UPDATE : Marathon Man & KR Set the Date! Don't Tell Ted, But ...

[King's Ransom]

Lori --
I just realized that I can raise funds for Sunkissed Acres by running my half-marathon next month! If you will PM me (I can't find you online, inept me!) I need to get some info, then I can set up an account online and maybe generous CoTHers (and others) will sponsor me to run with the funds going to Sunkissed Acres. I need to get moving on this, as the race is October 11th. Please send me a PM so I get this set up!

Fundraising is now online at: http://www.active.com/donate/just13miles

[RainyDayRide]

Lori's userid is snkstacres ... click on her id in the post at
http://chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?p=3547828#post3547828
(or any other of her posts) and you'll see choices to send her email or a pm.

(and what a nice idea)

[King's Ransom]

RainyDayRide -- THANKS!

[bird4416]

That's great. Keep us posted so we can sponsor you.:)

[VAHorseGurl]

KR,

Keep us posted on this! I'd totally donate!

~Kerri & Pete

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

What a terrific idea! I am SO SO late to the party!!

Just give us details.

PS had lunch with Quin at the Tea Room today...it was awesome. But I understand gas is only $3.16 in your neck of the woods!!!

[King's Ransom]

I PM'd Lori, but I haven't heard back from her yet. I need to get her info so I can get Sunkissed registered with the race. And, the way this thing works is, I can't really get all of the details about how the fundraising works until I register a charity. So ... I am really stuck until I hear back from Lori.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I am out the door - if Lori's internet access is out let me know and I can get you the relevant info. PM me your e mail and I can send whatever.

[King's Ransom]

Geek -- you have PM.

And, I just paid $3.24/gallon for gasoline. Don't know where Quin finds it for $3.16! Somewhere on the Missouri side, I suspect!

[Quin]

It was $3.16 at the Oak Grove/Levasy exit on I-70 this morning on my way out.

It was $3.12 when I came back through this afternoon. Here at home I agree it's $3.24. Which is still horrible enough to make me think twice about going out to the barn just to groom!

[snkstacres]

Have no fear, Lori posted. I just dont get on here till dark usually. The race is on. You guys are totally awesome. thankyou.

[snkstacres]

and so you all know, gas is a dollar a gallon more here if you can get it. I use Diesel thank heavens.

[King's Ransom]

I got Sunkissed registered, but now I have to wait for the officials to "approve" the registration before my fundraising site becomes active. They say this will be done within the next 24 to 48 hours, so as soon as the fundraising site is active, I will let you know.

I think it will be a BIG mental help to me, especially in those last 3 painful miles, to know that I am running for Lori's horses! I mean, there has to be SOME GOOD REASON to put myself through that misery, right?! :)

[Quin]

and so you all know, gas is a dollar a gallon more here if you can get it. I use Diesel thank heavens.


Excuse me? EXCUSE ME? We bought a diesel truck 2 years ago. Since then diesel has consistently been at least $.50/gallon MORE than gas.

[King's Ransom]

I was able to get Sunkissed Acres registered and approved so we can use my half-marathon for fundraising!

As many of you know, I have been training for this half-marathon, which I will run on October 11 in Hartford, CT for the past 15 weeks! Now let me just remind you that I am OLD (like many of Lori's horses) -- I am 51!!! And this is my first half-marathon, ever. (What was I thinking?!)

I have run literally hundreds of miles through all manner of bad weather, suffered countless injuries (including broken toes!), survived setbacks, trained with SATAN himself, and all along the way I got a day older with each sunrise and set! In less than two weeks, I will tackle 13.1 miles in Hartford.

Now we can turn all of this foolishness into something worthwhile if you will agree to sponsor me, mile-for-mile, with donations to Sunkissed Acres. You can donate any amount, online, directly at: http://www.active.com/donate/just13miles

You also can donate through the same link on my running blog at: http://integritymarketing.typepad.com/just13miles (where you can see some photos of me, the farm, and Elijah ... and read a bit about my arduous journey!)

Lori tells me that our fundraising efforts will benefit a special new guy, a victim of Hurricane Ike, whom she says has a bad foot but a will to live and a cuddley personality. He needs some extra veterinary care. So, let's get going.

Oh, and nothing will help me through those last 3 grueling miles of this race like knowing that I am running for Lori's Kids! Please give what you can. You'll not only help a worthy cause, but also put a smile on an old woman's face! :lol:

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

I signed up - you go girl!

Well, I used my mom's credit card. Don't tell.

[King's Ransom]

Thanks to you guys who popped over and made donations for Sunkissed Acres on my running site. We've already got $66 of the $350 goal that I set!

But the strangest thing has happened! Wednesdays are tough running days for me, the last in a string that begins on Saturday with a LONG run (11 miles), then tapers daily until Wednesday, when I ran 5 miles. Doesn't seem like five should be so hard after all this training. But by Wednesday, my legs are aching and they feel like lead and my mind is playing tricks on me. Tricks like telling me, "You are too OLD for this! What are you THINKING? It won't hurt to miss ONE run, go home and watch TV. In fact, stop by the Pizza Hut and buy a pizza, THEN go home and watch TV!"

Yeah, my mind does tricksy things like that! :no:

But last night, I had a great run. I kept thinking about all the CoTHers who wrote to say "You go girl!" and how excited Lori was that I'd be running for her kids, and the cuddle-bug new guy on her farm with the bad foot who needs an extra visit from the vet. Yep! Running for Lori's Kids is a whole lot easier and more fun than just running for the miles!

Thanks guys! And if you want to donate, here's the link again: http://www.active.com/donate/just13miles

[snkstacres]

Well I for one applaud you. As a teenager I was a long distance running fool but now, I know I can run real fast to the barn (fire) but not sure I would last a block other than that. This looks good on you.

And thankyou. Buck will more than appreciate your efforts and believe me, my thoughts will be with you on that day.

[dawglover]

just made my donation! :yes:

I'll be cheering you on from afar, I'm sure you can do this!

My friend recently ran her first 1/2 marathon and she'll be 60 soon, so older by a bit than you.

***Not that I think 51 is old at all...I'm 53!***

[Lori B]

Me too!

I ran my first 5k in YEARS this past Saturday, and then I saw this thread.

Running is soo good for your riding. And what a great idea for making the running benefit horses too. :-)

[King's Ransom]

Thanks guys! This is great! We are almost to $300!

My goal is $350.

No running today on the training schedule, but I will work out with SATAN and face one last long 10-miler on Saturday morning. Getting down to crunch time. Come on, guys, just a few more donations and we'll be at $350 for Lori's Kids!

Oh, and keep those encouraging messages coming, too! Every "You go girl!" is priceless to me! :)

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Hey...why not up the hoped-for amount? Let's go for $500!!!

I donated when it was at 11% of $350...so happy to see the numbers have increased!

[dawglover]

:) bumping this up for a good cause :yes:

[snkstacres]

You guys are amazing. You go girl. I am sweating just thinking about it but...........it will probably be cool weather at least. For you I hope the weather is perfect.

[King's Ransom]

I, too, hope the weather is typical fall in New England for October 11th. One thing I have learned from all of my training is that my running is extremely weather-dependent. If it's hot and humid, I will be toast. If it's windy, cold and rainy ... oh, let's not go there!

But, regardless the weather (which we can't control), knowing that I am running to help get Buck another visit with the vet for his bad foot makes it all MUCH easier. You know, when I started this odyssey, I was just running away from a bad day, a bad memory, a place I didn't want to be. Turning this into running for Sunkissed has made such a huge difference for me. It's a tonic!

Come on, guys, we're almost to the goal of $350. Every dribble, no matter how small (or large!) is important. You'll be helping Lori's Kids ... while also helping pull me through those last tough miles!

Thanks for your support.
http://www.active.com/donate/just13miles

[bird4416]

Come on folks, we need to meet that goal. :)

[bird4416]

You're almost to your $350 goal. Just $56 short.:)

[janedoe726]

You go girl! I ran a 5k this morning (haven't put on my running shoes since March!) and I'm feeling it now! But it did make me remember how much I love running and how great it feels to cross that finish line! You're doing a great thing for a great cause!

[King's Ransom]

I'm heading out the door this morning to run my last 10-miler before the race next week. Had intended to run yesterday, but instead I had to babysit the granddaughter. :D

Now that's a scenario I never really imagined. Babysitting my granddaughter one Saturday, running a half-marathon the next! Again I ask, WHAT WAS I THINKING???!!! I was babysitting my GRANDdaughter yesterday! Do grandmas run half-marathons?!?! Didn't grandmas used to sit around in the rocking chair telling old stories?

Ha!

Well, somebody needs to go online and donate $4 so we'll hit $300. Just four measley dollars and you can be a hero! The average donation has been $26.20 ($2 per mile for 13.1 miles). So, if SOMEONE would donate $4 to Sunkissed Acres, then we could drum up two more to give $26.20, we'd make the $350 goal.

The money goes to Sunkissed Acres, and Lori says it takes at least $175/month per horse ... so we're trying to keep two of the kids in eats and shoes for a month.

Eats and shoes. Same things a runner needs.

Donate Here: http://www.active.come/donate/just13miles

I'll be gone for a few hours, doing my part for 10 miles. I hope to see at least $4 on the tally when I get back!

[dawglover]

Come on folks, just a few more $$!

Great cause and TAX DEDUCTIBLE :yes::D

[TBlitz]

This is for such a good cause that I just had to help you out. Run girl, run!!! I hope I'm as active as you when I get to be older! I'm a college student, so don't take offense the age reference. :D

[King's Ransom]

THANKS! Good on you for donating, as I know finances are tight for college students!

We're up over $300 now! Yay!

Just a few more days, but we only need a few more people to donat and we'll have the $350 needed to keep two kids in eats and shoes for a month!

[Carrera]

Add my $26.20 to the tally!!!

Just need one more $26.20 donation to reach the goal!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

This is great! Hope the weather behaves itself!!!

[janedoe726]

You just made your goal!!! ;) :D :yes:

[King's Ransom]

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!

If you still want to donate, I'm sure Lori will put the $$ to good use ... but I am soooo excited that we were able to come up with $350!!!!

Two horses in eats & shoes for a month! Yay!

I can RUN for that! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! :)

[snkstacres]

KR, I am truly blessed by you. And to all of you who donated and are cheering KR on, thankyou. YOU GO GIRL. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is small compared to where you have been.

[heatherny2]

I was a little late to help meet the goal, but gave my donation anyway. I know how hard it was when I ran a marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but the cause you are running for makes every mile worth it. The pain is nothing compared to what the horses you are running for have been through, and just keep thinking that when you hit that wall. Good luck and believe me, I know from experience, the accomplishment you will feel when you are done is AMAZING!! :D

[King's Ransom]

For some reason, I can't send PMs right now (my home internet is all wonky so maybe that's the problem), but someone asked me how I set it up to run for a cause like a horse rescue instead of the usual "approved" charities that these races are often organized to support. Nothing against the approved charities, but I figure if you're running something longer than a 10k, you should get a say in where the $$ goes.

Here's what I did. I was registered to run the ING Half-Marathon. There is a Hartford Marathon Foundation and lots of runners run for charity, it is one of the biggest fundraising races in the country. However, like most races, there are approved charities. If you raise money for those approved charities, you get all kinds of neat perks and can even get your registration fee refunded (which is significant). But, you CAN raise funds for another charity, as long as it is a 501(c)(3). You just don't get any of their keen charity perks.

I wasn't interested in the perks, I just wanted to help the horses. So, I went to www.Active.com and clicked on a link to set up a fundraiser (the instructions to do this were sort of on the race site, as they are affiliated, but it took some nosing around to find it all). I had to tell ACTIVE what race I was running and when, so the RACE gets "credit" for my fundraising (even though I don't....). I also had to get info from Lori, including her federal ID number, and etc. You go through a few questions online and then they set up the site automatically, but it doesn't go LIVE until a real person reviews it to make sure it is legitimate. That whole process took maybe 3 days.

It's pretty much a turn-key operation and seems to have worked really well.

If I'd been fundraising for one of their approved charities, I'd have gotten my registration fee refunded, some sort of "valuable" gift pak, and access to the special port-a-johns in their Charity Village. Ha! I may miss those port-a-johns!!! Oh well, I may be the only one having HORSES carry me through those last three miles!!! :lol:

By the way, not to be greedy, but we're only $11 from $400!!! ELEVEN DOLLARS. Maybe someone could go online and donate $11 and we'd make it an even $400?!?!

As for training, which someone also asked about, you can check out my running blog to get that WHOLE story: http://www.integritymarketing.typepad.com/just13miles.

[LaBonnieBon]

I think this is a GREAT idea!! I just pushed you over $400!

[King's Ransom]

Hey Guys! We're over $400! Unbelievable! You are all great! I cannot say how much your support, all of the "You Go Girl" messages and PMs that I received, how much that has meant to me ... and how much your $$ will mean to Lori's kids!

Today I ran 4 miles and had a very easy workout with my trainer. He found some HUGE knots in my hamstring (the one I hurt last winter), and it has been dealing me fits. Corey worked on it and I did run better this evening. He is going to work on it again on Thursday ... then it will be up to me to try to keep that hamstring healthy until the race on Saturday.

I just want to relay a little story that, I hope, shows how much I appreciate all of you guys. I was visiting with a friend the other day, who grew up on a farm in upstate New York. He was out here at King's Ransom, falling in love with the place. He asked me if I'd had any farm experience before I moved out here. Nope, I said. None. I was a complete cidiot. And both of my horses are former show horses, show barn babies. Even the dog was an apartment-bound cocker spaniel. (So we were all clueless. Well, King learns pretty fast, but the rest of us were in serious trouble!)

So, he asks, how did you manage? Wasn't your first winter tough? Scary?

And I said, well, there's this online community, called CoTH. I hear there are about 22,000 people on there. And I think it took all 22,000 of them to get me through my first winter! :lol:

Now, I'm getting through my first half-marathon, with CoTHers pulling me along. Thank you.

I am nervous about those last 3 miles. I will be glad, frankly, when it's over. But I do know, when I start to struggle, that I will be thinking of Lori's Kids, and of all the "You Go Girl!" messages. I'll make it. And I'll make it with a smile! ;)

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

Munching peeps in your honor!

[Equibrit]

Read about this guy; http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/article.php?aid=269102&cid=397

[merry mayhem]

Just made my donation.....Great Job for a Great Cause!!!!

[snkstacres]

You guys are truly awesome.

[King's Ransom]

Equibrit -- thanks for the link. That fellow has some courage!

I guess all of you CoTHers are MY "pushers"! :)

[Chief2]

I cannot afford to donate at this time, but just wanted to let you know that the weather for Hartford on Saturday is predicted to be 67 degrees and sunny. Just about perfect for your run.

If your 1/2 marathon course takes you into Main Street of South Windsor, that portion will be flat, flat, flat. The scenery is beautiful.

Good luck with your race!

[snkstacres]

I will be thinking of you all day. I so admire your efforts. Can you walk at all through this, goal being just to get across the line? If so, take it easy, its ok with me. You got guts girl as demonstrated throughout your coth life alone. Read back if you need to know the power of yourself.

Clearly, you are a person who sets goals and then is surprised when you achieve them. And yet, you have achieved the very biggest ones of all. You go girl. You are much better than you think.

And i am instructing the kids here to cheer loudly.

[King's Ransom]

Lori -- I really like the idea of the kids cheering loudly!

I CAN walk if I have to, obviously no one is going to come along and bonk me on the head if I walk! But the course has a progressive close, and they ask that you maintain at least a 13-minute-per-mile pace. This means that they will close the course progressively behind the runners, at an average of 13-minutes per mile. This is to minimize the impact of the race on Hartford's city traffic.

I run an average 11-minute mile. Now, I should be fine. BUT, if I have to walk, or if I have to go to the bathroom (and wait in line at a port-a-john) or do any other stupid thing, I could fall behind. I would still be allowed to finish, but I'd have to run on the sidewalk, plus suffer the embarrassment of running on a closed course. OW!

So, my plan, really, is to -- if at all possible -- just keep running. If I can get through the 13 miles without having to spend 5 or 10 minutes in the john, then I'll be fine.

Whew! My daughter-in-law is running a half-marathon the next weekend. She runs an average 7-minute mile. I hate her! (not really, of course, I really really love my daughter-in-law!) I remember when I was younger, and I ran 8-minute miles all day and half the night.

What's that old saying? It's not the years, it's the mileage! :lol:

[RHdobes563]

Adult Depends are your friend! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Just kidding!! :D

[magnolia73]

I run an average 11-minute mile. Now, I should be fine. BUT, if I have to walk, or if I have to go to the bathroom (and wait in line at a port-a-john) or do any other stupid thing, I could fall behind. I would still be allowed to finish, but I'd have to run on the sidewalk, plus suffer the embarrassment of running on a closed course.

I have a feeling you will do JUST FINE. But if you do get stuck at a Port A John for 30 minutes and have to run on a closed course- just keep running, because anyone who can run 13.1 miles, no matter how slow- should not have "embarassed" in their vocabulary. Because think about it- you beat all the people who did not try.

[King's Ransom]

Thanks Magnolia! That's a great way to look at it.

I ran my last training run tonight, just two miles. 9:30 per mile. However, I can NOT run that pace and make it through 13.1 miles! But, I think I will be okay. My confidence is sort of coming back. I'm packing my bag tonight, printing out maps, programming the GPS, etc. I think as it all becomes more REAL, it all seems more do-able, too.

[heatherny2]

A little tidbit the trainers told us when training for my marathons was to think of it as 26 one mile runs - take it one mile at a time, it makes it seem less daunting. I actually did think about that several times during the marathon and it helped. Just be careful what you eat the night before and the morning of, in order to avoid the port-o-lets (I speak from experience :( ) And when you hit that wall (which is inevitable) think about how far you have come, what good you have done, and those horsies and coth people all cheering you on. Good Luck and have fun! It is so exhilarating, that the minute you cross the finish line you will be thinking about the next one. :winkgrin:

[King's Ransom]

I leave in the morning for Hartford!

I worked out, sort of, with Corey today. Nothing tough. Just went through a pre-race warm-up routine, a lot of stretching, and Corey worked on my legs. Bless him, he is talented in that regard.

He told me several times this week that "This is the nicest I will EVER be to you." Ha! It certainly is the nicest he has ever BEEN to me! I have enjoyed it, too. Just a little pampering. I do realize that I would not get anywhere if we did this every week, but it's been nice this week.

I have eaten. I have had plenty of water today. I have stretched. My bags are packed, the GPS is programmed, my boarding pass is printed ... the horse-sitter has been called, the dog dropped at the kennel. Terri and I have exchanged clueless e-mails. We have dinner reservations for tomorrow night, and I have even emailed the chef my dietary requests -- grilled chicken, penne pasta, light marinara sauce, steamed veggies. No milk. No cream. No butter. Thank you.

I cannot thank you CoTHers enough for your support. I will get through those last miles thinking of you, your encouragement, and of Lori's kids. I told King tonight that I would be gone for a few days, anxious to get back to our regular "routine." And if the fall weather holds just a bit longer, I'll get some riding in with the old man next week.

I just can't WAIT to get to Connecticut, see my friends, the mountains, the leaves ... and ... I cannot wait for this to be over! I am soooo excited to be doing this. So glad we raised the $$ for Sunkissed Acres!

So READY.

[Polydor]

Little late here but GOOD LUCK!! You can do it!!!

P.

[snkstacres]

Wow this is a really big deal for you. Just leaving the horses is scary enough, you have gone the whole nine yards.

I admire you. I truly truly do. I will definitely remember just how hard you ran for this and it will be very very appreciated. And Mr. Buck better love his booties let me tell you.

I am at Pets in the Park saturday but I will be with you in spirit, guaranteed. Keep us posted and if any Cothers can get out there and cheer on KR, that would be awesome.

[King's Ransom]

Wow! Just WOW!

I am at the airport, went through security and logged on to the free WiFi while waiting for my flight.

The tally for Sunkissed Acres is now over $500!!!!

I sent out a few emails last night to friends letting them know I was leaving, and several of them went online and donated!

Geek -- I guess I underestimated everybody! YOU said I should set the goal at $500 ... I thought $350 would be fantastic.

Now ... again, not to be greedy ... but we are so CLOSE to it ... for $525 we could keep THREE of Lori's kids in eats and shoes for a month! just $20 and we'll do it!

So ... if you could donate $20 ... or even a couple ... it would be REALLY great to hit $525!

And, thank you all SO MUCH!

http://www.active.com/donate/just13miles

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

Clapping hooves for you! And I promise happy bucks in your honor when you cross the finish line!

[bird4416]

This is great! We are all pulling for you. Keep those legs pumping for Lori's kids at Sunkissed Acres.

[King's Ransom]

Just a quick update: I made it!

I ran the entire race, I ran every step. They did not close the course on me.

I am still alive ... but oh! the PAIN of it!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

SO THRILLED for you!!!

Have one on us. Really. I'll make it up to you next time I see you!!

Next time we'll make you a banner or T shirt so you can advertise while you run: "Running For Sunkissed Acres Rescue & Retirement" on the front, and "Supported by COTHers the world over" on the back!

[TBlitz]

YAY! You're amazing! I'm so proud of you!!! :D:D:D

[MajMeadowMorgans]

Whooohoooo! Congrats!

[bird4416]

Good job. Congratulations!!:)

[merry mayhem]

YOU DID IT AND WE'RE ALL SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!

[Bedazzle]

Came in late to this thread, but I want to say congrats!! I may not have any connection with Sunkissed Acres but I do appreciate what you have done!

[dawglover]

Well done!!! :D

[heatherny2]

CONGRATS to you!! and to all of our fellow COTHers who donated. Great Job!
Isn't that just about the best feeling when you cross that finish line. :D

[Chief2]

Congratulations!

[Equibrit]

it's that GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD pain!

[horse-loverz]

Way to go KR!!! I couln't run around the block so my hat's off to you!!:yes:

[Alagirl]

Just a quick update: I made it!

I ran the entire race, I ran every step. They did not close the course on me.

I am still alive ... but oh! the PAIN of it!


:) WAY TO GO! AWESOME!!!!

Iboprofene is your friend! ;) (and I am REALLY in awe, because I wouldn't run a lap around the football field unless my life depended on it! :lol:)

[snkstacres]

Well KR I am in tears for you. It isnt about the money, its about setting your goal and you DID IT. You ran every step, you crossed that finish line. I showed this to a couple of the foster kids who cant even walk down the driveway at 17. I am so proud of you, so proud.

Thankyou for choosing us but more importantly, thankyou for choosing you. YOU DID IT.

[King's Ransom]

Now that I have recovered a bit, I want to tell you guys what happened today. I am not a big believer in the mystic side of life, but this day has been absolutely incredible.

First, just before I woke up this morning, I had this very real dream. My first of this type. My dad passed away in October two years ago, and he was my greatest inspiration and one of my closest friends. My dad was there in this dream, as real as real could be. I just walked into a room (in my dream) and there he was. Smiling at me. I was so stunned to see him, and I just ran into his arms. I kept asking him, "Can you stay? Can you stay?" and he just kept saying, "No. I have to go. Not quite yet, I can stay awhile, but not for long." My friend came to wake me up just as he was saying this. I couldn't help but just sit and cry. He has never come to "visit" me like this, I have not once dreamed about him since he passed. But how appropriate that he would come to me this morning, and it just felt soooo real.

Then, when I started the race, I noticed I was running beside a man, about my age, who seemed to be running at about my same pace. We had barely gotten started when I just casually asked him how he was doing. He was doing fine, he said. We got to talking, and I learned that his wife had died suddenly in her sleep about 6 months ago. She had been an accomplished runner and had planned to run this race today. So ... having never run before ... he decided to train and run this race for her. We decided to run the race together. And we did. Every single step of it. He was like my guardian angel, this fellow!

He told me, "My coach told me that your first half-marathon is a quest. There are no races, no times in a quest. You just achieve it. And when you achieve your quest, your life is never the same again."

Well, we talked and laughed and encouraged each other. And when we got into what David called "the horror zone,' that last mile ... I was hurting something terrible. He said, "We're going to make it. You know you're going to make it. If you can, run faster."

I said, "Oh, David, I don't have a surge!"

He laughed. "There are no surges in a quest, either!" And, as we crossed the line, he held up so I would cross ahead of him and they would announce my name first.

This stranger, who came out of nowhere ... absolutely saved my arse today.

And ... ah ... we are having dinner together tomorrow night!:lol:

And yes, of course, I had to tell some King stories, and about Sunkissed Acres, and about CoTH. Heck, you gotta talk about SOMEthing when you're running together for nearly 3 hours!

What a day.

What a quest!

[Candle]

You can TALK while you run???? :eek: :dead: :lol: Congratulations!!!!!

[bird4416]

KR, that sounds like a great day. After my mom passed, she would show up in my dreams as though it were real. It really made my day when she would come to me in my dreams.

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

High fiving the hooves! Way to go!

[RainyDayRide]

Knew you could do it!

Enjoy your dinner tonight.

[snkstacres]

Ok now I really am bawling my eyes out. I guess you dont doubt for a minute that your dad did come to you. I dont. maybe you read my post a while ago, maybe not. 17 years I waited for any sign from my mom. It came at 3:04 one morning two years ago Sept. 17. She came and took my little dog Happy. Laughing her head off in her own joy at finally having a little dog she was afraid of. Happy used to go to the hospital to visit her and in Canada, that is allowed. She loved Happy and came for her that night. I didnt need to get out of bed to know she had taken my friend. I knew then that all was ok inspite of my heart ache.

I need to know how this dinner went ok. I want you to have a great great time and will pray that your dad sent you a very special friend. That is an honorable man to run for his wife. Very honorable.

Something tells me this wont be your final quest.

I thank you, I applaud you, and now, I in turn hope something wonderful comes of it all for you. Oh wait, it already did. Dad came to cheer you on.

[King's Ransom]

Thanks Lori, Ted & Everyone!

I must say, no matter what happens next, this has been a most unforgettable weekend! And, the most romantic thing that has ever happened to me.

My marathon man drove half-way across the state of CT (which admittedly is a small state! not like driving half-way across Kansas! but hey!) to meet up with me and my friends at Terri's house and then take me for dinner. Terri and her family live in the Berkshire Mountains, on the Houssatonic River. Her husband, Frankie, started a huge fire in their firepit outside, by the river. We drank wine and swapped stories under a multi-colored canopy of fall foliage!

Then the marathon man and I went to dinner. He is funny, incredibly cute, a journalist, very smart, financially independent and unabashedly smitten with me. Whodathunk? But he lives 1,500 miles ... and a cultural universe ... away from King's Ransom!

He wrote to ask directions to Terri's house: "I found you at a race, I don't want to lose you in New Milford!"

Who knows what happens next? But once you achieve your quest, they say, your life is never the same again!

[bird4416]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Well, Marathon Man is used to distances so maybe things can work out.

[King's Ransom]

Hooray for the Marathon Man! He just donated $150 to Sunkissed Acres!!!

Maybe he is a keeper?! :)

Yay! This puts us up over $650!!!!

[mango1612]

Wow! No matter what happens, what a story! Congrats on your race (finishing, even!) and the Marathon Man.

[scotchie]

Have been following this and am loving this story (and Marathon Man!) Keep us posted!!!!:winkgrin:

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

My mom is jingling for you that maybe Marathon Man will find happiness on 20 plus acres in rural Kansas? It isn't so far from KC, and they have newspapers there....

And we are beaming that you SO exceeded your expectations for this fundraiser. Maybe that will pay for two weeks of feed at Sunkissed!

[RainyDayRide]

Quite impressive that Marathon Man has seen you sweaty, in oh-so-flattering running shorts, probably muttering a bit as the miles went on .... and came back for more.;) So when does King get to check him out?

[King's Ransom]

RDR -- Marathon Man is coming out to visit in about 3 weeks. He will certainly meet King, but as I always say, you can't tell by King because he hates everyone. :lol: Elijah is the real test. Eli is VERY discerning about men. If he passes Eli's radar, then he's good to go! :lol:

[stryder]

Congratulations, KR!
high hooves all around. a good run for a good cause, a good story, a good man.

[PalominoMorgan]

Ladies... I think we officially have our new "Florida Saga" style thread that we will all hang on for months. We must keep it horse related though so we all wait to see what Eli and King have to say about Marathon Man.

[heatherny2]

:):):)
Yes, that is me..this whole thread just makes me smile..and now marathon man...wow! And that he donated is even better..Can't wait to here how Eli and King feel about him..that is always the true test. Good luck and Congrats again! :)

[Alagirl]

For some reason this reminds me of 'Riding Shotgun' by Rita Mae Brown. :cool:

[King's Ransom]

I am finally home. You guys are absolutely astounding! Another great donation and the total is now MORE THAN $700!! raised for Sunkissed Acres!!! :)

I am absolutely speechless. I was hoping to raise $350.

$700!!!!

Just wow! And THANKS!

[horse-loverz]

Ladies... I think we officially have our new "Florida Saga" style thread that we will all hang on for months. We must keep it horse related though so we all wait to see what Eli and King have to say about Marathon Man.

Happily this thread isn't the trainwreck that Fla Horse Saga was.. but will be entertaining to watch... And a thread like this deserves a bit of stick art.. ya know to celebrate.....
______________________________________
____________________________|__Finish__|
____:D____:)________________|_________|
____|=____|=_____________.__|----------|
_____\_____\________________|_________|

KR and Marathon Man.. racing to the finish...



___At SKA.....
_________( WE <3 Food)__________________________________
__________o__o_____o____o_____________()()()()()() ()()()|:)o\__
_____~___/>__/>___/>____/>___________|Southern States|____O}
______//_\\___\\___\\____\\______________(O)________(O)___ (O)



Back at Kings Randsom

________________________________:D
________________________________|
_____~_____/>(>____~___________/\
______//___\\___//__\\________________

Elija: What's up with mom??

King: I think she's twitterpated.... (hope others get the Disney reference)

Elija: Well she certainly seems to have a bit of spring to her step...

[bird4416]

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to KR for actually training and running and to all who donated. I'm sure this will be a big help to the horses at Sun Kissed Acres. You guys are the best.:D

[dawglover]

what a happy tale! :winkgrin: I hope it continues!

[King's Ransom]

OMG! I cannot BELIEVE I got my own horsie stick-art!!!!! :)

Woo Hoo!

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to KR for actually training and running and to all who donated. I'm sure this will be a big help to the horses at Sun Kissed Acres. You guys are the best.:D

BIG DITTO.

[snkstacres]

I dont know whether to laugh or cry here. KR, you did this for us and I am beyond speechless. This was big, this was dedication. This was giving your all. You know how important you are to someone when they go this far.

I am so pleased about Mr. Marathon. He made you feel special then, at dinner and now he is coming to meet your kids. This is a man who knows what he wants, a mature man LOL. Even if its not forever, I hope you find in Mr. Marathon, a really truly great friend.

And Horse Loverz how the heck do I print that stick art? That is the funniest and cutest thing I have seen in a while. I need that printed somewhere, somehow. hahaha and to tell the story. I swear one day, if I ever find the time, I am going to write a book. Who would believe this story? yet, they happen over and over again in my life. I call them miracles.

YOu guys are wonderful, thankyou. And while the marathon may be over, me thinks the saga has just begun.

[snkstacres]

I went back and reread your blog. "what was I thinking?' I think this is one of those times when there was a reason beyond all our knowledge, fate????????????

[King's Ransom]

Lori (and everybody),
Yes, this was big and in a way it's even sort of scary. Mr. Marathon is going to be calling here in a few minutes, and yes ... I have been floating on air all day. But I have to share something, whether -- as you said, Lori -- this is a forever thing or just a very good friendship, it was indeed fate.

Mr. Marathon is actually afraid of horses!

But, he listened intently as I told him the story of my dear heart, King. I had to quote EqTrainer, who wrote (on another thread) that sometimes you find a horse who just looks at you with understanding, as if to say "Oh. THERE you are. I was wondering when you were coming." I told Mr. Marathon that this was how it was between me and King. Despite being the "vicious horse" in the stables, he took to me instantly, never gave me one bit of trouble. He gave me that LOOK ... "Oh THERE you are. I was wondering when you were coming."

And Mr. Marathon's eyes were a bit misty when he said. "That was me, too. When you ran up to me and started talking, with your easy smile and your open heart ... I thought to myself, Oh THERE you are. I was wondering when you were coming."

Don't you just wonder what happens next? Isn't life just LIKE a box of chocolates?!

[horse-loverz]

Lori (and everybody),
Yes, this was big and in a way it's even sort of scary. Mr. Marathon is going to be calling here in a few minutes, and yes ... I have been floating on air all day. But I have to share something, whether -- as you said, Lori -- this is a forever thing or just a very good friendship, it was indeed fate.

Mr. Marathon is actually afraid of horses!

But, he listened intently as I told him the story of my dear heart, King. I had to quote EqTrainer, who wrote (on another thread) that sometimes you find a horse who just looks at you with understanding, as if to say "Oh. THERE you are. I was wondering when you were coming." I told Mr. Marathon that this was how it was between me and King. Despite being the "vicious horse" in the stables, he took to me instantly, never gave me one bit of trouble. He gave me that LOOK ... "Oh THERE you are. I was wondering when you were coming."

And Mr. Marathon's eyes were a bit misty when he said. "That was me, too. When you ran up to me and started talking, with your easy smile and your open heart ... I thought to myself, Oh THERE you are. I was wondering when you were coming."

Don't you just wonder what happens next? Isn't life just LIKE a box of chocolates?!

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.... :sadsmile:

[stryder]

Don't you just wonder what happens next? Isn't life just LIKE a box of chocolates?!

Oh, it IS! it IS!!!!

You have to admire a man who lost his wife, but trained and ran because she would have wanted to. And then was willing to open his mind to the possibilities of another woman, and smiling back when he found her.

Even if nothing else happens, this is great for both of you.

[heatherny2]

So when can I buy the book..or the dvd?? Because this is really sounding like one of those chicken soup for the horse lover's souls....seriously, you need to submit this to someone, because it truly is chicken soup for some of our hurt/broken souls to hear this great story...and to see how much was raised for SK is truly heartwarming...:)

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

My mom and I are wishing you all the best. She loves this story. I think it's a bit mushy, but then, I'm a 16 year old guy.

[King's Ransom]

Well, Ted, you won't believe this ... I learned last night that Marathon Man actually lives in one of those pre-planned equestrian communities. But he is one of those who does not have horses, and never has! He has 2 acres of his own, shared pasture, and the development backs up to national forest (and trails!). Only two of his neighbors have horses, and he does not really know anything about it.

I was stuttering, literally. How do you live in an equestrian community and not only not HAVE horses, but not really know how that "whole thing" works????!!!!

[stryder]

How do you live in an equestrian community and not only not HAVE horses, but not really know how that "whole thing" works????!!!!

Ah, but is he teachable? LOL. How could King not like Marathon Man?

This just keeps getting better and better.....

[King's Ransom]

If you're interested, race finish photos are now online here:
http://orders.islandphoto.com/Track/C.aspx?c=781GV2BT35&q=6506059&a=30721&e=685181&v=Greater+Hartford+Marathon&b=3430&t=r

That's me in the orange, Marathon Man on my left.

[PalominoMorgan]

Awwwww. Everything happens for a reason. :yes:

[snkstacres]

Wait! Wait! did anybody click on the finish line photo where Mr. Marathon slowed down so Miss KR could cross first? Do you see the smile on her face after a 13 mile run? hahaahahahaha

Oh yes, me suspects a meeting of the minds as well as the ponies.

YOU GO GIRL.

Whatever happens, enjoy the moment, you so deserve one.

[RainyDayRide]

Wait! Wait! did anybody click on the finish line photo where Mr. Marathon slowed down so Miss KR could cross first? Do you see the smile on her face after a 13 mile run?

Yes.. first one I looked at. So sweet that he pulled up a bit to allow her to be first across the line.

[Reds-n-Greys]

So, I somehow totally missed this thread - but just finished reading it from start to finish (had to - to find out who Mr. Marathon is!!:winkgrin:) And was even rewarded with pictures! :D

I was honored to add a donation "dribble".

KR - you are amazing! Wishing you all the best on stage II of this quest (and thanks for sharing it with us!!)

[paulosey]

WOW, this is such a great story! It should be part of a book!

[cswoodlandfairy]

I'm one of the slackers as well :o...read the thread from front to back and ended up in tears over the great story...seriously when is the move/book coming out. I am so happy for you and congratulations for doing such a wonderful deed. I am sure the kids at the farm are graciously thanking you now with their new kicks and warm beds!!!

THANK YOU for doing such a wonderful thing. You are a strong and wonderful woman and only deserve the best! Everything I believe happens for a reason and the best is happening now!

As for Mr. Marathon man...sounds like a keeper to me either way he sounds like a great friend!!

Once again congratulations for doing such a wonderful thing!!! GREAT STORY!!!! :) :D


Much better reading this then work...but sadly I guess I have to go back to that world!! best of luck!

[King's Ransom]

For those who have followed this story, the Marathon Man and I have talked on the phone almost daily since October 11. He is coming out to visit us here at King's Ransom on Nov. 7. I am thinking that he is a keeper. Today, I found this email in my inbox, the subject line was:

TO KING AND ELIJAH

Good afternoon King and Elijah,

Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm the reason she's been smiling so much lately. I'm David.

I just wanted to say hello and thank you for taking such good care of her. I know she thinks she's taking care of you but we know better, don't we gentlemen? King, thank you for watching over her when she fell and Elijah, thank you for teaching her that she can be loved with absolutely no restraint ... ever.

She has burnt fingers and so do I (as do most people). But mine healed long ago while hers are more recent. I tell you this because there may be times that she will get scared; just nuzzle her and send her my way. Between the three of us, she's in pretty good hands (or hooves).

I've been afraid of horses for a long time but not so much now; I feel as if I already know you.

See you on the 7th.

So, do you think I should keep him???

[see u at x]

So, do you think I should keep him???

OMG....if you DON'T, I'm going to fly out to Kansas and...and...give you a good talking to, missy!!! :D He sounds FABULOUS....I'm so excited for you!

[dressagetraks]

Awwww!!!!!

A guy who emails your horses is DEFINITELY a keeper, whether as friend or more. :yes:

[TBlitz]

omg! *girlish squeals* I don't think any of us ever doubted he was a keeper, but I think he may have sealed the deal :winkgrin:

I'm glad you're keeping us posted!

[jazzrider]

So, do you think I should keep him???

Wow, KR, just wow. It definately sounds like he's a keeper. I've also missed this thread for some reason. Things have been crazy. I need to catch up! Blessings to you for doing the run for the kids at Sunkissed! :yes:

[stryder]

He sounds like the Real Deal. He knows King and Elijah are important to you, and he isn't competing because he's secure. Wow.

I wish you all the best.

[dawglover]

What a MAN! Definitely a keeper. :lol::D

[monday]

Thats sooooo sweeeeeet!

[BettySueLou]

That so made my day...wishing you both the best.

[snkstacres]

Dam, I am crying all over again. What a story, what a man. I hope, I sincerely hope that this man will bring a total completion to your life. Not that I think you were missing anything but someone to share it with will be fantastic.

Not because I was the benefactor of your run, but, arent you glad you did it? Mr. God has a plan. Oh yes he does.

I cant wait to read this thread again on the 8th ok. Its a date.

[Reds-n-Greys]

OMG!!! Say "Yes!" NOW!!:lol:

Mr. Marathon is awesome.

One question? Does he know you're sharing him with all of us?

And here's the really important question - Did King and Elijah reply?

[King's Ransom]

Well, yes, Mr. Marathon does sort of know that I am sharing him with you guys. One of the really great parts of this relationship is that we are both so excited about it and telling everyone. I dated a man once, quite seriously in fact, who was so concerned about how his children and his family would "react" to his "getting involved" with someone that for months and months he would not tell anyone. I didn't realize it at first, but as time wore on, that really hurt my feelings -- and was a huge red flag. After that relationship fell apart, I told myself that if I were ever to have serious feelings about another man, he danged well better think he was the luckiest man in the world and be shouting it from the rooftops.

Mr. Marathon cannot shut up! :lol:

And .. well ... the boys did not say too much last night when I read them the email. In their defense, they were eating, so their mouths were full. We'll see how they respond when he shows up. If he really is afraid of them, it will be interesting to see which one of the boys decides to break the ice. I may be surprised to see that it is King. King is the more self-confident, and if he senses that Mr. Marathon is a good guy, but a bit frightened, he just might decide that it is up to him to make it all better for everyone. That is what he did with me, anyway. King is not one to exploit a vulnerability, but rather to try and shore it up. Much as I say he is an old curmudgeon (and truly he is), the old guy has a kind and gentle heart...and enough confidence to deal with skittish humans as long as they are basically good.

[paulosey]

All I can say is WOW! Things do happen for a reason. I met my own version of Marathon Man about 3 years ago. We both had burnt fingers too, but happily we didn't let that stop us. I wish you and him much happiness!

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

Give us a heads up before the wedding so my mom and I can schedule the trip in!

[King's Ransom]

Dear Ted,
You are sweet, but it is too early to be thinking wedding bells! And I doubt your mom wants to trailer you clear across the state ... !

However, having said that, I will share my own little secret fantasy. I have thought for a long time that if I ever DID get married again, I would want to be married right here on this farm. Ceremony and reception all right here. Rent some of those big tents. A pig-in-the-ground sort of thing. Of course, "the boys" would be here, too.

As your mom knows, there is plenty of room, plenty of parking. And, in my mind, there is no more beautiful place on earth ... no church could take us any closer to God.

So ... if that ever were to come to pass ... you bet that you and your mom and a whole BUNCH of CoTHers would be on the guest list! I like the idea of having a shindig where it's the "more the merrier" and not getting charged $45a head for each additional person who shows up. I mean, just grab a bun, a beer and a paper plate. Oh, and be sure to shut the gate!

;)

[monstrpony]

... no church could take us any closer to God.


Can I borrow this line to use on my neighbor--you know, the one with a son and grandson in jail on drug charges, but who constantly scowls because I don't go to church on Sunday :rolleyes: I always wanted to live somewhere in the south where the best directions are "turn right at the Baptist church" but it does have some drawbacks ...

Ahem. Talk about off topic. Sorry. Anyhow ...

I am eaten up with curiosity to see how King and Elijah react to David, please take good notes. I'm betting that will be the best part of the story yet!!

Thanks for sharing your real-live fantasy life with us!! That email really brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that you have found each other!

[Gestalt]

You did a great job on the marathon!!! And thanks for keeping an 'open' diary, wow, you've got determination girl. :) I am going to be the negative nellie about M.M. Maybe you should half-halt and collect your thoughts. You've been through a really tough time and I think you said he lost his wife only 6 months ago.

I wish the best for you and it's wonderful to know there are horses benefitting from your 'journey'. Thank you.

[monstrpony]

(nevermind, KR said it better herself, below)

[King's Ransom]

Gestalt -- you are absolutely right. And please don't think I will move foolishly ahead. While it is fun to fantasize, and I totally intend to enjoy EVERY romantic moment of this ... I am and will be VERY cautious about making a commitment.

Quin (who posts on here regularly) lives nearby and we get together and visit often. She is very good at pulling me back to earth and as she likes to say, "You have a wonderful life now, that you have worked very hard to build. Don't BLOW it!" This is said with a bit of humor and a lot of love.

Yes, I have a wonderful life and like a mother lioness, I totally intend to protect it. So, while I am enjoying the moment, letting my heart delight, don't ever think for one minute that there isn't a lioness on guard here!

[Gestalt]

KR, thanks for "reassuring" me. :D I'm sorry the mother hen in me escaped! She's back in the henhouse, enjoy your new friend.

[BettySueLou]

I for one have been waiting to see how King and Mr. Marathon man's visit went.

Can we get some horsie update?

[horse-loverz]

I too want to know but I take it as a good sign that she hasn't had time to come on here and post :winkgrin:

[snkstacres]

hahahhahah I am a believer in love, even after being burned yup. But understand entirely, I will protect this farm, my heaven, from any and all. No man will ever attempt again to take it from me or destroy what I have worked so hard for.

KR, I hope this is all you have dreamed of. Life is meant to be shared. I am planning on a plane ticket to DG's and from there we will drive to the party. I dont do beer but will bring my coolers LOL. A potluck dinner sounds like a good plan and hey, you dont have to wait for a wedding you know.

If all you gain from this is a good friend and running partner, we can celebrate that right.

I hope the boys liked him. I hope you had a great great weekend.

[MajMeadowMorgans]

*sitting on pins and needles waiting for an update*

[RainyDayRide]

*sitting on pins and needles waiting for an update*

so I'm not the only one who wants to know what kind of reception the boys gave MM :)

[King's Ransom]

My Marathon Man just went home. He has taken to calling me Kansas. He has fallen in love with the prairie, the farm, the horses, the granddaughter and ...

He got King's approval. (Elijah is fighting another hoof abscess, and so was a bit distracted, but I think you know you have a keeper when the guy who was afraid of horses helps you soak the hoof of a 1,500-lb, 17hh horse!)

David had his "King Moment" though. While I was nursing Eli's hoof, I swear King walked right up to David and snuffled him. One time. Only once. David says King looked him square in the eye and said, "Well, alright. You're finally here."

David was sooo happy to think that maybe King liked him. I said, "Ahem, I don't want to burst your bubble, but, King accepts you. And that's a high compliment, so don't have your feelings hurt if you discover that he doesn't really LIKE you."

Next day, we're out in the barn again, working on Eli's foot again. King of course is watching it all. I forgot some supplies and had to walk back to the house. King watches me all the way across the yard. David thought he would try for another "King Moment." Ha ha ha! He tried to catch the old man's eye. King looked past him. David moved into his line of sight. King moved so he could see around him. David moved. King moved. David moved. King stared him down, and David swears he was summarily "dismissed" by the old guy.

"It was as if he told me, I said you could be in HER life. I didn't say anything about MINE! Now, get the hell out of my line of sight, you're blocking my view!"

Ha ha ha!

Now, if you want to reach for the tissues, here we go. After helping me duct-tape a baby diaper poultice onto the big guy's hoof, and helping unload 600 lbs of feed & bedding, my city boy (who had to go BUY a pair of jeans to wear out here!), wrapped his arms around me and said, "I've been waiting for the perfect time to tell you something. And I think that here in this barn, which is your favorite place on earth, with the horses happily munching their dinner ... right HERE, right NOW ... is the time. I love you, Kansas."

Yep. I think this is the real thing. The most surprising thing. The most amazing thing. I'm gonna keep him! :)

[dressagetraks]

Awwwwww.

I'm glad you were led to each other. Here's to future happy updates.

ETA: King cracks me up!

[scot1las]

WOW! Just, WOW! :)

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

AWESOME! Okay, Lori flies up from Jawja, I pick her up at the airport, we drive to Kansas. I will get rid of the horsie stuff in the car to make room for clothes. Do I have to wear a dress? I'm sure I have one somewhere!

I have a guest bedroom and a couch that pulls out that could sleep two if need be. So if anyone else is coming...just try and arrange the flights so we don't go back and forth to the airport.

Mr. Ted's barn is on the way to Kansas.

We could share rooms at a local hotel overnight for the wedding, then drive back.

Just give us a heads up!!!

[King's Ransom]

Geek, I like your plan! And of course you do NOT have to wear a dress!

But, you WILL have to wait. I am absolutely not missing out on the whole courtship. Let the wining-and-dining begin! Ha ha!

I am going to keep him ... so there's no rush, right?!

[stryder]

He bought a pair of blue jeans. ONE pair? And did he take them with him, or leave them there?

Just kidding. This makes my heart sing. I'm so happy for you, another member of the "I finally found a prince" club.

[eyesontheground]

So, in the back of my mind I knew this thread was on going (I kinda sorta have read your blog all the way through but have not read recently.) At some point I noticed it had gotten really long and then I noticed the date for the marathon had long since past.

So, curiousity got the better of me and I checked back in today. OMG was I surprised. And now I am crying. This is the most wonderful story I have ever read. MM had my heart way back at, "MM donated $150 to sunkissed". And again at, "Good afternoon King and Elijah". Are we all on candid camera? Is this a cruel joke? For KR and MM's sake I sure hope not!!

I like the way King operates. Hopefully Elijah is feeling better and is chipper by the time MM comes back to visit.

I am doing a happy dance for you!!

[snkstacres]

Hold it hold it. DG I do not want to stay in any darn hotel. KR lives in heaven, I for one am sleeping in the barn. King, move over and no snoring.

KR. we dont have to wait for a wedding do we. You can do the romancing and we can drop in for inspection hahahahhahahaha. then, you can invite us to the wedding also. i will wear my finest jeans. Thats two visits to Kansas.

awwwwwwwwww all of this from a little weenie rescue farm. TERRIFIC. I am so happy for you and anxiously await my turn hahahhahah but no man will ever find me on this farm I am afraid.

[BettySueLou]

Love, love, love it.

Thank you so much for your update and that your boy accepted him as well.

Hope Elijah's foot heals quickly as it is getting chilly at night and nothing worse than soaking in the cold.

Wishing you all the best.:D

[horse-loverz]

*HL sqeeeeels like a 14 yo girl* Then she does a happy dance for KR... and to celebrate... a little stick art...
_______*sniff*
______________:uhoh:
_____~____/>__|
______//__\\___/\____



________?!__:D
____~___/>_-|>
_____//_\\___/\



__Harrumph_<:confused:
_~____<)_.___|
__//__\\______/\

[King's Ransom]

Lori -- I lOVE your idea! Maybe we could have a shindig this spring! (Winter in Kansas really sucks!) Nothing would please me more!

Stryder -- yes, ONE pair of jeans! And he was like a little kid -- wore them every day he was here, and then wore them home on the airplane! Ha ha ha! Every so often, he would just say, "I lOVE my jeans!" What a goof! :lol:

Eyesontheground -- No, it's not a cruel joke and we're not on Candid Camera. It's the real thing. A complete surprise, but very real.

I forgot to add that he asked whether there were someplace he could go to take some riding lessons. He saw some "Equestrian Vacations" on the internet (so he was surfing for something like that???) and thought that sounded like so much fun. "But," he says, "I don't want to look like a fool. Could I take some riding lessons somewhere?" Wow!

Love love love the horsie stick-art!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! And for everyone being happy for me / us -- thank you. Elijah is still gimping around, but I'm using MistyBlue's miracle abscess "cure," so hoping for progress on that front soon. Thanks again. This really is very fun!

[paulosey]

Wow...I am so happy for you! Good things happen to good people and it must be your turn. Enjoy! :D

[Quin]

OK, my home internet is temporarily out of service, and I am SO not supposed to be posting at the office, but...........

KR: I'll call you tonight - I was out of state for work yesterday and got home late.

To everybody else coming in for the wedding: KCI is only an hour's drive from us, while St. Louis is 4+. I have a big old house and a bigger old barn, and if we run out of room we'll put up some tents and everybody can camp out. What a party this will be!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Okay, here's the plan. Lori and whoever else can fly into St.Louis, I have room for 5 in the car if I clear out the horse stuff. We'll make a road trip. Gas is 189.9 now! And then we'll stay at Quin's. Her place is awesome - grand old farmhouse, and horses!

There's CM Tack in their area. But we can see what else is on the way. They have a TSC too (none in St. Louis).

We'll have a spring bash! A kind of wedding prequel?

[King's Ransom]

What, Quin? No pulling me back to earth? Isn't that your job???!!!! Aren't you supposed to be grilling me about this guy's finances, his health, his teeth, his feet, his general soundness????!!!!

Ha ha ha ha!

We'll talk tonight. But call before 8 o'clock, because MM is calling at 8, and we might be on the line for a long time! ;)

[King's Ransom]

Geek, you're cracking me up! A wedding prequel, a road trip, a PPE, if you will, of the MM??? And, of course, as if that weren't enough, there's also CM Tack!!!!

I can sleep quite a few here at King's Ransom, too. There's a pool and a hot tub, just in case CM Tack is not enough! :lol:

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Yes. the Hot Tub.

Never mind. Lori and I will take the hot tub and the deck. Better make it late spring!

[King's Ransom]

For those following this story, here is the latest update: Marathon Man came back last weekend, and took his first ever ever riding lesson! We had a blast. Quin took photos and you can see them on my blog at: http://www.integritymarketing.typepad.com/just13miles

We both rode "very safe" horses. My instructor spent 99% of her time with David, and she really is a superlative instructor for adults. (I, on the other hand, spent nearly the entire hour either posting or in two-point, which I think was punishment for not keeping up with my lessons!) The good news is that we both had a great time, David is overcoming his fear of horses, and wrote me an email later saying how excited he is to learn to ride and all of the adventures we will share on horseback!

His arse was so sore the next day, however, that he literally could not sit down!

But, here is the best part, and the reason that I am keeping him. David has fallen for King and Elijah, completely. And though he enjoyed the school horses, and talked to me about it later, and asked if that was King's job before I bought him. When I said yes, David's eyes literally teared up.

"Thank you," he said, "for getting him out of there. He didn't belong in that life."

[appychik]

Aww, what cute pictures. :) Looks like he had a nice time.

[Quin]

I got to observe the lesson, and thought MM had a great attitude about the whole thing. And I heard him apologize several times to the schoolie he was riding when he did something he knew was wrong, like falling back into the saddle when trying to trot in a 2-point position.

KR, I'd say the party this spring/summer could be a CoTH PPE of MM - IF you two lovebirds can wait that long! Otherwise, it will be a wedding reception. :D

[paulosey]

This story just makes me smile everytime I see it again! Wow...good for you and thanks for sharing. It's so nice to know there is good happening out there. As far a David goes...:winkgrin:he sure sounds like a keeper!

[King's Ransom]

Quin - Thanks again for taking photos and for the loan of the half-chaps. I think I will get him some for Christmas, along with his own helmet. He really is smitten with the whole horse-thing. Of course, his first introduction to horses was King ... who is such a charming fellow, how could one not be smitten? (NOT!) :lol:

An interesting development, wherein King and Eli have more "work" to do of just the type at which they excel. Those following this story know that MM is a widower. He has two adult children, but they really are just barely adults (18 and 21). This is a difficult time of year for them. As it turns out, his daughter used to ride, and his son's girlfriend as well (in fact, she worked off her lessons at the barn by mucking stalls, so that speaks highly of her!). His daughter is having an understandably hard time with the idea of her dad dating, not because she doesn't want him to date, but because, as she so eloquently stated, "It's just so final."

When he first asked if she wanted to come out to Kansas, she was hesitant. She said something like "Well, yes, maybe, I guess that would be okay."

However, the girls have seen the photos of our riding lesson (and some more of King and Eli and the farm) and they are starting to get excited about coming out and riding and just "being around horses" again. I am thinking that this could be a great ice breaker, as no one needs to talk when they're in the barn. Just let King and Eli work their magic, as I have seen them do with soooo many wounded hearts. I am not pushing, but am welcoming the girls to come for a visit with the good doctors. Easy for me to shut up and just let the boys do their job.

[monstrpony]

:):):):):D:D:sadsmile::D:D:winkgrin::cool:

[RainyDayRide]

However, the girls have seen the photos of our riding lesson (and some more of King and Eli and the farm) and they are starting to get excited about coming out and riding and just "being around horses" again. I am thinking that this could be a great ice breaker, as no one needs to talk when they're in the barn. Just let King and Eli work their magic, as I have seen them do with soooo many wounded hearts. I am not pushing, but am welcoming the girls to come for a visit with the good doctors. Easy for me to shut up and just let the boys do their job.


Sounds like a perfect way to begin... but given that their mom passed away less than a year ago, I'd go slowly, particularly since the first holiday season will likely be very difficult for them. Are they off at college?

[King's Ransom]

Yes, they are both at college, and the youngest is heading off for a semester in Paris in January. I agree, "slow" would be the operative word. Maybe when she gets back from Paris, come springtime, she will be interested. If not, that's okay, too. But if she wants to come and hang out with the horses, that door is open.

What I have observed with other young people who come out here with their wounded hearts is that, even the ones who don't know horses, wander out to the barn to be alone. Then, either King or Eli will entice them into the paddock. They will grab some treats on the way out and pretty soon they are walking the fields with two new friends, spilling their guts to the good doctors. No need for me to be anywhere around. I've learned to be scarce when the boys are "working." ;)

[King's Ransom]

I was gone over the weekend (and so missed the sad news about HRH Avery) for a shopping weekend in Chicago with my Marathon Man. We had a wonderful, magical time -- mostly window-shopping along the Magnificent Mile, with the Christmas lights glittering and a light snow falling. And, he popped the question ... to which I said YES!

Now, we are planning a rather long engagement (for those of you who worry that this is moving too fast, the wedding date will be sometime in 2010) ... but as previously discussed, the CoTH PPE Party (aka Engagement Party) is ON for this spring!

And we are officially on the hunt for a "bomb-proof husband horse" to join the tribe. And, because I turned Elijah's single stall into a double last year, we'll need to add another stall to the barn. So, yes, we are "expecting." Ha ha!

[FalseImpression]

I have been following the different threads, but never posted!!! Now I have to congratulate you and Mr. MM. This is a wonderful story and I really love where it is going!
Best wishes to the two of you!!! Will King give you away???

[MajMeadowMorgans]

WHOOOOHOOOO!!!! I got goosebumps!!! :D Congrats!!!

[Catersun]

ahem..... Did he ask King's permission first?? lol

Congrads!!!! And good Luck on the husband horse shopping!

[dawglover]

Woooo Hoooo! Happy Dance! :)

[ChocoMare]

Oh sweetie. I've been following along in the shadows all this time but had to come out now to say CONGRATULATIONS. :yes: You picked good! :cool:

I'm all verklempt. :sadsmile:

[Bluey]

Congratulations on getting your life lined up so nicely for the future.:cool:

You may want to check with FatPalomino for husband safe horses, as she seems to be getting some horses right now from dude ranches and surely one of them will be what you are looking for.
She is not very far from you, so easy to make connections.:)

Talking about strange ways to ask, I had a steady BF for two years already when at 17, as a scout leader, that my BF didn't participate in, this one fellow there I didn't hardly know went to my father and popped the question.:eek:
My father, nonplussed, asked him if he had asked me and the fellow said no, that he knows I would do what my father said, so that is why he was asking him.:confused:
I quit the little I was still doing with the scouts then, it was too weird a situation.

Glad that you both had such a good time shopping.:yes:

[King's Ransom]

Well, I honestly doubt that King would ever "give" me away! Ha ha. As in, over his dead body! But, we are planning (or plotting, depending on one's point of view) on being married here on the farm. David insists that he would like King to be there, because "I know I would not have you if he had not saved you."

Quin had the most splendid idea. Perhaps we will get the King all spiffed up and shiny, with a brand new beautiful white lead rope, and we will put the Granddaughter on his back. Quin can lead them down to the lakeside, and the Granddaughter can be the flower girl, dropping flower petals into the grass. This, however, must be approved by Elijah -- who has laid claim to the Granddaughter as His Very Own First Little Girl.

[Catersun]

LOL.... I guess the question is more... will King SHARE you??? lol

Horses are the best PPE for potential significant others.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

ROAD TRIP!!!!

Anyone flying into St. Louis - I'll haul all Ted's stuff out of the CRV and we'll make the trip across Missouri.

With a quick stop to give a peep to Ted about an hour on the way.

SO happy for you.

[FlashGordon]

Hey KR that is AWESOME news!!! Congratulations to you guys!!!! :D

I was on your blog the other day looking at the pics of your riding lesson! What a cool guy to give the horses a shot. I'm so impressed! Definitely a keeper!

Again, so happy for you and enjoy your engagement!!

[amdfarm]

Another lurking in the shadows. CONGRATS!! What a wonderful story and I'm glad King approves. :)

[LSM1212]

Big congrats.... don't ya just love it when it hits you right on the head when you least expect it??? :D

[paulosey]

Congrats! I am so happy for you and Marathon Man!

[slpeders]

Wow -- what great news for the season!! I got all teary reading.. :) I hope that things continue to go so well for you!!

[monstrpony]

Hearty Congratulations!

this is so much fun to follow!

[BlueEyedSorrel]

Congratulations!

BES

[RainyDayRide]

What happy news for a Monday morning. Congratulations!

All that painful training for the half-marathon sure paid off in a totally unexpectedly delightful way.

[ReSomething]

Well congrats! I only lurked a little so this caught me by surprise, but not really, thinking about it. Best wishes!

[Candle]

Awwwwww, congratulations!!!!

[appychik]

Congrats! :)

[dressagetraks]

Congratulations!

[onthebit]

What a special story - congratulations!

[jazzrider]

Aww, KR, super, super news! Congrats and jingles to both of you (all of you!). I was also going to suggust, like Bluey, that FatPalomino might be able to find you a great dude ranch-retired boy for MM, that will take good care of him.

Keep us posted on the party details! :yes:

[King's Ransom]

Yes, we are decided on trying to find a good "husband horse" to rescue. I explained to David what we would be looking for, and that we could try to find one to buy locally, but chances are that a good, Steady Eddie available locally would be able to find a good home around here (where grass and land are both still relatively cheap), but that there are many fine horses in dire straits for whom we could mean the difference between a good life and a trip on a double-decker trailer to a slaughter house in Mexico.

Here is what he wrote in reply: "Absolutely, a rescued horse. After all, isn't that what I am? One lucky son of a gun who looked into the eyes of a beautiful horse rescuer one day in October 2008 who said to me, "Okay, come on ... let's go home ...I'll take care of you."

So ... we will definitely continue the Christmas tradition out here on the Island of Misfit Toys (aka King's Ransom).

[Chester's Mom]

I was gone over the weekend (and so missed the sad news about HRH Avery) for a shopping weekend in Chicago with my Marathon Man. We had a wonderful, magical time -- mostly window-shopping along the Magnificent Mile, with the Christmas lights glittering and a light snow falling. And, he popped the question ... to which I said YES!

Now, we are planning a rather long engagement (for those of you who worry that this is moving too fast, the wedding date will be sometime in 2010) ... but as previously discussed, the CoTH PPE Party (aka Engagement Party) is ON for this spring!

And we are officially on the hunt for a "bomb-proof husband horse" to join the tribe. And, because I turned Elijah's single stall into a double last year, we'll need to add another stall to the barn. So, yes, we are "expecting." Ha ha!

WHAT, WHAT, WHAT?!!

Congrats but...... what????

You go girl! We are all excited for you!

Now for the serious stuff. How the heck are you gonna find a reception hall for 10,000 of your closest COTH buddies?

[TBlitz]

wow! How amazing! I bet you're glad you did the race :). Since my parents live in the NW tip of AR, you can expect me to show up unless I decide to flee the country before then.

[King's Ransom]

Not only am I glad I did the race ... I am glad I ran slow! :lol: Remember how worried I was that they would close the course on me because I was running so slow??? Well, if I had shaved even one minute off my per-mile pace, I'd never have met him. And, because we were both so slow, we had PLENTY of time to get to know each other. He asked me just the other day why I fell in love with him, and I had to say it was because he waited for me outside the port-a-potty! Ha ha ha!

(No, really, I totally fell when he wrote that email to King and Eli! I knew I was sooo done!)

[katarine]

I'm late to the party and just now flying through and catching up.

Congratulations on this wild and crazy twisty tale :) pure wonder, isn't it?

How exciting :)

:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

[cranky]

What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it and continuing to share it. Congratulations I hope that you'll be very, very happy.

[Quin]

They met in mid-October. They got engaged less than 2 months later. Raise your hand if you don't think they can wait 2 whole years for the wedding. Yeah, that's what I thought too.

Well, so it's already too late for a PPE. But we can throw them a big engagement party this spring. And, of course, if he wants to get married that weekend, at least he'll have plenty of witnesses.........:D..........All 10,000 or so.

[snkstacres]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaha what more can I say. The happy dance is on. A trip to Kansas coming up.

I get to meet the King, I get to meet Theodore, and I get to meet and personally thank you for what you did for us, never mind Mr. MM.

Could I be any happier for you, not a chance, you so so deserve this. Hoooooooooooray wonder who will get married first, you or Paris. hmmmmmmm party time.

[PalominoMorgan]

Congrats. Did MM's kids give dad their blessing? So happy for your both and hope the girls enjoy seeing their dad happy.

[horse-loverz]

King has to be the best man!!! Or at least "give you away... or for him.. grudgingly agree to share you".

Congatulations he sounds like a wonderful special man.:yes:

[King's Ransom]

Lori - I just got off the phone with David, and got his okay on this idea of mine. When we do get married, we are going to enclose a little note with our invitations that says something like, since we are both older than dirt and sure don't need any more toasters, we would instead appreciate it if you would make a tax-deductible donation in our name to Sunkissed Acres. David thinks it's a great idea, and so we shall make it so! Goodness knows we do NOT need any more toasters!

I walked the farm this evening, just imagining where the ceremony and reception would be. Honestly, I don't think there's room for 10,000 people ... but there is a LOT of room!

And Quin - sorry you had to read this on CoTH. I was just ITCHING to tell you, but thought it might be kind of fun if you just logged on and saw it.

He's coming back on Thursday, and I am going to try to get us another riding lesson on Friday if possible.

King as best man? Ha! I'm not sure he would stand beside David and submit to being #2 in my life ... even for a few moments. King has a nasty track record, you know, of being a real pistol when he does not like the way things are going. I am hoping that carrying the flower girl down to the lake will make him think he is THE most important one in the whole affair. After all, HE would be carrying THE GRANDDAUGHTER, who certainly is the most important human on the farm, yes? And, while carrying her, all eyes would be on them ... err ... HIM. Yes, all eyes would be on HIM. This should make him satisfied. Perhaps I could put sparkle paint on his hooves and ribbons in his mane ... you know, just to piss him off? Ha Ha Ha!

[SLW]

Woo hoo KR!! You run a half marathon and get whole mate, good deal! Can't wait til Doc returns from the AAEP conference so I spread the news. He'll vet MM! ;) Mega congrats.

If you need a 32" tall, bomb proof, black and white miniature horse for any of the wedding festivities- he has his own wooden easy entry cart- just hollar. The lil guy just did the All Horse Christams parade in Lawrence Saturday and was perfect. This is his winter wooly- much cuter when clipped. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2550064370052639572ENhVgQ

2010??? LOL.

[horse-loverz]

. Perhaps I could put sparkle paint on his hooves and ribbons in his mane ... you know, just to piss him off? Ha Ha Ha!


Ahhhh a woman after my own heart.. If I did that to Harry he would get a crack in his hoof just to be able to hold it up and show me the middle portion:lol:.

[King's Ransom]

SLW - OMG! Your mini is TOOOOOO cute! And yes! Can he PULEEEZE be in our wedding?!?! And yes, be sure to tell Doc! Though, add that this does NOT mean he can stop worrying about me out here all inept with two horses ... as I know he has gone out of his way to make sure nobody dies out here, and I need him to keep that up! My Yankee is even more inept about all things horsey & farm life than me! If he does not help us, we might ALL die! :eek:

[Polydor]

Saw this way back when you ran the race but didn't follow it after. Huge congrats to you both!!

And if tyou actually do wait till 2010, i may be on the continent because you do need some international peeps to repesent at your wedding after all :D Plus never have been to that side of the states before . lol

P.

[tarynls]

Hearty congrats! I've been following your story even before you ran your race. So happy you found someone wonderful to share your life with.

Congrats again!

Taryn

[sidepasser]

Wow just think of your catering bill for 10,000 of your closest friends and well wishers..

maybe everyone can bring a picnic basket and a bottle of wine/favorite beverage - lol..

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, seems that doing a good deed brought you mega great karma!

A wedding is wonderful anytime, but a COTH wedding, now that will be spectacular! Congratulations to you and Marathon Man and tell King he's always the "best man".

[bf1]

Congratulations! And I think it should be a potluck.......lots of variety!

[JSwan]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!


(yes, I'm yelling - yelling because I'm really happy for you!!!! )

What a very Merry Christmas and what a great way to start the New Year!:)

[JanM]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for all of you.

Next time you're near the county courthouse drop in and ask the clerk about marriage licenses-I don't know what you want to do for an officiant or if you have a person in mind to perform the ceremony but many jurisdictions have two types of licenses-one has to be signed by a licensed justice of the peace or clergy (and some places an internet ordained person-but the clerk can tell you if this is allowed), and the other is actually a legal marriage when you both apply for it and sign it. In the second case you can have anyone you want preside over the ceremony, and this might give you more options on scheduling and having exactly what you want in the way of a ceremony. I don't know if you were thinking about it but a nice outdoor that only had a top with open sides would be a great place for the reception-and a nice place to ride on rainy or hot days. And I love your idea about Sunkissed, but we usually give blenders not toasters--you can't make a decent margarita in a toaster.

[King's Ransom]

Jan -- Thank you for that suggestion! I have been wondering what would be "required" in terms of officiating, but didn't know how to really find out. It would be great if the second option were available in Kansas ... and who knows? This was wide open territory for a long time, I suppose that way-back-when lots of pioneer-type people wanted to get married and there were no clergy about. I'll definitely check it out.

Thank you to everyone for all of the well-wishes. My cousin, whom I love, but who also has been "dating" the same guy for 21+ years, the same guy who has NEVER said "I love you," and has made it clear he will NEVER marry her ... my cousin lectured me that when things seem too good to be true, they usually are. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying that when things seem really miserable and awful, they are, too ... but the truth is that he really is a wonderful guy and a terrific gift.

If I have learned anything at all from jumping fences with King, it's that you have to be committed to actually GOING OVER the fence. If not, the whole thing falls apart, rails go flying, and you hit the dirt.

(And, if you have a really good horse, all you have to do is grab mane and hang on!)

[Reds-n-Greys]

What a wonderful thing to read in the morning!

Congratulations and Best Wishes!!!!!!

[ChocoMare]

... My cousin, whom I love, but who also has been "dating" the same guy for 21+ years, the same guy who has NEVER said "I love you," and has made it clear he will NEVER marry her ... my cousin lectured me that when things seem too good to be true, they usually are. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying that when things seem really miserable and awful, they are, too ... but the truth is that he really is a wonderful guy and a terrific gift.

You just tell dear cuz that When it is the RIGHT man, you have no doubt. If you had any doubt whatsoever about MM, you would have never invited him out, never had him ride your boy and never said Yes to his proposal.

[monstrpony]

And I love your idea about Sunkissed, but we usually give blenders not toasters--you can't make a decent margarita in a toaster.

Okay, somebody has GOT to adopt this for their sig line!

(actually, I think the Sunkissed idea is spot-on, and so fitting for this occasion!)

[BasqueMom]

More Congratulations! My DH proposed in the barn aisle, on bended knee, in front
of my dear old Fudge (now over the Bridge). He also made it clear he knew where
he stood on the seniority list :)

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Lori - I just got off the phone with David, and got his okay on this idea of mine. When we do get married, we are going to enclose a little note with our invitations that says something like, since we are both older than dirt and sure don't need any more toasters, we would instead appreciate it if you would make a tax-deductible donation in our name to Sunkissed Acres. David thinks it's a great idea, and so we shall make it so! Goodness knows we do NOT need any more toasters!




Jenn, I loff you! And I think I also loff Mr soon to be KR, but only in a friends way, don't worry!

[Sannois]

I hardly ever come to COTH anymore, but woke up too early this am, and decided to do some reading. Your post caught my eye. I read all the pages, and I cryed through much of it. What an incredbly wonderful thing.
You have found your soul mate. It sounds like it is meant to be. I am so very happy for you. He sounds like an incredibly wonderful man. I have always admired you and your courage and determination living out in the boonies with your two wonderful boys. May you have a wonderful life.
I wonder why I could never get so fortunate. ;)

[Quin]

KR - if the weather warms up, we'd love to see MM out at the barn Friday. But if it stays cold and ugly, you might want to pass, or just drop by for a visit: no need to discourage the man by freezing any essential body parts off him. Trainer Lady formally closed the barn tonight due to the weather, but you can probably call her and check on possible lesson times. My DH and I will be there Friday for a joint lesson ourselves, and DH will have Big Man On Campus there as they have a show the next day. And I'll be on Miss Mare. It might be entertaining, anyhow!

For the wedding: as I told you, I would be happy to lead King as the bearer of the flower girl. OR you can braid flowers into his mane and tail, paint his hooves with sparkly paint, and spray glitter on his butt. But if you do, you'd better find someone else to lead him. Because he's going to bite very large pieces out of the first human he can reach if you start that nonsense!

Hon, I am so happy for you!

[AppJumpr08]

KR- Huge congrats to you and MM :D:D

[King's Ransom]

Well, Geek, I loff you too! (But keep your hands off my man! :lol:)

Sannois -- thank you! I haven't seen you around on CoTH for awhile, so it was great to hear from you!

Quin - You are absolutely correct, no one is going to get the King all "gussied up," and live to tell about it! Ha ha! We'll stick with our original plan.

As far as riding this weekend, the plans have been changed, and it was not weather-related. Ahem! Mr. MM informs me that we are going shopping -- for an engagement ring! This is just such a thrill for me as I am just like a little kid when it comes to shiny things! Call me shallow, but I firmly believe that diamonds ARE a girl's best friend!

And, I also completely agree that you can NOT make a decent margarita in a toaster!

Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes. We are going to have one heckuva bash out here, yes? But even better than that, I have found a truly loving, wonderful partner ... one that I truly never expected to find. Talk about miracles! :yes:

[pony4me]

Big Congratulations from Tennessee! Yee Haw!

[magicteetango]

Ahem, we want ring pictures. I know I usually lurk, but I absolutely live for your stories!

So exciting to see how this one turned out! CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BettySueLou]

KR- Wonderful news. Thank you so very much for sharing. I really needed this bright spot in my week.

Wishing you and your family and future family the very best Christmas ever.

[RainyDayRide]

One nice aspect to the long engagement - there's plenty of time to plan the perfect farm wedding.

[Whisper]

Aww, that's so sweet! I hope everything works out for both of you, and a long engagement sounds like a smart approach.

[Murphy's Mom]

How did I miss this thread?!? Just caught up on the happenings. Congratulations!!!!!

[King's Ransom]

Okay, some people are definitely cleaning up on the side bets here. MM and I have set the wedding date for Oct. 17, 2009, here at King's Ransom. So, people, start marking your calendars, okay??

Here's the deal. If we had waited (as we originally thought) until 2010, then my granddaughter could have ridden King as the flower girl. But, she really is going to be too little to do that -- she will only be 22 months old.

SLW -- we definitely want your mini & cart! But ... David and I both are adamant that we want to get King into this ceremony somehow. He is cranky, but reliable. And, of course, I would not even be here if he hadn't saved me, so he has to be involved in some manner. And no, he cannot walk me down the aisle because my "real" boys are going to do that.

Wedding on the farm -- down by the lake. How do I get my cranky old man to participate in some tasteful manner?

[Bluey]

Congratulations!:)


A friend has a side business of taking people to church and back in a fancy buggy, white horse, top hat, long coattails and all.
His pat answer about what do you need when you have horses in a wedding ceremony:
Don't forget the muck bucket in a dolly and attendant with tools of the trade.:lol:

Seriously, sounds like it will be a lovely wedding.:cool:

[stryder]

King DELIVERS you.
Yep, you ride in, lead by your real boys. Sidesaddle, of course.

[Carrera]

Ohhh I love love love stryder's idea!

[Chief2]

Or, if he can't do that for whatever reason, he could deliver the rings? You could use theme dressed-up cantle or pommel bags. Adding a ring of flowers around his neck to match yours would also be a nice touch. You could use silk so you could keep them as a remembrance.

A friend of mine and his wife had a formal photo taken of them as a group side profile shot, with the two of them holding their horses and the two afgan dogs by each of their sides. No wedding attire, just well chosen casual attire and a great photographer. It is a stunning shot.


Congratulations, and best of luck with your wedding plans!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Remember, if it's easier for anyone to fly into St. Louis...we'll get you at the airport, people can bunk out on my place (even if the floor) and we'll drive down together. It's just five hours, I think. And we can stay over at Quin's at KR's and elsewhere.

[JanM]

A funny aside-on "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" they had a wedding in Oregon with the farm tractor and horses involved. The groom road to the wedding site on one horse, dismounted, and walked to his place. The bride was to do the same riding sidesaddle-unfortunately she didn't practice in a similar gown or something because her horse came very close to turning her into a very overdressed lawn dart. I think the secret is to practice in similar clothing and bribe the horses. Of course you have the advantage of tons of knowledgeable helpers.

[allpurpose]

Just read this whole thread and am smiling ear to ear. :D Congratulations!!

Sooo, where are the pics of the engagement ring?? How was the shopping trip??

Have his kids met you yet? Have they given their approval? Can't wait to read the next installment...

[Quin]

KR - sweetie - pleasepleaseplease make it late in the afternoon. The later the better. Wouldn't you like a nice moonlight wedding or something?

Yep, the finals for the local show circuit are on 10/17. And that show is slower than molasses anyhow because they stop everything at noontime for the Halloween Costume Class. Cute as all get-out, but it eats up another hour.

I ought to be able to bail out by around 3 pm, leaving DH and DD to take care of DH's classes, and bring the horses home afterwards.

[SLW]

Kewl and congrats!!! Here is your guy: http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2711855900052639572VMTkOc Have someone offer decorationg ideas for the cart, I'm missing the fru-fru gene, and it will be done. ;)

Who is going to be the ring bearer?? Maybe they could ride King??

[eyesontheground]

SLW - flowers on the breastplate part of the harness (does that have a name?), flowers woven into the spokes of the wheels (something that looks viney naturally will be easier), and of course, he must be braided all fancy...maybe a running braid with flowers on it.

I also like glitter alot...but if that is not KR's style then I suppose he can go without :winkgrin:

[millwrightmomma]

Don't know how I missed this, but Congradulations :)
Wishing you both alot of happiness and good health :)

[Reynard Ridge]

Congratulations!

And some practical thinking. :yes: Weddings are awesome and fabulous and the more important people and animals in your life you can include, the better. However, the day is going to be jam packed with all kinds of exciting stuff, and the fewer variables you have on the loose (particularly "variables" that are inclined to produce large volumes of manure and gas and accidentally trample Ancient Aunt Petunia ;)), the easier the day will likely go.

One thought for King would be for him to attend in the role of Honored Guest. Set him up in a portable paddock, dress him in his finest halter and make sure he has appropriate nibbles to keep him occupied. Then the guests can coo over him, you can pat him, and have gorgeous photos taken, but the day doesn't get muddied with the logistics of horse handling.

Just my opinion, of course. :yes:

[snkstacres]

Well dang it. Someone finally planned something at a really good time of the year for me. Spring and fall are the best times for leaving the farm cause its not cold enough or hot enough for the horses to have to stay up. Cuts the work load in half right off the bat.

My plans are laid already. Flying into St. Louis, meeting Theodore with peeps in hand. Its a bribe. Eat some good food hahahahhaaha and then,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,off to the wedding. Is the barn reserved for self????????

This is just too exciting, way too exciting. I can hardly wait.

[King's Ransom]

And Lori -- David and I discussed it again last night. We are including in our invitations a note saying that we certainly do not need any more toasters, and would much appreciate that in lieu of gifts, a donation be made to Sunkissed Acres in our name ... then we are going to include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope just to make it as easy as possible for people to send their donation.

So, when you come, perhaps you should bring some photos, etc. to show people at the reception what Sunkissed Acres is all about?

RR -- you make a good point, and that may indeed be the final solution. I am still toying with another idea, though -- it is a LONG walk from the top of the field down to the lake. I was thinking, perhaps, I could ride King about half-way down, hand him over to someone horsey, then join up with my boys and walk the "aisle" down to the lake ... however, this poses a "costume" problem ... so, perhaps getting the boys and their digs gussied up and having them as honored guests makes a lot of sense. This is something to mull over.

[snkstacres]

That is so so kind of you. I would love to bring some pics and show off the kids LOL. I am so proud of them all the time the silly things.

Yup, paddocks where the boys can be sufficiently spoiled and watch the goings on would be a good idea. I am so so so excited to be part of this and to think, all of this came from running for a cause. YOU GO GIRL

[PalominoMorgan]

I wanted to include my mare in the ceremony, but ultimatley decided to leave her out of the ceremony. I explained to my husband that if ANYthing happened to Casey he knew I'd be out there tending to her, wedding dress and all. It would also have complicated the day and it was busy enough as it was.

Our solution was to have a BBQ at the farm the next day and the horses were groomed to the hilt in their stalls while folks arrived. I had precut carrots and apples in the barn and they got lots of treats from folks. After most people arrived and we ate I turned them out in a pasture where they could see the goings on. After the watermelon was cut they were treated to a bunch of rinds and pieces with fruit on it. They liked the day and I was happy it kept everybody safe and sound.

Maybe guest of honor/best man duties for King? I like the idea of a temporary paddock in his finest wears posing for pictures.

[dressagetraks]

Okay, maybe a bit goofy of an idea, but what about having King just held by a horsey friend at the front, sort of to the side of the lineup but obviously part of it, and after your boys walk you down the aisle, at the "who gives this woman to this man," if you're using that script, the boys could respond, "King and I."

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Lori - mail you posterboard stuff to me, we'll bring it with us, then I can mail it back to you. How's that?

[Quin]

Lori - mail you posterboard stuff to me, we'll bring it with us, then I can mail it back to you. How's that?

Why eat up room in the car? Lori can mail it to ME (Lori - PM me for address) and we'll send it straight back to Lori from here.

[King's Ransom]

Quin - I went online to check sunset times for October 17, 2009. Looks like the sun will set at 6:41 p.m., so I am thinking 6 p.m. for the ceremony. So -- you should be in good shape!

Reception will be BBQ picnic-style. I am renting a big tent and also spiffying-up the big shop building (with concrete floor and electricity). We'll put the food tent in front of the barn, and the sound system / dance floor in the shop.

[Quin]

KR - don't mess about with the times just for us, or Karma will see to it that every horse at my place turns up lame the day before the show. You go with the time that works best for your family and MM's. You don't want to chance daylight running out because of a cloudy sunset!

We'll put the food tent in front of the barn, and the sound system / dance floor in the shop.


And heads up, fellow CoTHers: Marathon Man REALLY knows how to dance!

[King's Ransom]

I think we have decided on how to incorporate Elijah and King into the wedding! The ceremony will be down by the lake, and I have been worrying about what to wear in terms of dress / shoes that would be okay for walking 1/4 mile (or so) across the field to the lakeside. Then, I stumbled upon an idea and David loffs it.

Geek is going to ride Elijah and I am going to ride King across the field, down to the ceremony-area. Whereupon, I will dismount and give King's reins to Quin. If we have a little bit of luck, Eli and Geek will pull one fancy dressage move that will make everyone gasp at his total elegance (okay, this is my fantasy, and in my fantasy he does NOT poop, buck, fart and run off! However, if he does, everyone will still gasp, right?!)

I will wear some very fancy riding clothes (perhaps a shadbelly and breeches and maybe I can find some tall boots to borrow?) to the ceremony, which puts me in nice attire astride and walking the remainder of the way through the field. Afterward, I will change for the reception into a lovely gown and high heels to dance the remainder of the night away on the concrete floor.

Well, this is how we are planning it anyway. Just don't tell Ted, okay???

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Of course, my definition of fancy is sitting upright, engaging my core, and looking like I have a clue so that Eli moves forward in something more than a shuffle. So don't go expecting any canter pirouettes!!!

Whenever I ride another horse, I always say, "Hey Ted, I'm dating another horse!" but as long as he gets his treats, he really is unconcerned.

[2DogsFarm]

KR - Woo & Hoo!!!!
How did I - a Major KR Fan - manage to miss this thread?
Anyhow Congrats to you & your MM - he sounds like a keeper :winkgrin:

If the gods are willing (and the corporate vacation days have been accrued), would 2 Dogs be able to attend the wedding?
How far is KS from IN anyhow (I slept thru Geography classes...)?

Your plans sound perfect for a farm wedding. Complete with SLWs mini & cart and your own guys - King & Eli - as Guests of Honor.
I'll be checking back in as the date grows closer :yes:

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

If you drive through by way of St. Louis, you can at least stop over at my place and then we'll continue on like a convoy!

[Sannois]

I am sorry I was so late in finding it.
Wishing you all the happiness in your marriage. You found your soul mate. A once in a lifetime thing. I am so seldom on here, but when I was your posts were among my favorite. I admired your determination for doing things on your own.
BEst of luck KR! :yes:;)