Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Double Trouble

When the canine and human population around here doubles for a week, mishaps are inevitable. Smooch has been the only minor casualty so far, and it was all her doing, so don't go feeling sorry for her. Ok, maybe just a little sorry. She can put on such a pitiful face.


The darker side of Smooch went after guest dog Maggie through the fence, and Smooch managed to rip off a toe nail. Ouch. There was blood and a little drama, but a truce has been called.  Smooch's paw is healing quickly, Maggie is steering clear of the shared fenceline, and I've stopped having mild coronaries each time they make eye contact.



Hank and Lyle have been on their best behavior, patiently accepting all the demonstrating that goes on when a guest must learn how to groom, how to saddle, and how to ride. Lyle served as my sister's lesson mount in the arena this morning, and did not fart and scare himself even once.



I'd been saving up a variety of two-person chores for my sister's arrival, chief among them fence maintenance. We finished the job in half the time I thought it would take, so now we can move on to even more exciting tasks, like restacking hay and sweeping the chimney and giving Wynonna a pedicure. Do I show my guests a good time or what?



We made time this afternoon to double-team George and Alan during their driving lessons.



They decided that twice as many trainers should equal twice as many carrots.



It's very humbling to be taught math by a burro.

18 comments:

  1. Oh goodness, your poor sister!! ROTFL! You are too much!

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  2. Sounds like your sister is having a great time! Nothing better than riding!
    Poor Smooch, look at that sad face, and love the sock!
    I see the driving lessons are going well!

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  3. Are you taking reservations at this Dude Ranch and Pig Spa that you've started?

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  4. Poor little smooch.....there would be lots of baby talk and love around here....you are right...smooch looks pitiful with those big eyes and a foot bandaged...

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  5. I'm sorry, I have to feel a little sorry for Smooch, knowing how my dog has felt having to share his space on occasion, but you said all is good now, so I breathed a sigh of relief!

    I really got a good laugh out of Lyle and his lack of farts! I assume you warned your sister about this phenomenon? I am now learning NOT to drink my coffee while reading your blog, and it's a good thing, especially with your last sentence about being taught math by a burro!

    Glad you are getting so much done, and so quickly.

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  6. I bet your sister just loves coming to your place to help out! I know I would. A change of pace and learning something new, always a good time.

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  7. Poor Smooch. I'm sure you and your sister are enjoying working together. I like the pictures but I would have loved to see Wynonna getting a pedicure.

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  8. Those burros are so smart! Glad to hear that Smooch is ok. And boy can you show your guests a good time.

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  9. Ouch! Indeed. He does look like he's being treated royally, lounging against a pile of pillows with his little white mitten on. Rascal. Good thing there was a fence between those two though...

    You & your sister must be having so much fun. Yes, I said fun. Fence mending in the sunshine with two math wizards and the promise of some girl time with Wynnona would be my idea of fun. At least from my side of the computer monitor. ;o)

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  10. Aw, poor Smooch!

    Looks like you guys are having a great time otherwise. :-)

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  11. I didn't know you ran a dog ranch and spa.

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  12. Poor Smooch! She is just trying to keep everybody in line over there....

    Is that hitching post next to your house? How cool would that be???

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  13. PS-I forgot to say that I am glad your sis is/was able to visit you at the ranch. There is never a shortage of work, is there? LOL!! :)

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  14. I bet you are enjoying your sister..poor smooch...it's always hard to have visitors...I'm sure smooch will miss Maggie when she leaves..great photos

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  15. Glad you and your sister are getting "quality" time together!

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  16. OMG Smooch...I know how much that hurts, the toe nail thing. Lots of blood, yeah lots of blood. So that makes it seem worse, but I know it hurts!

    Hank, Lyle --- keep up the good work, buddies.

    Now you longears...you have got it made. Maybe you could start charging a fee for training those budding drivers. Oops, forgot...you are. Carrots!

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  17. I hope Smooch is feeling better!

    I think it is a great idea to save jobs for when your sister comes to visit! How do you trim a pig's feet? It does not sound like an easy job! I have done sheep's feet but they are pretty easy considering that they have VERY small brains :)

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  18. Naughty Smooch, she certainly does the 'hangdog' expression very well though! I hope the toenail heals quickly.

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