Brigita's Blog: September 2008

A few days ago, I posted Part I of this segment, which covered the barn and stable areas.  Part II will cover the paddock and pastures.  Everyone ready?  Here is what Eddie has to say:

"I just love to be turned out, so that I can socialize and play with my buddies.  Being that I always love to play, there needs to be enough room for me and my buddies to do that. 

"The area near the barn is usually dusty or dirty (depending on whether or not we have had rain) with no grass growing (darn).  I just love to roll in this area for a good back scratch and a good mud bath.  For some reason my owner doesn't seem to like it when I roll, especially if it is muddy or after I have had a bath.  I don't know why, it feels so good.  Anyway, the humans call this area the 'paddock'.  From what I understand, after overhearing their conversations, this is an area for sacrifice, so that the grass in the pasture will not be disturbed during certain times.  I don't disturb the grass.  I just eat it.

"The other area I love is what the humans call the 'pasture'.  That is where I get to run and exercise on my own, and chase my buddies around for a good game of tag.  Sometimes I try to play tag when my owner comes in to the pasture, but it is not appreciated.  I think it's a lot of fun to involve my human buddy.  I don't know why humans don't like it. 

"The pasture is also where my pals and I graze the tasty, lush, green grass.  I prefer not having to eat around the weeds since they are just in the way.  From my understanding, the ideal is to have an average of 1 acre of property per horse.  By the way, what's an acre?  Oh, I don't care, as long there is plenty of grass to eat. 

"Another thing that is a mystery to me is the fact that the pastures are divided with fences.  As a matter of fact, it is divided into 4 parts.  Sometimes I'm allowed to go into one for a while, then the next, and so on.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the grass is eaten down to the ground and it is difficult to eat then.

"I have noticed that the humans tend to walk the pastures from time to time and pick up garbage and debris.  I believe they do that so that I do not hurt myself when we horses end up playing and running around.  That's good.  This way that man with the needle won't come out to visit me.  I really don't like to see him around here.  He pokes me too much.  For some reason he only comes out when I don't feel well.

"One more thing.  Make sure there is plenty of water available for us when we are turned out.  We have to have lots of water to drink to wash down our food and for when we are thirsty."

I believe that Eddie pretty much covered the topic of pastures and paddocks.  Eddie will cover the topic of fencing in Part III.  Hope you are looking forward to it.

I received a forwarded e-mail from a friend of mine this morning.  This News Blast was originally sent from Mayer & Company LLP in New York.  It sounds great and I vote for it.  Read it and see what you think. 

Here is what it said:

"A real bail out strategy:

"I think this makes great deal of sense!!!  Give it a try with your Congressmen and Senators, etc.

"I'm against the $85,000,000,000 bailout of AIG.  Instead, I am in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

"To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide US Citizens of 18 and older.  Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child.  Therefore, 200,000,000 is a good estimate of adults age 18 and up.

"So, divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion which equals $425,000.  My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18 and over as a We Deserve It Dividend. 

"Of course this would NOT be tax free.  So, let's assume the tax rate of 30% (but it could be more).  Each individual 18 + has to pay $127,500 in taxes.  That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.  Not that means every adult 18+ will have $297,500 in their pocket.  A married couple will have $595,000.

"What would you do with $297,500 to $595,000 in your family? 
Pay off the morgage - housing crisis solved.
Pay off the credit cards - No more credit crunch.
Repay college loans - That would be a great boost to college grads.  Put away money for college.  It'll be there. 
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create new jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable deadbeat parents to come clean - or else

"Remember, this is for every US Citizen 18 years of age and over, including the folks that lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back.  And, of course, for those serving in the Armed Forces. 

"If we're going to redristribute wealth, let's really do it .....instead of trickling out a puny $1000 economic Voter Incentive that is being proposed by one of our Presidential candidates. 

"If we're going to do and $85 billion bailout, let's bailout every adult US Citizen 18+!

"As for AIG, liquidate it.  Sell off it's parts.  Let American General go back to being American General.  Sell of the real estate.  Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

"Here's my rationale.  We deserve it and AIG doesn't.  Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work".  But can you imagine the Coast to Coast Block Party? 

"How do you spell Economic Boom?

"I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion We Deserve It Dividend more than the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC.

"And remember, this plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam."

This plan sounds like it would solve many of the current economic problems.  What do you think?? 

Northampton County is holding a hazardous waste drop-off event on Saturday, October 4th at the Northampton County Community College Main Campus.  It will be held from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.

The following items will be accepted:

Oil Based Paints

Wood Finishing Products

Paint Thinner

Stains & Sealers

Gasoline - Kerosene

Gas/Oil Mixture

Drain Cleaner

Pesticides

Antifreeze

Batteries - car/marine/motorcycle

If you have a client who needs to dispose of some of the junk in their garage or basement you might want to pass it on to them.

I'm sure you have read many posts on AR explaining to you what you should look for when searching for a home and for horse property.  Now, no one ever thought of asking a horse as to what the barn and property should be like to his satisfaction. 

Well, here it is!  I have been communicating with my Thoroughbred, Text Edition, better known as Eddie at the barn, and I found out from him what you should be looking for as far as horse property. 

I will do my best to explain to you what is an ideal horse property from a horse's perspective.  It will be divided into 3 parts.  (Otherwise, this post will end up as a book.)  This part will cover the barn, stalls and basically the buildings for the horses.  Part II will cover the pastures and turnout areas.  Part III will be about fencing.  Now remember, this is straight from the horse's mouth.

OK, here goes:

"When I go into a barn, I should be able to see neatness.  If there is clutter in the aisles, there is a possiblity I can get hurt.  All the tools, tack and feed should be in it's place.  OK, I admit, I'd love to have the grain and hay just laying out in front of me so I can munch any time I want to, but I know that is not healthy for me.  So, you need to make sure there is a place to store the hay and feed out of my reach, in a dry area, closed up so I'm not tempted to break into the feed for a midnight snack. 

"I like to have my stall big enough that I am not cramped, so that if I would like to take a nice roll in the bedding, I can do it without worry of getting stuck.  I'm a pretty big horse so a tiny stall would not do me any good. 

"My stall should also be safe for me to be in.  Make sure there are no pointy things sticking out of the walls that I can get hurt on.  Also, be sure that the boards are securely on because I do like to have some privacy at times.  Don't want to have my neighbor popping in when I'm eating or snoozing.  I do not enjoy sharing my meal with my neighbor. Oh, and yes, the boards should not have big spaces between them where I can get my hoof stuck.  I like to play and I may accidentally kick the wall and if there is a large enough space to put my foot through, chances are good that it will happen.  So, please no spaces between the boards. 

"The floors should have good footing and rather level.  Wouldn't want to slip and fall or end up with foot problems because of too hard of a floor.  A dirt floor or rubber mats on the floor are good. 

"The barn needs to be draft free, but not tightly sealed so that air can circulate.  I would hate to be in a drafty barn or a stuffy barn during the cold winter months.  I could end up sick and then you would have to call the vet.  I do not like the vet.  He tends to stick these pointy things into me and pokes around all over my body.  So, do make sure the barn is not drafty.  I think we all would be happier if it wasn't.

"Make sure there is access to water nearby.  I love to drink water quite often.  If there is no water nearby, I will be watching you bring bucketfuls from your house.  Whenever I see people lugging water for long distances, especially in the winter, they start yelling these weird words I've never heard.  It does tend to be amusing from my point of view.

"I get very bored standing in my stall for hours.  (I have to admit I get bored very easily.)  So make sure that I am able to see the goings on around my stall.  I am very curious and love to watch everyone and everything around me.  Sometimes it tends to get rather amusing."

This pretty much covers the barns according to Eddie.  Hope you learned something.  In my next post, part II, Eddie will talk about pastures and turnout. 

Northampton County's Annual Open Gate Farm Tour will take place Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th.  17 farms in the county will open their gates to the public.

The tours this year will feature a robotic milking operation, baling demonstrations and grain processing at 2 farms, and the use of high tunnels for vegetable and fruit production.  Visitors to a number of farms will also find educational hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes and an opportunity to get up close to such farm animals as cows, horses, and alpacas.

Several farms will have antique and modern farm equipment on display.  At another farm, visitors will learn about getting your garden ready for winter.  Some of the other farms will sell their products to visitors. 

Most farms will be open for the tour from noon  until 4PM Saturday and Sunday.  The Burnside Plantation, Keystone Farm and the 4H Center will only be open Sunday.

Brochures and maps will be available at most farm sites libraries and certain farm stores.  Or, you can visit http://northampton.extension.psu.edu   You can also obtain a brochure with a map and list of farms directly from the Penn State Extension Offices in Northampton County.  The offices are open Monday through Friday 8AM - 4PM.

So take a day during this weekend to take your family on a fun and educational trip to tour the local farms and learn about farming.

The Northampton County 4H Center will be sponsoring an Open Youth (ages 8 - 18) Schooling Show in Bushkill Township, just outside of Nazareth, PA.  The show will be held on October 5th, 2008, in conjunction with the Northampton County Open Gate Farm Tour.

A variety of fun walk/trot and walk/trot/canter classes will be held including "Egg & Spoon", and "Musical Mount".  There will also be an adult lead line class where youth (8 - 18 years of age) will lead horses with adult riders (over 21 years).  Hmmmm.  This class sounds interesting.  A costume class will be held at the end of the show.  We may have some imaginative horse and rider costumes here.

The cost per class is $6.00, which benefits the 4H.

In the blue building at the Center, 4H'ers will have their projects displayed.  4H offers a variety of projects in many areas other than animals and farming.  There are shooting sports, crafts, sewing, forestry, gardening, cooking, etc.  Actually, too many to list.

At 1PM, Equilibrium, a local handicapped riding program, will be giving a demonstration.

Food and drink will also be available during the show courtesy of the Northampton County 4H Center Board.  The Center Board will also be serving the 4H's famous BBQ'd Chicken Platters starting at noon.  The chicken is BBQ'd over coals basted with their special marinade and it is really tasty.  Yummmmmmm.  I can smell it and taste it now.  The proceeds from the food and BBQ'd chicken goes to the Northampton County 4H.

So, if your are looking for something to do on an October Sunday, come on out and enjoy the horse show and delicious chicken. 

Hope to see you there!

The 2nd Annual Quarters for Military Families will be held on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 from 1PM - 3:30PM (rain or shine) in Nazareth, PA.  It will start from Nazareth's Circle, down Main Street to Prospect Street.  Duct tape will be placed down center of South Main Street for individuals to place quarters. 

Last year's event collected approximately $8,000 for use by families of deployed military personnel of the Lehigh Valley as needed.  The goal for this year is at least $10,000.

The event is sponsored and co-ordinated by the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Star Mothers of the Lehigh Valley, and the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council .  There will be special assistance from the Nazareth Borough Highway Department and Police Department.

In addition to the patriotic musical entertainment along South Main Street, the Nazareth Area High School Award Winning Blue Eagle Marching Band will escort the Grand Marshall of the event, Bobby Gunther Walsh of WAEB radio, riding in an antique car owned by Homestead Kennels.  The band will march from the corner of Liberty and East Center Streets at 1PM to the Circle and down South Main Street. 

In this event, people throughout the Lehigh Valley place quarters on the duct tape on the center line of South Main Street for families who have loved ones overseas fighting for our freedom.

There will be representatives on site from local banks for purchasing quarters.

Those that are unable to attend the event and would like to make a donation, can send their contribution to:  Quarters for Military Families, First Star Bank, 14 South Main Street, Nazareth, PA  18064.

Yesterday was a rather nice evening, so I decided to take a stroll on Nazareth's "Evening On Main Street".

As I approached Main Street, cars of yesteryear all the way up to today were on display.  It was the Antique & Classic Car Show.  Boy, did some of those cars bring back memories.  Looking under the hood of the older cars, I was able to actually locate each part of the engine.  That's the way I like it, nice and simple.  Back then all your car troubles were easy to locate.

Continuing my stroll north on Main Street, I came across a few performing youth groups.  There were dance groups and singers, who were performing to raise money for the "Dream Come True" Foundation.  I  must add that they were very good.

Further up on Main Street, there was a lot of food, from hot dogs to the local cafe's selling a complete meal.  Mmmmmmmm.  It smelled so good.  Tables were set up on Main street (on the sidewalks and the middle of the street) so everyone was able to still enjoy the entertainment while dining.

Walking up towards the circle, there was much to see.  Art exhibits set up, the Boy Scouts doing a rope climbing exhibition, local shops having their doors open for visitors, model railroad set up in the lobby of the local bank on Main Street, more food, etc.  Too much to list.  And all this on Main Street in Nazareth. 

Along the way, I also ran into a few familiar faces, at which point we stopped and chatted for a while.  Some of these people I haven't seen for years.  It was nice catching up on things.

If you are interested in just have a quiet evening out, and seeing entertainment, good food and desserts, exhibitions, a car show and of course, seeing the historic buildings, this would be a good choice for next year.  Hope to see you next September at "Evening On Main Street".

HOW HORSES TRANSLATE HUMAN WORDS

The following human words are a translation by a horse:

LATCH:    A type of puzzle.

LONGEING:    Procedure for keeping a prospective rider at bay.

BUCKING:    Counterirritant.

CROSSTIES:    Gymnastic apparatus.

GRAIN:    Sole virtue of domestication.

FENCE:    Barrier that protects good grazing.

HITCHING RAIL:    Means by which to test one's strength.

HORSE TRAILER:    Mobile cave-bear den.

If you have any more to add, let me know and I will add it to the list.

Bethlehem, PA had brought back the mounted police at Musikfest this year.  It turned out to be a huge success and, therefore, Bethlehem is considering adding the mounted patrol to their police force.

Of course, Bethlehem has many details to iron out in regards to the mounted police.  The police department is looking at having 2 horses and 3 officers patrol the historic downtown area of Bethlehem.  The horses main use would be for patrols, but may also be used in parades and the city's many festivals.  It could be a great public relations tool.

Bethlehem's mounted patrol would be modeled after the Lancaster, PA unit, which is currently in place. 

The city of Bethlehem is hoping to partner with the Historic Bethlehem Burnside Plantation, which is a farm in the middle of the city complete with a stable and plenty of open space for grazing.  This would be an ideal place due to the location to the downtown area.

Looking into the cost, on average, a horse would cost about $250 a month in feed and about $800 per year in veterinary care.  A police vehicle costs $30,000 plus $1,500 in fuel costs.  Looking at the math, which do you think would be more cost effective?

The horses would be either donated or rescued from race tracks and would look for volunteers to take care of them. 

The idea is well-received.  It seems like there are a number of officers that would like to be in the mounted unit.  So, no problem there.

Once all the details are worked out, Bethlehem may be looking at police horses as a permanent addition to their police patrol.  I'm all for it.