So it didn’t take long for me to embrace the commercialism of the holidays. I made a pumpkin pie and we bought a Christmas tree. Now the pumpkin pie? Well I didn’t have a pie plate so improvised with a skillet. I think this could be a big southern hit “Skillet Pie Cooking With HorseGirlTV” so Martha Stewart has nothing on me! Hah! Thnx for the idea Andrew! And yes, I make my own crusts. I used to have a bakery in Oregon back in the mid 90s!



Next it was on to the Christmas tree. I haven’t had a “real” Christmas tree since my small little one in Madrid in 2004 and Ex and I hadn’t ever had one together just opting for Norfolk pine or some tiny, tiny table model the past couple years. BUT!.. it was our first Christmas at the farm and we needed a hearty country tree. This is what we picked! Oh and we did try a couple of the local nurseries to support our local economy before heading to Lowes.

Okey! So some girls collect purses and shoes. I happen to collect the more fashionable yet function things like dress riding boots, saddles, bridles and the occasional fancy leather halter. But I have too many dress boots! Now some of you folks will say “Too many dress boots? Well that’s not possible.” but really there is too much of a good thing. Trying to decide which pairs to part with I am starting with my two brand NEW pairs, my Dehners (back zips) and my Ovations (side zips). I’ve just listed them on eBay so take a look when you have a sec and feel free to pass the links on.

The Dehners retail for $875.00! Yup, holy calfskin leather Batman! BUT… they are American made by a company with decades of experience in crafting quality boots for Americans and the world! I’m asking the Buy It Now on eBay at $249 but make me an offer!

Follow the eBay auction online at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250545673975&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

The Ovations are a bit less steep retailing at $200 but still a great quality boot and the inside zips are pretty awesome. The Ovations do have a WAY low reserve. We’re talking over 65% off retail type reserve hint, hint! I didn’t take custom images of the Ovations as they are still wrapped up in their original tissue in the box but here’s a stock image.

Follow the eBay auction online at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260520559168&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

She was a champ on the way over. A champ at Anky’s being around MAJOR construction the ENTIRE time with several cranes working, dogs, people, jackhammers, and you name it. She was great getting on and off the big and small horse boxes and lorreys and just a rockstar in general so to hear she loaded, flew and offloaded easy was great!

Here’s a picture from when she landed in JFK just before she was transported to the USDA quarantine. All horses coming to the states have to do a couple days with USDA before release. In Carrara’s case, she’ll need to do CEM for about 21 days once she’s released.

I think Picollo is somewhat happy to have Zita back around. What do you think?



Yes. It’s December and Zita is panting laying in the sun through the window! I left cold, wet and blustery Erp for blustery yet warm and kinda wet NC! Awesome weather!

So I haven’t taken any pictures yet of the chickens that Brent sent me back down to NC with but he gave me 3 bantam hens for laying. After watching Food, Inc. I’m fairly down with any way I can take care of and harvest my food myself so this is pretty exciting. So no pictures of the hens but here’s a picture of 1 of the 3 eggs they have laid so far! No salt, no pepper and it was dang tasty!!

It was a long drive down to Brent’s in NoVA and I was tired but happy to be back stateside (which sorta surprised me!). I love the service areas in the upper east coast but being so early in the morning none of the shops were open until I hit Maryland. I walked through the door of the center and heard the lovely sound of frothing milk!!! Starbucks, the holidays and Peppermint Mocha stateside! Life is good!



The rest of the trip, I focused on getting to Brent’s, resting and getting home to our stable in NC!