking horse...

... and my Clydesdale stallion along.

And the woodgrain class was to die for! I had my 5 Gaiter with original tenite sticker and my no-muscle Clydesdale entered. There were 25+ pieces in the class; I was surprised that they took 5th and 4th respectively.

Throughout the day I had the chance to chat with long-time friends Karen Beeson, Chris Walbruch, and Pat Reed. And there were acquaintances/Facebook friends who I knew from online interactions but had never met in person. It was good to get a chance to say "hello."

Packing up at the end of the day.

As big and ambitious as the class list was, I thought we might go late (which is why I asked Craig if he would come), but we ended at a very reasonable 6:30 PM. I was home and in bed by 10:00!

Sarah Townsend did a marvelous job on her first show (did I mention the fabulous pizza lunch??) and I sure hope she puts this one on again. I would most definitely come again!

Happy Anniversary, Abby!

Four years ago today, this happened:

Happy Anniversary, Abby!!

Four years ago you were limping when you moved faster than a walk due to the effects of your neglect. You'd languished in a rescue facility for eight months, waiting to be adopted. I showed up one day to help my sister purchase a horse, and no intentions to buy one myself, saw you, and fell in love. I brought you home soon after that.

Now you are no longer limping, are healthy, and happy, and we enjoy visits together nearly every day.

The joy you have brought into my heart is immeasurable. Happy anniversary, girl. Here's to many more years of happiness together.

Derby Decorating

It's nearly time for the Kentucky Derby, so I switched my decor over this weekend to reflect that. (Don't misunderstand me when I use the word "decor." I'm not much of an HGTV girl.)

No, my "decorating" usually consists of a small box or tub of a few related items that I put out in the living room on the fireplace mantle and the antique garden table that belonged to my grandparents. It's usually pretty simple, and my Kentucky Derby decorations are no exception.

 My grandparents' garden table with a Breyer porcelain Refrigerator and Kip Diderickson model. It is surrounded by six Kentucky Derby glasses - each one bearing the birth year of our children (1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985, and 1988.)

 Displayed on my antique player piano is my Breyer Man o'War (from my carpet herd and still in terrific shape!) and the Kentucky Derby salt and pepper shakers I found at an antique shop years ago.

 In front of the framed pictures that are on the fireplace mantle, I put two more Thoroughbred race horses.

 An old Japan china (love the numbered saddle pad)...

... and a Hagen Renaker Thoroughbred and Jockey.

It's not a lot, but it's easy peasy to put out/put away, and I enjoy seeing it all every time I walk through my home!

Hurry It Up, Mom II

A week or so ago, I wrote about how Abby was disgruntled and pacing back and forth, waiting for me to hurry up and get to her so she could eat her treats.

(Go here to read the full entry.)

Well, Abby isn't the only one who goes back and forth, trying to get my attention. This girl does, too.

This is Moment, my classroom Koi. I bought her for my students in October, thinking she was a goldfish. As I paid for her, the clerk told me she what she really was. Surprise!

She eats a LOT and has grown rapidly. (I had to get her a bigger aquarium in February.) She's also learned that my presence means that she may get fed, and so whenever I am near her aquarium, she goes back...

 ... and forth...

 ... pauses to face me....

... and then returns to her "pacing."

Just like her counterpart, Abby.

 She paces one way...

 ... pauses to watch me to see if I am coming...

... and then resumes walking back and forth.

One with fins, the other with fur, both of whom act the same way when the food provider is around!

Purple Waves

Oh, beautiful! For spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain!
For purple mountain majesties, 
Above the fruited plain!

Well, you aren't going to find any mountains in Indiana, but we sure have some purple going on right now!

As I drove out to visit Abby after school today, my attention was caught by the riot of color in the unplanted farmers' fields along the way.

 It was so lovely, I had to pull into an old farm lane and snap a few photos.

The flowers may be pretty, but they're actually a headache for the farmers who want to plant in these fields.

There are two species, one called "henbit" and the other "purple deadnettle," and they are considered to be winter weeds. They are very difficult to eradicate from the fields.

That may be, but I still think they are beautiful.

Horsey Comfort

Just being in Abby's company, hearing her nicker when she sees me, having her companionably graze around me while I sit beside her in a lawn chair (she always comes over periodically to check on me and then goes back to her grazing) - all relax and refresh me.

Abby licking my hand as she does at the end of every visit.

Tonight it was good to be with Abby - I needed some refreshment. Disturbing news was given to me at lunch about a former student, one who is only twelve years old. He was a sweet boy, but very different from the other children. Nonetheless, my class was accepting of him and put up with his quirks and oddities during the two years I was his teacher.

Unfortunately, when he left me and went on to middle school where there are far more children, he was not accepted by his new peers and had some significant struggles.

He responded by trying to kill himself.

I was told that he was institutionalized for some time and just recently was released. But to what is he returning? Surely his suicide attempt has distanced him even more from the other seventh graders who already have shown that they do not accept him. I can only pray and hope for this guy.

Times when it is good to just head to the barn after school for a little horsey comfort.

Shedding Season!

This is the time of year when horses' coats look long, dull and dry, and are often crusty with mud. Abby and her herd mates are no exception.

 (I still think she's beautiful, even with that winter coat.)

 I always pet her and give her some scratching while we visit. Today, this happened:

 Hair was coming out wherever I scratched her!

Her face, her neck and shoulders, under her jaw... goodbye winter hair! (Boy, did Abby enjoy the scratching.)

I have a meeting after school tomorrow so I may not be able to curry her until Friday. But she's going to get a good grooming soon!

Prep for One Set of Awards Helps Lessen the Pressure of Prep for Another

I haven't taken my collection "on the road" and to a show in about two years (the 2014 North American Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky.) Shows take a lot of prep work beforehand, and as a teacher, my weeks are very, very full. Finding time to make up a list of pieces to take, enter them in their classes, clean them, tag them, pack them, and so on takes me hours. So, unless the show is within a few hours of me, or being held during the summer, I stay home.

Late last fall a woman in the southern part of the state announced that she was going to hold a show, and it was exactly the kind I prefer - one that is based on the collectibility of the pieces. And, it was only a two hour drive away. That's doable!

I looked at my calendar and decided that I would have enough time in April to get ready for the show and sent my entry in.

Since then, though, things have changed. In February I received word that I have been nominated for The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). It is a big deal to be nominated, and there is lots of work to do as a potential recipient (recording a 45 minute video of myself teaching Science, a twelve page paper to write, ten pages of supplemental materials to upload, letters of recommendations to get, webinars to attend... ) Winners go to Washington, DC for several days and receive their award from President Obama.

I wanted to honor the Purdue professor who nominated me by applying, but when I saw the work involved, I decided to just frame the beautiful certificate that nominees receive and leave it at that.

But PAEMST also contacted Dr. Hanback, the superintendent of schools and Dr. Fraley, assistant superintendent of schools to announce my nomination. They asked me to reconsider my decision. My principal was also contacted by PAEMST and she offered to give me a professional half-day so I could get started on gathering my materials and making my plans. With their support, I finally agreed to apply.

That decision has added a lot to my after-school hours. But I am determined to not cancel my plans to attend the collectibility show despite the time I am having to spend preparing for PAEMST.

This weekend I spent much of Saturday choosing models to take, typing up documentation cards, and getting organized for the show.

My office at the end of the day.

I had so much fun pulling ponies and prepping for the show. In fact, it was quite relaxing, something I've needed since I have felt so much pressure about getting my paperwork in for PAEMST. (I've even had trouble sleeping, I've been so worried about getting it all done.)

In fact, I would say that the show prep was just what I needed to lessen that pressure and give me a breather from the PAEMST business.

I find it ironic that preparing for model horse awards makes me feel better about my preparation for another award!

Where are the Babies?

Yesterday while visiting Abby I did not see Sultana and Snickerdoodle, either with the herd in the south pasture, by themselves again out in the west pasture, or up in the old barn. I supposed they might be in the new barn, but Tim rarely uses it so I didn't hike up to it and check for them.

What I really thought had happened was that he might have hauled them back out to Williamsport where their mama is (and due to foal in a few weeks), but nope! They were in the new barn. But why? I texted Tim and found out.

I had noticed some broken bars on the paddock fence up by the old barn. I am not sure if that's where they were getting loose or through another spot in the fence, but having two young horses galloping free is not what you want to have happen.

I had to laugh, though, at the idea that Sultana and Snickerdoodle were in time out!

Hurry It Up, Mom!!

I could not move fast enough today, at least, in Abby's opinion.

She came up to the gate before I was even out of the car. I did not think I was moving that slowly, but she sure did. First, she pawed the ground. (I have never seen her do that.)

Then she walked along the length of the fence line, softly blowing through her nose at me.

She stopped to look at my progress (by this time, I was in the back seat of my car, pulling out carrots and peppermints.)

 Abby paced and nickered at me some more as I finished grabbing what I wanted to give her.

 Diablo joined her as I got to the gate and we all had a lovely visit.

Sure love this girl.

The Next Generation of Horse Lovers

With the exception of my daughter, Lisa, the horsey gene skipped a generation in my family. None of her five siblings have much interest in things equine.

Luckily, it is showing up in the next generation - my grandchildren! This is Cambria with a pony at a petting zoo last Saturday in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Thanks, Jessica, for encouraging your daughter's horsey-ness. You won't regret it, I promise!

Charge!!

The horses were a little restless and short tempered tonight, probably because Sultana and Snickerdoodle had been introduced into the herd and that always means some shuffling of the pecking order.

When I arrived, instead of just Abby coming up as usual, everybody came.

 And they didn't amble up...

 ... it was as though they were racing to be first to get to me. Which is funny since Abby is the only one who gets treats from me.

There was snorting, milling, and some minor kicking and chasing off of lesser herd members.

 A rare photo of Diablo with her ears pinned. (Sultana is to her right off camera.)

 At one point, Abby even pinned her ears and chased off Trouble and then Diablo, too!

And that meant Abby had me all to herself.

Not that I minded.