CA Clique Redux

[wtywmn4]

Oh NancyL, I know who you mean. Thats better than any soap opera ever written. Is the ex-girlfriend still with the ex-wife trainer?

Suave, you go girl!!! Strawberry margaritas are being blended by rusty..Curbs jingling.

The clique/cult starts singing "Here comes da judge" as Merry prepares her cards for tomorrows judging. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[weeble]

NancyL, I know who you mean as well. That could qualify for an episode of "As the Barn Burns". /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Merry]

My show was cancelled about noon Friday... and it was a tad blustery, but no rain! I guess the management didn't want to go through the ordeal of setting up courses, etc. if they knew it was going to rain on Saturday.

Unfortunately, that's $ out of my pocket, plus, what makes it worse is that one of the judges for Ride America cancelled, and I got asked to judge there, but since I was doing Galway already, I couldn't do Ride America! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif So talk about a double-whammy! Oh well, it forced me to sit in front of the computer and hammer out a book proposal. It's exciting... the publisher is really, really interested. So jangle those curb chains, okay?

Suave, my thoughts are with you. I hope YOUR show isn't rained out, too!

[Bumpkin]

Because of rain?
I wish they would think about that up here!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[wtywmn4]

Bumpkin, you know Calif. don't ride in the rain /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Or at least thats what the rest of the world thinks..

Sorry Merry. Your judging was going to be a weeks worth of razzing. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Oh pooh!
On top of that the sun is out, burning off the morning fog...Ah well...But hey, CONGRATS on the book, our curbs are jingling and jangling for you.

[Merry]

Yes, well, instead of me judging today (Saturday) and Beezer showing jumpers tomorrow, due to the inclement weather (i.e. gray, cold and breezy) we shall make a field trip and go up to the local equestrian park to watch the BLM auction of mustangs and burros. Oh, it should be a site to behold! This happens twice a year here. People from all around converge to get a nearly-free horse that, of course, they will bond with and teach it to be gentle and kind and love humanity.

Yeah, right... are those pigs flying yet? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

The local cowboys/horse whisperer types get quite a bit of business out of these BLM auctions. About 30 days from now, when the new owners are still unable to even touch their glorious mustang, they finally decide maybe they'd better pay someone to gentle it for them.

[SuaveReno]

We be rained out for the weekend as the weatherman says "no show for you!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif So we are sitting around wondering what to do with ourselves. The mustang auction????a possibility /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

A movie and Neiman Marcus...even a greater possibilty /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

sigh..now what /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I suspose i could write a white paper on the environmental marketplace like I have been asked to do...Nah /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I rather play Donkey Kong /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Thanks for the rattling curb chains anyway /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Gee, Suave, at this rate, the year-end championship shows for Orange and San Diego counties can't be that big because no one can show and get qualified!

I'll bet Ride America was cancelled, too.

[AAJumper]

It rained here last night...in fact, I rode in the rain yesterday evening! But it's clearing up a bit now, so I'm headed out to ride! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

Trailer over to Merry's and have a show at her place!
You enter, she judges!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Perhaps the British photographer can come and then Merry can write an article on how to put on a small show
/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[SuaveReno]

May I wear my yellow puddle muckers just in case??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

We'll probably be riding tomorrow /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[elizabeth]

I would like to go to the show at Merry's ranch (I would have to be the secretary or in-gate person or steward since my horse is on the east coast as opposed to out here), but I cannot.

You see, I have a DATE tonight. Yes, a date. With whom, you ask eagerly. Well, with the guy I posted about earlier this week! Yay for me. O.k, now. Everyone say soothing things b/c I am starting to get nervous.

(what if we run out of things to say? what if i drink too much and slur my words? what if i realize i don't like him? what if i get broccoli in my teeth????)

[B.G.M. heidi]

Elizabeth, the only problem I can foresee is that you won't drink enough - thus indifferent to slurring through broccoli-impacted teeth. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

As we share a common misery - we're also in for four days on incessant rain - I shall park myself in the CA clique as a temporary member, if that's okay with y'all.

Merry, did Sumo make it to your ranch safely? I did pin a note to his parka when I deposited him at the airport, reading, "Please help me get to my new mama Merry's ranch. Follow the scent of strawberries and the jingling of curb chains."

[elizabeth]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Sumo spent the morning moving jumps in Merry's ring.

(Just to bring you up to speed, heidi, Merry piles the jumps in the center of the ring, then Beezer has to move them all out. You can see how Sumo would be useful in this endeavor!)

[B.G.M. heidi]

Yes, just this morning I received an email from Sumo, who wrote the following:

Former mommy, I helped new auntie Beezer and new mama Merry with the jumps today. Auntie Beezer says I'm better than an ox anyday. After, mama Merry caught a fish in her pond and made me a fish tayco.

I noted that he misspelt "taco" but am hopeful that an education at Harvard-Westlake will reform the errant spelling of three-year-olds. So nice of you to enroll him there Merry. I am at peace. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

Teach him to spell "burrito" and he won't have any problems, ha ha ha.

Had put pack up and hump six weeks worth of "things" over to my parents' yeterday and drop them off at the airport this a.m. That's what I like best about John Wayne - you can get in the car, drive over, drop off and be home is less than 35 minutes. Have been told that they will not buy every equestrian thing possible as a gift, like they normally do. Dunno about that one ... I said "why not buy the German magazines (already to subscribe to the Dutch ones) and mail them over by surface? And the French?" After all, my French is not enchante, but I could work on it then, d'accord???

DID I EVER TELL YOU ALL - I have a huge cottage garden at the equestrian center in HB. The front and sides of Steinberg's Tack & Feed and the two huge planters in front of Ginny Spooner's place. Taryn and SuaveReno can attest to the beauty (I am shamelessly promoting, I know, but it is at the height of gorgeous right now). Anyhow, will confess to walking into a Pic N Save this a.m. because someone told me they had trellises for $9.99. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Now I have an excuse to go and buy all sorts of plants to train up it, too.

Because I am sure that today will be faceplant day if I ride. His Lordship does not like the wind up his royal backside.

[Bumpkin]

Coreene dear!!!
I have two and 1/2 acres of neglected yard complete with fish ponds and wild ponds, waiting for your arrival along with an additional 60 wild acres out back.
Please let me know when you are coming!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
I hate gardening.
I spent two hours yesterday stacking wood from a 100 foot Douglas fir to find the whole thing toppled this morning!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
I think we either had another small quake or the coyotes got into it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
I did not cut the fir down, it toppled during a wind strom smashing Mr Bumpkin's boat several feet into the dirt /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Taryn]

When will this wind subside? 20 MPH gales remind Dave that he loves to run. Really fast.

So Corinne, I'm guessing your parents have internet access, hence the out of the blue Saturday posting?

The garden is beautiful, I especially love the fragrant jasmine.

[vineyridge]

What's an Asian Canadian doing using "y'all" in a sentence as if born to it?

Is the Old Confederacy (Mississippi just voted to retain the Confederate Battle Flag as part of our newly official state flag) spreading the tendrils of our dialect as far NORTH as Canada? Y'all is such a handy concept that I'm not surprised it has traveled, but I'd never have thought that someone who puts a "u" in "airborne" would succumb to its seductive attraction.

Heidi, now that Sumo Toddler is a California transplant, you'll never get him back to the Tundra.

To make this horse related, I just realized today that Duncan's color is officially Sooty Bay. Duh!

[B.G.M. heidi]

vineyridge, ma'am, y'all are getting kinda greedy with your southernisms, ain't ya? Well, just coat my tongue with molasses and pitch me from the roof of the mobile home - I thought it was the universal language of peace and camraderie, like when Uncle Bubba and Uncle Eustace finally buried the hatchet cause Uncle Bubba done stole his wife, Aunt Flora Mae.

Well, just colour (see, some nasty Canadian habits are harder to break than others) me red with the shame of a muskrat in heat in December, I thought y'all'd be done flattered.

Speakin of horses, Hans was done humbled today cause he done rode a real green 4-year-old. He done described the experience as "wiggly". /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[vineyridge]

That our dialect and customs are taking over North America. You can share it all you like, but you have to learn to spell without all those extra "u"s.

My uncle Fanny Lee (the State got confused by the midwife's handwriting and put him down as a girl on his birth certificate) has spent the last two Saturdays recoating the nice green roof of his double-wide with aluminum roof coating. His place is styling now, what with four old cars up on blocks and a brand new flamingo standing next to his tire garden and bottle tree. We are all so very proud of him. The whole neighborhood looks all spruced up. N

Now if I could just convince him to have his twenty three kids treated for hookworms, we'd really be facing the twenty first century with hope and horses.

[wtywmn4]

Oh elizabeth, you will have a wonderful date!!! Now, take a lovely long hot bath, relax, and enjoy!!!How can we have a wedding, when we can't get you out the door girlfriend??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Mommy Merry, kinda has a ring to it. Now heidi, with your southern accent, and northern exposure how will you explain to sumo toddler, his trip to the land of sun? Summer camp? By the way, he's great at stacking jumps, can he be on the jump crew? With his apetite, well, you know, he needs to bring in some extra $$$$

Suave sorry you were rained out /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif It's really beautiful here now. Yesterday was out of a movie!! Wind, torrents of rain, rainbows, thunder and the chain law in effect on 80. Did I leave anything out? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[elizabeth]

Thanks wtywmn! I feel better. As soon as my laundry is done, I'll take the bath and begin to get ready. Ahhhh.

Is the phrase you used about not being able to have a wedding if I won't get out the door kind of like the old saying "I can't miss you if you won't LEAVE"?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[weeble]

Have a wonderful time and if you're still worried about broccoli in your teeth my solution is don't eat broccoli! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[equitationlane]

Well. The locals are once again the guinea pigs for the big show people. Show Park has put all new footing in the rings, and let me tell you, it is SLIPPERY AS SNO? ! On Friday I lounged a horse for about five minutes and four strides after he picked up a CANTER, not a gallop, down he went. Tore the shoulder muscles and stifle, so he came home with me that night.

The count is now up to six that have gone down, but only a couple in the show rings. It is the warm ups that are dangerous. So, good luck to everyone that is going to Tournament of Champions next weekend.

Pretty big local show, as usual for the Show Park shows. It is really such a nice facility and the office staff has been pretty pleasant. Now that the rain and the WIND has stopped, tomorrow will be a better day!

[elizabeth]

oh, dear God. A half hour. A half hour until he picks me up. Oh, somebody, SAY SOMETHING. I am breaking out into a cold sweat!!

(Say something soothing, like "oh elizabeth, this is what you have been waiting for. you have such fun with this guy. and tonight will be even more fun. your FIRST date! isn't he much better than the pimple-backed, bad-decorating, small p&n&* mama's boy?")

to make this horse related, the girl who rides my horse back on the east coast says he refuses to canter. bad Buster. bad bad Buster!

[B.G.M. heidi]

elizabeth, he's probably just as nervous as you are. I've been married for close to 12 years but if memory serves me correctly, the idea is to have fun. Relax girlie. He's a human being, you're a human being; he has a head and two arms (right?), you have a head and two arms. You have a lot in common. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. There are many more dates in your life - enjoy each for what they are.

[weeble]

Oh, Elizabeth, this is what you've been waiting for, yadda, yadda.

Elizabeth it's he who should be nervous about taking you out. We all know he'll be luckyif he's good enough for you.

Have a wonderful time and RELAX! You look great, by the way. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[daytimedrama]

over in the Junior clique they're saying that they only have to get two more pages to catch up with the CA threads, what are we going to do about that? Yes I'm a junior but more importatntly a CA clique member /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

~Christina~
"Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs, Darling!" JD;Heathers

[elizabeth]

Oh, thank you Weeble and heidi-kins!

I feel better now - I have my lipstick on, my hair is done, I'm wearing black, we're good to go!!

[wtywmn4]

Remember all those hours you two spent talking on the phone? Well, the conversation is just going to continue on. Deep breathe elizabeth, you look great, you are going to have a GREAT evening. No pressure.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

And yes, you had it right on the quote... /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[AAJumper]

Coreene, where were you when I was doing all my backyard landscaping...I could have used a helping hand!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I agree that this is a great time of year for showing off landscaping. Everything is green and in bloom. I've got some stuff along my very long driveway that is just going nuts...poppies, iceplant, dutch iris, bearded iris, etc.!

Yikes about Showpark and the footing...I'm glad we decided to not go to the show next weekend. Instead, I get to go to LAEC over Memorial Day and show in the arena next to the cows. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Has anyone else here shown in that ring? It's just full of spooky spots and cow smells that the horses hate. My friend had to put Vicks in her horse's nose so he wouldn't smell the cows. I hope they are not there at the show in May! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Elizabeth...hope you are having fun on your date!!! I'm sure you are having more fun that me right now, as I am home all alone since Mr. AAJumper is working OT again to pay for that yard. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Tomorrow will make the 6th day he's worked in the past 7 days, and that is 24 hour shifts! So Elizabeth, is Buster feeling better now? Are you thinking of bringing him out to CA now, or are you going to leave him back East?

Well, tomorrow is supposed to be sunny...I think I'll take Cypress on trail again tomorrow. Everything is so beautiful out in the park right now!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Rexford, that is awful! But it sure makes sense now, because I thought the footing looked different! I was lunging in the middle warm-up section and Hammie just slammed into the ground... from the trot! You should've seen my Pessoa saddle, let my poor horse's mouth: it was filled with grit. When he stood up he was lame, but thank God he walked out of it. I am NOT showing there again until late this summer because of the footing! (But I agree that the show ring footing seemed fine).

Coreene: My straw hat is off to you, girlfriend, for being a fellow gardener! I've started a sunflower garden from seed in my backyard.

elizabeth, you must fill us in on your date. We married ladies live vicariously through the romances of the unattached. We also live vicariously through movies, television dramas, R-rated videos and eavesdropping on the random teenager's phone calls, but I digress... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Now, dear Heidi, I don't want to incur the wrath of Child Protective Services, so I'm forcing Sumo Toddler to undergo a weight-training program so as not to strain his young back schlepping jumps around my ring for my sister. However, I do need the roof repaired on one of my paddocks, so I don't want the lovely child to become too muscle-bound, otherwise he won't be able to scale the ladder. My, that boy sure eats a lot! Yesterday, after he'd polished off his second Chalupa from Taco Bell, I caught him eyeing our pet pygmy goat!I'm afraid now to leave him alone near the goat with any sort of sharp object. Perhaps I can stave off his appetite with more strawberries?

[wtywmn4]

Oh A/A, ummm, can I get you to come north and help me in our backyard??? Once done I will take you for a lovely tour of the vineyards, and of course tasting. We are putting in sod, and ripping out an old deck. Now, if that isn't doable, can we please have suomo toddler for, lets see, about 2 weeks? Promise to take wonderful care of him, and feed him strawberries, fish tacos, chalupas, but no wine!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Okay, where's elizabeth???? Wty tapping her fingers, wanting every detail! Hmmm, this may be a very good sign!

[Merry]

I'm still thinkin' Pebble Beach sounds like a possibility, at least if I can ever get my sister and the Lovely Spot into a show ring this year! Gosh, it's starting to give me a complex. Every show Beezer plans on going to gets rained out! Today, the weather is gorgeous again. Guess she's not meant to make her 2001 debut until, oh, July?!? /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Hey, maybe we can just ship Sumo Toddler around from place to place. I'm not sure, though. How long can you sustain a child on a diet of Taco Bell, Rubio's fish tacos and strawberry shortcake? Oh wait, that's what half of California's schoolchildren eat daily... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Yes, now where is that elizabeth? I wonder if they kissed???? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[MHM]

Where IS elizabeth? She is quite tardy reporting to her computer this morning. Hmmm.

[vineyridge]

Maybe they had such a good time that they are driving to NY to meet Buster. VBG

[B.G.M. heidi]

Ummm, maybe she didn't make it home last night, nudge, nudge, /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif , to file her report.

[elizabeth]

"I'm here, I'm here," elizabeth says, eyeliner and mascara all smudged, still in her horsie pajamas. "I just woke up."

Now. Where to begin? We had a wonnnnderful time. I had forgotten, in my utter panic last night, that David (the New Potential Boyfriend, hereinafter "NPB" or "David") and I have wonderful conversation, always. So right from the moment he picked me up, we did fine. We yammered "like a bunch of girls."

The specifics? Let's see: We went to this very trendy restaurant in Venice (Chaya Venice) which had GREAT food. We were at dinner for four (four) hours because we talked so much - it was great - I couldn't make him talk FAST enough b/c there was so much I wanted to ask him, about his work, his life, his family! And he was so honest. We were able to discuss everything - he's been through a failed marriage, a failed business, and now he is on a hugely successful business. To put the icing on the cake, so to speak, he, of his own accord, suggested we get two desserts and SHARE them. This was the first time in all my dating experience that a man has ever truly keyed in to what women want in the dessert department.

After dinner, we went to the Promenade in Santa Monica to walk around (at almost 1 a.m.!). We wandered. . . wandered. . . (get ready, Beezer) . . . and then he took my hand to hold it. Awwwww. Very sweet. But I actually couldn't see that coming. I mean, maybe I don't go on enough dates, but generally men don't hold my hand on the first date!

But that, of course, got my small mind worrying: "Am I going to have to kiss him goodnight? How is this going to end? What if I want to REALLY kiss him good night?"

When we got home, he parked his car and walked me in. I made us tea, and we talked for another hour (we are now at about 2:30 a.m.). When it was time for him to leave, I walked him to the door, and I expected a nice kiss on the cheek. What I got was a big kiss on the mouth. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif And I was so stunned that I think I mildly recoiled. (I couldn't help it - it was a reflex - I just didn't see it coming! It's not that I was adverse - I was just caught off guard!!)

And then he left. . . . But, I wanted to say "wait, come back here, do that again!!" Instead I just went to bed.

Now, to the questions: Do I call him to say "thank you"? How do I convey to him that I had a good time? I'm a bit afraid that I might have struck him as a bit uninterested with my less-than-enthusiastic reaction to his kiss on the lips. How do I counter that? I guess I just need to wait and see.

And I'd really like to find a way to get invited to his house tonight to watch the X-files on his HUGE t.v. But I can't think of a way to swing it. . . . How do I ask w/o seeming pushy, if he calls me? I guess I can't.

AAJumper: In response to your kind query about Buster, he is actually doing VERY well. Over the past six weeks (remember that it was in late February that he was in really bad shape) jumphigh83 (my trainer) has essentially gotten him back completely to where he was, as I understand it. He apparantly feels so good now that he has been a jerk - total jerk - such that jumphigh83 HERSELF had to get on him one day to convince him to keep all four feet on the ground at the same time! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Mind you, Buster still sometimes looks "eh" in the tight corners in the ring, as a horse with bad hocks will likely look forever, but that is not fatal, to me.

Last night David kept suggesting I bring Buster out here to the valley. (I told him if he was interested in me, he needed to realize that I was a package deal, with Buster-the-Wonderhorse.) I guess I need to re-visit the issue, if Buster is truly seeming relatively s__nd now. I will give him a few more months to see how sound he stays, then I will reconsider how sound he might stay after a 6 day trailer ride out here. . . . I think, though, that maybe I need to just do it. . . .

[Bumpkin]

Perhaps flying would be easier for him, and the savings would be peace of mind.

[MHM]

The guy showing (or even feigning) interest in the horse has to be a very good sign!

[elizabeth]

Good suggestion, Bumpkin. That is exactly what David said.

I have heard horror stories, though, about flying, including from my vet, so I had resolved myself to the fact that ground transport was the best way to go. Of course, I can reconsider it. The question, I guess, is whether the lameness invariably caused by a 6 day trailer ride can be reversed with three weeks of Bute, maybe some injections, and turn-out in the sun. If not, then I need to seriously reconsider the flying point.

[vineyridge]

I shipped a horse from Southern California to Mississipp, and while granted that is half the distance to NY, the hauler stopped for two rests for the horses, one long overnight in New Mexico or Arizona, and almost a week at their home base in Texas, while they were putting together a load for Florida.

She arrived in perfect shape. Of course she was a twelve yo mare with no history of lameness.

On the man front, I'd say call the guy, thank him for a wonderful time, and invite him to do something with you. This is, after all, the 21st century. In the conversation, you might say something about not expecting such a warm goodnight after such a comfortable evening. If your recoil was obvious, I would think you have to take the next step, if you want to see this guy again.

Good luck with David.

[This message was edited by vineyridge on Apr. 22, 2001 at 01:59 PM.]

[daytimedrama]

even though th junior clique is getting roudy, please ddon't kick me out, I remember my roots as a CA clique member!

~Christina~
"Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs, Darling!" JD;Heathers

[SuaveReno]

Remember you are a Rules girl /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif he sounds very nice /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Today I barebacked then made a pilgrimage down to "Big Mary's" with daughter in tow for a hackamore and some Breyer stuff. It was a beautiful day too bad they called off the show but I guess the drainage problem is pretty bad there.

/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Wow didn't know about Showpark sounds really awful /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I'm still working on my white paper and have absolutely no inspiration /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I'd better get back to it. Just wanted to drop in and say "Hi" /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[AAJumper]

Daytimedrama, we'd never kick you out...we're all going to come hang out at your place in Malibu in the summer when it's too hot everywhere else! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sounds like a great date Elizabeth! I like strolling around 3rd Street Promenade, but it's been a while since I've done that. Oh, by the way, since you are in Santa Monica, you absolutely have to go to Cirque Du Soleil at the pier...it should be there this fall. As for the "to call or not to call" dilemma, I'd call and thank him for the nice evening, and mention something about looking at barns...that would possibly encourage him to offer an invite to his place!

Merry, I agree with you...us old married folks have to live vicariously through our single friends! I'm having my 8 year anniversary in June...the time sure flies!

Wtywmn, I am actually coming up north in a couple of weeks, but I have vowed never to lay sod again!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif We're gonna drive up to visit my friend in Santa Rosa, then drive the coast to Eureka, then head to Redding. The real goal of this trip is to meet my dad in Weed and pick up an old Triumph motorcycle. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Well, at least my hubby's motorcycle obsession keeps him from complaining about my horse obsession!

So does anyone have any suggestions for good B&B's in the Mendicino/Fort Bragg/Westport areas?

[Bumpkin]

I have heard of a place up by Fort Bragg calle, "Dimboes", I have no recollection of the spelling but it is a great romantic place.

[Merry]

No, no, no, Bumpkin, you're thinking of the old B&B Beezer and I used to run. It had a Harley-Davidson theme to it and was called "BIMBO'S"! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Okay, so Showpark went and Galway & Coto were cancelled. I called my girlfriend who judged Ride America with Cathy Simm and they held it! She said it was pouring from about 8:15 to noon, solid. At one point she had to stop an equitation class because of a deluge! Can you imagine??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I mean, it wasn't the Santa Barbara turkey show... it was a county show. Sorry, but as competitive as I am, I just do not "do" shows in the rain short of the A circuit.

elizabeth, think of this guy as just one giant sea bass. He's taken the bait, now test the line to make sure he's swallowed the hook and then reel, baby, reel him in! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by Merry on Apr. 23, 2001 at 12:00 AM.]

[elizabeth]

You guys are so great! Thanks for the support. (Merry, I'm tugging the line a little, to be sure that the hook is in.)

Suave, what's a white paper??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[weeble]

So glad you had a great time, Elizabeth.

Just to echo what Merry said, after nearly 25 years of marriage, you'd be amazed at all the things I do vicariously! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[SuaveReno]

In Mendocino (actually Little River) try Heritage House. Mr. SuaveandI were mariied there in the gazebo overlooking the ocean. It's the place wherer Same Time Next Year was filmed. Try and stay in the cottage "Same Time" or "Next Year". It's absolutely charming and they have a great bar and 5 star restaurant ont he premises /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Suave, no offense, darling, but judging by your many typos, have you been partaking of rusty's margaritas this evening? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[AAJumper]

Merry, it was pouring??? Today? Or was that yesterday? It was gorgeous here today. We got nailed Friday afternoon-evening. But it's been clear since then, and we were able to ride in our big arena today. Yay!

Hey guys...gotta love this forecast, eh???

http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/Thousand_Oaks_CA_US_f.html

OMG...what if I hear something about that job tomorrow. What if they don't call...or worse...what if they make me an offer???? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif They didn't exactly say I'd have to work a lot of OT, but some OT when required. I'd have to find out approximately how much/how often. I can do a little here and there (paid of course) but not all the time. I have my priorities!!! But the company has a really good reputation and is very well known in the engineering industry. Oh well, I'll just have to wait and see what happens. Maybe nothing!!!

[SuaveReno]

Not to be confused with the other white paper that I know many of us refer to as Charmin. It's basically an modified business plan in 27 words or less (no more than 7 pages. and I am still having a severe case of writers block /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Merry: FYI It seems that 1 possibly 2 of the assistant trainers have now left /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[B.G.M. heidi]

My favourite little place in northern CA is The Sandpiper Inn in Elk. Not only does Elk boast some wonderful artisans and the best general store in North America, it's quaintly beautiful, on the Pacific. We've been there 4 or 5 times and the last time, I was pummelled by a shiatsu masseuse they had on call.

I shall admit it, hate southern CA (i.e. L.A.), but Love Northern CA -- to the point that we actually contemplated a move to San Francisco. I just couldn't get over the fact that horses aren't turned out in acres of free-roaming paddocks.

[AAJumper]

Thanks Suave and Bumpkin and Heidi! I'll see if those places have a website. One place that looked good was the Howard Creek Ranch in Westport. Unfortunately, we are only staying one night, which is sort of a bummer.

[Merry]

Well, well, well... as my sister remarked while we were mucking pens side-by-side yesterday, "What more do they need to hear?" with regards as to why anyone would stay in Ex-T's barn. I still say, it's sad. Ex-T is beginning to sound like she belongs in the same encounter/support group as my brother-in-law, who continually sabotages any "good thing" that comes his way, then whines and moans about how life is unfair and he never gets a break and people are against him, etc. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

AAJumper: It was pouring yesterday during Ride America and Showpark. Today was gorgeous. Love the weather report, but naturally, since they're aren't any shows scheduled for next weekend, it'll be perfect!

elizabeth, me thinks you should call the Dave-meister and thank him for the wonderful evening. It's even better if you get his answering machine and you can just read a short, sweet, scripted message. Otherwise, if you're like me, you'll just start rambling on and, like an episode of Seinfeld, have to go retrieve the answering machine tape because you realize you sound like a blithering idiot. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[AAJumper]

OMG Merry....you have reminded me of a very funny story that happened to my friend!!!!! It was a total Seinfeld moment.

Okay, so she had this really weird boss with a funky accent, and he had this very odd outgoing message on his machine at work. This was before the federal government would splurge for voice mail. So one night, she's talking to her mom on the phone and telling her about how odd this boss is, and how funny his message is. So she decides to use 3-way calling to let her mom hear this outgoing message. So they listen to it, and she hangs up the 3rd line...so she thinks!!! So they proceed to talk for another half hour, completely slamming this boss guy and making fun of his message. Then she goes to hang up, and realizes that she is still connected to the answering machine!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

So now she's freaking out. She now realizes that she has to go into the office to erase the tape because the boss gets in early. But she doesn't have a card key to get into the federal building. So she calls me to get my card, and creates some story about leaving her wallet at the office and how she has to have it (she was too embarrassed to tell me the story at the time). So she and her husband have to now make an hour trek into downtown LA in the middle of the night to erase the tape!!! Luckily, she was able to get to the tape and erase it undetected. She was horrified at the time, but she sure has a good story to tell!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

That is so funny AA.
I have come home to those long rambling tape messages from friends doing 3 way calls and have done a few myself.
They can be a bit tricky, haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
But your friends is the best one I have heard /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Merry when you say Brother In Law, do you mean Mr. Beezer?

[rusty]

AA loved the story. I hope you get what you want with the job interviews.

[elizabeth]

Merry, he actually called me yesterday . . . to invite me to the opera! I can't go, but the phone call gave me the opportunity to at least tell him how much fun I had on Saturday. He said he will be calling me today to make plans for us for THIS week.

Now, on to bigger stuff, AAJumper, please keep us posted on the job - don't worry - the door that is mean to open will open! And, in the meanwhile, focus on the B&B search!

How did the trip to Mary's go Suave? Any unplanned purchases? Hmmm? Hmmm? (Those are always the most interesting kind!

[Merry]

The afflicted brother-in-law I was referring to is NOT, I repeat, NOT Mr. Beezer! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

It's my husband's loser of a brother. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

AAJumper, that's a great story! I can just imagine the sense of panic your friend must've been feeling. And then her husband, who does not want his wife to be fired, gets dragged into the ride!

elizabeth: What, you're not an opera fan? What other plans could you possibly have? Once you have him hooked, you must reel him in alongside the boat close enough to snare him in your net. Then haul him aboard! Remember: "He's a giant sea bass." Just keep envisioning him in this manner.

All this bed & breakfast talk has me longing for a vacation. We didn't go hiking in Arizona last summer because our house was all torn up with remodeling. When Mr. Merry returns from Honduras we shall have to go somewhere together... well, once I'm sure he's not carrying malaria or some exotic rainforest parasite! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

And now, onto today's horsey adventure: long-lining Beezer's 4yr. old who is officially out of lay-up and cleared to go back to work. Let's see, I haven't ridden him for oh, about 7 months. Yes, I believe I shall indeed long-line him a few times, especially since he'd never graduated from doing figure 8's in a western saddle the last time he was ridden... I think he was ridden a total of maybe a dozen times in his life before he got hurt! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Coreene]

Reminds me of the time a coworker and I were in the kitchen referring to another coworker's daughter as a ho and other off-color things (all true, of course, but ouch), and of course everyone heard...

[Merry]

Oh my, our sweet, demure coreene dissed a co-worker's daughter in earshot of the employees? Not OUR coreene! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sort of like standing on the rail during a big hack class and remarking, "Gee, look at #642, that horse is DFL (dead freakin' lame) and the rider is just tootaling along like she thinks she's on the greatest mover in the world, ha-ha-ha!"

Then the mother and trainer of #642 give you an icey stare as they extract themselves from the space on the rail right next to your elbow. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

That would be your Merry's biggest foot-in-mouth diseased moment.

[dublin]

your road trip sounds fun! We are up in Ft. Bragg a lot, as my step-MIL lives up there and we get to stay at her beachfront cottage. I really like it there; it is so quiet and peaceful, and feels worlds away from the hectic Bay Area!

Here's a website you might want to check out. It has lots of information on lodging, dining, and things to do in that area:

www.gomendo.com (http://www.gomendo.com)

You might want to check out staying at the Little River Inn. It is a lovely historical place - I got to visit it several times when it was a worker's comp account of mine.

www.littleriverinn.com (http://www.littleriverinn.com)

A dinner suggestion would be the North Coast Brewery - named Mendocino County's top restaurant several years ago. Great food and microbrewed beer, in a cute old historical building, right on Main Street (Highway 1), with a good selection of Mendocino wines as well.

And speaking of wines, if you are interested in doing any wine tasting, definitely stop by Navarro Vineyards, in Philo. (On Hwy 128, between Cloverdale and the coast, in the beautiful Anderson Valley). It is a small winery, but very highly regarded, and has won tons of awards. They mostly sell from the winery and by mail, and their wines, from personal experience, are wonderful!!
Greenwood Ridge, which is next door to Navarro, also has a good reputation. If you like champagne, Roederer Estate's only American facility is also on Hwy 128, closer to the coast. For more info on the various Anderson Valley/Hwy 128 wineries:

www.avwine.com (http://www.avwine.com)

Hope this is of some help! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[Coreene]

"Sweet" and "demure" are not exactly the best adjectives ...

[Beezer]

Beezer has decided that she will no longer attempt to go to a horse show. Ever. That way, everyone else will be assured of lovely weather. She is seriously thinking of taking up another sport. Perhaps ice skating ... though, with Beezer's luck, the rink would melt. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Sounds like you are well on your way, Elizabeth. Congrats on a successful first mission!

And thanks, Merry, for clearing up the misunderstanding about WHICH brother-in-law you were talking about. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Mr. Beezer is, even as we speak, winging his way to Kansas City to cover some soccer match, then is off to Kentucky to cover the Derby. (Yes, he has all the fun.) Which means Beezer has the mum-in-law all to herself. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif And, natch, he's no sooner in the air than the garbage disposal self-destructs (again) ... ah, the joys of home ownership. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[JustaLurker]

Phew! Thank heaven for the clarification. All I could hope was that Merry and Beezer had another sister. Somehow it didn't soak through my thick skull that it could be a brother of Mr. Merry.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Cheers, Maggi

[JustaLurker]

Elizabeth, did I miss a post where you told us about David's current profession? I remember you saying he had been through a failed business but was now in a very successful business. Curious minds (or at least one) want to know -- but, if it's none of my business, either tell me that or just ignore me.

Cheers, Maggi

[AAJumper]

Merry, my friend would have been better off getting fired...then she could have sued the Federal Government for discrimination and gotten her job back along with a big fat settlement. Well, that's what happens when most government employees get fired. Even if they've been fired for not showing up to work on time and selling items in the women's restroom (no joke!).

Thanks for the links Dublin...I'll check them out tonight! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

No word on the job yet...I'm going to really serious consider it if they'd ever make me an offer! But then again, I'm having so much more fun at work since I've been checking out the BB during the day. Bad worker...bad worker!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif They've driven me to it!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[SuaveReno]

Sorry about the typos I wrote that just before I passed out then came to then passed out again /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[rusty]

Merry I have had the same foot in mouth disease. Its worse when the judge places that number first. I think it might be afairly common disease at horse shows. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

Maggi, he is a car wholesaler. Roughly, as I understand it, he buys cars from lease places, from dealers, etc., and he then sells the cars to auctions, to other dealers, etc. He doesn't do retail - only to other businesses. He buys and sells about 15-20 cars a week - about 60-80 a month.

The "business failure" was not really a failure. Several years ago, he realized he wanted to grow his business, whereas the guy he was partners with did not want to go into debt and work like a dog and grow the business. So David offered the guy the opportunity to buy him (David) out, and, in the process, had to deal with the trauma of the partnership split-up. As I understand it, it was not pretty, nor was it easy.

Then David had to rebuild on his own from scratch. As he explains it, he was able to do it, and he now does so well, b/c he is one of only a few reputable guys in the area doing what he does. It seems that most guys in his wholesaling position are not particularly honest or astute businessmen.

Now, are you ready to hear me share something really stupid, Maggi? And will you listen without totally leaping on me? Ok, then read on: As you likely know, I am a lawyer. At the outset, I was concerned, b/c I don't think David went to college. And that bothered me.

I am not sure why it bothered me - am I a snob? was I afraid of what my colleagues at the law firm would think? was I unwilling to let go of the notion that I would someday marry someone like Arthur Levitt (former Chairman of the SEC) or Christopher Flowers (big hot-shot on Wall Street)? All of the above?

I don't know, but I grappled with that concern for quite some time. And I am SO NOT PROUD for having had that snobby, petty concern, so please do not tell me how small I am. I am fully aware of it. Now that I have spent more time with David, I feel better. He is so so so smart. Every time he opens his mouth about his business, he impresses me more. And HE has opera tickets - not me. I've become a culture moron since entering college (whereupon my parents stopped forcing me to go to things that are "good for me"). I don't know . . . . does anyone have anything to share with the group on this topic?

[AAJumper]

Oh, Elizabeth....me, me!!! Call on me!!! AAJumper is frantically raising her hand to comment on the college boy topic

I probably had similar thoughts before I met Mr. AAJumper. Of course, it's sort of hard to remember my line of thinking way back when. I started dating my non-college grad hubby my freshman year in college. And he is way more interesting than some of those college guys were. Okay, it didn't hurt that he was 6 years older than me and a hunky fireman! But anyway, he may not be formally educated, but he is knowledgable about so many more things than most of the "business suit" type guys that I am thinking of. He can fix almost anything on the cars/boat provided that they are the older ones (new stuff is so computerized it is too hard to work on)...he rebuilt the boat and mustang engine himself! And he's great around the house fixing random stuff like the hot water heater, etc. etc. And no, ladies, you may not borrow him!!!

I wouldn't worry about what the snooty lawyer coworkers think. My friend is a lawyer and married a guy w/out a college education, and my other lawyer friend is married to a guy who is now trying to be a fireman. Besides, I don't think a college education is a good measure of a person and their success. In fact, a friend of mine who is really smart but that slacked off in high school and never finished college now has a great position at Qualcomm making way more $$$ than me!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Okay, so now I'm rambling. I thought I had a point to all this??? Oh yeah...don't let yourself get hung up on something like a diploma. Think of it as only meaning that someone chose to spend at least 4 years being tortured with tests and homework! And in some cases, it is really not necessary to be successful. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Merry]

You've come to the right place elizabeth, because I, too, was an intellectual snob! I admit it, when I was dating I wouldn't even consider going out with someone who hadn't graduated from college. Why? Because college and an advanced degree had given me a different perspective on life, changed my value system a little and opened my eyes to other viewpoints. I just felt more able to appreciate things in life such as art and literature. Heck, I could even keep up with Jeopardy!

Now I realize that all of those things can be achieved without a college education. There are plenty of self-educated people out there who have made millions in businesses like real estate and manufacturing without a college degree. My dad never graduated from high school but he's a history buff and knows all these fascinating details about world history and the Civil War to the point that I'm put to shame.

So, don't discount this David guy yet. When it's appropriate, just bring up certain topics in conversation to see where he stands. You know, start asking questions like, "Who was the better Hamlet: Derek Jacoby or Laurence Olivier?" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

Oh Merry and AAJumper, you two are great. Thanks!!

elizabeth hereupon gets a little misty and has to step aside to compose herself. it's just that having all these new friends is a little bit. . . overwhelming. <<sniff, sniff>> having gotten a hold of herself, she continues. . . .

Merry, let's be frank: I cannot answer the Hamlet kind of questions myself. Matter of fact, a friend of mine at work was doing the same thing you were doing - giving me questions I could casually work into the conversation to see what David knows. But the sad sad sad thing is that I could not answer the questions. So there we stand.

Ah, you guys have encouraged me. Thanks again!

David is supposed to call tonight, and I might invite him over for some fresh cream puffs that I am currently baking. Everyone jangle their curb chains that he calls before it gets too late! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[SuaveReno]

i too join the ranks of intellectual snobs (I gave it away with my spelling ha! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

The important thing is that he is kind, level headed, has goals and treats you special...beacuse you are and deserve to be treated as such /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Good luck with the cream puffs and hope they turn out well /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Just because I know you're dying for the answer, it's: Derek Jacoby! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

You know, no matter how many times I see Hamlet, I keep thinking, "Maybe the ending will be different this time and Hamlet won't die..." /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Oops, gotta catch tonight's episode of Everybody Loves Raymond... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[AAJumper]

Everyone Loves Raymond??? But what about Ally McBeal??? I'm sure Elizabeth will attest to the fact that the show is very much based in reality. Right Elizabeth? I bet the whole office goes down for drinks every night and has multiple affairs with coworkers. NO? How about the random closing remarks? My lawyer friend laughs continually at that show. And just about now, she probably really hates it since she is in a real trial where she has to be in downtown LA at 7am and doesn't get home until 2am. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif She lasted all of 10 minutes in her lesson on Saturday because she was so exhausted. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[B.G.M. heidi]

Umm...wrong! Olivier could take Jacobi in a Shakespearean mud-wrestle to the soliloqial-death any day! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Having met too many PHD's in the course of the last year, I'd like to add that many are total doofuses, lacking common sense and anything resembling social grace. It's been my observation that many can't dress, they certainly can't dance; and mostly nurture, if they've 'professored', a tawdry eccentric demeanor, ably assisted by a red woollen scarf in summer. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Whereas, in my over-educated mind, common sense, compassion, wit, and curiosity are the more important traits. So elizabeth, don't fret, don't worry. A man can be as great an ashhole with a PHD as he can without.

BTW, Merry, does this mean you're not ponying up for Sumo's tuition at Harvard-Westlake? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

You guys are great.
Now I am going to watch Everyone Loves Raymond (while my cream puff filling cools).

[weeble]

Elizabeth, I married a non-college graduate and almost 25 years later we're still going strong. He may not have had the "book-larnin'" but he's definitely smart, funny, has had a successful business for many years (that he started with $200)and is a great father. We love each other's company and have great conversations even after all this time. Let's face it, I found that way more attractive than a framed diploma. Not knocking college educated men, but it's not the test to judge a relationship by. (with that poor grammar, you might be questioning my diploma) /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Merry, the best Hamlet is MEL GIBSON! Well, maybe not overall but he has a way cuter bum than Olivier or Jacobi. That must count for something...especially for those that live vicariously /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Beezer, so glad Mr. Beezer isn't the loser. (I'm sure you are too) And please don't stop going to horse shows, I'm looking forward to you and the Lovely Spot and Merry and Hammie at Pebble this summer.

AA, curbs jingling for that job...hang in there.

That about covers it, I think /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[wtywmn4]

Beezer, are you out of your freaking mind? Letting Mr. Beezer go to the Kentucky Derby and without you????? Girl, we need to talk. Wty would love to be able to be there and watch!!!

Phew, trying to catch up. In just a few days, we have elizabeth almost betrothed. Yippeeeeeee!!!
And E, if I can call you that, their is a spectatcular hauling company called Bateman out of Vermont. They are excellent with geriatric horses. The trip takes 4 days door to door. They come in a large van, with air ride. Email me if you want their phone #..

A/A any more news on the employment front? Good or bad, they are interested and thats great! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[weeble]

Everybody Loves Raymond...Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle's characters are my in-laws. (may they rest in peace) Never was a gift they couldn't return within 24 hours, never spoke a civil word to each other, and never was one thing I could do right. Ya gotta love that. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Merry]

Aha, in regards to in-laws: "There was never a gift they couldn't return within 24 hours."

So, I'm guessing you're referring to the episode with the silver toaster??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My mother-in-law always carried a purse plucked from her collection of cast-offs she got at the thrift store. So for Christmas I thought I'd splurge and buy her a really nice leather Liz Claiborne purse, very mother-in-lawish, but nice, and real leather!

Yup. Returned. The white naugahyde bag with the orange and purple ostrich plumes apparently was more her style. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Sorry, got to go with Derek as Hamlet!
Too much goldilocks struttin' around with Olivier.

Greatest line from Hamlet?
"To thine own self be true." /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I have to remind myself of that line everytime I pull on my Vogels, put on my GP huntcoat, adjust my monogrammed choker and climb aboard my branded Oldenburg and rub elbows at the backgate with the rich and famous. Yeah, right, like I'm really a part of their whole scene.

[Merry]

The Calif. clique has already begun a savings bond in his name so he can attend Orange Coast Junior College to get his general ed stuff out of the way, and still be able to surf in the afternoon. Then he can get a job at Disneyland as a ride operator... I mean attractions host... while he attends one of our illustrious state colleges part-time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It's the California way, dude!
/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[vineyridge]

A Hamlet for the ages.

Olivier was a great Othello, though.

[weeble]

I can top the purse story. My mother-in-law actually returned a Christmas present that she asked for! Yep, about Halloween said "You know, I've always wanted _________, wouldn't it be nice to have that." She couldn't afford it, hubby and I thought it the perfect present 'cause she returned everything and really wanted this. Opened it on Christmas, smiled politely, and day- after- Christmas sales it went back.

In-laws...can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em! (just jokin') /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[AAJumper]

No news yet on the job front. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Oh well, if I don't hear from them then at least I don't have to go through the torturous job of actually making a decision!!! But in the meantime, the evil boss's last day was Friday!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It turns out that all the clients detested him. Gee, maybe because he was a pompous a$$??? I firmly believe that women are way more intuitive about a person's true character right off the bat....well, more intuitive than most male engineers I've met. What Heidi said is absolutely true. Have I ever mentioned that these people don't wear shoes in the office? Okay, that isn't so bad in itself, but their socks have holes in them.....BIG HOLES!!! Not the size of a dime...not the size of a quarter, not even the size of a silver dollar...but 3"diameter holes!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Meooooowwwwwwww.....sorry, just had to vent! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I think I am needed of my "riding fix". /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Chef Jade]

Elizabeth, how can you drop Mr. Shatner, just like that? Think of all the saddlebreds he could buy you!

OK, I am going to sidetrack to conversation for a sec. Chek out the pictures N2Jumpers took of me and Grace last night. Isn't she cute? Not bad for a 1/2 Arab, eh?

[Chef Jade]

Not the best with her knees but I am shocked she can get her fat a$$ over something this big!

[Chef Jade]

Isn't she photogenic?

[vineyridge]

Elizabeth, the more you talk about this, the more you remind me of the movie "Moonstruck", with you in the Cher role and David as Nick Cage.

Go to the opera with the man. If it's important to him, you should give it a shot. If you can't abide it, you might want to rethink all the sparks.

Besides, I thought all Italians loved opera.

[Coreene]

I thought she was half Anglo-Arab? This would not be a poisonous thing at all. Look at the divine Anglo-Arabs in Europe. Hardly a whackjob amongst them.

I think Grace is a cutie. Is it Grace you're selling, or Jade?

[dublin]

My husband proposed to me, on bended knee, right after we finished watching Moonstruck! And almost 13 years later, we're still going strong. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

I got the best of both worlds - a lawyer who is a mechanical whiz AND totally down to earth!!

Speaking of Hamlets, did anyone see Kenneth Branagh's version?? A spectacular, critically underrated movie, and he was wonderful in it....

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[TuxWink]

The engineers at your office must be related to some of the architects at my last office...My boss, Mr. Black BMW driving-Armani wearing-zone dieting-Architect, oh sorry - DESIGNER...used to give himself a manicure WITH HIS EXACTO KNIFE! There would be little piles of cuticles, nail bits and under-nail dirt on his desk. His nails and cuticles were constantly a mess...bloody, ragged, disgusting! He used to give me back reports to edit with BLOOD SPOTS all over the pages! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif However, this job, like yours, had minimal overtime and good hours for riding...needless to say the, uh, eccentricities, of my boss got to be a bit too much and I moved on. But I totally understand the position you are in! Good Luck!

[AAJumper]

TuxWink...I think you've surpassed me with the "Most Disgusting Coworker/Boss" story! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Anyone else out there with a story that can beat "Exacto-Man"??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Oh, wait a minute, I forgot about the feces in my office. See, a person just starts to get immune to this sort of stuff!!!

Great pics Chef! Grace is a real cutie! Will you be taking her to any shows, so I get to meet her in person? Are you (or is anyone else) planning on going to LAEC for Memorial Day Classic?

So Elizabeth, Chef brought up a good point....how are you going to explain this new beau to Bill????

[NancyL]

wty: yes, the ex-girlfriend is still with the ex-wife trainer. Although I think she is down to just one horse -- the total packer that came from somewhere on the east coast. Packer though he may be, it is still scary to watch.

weeble: you know him too? such a jerk he is.

Elizabeth: David is a fabulous name:
I married a David; my sister married a David;
I have a friend engaged to a David.

Also, you are not the only "college education" snob out there. Don't worry -- if it is right, it won't matter. See "friend engaged to a David" above.

AAJumper -- I live in Santa Rosa -- lots of good eats in the area (and lots of wine too!). Watch the timing of your travels, the trip from SF to SR can be horrid at the wrong time of the day (anytime M-F between 3pm and 7pm).

Also, "my" David makes a killer margarita!

[B.G.M. heidi]

It's been my 'fortune' to have had three wonderfully gross bosses. The first is the chairman of one of the biggest animation studios in the world. Let's just say that his flatulence was as animated as anything we ever produced.

Second was a scratcher, who ate with his mouth open, spraying his dinner companions with food.
We once had an important lunch meeting in Cannes with the head of the SciFi Channel. It was unseasonably warm and he decided that he'd cool himself by taking off his socks and depositing them on the table, between the parma ham and salad nicoise. Once our lunch was, thankfully, over, we pay and leave when we hear a waitress calling out behind us, "monsieur, monsieur, you forgot your socks!".

The chairman of the aforementioned company also had a penchant for stripping down nekkid at any and every social opportunity, including Christmas parties. Call me odd but the sight of red pubic hair is not necessarily 'appealing'.

I think I win. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif What do I get besides pity?

[MHM]

A lucrative book deal?

[Bumpkin]

HMMMMMMMMMMMM........
now do we get to start guessing who this person is???? hahaha /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Coreene]

Cannes? YOU DID CANNES TOO? Damn small world. MIPCOM? MIP-TV? The FF? MIDEM? Do tell.

[AAJumper]

OMG Heidi...I think you have taken over the lead from TuxWink....the socks on the table....aaahhh!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Elizabeth, I don't know if I should mention this, but the wearer of the socks with the 3" holes is named...DAVID!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

NancyL, my friend lives in Santa Rosa, and we'll be staying at her house on Friday! Thanks for the tip about the traffic...I was thinking it would be pretty bad, so we'll try to get a really early start. We made pretty good time up there when we went to my friend's wedding. But then again, we were driving my fast car...this time we have to take the in-laws van since we are picking up a motorcycle.

Wow...all this talk of wine is making me wish that my husband and I actually liked the stuff! I think we are missing out!!!

[B.G.M. heidi]

Bumpkin, the red-haired nudist is now one of the most powerful men in the North American entertainment industry. And (!), he's already been outed in one of the business magazines as a streaker, an avid gambler; who also happens to be a tad absentminded. Once drove himself to the Air Canada departure gate, ran to catch his plane -- leaving his car at the sidewalk running. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Attended many MIPTV's and MIPCOMS coreene, in addition to the first MILIA, with Nelvana, Alliance Atlantis, and on behalf of my own company. Those were truly intense days - hitting the ground running from breakfast meetings to post-dinner drinks meetings at 12:00am. I'd typically start hallucinating with fatigue by the end of the market. A dinner at Machou, though, was almost worth the damage to one's health. I do get a tad reminiscent every April and October, though.

Are you still serving time in the industry? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif If so, with who? We may even know many people in common. Email me if you don't want to disclose all here. Unless of course you can beat the streaking chairman tales -- in which case, you must share with all.

[Chef Jade]

You guys have made me realize how good I have it here at work!

And Coreene: Grace is truly 50% Arab! You can only see it when her tail goes straight up in the air! And both she and Jade are for sale (technically.) If I can sell Grace, my parents will "give" me Jade... But if someone comes walking up and puts a big enough check in my parent's hands for Jade, they won't say no. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I guess that is part of growing up and becoming a big girl. Dang it!

[Beezer]

She can hardly keep up with all the posts and news. Like many things in her life, this has gotten away from her too.

Beezer slowly wanders off, shaking her head and muttering to herself. People move out of her way. It's so sad to see her sooooo very confused and unsettled.

[Coreene]

So email me at coreene@yahoo.com...

[dublin]

My husband is also a David!!! Must be something about that name..... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

AA Jumper, do you like microbrewed bear? (I like wine, but ADORE craft beers, none of that Bud crap for me, thankyouverymuch.....!!) /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif (Although I do appreciate Budweiser's showjumping sponsorship.) If so, besides North Coast Brewery, there's Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg, just north of Santa Rosa -- excellent beer and food, and a nice location alongside a creek.

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[This message was edited by dublin on Apr. 24, 2001 at 03:58 PM.]

[TuxWink]

anyone could beat my Exacto-Man, but Heidi your stories are truly amazing! I've been racking my brain, trying to remember another gross out incident, but non can compare to, uh, "red" and "ped" /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I did have another architect throw a Dilbert book at me for no good reason...ironic, eh?

In other news, my PPE didn't go well (on the CA Mystery Horse) so I am not the happy horse owner I thought I would be at this time. Oh well, it just means something better is about to come along... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I'm off to Copper Meadows this weekend for an event with my lease horse!

[Bumpkin]

Is this person a Whiskey heir?
/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[B.G.M. heidi]

Bumpkin, my clever and resourceful friend - he's a great afficionado of Scotch and should rightfully get at least dividends, a coupon ?, from Glenfiddich, given his investment. How'd you figure it out? Don't tell me he's your cousin, okay? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Query for Northern Californians: did anyone ride with a Michael Higgins? He was one of the early and fortunate employees at Netscape, who cashed out and moved to Ireland; he did name, though, all of his mounts a variation on the Netscape name, including one terribly expensive GP jumper, whose show name was "Thank You Netscape". /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I think he still had a couple in North America with Hap Hansen.

[JustaLurker]

Boy, am I ever late to the party on this one. But here goes with just one more opinion. I must say I agree with the couple of pages of opinions I've been reading.

Elizabeth, I understand exactly where you were coming from. I think it's absolutely normal that, even in this enlightened day and age, females are still looking to the male to be smarter, stronger, better educated, and the provider. But, you've been able to get by this silliness and didn't have to agonize long over it.

Let me remind you of one reasonably successful college dropout: Bill Gates! A college education certainly isn't a good gauge of intelligence. It seems to have become just the �thing to do' after high school.

Merry mentioned that college and an advanced degree had given me a different perspective on life, changed my value system a little and opened my eyes to other viewpoints. Well, perhaps that might be sort of true, but I'd give some attribution to good old maturity. We learn so much at that age, and so fast. I think that's why so many right out of high school marriages have failed � lack of maturity and personal growth.

Oh, good heavens! I'm writing a book here and all I really wanted to say is that a college education has little to do with innate intelligence, continued learning, and a great curiosity about what's going on in the world. It seems that David may well be a very intelligent and successful young man.

But, again I caution about jumping too fast. If it's meant to be, he'll be around a year from now and you'll know so much more about each other. A romantic relationship with your best friend turns out to be the best of both worlds � and will probably last forever. But, a relationship like that takes time to establish. It seems that Weeble and several others have that kind of relationship.

Cheers, Maggi

[Coreene]

That Heidi and Coreene may quite possibly have been drinking at the same bar in France at the same time, and not even known????

[Beezer]

Coreene, it occurs to me that your path has crossed several others' with no one the wiser at the time. So, like, what? You're some CIA operative who casts the net of invisibility wherever you go? As in, you see all and know all but none of us realizes it at the time? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

Beezer, looks like that particular bar thing was a false alarm. We drank at the same bar, but unfortunately several years apart. But it's very scary when you think about all the co-inky-dinkies.

All we need is Kevin Bacon and we're set!

[Merry]

Okay, wiping the dust from 30 minutes of long-lining the Hanoverian Cow-beast off my face and sitting down to type...

Chef, I love your Grace! I'll bet she's a blast to jump! Probably blasts off the ground, eh? She looks like she doesn't want to touch anything. Very cute. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Heidi, Tuxwink, AAJumper... what can I say? I wouldn't last a single day with such repulsive menfolk. Can you imagine what the "sock" man must be like to live with on a daily basis? I'm just so isolated in my own little ranchette/freelance writing world. It's a big deal for me to venture out to Home Depot to buy potting soil and a rake! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Beezer]

Merry wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I wouldn't last a single day with such repulsive menfolk. Can you imagine what the "sock" man must be like to live with on a daily basis?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It occurs to me that you have (conveniently) forgotten what YOUR room looked like during your teenage years. I believe QHSM even approached the feds about the possibility of the site qualifying for a superfund cleanup. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[SuaveReno]

AA Jumper that God your boss has left maybe the place will be a little more palatable. I'm just thank-ful i don't have to do the drive to Glendale anymore /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif On not hearing regarding the other job opportunity, sometimes these things may take awhile depending on which level of management the hiring decisions are kicked up to.

Here's the latest for me. I have had 3 interviews with this one firm and they now want to send me to a company shrink to see if I am ideally suited for their company. What a hoot /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I always am a little suspicious of companies that need to do stuff like this. I mean I've only been in my industry for 22 years. That's gotta tell you something...hmmmm may not be a good thing /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Oh well I'll just have to take my Prozac and suck it up and go /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Chef: Grace is darling! Love her color! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Is that the ring at El Toro? The footing looks great!

I didn't see Kenneth Branaugh as Hamlet. But I saw a very old film of John Barrymore who was for a time considered the greatest Hamlet ever performed (c 1921). Of course the acting styles were very different in those days. By today's standards, he might be accussed of chewing a lot of scenery!

/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[AAJumper]

Suave, the office has been very quiet without the evil old boss! It turns out he was trying to steal clients for his own business on the side. What a jerk. And I tried to warn the owner about this guy after he was at the office for about a month. I could tell he didn't have the company's best interests in mind. Oh well. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif I still haven't heard from the other company. Oh well...I'll just have to wait and see.

Hmmmm...psychological profile, huh? What are you applying for, a job at the CIA? SuaveReno....spy by day, rider by night (and weekend). /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Actually, I've heard of some engineering firms doing that as well. It seems really odd!!!

[elizabeth]

Now I'm chucklin'. Any old psycho moron with a J.D. can practice law. Matter of fact, personality defects, such as propensity to yell and inability to "play nicely with others," are bonuses in my world. Yet Suavereno, who, to the best of my knowledge is NOT applying to the FBI, has to have a psychological evaluation. Good luck Suave. And if you have to, LIE. Or say "after years of therapy, I have made my peace with that issue."

Seriously, Suave, much luck to you. We are all jangling our curb chains!

Hey, Maggi. Thanks for the advice. I'm glad to have you around to tell me to go slow, b/c, quite frankly, I'm not generally inclined to do that. . . .

[weeble]

maybe you should just tell them from the get-go that you (like all of us) put every spare penny and minute into your horses and riding and in most people's books that makes you certifiable! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif That could possibly save a lot of time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[SuaveReno]

Remember Herbert Lom Inspector Clouseau's boss in the old Pink Panther series? He developed a few nervous ticks the more he dealt with Clouseau. I could do that...the longer the interview goes on with the shrink more ticks I could develop /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sounds like a plan /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[rusty]

Just wanted to say Hi to every one. My brain has been fried so this is about all I can write tonight. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

rusty, we understand. that's the good thing about this group - we're low maintenance. if all you can offer is a snort and a wave, we'll take it.

get some rest and we'll see you soon!
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Dry Clean Only]

As an insomniac east coast poster, I would like to thank the CA clique for keeping me entertained with their posts when all of the sane people of this coast are alseep. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[AAJumper]

Well DryCleanOnly, we are definitely awake, but not all of us are sane... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif But alas, I shall be off the computer soon, since BattleBots is on soon!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen....it's robot fightin' time!!!!!

My husband and I are addicted to that show...it's scary. We even have favorite "bots". /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[dublin]

I actually posted at 1:30 am once, which translated to a rather mindboggling 4:30 am Eastern time.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Commercials over, back to 'Angel' now.
Interesting show (and David Boreanaz is a cutie), set in a rather alternative universe LA - anyone else watch it???

Rusty - in the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "tomorrow will be another day".....
Hang in there! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[This message was edited by dublin on Apr. 25, 2001 at 01:00 AM.]

[daytimedrama]

I've lived in LA and have never once seen that LA on Angel, although it was a pretty good episode!

~Christina~
"Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs, Darling!" JD;Heathers

[MHM]

I love those two shows! LOVE them! And I refuse to be ashamed- the writing is too great. "You're the god of what- bad home perms?"

A friend called me at the end of Buffy to compare notes, then I called her back after Angel. We are WAY too old for that, believe me. (And speaking of living vicariously, the guys are very easy on the eyes.)

[wtywmn4]

Phew, in a few short hours we have 3 more pages. Wty runs to catch up to Beezer and see what she knows.

Suave the old shrink test? Ewwwwww, reminds me of the "Miracle on 34th St" one. Are you going to bonk the man with an umbrella? This could be contrued as passive agressive. That should just tie up any loose ends they might have. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

coreene, you are a busy girl. rusty, just turn on that blender and all our woes will disappear. Sorry you're having brain fry. Sit down, we will make you a margarita!

A/A don't dispair, there's something good to come of all this. If nothing else, we have been warned which bosses are incredibly GROSS! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif We will jingle our curbs, soothing sounds...

[rusty]

A good nights sleep and a Margarita and RUsty is doing much better. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

My room was always a shambles, and my loving Mother kept it very clean, telling me that atleast she didn't have to clean the tack or horse /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Of course that has followed through to my adult life, my kennels, tack, horse are spotless, Elliot's and Poncho's rugs are sent out almost weekly for cleaning.
But the house and grounds!!!! Simply frightful /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
The only thing I miss from leaving a real full time job is a housekeeper /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[MO]

If any of you care to know, or not, my computer fried during our last storm. Tornado alley, that's where I live!!! Next time I'll remember to unplug the thing! Ha!

Dublin, I saw "Hamlet" with KB...Loved it. I too felt it was entirely overlooked. What were those critic's thinking?

Justalurker, how's it coming with the MCJ gossip?

Glad to be back!

[Merry]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif So, I've spent countless hours giving myself migraines, slaving over writing this book proposal, because, you know, if the proposal doesn't look great, the publisher is sure that your book will suck, so the proposal has to look fantastic. About 2 a.m. I finish all 6 pages, print it off, and take it to the post office the next morning... stand in line with for 20 minutes, glaring at the ONE counter person who must, of course chat with each customer like they're his long-lost second cousin...

Then I get home and get an e-mail telling me to "address the cover letter to___________". WHAT "cover letter"? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

So, I now have to muse over how to compose a cover letter to accompany YET ANOTHER COPY OF THE PROPOSAL, which I print off. So, I e-mail the editor, tell her, "Never mind the first proposal you'll receive. Don't pass it up the chain of command, because a new one is coming with the cover letter attached," and, yes, I now return to the post office yet once again and just smile and nod to the same Opie-faced guy behind the counter, and send my heart and soul on its way. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Later that same afternoon...I'm working with the Hanoverian cow-beast, and I"m pondering, "Hmmm... One way or another I should hear from this publisher in about a week or so..." /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif It dawns on me that my beautifully composed cover letter neglects one thing: my return address! /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif How will I ever hear from them????

I am such a total doofus! So, refusing to print off and mail yet another freakin' copy, I call my editor-friend and just about start crying. She was nice enough to tell me that since I've helped her out at the last minute on some writing assignments before, she'll just intercept the proposal and add a letterhead/return address on for me! Phew! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Do you think I could be one of those case histories of someone who received one too many low-impact head injuries as a youngster?

[Bumpkin]

Well definately that and olde age.
Take your pick. haahahaa

/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif


WELCOME BACK MO!!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[B.G.M. heidi]

Years ago, in a new age moment, but mostly desparation, I ventured for craniosacral massages to 'cure' my thyroid disease.

During the first session the 'cranial masseuse' asked whether I'd ever been dropped on my head as a child as my brainwaves were flowing in the opposite (i.e. wrong) direction. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
My mother denies it but perhaps that's the reason I get along so splendidly with you, Merry. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[TuxWink]

you were blonde once, right? (or are you still blonde, I can't remember /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif ) I just call these types of things my "blonde moments." And, yes, there are so many that if I related them all you guys would think I was some sort of cousin to Anna-Nicole Smith /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Merry]

Mo, welcome back... and Toto, too! Geez, and I thought living with earthquakes was bad. My girlfriend grew up in Missouri. She said after a tornado a typical outing would be driving around the countryside, sightseeing, looking at the chickens and pigs that had been driven like nails into the trunks of trees. Is that true??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Ah, must get outside and start working with the beasts. What shall I do first? Handwalk the 16.3 hand Dutch horse just coming back from an 11-month lay-up for a bow, or long-line a rambunctious 4yr. old coming back from a 6-month lay-up? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[dublin]

Sorry about your computer. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Glad you're another KB fan, I have loved him ever since Henry V, which I have seen over and over, and I think he is terribly underrated as both an actor and director.

One of the problems with his Hamlet was probably the length, 4 hours I recall? The opening scene, with the stunning black and white set design and the confetti cascading down, had me hooked right away....and the time flew by, so the length wasn't a factor for me at all. His Much Ado About Nothing was also wonderful!!

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[Merry]

So that I'm not confusing my Danish princes, wasn't K. Branaugh's Hamlet the one sort of set in a Nazi regime? Sort of an "updated" version?

[Coreene]

Oh my word. Willem's go out at the end of blanket season. They're probably charging me extra for this ...

[dublin]

You're thinking of Ian McKellen's Richard III (another great actor, and his version of Richard III was definitely unique and compelling....)

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[Beezer]

Adopted. I swear I am.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Merry, be nice to that cute, sweet 4-year-old. Remember his motto: If you don't believe, you don't deserve. (As in ... If you don't believe that Tigger is Mr. Perfect, you don't deserve for Tigger to be Mr. Perfect. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif )

[AAJumper]

Wow...I just realized that Coreene and I registered on the COTH BB on the same day! It's sort of like having the same b-day. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Okay, I admit it....I am bored...really bored. I'm tired of drawing lines and labeling them! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Beezer]

AAJumper ... that Coreene, she is everywhere and touches everyone. She's our own little six degrees of separation. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

It's very freaky. Heidi's ad rep at a paper I worked with ten years ago was my NY contact when I was there, and the guy was working with a gal I was at high school with. And it just goes on and on and on.

I'm sure we can get Kevin Bacon into this if we try hard enough!!!

[MO]

How true!!

Dublin, Henry V, oh, one of my fav's too!! Even with all the gore! Kenneth is such the cutie. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Merry, I'm sure your friend is probably correct on that one, though I'm not one to verify. I was born and raised in PA. (not too far from Devon). Moved out here to the "Meat and Potato's" part of the country 5 years ago, no-thanks to Mr. Mo! So, those darn tornados scare me outta my skin. The sky get's real creepy. We had hail the size of baseballs. Pretty scary! We're building an addition on to our house and I'm telling the builder to put one of those tornado shelters in! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Bumpkin]

Elliot gets turn out everyday, so those Wugs get mighty dirty.
He has three of those, so I can alternate them, now that summer is approaching I have to find some sheets I guess.
The new stable takes off the turn out rugs and puts on the stall ones everyday.
I love it!!:)
The olde stable kept the same rugs on 24/7.
This horse stuff is killing my Nordstroms budget!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

AA, this must make us twins! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Bumpkin - my theory behind the blanket this is this: Willem gets turned out. Rolls in mud. Coreene doesn't feel like brushing it all off, so puts on blanket which knocks the mud off.

Then you shake the blanket out the next day!

[JustaLurker]

MO, I've sent you an e-mail with excuses for my poor information gathering skills.

Cheers, Maggi

[Bumpkin]

So Coreene when you put on the blanket where do you wear it to get the mud off??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

Merry, those are called Senior Moments, welcome to the club!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Possibly all those times we've bounced on our heads is finally showing up? Hang in there, curbs are jingling for you.

Welcome back Mo. Did you end up getting a new puter completely?

Good rusty, you are sounding like your old self. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif How's the water doing?Am I a page behind or what??? Geeeeeeeeeeesh!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[This message was edited by wtywmn4 on Apr. 25, 2001 at 09:18 PM.]

[Merry]

No, Coreene only wears Willem's blanket when she finds herself, sans cocktail dress, stumbling around the equestrian center about 2 a.m. mumbling, "Gilberto? Donde esta Gilberto!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Okay, Kevin Branaugh fans, I realize it was indeed Ian McKellen in Richard III. All I remember is it being on HBO and my thinking, "Hmmm... I didn't think Shakespeare lived during World War II." /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Speaking of senior moments, I'm wondering what we'll all be like in our "twilight years." Since disease has failed to claim me, I figure I'll end up being one of those 90-something bird-thin women warehoused in some quaint resthome. I'll be dressed everyday in my little housecoat, and stuck in my wheelchair in the hallway, where I'll grab the sleeves of strangers that walk by and ask them plaintively, "Am I on deck? When do I go?" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[weeble]

Probably be right there with you, Merry. Not, however, before I spend a little time at shows telling all the young whippersnappers (that would be the 18-35 ammy's) about how I had to go uphill in the snow (both directions) to get to the shows in my day. Yeah, I know I'm in California but that snow thing will give them all the chance to nod and smile and then roll their eyes as I wander down the rail to the next unsuspecting group) /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[MHM]

A few years ago I was chatting with a pair of trainers, and they were telling me how many tapes they had of their horses' best trips. I said that was great, that one day they'd be able to sit around the old horseman's home, watch the tapes, and remember their glory days. They both laughed and said, "That's all we do now!"

[Merry]

Can't you just hear all of us?

Nurse #1: "I think she's become delirious. She's just babbling nonsense."

Nurse #2: "Why? What's she saying?"

Nurse #1: "She keeps asking me if the lines ride short or long."


Yeah, weeble, we'll be the two old ladies that all the kids hide from.
One short stirrup rider to another: "Here come those two crazy ladies! They were here at the last show. They always wear those old rust breeches and a sunhat. Last time they kept following me around, asking if they could ride my pony."
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

The Twilight years of the Calif. clique.Merry, bird thin, dressed impecably, Beezer, terristas in tow, jeans, straw hat, manure hangin precariously, arguing still about piling jumps in the center of the ring. Coreene, blouse buttoned ascew, calling for Antonio. Suave finally has taken up golf cart showing, and loves it! rusty, with her blender, clicking on it furtively. A/A still reading the want ads, it's okay dear, you're retired. Heidi, talking on the phone to sumo toddler, who now stands 6'2", weighs in at 340 and owns a lovely organic grocery. weeble babbling to herself about going to a show at Pebble. Mo chatting it up with someone named Dorothy and Toto? dublin has reorganized the entire home several times so far. elizabeth jumping out of a limo, yelling, ladies I have all the wills signed but yours, as she points a boney finger at wty. "Moi?" Ah, the Golden years... /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Merry]

Isn't that what driving (harness) classes are for? Retired or semi-demented former H/J riders?

Of course, Suave will be showing up in her golf cart! Suave, with puzzled look on face: "Oh... I didn't know we were supposed to be driving ponies!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[daytimedrama]

during your golden years, the younger members of CA clique have offically taken over, after years of training Daytime Drama is ready to take the wheel and be in charge of the CA clique redux thread which has amazingly outlasted the JR clique's useless posts /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif. Muhahaha!! or at least in my dreams I take over /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

~Christina~
"Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs, Darling!" JD;Heathers

[MO]

But really, does anyone recall Mrs. Scott? Old Philadelphia society woman (Grace Kelly portrayed her in the movie " The Philadelphia story"). She died a few years back, out in her fields feeding her cattle. She was 90 something (96?). She slipped and fell and hit her head I believe. Now that's the way to go!!

[elizabeth]

elizabeth pulls up in front of the old folks home in her 1992 Acura Integra ("no reason to get rid of a perfectly good car," she snips to her husband David). though elizabeth has just turned 83, she still dresses impeccably, except for the yellow egg yolk drizzled down the front of her cardigan.

as she hauls her formerly lithe body up the stairs of the old folks home, returning the waves of beezer, merry, QHSM, coreene, AAJumper, rusty, wytwmn, suave, et al, elizabeth thinks "today is the day the girls will sign their wills. it's funny - the instant these women die, their old retired horses will become millionaires. except for Beezer's horse - why Beezer wants to leave everything to her JRTs is beyond me."

elizabeth queries why exactly bumpkin's will had to be drafted to include a provision that her horses's blankets be washed once a week, but. . . to each her own. then again, that provision is no more odd than the provision in AAJumper's will that mandates her husband plant sod every spring (AAJumper's husband somehow remained frozen in time at the age of 35, with the body of a 35 year old fireman. . . the shoulders. . . the biceps. . . the quads. . . ahhh, I digress. at least he comes and visits her in the old folks home twice a week. that's really all he can do, given the overtime he is working to pay for the landscaping they did back in 2001).

[SuaveReno]

I wish I could take credit for this but here best describes my old age:

When I am Old......
I shall wear diamonds
And a wide brimmed straw hat
With ribbons and flowers on it
And I shall spend my Social Security
On white wine and carrots And sit in the
alley of my barn And listen to my
horses breathe.
I will sneak out in the middle of a summer's night
And ride the dappled mare
Across the moonstruck meadow,
If my old bones will allow.
And when people come to call,
I will smile and nod,
As I walk them past the gardens to the barn
And show, instead, the flowers growing
there in stalls fresh-lined with straw.
I will learn to shovel and sweat and
Wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel.
And I will be an embarrassment to all
Who look down on me
Who have not yet found the peace in being free
To love a horse as a friend,
A friend who waits at midnight hour
With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes
For that's the kind of woman I will be
When I am Old.
By Lou Cadwell

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MHM]

MHM must nip out to the barn now and feed a few carrots while she is still mobile enough to do so.

[Bumpkin]

Actually Mrs Scott died after slipping on a bath mat and hitting her head.
It turned out she had cancer and knew it but hadn't done anything about it.
The minute she passed away they got rid of her beloved herd of dairy cattle that had been there since her father built the estate.
Sad
/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[weeble]

I realy like that, might have to keep a permanent copy.

Not to bring up an old subject, but since we're here...do you think gray hair will look nice in show bows? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[dublin]

Kevin Branaugh????? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Possibly a senior moment brought on by the previous posts??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[dublin]

Just have to comment that A/A Jumper wins the prize for getting my reference to SH's totally ratty looking faded helmet, (from a topic over on the H/J forum) which she wore for years and years until quite possibly it disintegrated!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Anyone else remember it??? As A/A sagely suggested, given how it looked, it HAD to be a good luck charm or something....


Must stop posting and get to sleep, she mumbles to herself, knowing that she will undoubtedly look like a zombie, due to sleep deprivation, in the morning.....

Good night all!!

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[Bumpkin]

Insomnia, is that contagious? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[rusty]

Good morning! I had to go check on one of my horses that Had a slight colic yesterday. He is fine.
The owner of the barns son was painting the barn yesterday, he locked my horses in the lower Hot barn with out ventilation or water and it was in the 90's.
If I had not gone up there in the early afternoon he probably wouldn't have let them out in their paddocks.
Alot of people wonder why I want my own place.

[Merry]

dublin, sorry! I get to blame my Kevin/Kenneth slip-up on coreene! She threw out that reference to Kevin Bacon, and I had just watched "Hollow Man" (insert thumbs down icon here) and with my calcified brain tissue, confused the two names. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Suave, your little poem made me cry...
elizabeth, your little story made me laugh...


SH's ratty helmet: Oh please, you guys! You really think it was a good luck charm? That's a romantic notion, but having rubbed elbows with SH, I just tend to think she was too ch... er, ah, "not of the mind to venture into a tackstore and purchase a new one." /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

rusty: I'm so glad you checked on your horses! Yes, yet another example of why it's nice to have your own place.

[AAJumper]

LOL Elizabeth...you are too funny! Mr. AAJumper already wishes the aging process had stopped at age 35, but alas, it's progressed yet another 2 years. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif He's very upset, however, that at his county physical, he had a whopping 17% fat. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I found a B&B! It's called Howard Creek Ranch and it's in Westport. It was hard to find one that didn't have a 2 night stay required! Thanks for all the suggestions!

In regards to the ratty helmet, I remember seeing it several years ago when I first started riding. I always wondered about it!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Rusty, that is a scary story...no wonder you want to have you own barn!!! It's amazing what some barn owners will do, or not do for that matter!!! I have been at some real wacky places in my many barn moves. My old trainer was like a barn gypsy. I think we were at 9 barns in 7 years, one of which was in her backyard in the middle of Canoga Park!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Bumpkin...what are you doing posting at 3am PDT??????? Nevermind...you need to go back to sleep!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

OH NOOOOO!!!! Bumpkin, the only thing on TV at that hour, including cable, is QVC!

Bumpkin arrives at the Cal Clique reunion, and everyone is aghast at her display of Joan Rivers jewelry... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Or perhaps she's hawking our curb chain bracelets?

[Merry]

Oh, *sigh* must go help QHSM unload a stack of hay. Usually Beezer must do this, but I'm forced to partake of this most unpleasant duty since I need the hefty truck (vs. my purdy new truck) to haul the Hanoverian cow-beast out to Sandi Nisson's in Hemet to be officially saddle broke.

Yippee, no more long-lining horses for two years, when activities shall commence with the orphan filly! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[dublin]

Merry, I think you are on the right track about SH.....I now recall seeing her at the Menlo Circus Club show in the mid-80's wearing a truly hideous non-show outfit - lime green and tan sleeveless shirt in BIG stripes, coordinated (??) with too short worn out jeans in a pukey mustard color, and cheap tennis shoes with holes in them. Quite the ensemble!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Not exactly the heighth of fashion, to put it mildly....

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[This message was edited by dublin on Apr. 26, 2001 at 12:49 PM.]

[dublin]

Insomnia must have been contagious in our case, but you definitely beat me out with your 3 am-ish post.... Amazing we were both up and functioning this morning!!

Merry, don't you know that bumpkin (our West Coast Duffy) has WAY too much taste for any of the junk hawked on QVC????? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Chef Jade]

On the way to go when the time comes...

True story: There was this old lady in Ireland that had been hunting her horses for years. She was a mean old nast b*tch. She had 3 sons who hunted with her and she constantly told them how gutless they were because they could never keep up with her, and each time they tried, they would would have a nasty spill and their horses would run off. They would walk the several miles back to the homestead where they would get a ripe chewing out from the old lady. If per chance they were ahead of her when the fall occured, she would steer her horse to run right over the top of them.

Well one day, after a big rain, they were out hunting and jumping everything in their way as usual. The old lady was in front, as usual. Her horse uncharacteristically refused a jump and the lady falls face first into a bog. Her sons come galloping up behind her and continue on, laughing at her misfortune, for once...and feeling vindicated for years of verbal abuse. Hours after the hunt is over, the old lady has not returned so they go out searching for her. There in the bog they find her - dead. She drowned in 2 inches of water.

[Coreene]

So yesterday I'm on the phone with a delightful client and she says "Do you know Blablabla, she's a horse person too and in my office right now." Then she puts us on speakerphone.

And then today I have an email and it's from DMJ asking if I knew said client!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because it was her!!!!!!!!!

Hello, the hair on my arms is now standing straight up.

And the thing was, at the time I thought "this is all too familiar ... I'm sure there's a BB link here."

When I lived in England we would have said that I was utterly gobsmacked. How cool is this?!?

[dublin]

AND you went to high school with Michelle Pfeiffer! How cool is that??

The only semi-famous person at my high school was Mac Wilkins, who went on to win a gold medal in the discus at the 1976 Olympics. Totally gorgeous, student body president, a star in both basketball and track, dated the Homecoming Queen, truly the BMOC at our school....I had a massive crush on him, but being a lowly sophomore when he was a senior, he didn't even know I existed. *sigh* He was in a second period math class with me, which followed my first period swimming class, in the fall, in Oregon, held at a stinky indoor pool on campus, with an even stinkier locker room. (Totally yucky, to say the least!) This was before the era of blow dryers, so picture me with dripping long hair and no makeup sprinting from one end of a large campus to the other in order to get to my next class. And then the total embarassment of looking like you-know-what sitting next to my hearthrob.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Talk about feeling like a total dork!!

In college, I was in the same dorm as 1) Dey Young (sister of the actress Leigh Taylor Young), whose later show biz career consisted of starring in 'Rock 'n' Roll High School' and playing the saleswoman who was a total b**ch to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman....now she's married to David Ladd
and living the Beverly Hills lifestyle; and 2) a girl who went on to become O. J. Simpson's jury consultant.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Anyone else go to high school or college with anyone even remotely famous???

[AAJumper]

AAJumper waves hand frantically....."oh me, me!!!! I've been to school with famous people!!!"

I went to high school with Jennifer Flavin (Sylvester Stallone's (sp??) current wife). She was a year older than me and had her PE locker right next to mine. I also went to elementary and junior high school with Lisa Bonet (used to be spelled Boney) and rode the bus with her. She was in the highly gifted magnet program! She was a blast on the bus....always having a good time. I also went to high school with Jamie Farr's son. Oh, and my cousin was in the movie Audrey Rose...she played the girl, Ivy. She was also in a mini-series called The Chisolms...and I got to be an extra, singing "Rock of Ages"!!!

Okay, so here is my REALLY big news...the company I interviewed with called me back!!! Apparently some of the vice-presidents in their Irvine office are very interested in my former experience working for the Federal government. They have some really big contracts with them...major cash cow! So they are going to call me to set up a time when we can talk on the phone. I guess they want to ask me more specific technical type questions about my former job. Woo hoo!!! I would love to get back into the big projects that I used to do. I'm so excited! Thank you to everyone for the curb jangling....it worked!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

On a side note... I am SO bored because this company is unable to provide me with enough work!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Maybe I should cut back on the caffiene! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[MO]

I went to High School with Jonetta Frasier, Joe Frasier's (as in the boxer's) daughter. She was really a nice girl, we had a few classes together.

Bumpkin, sorry I got my story wrong, I could have sworn she died with her cows. Humm!

[dublin]

good luck!!! *jingle jingle jingle* /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Coreene]

Wow, we'll be very BB throughout Irvine then.

[Beezer]

COREENE!! You are really starting to give me serious heebie-jeebies! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Stop it. Now. You would appear to be some kind of Q (quick splainer for non-"Star Trek" fans: that would be the omnipotent being who pops in and out of the space-time continuum at will and gets involved in everything and everyone).

AAJumper: Does this mean you might be working in Irvine? You do realize that that is Coreene and Chef and Beezer ... and probably others I am forgetting ... territory, don't you?? Jangle those curb chains, ladies! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Beezer slowly rolls her wheelchair over to Elizabeth and whispers, "I want to leave all my money to the JRTs because they will share with the horses. They promised me that. The horses, however, would make no such promise. Something about letting the little nose-nippers starve...."

Then Beezer spies Merry, who appears unable to stop her wheelchair from bolting out the open door with her. "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times: You need MORE BIT, Merry," Beezer yells after her. "Outside leg! OUTSIDE LEG!!"

As Merry gets taken for a ride down the front steps, she can be heard screeching, "Bad Hammie!! BAD BAD HAMMIE!!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[dmj]

I just typed up a long and really witty (ha) thing regarding my chance encounter w/ Coreene yesterday...and infopop deleted it....and I am too lazy now! What's up with that? Anyway...she rocks but I am sure you all know that...

and congrats to AAJumper....

[Coreene]

My boss shot your resume off to a big muckety muck re a hotshot muckety muck job!

[Coreene]

BEEZER: and Coreene rode the same rental horse in the same saddle like 30 years ago and worked in the same place for two weeks like 18 years ago and she works with one of Coreene's coworker's husband and ...

MERRY: and Beezer and Coreene all used to ride with Bob McDonald and knew the same people then and Coreene probably bought tack from Merry and ...

TARYN: picked Coreene out of BB and realized the two of them boarded at the same stable and now their horses are in love and ...

WEATHERFORD: forwarded email stuff to groups before and some of the names on there were people Coreene also knew and had met through eBay and ...

SUAVERENO: and Coreene have now met through BB and shared the same weirdo trainer, albeit at different times and ...

DMJ: and Coreene have now "met" through one of Coreene's clients and DMJ also used to have biz dealings with Coreene's former place of employ, which was film biz related and ...

HEIDI: and Coreene have a lot of these people and many wild bars in France in common and ...

IRVINE CONNECTION:

Chef and Coreene work there and SuaveReno lives there, so we must take AA Jumper under our wing! And find DMJ work in Irvine, too.

There's more, but that's the useless trivia for now. But fun useless trivia!!!

[dmj]

Now you are getting me all worked up! That was exceptionally kind of her (and of you)...thank you!

Wondering if I have anything to add to your masterpiece compilation of paths being crossed...hmmm...it is hard with all of our top secret aliases!

/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

hahaha
Never will I watch QVC, reread old HORSES though...
Lets see, I went to school with Barbie Benton, who was Barbie Klien in HS, she was old Hugh Hefner's girlfriend in the 70's /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
And there was a herd of Olympic Medal winning swimmers at our HS because Sherm Shevor was their coach and owned the swim club in our neighborhood.
You always knew which ones were swimmers as back then they had green tinged hair, haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
His daughter, Shelly, was horse crazy though and a group of us had a Saddle Club. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[AAJumper]

Don't get too excited...I am NOT going to work in Irvine!!! YIKES...I mean, I couldn't handle the downtown LA commute! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif And I'm not moving...especially after just finishing the pool!!! But there is an office in Irvine, and they often "job share" projects between offices. They have the perspective of "if our employee wants to work for us in Camarillo, and the project is in Irvine, that is okay." But Irvine is the main office.

Regarding the Star Trek reference...it reminds me of this guy I have to work with...he is Data, but without the intelligence. Basically, he is personality-free. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Sigh...only one hour left and it's the weekend for me!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

AAJumper: So, you work with Commander Data? Does he step in the dog poo, or do his sensors warn him ahead of time? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sorry, I went to Costa Mesa High School. We had no celebrities, just the children of the help for the Newport Beach wingdings. Although I dated one of my professors in college. Does that count? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

What, Beezer, you mean I shouldn't buy that smooth eggbutt snaffle I've been eyeing at the tack store? But it'd look so purdy on Hammie! Forget that I couldn't stop him if he went into a snit-fit, looks are what's important, you know! He just doesn't seem to like the dee-rings. I think the fixed cheeks (the "D" part) bug him.

In defense of QVC: you can get some good gemstone earrings there! I know. I have an entire collection! Can anyone say "peridot"?

[daytimedrama]

hehehe it's amazing, no one even noticed my little comment about how I am will rule the BB when the retired members can't see the moniter anymore. E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T ::EVIN GRIN:: MY PLAN TO TAKE OVER IS FALLING INTO PLACE EARILER THAN EVEN I EXPECTED! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

~Christina~
"Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs, Darling!" JD;Heathers

[Merry]

No, daytimedrama, we all read your snide little comment. But like good kindergarten teachers, we're hoping to extinguish your naughty behavior by ignoring it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

You should be sitting back and taking notes, so that you can care for all of us in our twilight years. Let's see, I'm always cold, so I'll need a couple of hand-knit shawls to wrap around my skinny shoulders. (Keep an eye on Beezer to make sure she doesn't wrap the shawls around my neck when the nurse isn't looking).

[Beezer]

MERRY! Step away from that bit! Put it down and JUST STEP AWAY!! (Besides, I am sure that somewhere, deep in the bowels of that tackroom of ours, there is already a bit just like the one you want for the precious bay prince. Lord knows you've bought enough bits over the years. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif )

And honestly, Merry, the real danger to those shawls of yours ... Oh, and for those playing along at home, when Merry says she's always cold, that ain't the HALF of it ... isn't me but the JRTs. You know how fond they are of snuggling and of playing tug-of-war. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[daytimedrama]

Don't worry I'd come to visit you all at the nursing home, jello, old people and hand knit shawls are my favorite things. We'll even be able to reminise about those days that we were even caught dead in the ugly puke green riding pants, sigh... those were the days!

~Christina~
"Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs, Darling!" JD;Heathers

[dublin]

The only connection I can make (at least for now...) is that I used to work for a company that was headquartered in Irvine, on Barranca Parkway. Is that anywhere near you???

[MO]

My best friend (and roomate in college), her uncle, went to high school with Bruce Springsteen! Said he was a total nerd! Is'nt that typical? Then as it turns out our old barn manager sold his horse to Bruce. Funny!

My husband dated one of the Kennedy girl's! He was also good friends with Cary Elwis (sp?) in college. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[MHM]

It's a very real and serious disease. Classic symptoms include a huge assortment of bits hidden in a trunk, an obsession with the newest bits to appear in the catalogs, and a whopping credit card balance. In the advanced stages, sufferers will buy an expensive bit, try it once, and bury the bit and the receipt in the back yard.

Please do not make fun of us- our horses do that enough already.

[weeble]

Same town, almost same neighborhood, (all my friends lived in Wilhaggen) and rival high schools. What year did you graduate?

This is too weird... /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[SuaveReno]

You all didn't know I was gone but I was actually in traffic school tonight and at the barn by day. And my hubby monopolizes the computer all day long so that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I was best friends for awhile with Bonnie Ebsen (daughter of Buddy Ebsen). She lived on the Island and we rode together at the barn in CdM where Pelican Hill Golf Course now stands. Her sister Kiki rode Western and showed with Jack and Linda Baker back in the 70's I think. Her other sister Kathy got into dressage. The last I heard of Bonnie she was an editor of a magazine geared to Western riders and living in Arizona??? Merry: Have you and Bonnie ever crossed paths?

AAJumper: Congrats on your call back! hopefully you don't have to have a psychological evaluation (there coming to take me away ha ha...) The gal in HR called me yesterday and said I could prepare by taking practice SAT exams. They want to evaluate my critical thinking....hmmmm would this be an example, "Well she's was behind the motion over the oxer in that horrible riding coat she was wearing".

/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Say, is anyone going to be showing at the LAEC on the weekend of May 18th??? I told my new trainer that Suave and little Suave will be going. So we'll be there...I'm not sure if it's a Gold Coast show or not /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Coreen: that is amazing about the 6 degrees of separation...it just goes to show you what a small world /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Did someone mention bits /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif It seems like everytime i turn around I'm buying a bit. Merry, you need a bit..I got 'em and I'm not using them..talk to me /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

dublin:Regarding Barranca Parkway in Irvine... I never worked there, heaven knows, but I just about lived and died there! Don't get me started, don't even get me started... but the first of many sinus surgeries was via an ENT doctor whose original office was behind the Carls Jr. off Barranca! That was the doctor I nearly bled to death with... well, the first doctor I nearly bled to death with... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif


MHM: I can't control myself over bits! That is truly an addiction of mine. I admit it! I have bits out as loaners to half a dozen people in our town, including our trainer, who has then loaned them to her clients. It's not like I have problems with my horses (shut up, Beezer!), but I just want them to be happy with their jobs, and so I'm always hunting for that magical bit. I figure soon I shall own every bit ever manufactured since the advent of the iron age. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Beezer: Are you making light of my intolerance to cold? What, just because I've been discovered in my horse show hotel room in the dead of summer wearing woolen flannel pajamas? I'm still scarred from the trip to Virginia with QHSM and you, that time in the spring when I was told, "Oh, it's spring. It'll be warm. Wear shorts." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Notice in each successive photograph how Merry's skin takes on more and more of a bluish tint...And then, QHSM goes into the Williamsburg gift shop and buys HERSELF a sweatshirt, but will she buy her own cash-strapped DAUGHTER one? Nooooooo! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Suave: I'm sure there must be some hysterical story revealing just why you were at traffic school. Please tell me you weren't caught driving a golf cart down Newport Blvd. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

coreene: I still crack up thinking about my working at Horse World in Huntington Beach! Ah, those were the days when I was happily floundering through life without any direction whatsoever. I believe the woman who owned the place was "dating" a local yokel cowboy type with red hair and his name was Rex (?) and he worked out of one of the low-rent stables. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

I lived in Wilhaggen!!!!!
1960's!!!
Most of Reagan's people lived in our neighborhood.

[elizabeth]

I will not freak out, I will be o.k. I will not freak out, I will be o.k.

So Buster, my horse, is now sound - jumphigh83 brought him back to soundness. However, the woman who has been hacking him (I pay the board, I pay the farrier, she gets a free ride) sends me an e-mail saying she cannot make him canter. And he falls to the inside of the ring. And she is getting frustrated.

Oh, for Pete's sake. I am FREAKIN' out. If she cannot canter him and wants to stop riding him, I'm going to have to figure out what the FREAK to do with him again!!! BLAH!!!

I think the reason he is giving her crap is b/c she is not assertive, and Buster, being a former lesson horse, knows how to get away with things. So I sent her an e-mail suggesting she take some lessons with Jumphigh83.

Now I sit here and panic and wait to see how this resolves itself.

David has been suggesting I bring Buster out here, and I guess it is time to do so, but . . . I don't know. He's going to come off the truck dead lame. . . . I'm worried that AAJumper's trainer is not going to want him now that I told her he was coming back in February (I gave her a check and all), but then had to cancel b/c he got so lame we were going to put him down.

Can I find another place to keep him if she is filled up now or doesn't want him? (Rhetorical question) Can I find another place as grassy?

AHHHHH, I will not freak out, I will be o.k.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[rusty]

elizabeth every thing will work out. I have been on a roller coaster ride similar to the one you are on with Buster. It will work out, I would hope the barn you are talking about would be understanding of the situation. If they can't take you they might know of another barn for you. Hang int there, have a Margarita. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[weeble]

Elizabeth: take a deep breath...time has a way of working these things out. You sound like me, though, no patience for time, you want to know what will happen NOW!

Bumpkin: I've no doubt we know lots of the same people. I graduated in the early '70's, my good friends dad worked in Reagan's cabinet. (state and later, national). Even though we ended up at different high schools many of us went to the same junior high. (JS, by any chance?) We may be working on another six degrees here. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Bumpkin]

Rio Americano!!!
You must know Betsy Woods and how about Spencer Williams?
Cindy Cutter?
dang I have to leave for work soon, /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[weeble]

Bumpkin, I too am late for work. Will e-mail you later.

[Coreene]

Dublin, darling, it's about a mile from my office. So there - another one! Wheeee!

[elizabeth]

Thanks, weeble and rusty, for the advice.

Weeble, I think when I first "met" you, I asserted that you were totally on my wavelength. I hereby re-state that position!

Ok, now I have to go to work. Have a good day everyone. (I can't post from work. . . . I suppose I could, but I am a wimp about doing so. . . .)

[B.G.M. heidi]

I'm now going to have to explain to Sumo Toddler that the world does not, in fact, revolve around him -- it revolves around coreene! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Coreene, you are the epicentre of the universe! In which case, can you talk to someone to ensure we get no rain on Sunday as I'm hosting a barbecue?

[Bumpkin]

Dublin is ill this morning.
Nasty cold, she should be on later /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Merry]

Yes, it appears that coreene is indeed the Earth Mother Goddess. I can just picture her in all her glory: tie-dyed Gunne Sak dress circa 1972, a wreath of periwinkle vines atop a head of flowing hair, a riding crop stuck in the waistband of her macrame belt... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Oh, I feel myself being pulled by the urge to rush out and buy Hambola an pretty, newly styled eggbutt snaffle. He hates his dee-ring. and his mommy wants him to be happy. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

By the way, what is it with all you people and your jobs? I feel so alone during the day, what with mucking stalls and lunging horses and riding. Yesterday's lesson with Hammie was "Transitions: A Necessary Evil in All Green Horses' Lives" /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Ah, sorry, Hammie, but a half-halt is indeed supposed to mean something. It is NOT to be viewed as merely an opportunity for you to lean on my hands. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

elizabeth, to me it sounds like Buster is in an ideal situation. Light a fire under that woman! She sounds like a wuss and Buster is just too smart for her!

[elizabeth]

Merry, what is the likelihood that you already have said eggbutt snaffle? (I refuse to believe that you do not have about 12 of them. Every horse owner has a stash of eggbutt snaffles. Fat ones, thin ones, 5", 5 1/2", 5 1/4", etc.)

But, if you need to buy an eggbutt snaffle to assuage the trauma of yesterday's transitions learning experience, I understand. I would advise, however, FINDING an eggbutt snaffle that you likely already have in your tack room and spending the money that you would have spent on the bit on a nice, new, spring color polo shirt for your riding pleasure.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Coreene]

1. wear curb chain bracelets
2. kick off shoes (preferably Manolos)
3. put on Aretha Franklin
4. dance

There. Orange County Anti-Rain Dance.

[Merry]

I swear, I have no eggbutt snaffles! They're the only thing missing from my collection. I used to think they were ugly, but what could be ugly on my Bay Prince? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Coreene, I'm with ya', babe, but with me I'm kicking off my Cole Hawn leather moccasins, turning on Earth, Wind and Fire, jangling my curb chain, and dancing as only a child raised in a Baptist household can dance (in private, where no one else can stare!). /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Beezer]

Merry, if there are no eggbutt snaffles in that pile of metal that is beginning to resemble some sort of New Age sculpture (a tribute to Q Coreene, perhaps??), Beezer will buy your COTH hat!

[Coreene]

However, she will always be on the hunt for more cutie patootie eggbutt snaffle bracelets ...

She suggests that, while shopping for the Great Hambolarama, Merry makes sure she buys something for herself as well. After all, the horses can't have everything. We need treats for ourselves, too.

[wtywmn4]

Okay coreene, globsmacked???? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Where on earth did they come up with that and what does that mean? Yes, I know a little behind, sorry. You know us old err, senior err long stirrups /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif we have a hard time keeping up!

elizabeth, bring Buster out. You will only drive yourself crazy worrying. Who cares if he's owie, you noticed we did notuse the word lame, when he comes off the van. The dry climate in Calif. will help him, swear. He will be glad to see you, and I can give you a name of an excellent hauler, email me.

A/A will you hear soon as to whether this job is a go?? Curbs are jingling.....

wty whips around the corner in her walker. Just in time to nudge the others out of the way. Ohhhhhh, she cackles, here comes A/A's husband..She's waited the whole week for a glimpse. He sure does hold his age well. Merry & Beezer still arguing. What is it this time, the bit sculpture? No? Possibly the shawl that Beezer made with a B]large[/B]hole in it? Seems to me, that looks neck size. Girls, settle down. Good grief, well, elizabeth will get here soon. Maybe she will calm them down. Some whipper snapper has been trying to rule the Calif. clique, HA!!! We rule ourselves... /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[SuaveReno]

Rode this morning in my new hackamore that I got this past weekendend at Big Mary's. I was really surprised that Reno stoppped, turned and flexed at the poll. Can this be possible??? Decided not to go to the LAEC as I have been informed that we are all going to the Oaks for 2 weeks in July when the Fair is up and running and I sould start saving now...

A client called me for some free advise and and unfortunately, my cell crapped out. Hmmm... did I do that on purpose??? In preparation for my visit with the corporate shrink, I am practicing the use of 3 syllable words and spelling. There is a math section, but unless I have a calculator I will be unable to add, subtract, divide or multiply. If they give me a question regarding what "x" represents, would an appropriate response be "who the hell cares?" I'll have to cogitate on that one /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

"Gob" is a terribly vulgar name for mouth, so "gobsmacked" is the same as "Well slap my ass and call me Judy!"

[dublin]

she finally crawls out of bed to feebly say hi to her CA clique pals.....

weeble and bumpkin:

I have a six degrees connection to Reagan as well - a friend of my husband's is the daughter of William Clark, who was Reagan's Secretary of State right after the infamous James Watt!

Merry:
sorry my Barranca Parkway reference brought up such bad medical memories for you....

Since I'm feeling so punky, think I will now treat myself to watching the 'Riders' video which coreene so kindly lent me. Thanks again coreene, you are the best!!

Now back to my Sudafed, Kleenex and NyQuil....

[AAJumper]

Suave, I will be at the Oaks for at least one of those two weeks in July! We shall finally meet!

Elizabeth, we still have stalls open...or at least we will in a couple of weeks (unless someone new is moving in and I don't know about it). The only thing that I can see as being a drawback is that you have to be in the training/lesson program. You can at least call and talk to my trainer and see if you think it will work out. I will talk to her tomorrow and explain the situation, so that if you decide to call her, she won't be surprised.

So, who has ordered their COTH hat yet? I just ordered mine! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

I just went to divoza.nl to order Willem a blue and white plume for the top of his bridle. The plume was $5.00 and they wanted $25.00 to send it.

Well.

So now I'll buy the plume in person next year. Darn it!

[dmj]

Coreene - we simply cannot wait a whole year to feast our eyes upon the plumed wonder!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Coreene]

I'm on the internet right now looking for an American Plume...

[Bumpkin]

Back from my big 15 hours or less a week job /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
I don't know how anyone can work more hours a week than that and have a life.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

No, I have not yet ordered a cap, because I have zero balance on my credit cards and I just can't bring myself to soil them again! /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Actually, BEEZER, we do NOT have an eggbutt snaffle bit in my collection. I'm on the verge of calling Dover, since they have such pretty ones. But then I'd also have to order a real, genuine sheepskin show pad (not a 1/2 pad), and then I'd have to order... you see how it starts? /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

dublin, I hope you feel better! Cheese and crackers and Campbell's chicken noodle soup and 7-Up. Works every time to perk you up.

I ain't doin' no Oaks in July, although I believe I am setting my sights on the "Show Formerly Known as GTE" in August. I'm aiming to do the amateur adults with the Hambolarama. Why not? A couple of county shows and he's ready for the A circuit. Uh-huh. No really, he will be! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[MHM]

Zero balance on your credit cards?!
Suddenly I wonder if you truly qualify as
a member of BBA (Bit Buyers Anonymous). /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Zero AVAILABLE on the credit card makes one a platinum member of the BBA.

[AAJumper]

Merry, I agree... you can't just buy one item from Dover...then you can't justify that shipping charge! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif If you are gonna order, you have to order everything you think you might possibly need in the next 6 months and therefore save a few bucks on the shipping! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Beezer]

Merry, I find it VERY HARD -- neigh, almost impossible -- to believe that there is no eggbutt snaffle in your collection. I am quite certain that somewhere, you have one. Either that, or you've already buried it in the backyard as MHM suggested or tossed it out in one of your fits of tack-room cleaning.

"What the HECK do I need THIS for? We don't have any horses that go in an eggbutt!" And Merry tosses it out, over the sputterings of Beezer, who says, "We might NEED that one day!" "Pshaw," Merry says -- and she really DOES say that --"none of our horses will ever go in an eggbutt. Besides, they are just not a pretty bit." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Beezer has been in this movie too many times to count. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Oh, and the REASON Merry's credit cards have zero balances is that when it comes time to make purchases, she brings the catalogs over, complete with item and page numbers marked, deposits them on QHSM's kitchen counter, and announces: "YOUR horse needs these things. He HAS to have them. He will not be successful otherwise." And QHSM, being as well trained as she is, whips out HER credit card and gets Hammie those things he needs to be "successful."

At which point, Hammie magically morphs back into MERRY'S horse. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[This message was edited by Beezer, Royal Princess to Queen Merry on Apr. 27, 2001 at 09:41 PM.]

[B.G.M. heidi]

Perhaps Merry failed to share the knowledge that guilt can, and should be, a two-way street, Beezer. It has been my experience that I can as easily guilt my mother as she can me. We take turns and it's all very civilized - not to mention a great relief for over-worked credit cards. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My latest project has been to opine, "oh dear, I really do think we need a 8,000 sq. foot house so that your precious grandchildren can ride their bikes indoors during the miserable, and yes, cold inducing, winter months".

Tried with horses, and well, let's just say she didn't bite down on the eggbutt. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

AAJumper, thanks for the offer to mention my possible move (again) to your trainer. Hold off though, please, for now. I am still thinking this through in my mind. Should I come now. . . or wait out the hot season. . . .? (Also, I am in charge of the summer program at my law firm, so almost every weekend this summer is spoken for - BBQ's, Catalina, etc., etc.)

Once I make up my mind, though, I will TOTALLY ask you to "grease the skids" with your trainer. Thank you for being so kind in offering!!

With respect to the fully-training point, your trainer is SO cool. When I spoke with her in January, I noted that Buster likely would be lame for the first three weeks or so that he is there, due to the long trip and his bad hocks/hooves, so she was absolutely willing to let me spend the first month out of the lesson/training program. I would still keep him on the grooming program, but we would give him the first month without the lesson/training since he likely wouldn't be rideable. Your trainer was GREAT about it!

Now, the important stuff: Merry, I totally concur with AAJumper - it is an economic inefficiency to order just a BIT from Dover. You need to order at least three or four things, totally roughly $200, to truly make the shipping charge worthwhile. I'm not advising you to shop, shop, shop. . . I'm just giving you sound economic advice. We wouldn't want to be economically inefficient, now would we??
/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Merry]

Well... I ordered the pretty, nearly circular-ring eggbutt snaffle, but I actually hung up and re-dialed 3 times because I was on the verge of spending more $! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif When the sales gal said, "And your next item?" I was kind of embarrassed to admit that the bit was it! But I paid for 2-day air shipping... an extra $9.00. Doesn't that count for something???You see, I must have it in time for the little county show that's a prep for the BIG county show. I simply cannot break my streak of under saddle wins, and Hammie will just look so handsome in his new bit! (I know, you can all gag now).

Beezer is correct. I used to whine at QHSM, but I'm attempting to wean myself. Now, when the Hanoverian Cow Beast comes home from being broke out, QHSM will be back on line, because I ain't buyin' nuthin' for that one! Although, since she's really kinda cute and a really pretty mover, I shall force myself to show it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Heidi, both Beezer and I are joining forces against QHSM to get her to cough up a new horse trailer. We figure it'll be our last huge Mom expenditure. Well, that and the trip to The Great White North for the Spruce Meadows Masters in September. ***Oh yes, we'll be flying out of John Wayne airport this time, where the take-off path closely mirrors that of the NASA space shuttle. How will QHSM take to that steep ascent? Don't even get me started...

elizabeth, I'm beginning to think you work at some sort of Scientology Law Firm. What do you mean you're in charge of the summer program? You mean you guys hang out together on weekends, too? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[weeble]

Dublin, I hope you feel better. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Merry, if you want that eggbutt, you just go get it. Keep that California economy going. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Elizabeth, how do I become a part of this summer program? weeble thinks, "hmmm, summer program, must be office politics, briefs, but NOOOOOOOOO, summer program is Catalina and BBQ's! weeble must find employment with this kind of program. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[MO]

Not to get off the subject of bits and things, but does anyone watch the Iron Chef on the food network? It's a crack up!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Yes, I've watched it several times, even before Sat. Night Live spoofed it. Can you believe this is a serious show in Japan??? I'd like to copy some of the recipes, but where exactly does one purchase shark liver or head-of-sea-bass? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I have a similar idea for an equestrian cable TV show: "Iron Rider". You could take three top riders, assign them each an unknown, untried horse, and then give them 15 minutes to get to know it and ride it around a 3'6" course. Let's see, there'd be the Calif. clique as the panelists, and we'd all be pitching in our acerbic comments:

Merry: "Oh, look, John French looks like he's going to use an eggbutt snaffle on that gelding. My, that's not a particularly attractive bit, but if Frenchy thinks it looks nice, it must be okay."

rusty: "I like the way that Don Stewart has been able to communicate with that fidgety mare. I'll bet he could get her to do anything... hey, wonder if she could paw for water on my new property?"

(everyone chuckles...)

coreene: "Well, Richard Spooner's not to be outdone on that Connemara pony. And let's face it, he's just plain cute in the saddle."

Suave: "Sheesh, my ex-trainer is glomming onto John French, giving him pointers from the sidelines! Doesn't that woman have any shame?"

Now of course, this entire program must be dubbed into Japanese... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[B.G.M. heidi]

Merry, that is a brilliant idea for a horse show; in fact, I'm going to send it to Canter as she's helping to organize the fall finale 'A' show here, Tournament of Champions.

Kind of related, last year at the aforementioned show, of which Audi is a big sponsor, they had a drive/ride class in which a pro drove an Audi around an obstacle course, ran out of the car whence completed, and jumped a 4 foot course immediately thereafter.

[SuaveReno]

Hope you're feeling better Dublin. My older one came home this morning from school with a doozie. I found some Wolfgang Puck Cream of Chix which seemed to work wonders, as she is now at softball practice (No, no Mom it's okay, I have a few more days to live)...So I hope you bounce back soon. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

AA Jumper I hope we can meet at the Oaks. It would be terrific to connect a name with a face. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Correen: I'll call you this week! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Merry: I like the Iron Rider challenge. Wouldn't there be a golf cart class? Guess who would win /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by SuaveReno on Apr. 27, 2001 at 11:27 PM.]

[Bumpkin]

.... was that THE QHSM in the article you recently wrote on organizing your tack room? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[MO]

Now, who would be the host? Can we find someone who is as rich and "smliey" as Chairman Kaga? And the pepper, well, we'd have to replace it with a delicious Granny Smith apple.

Did you know you can buy the book now? Just log onto "foodtv.com". Maybe Beezer will get it for you as a belated B.day gift?!

Have fun!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by MO on Apr. 28, 2001 at 12:11 AM.]

[MHM]

You've basically described the Pro Finals class at CC. (Which I believe John French has done quite successfully.)

They don't get to change the tack, but the rotation system really shows who can ride some of the horses and who can ride all of them!

We just need to get a host who will give it mass appeal- maybe that color commentator from "Best in Show"!

[This message was edited by MHM on Apr. 28, 2001 at 09:15 AM.]

[wtywmn4]

Feel better soon Dublin. Chicken soup is the real penicillin for what ails you!! Just let us know if we can bring you anything. We'll have WebVan.com drop it off. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Now I know why we shouldn't spend too much time on this BB. Just got off the phone, well yesterday, with Dover. That subliminal "call Dover" worked. Was thinking, I just got their new catalogue and I love the spring sheet collection, hmmmm. Since hippo woman has used up her allotment. So now......since my credit card is NO LONGERat $0, I want to thank Merry personally for that afternoon of shopping /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Six degrees of seperation my patoot! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

elizabeth, since we're taking numbers, to join your staff. Are there any more openings for your clique/cult memebers? Sounds like a nice place to work. weeble & I work very well together. We will behave.. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

I have held back and held back.
I know I purchased a new Baker sheet for darling Elliot this week, because all the other horses in his new stable have their sheets on, but I have held back from calling Dover.
Why???
Because they have, /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif the pad I want for Mother's Day.
Burberry!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Elliot already has a Burberry cooler and I now sport a Burberry purse.
Hmmmm, Burberry seat covers in the Suburban...might look nice.
We really need that Burberry pad. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Merry glad to see you are breaking away from D rings and trying to be a bit different.
I never thought of the trusty old Eggbutt, I think I have a Stubben one that Bumpkin wore deep in the tack trunk....

[Coreene]

Those "Shapely Breeches" (which they also do in the 18-24 Catalog) are just da bomb. Because, you know, there are truly those of us who, when it fits around their fat ass, have it too weird in the waist. And I love 'em.

And somehow I have lost my black ones. How this can happen, I do not know, for my abode is tiny and it's not like I wear them anywhere else. As a matter of fact, The Queen Mother is very good at saying "Take those off the minute you are done riding so that no one sees you in them. And do not go to the barn without makeup, you may meet a gorgeous polo player."

Well, like she needed to tell me about the makeup. Duh.

[Bumpkin]

Well Coreene do these wonder breeches help with a smallish waist accompanied by a baby produced bum?
/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[SuaveReno]

Yes Coreen 18-24 has those great breeches but I recently tried on their (are you ready /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif ) their no bounce sports bra. It does away with that uni-boob look and really does work for ...ahem..those of us who are modestly endowed /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif (my daughter once said to me "Mom, I don't want those" Good luck kid /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif )

My only problem is that they aren't very pretty...in fact they kinda look like army issue and if you can get used to that trussed in feel..they're not bad. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Yikes! What children and age can do to oneself /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[dublin]

I feel like I have somewhat rejoined the land of the living this morning!! Hubby brought me some soothing cream of chicken soup and 7-Up (he was really on all of your wavelengths..) and combined with all the meds (especially the 'Green Death', Nyquil, which really kicks @$$), I pretty much slept yesterday away and am quite a bit better now. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Of course, that's only my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[elizabeth]

The Scientology Law Firm? No, Merry, that's not it. And weeble, I'll see if I can get you a position in the summer program. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

The summer program goes like this: Every summer, we get a bunch of 2nd year law students to work for us (before their 3rd and final law school year). The premise is that if we like them and they like us, we will make them an offer to come back to work for us after they graduate. The summer program is CRITICAL b/c it is the main way we get students to work for us after graduation.

Thus, part of the program consists of "woo-ing" them . . . with very (VERY) fancy dinners, lunches, weekend jaunts, etc., etc. In NYC last year, I would regularly take groups of 4 or 5 summer associates out for $600 and $700 meals and trips to the theater. And the firm catered a cocktail party for about 15 at my apartment (my apartment overlooked the Statue of Liberty) to show the students how a typical lawyer lives - candles, boatloads of wine, etc., etc. That was fun-fun!

When I gave a presentation about this year's summer associate program to my colleagues at the firm last week at our attorney breakfast meeting, everyone joked that the summer associate program was likely to have a bizarre horsie-bent to it this year. They expected that every weekend would consist of some trail-riding extravaganza.

Hmmmmm. . . had I thought I could get away with it, on the firm's dollar. . . . <<elizabeth contemplates a trail-riding weekend at Rancho Merry. . . .>>

[This message was edited by elizabeth on Apr. 28, 2001 at 05:59 PM.]

[wtywmn4]

Army issue? Oh Suave, I was so hoping for modern colors. Do they have them in a more neutral tone? Doing away with the uniboob look is a biggy, plus comfort. Ah well, there had to be a hook somewhere.. /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

So elizabeth, do you think we could pass as college grads?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Or at least have some of the wining & dining......We could pretend to be parents of said grads. We'll use the younger cliquers, and those of us in the older catagory can be parents?? What do you think? /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[MO]

4 to 5 people and you spend $600.00 or $700.00 on dinner?! Please! In New York?! Come on! I don't mean to sound snobby but really, where do you take them? Certainly not anywhere posh. Maybe you need a guide!!

[Jumphigh83]

Mo..In NYC a lettuce leaf and a bottle of water is about 50 $$ Not hard to rack up those numbers with a group out for dinner! She isn't exaggerating..just telling it like it is...welcome to the "Empire" State.Land of taxes and Hilarious...

Betsy