Memorial Day Agility Trial

Well, we had a four day agility trial this weekend which was absolutely a blast.  I am thoroughly enjoying running a speed demon like Gyp.  I was really pleased with how she ran, but I was especially pleased with her contacts.  She has improved ten fold from what she was doing at the last trial.  I can now leave her and trust that she will hit the contact.  She is also reading me more and has really tightened her turns, although there is still some work to be done on that front.  I also found another hole in the training.  Gyp's weave poles need some work... okay, lots of work.  She popped quite a few times this weekend and missed a number of entries.  So, that is my project for the next couple weeks.  We almost got double Qs both Sunday and Monday, were it not for the last class.  Sunday, I had issues - tweaked my ankle on the way into the ring and couldn't run.  Today, she didn't see the broad jump and hit it.  Still, I am absolutely thrilled with the runs!  Today in standard, she was 27 seconds under time and in jumpers was way under time, with a 24 second run.  I am so proud!

And then there is Tika, who didn't run this weekend.  She just hung out at the trial, since she is very pregnant.   She is due two weeks from today; I can't wait!  I took these pictures at the farm last week and had to share.  Yet again, I'm very proud of my girls.  Tika will go in for an xray to count the puppies either this Thursday or next Monday.  Will keep everyone posted.

That's it for now.  Gyp is barking in her sleep behind me, and Tika is passed out on my bed.  I think I'll go join them in taking a nap before work.

great day at the farm

It was an absolutely stunning day today at the farm.  Finally, the skies were blue and the sun came out, resulting in a nice, warm day.  There was a slight breeze to keep it cool, but I was finally able to enjoy a day in a t-shirt.  YAY!!  

Anyway, I have been working at the farm a few days a week doing whatever Shauna needs me to do.  I have done some sheep work, including worming and vaccinating and the all exciting foot trimming, which was yesterday's task.  I trimmed about 90 sheep's feet... wow, 360 feet.  No wonder I'm a little sore today.  Anyway, besides foot trimming, I have been working on fencing our new pasture.  The fence was terrible, so I spent 1 1/2 days pulling fencing up and retying it onto t-posts.  Then I spent another day completely refencing, mostly on one side of the pasture, but wherever it was needed.  That was today's job.  Here are a couple pictures of the farm...

and the pasture I was working on.  I kept the sheep with me to graze throughout the day.  They were happy, and so was Gyp because I took a few breaks throughout the day to work her.
Anyway, since Tika is resting up being pregnant, she has decided she is the queen of the 4-wheeler.  I won't let her run with it, so she gets to ride instead.  Although she would prefer to run, she seems pretty content to stake her claim on the vehicle.

By the end of the day, both girls were tuckered out.  Tika passed out on top of the 4-wheeler, sprawled across the seat, and Gyp found a comfy spot on the grass in the shade.  I couldn't resist the pictures.

I love this one... Tika was trying so hard to stay awake, but she was so tired and started dozing off, just long enough for me to snap this shot.

Gyp, on the other hand, didn't even try to stay awake.  Here she is, peaceful as can be.  Wouldn't it be nice?

puppies!

Well, it's official.  Tika's pregnant.  She is due the first full week of June and boy am I excited.  Dad is a gorgeous blue boy Shannalee has, named Kohlman.  He has phenomenal structure, tons of drive, and an absolutely amazing temperament.  He has a lot to offer, and I don't have enough time to rave about him so, for now a couple pictures will have to suffice.

I'll update everyone on the rest of my going on in a couple days, but for now I have to run.