The Barn is So Distracting!

Yesterday Craig and I spoke to a congregation of university students on Purdue's campus. We get asked to speak in other places occasionally and it's always fun to meet new people and sometimes see "old" friends. (There was a young man there who had attended the elementary school I'd taught in. It was fun to see him again.)

To our surprise, Tim walked in the door and came up and sat on the stand just before the service began. (He, too, is a leader in our church and sometimes is invited to visit other congregations.) He smiled at me as he sat down, and then leaned over, and whispered, "You have GOT to come see the horses. They look really, good!"

That was all it took - suddenly my mind was out at the barn! Just as what had happened a few months ago when he'd gotten Eazy:

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Our church held a conference this weekend and there was a special Saturday evening service that I attended with Craig last night. Tim and Loni were there, too and when we chatted with them, I had an interesting conversation with Tim.

Tim: Been out to the barn recently?

Me: No, I just can't. Well, actually, I have gone, but I just can't bring myself to drive down the lane right now.

Tim: You need to go to the barn. (Big smile.) There's something you need to see.

Me: What? Why? Is Sultanna back?

Tim: No, not yet. But it does has four legs. (Even bigger smile.)

Me: Did you get a new horse??

Tim: I sure did. Hokey needed a friend.

Me: Really?? Wow! What is it? 

Tim: It's a three year old gelding.

Me: So, what's its name?

Tim: Well, that's a long story and one I want to tell you in person when you see it.

Someone else stepped up to talk to Tim at that moment and pulled him away, so Craig and I sat down in a pew, my mind spinning with the news. A new horse! I could not wait to see it.

The meeting started and I was SOOOO distracted.

My mind: Horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse,  listen to the service, Lynn! Horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, concentrate on what's being said, girlie! Horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse. (Turning and whispering to Tim and Loni who were sitting behind us, "I am so distracted now and it's all your fault! Stifled laughs from them.) Horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse, horse...

That distraction went on the entire meeting. All I could think of was the new horse at the barn. 

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Well, anyway, I was able to refocus on what I was on campus for and share my remarks. Craig did the same, and then afterward we chatted with Tim and others who were in attendance.

Actually I have been out to the barn recently and Tim is right - the horses look fantastic. Even Hokey, despite that he is clearly aging, has a sleek coat and is in good flesh.

And one of the adjacent farms has a new horse, too.  It was up by the lane as I arrived a few days ago so I stopped and took some photos.

I couldn't tell gender, but isn't it pretty!

My eye was caught by the birdcatcher spots on its coat - true ones, not fake birdcatcher spots that are made by real bird droppings. (Got that? LOL)

I've been trying to guess breed and my first thought is Morgan. But no doubt that is because of our Morgan mare, Flame.

Look how similar those two are, even down to their blazes! (This is a young Flame here, so she's not fully mature.)

My other breed guess is Quarter Horse. I'll ask Tim the next time I see him, although I hope that won't be in church again, especially when I am speaking and need to concentrate! LOL

In memory of those who gave their all. Happy Memorial Day

Distracting Distractions

I am getting so much Thanksgiving prep done, it's crazy. Especially when you consider what I have let distract me from doing it.

Taking apart my embroidery machine to clean and oil it didn't need to be done right away, but I did it anyway.

Repotting all my house plants

both inside and out

did need to happen but could've waited until after the holidays.

Craig was in a similar mood and he hung our holiday lights while the weather was still reasonably warm to do so.

The Are You Kitten Me Live show is not until next April

but I finished two haversacks

and embroidered a lace kitty Christmas ornament to donate and mailed them off.

When it came to actually getting Thanksgiving prep done, I finished all the embroidered ornaments for the family

 and got them all into festive holiday bags along with a piece of candy.

I have those stashed in a basket all ready to go. I think I will ask a couple of the grands to help me hand them out after dinner on Thursday.

Craig didn't just put up lights and do Fall yard cleanup, he also did a favor for Jessica.

When our family gathers, our kids all take turns cooking dinner, and Jessica and Andrew arrive Saturday and will cook dinner Sunday. Jessica is a MASTER when it comes to organizing, so she ordered her groceries ahead of time and Craig picked them up for her yesterday afternoon.

Luckily only a couple of things needed to go in the fridge because I REALLY need to clean it out and wipe down the insides before we fill it in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner. That's on today's docket.

Oh, and I followed up with Cole about his Dalmatian horse. His response warmed my heart.

I'm sending her off with her blanket so a little part of me goes with her. 

Honestly, I am a a bit teary, but I'm not sad. Just glad that Cole wants her and that she will be loved. You never stop loving your carpet herd and now she will be loved forever as a part of Julie, Kate, and Susie's carpet herds.

Back to today's plans, not only will I be cleaning the fridge, but Nash and Molly are coming over to spend the day with us. 

Because I cannot resist doggie kisses or nose boops in the backside when they think I should pay attention to them,

they are a huge distraction, but one I don't mind. I'm good at working while they trot after me from room to room, so that fridge will get cleaned, the laundry will be done, and the guest rooms vacuumed and straightened up.

Thanksgiving is getting close and I can hardly wait.