Dear Friends,
In life, one may experience so many emotions for a great number of reasons. Today, I am feeling such a sense of GRATITUDE as I’m hearing all of the reports from Louisville in relation to their very strong storm last evening.
From this morning’s updates, last night they had tornado warnings in Louisville. The National Weather Bureau alerted this area the storm’s path was in line with the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs. As this is the middle of the racing meet at Churchill, the barn area had approximately 1400 horses based there as well as backstretch workers in residence. I’m not sure of the numbers for the University, their grounds and housing etc.
At about 8:10 in the evening the storm hit Louisville. As you can see from this photo MY JOHN took while we were there last Breeders’ Cup, the University is very close to the race track. Per Darren Rogers, the Churchill Downs publicist, “9 barns were damaged to some degree and the Track Chapel. They were barn numbers 5, 21,22,23,24,25,26,28 and 40.” (I know this backside well. I stayed in the barn located somewhat behind these when I was there. I walked around this area and these barns each day while preparing for the Breeders’ Cup.) “NO backstretch workers or horses were hurt,” per his report….”but the strong storm did create significant damage.”
Without a doubt, everyone is extremely GRATEFUL to the Louisville Fire Department, their Metro Police, the local Gas and Electric Company and The Downs personnel for all of their work, help and guidance to these people and horses during this time.
I’m also hearing via additional reports from the DRF and The Bloodhorse that Rogers Beasley from Keeneland is working with Churchill to offer stalls for the horses and housing for the workers at this race course. Keeneland is in Lexington…so that is about an hour or so trip from Louisville. Sallee Van Company is working with Keeneland to coordinate the transport of the horses and workers during this time.
It is amazing to ME the different things that can happen so quickly….in a moment or so…and then suddenly change the path or direction of one’s life. One minute, these horses are quietly in their stalls resting, the workers enjoying their lives…and the next minute things are in such a completely different state.
All of this simply reminds ME for the zillionth time, one must really ENJOY and APPRECIATE each MOMENT! You simply do not know what will happen in the future!
Blessings to ALL at this time who are dealing with the results of this storm. I am so GRATEFUL that we are hearing NO ONE WAS HURT…either human or horse! This is truly something to be THANKFUL for today!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Our Queen Zenyatta–Whew!!!So glad everyone at CD is okay and you and your friends too. First heard it on news early this morning (Thursday.) @ Judy Berube & Trina Nagele, thanks for your links! @Terry Crow,loved your jokes, esp. the talking dog one–LOL–which is SO good for the body and mind, thanks :) @ Charlotte Farmer, GREAT column by Bill D. Wow. Good for you! @JSmith, NICE pics of Mildly Offensive. @Judy (Maass) Garwood, so sorry about little Frankie. Thinking of you at this time. @ Judy Berube (again)thanks for your good wishes and kind words about Rightful Image. (Oops, almost typed “Frightful” –he is anything but!) Must get to sleep while it is still Thursday here! Thanks again Queen Z–keep those photos coming and send well wishes to your friends at Churchill. So good to have you as a pen pal! :)
Shema
Dear Zen and OUR DOTTIE, I cried this morning when I read your post. I’ve been praying for protection of all the horses during this horrible tornado season. And to see a bad storm came direct to CD scared me. Thank you so much for all the details. And yes! I am so grateful for each moment! And each moment that is filled with hearing about your life and your philosophy is especially wonderful and inspiring. I love you.
Trina Nagele
So sad that little Frankie has lost her valiant fight for life. This poem was posted on her veterinarian’s facebook page by Cindy Hunter:
Somewhere in time’s own space / There must be some sweet pastured place / …Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow / …Some paradise where horses go, / For by the love that guides my pen / I know great horses live again. ~Stanley Harrison
Thank you, Judy Maass Gadwood, for the report and link.
Susan in TN
So sorry to hear about baby Frankie. The staff at Bear Creek sure did all they could- and so did Frankie. She was inspiring during her short little life. Hope her mama is okay.
@Lisa G: Hugs to Lucy <3
@Sarah Powell and Pattie in SC: Scary! Glad you're okay!
@Gloria Jeanne: Thanks for link to article about E and Mike!
I actually find living every day like it's my last to be kind of depressing, so I try to live every day like it's my first-and the way my memory has gotten, that's not too hard!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all my Z friends with worries and pain. Warm wishes to all <3
Diana S
@Judy M-G: My gut aches hearing the news about the little angel Frankie. Hopes dashed. Maybe she was greeted on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge by a Siamese mix named Amelia and a great black gent named Sassie? Without pain or fear or hunger, and most definately never again alone. A contemplative good night to my Z family. diastu in tempe
Susan in TN
Well, here is a true story(speaking of pronouncing names correctly): I knew a couple who was driving thru Florida to Disney World. They had been having a friendly disagreement about how to pronounce “Kissimmee,” as they were about to drive thru it. One said,”It’s KIS` simmee.” The other said,”No- it’s Kis SIM` mee.” So to settle the argument, when they stopped for lunch in said town, the husband asked the girl at the counter to pronounce where they were. He said she looked at him kind of funny and said slowly and clearly,”Bur-ger King.”
judy berube
To Susan in Tn:
Cute story (Bur-ger King) Hugs, J.B.
To Anne from Paramount, CA:
You’re welcome. Hoping for a complete recovery for Rightful Image. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you, Judy and Russ
Charlotte Farmer
@Judy (Maass) Gadwood (CA) – I am so sorry about Little Frankie. I lit a candle for her. The only words I can give you is to feel the warmth and love from those who post here; that we care about you and that which you love. Little Frankie is not really gone, for all of us, here, will remember her through you.
@Churchill Downs – I was wondering about the horses that were running around during the storm. With that kind of trauma what kind of problems will that present for the trainers?
@ Diana S & Karen Gogue – I am not sure who knows who on this site, but I have talked with Karen and she has my e-mail address and phone number. If the two of you know one another, then please give my contact information out as I would love to help you Diana. It is so wonderful of you to do this and I know that such things can be a lot of work. I am willing to help if you wish.
@Terry Crow – If you feel the priest one might not go over well, do you have another? I think we all could use a smile tonight.
@To Zenyatta’s People – I know I have said this before but I am very glad to be part of this site. You are family and that is something I look forward to, everyday, communicating with you on whatever is going on with Zenyatta, life, or just Terry Crow’s jokes. Love you Zenyatta!
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, We are all so grateful that you are OK and all the people and horses at Churchill Downs too. I hope you rest peacefully tonight.
@Judy Maass Gadwood and Gloria Jeanne —Thanks for the great link to the article about Mike Smith’s first exercise ride on Eblouissante! Too cute!
@Deborah Richman—Super info on the hero mare Sgt. Reckless and Fox Hill Farm’s nod to her. Now on to the book, film and statue!
@Kimberly Potter—Hugs to you at this difficult time.
@DAWN CONRAD and CYNTHIA H—I’m so glad I could be of help in some small way. Both of you always write such beautiful comments, I am always in your debt.
@Jackie—I hope you have a marvelous day with your dad at HP this weekend. I bet he will be thrilled.
@Sarah Powell—I am glad you and your horses made it through the storm all right. It must have been so scary for you all.
@Pattie in SC—Glad you’re OK.
@Susan in TN—Thanks for injecting a bit of humor-– you’re so good at that, and it is much needed.
@Diana Harris—Very well said, and may I second your words of appreciation for Zenyatta and Team Z and all the Z family who post here.
@Frankie—Rest in peace, sweet one. The best is yet to be.
Mary Copelin
What a tragedy about Little Frankie. There are no words to appropriately express how sad those of us who prayed and supported her struggle are to learn of her passing.
Patricia
@Charlotte Farmer,
Thank you so much for your detailed answer, it clarified everything for me. It’s too bad that most everyone ( myself included) in Grass Valley knows who Lola Montez was( she ran the local saloon in the 1800’s) but is unaware of the great Noor. Sad commentary.
Thanks again for the education …
Barb Zylbert
Aw, Z you are doing the Oprah thing…….but everything said is sooooo true! Thanks for the reminder.
Trina Nagele
@Charlotte Farmer—-What great news! I love it that the archeologist Erin wants to participate, and Diana S’s ideas are terrific. After all your years of hard work, the “Zen Effect” is bringing everyone together to help put the finishing touches on your noble endeavor. Kudos to you, and to Zenyatta.
Charlotte Farmer
@Patricia – I cannot stop smiling as I know who Lola Montez was. Don’t forget Grass Valley also has Chuck Yeager. During one of my many visits before the joint meetings of the Planning Commission and City Council it had come to my attention that Noor was being referred to as “just a horse.” During my three minute presentation, at one of those meeting I said, “Noor is not just a horse, but a champion as Chuck Yeager is not just a pilot.” You should have seen the looks and the smiles. They knew what I meant. Thank you California/Tahoe girl for bringing history by way of Lola. She was quite a colorful person as was Lotta Crabtree. Take care.
Patricia
@Charlotte,
We did have our fair share of the “ladies with attitude” in our little gold rush town, but wouldn’t you know it would take a gentleman named Noor to give the place some class.
Safe journey my friend…
Leslie
Z, you are the wisest horse EVER! Isn’t this the truth for sure: “It is amazing to ME the different things that can happen so quickly….in a moment or so…and then suddenly change the path or direction of one’s life.”
You got that right…. Thanks for the reminder to be grateful TODAY, RIGHT NOW. Blessings to you for continuing to write (well, with those awesome humans who help you!) these inspiring posts.
Kathy Kimber
@Judy(Mass)Gadwood: I believe God needed a playmate in heaven for other little souls there. He always has a plan and a purpose. I was so hoping Frankie would make it thru. I hope you can feel my arms around you giving you the biggest Hug ever. How is Frankie’s Momma doing? Many thanks for all who worked and struggled to help Frankie. His journey on the earth was a short one. But he is healed now and with the Lord and playing in heaven’s beautiful pastures. Thanks to all
Lisa g
@Jufy Gadwood, I am so sorry about Little Frankie. Comfort for you and yours.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Good Morning. Giving thanks that all are safe. I love you, Lisa g.
Lisa g
@Susan in TN, Lucy hugs you back. Thank you.
LauraJ
@S in San Diego, do you use PayPal to donate to OF? If you do, you can click on “instructions to seller” (or something like that–can’t remember exactly) and put a note that it’s for Noor. That’s what I did. You may have to look for the link, but it’s there. If you are using a credit card, you can call their office and donate over the phone. 502-863-1775
Just tell them what your donation is for.
Marilyn
I worry when I heard bad storms in Ky…for you and all the other beautiful horses….in Louisville and Lexington areas….thank goodness you and all the others are safe….been to Churchill so I know how close the campus is to Churchill…….love and hugs Marilyn/ohio
Brenda
@Judy(Mass)Gadwood I am so very sorry to hear about Frankie. It’s hard to know what to say when you try to comfort but the best thing to think is that all Frankie’s pain and suffering is over and that you will never forget. Many big hugs to you Judy.
Susan in TN
@Kimberly Potter: Big hug to you <3
@Quarterhossgal: Thank goodness there weren't injuries or worse at your friend's stable-must have been so scary.
@Trina N and Judy B: thank you <3
@Charlotte Farmer: Wow-you could be a motivational speaker on "how to get things DONE"! It sounds to me that up until recently, you have been working to honor Noor all by yourself! So glad Z brought you together with Diane S, Terry Crow and those of us who sent what they could in the way of funds. Hopefully, we "primed the pump" and donations will be forthcoming. I hope I didn't leave anyone's name out.
Lorri Hix
Thank you for the update Momma Z and Dottie! You do wonderful updates so that we understand better! I also want to give kudos to Lexington for their offer of assistance! I love how both tracks can work together!
Take care!
Sunny Boyd
@ Trina Nagele
nice poem :)
Yes, I do believe that energy doesn’t die, good or bad, while in earthly matter it entrenches itself in its surroundings and therefore becomes part of it, forever. It lives on in changes brought about by its foundation laid.
Little Frankie went home to the mare crying for her foal. St. Francis will hold watch, not to worry.
Have a great day, Zetty :) :) :)
Sunny Boyd
correction:
it’s surroundings
Shari Voltz
@ I am so behind on the posts. I just read about little Frankie and I am so sorry. The tears are flowing for that sweet baby. Frankie went to Rainbow’s Bridge. I so believe that all God’s creatures go there without pain and suffering to run free and whole. You have my deepest sympathies.
Shari Voltz
@ Dear sweet Zenyatta good morning. I hope you have a great day. It looks to be cooler. I am meeting two of my friends to celebrate a birthday. We are also going to the big Fiesta sale. It is so much fun. I will check in later. I love you big girl. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ I am going to Kentucky in July. I am so excited about it. My husband and i can only do two full days because of his new job but Dawn helped me to decide what to see in my limited time. Old Friends and Our Mims is on the agenda. If anyone has any other places they want to recommend please post. I will be in Lexington July15-18. Thank you to my Z family :)
Abigail from Montreal
@ Shari. Don’t forget the Kentucky Horse Park — it’s supposed to be just fabulous!