Happy Friday!
I wanted to share with YOU some of the new experiences taking place in my life these days! Needless to say, Tasty and I are personally sharing all of these activities together! We are having SO MUCH FUN!
Yesterday, I was hand-walked around my new paddock. Matt was with ME every moment throughout the ‘new adventure’. All of this one-to-one time was given so I could have every opportunity to ‘check it all out’ and get completely acquainted with every inch of my new grazing areas and outdoor surroundings. It took some time, but I truly enjoyed every single moment! My dear pal, MATT, is so sweet and incredibly patient with ME. After completely touring my new paddock area, I must tell you…I was so happy…I BEGAN TO DANCE!!
I am such a FORTUNATE HORSE!
It was also a special time for ME when I was introduced to MY NEW STALL. I’ve heard it was freshly painted recently getting ready for ME. (Great job, guys! It looks fabulous!) I have an open area in the upper portion of my stall door so I can put my head out and see everything going on in the shed row. You know ME…I don’t want to miss a thing! Also, this is great news! When we are in our new barn, TASTY’s stall is located directly across from ME…just like always…so we can relax, visit, and have a wonderful time! We are the best of friends!
My new stall in the ‘foaling barn’ is rather spacious, cheerful, and quite lovely. Being a very curious horse, once inside the stall for the first time, I wanted to investigate every inch of the space. It is absolutely perfect!
TASTY agrees! She is extremely happy with all of her new surroundings and experiences as well!
At this time, I’d also like to take a moment and thank you for sharing all of these special and cherished moments in my life with ME! It is such an exciting time!
Please enjoy your weekend and all of the great racing taking place around the country! It is our wonderful sport of Thoroughbred Horse Racing that brought ALL OF US together!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Also, Happy Super Bowl Sunday!)
Z
There is so much going on these days! I love it! Giants or Patriots….which is YOUR CHOICE??? I hope it is a close score! Championship games are so much more FUN to watch when they are really competitive! I guess you can say I am someone who loves the excitement in sports of CLOSE FINISHES!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Susan, I loved your post! How fantastic that you now have such a beautiful mare in your life and that she is expecting a foal by Smarty Jones!!! What a blessing to you both. Smarty was amazing and I will definitely miss him the next time I am at Lane’s End. Everyone loved him so!! I thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of his foals up close. Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2dlt21W0WM&feature=related
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
For all of you who love Smarty Jones, here is an “Inside Story” piece done on him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wIfGJKXNtU
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Here is Part II of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LA3NdbuPtI&feature=related
Kim S in Tampa FL
JAG–you have probably seen this but John Henry is on Part 2. :)
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
It has been wonderful that for the last three years, the girls have ruled as “Horse of the Year” and the pattern may continue in 2012 because of some of the ultra talented fillies currently racing. Who know’s, maybe a Zenyatta filly will follow in her mother’s hoofprints sometime in the future. One amazing mare from the past was Lady’s Secret. She was a most brilliant, beautiful daughter of Secretariat. Twenty-five years ago on February 6th, Lady’s Secret won Horse of the Year. I wanted to pay tribute to her amazing accomplishments. Here is footage of the 1986 Breeder’s Cup Distaff Part I that was on NBC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wItHtuY702s&feature=related
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Here is Part II of the Lady’s Secret video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d8xO7qAQnM&feature=related
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Kimberly, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear friend, Eli. He is once again beautifully young and healthy, with no more pain, in the arms of love. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and hugs, Dawn
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Dear Zenyatta Hi sweet woman I hope you and Tasty had a great day. It snowed in Ohio and got colder :( I don’t like winter. I know both of you will be warm and safe in your new barn. I know everyone is feeling like you will have a girl but if it is a colt then he can run like Secretariat. All I know is I want you and the baby to both be healthy. The same for Tasty. I just feel blessed to be experiencing this whole thing. The children in my class are learning so much. Thank you (Dottie) Zenyatta.
I also want to thank some of my Z Family for caring about Mistletoe. I have some inside information about her race. Her Jockey felt it best to hold her back. That is why she came in last. He was afraid she had an injury. I will explain it all to the children on Monday. They love her so much that they really are ok with whatever she does. Also this is cute. My Homeroom thinks Mistletoe’s boyfriend is Hanson. They also think Zenyatta and Bernie are married. Now that is TOO CUTE : )
I hope everyone has a good weekend. I love you Zenyatta. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Shari, our visit was wonderful. I am so looking forward to this summer! Hope the rest of your weekend in great. Love you!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mrs. Voltz:
Too Cute that the children think Z and Bernie are married. It’s wonderful how they care about Mistletoe and all horses because of you. Hugs, JB
Deborah Richman from So. Calif.
Shari, the your students areTOO CUTE!
Abigail from Montreal
ALL: HELP NEEDED TO SAVE SCAT THIEF (CAT THIEF) who earned $183K & is a direct descendant of Secretariat and was found in a FEED LOT!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=243459339066300&set=a.163073183771583.41967.155169894561912&type=3&theater
carol in utah
looked up his pedigree…..Alydar is there too.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Just went to the Facebook site and it sounds like fate has been kind and he has been rescued!!
Abigail from Montreal
Oh, Dawn. GREAT NEWS! I’m off to check too. Love & hugs
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Great news, Dawn! Thank you and Abigail too for letting us know!
carol in utah
good evening zenny….
@judy in RI…thanks for the silky video info…he has been gone a long time…but will
always be one of my favorites….personality to spare
@dawn conrad….you got me with the lady’s secret video….which linked into watching
almost all of our zenny races….i will never get anything done
@shari voltz….your class has picked a GREAT boyfriend for mistletoe….could not
have done better….hansen is just so gorgous…
Zenny…you and Tasty are tucked up for the night…looked like you had rain today..
sunny here last 2 days…so i am sending the sunshine your way…
kisses for both of your soft nose……sleep tight
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Carol in Utah:
You are so welcome. Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in Oregon
Lovely photos of our Dancing Queen! Thanks!
@Lynn Martin, Huge Congrats on the wins with your Vizslas!
What a great weekend for you and your wonderful dogs. Such a beautiful and athletic breed. :-)
Tomorrow will be our own Puppy Bowl. We’re getting our new Saluki puppy just before the game. It’s our first puppy in years so we hope he’ll have lots of fun with our veteran Saluki girls.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
The car immediately ahead of me as we prepared to turn into the Santa Anita parking area this morning had a bumper sticker for L.A. Salukis—maybe those people were friends of yours! Have lots of fun with your new puppy! Hope the girls love him!
Amanda
Do you think we could maybe get an updated picture of Life is Sweet colt? Not sure if he’s still with her or not but it would be nice to see how much he has grown.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
I’d love to see the little guy, too. He’d have been weaned months ago, and is probably with a yearling herd.
Deneen from NE
Hi Zenny and Tasty! So glad to hear you both are doing well . . . . anxiously awaiting the birth of your foals. This is such an exciting time! Really appreciate the updates. Your posts warm my heart so much . . . thank you!! Glad to see you are still dancing!! Sending nose kisses to you and Tasty . . . what sweet beautiful girls you are!! Love you very much!!
Debbie
Hi Zenny, I got my plushie today, absolutely love them!!! Congrats to Mr. Commons and Mike. Great race today. Can’t wait to see your foal and see how much he/she looks like you. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Super Bowl Sunday. Go Giants. Love you, Zen!!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
@Catherine and Barbara Woods(Tx) Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
@hope every one else is doing well too!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Loveable Z, Wish you sweet dreams and total comfort. I sure hope I get a better night sleep than last evening. I need my Zenyatta plushie!!!!! Just can’t stop thinking of you. love with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z Auntie Sally
judy berube from Rhode Island
Congrats to Mr. Commons and Mikey. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and TT:
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you so much, Judy and Russ
M. Kern
Congratulations John, Mr. Commons and Mikey! I love you Queen Z. Hug and kisses to you and Tasty!
JAG ~ Zenny's Pacing Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Yeah! Bernie Baby Does Good!
Alpha Easily Passes Withers Test
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67305/alpha-easily-passes-withers-test
JAG ~ Zenny's Pacing Auntie Judy ~ So. California
CONGRATS TO TEAM MR. COMMONS!!
Mr. Commons Plenty Special in Arcadia Win
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67306/mr-commons-plenty-special-in-arcadia-win
It was another excellent day at Santa Anita! I met more Z Dumplings and we had so much fun – Zenny, your beautiful ears must have been burning, Sweet Cheeks! :-D
JAG ~ Zenny's Pacing Auntie Judy ~ So. California
p.s. I got home and found my Plushie on the door step!! I let Zenyatta and Baby Z out of the box asap! I took a picture of Zenny and Baby on my bed – my kitty, Hayley, started to groom her lol TOO CUTE! Thanks John and Dottie for signing the Certificate of Foal Registration (I got #33)
I also got the bracelet in pink :-)
Heidi Kruckenberg (Vallejo,Ca)
Ok, I don’t want to sound spoiled but, I have my Zenyatta jersey, hoody and hat. Is it too much to ask for the plushie and bracelet? I want the pink one! LOL It would never come off of my wrist!nn:)
Heidi Kruckenberg (Vallejo,Ca)
wrist
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
@ Cynthia H ( santa anita girl) I too concur. Love your post. My husband said when he saw me open it; you are behaving like a 10 year old. It’s my inner child always wanting a pony. I want to put on my pink pony pj’s and take them to bed with me. Must keep my Tessa away from them. She loves to rip stuffed toys to shreds.
A pajama party would be too fun with all ages of all Z gals! Your description made me laugh. Everyone that indulges in the Z plushie will always be so glad they gifted it to themselves. It isn’t YOU AT THE RACETRACK ZENYATTA, but it is a constant reminder of what you mean to all of us. The signed card by Dottie and John is pretty precious too.
Sweet dreams Z and TT. You are fast asleep I’m sure of that. Thanks to Lane’s End for watching over them 24/7.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Lovely post, Delrene!
Cynthia H./Santa Anita Girl
Delrene, I almost took my plushie to see Mr. Commons at Santa Anita yesterday, but thought it would be considered very strange behavior for a middle-aged lady! I hope to meet you at the racetrack one day soon.
Carol
Zenny,
You are a treasure. In stressful human times, you bring such joy and make us breathe a little happier. I can’t believe how beautifully big you are becoming. How exciting for you, your family, and the fans who adore you!!! You are a picture of life. Love to you 4-ever!!!
JAG ~ Zenny's Pacing Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Black Caviar snubs Sydney to chase international riches
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/black-caviar-snubs-sydney-to-chase-international-riches-20120203-1qxmp.html
JAG ~ Zenny's Pacing Auntie Judy ~ So. California
So very sad! :-(
http://gma.yahoo.com/video/news-26797925/pet-rescue-in-japan-s-nuclear-zone-28185620.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fnews-26797925%252Fpet-rescue-in-japan-s-nuclear-zone-28185620.html
Kari Bussell/Tn.
My great big beautiful Dancing Queen of Our Hearts & Race Track. YOU are the Horse of My Lifetime. You are so very precious, dear and so greatly loved by so very many. I love You with every inch of my heart, fiber of my being and deepest depth of my soul. I have missed you and all our friends more than words can say. I Love all the new photos of you and Tasty that you have shared since Jan. 27. I must admit the one of you dancing made my heart dance with JOY. I am so grateful to be alive. My husband came home from work on the evening of Jan27 to find me unresponsive. I was rushed by ambulance to Fort Sanders where I was as close to death as it gets. It was non cancer related. I had pneumonia, a bleeding ulcer,hiatal hernia, was severely anemic(need 3 transfusions) and had a crazy thing going on with my electrolytes, as well as being severely dehydrated. All previously undetected. I could not tell them my name and was completely disoriented. I was not drinking or on any narcotic medication. They thought I was having a stroke. They were wrong. A Zen magic thing is that I was released Saturday and after a hour long reunion with Bonnie Blue and Clyde, along with a couple hours visit with family and friends, I got on my computer to find several emails from close Zen friends who had me on their mind in a intense way that very evening. One was from our dear friend Cynthia H telling me she would be st Santa Anita to watch our beloved Mr. Commons. After being in the hospital for 8 days , I had no idea what was going on. I was too happy to be going home. Her email reminded me of his race and I got logged on to Calracing.com about 30 seconds into Mr. Commons thrilling run today. How Zen magic is that ?…I was in ICU for 4 days before stabilizing and moved to spend 4 more days in a regular room. My daughter made me a poster with copies of many of my favorite photos of my awesome grandchildren, puppies, me and her when she was little girl, my beloved deceased Rambo(puppy dog), Ginger, ( my heart and horse). She also had each grandchild write their own get well on it. My Nicco wrote Nicco loves you Nana, too cute LOL! He drew a picture (red stick ) of the two of us eating ice cream, hint-hint.She also had three of YOUR photos. I could never have been more proud when each nurse all 37 total of them commented on how much they Love you, Zenyatta. I could feel my Zenyatta “warriors” lifting me up with prayer, love and positive thoughts. I no longer have a cell phone and was unable to read your wonderful diary the entire time. I did worry about you, Tasty and all the dumplings and missed ALL of you immensely. The past four plus years have been frustrating and a little confusing at times, but a time of extreme spiritual growth and maturity. I have been spared death and granted more time yet again. I am beyond grateful to be alive. I am grateful to YOU Zenny and to all your connections. I am grateful to have made so many beautiful friendships in your name. YOU are our gift from God. I am thus far beating the odds defying the doctors with cancer. I have survived the complications of the flu from the 2010 BC,ahorrible wreck and now this. At every juncture YOU have been my inspiration to never give up. With each surgery, treatment and seemingly endless hospital stay my room was surrounded with pictures of YOU and my treasures of you I have been blessed with. I had two very special framed photos of Your Dottie and John that my “great friend” took for me. They are some of mymost treasured possessions and my framed baby wipe. Yes , I said baby wipe. It was touched by YOU my Queen on a rainy day and has your mud on it. Terry Crow catch that- LOL!
I am way behind on comments.
RE: Diary #426- “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our JOY and the dividing of our grief.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero
Dearest Mr. Commons, Dottie & Mr. Shirreffs, Ann & Jerry Moss, Mikey and my precious Frank Leal- A very heartfelt congratulations to you and your thrilling win! I love with you ALL with a passion!
sharon in seattle
Hi Kari – SO good to know you’re back and doing much better! I feel so inspired reading of your determination and faith. and the quote at the end of your post is wonderful – thanks for including that. I have so many great friends – among them the incredible Z-sters — rooting for me. I will always root for you, dear one!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Kari, Kari, Kari, my gosh what you have been thru! You are one tough cookie! God certainly has a plan for you, and it obviously doesn’t include taking you with him. We are so glad he sees fit to share you with us all for a while yet. God Bless You and I pray you continue to heal we all missed you so. Hugs
sue and tony
@Kari, may your guardian angel continue to watch over you and may the healing spiirit of the great Zenyatta fill your entie being with strength and joy.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
A heartfelt welcome back to you, Kari “Joyful Victory” Bussell! Thank you for this uplifting news!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Dearest Kari — You remind us all that “Because life is finite, it is infinitely precious.” Be well.
Alex Bowdoin in MA
Kari, I am glad to hear you are doing so much better..
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Kari,
WHAT an ordeal, but I’m so glad that you’re BACK and on the mend. You don’t have to go back through all the missing days’ worth of posts to know that there was a lot of worrying (and praying) going on here! I’m sorry that it was a lot worse than my “maybe her computer crashed” theory (or they stopped internet service to the middle of nowhere as you called it :-). Glad to hear that the nurses were supportive. You are such an inspiration to all of us. Keep healing.
Sandy
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kari B.:
You are one Special Lady. Keep on burning bright. Love and Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Kari, I’m glad you made it through all that ordeal! And well enough now to tell us all the story, coherently. Take very good care of yourself. You were missed.
Marty R / Colorado
Kari, I don’t believe we have ever “talked” directly to one another, but I have always enjoyed your posts here and your videos are all beyond wonderful. I have also been concerned about your absence and am so glad you are back. What an ordeal you have endured!! Your daughter sounds like she is very much like you, a woman of action, inspired by love. Good job, Mom. I pray for your continued health and strength.
Debbie G/Kentucky
Oh my goodness Kari, what an ordeal you’ve been through! You are such a fighter. It seems like it’s just one thing after another. I thank God and I thank Zenyatta that you’re OK because I know that’s who pulled you through. I’m so glad you’re back with us. You were sorely missed.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Kari Kari, so glad to read your post and know you are okay now. How in the world all those things had not been detected, how you fought again for survival is just amazing.
Zenyatta is our Angel and a guiding light, you definitely know what I’m talking about!
Glad you are here smiling again! hugs
Diana Stuart
@Kari: Holy cow! I am so glad that you have defied the odds again! I live in Phoenix – named for a mythical bird that always comes back to life. Well, there’s no myth – YOU are a Phoenix! Your episode sounds so scary – especially for your hubby when he found you – and disorienting. Please rest and keep all those fluids and electrolytes in control. We need you during foal watch!
Love and hugs,
diastu in tempe
Cynthia H./Santa Anita Girl
I am filled with a joy too deep for words.
12th Heart
Vampressqueen Colvin
OMG kari. Praise God youre ok now. May He cont to watch over you & bless you & keep yiu in His care. Hugs/prayers <3
Deborah Richman from So. Calif.
Kari, you are one amazing, unforgettable woman. It is so wonderful to hear from you again!
Keeping you in my prayers and sending love and positive energy your way, dear joyful one.
signofthetimes
So glad that you are back and safe; MIRACLES DO HAPPEN and they keep happening
for you. YIPEEE !!!! YIPEEEE!!!!! YIPEEEE!!!!!!
Darlene Daniels
OH Kari, All I can say is THANK YOU GOD for saving our Kari. God Bless you. You have been such a blessing to this website and we were all worried about you, but I never dreamed you could be going through all that. I was hoping you were just on a vacation. SO glad you are back and pray your health will resume to perfect. Love, Darlene Daniels
Abigail from Montreal
KARI!!! OMG, I’m SO HAPPY TO READ THIS POST. SWEETIE : DID YOU GET THE SPECIAL GIFT I HAND-MADE & SENT TO YOU? CANADA POST SAYS IT WAS DELIVERED JAN.27th BUT I NEED TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT IT CAME HOME TO YOU. I just felt that you were having a bad time of it. Thank God you’re HOME with all of us who love you so much! Abigail
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Zenny: You look wonderful, and I am very happy to hear you are happy with your new surroundings. Your new home (stall) looks so spacious and pretty. And your new paddock looks like it might go on for miles. It’s huge. Yes, you are one very fortunate horse.
I can’t wait for your baby to arrive. I think your entire community of fans is now on Foal watch. You certainly look like you could deliver anytime now. I can’t help but wonder if YOU or Tasty’s baby will be the first to arrive. You’re right, it is a very exciting time.
Congratulations to Mr. Commons on winning yesterday’s race. Way to Go, Mr. Commons!
Love you Zenny!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@KARI–It is SO GOOD to hear from you. We were all so worried! I was just lying in bed this morning, trying to figure out who to e-mail that might know something.
What an ordeal. But you are safe. I am so glad that God has spared you (we know one reason–to spread joy!) Zenny has been such an inspiration to all of us in her lesson of “never give up”. I have a great story to share with you and everyone. I have a friend named Linda in Illinois whom we met on our British Isles trip in’99. It was a great trip, and she and I have been in contact by phone ever since. Well–she developed cancer years ago. First it was in the colon, and then it went to the liver. She has had 3 surgeries. (one in the colon and 2 in the liver, the latest about the time you were in the hospital). I’ve had friends praying for her for years to the point that they feel like they know her. Well–the latest pathology report came back NEGATIVE for cancer. The doctors are puzzled, but I’m calling it a BLESSING. Praying that the report is accurate.
SO I guess the take-home lesson is that each day is a blessing, and if we live each day fully thankful for it, then we don’t have time to worry about tomorrow. LOVE AND BIG HUGS TO YOU, KARI!
@SALLY B.–we’re hanging in there. Hubby sees another doctor this week(dermatologist), and waiting for appt. with internal med./infectious diseases next. He’s doing better for now. Thanks for asking.
@DELRENE in Carlsbad, CA–a pajama party would be wonderful. We’d probably have to schedule it in a convention center! lol!
Kari Bussell/Tn.
What a wonderful story. Yes, I believe in miracles! Thank you so much for sharing it with me . I am keeping you and hubby in my prayers.
Martha (Zowie) Wentling
So glad to see you dancing! Here’s hoping your little one not only inherits your love of it, but also I hope he/she is blessed with your lovely lovely dapples. You look FABULOUS!!
Kathy in Studio City
Well done Mr. Commons! Good luck Zenny in your home stretch. Same to Tasty too!