Nigella, the beautiful

As of today, Nigella has officially been classified as a "Breeder" for Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. She left us in October 2011 and it has taken this long for her to pass all the medical and temperment tests. She was probably one of the most beautiful of the 13 dogs we've raised to become guides, but not always the most obedient (after she left we found out that it wasn't Johanna that was chewing everything up!). Anywhere we took her we got comments on how beautiful she was. When we were walking, people would screech to a halt to talk to us. She had the softest coat and a very quiet demeanor. I used to say ... "Nigella was born old" because she was so laid back. We will think about possibly raising a "little Nigella" down the road as we get to choose from one of her litters.

Nigella was always so good with Johanna that both Scott and I know she will make a GREAT MOM!!!

I married an older (wiser) man!!! Scott hit the big "6 --- 0" this year. We had a quiet celebration ... just the two of us. He got a great present but it will be a while before he gets it. It is something he has wanted for a looonggg time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde.

January thaw....

We've been experiencing a reprieve from the frigid cold and have had temperatures in the upper thirties and even into the forties!!!! This is extremely warm for our part of the cold rocky mountains in January! So warm that my riding friend and I decided "Get those horses out!" Two days in a row we have been out in the foothills. And those same horses have shown us that they are raring' to go. Yesterday "Miss Maddie" refused to do anything but trotting and came home all lathered up (not such a good thing in cold weather). Today she was much calmer but she slipped in the mud and went all the way down, sending me over her right shoulder onto the ground and right in front of Sharidean's horse, Mr. Mator (the little red tow truck). This was a first for Miss Maddie and I. But as Sharidean said..."well at least you had a soft landing"...mud and dry winter grass. If only I would have had a video!