My farrier, learning to Hula Hoop at my barn/apt

Night out with the girls. More later.

Merry Christmas! I'm way behind on my posts, but, until I catch up, here are some pictures. I may not have the white snow you've got in MN, but, I am shoveling white sand daily out of the apartment that Moose and I drag in.

Clarcona Horse Park , Apopka Longwood Farm, Ocala

Lea, sideways--I haven't figured this part out yet.

Half the herd! Poor Tiz, he's a major Cow-phobe!

Tizawinner in front pasture!

Another Brush with Fame!

I had the great honor to 'sit' with "S" judge Ms. Sarah Geikie at the Orlando Winter Classic Dressage Show at the Clarcona Horse Park in Apopka, FL Saturday. Connecticut's Ms. Geikie is a judge, competitor and trainer. She has trained and competed many horses through Grand Prix, is on the USDF Instructor Certification Program's Faculty, a really sharp cookie, very passionate about what she does and a really nice person to boot.





The horse park is about 80 miles south of Ocala. I woke up at 4:45 to get chores done and head out at 5:45 to make sure I arrived with plenty of time to spare. The show started at 8 AM sharp! The show manager, Gayle was doing me a huge favor allowing me to shadow the judge. I was required to 'sit' with "R" or "S" judges for a minimum of 10 hours prior to my "L" candidate examination. The cancer ordeal took precedence and I squeaked in the bare minimum of 10 hours before the test.





The trip was going along really smoothly. I was rewarding myself for being so organized. I had written down the directions provided by the show staff, I had Mapquested it, AND I had my GPS programmed to the Horse Park's address. HOW COULD I NOT TRAVEL 80 MILES IN 2 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES? I even remembered to have cash for the toll booths. I was on the Turnpike about to make the turn towards Apopka, about 8 miles from the show grounds, when my annoying British accented Ms. Tom Tom GPS said "Exit 267 A towards Tampa." I remembered reading that, so I did. There was also a sign that said "Apopka" which took you in the opposite direction. I trusted my GPS, she hadn't misled me (well, just that once) so far. But, my gut screamed that I should go towards the town the show is in, not where the Buccaneers play. I saw a sign that said next exit in 40 miles. Yikes! I had to turn around. Turning around on a turnpike is not an easy thing. After several miles I broke the law. I never break the law! I'm one of those geeky people that stop, completely, at stop signs even when there are no other cars. Drives my husband crazy. I turn on my blinker when turning in to my driveway. It would never occur to me NOT to do so.





Anywho, I did a U turn on the turnpike at one of those 'emergency vehicle and police only' turn spots. I held my breath and waited for the sirens. You'll remember that I have gone 49 years without receiving one single ticket (knock on my wooden noggin) and in my first four days in Florida was pulled over twice! No tickets, but, I am still paranoid driving in this state. I thought turning around would solve all my problems. But I was again going in the wrong direction. I was now headed to Miami. I pulled over and reprogrammed my GPS. It examined 600,000 possibilities for me to travel 8 miles! WHAT WAS WRONG?? I took a deep breath and decided to have it out with Ms. Tom Tom once and for all. I usually rely on a teenage boy to solve all of my technological problems. In Florida I'm on my own in this regard. After quite a bit of screen tapping I discovered that my GPS was programmed to avoid all toll roads! I'm fairly certain that is impossible in Florida. I informed my road guidance companion that I am quite willing to pay the tolls to save myself 2 hours of additional travel. Ten minutes later I arrived at the show grounds with 12 minutes to spare.





Sarah was a great help and very generous with her knowledge and time. I was able to practice my judging skills and get some issues solidified and clarified. Towards the end of the day a gal came into the ring on a lovely, athletic tall drink of horse flesh. She rode a good test, but, just looked like an eventer to me. How could I tell? Wide low hands, super athletic, hot horse AND she wasn't remotely intimidated by his energy. Her attire also looked more like an eventer than a strict 'dressager'. A bit more colorful, rough and ready attire. I saw her coach leaning on the fence. The handsome man looked familiar. The young lady rode a couple more rides on different horses and did a good job. But, I was still convinced she was an eventer. After the show I walked past her coach while someone was saying, "Oh, I'd like to introduce you to Darren Chiacchia, my trainer." Hah! I was not only right, but, Darren was her coach and trainer. Darren is the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist for Eventing. He had a very serious accident on the cross country course, I think two years ago. Big brain injury. He looks great now! I knew he looked like someone I should know, but, my Minnesota brain just doesn't jump to the fact that people like Darren Chiacchia, David and Karen O'Connor or Leslie Law could be leaning up against a show arena fence coaching at a show I could be riding in. It's a whole different mind set.



I almost hate to share this next bit of information, but, can't resist. I am going to ride early this morning TO AVOID THE HEAT OF THE DAY!!! Yes, read it and weep Minnesotans. It's going to be mid 80's and humid today.



Anyone who wants to 'Skype', or is it 'talk on Skype' or 'Skype me.' Whatever the term, I am set up to communicate on Skype. An early Christmas gift from my sister, Kim and her family. I'm game to try!



Cheers!



Jodi

December 1st was my first full day in Ocala. I unpacked most of the day. I did go grocery shopping only to have my debit card denied. It had worked the whole way down here, but, no more! John informed me the next day that he had, uncharacteristically, answered one of those 1-800 calls we receive all the time. Thank goodness! It was Wells Fargo informing him of suspicious spending on my card. $280 worth of groceries (o.k. and I stocked the liquor cabinet, of course). I'm thankful they called, but, if they had paid attention there was a pattern to my charges. I had a $40 charge for gas every three hundred miles in a path from Minnetrista to Ocala for the last three days. Was it really such a surprise that JODI was now in Ocala and wanted actual food?? I'd eaten nothing but gas station snacks for three days.



Wednesday was spent checking out hay, grain and shavings. Shavings run $4.95/8 cu feet. Sounds o.k. to me. I buy in bulk at home, so it's pricey for me, but, compared to what I pay at shows, it's not bad. Grain runs about the same as in MN, maybe lower. Hay, well that's another story. I paid $9.75/small square for timothy/alfalfa mix. . . or so she said. What it looks like to me (and evidently my horses) is straw. They've turned their noses up quite definitively at my offering. Two days later I purchased a round bale stored inside for $65. Doesn't sound too bad either. Except that this lovely, nice smelling round bale of grass hay has turned into a lawn ornament. I'm thinking of putting Christmas lights on it and gifts below. Goodness knows I've spent $65 on a really nice Fraser Fir in MN. The horses do not even acknowledge that it is edible. They are polite when I pull out a chunk from the middle of the bale and hand it to them. They snuffle it, push at it, even lip a sprig; then they walk away and chew on the three day old, rained on hay I brought from MN. I'm hoping it's like if you have been served chocolate pudding your whole life and one day all you are presented with is tapioca. It's an acquired taste AND you probably have to be really hungry or threatened to try it for the first time.



Friday my Internet savior came and hooked me up with the world. Then I went to dinner at Wim's farm that evening. Much to my surprise, he and K.T. had brought me a present. . . Roy Williams! He is an eventer and farrier from Duluth who I have known for decades. I haven't seen him since he showed up at Becky Holder's farm in North Carolina while I was there in '07! Not sure why we two Minnesotans can never meet in Minnesota, but, it just doesn't work out that way. Wim is a wonderful cook! We had a lovely dinner. Roy and I monopolized the conversation, for sure. Roy was full of good stories. None of which I can repeat, sorry.



Saturday I took Tiz to school cross country at the Florida Horse Park. They had an open schooling day for $50. You didn't need to ride a course or work with a trainer. You just needed to show up, sign a waiver and pay. I asked if they needed a Coggins. The secretary said, that would be nice, but, no-one else brought theirs. I asked if they required armbands. She said, "You should set a good example and wear yours." Everyone was extremely welcoming and kind to me, but, we in MN are much more safety (or liability) conscious.



Tiz was wired! We haven't ridden cross country for about 2 years. A woman on horseback saw his gymnastic protests and trotted over to 'babysit' me. She was super cool about it. Just said, "Saw your horse is a bit agitated and thought I would hang out over here by you for a while." I introduced myself and explained a bit about our situation. Her name was Leslie. I found out later she was Leslie Law's wife, Leslie Grant! Her husband is an Olympic Eventing champion and her resume is not far behind his.



I galloped the perimeter and then managed to jump a couple dozen obstacles including water and banks before the EMT needed to leave AND wasn't willing to leave me on my bouncy black steed still at risk of being bounced off!! As I was loading Tiz back into the trailer some pinto paso finos (I can only presume) came strutting by. Well that put Tiz over the top. Another stranger came to my rescue and put up the butt bar so I could head for home! I'm sure he thought they were cows-his nemesis!



I got a tour of Betsy Watkin's Longwood II eventing facility. Some of you will remember the original Longwood Farm in the Prior Lake area that hosted several schooling shows and clinics each year. Betsy moved to Ocala and has an unmatched facility that now hosts many clinics and training for the Olympic team. I counted three dressage arenas, one covered, a stadium jump field, extensive cross country jumps and numerous stables. The blacktop is interrupted with rubber at all potential horse crossings. It's gorgeous and WAY cool. I'm hoping to trailer over to ride there soon.

The horses are moving closer and closer to the end of the pasture nearest the cows. The bugling episodes have decreased. The rides are less exciting (in a good way) and more productive. I set up a dressage arena in my front yard. Other than having to duck under a tree when passing the letter "V" and sinking into the fire ant mounds on occasion, it's working out well.

I'm going to a dressage show in Orlando this weekend to 'sit' with judge Sarah Geikie. She was extremely helpful to me during my training for the "L" program and has agreed to work with me in Florida. I'll have to dust off my judging knowledge, find some respectable clothing and hope she is kind.

You probably don't want to know this, but, it's been in the 80's and wonderfully humid. This unusually hot weather is due to your huge storm! So, although I am sorry for your snow and cold temps, I THANK YOU for my lovely heat and sun!

Happy Holidays!

My 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath apartment off the barn proper! Notice my splurge. . . two plastic adrinodack chairs from Home Depot. Yep, that's right. $16 bucks each. I'm living high!

oops, sideways view at back pasture. I'll fix that later.

The 10 stall barn.

My Bed and Breakfast in Shelbyville, TN

I've been reconnected with the world! Yeah! I hadn't realized how dependent on the Internet I had become until it disappeared for a week. My new best friend, Jay, from Embark the Internet company, came today and played with Moose, drank coffee, told me stories and told me of many, many places I must visit while in the state of Florida. During his two hour stay he managed to also fix my Internet. There were a bunch of things wrong at the road, outside the house and the modem was broken. He even told me where there is a 'clothing optional' beach by Cape Canaveral. . . hmmm. . .

O.K., so obviously I got out of Georgia. Here's the rest of the story. I listened to the wonderful input I received off the TCCT list (Twin Cities Combined Training electronic bulletin board). I had requested help from anyone who had made a long distance trek with equines in tow. Overwhelmingly, people suggested I purchase U.S. Riders Travel Insurance. So, I did and they saved my butt. For $119/year they will tow you and your trailer (with the horses in it) to a shop to fix whatever is wrong. If necessary, they will find overnight housing for you and for your horses. I dialed the 800# on my membership card, Lana came on the line and with her sweet southern voice took the situation over. Within minutes she had Mark on the phone asking me questions about what happened, details about the truck, size of trailer, type of hitch, etc. He said that it sounded like the main belt that runs all the fluids through the vehicle came off or broke, so power steering went out and engine coolant didn't flow to keep the engine from overheating. Mark took my cell number and said he was on his way.

Moose and I made friends at the station and kids were in line to pet the horses while we waited for Mark to arrive with towing equipment. I already had a couple offers of places to keep the horses overnight if necessary. I tell you, if you are going to break down, do it in the south. People are so friendly and willing to take a stranger in as their own. Mark arrived with parts in hand. He had diagnosed the problem correctly, but, my truck had an additional whoops. The die cast aluminum housing which holds the main belt had internally decomposed due to age and metal fatigue. I could personally relate very well to my truck, so I held no malice towards the old thing. My Chevy is a 1998 and this part is evidently manufactured to live less than 10 years. He was surprised I hadn't had trouble earlier.



An even bigger truck came and hoisted my little 3/4 ton onto it's flat bed. Mark backed his truck up to mine, I hooked up the trailer and climbed into his truck. He laughed and said that was his first time backing up to a trailer. I suppressed the urge to say, "What?? The trailers usually come to you? " I realized he meant he hasn't pulled a trailer before. As we drove through hilly, under construction, no shoulder, traffic -filled roads, I decided to squelch my mental images of upside down trailers or horses' legs skyward in their mangers due to too-quick stops.



Mark and his crew went to work on my truck. They had it pulled apart, diagnosed and a driver dispatched for 'new' old parts within minutes. Fast moving for Georgia, I thought. Fast moving for anywhere. Moose thought we had landed in Disney World. Mark had a 1 1/2 year old Golden Retriever and a 17 week old Great Dane. He played in the rain and muck nonstop for 4 hours while they put me back together. Harley, the Golden, had only two modes; run and 'hump.' Not exactly what I wanted my puppy to learn. I renamed Mark's dog Horny outloud while the neighboring businessmen stood visiting with me and watching the 'humpfest.' It was quite comical.



A man in the office was talking to the owner, Mark. I guessed that he was Mark's father. I introduced myself and said I thought I should meet the father of my savior. That's all it took. I was brought in to the family. Mark found housing for the horses, if necessary, and a place for me to stay. Mark's dad, John, showed me pictures of his wife. She was Ms. April in a local breast cancer fund raising calender. I briefly shared my story. His wife is a 20 year breast cancer survivor, but, recently found out she has ovarian cancer. Good prognosis, so he says. I pray that is true.



Truck was fixed and tested. Hugs all around. Picture taken with my automotive savior and off I went four hours later. Horses had been surprisingly quiet. They had that resigned look on their faces, like "I know you are driving us to Mexico to the slaughter." I felt bad, but, was thrilled that they weren't kicking the doors off the trailer. As soon as Lea saw we were getting ready to go, his switch flipped. I slammed the doors, waved goodbye and barreled out of their toward the worst of the Atlanta, GA rush hour.

I hit Georgia at 4:30 PM and crawled for an hour and a half through the city. My second most common piece of advice from former MN/Ocala travelers was to avoid Atlanta during rush hour at all costs. A good piece of advice I wasn't able to take. Once through the autoclog I estimated my Ocala arrival at around 10:30 or 11 PM. Then I remembered the time change; one hour ahead; arrival time around midnight! It shouldn't have made a difference, but, I suddenly felt overwhelmingly fatigued. I opened the windows, slapped my face, sang to Moose, anything to keep awake. I had five more hours of travel ahead. Suddenly, I remembered a care package brought over by my good friend and neighbor, Nancy. In it were all of my favorite things. The top two were chocolate covered coffee beans and wine! The wine would have to wait, but, I dove into the coffee beans. I usually limit myself to 5 or so. But, I've decided that junk food has NO calories when one is traveling across country, alone, with horses in tow. I chowed on the delicacy until my eyelids snapped open and I knew I could make it the rest of the way.

I crossed into the state of Florida around 11 PM cruising at 74 MPH (which is really 70 MPH in my truck) feeling like all was right with the world. Blue lights were flashing in my rear view mirror. I was not worried, I wasn't speeding. I pulled over one lane. So did the flashing blues. I pulled over another lane, ditto. I saw the pattern, didn't like it. I rumbled to a stop and retrieved my license and insurance (which I had fortunately gotten a duplicate of days before the trip as it was missing). The police officer asked in a Southern drawl, "Ma'am, do you have any livestock in that trailer?" I replied, "No, just my two horses." "Um, Ma'am, that's livestock." 'How insulting, I thought, they are pets! Don't let prima dona Lea hear you say that, buddy.' What came out of my mouth was a runny, jumbled apologetic explanatory mixture of babble. 'I had researched this trip so well! I thought I had everything down on how to do this! I have all my paperwork. I didn't know I had to stop! I saw the inspection site. I thought it was for produce! For big trucks, not me! I broke down south of Chattanooga! Can I help you? I'll open the trailer doors! They have current Coggins, I have health certificates. . . ' It went on and on. I stopped short of pulling the cancer card, thank God. The poor officer was saying, over and over. "Ma'am, you're not in trouble. Ma'am it's fine. You're not in trouble. I'll just have a look."

It was all fine. He had me sign a written warning and handed back my paperwork. I started to relax. Then I noticed that my insurance cards were missing. I asked him if he had handed them back. Yes, Ma'am, I did. I don't have them, I said. (Fill in minor hysteria here) The very nice officer (probably a bit afraid I was about to have a complete breakdown) retraced his steps. He'd dropped my insurance cards ON THE FREEWAY! My turn to give him a bit of a hard time. He apologized but didn't rip up the warning. His parting words were, "Ma'am, you've only got one hour to go. Have a good stay." (While thinking, I'm sure, another crazy Minnesotan on our Florida highways! God save us!)

The last hour was uneventful. My GPS had agreed with me, my atlas and my mapquest directions all the way down. Until the very last turn. A right turn instead of left had put me in strangers' driveways at midnight backing up into the pitch black night and reversing direction. I crawled from driveway to driveway until I recognized the farm from the pictures. I was 'home'! The gate was unlocked! What great good fortune! I settled the horses in their stalls, found my overnight bag and headed to bed. The caffeine packed, chocolate covered coffee bean adrenaline rush kicked in. I laid staring at the ceiling until I remembered Nancy's gift basket. Always the forward thinking one, that Nancy is! I found a bottle of wine AND a wine pull! I had a glass of Chardonnay and read myself to sleep. Nance saved my life twice on this trip, so far!

I MADE IT!! I'm here, not there! I am so sorry that I could not keep you up to date during my journey. Can you believe there was no Internet connection at either farm I stayed at?? It is also not working in my rental farm, so I searched out a Starbucks. I bought my extra hot latte with skim and a piece of pumpkin bread to the tune of $6.35 to find out that they only have Internet for Starbucks online members (more $$$). They kindly referred me to Panera Bread where Internet is free and along the way I got TWO bonuses. I found a Target, which is a biggie since my Motto is. . . "If Target doesn't have it, I DON'T NEED IT!" That pretty much works for everything, except alcohol! Maybe in Florida the sell that too! If so, it will be the only store I need during my stay. I also found a Goodwill Store. In addition to making Lisa N. happy, there are a few things needed on the farm that I don't want to spend a lot of money on. Lawn furniture, grill, dog dishes (sorry, Moose), wine glasses, etc.

I left Minnesota on Saturday morning at 8:45 AM. We had hosted Thanksgiving dinner the night before at our house. My kids stayed overnight in order to say goodbye to me in the A.M. They actually woke up on their own before I left and we hugged our goodbyes. I can't wait until they visit me in Ocala. Moose and I stayed at Wellgreen Farm in Downs, Ill., just south of Bloomington. We pulled in around 6 PM to discover that Marjorie, the owner, was not expecting us until the next night. I think my chemo-brained communication did me in. On examination of my emails I'd written a confusing request for housing. Fortunately, she was ready for me anyway. The horses were put in safe stalls with plenty of bedding and I was installed in a barn apartment above the stalls and indoor arena. Moose was able to play for hours with their new 8 month old Weimerarner (sp?). I turned the boys out into the indoor while I unpacked. They self exercised for about 1 1/2 hours. Tiz was being studdy and snarky to the horses stabled alongside the arena. Lea was just confused. Tiz wouldn't let me catch him when it was time to return to his stall. This is a new happening since I haven't been able to handle them for about one month due to my surgery Nov 3. How quickly that pseudo stallion goes rogue!

We traveled uneventfully the next day to Shelbyville, Tennessee. We arrived at Clearview Horse Farm and were immediately greeted by Marie, the owner. It is mainly a show facility which she rents out to various clubs. It's quite large with lots and lots of stalls. The horses were put in what looked like 16 X 16 foot stalls, little paddocks really, with fresh bedding. Moose got the run of the farm, much to Marie's five dog's disgust. They were kennelled and voiced their protests throughout the evening. Moose and I stayed in the Quarter horse room. It had two beds and a bathroom all in western motif. The floor, walls and ceiling were wood. Their were antlers of some animal above the bathroom door and a brown, black and white hide framed in wood comprised my headboard. I'm guessing it was some kind of mooing animal in it's better days. The room was darling. A swimming pool which I did not use, a gazebo, swings and breakfast room were around the back of the building. It was lovely. I was done with chores, had re-routed my next days journey, fed Moose, ate my dinner all by 7 PM. So, I cuddled up to my bovine headboard and watched a movie.

O.K. what day is it now? Oh yeah, Monday, Moose and I dragged our toes leaving Clearview. It was 1 1/2 hours to Chattanooga, TN and three or so to Atlanta, GA. I didn't want to hit either one during rush hour. We left just before eight in rain and fog. Surprisingly, the horses walked right back on the trailer. That always amazes me. We had to traverse the Appalachian mountains in dense fog and drizzle. It wasn't a particularly steep or long part of the Appalachians, but, the fog made it necessary for me to have to drive by the white line trusting that the cars and semis in front of me would stay just that! I couldn't see them. I tried not to think about the fact that if I couldn't see them, they couldn't see me either!!

We made it through Chattanooga and I was talking to John on the phone giving myself a mental congratulatory back slap for doing so very well on this trip, when the steering on my truck went out. I calmly told John that fact along with the fact that I had to hang up and put both hands on the wheel. I'm sure he was thinking, "Why the hell did I let her go by herself, stubborn little Hobbit." Steering a 3/4 ton pickup with two horses in the back and no power steering is in itself a daunting task. Add to it recently sliced and diced pectorals on said driver and it becomes a bigger challenge. I pulled off the freeway as soon as I could, slowed to a crawl and managed to get into a British Petroleum parking lot just as black smoke began to billow out of my hood. I turned off the truck, raised the hood, got Moose and my purse out of the car. The horses would have to fend for themselves if we were going up in flames.

HAH! I have to stop now! How's that for a cliff hanger???? I apologize for the crudeness of my communication. I am unable to write at my leisure and editing is impossible. So, today's random thoughts are all I can manage. I'll continue the saga as soon as I can.

I'll just leave you with this image. It's 80 degrees and partly sunny, I'm sitting outside at a Panera Bread in a tank top, capri's and flip flops sipping a latte and nibbling on fresh made pumpkin bread. Hate me much??

Here is my Chemo sabe update. I last updated you in July, 2009. I'd finished my second mastectomy and chemo for breast cancer. I'd had expanders installed in my chest which felt like two tupperware containers. I was in the process of being inflated to my desired chest projection. I did have my six and my nine month tumor marker checks. They were both positive, AAHH, I mean negative! Negative being the good outcome; no sign of metastasis. The tumor markers are 85% effective at detecting a spread of this god-awful disease.


John and I did go in to the Oncologist on November 13th---Friday the 13th!!! To get the results of my blood work. What were we thinking?? The doctor was running late, so we split a decadent chocolate donut with coconut coating. There were a few good things about chemotherapy. . . I got fresh, bakery made donuts every other week--guilt free! Donut poison is way less than chemo drug poison; and WAY MORE FUN! So, we are sitting there, scared shipless about the test results when a woman in a white coat walks in and introduces herself as Susan Somethingorother. Usual civilities ensue, then she takes a deep breath and says, "How do you feel about alternative medicine?" I instantly get that cold flush, head to toe panicked feeling. But, politely inquire as to what kind of 'alternative medicines' she's inquiring about. As she's discussing the power of prayer, acupuncture, homeopathic regimes, biofeedback. . . our minds are trying to process, the BIG 'that's IT.' The markers are positive (meaning negative), my type of cancer doesn't have effective treatments, there is nothing else they can medically do!!! (I also thought, there goes Florida!). John interrupts our conversation and with an appropriately agitated voice says, "WHY DO YOU ASK??" Our white coated, Dr-looking Susan says, "Oh, we are conducting a survey on how well the hospital staff has informed you about alternative and complementary treatments for illnesses." SERIOUSLY??????? Did you NOT realize we are waiting for a quarterly life or death sentence?? You NEED to come in and say you are conducting a survey OR that your test results are all good, and. . .

The doctor did come in and first thing out of his mouth was, 'Your test results were all good.' Bless his heart. He had a recent, very serious, false cancer alarm with his 11 year old son. The cancer doctor got to live on the receiving side for a while and really learned a few things about how you need to speak to your cancer patients. No polite small talk for several minutes before giving test results in a cancer situation!! Really bad idea.


So, I asked about cancer survival time markers. They don't measure survival rates from the end of chemo (which I assumed) but, from the day the tumor was removed from your body. Therefore, we are all celebrating my being cancer free for one year as of Oct. 17, 2009. I love measuring in years, rather than months. Much more impressive-sounding.


I had another surgery Nov 3, 2009. Dr. Migliori removed the expanders in my chest and installed my permanent implants. It was a same day surgery at the Piper Breast Center. The day was managed very well. My only moment of concern was when the surgeon came in (I was the first surgery of the day at 7:30--6 AM arrival) and started to draw with a marker on my body. That confused me. So, you take out the expanders in my breastal area and don't know where the silicone implants are supposed to go??? You need to draw on my person so you don't install them, where???? on my hips? Anyway, he says, "I didn't check my notes, but, I think we ordered 550 and 575 CC models to implant." I vehemently say whilst shaking my head, "No, No No! This size or smaller (while pointing to my tupperware). No bigger!" He harrumphs and says he'll check what they ordered. The majority of my brain trusted this truly wonderful surgeon and man, but, a small portion began to get nervous. What if I woke up with the Dolly Parton torpedoes I joked about ordering while John was in Asia for my 'pick your particular breast' session with the doctor. Did you know that even when you've decided that the 'expansion' is the size you want to be, you THEN have to decide what shape this 450 CC's should be??? Do you want 'droop?' Yes, women my age sometimes desire age appropriate senile breasts! Ewe!


Fortunately, when I met my surgeon in the operating room he HAD checked his notes, they HAD ordered the correct boobs and he did know where they should go. He was great. As they prepared me, I told the team that their job, during my surgery, was to find an alternative word for my husband's favorite; bifurcate. It's an awful sounding word AND he loves it and uses it . . . a lot! The prep team was doing their thing, my surgeon was on the computer. I asked if he was checking emails, he said, NO, I'm looking up the word bifurcate! The tough part, he said, was the equal parts delineation. I responded, bifurcate my breasts, please. I'd like them to be even, for once. Then I shut up and let them do their job. Actually, I think the anaesthesiologist turned up my sleepy juice.

Recovery was uneventful. No riding, lifting, etc for three weeks. John was a superstar. Got up, fed horses before going to work and did same in the evening. He even counted hooves to make sure everyone was alive and still four legged. Student's were, as always, supportive, accommodating and adaptive. I couldn't set jumps with my arms, I tried to set them with my legs, but, my groin and hips started to screech at me. They worked it out (my students, not my hips and groin) and combined lessons, set for each other, or sacrificed and took dressage lessons (you need them!!!!!). Thank you, so much.

So the cancer thing is done for three months. I'll now focus on the Ocala Gala! I am packing up and heading south two days after Thanksgiving. I'll be overnighting in Bloomington, IL the first night and Shelbyville, TN the second. Go to horsemotels.com and check out Well Green Farm in IL and Clearview Horse Farm in TN. Wellgreen Farm will have a 2 br 2 bath apartment with a kitchen and living room ready for Moose and I and two bedded stalls for the horses. Clearview is a new show facility, they even host weddings. The have a choice of themed rooms, indoor and outdoor arena, acreage, swimming pool, bedded stalls for the ponies and breakfast for me! Each facility comes well recommended and is affordable.

I will try to update my blog on the way down.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Jodi

Wow! I just accomplished the most incredible thing. I used modern day technology without the aid of a teenager. I created my own Blog. Of course, I had to find out what one was first. I read the tutorial and then with my heart beating out of my chest I, alone, created a blog. I 'm not sure what I thought might happen, but, I was afraid it would open up every porn site imaginable and put me on the child protection services radar. Well, no officers at my door yet, so let's move on.

I have created a blog site for my former Chemosabes to read, if desired, while I am on my Ocala Adventure. For those of you who have not heard I am (soonly) taking two of my horses and my new standard poodle puppy, Moose, to Ocala, Florida for three months. Why, you ask? BECAUSE IT'S COLD IN MINNESOTA! THAT'S WHY! Oh, I have so many more reasons, not better reasons, just more.

I have missed one and one half show seasons battling breast cancer. Winter is Ocala's show season, so I will be showing Tiz in dressage and maybe eventing. I need to work on the next level in the USDF Dressage Judge's Program. I was fortunate enough to continue with the USDF "L" Judge's program during my treatments and passed the final exam in August 'with Distinction.' I think the bald head and tube hanging out of my chest earned some sympathy points from the examiners! This 'distinction' part means I am now allowed to do the whole grueling thing over again and test for my 'r' judge's license. I will then be able to judge recognized dressage shows up to 2nd level.

Other goals for my stay are to test for my USEA (Eventing association) Instructor Certification Program and my USDF (Dressage association) Instructor Certification Program, redo my CPR training, get my required scores at 4th level, formalize my Chemosabe letters for use in cancer centers, design a Trista Farm Summer Camp for adult riders, write my children's "Mom, Tell me One More Story" books, retype my fathers WWII letters before the mimeograph (yes, I meant mimeograph) ink disappears, explore areas of FL for a potential winter/retirement spot for John and I, oh, AND work on my tan! Does that sound like enough?

Yeah, well, I'll start with the tan just to rub it in! I've got to go pack. More later!