Happy Monday!
What an incredible weekend! So many fun and exciting things happened here in Kentucky…and the World of Sports! It is amazing how much can take place in just a few days! I hope your weekend was equally enjoyable!
Firstly, I want to wish MATT, my dear friend here at Lane’s End, a HAPPY “BELATED” BIRTHDAY! His actual birthday was on Saturday…and we all had a great time sharing it with him. He is such a special friend to ME and always so attentive to my every wish. I can’t THANK HIM enough and truly wish him a fabulous year in every regard! YEAH, MATT!
I’d also like to send a note of CONGRATULATIONS to my racing friend and colleague, RACHEL ALEXANDRA, on the birth of her first foal…a bay colt by Curlin. Per all of the reports we are reading this morning, she foaled January 22nd at 2:40 EST and all went very well for both MOM and FOAL. They say the baby ‘resembles’ his Mother. How cute is this! Heartfelt wishes to ALL involved with this lovely colt…and his dear Mom, Rachel Alexandra!
It is really something to ponder…the circle of life. Here we are, Rachel Alexandra and I….both such accomplished race horses…each honored by being named HORSE OF THE YEAR in consecutive years…and now to be broodmares at the same time. Rachel Alexandra has now foaled a healthy, 125 pound colt….and I’m due in several weeks. It is truly something to think about…how each stage of life has such special and unique qualities to enjoy, reflect upon, and appreciate.
I must say, I think the saying…”TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES” does have a very deep meaning.
To the PRO-FOOTBALL TEAMS who played so hard yesterday to make each of the Divisional Championship games so exciting for all of us…THANK YOU for 2 thrilling games. Congratulations to each team on a wonderful season…and to the victors a special HOORAY! Next weekend is the Pro-Bowl and the following week…the SUPER BOWL! It will be so much fun during the next few weeks to follow the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on their paths to the BIG GAME!
To all of my HORSE RACING pals…who won and or ran well over the weekend…a big HIGH HOOF to each of you. The 3 year old divisions, involving all of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps, are starting to really ‘heat up’ now. This is all SO EXCITING!
Here’s wishing you a lovely week!
With Love, Hugs to All~
Z
Louise Castello
TO ALL: Everyone might know, but just in case, Rachel’s facebook page posted a new video of the baby. So excited for your little one Ms. Z!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Gloria Jeanne in the “OC”:
Thank you so much for the video link to RA and her new baby boy. He is so adorable. Two white rear socks. She seems like a natural. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Happy Birthday Matt and thank you for loving Z and taking such wonderful care of her. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, TT and Z Fans,
Just found this photo of RA and her baby boy. Too Cute. Hugs, JB
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=332654763422472&set=a.152311204790163.26611.112319645455986&type=3&theater
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Dear Judy, so adorable, thanks for the link hugs Ingrid.
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Congratulations! Dear Rachel Alexandra what a cute little baby he is adorable, he looks so much like you, God Bless him, I cannot wait to see your baby my adorable Zenyatta, I want you to know that every day I pray for you I ask our Lord to protect you, happy birthday to your friend Matt, hugs Ingrid.
Katie Clawson
Zenny, I was so excited when I heard that Rachel had her foal last yesterday! It seems like such a short time ago that both of you were on the track! You are getting SO close to you’re due date! Have the Mosses picked out another stallion for you yet? I heard that Rachel is going to visit Bernardini this year.
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Sue/Florida
Hi Z, You look GREAT!!
What do you think about a Baby shower party? I would love to come. Maybe the Friday am prior to the Kentucky Oaks. Baby Zybie will be about 6 weeks old or close to that. We humans normally have Baby showers prior to the little bundle of Joy coming. In your case it may be better after. Why don’t you and TT give the Shower some thinking…? Love you
Johni Lingron
WHen is your due date? I wanna mark my calendar.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
She is due around March 7-10, depending on which calculator one uses. She could be a week or two early or late, though. Rachel was supposed to be due Feb. 1, so she was 9 days early.
signofthetimes
Actually, the foal calculators say Feb 27 to March 12 plus or minus 10-11 days for a maiden.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Dear Zenny,
Thanks for being sure that we’re up to date on all of the “happenings.” I’ll send along a Very Happy Belated Birthday to Matt! THANK YOU for the wonderful care that you give to “our” Zenyatta!
Congratulations to RA and Curlin – the colt is just adorable. I’m sniffling already so I can just imagine what it will be like when we hear YOUR good news and see the first pictures of YOUR foal.
Hope you and Tasty are staying safe and warm – there has been a lot of weird weather around lately. We’ve had snow, heavy rain, more snow, wind, temperatures way above normal today, and another cold front waiting in the wings. Really! It’s hard to adjust. Hope things are more calm in your part of the country.
Love from your Ohio friend, Sandy
M. Kern
Thanks for the update. Happy belated birthday Matt and thank you for taking good care of our precious Zenyatta. Congratulation to Rachel. The baby is so cute and good looking like his mom. Oh! it’s getting closer. I have my fingers crossed. I love you Queen Z. Say hi to Tasty for me.
Sharon in Atlanta, GA
Happy Birthday, Matt. Do you realize how many fans you have across the world? Everyone that loves Z loves you too for the excellent care you take of her. You’ve been such a reassurance to all of us that can’t be there. We love the photos of you and Z and how bonded you two are.
Congratulations to Rachel and her beautiful newborn colt. I’m still grinning from ear-to-ear over those pictures. Hey, Z, how about February 22 for your baby’s birthday? That’s mine and I can’t think of a lovlier way to celebrate.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. Happy Monday to you too beautiful girl!! The heading for Sarah’s picture today was too fun. I love the thought of waiting for you at the fence to “come over” for a visit! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MATT!!!!! I think you are terrific for taking such amazing care of our “Queen Z”!!!! Your gentle and genuine friendship with Zenny is so appreciated!! Thank you!!! BLESSINGS TO RACHEL AND HER LITTLE ONE!!!! I am very happy that both are healthy and happy together. The pictures and video that Stonestreet has provided are wonderful. I will never forget seeing Rachel up close at Churchill Downs and now here she is a beautiful mother. It won’t be long now Zenny!! I am filled with nervous anticipation, looking forward to meeting your baby. I agree with you that it is very important to appreciate each moment of life, they are all miraculous. I have been reading and watching all I can on some of the horses that may be appearing at the Derby and Oaks, it is always so exciting to see some of the favorite two year olds returning as well as the new stars lurking on the horizon. Tell Sarah I really enjoyed the pictures she posted on Friday. She is a remarkable lady! It is always so special to be able to picture what you might be seeing or doing or enjoying at your home each day. Say hello to BF Tasty, we are looking forward to her little one’s birth with great excitment as well. What an abundance of riches to be received in the coming weeks!!! Love you always, Zenny. I always pray for your continued health and happiness! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Terry Crow
@Don-I miss you, old friend. @Rosemary McCauley, Denise in AZ and Diana S, charter members of Arizona/New Mexico chapter-You might be a redneck if you have ever paid for a six pack with pennies. @Darlene Daniels, president of Indiana chapter-You might be a redneck if your favorite song has the name of a trucking company in it. @signofthetimes, president of Texas chapter-You might be a redneck if your first name consists of initials. @Marshall, president of North Carolina chapter-You might be a redneck if you fall down in your house and get grass stains on your clothes. @Judy Berube, president of New England chapter-You might be a redneck if you wear your softball uniform even on days you’re not playing. @Stephanie in San Diego and Vicki B, members of California chapter-You might be a redneck if you take family portraits by running bred lights. @Debbie G, president of Kentucky chapter-You might be a redneck if there are antlers nailed to the outside of your house. @Marty R, president of Colorado chapter-You might be a redneck if any of your children were born as a result of a conjugal visit. @Sue Fredrick and Sally B, charter members of Wisconsin chapter, presidency to be determined-You might be a Wisconsin redneck if you think the big three consists of Miller’s, Old Milwaukee and Pabst Blue Ribbon. @Brenda S, president and Abigail in Montreal, member of Canadian chapter-You might be a Canadian redneck if you have more miles on your snow blower than on your car. @Susan in TN and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if calling your nearest neighbor on the phone is long distance. You might be a redneck if your vehicle has a nickname that ends with “Lou.” You might be a redneck if your clothes are older than you are. You might be a redneck if you consider a six pack as life support. You might be a redneck if the garbage man doesn’t know what to pick up or leave.
signofthetimes
Great Jokes, on such a great day !!!
Thanks
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
HA HA HA great jokes again. January 27th is approaching. What is in store for us redneck chapter members!!?
Marty R / Colorado
Terry, More rib ticklers. Don’t know how you do it every day.
Stephanie in San Diego
OH Terry…I hope you are keeping a collection of your post. Thank you for always making my day a little more fun.
Darlene Daniels
LOL Terry. By the way it IS sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a redneck and a Hoosier. But just so you know, I am only a hoosier by transplant, I was born and raised in Ohio, but I have Kentucky blood running through my veins. Take care and keep up the great jokes.
Terry Crow
@Barbara Wood-Watched Undercover Boss last night and it was a woman from Waco. From a redneck point of view, TV is really going downhill.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
LOL! She’s quite the entrepreneur, though! Go Lady Bears!
suew/Va
Zenny, thanks for the info. on Rachael and her foal. How exciting! And give Matt an extra nuzzle from me for keeping you so happy and healthy.
Do you think you could root for the Giants in the SB? I am an Eli Manning fan…he’s had a great season.
Soon you will be at a new stage in your life and little Z will be running in a paddock with you. Hugs and kisses on you sweet face.
Lisa in TN
Happy belated birthday to Matt. Ra’s foal is tooo cute. Foaling time is my favorite time of the year. I have been there for all of my foals birth’s except for 2 or 3. The year my mare had a uterine torsion I knew the foal would not make it. I was prepared. I wanted my mare to be ok. But mircles of mircles after a haul to Birmingham and surgery, the foal survived and 2 weeks to the day of the surgery and 8 hours before my birthday Arya came into this world.on Feb. 20th. She is an appendix 1/2 TB and 1/2 QH. She is Zenny’s color. Just to see her there alive and breathing was amazing. Each birth brings its own set of emotions and expectations, but this one has been the most special. No babies this year. Enough horses in the world. I am trying to find homes for ones that need them. To all have a great day. Can’t wait for yours Zen.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Lisa – What a wonderful story of your little miracle foal!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Bless you, Lisa, for your sensitivity and your horse rescue work!
DMCQ
Enjoyed your recounting of your miracle foal! Thanks for sharing and for all you do to help horses find a home!
signofthetimes
Such a precious story; a veterinary emergency;
And a beautiful foal. Such a wonderful sucess
Story for your vet.
Lisa in TN
Sharon in Atlanta, mine is the 21st of Feb. GREAT MONTH!!!!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Good afternoon my beautiful Z; Be sure and wish your buddy MATT a Belated Happy Birthday from me and please tell him how thankful I am that he and others treat you & take care of you with love. Only one selfish thing, I wish it were me!!!!! Did you get to eat any carrot cake?? How wonderful that your competitor friend, Rachael, had a precious colt. Good to know they are doing well! I saw a picture of him on your facebook; awwww so cute and what legs!! You Z, the greatest mare race horse, danced into my heart. Soon you will realize that the giving of life to a precious foal will be just as or more fulfilling; new exciting chapters in your life!! Will you say ” this foal is in the likeness of me (Z), Bernie or both?” You and we will know real soon!!
I will be thinking and praying for you and baby z, Tasty and baby tt well after you both have your foals. love you, 2 kisses on your soft nose, Auntie Sally
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Good afternoon Mommy Zen!
March 9th——————————————————————— :-D
Judy G
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I’m playing “catch up” today and went back to some earlier posts to explore some things I didn’t have time for when I first saw them.
@Kari Bussell/Tn.
Thanks very much for the link to your video from last January after Zenyatta won HOTY. The music and the pictures are just stunning, and what a wonderful way to bring the poem to life!
@JAG
Read the great story about John Henry. As I am obviously a complete “horse novice,” I had heard of him only in your posts. It was a great review of the life of a truly amazing horse. No wonder you are anxiously awaiting his new “heavenly role” as Uncle John.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Sandy
I’m glad you enjoyed the article on John Henry! He was my FIRST love and will always live in my heart… however, he sent me Zenyatta to love, too! :-)
Melinda
Happy Birthday Matt!!! Thanks for taking such great care of our California gal. Congratulations are in order for Rachel Alexandra and her star studded Curlin colt. He’s a cutie! Take care my beautiful mare. Love and hugs from California!!
Jaime
Very sweet of you to mention RA, sometimes people get way too competitive with you guys and I know you guys are friends, hehe
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Congratulations to Rachel and Curlin on the birth of their boy! Blessings to ALL! I was all over the internet last night viewing the photos, etc. – so sweet and precious!
YOUR BERNIE has a date with Rachel later this year…
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=26265
Quote: “Rachel Alexandra will be bred to Bernardini in 2012. That Darley stallion covered Rachel’s archrival for the Horse of the Year title, Zenyatta, last year. After losing the hotly contested vote in 2009, Zenyatta went on to become Horse of the Year for 2010, and is due to deliver her first foal this spring as well”
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
p.s. Would that make Zenny and Rachel “aunties”? ;-)
SHERRY DRISH WV.
THIS IS THE BEST PART OF THE NEW YEAR..ALL THE LOVELY FOALS ARRIVING. IT IS A SIGHT ONE NEVER TIRES OF. CONGRATS TO RACHEL AND ALL MARES THAT ARE FOALING OR DUE SOON..SHERRY
Carolyn
Since Rachel will be going to Bernardini to be bred this year, I think Zenyatta should go to Curlin!
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
All due respect to Curlin, I’d rather Zenyatta NOT be bred with Curlin! I have my personal reasons, but I’m sure Dottie and her son, David, know if his pedigree is a good match for Zen! :-) Right Dottie!?
signofthetimes
Curlin is a too muscular for Zenny; they may produce a foal that would be too big to run.
Size of dam and sire are one of the variables to take into account when mating along
with pedigree.
Amanda
I hope they don’t send her to Curlin. For one Smart Strike, which is Curlin’s sire, so far his son’s have not had stellar stallion careers, not to say that they never will, but… and for two they just don’t match up well together. The Truenick Zenyatta/Curlin “foal” has a rating of F. Now who I really want to see as Zenny’s next baby daddy is actual Rachel’s sire Medaglia d’Oro. Either way I just hope Z has an easy foaling and I can’t wait to see if it’s a filly or colt!
Margie from SoCal
Hi Zenny-Mom, flying by with a quick I love you forever and belated birthday greetings to Matt! Also, congrats to RA on a safe delivery of her colt (have to go check out the pictures :-) Can’t wait for “our” Z/B Baby – it’s like waiting for one of my numerous nieces or nephews before they finally arrived! Stay safe and happy, Sweet Z.
@Cynthia H – loved “God’s poems.” So beautiful. Also, Charlene is well – thanks. We’re hoping to spend a fun day at SA in the very near future. I’ll post here when we’re going and hopefully she can say hello in person.
Take care, Z’ers
Jeanie
@Barbara Wood — Thank You — What a Great Idea!
HELP OUT MARLENE DODGE AT VALLEY VIEW WITH THIS RESCUE IN HONOR OF RA’S NEW LITTLE ONE. HE WILL NEVER BE ENDANGERED LIKE THESE POOR SOULS SO LET US GIVE IN LITTLE RA’S NAME TO HELP LESS FORTUNATE HORSES.
THAT IS http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com!
GREAT IDEA BARBARA!
j
Trina Nagele in So Cal
No sooner said than done! Good luck to Marlene–with a little help from us, she’ll rescue these sweethearts!
signofthetimes
Dear Matt,
Hope you had a wonderful birthday with Zenny and all of the Lanes End family.
As Zenny’s official mid-husband you have been doing such a great job taking
care of her. We are so happy to wish you the happiest birthday with our QUEEN
Z in attendance.
XXXXXOOOO
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Such a cute photo of you, waiting for the big day. Your foal will be so very cute.
It is amazing that you and Rachel were lean, champion, HOY racing machines just
a few months ago. And now enjoying your new careers as broodmares. She has a date with your Bernie soon. Wonder who your second mate will be ????
Hope you had a quiet day with Matt and everyone at Lanes End today.
XXXXOOOOO
Jeanie
Dear Great One,
On dear girl, I remember that feeling that you must have right now — LUMBERING. You look uncomfortable sweetie. I’m looking for you to deliver on MARCH 3 —————not March 9. THAT IS MARCH 3!
Litte ZeeBee’s Auntie Jeanie will be watching and waiting.
Your humble J