Good Morning,
I love this photo! This is my dear friend, April Mayberry, who came to visit ME while
she was in town this week for the Fasig Tipton Yearling Sale.
As many of you may know, I spent my very early training days with April and her Mom,
Jeanne, at the Mayberry’s Training Center in Ocala, Florida. Once purchased at the
September Yearling Sale, and my skin disease was cleared up, I was then able to
travel. Dottie made my vanning arrangements and I was off to Ocala to start my early
lessons with April and Jeanne.
They have literally known ME from the very beginning stages of my career.
It was with them that I learned so many of ‘the basics’ about being a race horse
and the foundation for my early lessons about equipment, riders, galloping, jogging,
and breezing down the lane was established.
I stayed with them until the beginning of May of my two year old year…and then I
was off to Barn 55! It was absolutely FABULOUS to see April and spend some time
with her! I even got to show her MY BABY BUMP! So much has happened in the
last several years since I was a ‘darling little yearling’ living in Ocala!
SUCH WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL MEMORIES!
It has really been an eventful week. This is very special! A second party contacted
the Breeders’ Cup on Wednesday afternoon and asked if they could MATCH
the $11,200 donation to the V FOUNDATION for the Breeders’ Cup Experience and
VISIT WITH ME! They really wanted to participate in all of this!
The BC emailed Dottie and told her of this request. Needless to say, we agreed to help
and were more than willing to make this happen. Thus, it is now $22,400…that
will be contributed to the V FOUNDATION for this BC Package and VISIT WITH ME!
Then yesterday afternoon, I was able to TANGO on the phone with ANN and wish her
a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! She was very excited to hear from ME…and SEE ME!
During our visit, she added one request…she wanted ME to be sure and THANK ALL
OF YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS! She was truly touched by
ALL of your thoughtfulness!
It has really been a quite a busy and FUN week. I have so enjoyed touching base with
so many of my dear friends…and of course, MY TEAM….and ALL OF YOU!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Linda in NJ — We have visited Blind Luck in her barn several times. I posted a photo of our Gold Cup Day visit — I feel certain her victory yesterday was a direct result of the carrots I fed her that day. (Photo posted) I think her next race will be the Saratoga Personal Ensign. I would love to be there for that race.
judy berube
Dear Sue Fredrick:
It’s been a while since we visited a water park, mine are both in college now. Miss them being little. Thank you for the update on See you at Peeler’s. Wow, I guess her trainer was right to say she’s the Harness Racing Zenyatta. Hugs, J.B.
Amy K
@ DJ – Happy to find your “missing Stallion”. Enjoy discovering new interests and information – Thank you for the Prayer of Gratitude, the search was my pleasure.
@ Linda in NJ – Zazu and Inglorious are both being pointed to the Alabama. If the rest of those very talented girls come I will be thrilled even more so. Let me know if you are going – would love to see you there, I’m a Jersey girl as well. Hope Dottie gets to go!
DJ
Farewell Hollywood Park…for now. Today is closing Day. Many thanks for a great ride. Good luck to those at Del Mar this Wed. on opening Day!
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Paging Terry Crow! Paging TC: Looking for the joke of the day! Out of balance with the prayers, but no humour.. Laughter is the best medicine – cough! cough! could use a dose :) Have a beautiful Today!
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Melanie
Zenyatta…you and April are TOO CUTE :)
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
You’re welcome and thank you. The first I knew of Phar Lap was when I saw the movie. After that I read everything our library had available on him. He was a wonderful horse and just a tragic loss. He was well loved in his lifetime, though and still is today. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Did you see the link on Best Pal posted above? He must have been one of your favorites. Hugs, J.B.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi again Queen Z. As usual,another heartwarming picture, as we,your loyal minions have come to expect. You haven’t spoiled us or anything have you, Z? :)
@All dumplings (and welcome new ones!)What great races yesterday! Very exciting to watch. The dead heat (wow!– and hoof- ray for John) and the Blind Luck win: whew! It was kinda like a “Z” heartstopper at the finish. Congrats to Blind Luck. Jerry Hollendorfer then won the 4th at HP (Killer Graces)–not too shabby! I had a show bet on Life at Ten, so it worked out for all. :)
@Terry Crow, earlier this week I told my Aunt Lee in Pittsburgh (85 years young) your “Amen, Praise the Lord” joke on the phone. I really was not sure how it would come across, not because of her (she’s very sharp), but because of my delivery. I told her to listen carefully. Well, at the end she cracked up–LOL, a lot of LOL! I breathed a sigh of relief that at least I transmitted it across the country’s phone lines adequately. So, thanks! Keep ’em coming!
@Eveline, nice to hear your horses came back good. Under the circumstances,thanks for the update.
@Barbara Wood, I agree with the others, nice to hear good news about Charlie.
Again I want to look at the links from those of you who are so generous to provide. A good Sunday to everyone and especially to you Ms.Zenyatta!
DJ
To Amy K: You are definitely a tireless Trotter! I am now content to gaze over at his regal self on his prominent place on the wall with the mystery unveiled. Especially after all of these years being locked up in a dusty storage room covered with spider webs. I hope I can return a favor to you some day :)
Anne from Paramount, CA
@JAG: Judy, whenever you read this, please know you and your family are in my thoughts. So very sorry for your loss.
Debbie G
@Judy Berube – Thanks for the link to the Phar Lap story. I had heard of him, but I didn’t know the entire story. What a great horse, but what a sad, sad ending.
@Deborah Richman, Patricia and Diana S – That is so awesome that you all help feral cats. I’m a letter carrier, and I see many feral cats when I’m out walking the neighborhoods. I always carry cat food in my satchel (as well as dog biscuits) and feed them whenever I can. I also feed some of them on my days off. It breaks my heart when I see them, especially in bad weather.I donate to Alley Cat Allies, too. It is a wonderful organization. Thank you for all that you do. I believe there is a special place in heaven for people like you that take care of animals.
Terry Crow
@Karen Gogue–I would say the years have been kind to you.@Susan in TN-It appears to me that Life at Ten is through as a top-notch race horse. What really happened in the last Breeder’s Cup has yet to be fully explained and probably never will.@Linda in NJ-Never miss a chance to see one of the great ones. Hope things are going well for you since your return home.@Diana S-Preach, sister, preach.@Kathryn Cogswell and Judy Berube–Humans have an obligation to make things right when animals are used in ways they are not accustomed.@Judy Berube and DMCQ-Here are today’s jokes.–What are the favorite films of horses? The Bridle of Frankenstein and Stall Wars. Why is horse racing so romantic?-The horses hug the rail, the jockeys put their arms around the horses and you can kiss your money goodbye. I have a really funny one (my opinion)concerning a horse, a priest, a minister and a Rabbi. However, some people find these jokes to be offensive and I understand that. If I don’t receive any negative comments, I will post it on Monday.
Sue Fredrick
@Judy Berube, I’m fortunate to live in Wis Dells, it’s the “waterpark capital of the world”, so every year the grandkids come and we spend a day having a ball there, then my girlfriend (aka “Ethel”) comes up and her and I (aka “Lucy”) do it all over again. I dread the day when I’m too old to climb those ramps.
@Kathryn Cogswell the play “War Horse” sounds like it would be fantastic with the puppets they have created. I don’t think I could do the movie, as even though I know in my head its fake, my heart takes over and I get too emotional, I hated “Black Beauty” for that reason. It was interesting to read your post, thank you.
DJ
To Terry C: Thank you for answering your page so quickly! You must have been in the Barn :) What happened to Count Jockula?
Debbie G
@Terry Crow – Count me in as one who definitely wants to read your joke. I’ll be watching for it tomorrow. :-)
@Sue Fredrick – I couldn’t agree more. I can not watch movies where animals get hurt, even though I know it’s not real. I still haven’t seen Old Yeller for that very reason, even though everyone tells me it’s a classic. I couldn’t even watch Bambi! Silly, I know, but I just love animals too much and I get too emotional when I see anything that looks remotely like one getting hurt.
Amy K
@DJ – the pleasure of your Perky Personality in this community is the greatest reward for me. At times I have difficulty with my connection and sorely miss Zenny and everyone here who share their personal endeavors to aid those in need, the jokes, links, and prayers. Getting here to enjoy the dialog is a blessing for my soul. Have a great week.
For those of you with “smart phones”, thought you might like this link: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/thoroughbred-bloggers-alliance/archive/2011/07/15/the-coolest-racing-app-you-ll-never-have.aspx
Sarah Powell
@Debbie G – I have a funny story to share with you since you mentioned carrying cat food and dog biscuits with you. I also have a large population of rescued cats, dogs, horses and cows. The backseat of my suv is covered with cans of cat food and dog food along with paper plates and bags of both dry cat and dog food because I often stop along the side of a road to feed something. One day I was taking a short cut to my horses and saw a dog walking along the side of the road – I had seen him several times and assumed he was a stray. I stopped the car (as I am prone to do), fixed a plate of dry food, approached him and was about to feed him when the door of a house opened nearby and his owner whistled him inside. My friend said that it was no wonder I had so many to feed as I was out wandering the streets recruiting!
Diana S
@Judy Berube & Kathryn Cogswell: I’d love to see the play – puppets I can handle, but will not go see the movie – even simulated animal cruelty with real animals gives me nightmares – and triggers “anger management issues” :-) I haven’t seen The Cove for the same reason. I handle the after effects of neglect and cruelty on an almost daily basis so I sure don’t need it in my “entertainment”. Zenny, you are so lucky.
@Terry Crow: I watched poor LAT get whipped mercilessly to make it into 3rd place money and my “second” thought was that this lovely mare doesn’t want to do this anymore. You all can guess what my “first” thought might have been. Zenny, you are so lucky.
@Eveline: You are a trooper and are in my thoughts. Those two babies have wins waiting in their pockets.
@All: I’m glad our Dottie/Zenny is/are taking a breather. Moving day looms. Hope to make at least one Del Mar and one Santa Anita before the year closes.
@JAG: You are welcome. Anything for you and yours.
diastu in klingonland
barbara
–kathryn, i too saw sunday morning’s piece on the “war horse”. while i knew it was the story of a boy and his horse taken away for the war, i did not realize the magnitude of the horse casualties in WWI!
and yet Congress does NOTHING to stop the slaughter of American horses or stop the BLM from killing horses in their own special way.
just a reminder to call washington and tell you senator and represenative to stop the injustice being done to America’s horses. Thank you.
LOVE YA ZENNY!!
Sarah Powell
@ Debbie G – we really must be kindred spirits – I thought I was the only one who hadn’t seen Old Yeller or Bambi! Everyone that knows me begins their recommendation for a movie by saying “No animals are hurt or killed.”
Ingrid Arnone
Congratulations, to John, to Nereid, Star Billing, to Blind Luck, Life at Ten, and me, because I won with all us them, ha, ha, hugs, Ingrid.
Ingrid Arnone
@ DJ, thank you, and blessing to you to, and to all us, amen, hugs, Ingrid.
@ Judy B, thank you for all your kindness, hugs Ingrid.
luvscritters
You can count me as another crazy cat lady with the ferals. I have three formerly feral kittens living the life of Reilly in my house, and three resident ferals living in my garage, and about a dozen others who come by for a meal. I keep trapping and neutering — about 15 at last count — and go through cat food like you wouldn’t believe. I have a garage loft that stays warmer in the winter (heat rises) and when it got really cold this winter I bought them a space heater.
Yes I’m nuts, but in a good way. :)
DJ
To Amy K: I feel the same way..dont worry! My connection is ‘on the fritz’ oftentimes as well :) Your’s appears to be right ‘on-line’ to me! Thank you so much for the Racing App. I sent it to someone who is the ‘real racing handicapper,’ definitely not this Dumpling. Hope you e-mailed Karen Gogue to be a special part of the Top Secret “D”umpling Project!
Maryyette
DJ, thanks for the wonderful prayers and lovely thoughts – they are so appreciated –
Sweet Zenny, do you take an afternoon nap, baby girl? Stay cool, have a wonderful rest of the weekend – love you, honey –
Barbara Wood
@Kathryn COgsdell–thank you for those beautiful quotes. That’s exactly what I feel about our stewardship of animals but couldn’t express nearly as beautifully.
@DJ–I think Terry Crow wants to be coaxed. Terry, if you see this, I have a question about LAT. Could her tying up cause permanent damage? Or do you just think she doesn’t want to race? I’m really trying to understand that whole thing. I’d like input from anyone who knows how that condition affects horses. I have no experience.
DJ
To Diana S: No Deaconess here, I am not that progressive :) Please follow your prompting and share your Animal Rescuer meditation. There is no ‘Soap Box’ here! And if I was standing on one without knowing, I jumped off and put it on top of my head, suds and all!! With your sense of humour, I imagine your ‘still waters’ run deep…
DJ
To Barbara W: Got it! “Here Kitty Kitty!”
Oops! That was for dear Deborah R :) I’ll start again..”Terry! Terry! You are wanted in the Winners Circle! Please take the microphone and join your fellow Dumplings!” How’s that?
To Terry C: Your next Joke is at your own risk. Just remember..’You said it, not me!’
DJ
To Ingrid A: Thank you and many blessings to you as well fellow “Z” Dumpling!
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To Maryyette: You are welcome. Your name is lovely; I have never come across it before. I appreciate your kindness and am happy to be a fool for His sake!
Debbie G
@Sarah Powell – I love your story about the dog. That’s hilarious! That sounds exactly like something I would do. I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who does stuff like that. Right now I have about 50 ducks in my backyard waiting for me to feed them. My house backs up to a creek and I started feeding just a few of them a couple of years ago and I guess word got around and now I have a yard full every day! And I know what you mean about movies. Any time a friend tells me about a movie involving animals, the first thing I say is “I don’t want to see it if any animals get hurt”. I think we must be kindred spirits. :-)