Honey Bandit Plays in the Sunshine

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Wow,   I can't believe what I am seeing.  Honey Bandit is running and playing.  His beautiful neck is arched and his head is high.  His tail flies proudly, as he copies Pete's fancy steps.  He runs and plays and then stops and checks in for some serious loving.  Wow, there is nothing like burying your face into a horse's neck and taking a deep breath.  They smell so good.  Usually he hangs around like he is an old man, a very happy old man, but very quiet none the less.  But today he is running and bucking like a normal youngster.  Is it the warm sunshine (in January of all things) that is filtered down through the trees?  Is it because the whole family is out here working on the round pen, and he has been missing us dearly?  Or is it a little sugar boost from the couple of treats he had this morning?  Whatever it is, it brings tears to my eyes.  We often look outside and see the others running and playing, with HB tagging along half heartedly, and usually only because he is being "encouraged" by Pete or the minis.  But today, (Sunday), Honey Bandit is kicking up his heals and frolicking about as though he had not a care in the world.

As we move trees, rocks and debris, and work to make the most "round" pen we can between the huge pines, we have more help than you can imagine.  All of the horses want to be part of this, and they stick curious noses down when they hear the chain saw.  (Of course we make sure their precious noses are way far away, but they seem to have no fear of the noisy machines.)  They are more than happy to adjust panels for us, or try and answer the phone when it rings.  I have to say it is a truly happy day.  I am  still pretty useless, although buzzing along like I have a million little bees in my leg.  It is only if I sneeze, laugh, cough etc. that the "buzzing" turns into shock.  (I am the (mostly) haha  happy recipient of a spinal cord stimulator,) and as the electrodes have not quite "scarred" completely into my spine, sudden movement causes the electrical current to increase quite dramatically.  Hmmmmmm  horses are so sensitive to any energy.  I wonder if mine will always want to go left if my right leg is buzzing.  Will be interesting.  (Hopefully not too interesting :)  

Patches and DaBubbles run up and come inside the pen.  They are cute as can be with their long manes and forelocks pretty much covering their faces.  Their manes and tails are long and flowing and they look like cuddly little teddy bears.  They are missing us quite a bit, as post surgery I was not really able to "hang out" with the guys.  So if anyone needs a cute fix, you know where to bring the kids and grandkids.  The goat even broke out of his pen and had to join in.  Between the dogs, the horses and the goat and cats, it was quite a little party.  These are the days that make everything worth while.  Especially when the critters have to actually be part of the activity.  Standing around watching just doesn't cut it.  Honey Bandit has come so far, and I thank God everyday for this little miracle, and all the wonderful people who are part of it.

Pete is settling in nicely and is now "the boss" of Honey Bandit and the minis.   He is very sweet and I am looking forward to spending more time with our beautiful boy.  He has some trust issues, but will hopefully know with time that he is safe here forever.

We are down to the wire for our "Honey Bandit - Winter Warm and Dry" raffle.  You still have a little time to buy your raffle tickets.  Check out the website atwww.chillypepper.weebly.com to purchase your ticket, or send your check to Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang, 34694 Sidebottom Rd., Shingletown, CA  96088.  In case you didn't know, the wonderful folks at Bailey Creek Lodge, the fly fishing paradise hidden away in Manton, CA, donated a two night stay for one at their beautiful lodge.  Doesn't matter if you fish or not, there is no better place than the Bailey Creek Lodge to get that relaxing, just had the best vacation ever feel.  Tickets are $5 each or 3/$10 and the drawing has been changed to 3-1-12.  Ladies, there is no more beautiful and relaxing place to have some "me" time, as you sit by the pool and sip on a refreshing beverage, enjoying the peace and quiet.  www.baileycreeklodge.com  is their website.  Check it out and prepare to be wowed!

We are looking forward to a wonderful, happy and safe New Year - especially for the wild horses.  As the roundups are continuing, we are ready to travel and pick up any foals that need us.  We have a "temporary" set up for any emergent foals, but are still hoping to find that "rolling foal hospital", or maybe a camper for the trucks in case we need to stay over before we bring them home.  We are also still working to set up the "nursery" and everything else we need to be the best that we can be for these precious babies.

God bless ya'll for helping, and please remember Honey Bandit and the rest of the critters still need you.

Palomino & the Gang!

(For those of you whom I have confused with the whole phone number fiasco, the correct phone numbers are still  530 474-5197 and my cell 530 339 1458.)