My Little Pony

My dad got a new pony for the grand kids. It is a rescued pony from a neglected bunch that made the news.

It is a beautiful Welsh pony, chestnut colored with a blonde mane and tail.

His hooves have been let go and so he needs corrective farrier work done, that is happening this week. He is a gentle pony and very tame, following us around like a puppy.

The kids are thrilled about it, but none more than my little horsewoman, Sophie. She was the first to climb up and have a ride. Once his hooves are done, they will have even more chance to learn to ride a horse/pony and learn about caring for one.

I wish we lived closer as we can only visit on Sundays, but that is a great thing to look forward to.

I believe the kids have all agreed to call him Applejack, or A.J. for short.

Now about those chickens.......:)

National Night Out and Brad Blackwell!

On Tuesday evening our city participated for the fourth year in a row, with the National Night Out. Our local law enforcement agencies were there with their police dogs giving demonstrations, there were many civic organizations attending, as well as a big children's fun area. But the highlight of the evening for me, especially was seeing and meeting local musician, Brad Blackwell. This guy is really talented and has an amazing voice. I have been hearing him on out local Indie radio station 106.1 The River, for over a year now. I was really thrilled to hear him in person and meet him and get 2 CDs. How exciting!

Solstice Bonfire

We had to postpone our Solstice bonfire from Tuesday night until Saturday because of the rain. So last night we lit it and it was a lovely one as usual, thanks to David. We had only family here but that turned out to be a blessing having them all here. Plus two of the kid's friends.

We made s'mores and even had some drumming between Emily, Laura, Saed and myself. :)

The fire was spectacular I got some great shots of the flames and light.

The altar with the sun wheel I made of grapvine looked awesome.

Children's Festival of Reading

On Saturday we took Sophie to the Annual Children's Festival of Reading at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville. The highlight of the day for her was the public fountain that is a major attraction in the city for kids and adults alike. It turned out to be a hot day so it was a nice time for her.

The other big event was having one of her favorite books signed by the author, Grace Lin, author of the book, Lissie's Friends, among many more, was there! What a thrill for Sophie. She was so excited.

The local Kung Fu team put on an amazing dragon show, I only wish I had known the story behind it.

The drumming was amazing and beautiful.

I love this photo for the artistic quality, done quite unintentionally.

David and I enjoyed a day out with our girl.

Spring update

Sophie with the llamas @ the Earth Day event

Our Maypole for Beltane

The newly created patio decked out for Beltane



Enjoying the sun on our new patio

My momma and I on Mother's Day.











Sophie in front of her pumpkin painting at the Willow Brook Elementary Art Show

Katy and I at the SARG Charity Dog Walk

David and Katy watching the performances of dog tricks

I apologize for the long stretches between posts. I am without internet service at home and I have to go to the library or somewhere else that has free wifi. Anyway, things are going ok for us. Financial difficulties abound still, there are just no jobs in this area.
On the bright side, I am wrapping up with this semester of school, finishing up my honor's program project this week and helping the kids ready for the end of school. We are getting geared up for our annual School's Out Party! The kids are getting excited about summer break, if only we could have some summer weather. Its been in the forties at night this past week and only hitting the 60's during the day. Damn that global warming!

Anyway, I am taking the summer semester off of school so I can relax and gear up for my last semester, I plan to graduate in the spring. Woo Hoo! I will be carrying a full course load come fall.

Here are some photos of the highlights of the last few weeks. Enjoy!

Halloween Highlights

Our gorgeous Samhain fire.....thanks to David for being fire keeper.

A ninja and an angel......

Insane Clown Posse? No, it's our friend Skylar and her hubby, Brad and friend Christina.

A gorgeous belly dancer, Mari and her man, Rob

Friend Jonathan as a zombie...

Mare the friendly ghost

Skull in the blood...punch I mean...

Two lovely ladies...er...men....

Our cemetery.....

Freaky vamp, Josh

Sam......the man.....uh, girl......

Creeping ghouls

Emily in her self designed and made Mad Hatter

And this one is just too cute not to share....Sophie dressed as a pirate girl to go to school on the Friday before Halloween, then decided on an angel for the party and trick or treating.

Swinging Sunday

Fun with Friends

Sophie has a never ending stream of friends coming over to play with her this summer. Our home, as I've said before, seems to have acquired the 4 star rating in kid ville. We seem to always have at least one extra kid at our house and often times it is several extra.

The new, bigger pool has really reeled them in. The other one got the small kids, but this one is big enough for the teenagers too. So we have had 5 kids in there at any given time. :)

The trampoline has always been a hit. With all ages, and in all weather. If not for jumping and practicing acrobatic skills, then for resting and drying, and sitting and talking. It is the most popular item we have.

I am thankful that we can provide this home for so many.