Happy Monday!
We thought it would be nice to start the week with photos from last week’s visit to Lane’s End. Ann and Jerry went to see Zenyatta and her colt with bags of carrots in tow. Both Z and her son are doing well, enjoying the crisp Kentucky fall air. Zenyatta is healthy and happy, and 12Z is growing fast!
Enjoy!
-Team Z
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN ClubPermalink | Reply
December 19, 2012 at 8:49 pm
Dear Maureen P in Santa Barbara,
Thank you so much for commenting on the facebook quotes copied into
this blog. For some reason those on this site do not realize that
facebook is a medium for plagerism, inaccuracies and fictitious information.
There are people who use the medium to manipulate their desires, wishes,
to make them come true and to mislead others when it only creates fiction, dissatisfaction and disrespect to those who are actually involved as you pointed out.
Thanks so much for your candid comments.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I’m not sure why you think Facebook is any different from any other print medium that invites comments from anyone who chooses to make them. Of course the privilege of free speech can be abused, and the medium can be used to promote inaccuracies as well as hurtful comments, but it’s the people who post and read there who make the difference – not the medium itself. There are many good things that have resulted from Facebook (ask almost any charity that maintains a page – including horse rescue operations – or families who use it to keep in touch over long distances). The sweeping indictment simply isn’t warranted.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Sandy,
Did you not know that employers are using facebook as a means to
NOT hire people who interview. In general, the medium is not well
looking upon by most.
However, it may serve a purpose for some, but the authenticity is very very
very questionable and when it HARMS reputable people it is not a good
medium.
THE WORLD IS NOT ALWAYS SEEN THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES !!!
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Sandy,
How is the snow in Cleveland, Ohio, saw some video today on TV,
looks like it has hit the Northeast. Bundle up, light a fire and enjoy !!!
Have a Great Holiday !!!!
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Sign, you failed to address the very good points Sandy was making here, and your tone of talking down to her raises my blood pressure. So does your overuse of capital letters. Remember, a little goes a long way.
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Happy ninth wedding anniversary to Dottie and John Shirreffs today!
Marshall (NC broad)
YAY! Happy Anniversary, Dottie and John!!
All the Best!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Dottie and John Shirreffs:
Happy Anniversary. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Trina. Thanks for the reminder. Many good wishes to John and Dottie on their special day.
Ann NC
A day late but sending Best wishes to you both.
Happy Anniversary.
Y’all are so cute!
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
Passive Aggressive
A defense mechanism that allows people who aren’t comfortable being openly aggressive get what they want under the guise of still trying to please others. They want their way, but they also want everyone to still like them.
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Are you working on your autobiography, Sign?
Anne from Paramount
Sign, thanks for the snowy Clydesdales. Miss them and the frog commercials, too. What a crack up, right Trina?
Terry Crow, thanks for the jokes-I think! LOL.
Happy high hoof anniversary to Dottie and John!!!
We hope to visit Rightful Image this weekend–depends on weather. Perhaps more rain and it has been cold and windy, for us here. We would like to give him a Second Place Carrot to wear around his neck. Mike said he came out of the race in good shape.
Hey Terry, here ya go: in my wing at work it is usually rather cool. We dress in warm attire. Recently the ladies room there has become HEATED! So now, for more than one reason it is a pleasure to go in there. A co-worker and I were discussing of perhaps moving our work in there for the duration of this cold spell. But since our bosses are men, guess not. Sigh.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne from Paramount:
Glad to hear Rightful came out of the race in good shape. Please give him a hug for me. Love and Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Right, Anne! Glad to hear Rightful is doing well after his race. High hoof to him, and I hope he enjoys that carrot!
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Ann from Paramount,
Rightful Image deserves a second place sterling silver carrot to hang in his stall,
HA HA HA. It must be sooo very hard to get a horse that far. Stay as warm as
you can. Please do keep us posted on Rightful’s future races.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ONE OF THE MOST LOVELY COUPLES IN THE
WORLD TO THROUGHBRED RACING, DOTTIE AND JOHN SHERRIFFS – hope you
had a wonderful date.
Ann NC
We are so proud of you. Rightful!
Give that horse a Stout!
Stay warm…if you ladies take over the bathroom,you could dub yourselves,The Royal Flush!
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Too cute, Ann!
Terry Crow
Anne-Always a pleasure to hear from you as you are one of my favorite people on the blog. Your comments make sense to me. I do some of my best work in the outhouse..
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ann:
Love your post on Moose and Goose. Sounds like they can give the California Cows a run for their money. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. I love all cows. Moose and Goose are great names for these girls. As I recall, they are Holsteins, very lovely bovines and so chic in black and white. However, other varieties such as Jersies are very nice too.
Ann NC
Cute,Judy B.
Love and hugs to you!
Max, I will round up some red bows today. Yes, they are chic Holsteins. The Jersey girls were very stubborn,some refused to move…so the Black and Whites prevailed. We had a show to put on!
Trina Nagele in SoCal
High hoof to the lovely showgirls, Moose and Goose!
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Ann,
Keep those girls “a growing” for next year’s show.
Hope they enjoy the NC winter, and time out
in the pasture with all their friends at christmas.
kimberley crystal
I really love this mare I watched her every race I want one day to meet this wonderful horse . zenyatta is my all time favorite
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,
Thank you, Lord, for being there for us in our times of need.
Thank you, Lord, for taking the time to listen to us and care about what we have say.
Lord, there are things happening around us that are difficult to understand, this makes us feel vulnerable.
Even in the midst of this confusion, we know that you are the Lord.
We know all situations are in Your hand, and we trust you. We ask you for strength
and wisdom to endure these confusing, difficult situations and the ability to handle
their emotional impact on us and others in a way that would bring glory to
Your name.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous and Merry Holiday.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
BLOODHORSE: SLIDESHOW OF FRANKEL
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/slideshows/slideshow/Frankel/frankel
Ann NC
Thanks,Sign.
Look at him stretching those legs…………..brilliant!
What a guy.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Ann,
He is an amazing, guy.
Wish we could have seen him in the flesh.
HRTV just did a Tribute to Frankel with hear commentator
talking about him and making wonderful comments about
his races as he matured as a 2, 3 and 4 year old.
The Great One as Sheena a Says
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
DAILY RACING FORUM: LITTLE MIKE TO DUBAI TO TRAIN ON THE TEPETA.
(ps: Dale Romans is training and has lost 50 lbs, YEAH !!!)
http://www.drf.com/news/gulfstream-park-little-mike-will-experiment-synthetic-surface-determine-dubai-world-cup-status
Terry Crow
Golden Gate Fields is the only other track I know which has a Tapeta surface. Maybe he should just take him there to see of he can handle it.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Would be a lot cheaper !!!!
Sounds like Dale Romans is on a roll.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
BLOODHORSE: UPDATE ON US MARES IN JAPAN AND THEIR FOALS
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2012/12/19/mares-in-japan-part-3-american-royalty.aspx
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Good morning, all:
Many of you might have heard this story from Newtown, but I wanted to post it here for those who did not. Except for the longer coat, these puppies look like our dear Charlie. Enjoy.
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/k-9-parish-comfort-dogs-lend-a-paw-to-grieving-newtown-families-photos
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, John and Dottie!! Hope youhave many, many more and oodles of wonderful memories.
Ann NC
I am glad those dogs can be there to help.
Thanks,Barbara…give your Charlie a big ole hug. Those dogs always manage to find that hand,dangling from a nap time couch,searching for love! They are great friends!
Keta
Barbara,
Watched these loving comfort dogs with the children, it was so special.
You are blessed to have Charlie in your life.
Hugs, Keta
Terry Crow
Barbara-Thanks for forwarding this. The quote is that there is nothing as good for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse, but I think you can include dogs in that category, too.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
SO VERY TRUE, TC.
Goes for horses, too.
Max
Barbara. Wonderful post. I read in the English papers that each of the dogs has his or her own Facebook so that the kids, or adults, who meet the dogs at Newtown can keep in touch. Great idea.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Wow! I didn’t know that. Thanks to all for the kind comments. Each dog has so much to offer if we only listen.
Max
Barbara. Here’s the link to the British article on the dogs. Lots of nice photos. Mentions the Facebook pages for each dog so that their new friends can keep in touch.
Max
Barbara. Got distracted by proofreading! Here’s the link.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2250751/Sandy-Hook-Shooting-Comfort-dogs-cuddle-Newtown-children-parents-massacre.html
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the link to the additional pictures and information Max. This is an amazing program these people have put together.
Trina Nagele in SoCal
A very high paw to these canine bringers of comfort and their handlers. Thanks, Barbara.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the link to this great story Barbara. I had seen a fleeting mention of it on the news, but these pictures and the video are really heart warming. What a wonderful way to bring some comfort to the children (and everyone, really) of Newtown.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Barbara,
So very special, dogs are so comforting to people.
Holding and receiving that unconditional love is
so very special. Great link to start the Holiday weekend.
Keta
Churchill Supports Ky. Equine Humane Center
By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Thursday, December 20, 2012 10:43 AM
The Churchill Downs Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Kentucky Equine Humane Center for general horse care.
John Asher, Churchill’s vice president of racing communications, and Dana Johnson, Churchill’s senior director for corporate responsibility, visited the Equine Humane Center on Monday, Dec. 17 to present the check.
“This grant will be used to support the general health of our horses. That includes general veterinary care as well as farrier and teeth care,” said executive director Karen Gustin in a release. “We are extremely grateful to the Churchill Downs Foundation for this support.”
The Kentucky Equine Humane Center, located in Nicholasville, Ky., provides humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearing house to seek adoptive homes for Kentucky’s unwanted equines, regardless of breed.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75123/churchill-supports-ky-equine-humane-center#ixzz2FbmVQKbm
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Great news, Keta. Thanks.
Keta
KY Derby Contenders update tweets
JOCOSITY, sidelined since his flashy SAR (Saratoga) win, was sidelined by a chip &
will not be on the #KyDerby trail
Saratoga maiden winner PARK CITY is slated to return to the worktab Monday with a breeze.
Nashua S. 4th-place finisher DARWIN is sidelined & will target a BEL (Belmont) or SAR return.
MICROMANAGE getting break in Ocala – poss. April
Keta
Clockers Corner tweets Thurs. Dec. 20 2012
MY MISS AURELIA worked 4F in 48.3 this am for Asmussen Stable
BEHOLDER (Winner Breeder’scup Juv Fillies) worked 4F in 48.3 for HoF Mandella Stable
Donald Harris@ClockerDH tweet
MENTOR CANE worked a high energy half mile. Hard to pull up on the gallop out.
Keta
Racing Post tweet
Gold Cup up £50,000 to £550,000,
with Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase up £30,000
to £400,000 and £350,000 respectively
Keta
Marcus Hersh@DRFHersh Jockey Update tweet Thurs. Dec. 20 2012
Jock R Napravnik off Wed with flu & is feeling better but still out 2day. Targeting Fri return.
M Guidry, sick Wed, back 2day.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings, and All,
Do not look forward to what may happen
tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares
for us today will take care of us tomorrow and every day.
Either He will shield us from suffering,
or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, then. Put aside all anxious thoughts and
imaginations, and say continually: “The Lord is our strength
and our shield. Our hearts have trusted in Him and we are helped.
He is not only with us, but in us, and us in Him.”
Amen
THANKS SO MUCH TO LANES END, TEAM Z FOR KEEPING US IN
TOUCH WITH ZENYATTA, 12 Z AND EVERYTHING ZENYATTA, WHO HAS
BROUGHT ALL OF US TOGETHER.
Happy Holidays to all and a blessed day.
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
BLOODHORSE; MY MISS AURELIA’S NEXT START, LA BREA, SANTA ANITA,
DECEMBER 26, 2012
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75137/my-miss-aurelia-works-half-mile-for-la-brea
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
DAILY RACING FORUM: BARBARA LIVINGSTON
2012 LOOKBACK
http://www.drf.com/blogs/2012-look-back
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club
BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4ewmJjU9EI
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
HRTV presents: INSIDE INFORMATION – LAVA MAN
Sunday, December 30, 2012
8pm ET
http://www.hrtv.com/videos/inside-information-lava-man-preview/?VideoCategoryId=0
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,
LAUGHTER IS THE WAY THROUGH LIFE THAT BRINGS HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
Laughing Your Way Through Grief By Nancy Weil (see link below; founder of the Laugh
Academy)
The above title may seem inappropriate to some. “Death is not funny,” they might think. The idea of laughing at a time of loss seems antithetical to the emotional upheaval the bereaved is feeling. Yet, for those who work in the field of laughter and humor, it is perfectly understandable to laugh at a time when you least feel like it. The healing benefits encompass body, mind and spirit and help to ease the pain.
Each of us will be touched by grief. It might be our personal journey through a death, divorce, serious illness or any other type of loss. Perhaps a friend or family member is grieving. We may be asked to speak to a group that has experienced a tragic loss. When giving a general presentation, it is important to recognize that at any given time there could be audience members who are privately grieving. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” While we cannot help others with the pain of paying taxes, we can assist them through their grief.
Why laughter? If laughter is the best medicine, then is there anything that cannot be eased by using it? When a person is grieving several symptoms are common. Their immune system is suppressed. We are all aware of the ways in which laughter can help to boost the immune system. Another common trait is the difficulty in concentrating. This is a great gift when someone is faced with a loss. We could not function if we were to face the enormity of the loss all at once. So, the brain slows down and lets the reality creep in little by little. This process could take weeks, months or even years, but the slow recognition of how life is now forever changed is part of the natural process. This also means that the bereaved live by Post-It notes. Simple tasks are forgotten and they rely upon taking copious notes to remind them of the tasks of the day. Many people have found themselves at the grocery store in tears because they cannot remember what they went there for. Again laughter can help with brain function and memory retention. Stress levels rise, sadness and depression increase and it becomes difficult to find joy for even a moment. Erma Bombeck’s words, “If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it,” exemplifies this attitude.
Many have found that laughing feels good following a loved one’s death. In my current study into the relationship between laughter and death, I have heard many diverse opinions. One person wrote that “Laughter is a way of lifting that heavy burden of loss and all facets of grief if only for a few minutes. It is a wonderful respite.” Telling stories about their loved one helps them to cope. Others have created their personal Humor Plan of Action (HPOA.) This is a way to schedule laughter into their day. It may be from reading the comics or watching a favorite sit-com or movie. Some may turn to gallows humor – making an uncomfortable moment lighter. One woman visited her mother’s grave and found the ground to be cracked and parched. The soil had settled unevenly and it appeared like a hole was forming. She turned to her brother and said, “It looks like Mom is trying to get out to get her cigarettes.”
Some people find it difficult to laugh again. They may want to, but do not find anything funny. Others may find it objectionable to laugh at such a time. One woman found that others stopped offering her comfort as they took her laughter as a sign that she was fine. For many guilt accompanies those moments when they experience happiness again. Living with loss can be a very contradictory experience.
What can we as humor professionals do to help our clients, our loved ones or ourselves? Give people permission to laugh if they feel like it. Educate them as to how the physical act of using therapeutic laughter, or laughing for no reason, can help them. In a presentation, give the broad spectrum of reactions people have when faced with this topic. Let them know that there is a place for every emotion when grieving. Laughter, anger, tears and bitterness are all appropriate emotions. I tell my audiences that it is important to identify what you are feeling and visit that neighborhood, but don’t build your house on Anger Alley or Offended Lane. Recognize that guilt is a common partner to joy when grieving. Since no two people grieve alike, we cannot possibly have all of the answers to the complex question of what place laughter will have in their journey. We can only encourage them to find ways to incorporate simulated or authentic laughter back into their lives.
NANCY WEIL is serious about laughter. She developed the LAUGH ACADEMAY. After receiving her certification as a laughter leader, Nancy made it her mission to let others know of the tremendous benefits of laughter. Today, she is a sought-after lecturer, presenting programs and seminars to a diverse audience.
Nancy enlightens her clients on how laughter and humor can be used to ease suffering and enhance one’s life. Nancy works at both Mount Calvary Cemetery and the Catholic Diocese Cemeteries, where she serves as Director of Grief Support as well as a Certified Grief Management Specialist.
….“The more involved I became in talking about laughter, the more research I did, and I became serious about laughter’s benefits.”
http://thelaughacademy.com/home/
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
DAILY RACING FORUM ; DAISY DEVINE IN POSTITION TO WIN THE BLUSHING KID
GO GO GO DAISY !!! (a new talented filly on the rise)
http://www.drf.com/news/fair-grounds-daisy-devine-finds-herself-position-favorite-blushing-kd
GirlSaratoga
Sign:
I didn’t realize John S was upset about “E”‘s Facebook page and it’s inaccuracies. (And I totally understand why) However given the chain of events recently in my beautiful state of CT, I hardly think that a little msg from E on a social media outlet is not so bad. Life is too short to get upset about something you have no control over, and I am sure a fine man like John S would agree with that.
I logged onto this site the other day in hopes of a smile or a fun video or a kind word, and I got exactly what I was looking for! I will take solace that whoever wrote “E”‘s facebook msg did not mean any harm, unlike the people who are trying to profit off a horrific tragedy by setting up fake facebook pages and scams for money.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season
GilrSaratoga
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,
Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the
pleasures in life if we are not careful. We thank you for our friends and family
who pull us away from that mindset and add laughter to our lives.
Would you bring genuine laughter to our hearts today and everyday as
we go about our daily duties. May we hear the laughter, verbally, and in our
hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray,
Amen
Wishing everyone a laughter filled Christmas holiday !!!!
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopherPermalink | Reply
December 23, 2012 at 7:32 am
Budweiser Clydesdales and their Donkey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD6ghskNKa8
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
BLOODHORSE; TRUENICKS, Danedream and Frankel
This link really discussed the “gestalt” of breeding. Her nick with Frankel is a
“D”, but lots of other factors are being considered and one is ‘champion’ to
‘champion’ may produce a champion as both are untested.
Mr. Kronfeld knew he that “V” was a great producer so to breed her with
and unproven stallion at the time, Street Cry, was another approach.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/truenicks/archive/2012/12/22/danedream-the-newest-addition-to-frankel-s-2013-book.aspx
Denise
Happy Anniversary John & Dottie !!!!
Ann & Jerry – The pictures are Amazing – you both look so happy when you are with Z & Baby ZB.
Are there any pictures of John & Dottie with Z And Baby ZB to post? – would love to see pics of John with Z.
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year to all !!!!!!!
signofthetimes; President of the Texas RN Club; RN philosopher
Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,
God grant us the light of Christmas,
which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas,
which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas,
which is justice;
the belief in Christmas,
which is truth;
the all of Christmas,
which is Christ.
Amen
WISHING ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
Safe and sound racing to all equines;
A special relaxing day to Zenyatta and a fun-filled day for 12 Z on his first
Christmas.
XXXXOOOO
Sabrina Stein
How much would it cost to go visit Zenyatta at Lane’s End? It’s me dream to personally meet this mare after I graduate high school. Thanks!
Cathy
I think the name for Zenny and Tapit’s foal should be Zapit! Just a thought…