Rocky

Hi ya'll

Just a quick note to let you know why I haven't done an update lately.  Right now Rocky is in Nevada with "Momma Shirley".  I received a phone call when we were over there that we were losing mom.  So we have been sitting here with mom in her last few weeks/days/hours,? as the world outside continues on, unaware of the drama within.  I am grateful for the last week, as my family and  I have spent the last 10 days sitting by her side.  We had a couple of days where she was aware and got to see her grandkids, kids, friends and family.  The human body is amazing, as she has been without food or water for going on 11 days as of tonight.  We are praying for a peaceful transition, but it is so hard, as ya'll know.

So I will be sending out a "real update" as soon as i can.  For now, Rocky has  been able to stay outside at Shirley's, and Matt is working on our nursery.  Rocky is growing like crazy and we are planning on getting him into the "real nursery" asap after we get home.  So there will be a few more weeks or days with diapeys, but I think he can pretty much reach everything I can, which does not bode well for anything staying safely out of his reach.  I miss everyone so much, but am so grateful to God that in this time of need, each and every one is being met.  I know he is safe with Shirley and that is a huge relief.  I will be flying back to Nevada and taking him home when things are settled here.

Unfortunately, he cannot just "stay outside" at our house, as we see coyotes and the mountain lions around us.  (Part of the plans are to get higher fencing, which will help discourage the coyotes, but that is a work in progress)  As the horses get bigger, and can run to get away, they can stay outside.  As long as they have room to run the chances of the big horses getting taken down are very slim.  But the little guys all have to go inside.  We will be figuring out who Rocky matches up with best, and then eventually they will have safe stalls for night time.  But in the meantime, he is in the back temporary nursery until we get the permanent one usable.

We appreciate all your ongoing support as we settle in to the new place.   The primary goal right now is just to get everything set up so we are ready when we get the calls for the foals and have a safe and appropriate place for them.  I have to say I need the wambulance every time I drive by our old house, as the grass is growing and we had 8 acres for them to feed on.  Unfortunately the new place doesn't haveany grazing, so we have to buy hay and feed year round.  (Rocky was the only one who wanted to eat dirt and rocks - ha ha, and of course that won't work).  But we are extremely grateful to have a place that we love and where we can continue to do what we do.  One of the blessings of the new place, as many of you already know, is that the setting is unbelievably beautiful.  We are close to the mountain, so we don't see the heat.  It is like living in a great big campground.  So don't forget to bring your grandkids, friends and family and come on up and visit (after I get back :)).  It is a perfect getaway from the heat of the city and the noise.  So come and see "your critters at your rescue" and spend a day communing with nature.  Let us know ahead of time and we will throw some grub on the bbq and make it a day!  Call us at 530 474 5197 or 530 339 1458.

God bless ya'll and give your mom's a big hug.  I know this is part of life, but it sure is one of the harder parts.  I can't wait to get home with my boys and give all the critters hugs and kisses.

hugs to ya'll
Palomino