Flies, Fly Away (please?!?)

I don't know about any of you, but I am sick and tired of FLIES!!! They're bugging our poor donkeys and mules. Bugging them. Get it, get it?! So anyway, we've sprayed and poulticed and wrapped and let the critters roll to get the flies off 'em and then....

 

we put super schmexy socks on them. They were not exactly thrilled at first, then they figured out it sort of helped. The donkeys kept them on with no problem, but for some reason the mules couldn't keep more than two socks on for more than one night at a time. Me thinks they're a bit more rambunctious and frolicky outside than the donkeys!

While we kinda sorta got the legs taken care of, we're trying to keep fly masks on the lighter colored mule to keep those pesky buggers away from their eyes, too. Unfortunately they rub their faces, or in some cases help each other remove the fly masks, and tear off Velcro or rip apart seams. So I'm on mask repair duty to piece a few back together for the good of our longeared babies.

Today's poor, tattered soul was pretty rough around the edges. I cut off the long mesh around the one unbound ear hole and side first.

Then I reattached the Velcro straps so the mask would stay on securely again.

 

And finally, I bound up the jagged edges around the ear hole so the old boy who'll be sporting this fly mask can wear it in comfort once again.

That should just about do it for today. I've got some other horse garment repairs planned for tomorrow and hopefully a show vest in the works. We'll see how that plan pans out! 

40 and Faboooo

What a fantastic weekend! 4th of July morning, my dad and niece each set new personal records in Ansonia's 31st Annual Firecracker 5k while my cousin's daughter was crowned Ansonia's 2014 Miss Red, White & Blue just across the parking lot. Then I joined up with several friends from church to walk in the annual 4th of July parade and invite others to our upcoming Weird Animals VBS and outdoor movie events.

Then it was off to the Darke County Steam Threshers Annual Reunion at York Woods with my dear friend and her team of draft horses for three days of wheat threshing. This is the first year that she and I have spent so much time there together. These last few years one of us has been there when the other couldn't be, so this was an extra special year. We had a blast doing things we love to do and spending time with dear friends, but yesterday especially we met new folks and had new experiences.

Yesterday I also turned 40 years old. That's right...40!!! I love it. Everyone was encouraging me with "age is just a number" and "you're only as old as you feel" and "40 is the new 30" comments. I am 40. I feel 40. I embrace 40. I love it! I also love getting, "What?! You're 40??? No way!!!" I don't know how anyone couldn't see that age in me, especially when I'm having a horrid migraine day and I feel like every ounce of pain is wearing on every inch of my body, but I guess that's why it's called an invisible illness.

I loved all of the Facebook comments, private messages, texts, birthday cards, gifts, meals, cake, hugs, smiles and everything from everyone. The dinner at Texas Roadhouse with my husband, courtesy of my mom and dad... YUM! Then today I delved deep into the gift from my nephew.

First, I popped a few Quick Energy pills, then picked up the magnifying glass to read the "Over The Hill List Of Things To Do Today" whilst I cooled myself with my newly gifted hot flash fan and instantly set to task.

1. Twiddle my thumbs - DONE!
2. Find a friend older than I am - FAIL! The only ones around are the husband, fish and dogs, all younger.
3. Avoid stress. - DONE!
4. Teach my old dog a new trick. - I can't even teach my old dog an old trick. I told him to quit sniffing the young dog's backside and he did. Does that count?
5. Try to remember what I forgot to remember. - DONE! Wait. What was I doing?
6. Feed the pigeons. - If I feed them to the old dog, is that considered a new trick?
7. Rob a bank? - Oh, heavens no. I just checked my bank account instead.
8. Plan my plot. - I'll wait.

Then I learned the secret to looking younger....not being born so soon! Ohhhhhh, my sides split! But seriously, it's to get yourself one of those fine non-aging calendars with all the months and days, but no years. That nephew of mine cracks me up. I packed everything into the little Over The Hill satchel so I can carry it around with me for convenience. :)

As you can see, it was quite a wonderful birthday weekend. I admit that I missed celebrating a milestone birthday with my daughter, but she is currently in Nashville, TN attending the International Youth Conference (IYC) and I could not be more thrilled for her experience! I mean, we can eat cake together any time. Like for her 17th birthday in just 10 days!!!