First Draught Farm

Just Batty

2011-09-16T20:57:00.000-04:00

A good friend did a boat-load of research on -- of all things -- bats. After reading the article, I have a new-found respect for these lil' guys. See what you think. . . . .

Patriotic Cape Cod Grocery Store

2011-07-05T21:49:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the Flash Mob!

Wiffle-Waffle House Day

2011-07-04T20:09:00.006-04:00

In celebration of a day off, breakfasting here in Georgia means "Waffle House". You can find one at every exit off any major highway -- and after 51 years, they have perfected the plate-sized, round waffle.

When any out-of-towners visit, I always incorporate into their pre-trip preparations the viewing of the infamous "Waffle House Wedding" which occured less than 3 miles from the house.

This holiday weekend, guests thoroughly enjoyed their 4th of July waffles, but were also treated to the stars of the video cooking and serving. Bubba is the cook -- and I didn't know his lovely bride's name.

After finishing our thoroughly enjoyable breakfast, what do we spy on the ground next to the car?

What? No Good-Bye?

2011-06-22T00:23:00.000-04:00

Robins: 4 Eggs, 4 Weeks from Fred Margulies on Vimeo.

Huh?

2011-06-20T03:23:00.000-04:00

Holy Smokes! It's a Drive-By Que'ng!

"How Much is Your BBQ Plate to Go?"

Oh, wait. . . . Hello? . . . . Hello?

So Glad it's Friday!

2011-06-17T00:30:00.001-04:00

Enjoy. . . .and give your favorite pet a scratch and a kiss. . . .

International Helmet Awareness Day ~ Wear One!

2011-06-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

Riders4Helmets was founded in early 2010 after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King Dye was seriously injured in a riding accident. King Dye, who remained in a coma for a month following her accident, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Jeri Bryant donated her helmet campaign t-shirts (featuring the slogan “Strap One On–Everyone’s Doing it”) to an eBay store set up to raise funds for King Dye, and a partnership was formed with Lyndsey White, resulting in the Riders4Helmets campaign.

First Draught Farm has been a staunch supporter of Riders4Helmets since their campaign launch immediately after Courtney King Dye's injury. The Shire Riders of Norco, California lost a beautiful, young, vibrant Rider in their troupe not long after Courtney's injury. Tess took a tumble off her Shire during a leisurely ride, sans helmet, never regained consciousness and died from doing what she loved doing best.

Whether riding or driving, we encourage helmets at all times, whether in competition or pleasure.

Click on this blogpost's title to visit Riders4Helmets and learn more about many manufacturers, as well as retail locations, offering specials today on the smartest purchase you can buy.

Ride Smart & Strap One On ~ Everyone's Doing It!

New Arrivals

2011-06-10T18:17:00.009-04:00

On April 26th, the Shire population at First Draught Farm in Georgia doubled. It was a tough trek across the States during all the tornados and rain -- which was the last we have seen of the rain in Georgia.

One of our favorite prospects is a youngster by the name of Fitzy that we simply could not leave behind. Her momma is one huge mare with plenty of drive, stomp and feather, sporting an enormous foot to boot. With patience, good groceries and a little time, I can see now that she is going to be a huge favorite of the farm.

We're going to monitor her development here so that the folks who see her every day can really see the difference a little change in lifestyle can make. See if you see a difference, other than all the dead winter hair coming off her. . . .

April 26, 2011

April 29, 2011

May 30, 2011

It's Friday ! Take Your Dogs to Dinner !

2011-06-10T05:11:00.001-04:00

Wiener Roast ~ Gawja-Style

2011-06-09T00:07:00.003-04:00

It's hot. It's almost summer time. And it's only fitting after certain scandals unfolded this week -- now with a Georgia participant disclosed -- to blog about a good ol' fashioned wiener roast before it gets any closer to the 4th of July. Yes, Weinergate surfaced at the most appropriate time of year.

It is our humble opinion that the open flame provides a taste that cannot be beat whether it be beef, pork, fowl, seafood or tubed. So therefore, we share with you a recipe extravaganza of our tube steak favorites to whet your appetite. The patent ownership on this particular "grill utensil", as seen above, is rumored to be in litigation in 157 of the 159 counties here, in Georgia.

Mustardy Brats with Sauerkraut
Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens' Grill It! book
PREP: 25 MINUTES GRILL: 20 MINUTES MAKES: 6 SANDWICHES

1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper (1 small)
1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon-style mustard
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 cup drained sauerkraut
6 uncooked bratwurst (about 1¼ pounds)
6 hoagie buns, split and toasted
Yellow mustard or Dijon-style mustard (optional)

In a small skillet cook sweet pepper and onion in hot butter over medium heat about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in brown sugar, the 1 teaspoon mustard, and caraway seeds. Add sauerkraut; toss gently to combine.

Fold a 36x18-inch piece of heavy foil in half to make an 18-inch square. Place sauerkraut mixture in the center of foil. Bring up 2 opposite edges of foil; seal with a double fold. Fold the remaining ends to completely enclose sauerkraut mixture, leaving space for steam to build. Use the tines of a fork to pierce the skin of each bratwurst several times.

For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Test for medium heat above pan. Place bratwurst and foil packet on the grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for 20 to 25 minutes or until bratwurst are no longer pink and juices run clear (160°F), turning bratwurst and foil packet once halfway through grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust for indirectcooking. Place bratwurst and foil packet on grill rack over the burner that is turned off. Grill as directed.)

Serve bratwurst in toasted buns with sauerkraut mixture and, if desired, additional mustard.

"Bacon-Wrapped Gawja Dawgs"
Courtesy of Sam Zien’s Just Grill This!
MAKES 6 DOGS

1 onion, cut into thin slices
2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 kosher dogs (see BTW)
6 slices bacon
6 hot dog buns (good ones)

TO SERVE
Mayo
Diced jalapeños
Mustard
Diced tomatoes

Preheat the grill to medium-high.

In a nonstick pan over medium heat, cook the onion and peppers in the oil, stirring, until softened, about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Wrap each dog with a piece of bacon and secure with toothpicks. Grill until the bacon is done -- about 8 minutes. When the bacon is done, so is the dog--remove from the grill.

Lightly toast the buns on the grill. To serve, put some mayo on a bun, add the bacon dog, then add the onions and peppers. Add mustard, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes and serve.

Grilled Bratwurst Hoagies with Creamy Coleslaw
Courtesy of Aaron McCargo, Jr.'s Simply Done Well Done
Serves 4

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
1/4 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
4 bratwurst sausages
4 steak or hoagie rolls, 8 to 10 inches long each, split

Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal or gas grill and oil and the grill grates, or heat a countertop grill.

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, sour cream, cider, chives, lemon juice, and cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the cabbages with the dressing. Use right away or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

Grill the bratwurst, turning frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, until cooked through and browned. Put some coleslaw in each roll and top with a bratwurst. Top with a little more cabbage, if desired, and serve.

Now, top any of those recipes off with a new found friend of ours called . . .

Maggiano's Raspberry Beret

1 1/4 oz SKYY Infusions Blood Orange
1 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Fresh Agave Sour
1 oz Fresh Raspberries
1 oz Ginger Ale
1 Scoop Orange Sherbet

Fresh Agave Sour:
1 Cup Lime Juice
1 Cup Lemon Juice
1 Cup Water
1 1/2 Cups Agave Nectar

Instructions:
1. Agave Nectar Sour: Combine Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Water & Agave Nectar in separate container until well mixed.
2. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Agave Sour and Fresh Raspberries. Shake.
3. Fill glass with ice and strain drink over the ice.
4. Top with Ginger Ale and a scoop of Orange Sherbet.

With these recipes, a few of your favorite sides from your local deli, along with cameras to capture the event, you've got the fixings for a Weinergate Party that'll do you proud. Go forth and prepare for The Fourth!

Thanks Pets Blogroll!

2011-06-07T00:58:00.002-04:00

For featuring our blog on your site this week! Love your blog, products featured, fun giveaways, and helpful information regarding our pets. Click on this blog entry title to see what they're up to, and enjoy!

First Draught's First Cover Boy, Barclay!

2011-06-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

Thank you American Livestock and Pet Supply for wanting one of our Shires for your catalog cover! If you view the online catalog by clicking the photo above and order something -- tell them "Barclay Sent You"!

New Discount Site - Sharing the Savings

2011-05-31T07:02:00.003-04:00

Hi to all in bloggerland. . . . Got pets? Check out www.PetSimply.com

PetSimply.com offers deals dogs (cats, fish, etc.) will dig. Similar to the daily-deal model popularized by Groupon, PetSimply.com is a collective buying website for savvy pet owners. So if you're into saving 50-90% on pet must-haves, they find the best and sometimes hidden deals on food, meds, supplies, gourmet treats, toys, fashions, boutiques, and more.

Enjoy.

Sgt. Reckless

2011-05-30T10:17:00.000-04:00

Click Here for an amazing Memorial Day story of the sorrel filly who was an honored Korean War Horse Hero.

Peaceful Good Friday Across the World

2011-04-22T00:04:00.005-04:00

I cannot think of a better way to begin Good Friday with this awesome video of people across the world, joining in song, at the direction of Eric Whiteacre. If you click on the title of this post (above), there is a very interesting video of how this choir was born, and the snippets of the many member auditions.

If you have the time, Eric did complete his work, "Sleep" and you can enjoy this magnificient piece from 58 countries, with 2052 participants:

What an Awesome Cake!

2011-04-19T23:13:00.002-04:00

Click on the Title Above to Learn More About this Corgi Cake . . .

Photo by Bauer Griffin

Be The Boss Of You Breast Cancer Research Ride

2011-04-18T00:58:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again folks! Well, not quite, but I've got a head start this time around. Be the Boss of You Breast Cancer Research Ride will take place Saturday, October 1, 2011. Last year's event was such a success, we're all begging for another go at it. Check my blog posts from September and October 2010 to see how last year's event turned out when we raised $13,000+ for the Winship Cancer Institute for Emory University in Atlanta. I have begun my fund raising sponsorship for participation in this 2011 event by selling "Seeds of Happiness" ($3 each + $1 for shipping 1 or more seeds) and Honor Ribbons ($1 each). Monetary donations are welcome too!

The Seeds of Happiness folks have made up a special pink batch for me and Misty's participation in this fundraiser. The Seeds of Happiness are individually bagged, with their story on their card which is enclosed. The story goes as follows:

"Seeds of Happiness started out as leftover lumps of clay I made into little smiles to give out to friends who were going through hard times and needed a little smile. That was in 2006. Since then I have given out thousands of smiles to folks, a handful at a time. In turn, they share them and their story with their friends in needs of a smile."

"Those people then share with more friends and keep the story going. My seeds are all over the planet by now. I receive emails with photos and stories of how these little seeds made a difference to someone. From Africa to the land down under, the seeds have been planted and smiles have been resurrected to people who need them. Seems a lot of people need smiles these days."

"Share a smile - help me spread the Seeds of Happiness."

This is a close-up of the seeds -- the strange lighting makes them look orange, however, they are in a solid pink and speckled shades.

Me n' Misty will be decked out in medieval attire in special appearances and parades across the Metropolitan Atlanta area. My Honor Ribbons (with names on them if you wish) will be attached to Misty's caparison so that your loved ones will be riding with me representing the fight against cancer before, during and after the Be The Boss of You event. Her caparison is presently in the works by a dear co-worker and friend who walks hundreds of miles a year for the Cure, and will be sewn together over Memorial Day weekend in the barn. I will be posting photo updates of this, as well as all Honor Ribbons created here on the blog.

It is my goal that folks seeing the war-like attire and Honor Ribbons will be reminded to hope and pray for a cure for all who are fighting or have fought the disease -- sometimes quietly, but always bravely.

Please email me at firstdraughtfarm@hotmail.com to let me know if you would like to order some Seeds of Happiness or Honor Ribbons and I will provide you your receipt for tax purposes along with shipping confirmation. I also provide you with the convenience of Paypal for your donations (to the right). Just remember that I will be charged 4.75% + .30 per each transaction for their fees, but would rather you make your check payable to "Be The Boss of You Breast Cancer Ride."

Remember, as Big Misty Sez:

Seeds of Happiness are great little gifts for simply "Just Because" days.

Early detection is part of the battle . . . Be the Boss of You and get your mammogram soon!

Peep Show - Day 40!

2011-04-17T11:49:00.001-04:00

Birthin' Peeps

Peep Show - Day 39

2011-04-16T00:52:00.000-04:00

A somewhat disturbing

Peepnic

Peep Show - Day 38

2011-04-15T00:13:00.000-04:00

Peeps Sunflower Cake

1 pkg (18-1/4 oz) yellow cake mix 2 cans (16 oz ea) chocolate frosting 19 Yellow Peeps 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Directions: Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, substituting milk for water. Level tops of cakes, spreading frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake. Keeping the Peeps united in fellowship, curve slightly to fit. Arrange those Peepsters around the edge for the sunflower's petals. Arrange chocolate chips in the center for the sunflower seeds.

Voila!

(Thank you, Taste of Home, February/March 2008, p. 67)

Peep Show - Day 37

2011-04-14T00:50:00.000-04:00

Peep Show - Day 36

2011-04-13T00:49:00.001-04:00

Michael Peepson's

Thriller

Peep Show - Day 35

2011-04-12T00:45:00.000-04:00

Peep Wisdom

Awww . . . Ain't it the Truth?!

Peep Show - Day 34

2011-04-11T00:44:00.000-04:00

Peep Show - Day 33

2011-04-10T00:42:00.000-04:00

Peeple's Choice

Peep Show - Day 32

2011-04-09T10:41:00.001-04:00

Peeping Peep

Peep Show - Day 31

2011-04-08T10:39:00.001-04:00

Peeping Willow

Peep Show - Day 30

2011-04-07T00:55:00.001-04:00

Peepwear!

Peep Show - Day 29

2011-04-06T00:54:00.000-04:00

Peeparazzi

Peep Show - Day 28

2011-04-05T00:43:00.000-04:00

Sea of Multi-Colored Buns

Peep Show - Day 27

2011-04-04T00:41:00.000-04:00

Pikes Peep or Bust!

Artist: Debra Faulkner

Peep Show - Day 26

2011-04-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

Sweeney Peep

Artist: Amy Wason

Peep Show - Day 25

2011-04-02T00:03:00.000-04:00

Pole Peeps

Peep Show - Day 24

2011-04-01T00:02:00.000-04:00

Linda

Artist: John DeAndrea

LindaPeep

Artists: Carol Serini and Greg Alflen

Peep Show - Day 23

2011-03-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

Peep Prom Dress

Peep Show - Day 22

2011-03-30T00:31:00.002-04:00

Your Brain on Peeps

Peep Show - Day 21

2011-03-29T00:26:00.000-04:00

Rainbow Peeps

Peep Show - Day 20

2011-03-28T00:24:00.001-04:00

Peep Van Gogh

Artist: Susan Myer

Peep Show - Day 19

2011-03-27T00:19:00.000-04:00

Mommy Peepest

Peep Show - Day 18

2011-03-26T00:16:00.000-04:00

Springtime Peeply Squares

Peep Show - Day 17

2011-03-25T00:14:00.001-04:00

Peep Cafe

Peep Show - Day 16

2011-03-24T00:08:00.001-04:00

Ye Old Peep Joust

Peep Show - Day 15

2011-03-23T00:22:00.000-04:00

Peep Show - Day 14

2011-03-22T00:20:00.000-04:00

Forest Peeps

Artists: Janie Hamil & Chad Larsen

Peep Show - Day 13

2011-03-21T06:18:00.000-04:00

No Explanation Needed.

Peep Show - Day 12

2011-03-20T00:50:00.000-04:00

(Last Season)

Artist: Therese Buckley

Peep Show - Day 11

2011-03-19T00:05:00.000-04:00

Ahh, Peep Heaven!

And its Peeply Gate. . .

Peep Show - Day 10

2011-03-18T00:04:00.000-04:00

Canopeep Bed

Peep Show - Day 9

2011-03-17T00:01:00.003-04:00

Traveling Peeps Long Distance

"Hello, World, here's the song that we're singin'. . . C'mon, get Happy!"

(Tell me that you didn't start humming the Partridge Family Tune When you Saw the Bus. . . )

I like the Peep Coach better.

Peep Show - Day 8

2011-03-16T00:59:00.002-04:00

Peeps Traveling the Town in Their Peepmobile!

Good thing the Pope's not there at the same time . . . I'm just sayin. . .

Peep Show - Day 7

2011-03-15T00:54:00.000-04:00

Amy Winepeep

Artist: Ann Venables

Peep Show - Day 6

2011-03-13T00:38:00.000-05:00

Fire -Breathing Peep

Peep Show - Day 5

2011-03-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Keith Haring Peep

Peep Show - Day 4

2011-03-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Viking PEEPle

by Artist, Nordic Maid

Peep Show - Day 3

2011-03-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

Rubik's Peep

Peep Show - Day 2

2011-03-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

Peep Art is a growing rage this time of year. Artist Janet Galore created this 4.5 foot x 3.5 foot work of art called . . .

The Jesus of Peeps (JoP)!

Lean or roll back from your monitors folks, and squint . . . You'll see it!

40 Days & Nights of Peeps

2011-03-09T00:05:00.001-05:00

This week entails Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday kicking off the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent. The drug, grocery and convenience stores have loaded up with spring colored candies and delectable delights for us to partake in a bright colored sugar coma.

It's Peep Season; either you love 'em or you hate 'em. I am a lover of the Peep, the brighter the color, the better. I believe that if you have other family members who love the Peep, then it is likely you, too, will love the Peep.

For the Peep Connoisseur, Peepsushi.

For the courteous Peep lover, who sadly admits not all people are Peep fans, know that the Peepizza allows for easy removal.

When you eat Peeps, whether fresh or stale, sliced, melted or whole, they will bring a peaceful smile on your face, taking you back to uncomplicated days of egg hunts in grandma's yard and the day you could get by with your sugar high.

Hummingbird Rescue

2011-03-08T06:07:00.000-05:00

I do not claim ownership of this video, nor could I find it's owner after thorough research. This was shared with me today in my email and couldn't resist sharing with everyone.

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-02-27T18:25:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, Kat!

2011-02-14T18:36:00.000-05:00

We're finally home.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-01T22:38:00.000-05:00

Winter Dawgs

2011-01-27T00:04:00.001-05:00

Since the East Coast has now had our grateful plenty of snow. . . . More dog fun
for our fellow blogsters who may be enjoying a day off or two . . . .

Go Dog Go!

2011-01-18T22:42:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the rare snowfall in Georgia, we bring you the true meaning
of dog sledding. . .

Rumor has it that we may be in store for more this coming Monday.

Global Warming? Not in Georgia!

2011-01-12T01:02:00.001-05:00

Almost Empty Bread Aisles

Photo: Courtesy JBrodland Photography

Photo Courtesy: JBrodland Photography

It was fun while the storm lasted, we got a good 8" of white stuff, but 4 days later, it still takes almost 4 hours to go 30 miles - and that's utilizing major roads and interstate highways . . . I'm glad it only happens once a year.

Stay warm!

Velvet Jones? No, It's Velvet Williams !

2011-01-04T23:02:00.008-05:00

First Draught Farm Hopes that Maybe Reposting this Video Helps Spread the Word About Velvety Voiced Ted Williams . . .

His Honesty is a Breath of Fresh Air and is an Inspiration for Many to Step Back, Be Thankful for What We Have and Evaluate Choices Made. It's Never Too Late.

2010-12-24T00:00:00.003-05:00

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and Child

Holy Infant

So tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Merry Christmas Friends from First Draught Farm

It's Festivus!

2010-12-23T13:45:00.003-05:00

Festivus is the "other way" of celebrating the holiday season without participating in its pressures and commercialism. Made popular by the TV show Seinfeld, Festivus involves practices such as the "Airing of Grievances" at the dinner table, followed by "Feats of Strength".

Events are labeled as "Festivus Miracles" on this date. My miracle happened when work decided to let us go for the holiday at 2:30 today.

'Round Town Christmas

2010-12-22T20:59:00.002-05:00

Picture this: Atlanta -- 1940s -- Rich's Department Store (the Macy's of Atlanta). The Great Tree was a huge decorated pine tree atop the store, lit on Thanksgiving night. And last but not least, The Pink Pig.

Children from all over town would head to Rich's to ride Priscilla. Priscilla was a miniature suspended piggie monorail sized just for kids. The ride would begin under the Great Tree at the rooftop Christmas Village, and would "fly" indoors over the toy department. It would then land in "Santa's Secret Shop" where elves (high schoolers) would check a child's list, collect a few dollars and help the kids pick out small presents for their families -- away from Mom & Dad. They would then load back up into Pricilla and head back to their parents, who were probably snacking on chicken salad in a nearby cafe. This event became so popular, a second pig, Percival, was added to the mix.

These days, and probably many lawyers' opinions later, the monorail was deemed unsafe and too expensive to maintain it's proper safety. The Pink Pigs retired for a while in the Atlanta History Center while Rich's Department Store was purchased by Macy's. The monorail is now replaced with a bright pink shiny new piggy train under a giant pink tent located on top of a parking deck at Macy's at Lenox Square Mall. This is also where the Giant Tree is now displayed every year.

It used to cost a quarter to ride Priscilla/Percival, now it costs $3 -- with a portion of the proceeds going to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Every rider receives a sticker, "I Rode The Pink Pig" as did their parents, and grandparents. . .

Atlanta is also the home of Coca~Cola who owns the most easily recognized Santa face.

Does anyone know the name of this elf in the above advertisement? First one to comment with the correct name will receive a southern First Draught Farm (albeit now late) Christmas present!

With Coke's headquarters here, we have a few Santa Coke billboards popping up this time of year. Santa also pops up unexpectedly at the Georgia Aquarium -- and I'm thinking the kids may be a little freaked out.

Sometimes our weather here doesn't "feel" like Christmas to those of us who are transplants here in the south. However, the beautiful tree in Atlantic Station (one of our work-live-play communities) . . .

. . . and downtown office buildings . . .

. . . keep us in touch with the holiday season.

I work in the area of Buckhead, and am in within 4 - 6 blocks of Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall (now home of the Great Tree at Macy's) - which are two shopping malls practically across the street from each other. Needless to say, if anyone has visited Atlanta, it takes more than a little while to fight traffic after work in this area at this time of year.

However, I am very lucky to have a "living room" away from home that looks like this, where I can gather my thoughts, blog to the world, and work on my Christmas/shopping lists after work. . . .

all the while gazing at this sculpture, which is pretty much equal in size to Misty, my own mare.

Palapala'aina
Deborah Butterfield

San Diego, California 1949

Deborah Butterfield's sculptural forms are based on her unique subject, horses. Building her sculptures with no preliminary sketches or maquettes, Butterfield constructs works directly with wood pieces or found metal scraps. The freestanding sculptures are created in both life size works and smaller bronzes.

"My work is not so overtly about movement. My horses' gestures are realy quite quiet, because real horses move so much better than I could pretend to make things move. For the pieces I make, the gesture is really more within the body, it's like an internalized gesture, which is more about the content, the state of mind or of being at a given instant. And so it's more like a painting ...the gesture and the movement is all pretty much contained within the body."

"Butterfield builds her horses from the inside out. Though quietly reflective, her works -- all horses -- are vital, spirited, ultimately grand. The artist finds in the arch and curve of muscle and bone the essence of equine elegance." William U. Eiland, Director, Georgia Museum of Art

I wish I could find a translation for "Palapala'aina."

'Round Town Art - NYC Windows

2010-12-21T05:55:00.004-05:00

Traveling Around. . .

And Seeing My Favorite Windows of . . .

Bergdorf Goodman

~Bloomingdale's~

~Barneys New York~

~Saks Fifth Avenue~

~Macy's Department Store~

~Lord & Taylor~

Only 4 Days / Nights of Shopping Left . . .

'Round Town Art - Tower Place, Atlanta ~ "Foxes"

2010-12-08T00:14:00.000-05:00

Description of Piece Detailed Below

Foxes

Michael Stipe

Decatur, Georgia 1960

Michael Stipe was born in Georgia in 1960 and has worked in various mediums throughout his life, music being the most prominent. His band, R.E.M., continues to win international awards and has sold over 100 million records in their 28 years.

An avid photographer, Stipe's photographs have been printed in dozens of international magazines and art journals, and his first photo book, Two Times Intro: On the Road with Patti Smith, sold over 40,000 copies. Recent output includes Futurepicenter.com, a digital year-long experiment, and from 2005 to present, Stipe has focused on sculpture, citing Brancusi and Brutalism as inspiration. His first solo show, "Rogan vs. Stipe" Relics, was in New York City in Summer 2008. He currently lives in Athens, Georgia and New York City.

"Foxes marks one of the first large scale sculpture pieces I have done, from the 2006-2008 workshop. Inspiration for the piece includes questions of permanence and ephemerality, and memorabilia; in this case, small plastic toys, their mass-produced uniformity, and challenging that, each of their individual markings."

The law firm that I work for moved to the heart of Buckhead into Tower Place on my birthday in June. Walk outside the lobby, through the revolving door, you'll find yourself amidst Michael Stipe's Foxes. I sometimes think to myself, "How appropriate, a pack of gold, flashy, rabid foxes that have converged upon this address . . . and here we now are . . . adding to the melee."

Christmas Bells

2010-12-07T02:14:00.000-05:00

Be The Boss of You Memorial Video

2010-11-30T05:24:00.001-05:00

Dr. Gabram's daughter, Hanna was busy videotaping at the Purina Pink 50 "Be the Boss of You" Breast Cancer Research Ride at Peters Creek Farm on October 2, 2010. Hanna did a fantastic job with this compilation of the beautiful horses and people who participated on that perfect, perfect day. We look forward to the next event in October 2011.

Gift Wrap 101

2010-11-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

All right, it's Black Friday, and time for shopping and wrapping all those
gifts that you just stood in line for or even roughed-it by camping out in parking lots to get this year's "Toy of the Season."

Click here for a quick refresher course in wrapping before you start.

It's Time To Give Pranks . . . Er, Thanks

2010-11-20T11:28:00.022-05:00

Are you overcome by holiday stress? Forgot the dessert during your last minute run to the grocery store? Don't have time to whip up some pumpkin or peel apples for that "must-have" pie because it took you hours longer than expected to get the house in shape for guests?

Rest easy! Problem solved! You, too, can have a glazed ice cream cake in the shape of a turkey, thanks to Baskin Robbins.

Yes, this is yet another one of their awe-inspiring ice cream cakes. . . imagine the Kodak moment when you announce "Dessert!" amongst the semi-comatose croud around your holiday table, and you enter with THIS on a silver platter. The room will be silent for a quick second before the fighting begins for those treasured ice cream cone drums.

Now, if the turkey Ice Cream Cake doesn't do it for you, then give thought (and thanks) for this treasure:

Yes, you read that correctly . . "Inflatable Turkey" . . . looks just like the real thing and hey, you don't have to get up at 4 am to clean it either. You could put it on the table so when your guests begin to arrive, they'll think that they got there just in the nick of time, missing the chore of helping YOU in the kitchen. It comes in its own "Spam-esque" can so you can deflate the turkey and store it in your cupboard for snagging nosey mothers-in-law . . . knowing that they would not be able to leave that one alone.

And lest we not forget the favorite of kiddies and adults alike . . .

That's right! Thanksgiving Gum Balls in Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry and Turkey flavors!

Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart, it's time to give thanks. And thanks to you, Archie McPhee, for keeping our Pranksgiving alive.

Shire & Other Horse Gifts - 'Tis the Season Once Again!

2010-11-19T06:10:00.009-05:00

Folks, it's that time of year again, and for your horsey friends and family members that you want to give just a little something really special to go with that brand new grooming box, or collection of currys and brushes, take a look here!

Jen has become my favorite equine artist, and across the miles, a good friend. I share with my bloggers just a sampling of her draft horse ornaments, but her website has other breeds and animals to choose from.

These ornaments are reproductions of her original artwork over the years, and I am fortunate enough to say that this Shire ornament (above) is from an original piece that I own and is featured in my home, front and center, especially during the holidays. Jen modeled this work from my mare, Misty, and I love it.

Her artwork also appears on tee-shirts and sweats, mousepads, mugs, totes, water bottles, and NEW for this year, Christmas Stockings!

Shop using this link http://www.cafepress.com/gypsymarestudio/ for a special discounted rate for First Draught Farm Bloggers AND if you shop November 20-23rd, you'll save $10 off your order of $50+ by using the coupon code "Friend10".

Hangin' At The Beach With Jean-François Pignon

2010-11-17T05:54:00.000-05:00

Ride, Jean-François, Ride!

Music performed by Chris Norman.

Splendid Unveiling

2010-11-13T00:29:00.002-05:00

There's excitement in Atlanta as the Salvadore Dali exhibition comes to town. Here are shots of the uncrating of the enormous 13.5' x 10' Santiago El Grande of 1957.

This spectacular work of the Surrealist turned Catholic Dali, honors the Apostle, St. James, who is the patron saint of Spain, and known as "Santiago." The nuns in my Catholic elementary and high school taught us that patron saints are intercessors and advocates for us in heaven, and in this case, appear to be for an entire country.

The humongous horse is rearing up as if he's being blown out of the water with atomic force with a 3-D-esque St. James astride, emerging from the sea, exposing a dirty foot that symbolizes the long travels of the Apostles with Jesus. If you look at the center of the "atomic blast" there's a jasmine flower (which symbolizes unity & purity) which was a favorite of Dali, who would occasionally tuck one behind his ear for photo ops.

Normally, St. James has a sword in his hand when he is depicted in art, but Dali chose to have him raise up Jesus on the cross. The heavenly arches are a direct representation of the 13th century Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse, France, where missionaries would stop over on their way to Santiago. Note that there are 11 scallop shells in the arches, with one more on the breastplate of the horse, symbolizing the 12 Apostles. There are angels above and behind St. James and Jesus with two angels capturing the horse's attention. If you look closely, you'll see identical angels within the horse's neck.

Dali always incorporated a self-portrait in his paintings. In this one, he is teeny-tiny, below the hoof of the massive horse. Dali loved his wife, Gala, and would work her into many of his paintings as well. She's here in the lower right of the painting in a cloak. However, clocks, elephants, eggs and ants were typically portrayed in his work.

Click here to see a humorous side of Dali in a game show in the 1950s, or see the collaboration with Walt Disney which began around 1945, but was cancelled after only 15 seconds of the animation was developed. The film was finally completed and released in 2003, and was called Destino.

Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dali i Domenech

May 11, 1904-January 23, 1989

Armistice Day - Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T05:45:00.004-05:00

Armistice Day, more commonly marked as Veteran's Day, is an opportunity to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at the end of World War I, and also gives us a moment to stop and remember the brave men and women who died for their countries in military conflicts as far back as 4,000 B.C.

Lest not we forget the countless number of horses who bravely stood throughout time alongside these courageous men and women.

Back in the mid-90s, Paul Mellon wanted to do something to commemorate the Civil War horses and mules, on both the Union and Confederate sides. On his farm in Upperville, he had a three-quarter life-size bronze of Sea Hero, winner of the 1993 Kentucky Derby, standing in the midst of his broodmare barn. This exquisite bronze sculpture's artist was Tessa Pullan of Rutland, England.

Mr. Mellon set forth gathering knowledgeable people to team up with Tessa Pullan, which set the project into motion. Extensive painstaking care was taken to ensure that this Civil War Horse memorial's design was absolutely authentic. Photographs of a horse that was utilized in 4th Virginia Calvary reenactments were taken from every angle imagineable, with various pieces of loaned equipment in place. Photographs of period prints and paintings were provided to Tessa, including one caught in a brutal snow storm by Remington.

It was important to Mr. Mellon that the horse be portrayed as absolutely exhausted and somewhat starved, without rider and empty scabbard -- translating loss of soldier in calvary battle. Cruelty photographs were provided from the R.S.P.C.A., which aided in giving the effect of a horse whose rider was killed and was dying of exhaustion after a long battle.

One difficulty was making the horse appear as though it may have been outfitted as Northern or Southern. The saddle portrayed is a McClellan, used by Northern soldiers but taken or copied by the Southern soldiers. All gear used for the project was original from the Civil War period. Ultimately, a specialist in civil war accoutrements approved the model (which took Tessa two months to produce) before the actual casting (which took an additional six months to complete).

For it's inscription on the base, Mellon's staff contacted Civil War historian, Nick Nichols for statistical information, which reads as follows:

"In Memory of the One and One Half Million Horses

and Mules of the Union and Confederate Armies

Who Were Killed, Were Wounded, or Died from

Disease in the Civil War."

The original sculpture is located at the National Sporting Library in his bare golden bronze colored skin. There is an additional inscription on this original version of the statue due to the location of the library in Middleburg, Virginia:

"Many Perished Within 20 Miles of Middleburg

in the Battles of Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville in June of 1863."

Mellon commissioned a second copy for the United States Calvary Museum in Ft. Riley, Kansas, which is presented in a dark patina, a similar color of the Sea Hero bronze.

And finally, Mellon wanted a third copy placed at the Virginia Historical Society located in Richmond, Virginia. But after visiting the Society, Mellon realized that the horse was too small for presentation outside the Society, and commissioned that the third (and final) memorial be enlarged to full-size.

More Notariety Here in Georgia!

2010-11-10T19:02:00.007-05:00

In little ol' Covington, Georgia, about 40 miles out of Atlanta, it seems to be the hotspot for filming. My Cousin Vinny's famous courtroom scenes were in Covington. And we all can't forget good ol' Hazzard County and the Duke boys . . . Covington transformed into their stomping grounds in the early episodes.

As mentioned in my previous blog entry, Halloween II was last year's addition to Covington's claim to fame.

Once again, Covington strikes again, and has been the home for the film crew of The Vampire Diaries for many, many months. They evolve the town into Mystic Falls, the setting for the Diaries. The photo above is a shot from a scene for tomorrow night's show where First Draught Farm's good friend, Stephanie (President of Georgia Ladies Aside) became involved in the show. This week's episode, Katerina, is all about Katherine's big flashback to her late 15th century Bulgarian origin.

Stephanie's awesome and trusty horse, Romeo, nailed a part in the show.

Here he is during filming in front of the Cottage. . .

and is seen here with his stunt rider, Mary, who aced his scenes all in one take.

Romeo travels all over here in the east, and loves his job being ridden sidesaddle in great venues such as the Kentucky Horse Park and Inaugural Parades in Washington, D.C. exhibiting Stephanie's grace and ease in riding aside.

She makes it look so easy at the Kentucky Horse Park demonstration. . . .

And looks absolutely stunningly FROZEN at the 2009 Inaugural where she joined
the Southern Ohio Ladies Aside troupe. . .

Steph & Romey both participated in the Be the Boss of You Breast Cancer Ride last month. Stephanie makes some of her costumes, or "habits" and whipped up this cool Cammy number just for the Boss Ride on October 2nd.

So if you are hooked on the Diaries, keep your eyes peeled tomorrow night (Thurs) for sweet Romeo, another fantastic horse down here in the southeast. You can visit Stephanie's website in the right column - just look for Georgia Ladies Aside, and see even more ladies with amazing talent.

Halloween Notariety II

2010-10-28T20:05:00.007-04:00

Meet Cavalier, a big grey Percheron . . . (You met him around last year this time) . . .

Meet Cavalier and Rob Zombie, acclaimed heavy metal musician and film writer/director, who celebrated Cavalier's debut in the movie industry in his remake, Halloween II.

Once again, Cavalier will hit the silver screen in the 2011 film, Wanderlust, starring Jennifer Anniston, Paul Rudd, Justin Theroux, Alan Alda and Ray Liotta. The story's plot is about an overextended, stressed out Manhattan couple who get downsized out of a job and are left with one option: move to Atlanta to stay with George's awful brother. En route, the couple stumble upon Elysium, a very interesting community who embrace a different way of looking at things. . .

Here are Charley and Sherry, Cavalier's owners, who get him ready for the set. He's such a pro that he rocked his part with Jennifer Anniston and Paul Rudd in one take -- with no "elimination" to boot!

Jennifer Anniston loved Cavalier, and was corrected by Sherry when she was giving Cavalier some well-deserved scratches, and mistakenly called him a "girl." He didn't mind it one bit.

Good Boy, Cav!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Catch a Ride on Zenyatta . . .

2010-10-07T06:38:00.006-04:00

aka "The Queen" who began racing at 3 years of age, made history on the same day we were hosting folks "Being the Boss of Themselves" and won her 19th consecutive race - equalling the longest winning streak in history. This 6 year old mare stands an impressive 17.2 hands, and is now facing her greatest challenge: The Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 6th. For the first time, she'll be off synthetic surfaces, and running with males on dirt.

Click below and catch a ride on a truly gifted racehorse. At the 4 minute mark is when the ride gets good!

PS: Don't forget to breathe!

Thanks Riders4Helmets for Sharing this Video!

Countdown to Bossin' Around

2010-09-30T19:36:00.019-04:00

We're 36 hours away from the kick off of "Be The Boss of You" Breast Cancer Research Ride for Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University here, in Atlanta. We cannot wait, and the response has been wonderful in the community! The number of participants, donations, volunteers and local newspaper coverage shows everyone is ready to stand up and do their part in fighting this dreaded disease. The weather forecast cannot be better -- highs in the 70's, lows in the 50s - with no humidity, and that's a cause for celebration in and of itself.

Since Misty has become the blog spokeshorse for this event, she's been memorialized in artistic toy form for auction, and it's a good thing that I'm too bloody big to sit on it and rock while I watch TV.

If you're in our area, do come out to Peters Creek Farm. Door prizes will be handed out throughout the day, and there's plenty of room to roam. In the afternoon after the ride, the silent auction will end (presently has 100 items to choose from) and the live auction will begin (50 items). Best of all, a lovely 1/2 chicken barbeque picnic dinner will be prepared by "Where's There's Smoke" and musical entertainment will be provided by Flat Broke (in Jasper County).

We hope everyone gets to meet new friends and acquaintances, share some stories, relax and just have a good time, but taking the message back that us girls need to set time aside for ourselves and keep ourselves healthy.

Remember, Misty sez . . . .

Early Detection Can Save You, Get Your Mammogram Soon!

(A lump was detected in Misty's udder by Rhonda Veit, DVM, prior to birthing her baby this summer. Once she is through nursing, she'll Be The Boss and will be undergoing a biopsy and have it taken care of if need be!)

Metropolitan Mounted Police at Olympia

2010-09-26T22:39:00.000-04:00

This is from the London International Horse Show of the Year Back in 2006. It just keeps getting better and better the longer you watch. . . particularly at the end. . .

How DID They Do That??!

How to Ride a horse by Walt Disney (1941)

2010-08-22T20:34:00.001-04:00

BE THE BOSS OF YOU Breast Cancer Research Ride - Peters Creek Farm

2010-08-20T23:07:00.019-04:00

We are thrilled to be a part of a new concept being launched by Purina called "Pink 50". On October 2, 2010, in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Boss Brothers Country Store (Loganville, Ga - Purina's first "Country Store" in the United States), they are hosting the "Be The Boss Of You" Breast Cancer Research Ride at Peters Creek Farm. This ride will help bring awareness to us ladies that too often we put aside our own healthcare maintenance while we focus on our family, jobs, homes, animals, laundry, etc. All proceeds from this ride will go directly to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta. This year the ride is limited to 200 participants, and I feel confident that all places will be filled!

Purina has, for a limited time, changed their feed bag design incorporating the color PINK! A portion of the sales proceeds of pink bag feed sales will be donated to national breast cancer research centers. Purina is encouraging their dealers to take part in their local communities to support rides in all 50 states for this just cause. If you have a dealer in your area and an area to host a ride, check it out and organize an outing in your community and meet new friends!

If you live in Georgia, Alabama, Tennesee or South Carolina, please consider joining us. If you want a weekend get away, we are near Hard Labor Creek State Park which has terrific, fully-stocked cabins and camping facilities. If you want to participate but cannot attend, monetary donations, rider sponsorships, or items for the silent and/or live auctions are welcome! Just drop me an email thru either First Draught Farm or Peters Creek Farm website where additional details on this ride can be found.

Women and the horses that they love, food, auctions, music and Ya-Ya Sisterhood going on all day long, memorializing friends and family who have passed and those who are survivors . . . I can't think of a better way to spend an autumn day in Georgia.

Remember, Misty sez. . .

Early Detection Can Save You, Get Your Mammogram Soon!

For Those Kids Uninterested in Horses - Chapter 2

2010-08-07T06:00:00.005-04:00

Here's a Second Installment for Encouraging Youngsters to Play with Their Ponies . . . .

One Dog at a Time

2010-08-06T00:33:00.007-04:00

To First Draught Farm Bloggers:

Pets Blogroll, a fun and informative site, is giving away a few copies of a new book authored by Pen Farthing (Ret. Royal Marine - 20 yr vet of Iraq). This book is a true story of Farthing's efforts to save stray dogs from the horrors of local dogfighting in Afghanistan, and one of the dogs he frees finds its way into the Marine compound, along with others. . . If interested, check out: Pets Blogroll : Contests and Rewards

Cleaning for a Reason

2010-08-05T07:40:00.000-04:00

I found out about a great service today, and wanted to share with fellow blogsters.

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.

This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Work~Life~Horse Balance

2010-07-31T19:29:00.010-04:00

I am overwhelmed; thus, no real postings here of late.

I found absolute JOY in seeing this creative interpretation of the movie (thanks to Once Upon a Time Equine) which currently plays non-stop in my head. I simply had to incorporate it here in my own blog so I can refer back to it easily.

If anyone has any suggestions on life balance (other than dosing it up on Effexor), or just crawling back out of the ditch, getting to your "happy place", please share your comments!

Oh, yes, Thank you, Larry Bonewend, for your poignant production.

What's Blooming Wednesday

2010-07-28T19:07:00.001-04:00

Crepe Myrtles!

We Broke the Record!

2010-06-14T11:10:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday, Peters Creek Farm hosted the American Competitive Trail Horse Association's Ride for the Rescues, a six-mile long competitive ride with six obstacles. The ride was held across the United States, and we were the location for the State of Georgia.

Our participation in this event helped break the World Record for the Largest Competitive Trail Ride, with over 1600 riders across the country. By early count, our ride helped raise over $60,000 for the rescues across the country, with benefit to our own charity of choice, the Georgia Equine Rescue League. We are proud of the 50 riders who signed up to participate in 100+ degree temps in the representation of our fine state.

Thanks to all who supported our endeavors by either participating in the competition or coming to our aid in the ground prep, management, sponsorship, and documentary account for the event. It couldn't have been done without any of you. ACTHA, the Georgia Equine Rescue League, and all the horses involved in the rescue programs across the country appreciate each and every one of you taking the time to Ride for the Rescues and becoming a part of history in the Guinness (TM) World Record Book.

For Those Kids Uninterested in Horses. . . .

2010-06-06T22:21:00.007-04:00

How many horse folks who are passionate about their horses have children who couldn't two flips about them? We think to ourselves, "if I had had the opportunity at their age to have a pony or horse at my disposal, I would have groomed, rode, loved on them every single breathing moment spent outside of the classroom.

Well, those smart Germans have figured out the ultimate compromise. . . .

Both Outdoor and Rainy-Day Indoor Fun!

The Countdown Is On!

2010-06-01T22:48:00.009-04:00

We're busily preparing to host the State of Georgia for the American Competitive Trail Horse Association's Ride for the Rescues. All 50 states are hosting these competitions in an attempt to break a World Record for Largest Competitive Trail Ride. We are anticipating and preparing for riders from all over the state to come to Peters Creek Farm on Sunday the 13th. We have chosen a portion of the proceeds to go to the Georgia Equine Rescue League. Everyone cross fingers and pray for good weather!

Today, a Press Release was published by the World Record folks, and it is anticipated that we WILL beat the present record by ACTHA's count. If you are reading this blog from other states, check out where your own state ride is located by clicking the icon below. There's loads of prizes and incentives for this ride to get as many people as possible to sign up. You do need to become an ACTHA member to participate; however, you do receive double your membership back in ACTHA bucks to spend in ACTHA's sponsors' stores.

Click below and check it out, or click on the PCF logo on the right side of this blog, and check out all our own sponsors who have sweetened our own prize pot. If you're in Georgia, sign up and come join us in the fun!

Memorial Day & The Riderless Horse (2009 Post)

2010-05-30T11:22:00.000-04:00

I lived just outside Washington, D.C. all but 9 years of my life, and once lived next door to the Iwo Jima Memorial, heard the bells of the Netherlands Carillion and overlooked Arlington Cemetery from my balcony. This holiday to me is a somber one.

Today, a retired 28th Infantry Division Pennsylvania Army Major, William H. Wolfe, will perform one of the military's most hallowed ceremonies during the 2009 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

In 2009, Major Wolfe led the riderless horse -- his own 10-year-old black Tennessee Walking Horse gelding, Winchester, in the No. 7 spot in the parade. He served in the Persian Gulf and in Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 in Iraq for a year. This year, Cruiser, will be led by equestrian Dee Staley. At this time of this blog post, I could not obtain a photo of them.

The riderless (or caparisoned) horse, led by a "cap walker," is fully saddled and bridled and bears a pair of boots set backward in the stirrups. The honor is reserved for high-ranking government officials and for officers of the rank of colonel or above who have died. In this case, Winchester will memorialize those who were killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While you view memorial events in our country set forth to remember those who have fought for our freedom, here are some explanations of the customs adhered to in the processions:

(1) Today's customary three shots fired over a grave probably originated as far back as the Roman Empire. The Roman funeral rite of casting dirt three times on the coffin constituted the "burial." It was customary among the Romans to call the dead three times by name, which ended the funeral ceremony, after which the friends and relatives of the deceased pronounced the word "vale" (farewell) three times as they departed from the tomb. In more recent history, three muskets were fired to announce that the burying of the dead was completed and the burial party was ready for battle again.

(2) The custom of using a caisson to carry a coffin most likely had its origins in the 1800s when horse-drawn caissons that pulled artillery pieces also doubled as a vehicle to clear fallen soldiers from the battlefield. Caissons are pulled by 6 black or grey horses. In Washington, D.C., the horses used for this are kept at Ft. Myer in Arlington, Virginia where they graze happily alongside Rt. 50 behind something like a 20 ft. chain link fence and are surrounded by concrete office high-rises, and apartment buildings.

(3) As noted before, in the mid to late 1800s a funeral procession of a mounted officer or enlisted man was accompanied by a riderless horse in mourning caparison followed by a hearse. It was a custom to have the boots of the deceased thrown over the saddle with heels to the front signifying that his march was ended. You will more often see the rider's boots reversed in the stirrups, indicating the soldier will never ride again, as well as signifying the commander's parting look upon his troops, who march behind.

When the beautiful Caisson horses are not being utilized for memorial / funeral events, they are utilized in therapy on the grounds of Ft. Myer in the rehabilitation of our injured soldiers.

We wish for you to have a safe Memorial Day, and to please remember those who have not yet, or will ever, return home to their families and country that they loved.

Good Morning Everybody . . .

2010-05-26T23:10:00.002-04:00

What's Blooming Wednesday!

2010-05-12T23:03:00.004-04:00

Amidst the Knick-Knacks, Chatchkas,

a Stained Glass Screen of Color With Sparkle

and Flying Blonde Kitchen Witches. . .

the Orchid's Now in Full Bloom Above My Kitchen Sink.

Remember What You Did in 6th Grade?

2010-05-12T21:47:00.003-04:00

I can, sort of . . . but check out this 6th grader, Greyson Michael Chance . . . .

Hightower Creek Clydes, Here We Come!

2010-05-06T10:00:00.021-04:00

It's May and it's open house time at Hightower Creek Clydes or fondly "Pia's Place" that is nestled in the North Georgia mountains in a town called Hiawassee.

People come from miles around, and we trekked up from Social Circle in the drizzle to not miss a great time. When we arrived, it had gotten just about perfect with overcast -- not too hot, not too cold -- weather.

Everyone gets a carriage ride with Beauty, her only Shire. When Santa comes in December, he always asks for Beauty to pull his sleigh while he visits with the children hearing their wishes for Christmas during the ride.

Here's Jessie and Pia in her HCC Blues enjoying the people who come to visit her, the farm and especially her horses.

Everyone is greeted by Rabun, a chow mix rescue who was in a shelter in Rabun County. He is an awfully happy pup.

There's barn visitation with her 7 Clydesdales, 1 Shire, 1 Clydesdale/Belgian Cross, 1 Quarter Horse, and 1 Arab . . .

Roady House Chickens . . . . who are working on egg production as we speak. . . .

. . . and you can spend some time with the goats, Randy and Andy . . . although I don't know who this is. . . .

But, best of all -- what all the commotion is about is. . . .

Lil' Major's public debut this past weekend!

Major is now 30 days old, and got to visit, nibble and explore with all the folks that came out for the grand opening.

When Pia gives her tours, there's always an educational aspect to the fun day until it is time to go home.

Now, that's when the real fun begins. . . .

Here's Cowboy Bob, in action, getting the horses to "Cross the Creek" after dinnertime to another pasture for their overnight graze. Yep, the ground shakes when they get going. . .

[Note: Shire Leads.]

Out here, on the East Coast, it's not often that we get to meet a real-live cowboy, who actually has been there and done that (in Texas, Oklahoma and Montana -- or was it Wyoming?) and who isn't full of just "talk" (or stuff that's shoveled out of stalls. . . )

He adds some entertainment to the day if you can get him to talk. He's a man of few words, but has a discerning palate for fine Scotch. After all, Clydes are from Scotland so it all makes perfect sense.

After the horses are settled, we got to all play with the baby ourselves, including Bronson, the Boston Terrier, who was present at Major's birth --

-- and apparently believes Major's sole reason for being brought on this earth was to play with him. That cute baby doesn't mind one little bit either . . .

With many visitors who are allowed to rub on the baby, he quickly learned how to work a crowd to relieve the itchiness he's got going on with all his baby fuzz; Jessie knows just where to scratch. His tail is saying, "move over to the left" . . .

"Ahhhhh, right there!"

HIghtower Creek Clydesdales in Hiawassee is a beautiful place to go to relax and escape the city. Besides, it's not everywhere you can go love on so many Clydesdales at once in our neck of the woods. If you see a big horse in Hiawassee in a parade, or elegantly escorting a bride to her wedding, or clip-clopping on the backroads, shout out a "Hey Pia!" and slow down as you pass.

Thank you, Pia, for a wonderful time, and the hospitality by all your neighbors, relatives and friends!

What's Blooming Wednesday!

2010-05-05T06:59:00.000-04:00

Lamb's Ear

Peonies Almost Ready to Burst!

What's Blooming Wednesday!

2010-04-27T19:02:00.027-04:00

Lilac (Fragrance Now In Full Force)

Iris

Budding Orchid During The Anticipated
Tornado Weather Here Over the Weekend

BAM! Arrival in Time for What's Blooming Wednesday!

Not Grown By Me, But The Rose Picked By Jessie in Her Yard . . .

That Survived the Ride Home Splendidly

(Who Says You Need Crystal Vases w/Sugar to Keep Roses Fresh! )

Peonies Are Backstage, Getting Ready for Next Week's Review.

¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤

While We Turn Our "Budding" Attention Elsewhere. . . .

Budding Flymasks That Are Now Springing Up Everywhere . . . .

Budding Friendship Between Tim & Poey

And Even Though You Can't Really See What's Going on Here . . .

It's A Budding Soon-To-Be New Arrival!

"No, Misty, Cookies Don't Make

Your Butt Look Too Big. . . . "