I was sitting on my bed, typing on my computer & watching my betta fish. (Pebbles & BamBam). I have had them for almost 1 1/2 years.....got them at my friends, son's wedding.....they were the table centerpieces. Anyway, I looked closer & there are holes all over Pebbles fins.

Read up on it & it is a bacterial infection that hits these fish. I have been keeping the bowls clean since I have been back in California, so don't know exactly what's the cause. So I started the Ampicillin drops again (they both had this after I picked them up when I returned from Kentucky after finding my farm) & had recovered by the time I had returned to California after closing escrow on my farm.

The timing on my critters illnesses are amazing....they always end up sick right before I have major plans made. Luckily, my horses have healed....Izzy's abscess (strangles) is completely drained & Misters pulled tooth is healed enough that when I put his bit in his mouth, he was ok with it (didn't buck me off).

I planned my trip for Wednesday so I could spend Izzy's 3rd birthday with her yesterday. I had to make her favorite carrot cake (shredded carrots & molasses)....photos can be seen of the birthday girl....in my gallery here. The only thing missing was her birthday hat & the party favors.....but she licked her plate clean & gave me molasses kisses in thanks.

I am leaving on Wednesday with my first Budget rent a moving truck load of things to take to my Kentucky farm. I have been trying to pack my California home since I returned the beginning of August . I had many many delays since the marriage discussions took over many of the hours. I am also stressing a bit since the last time I made a long drive alone, I ended up on the side of the freeway with a huge anxiety attack. I am excited about the trip & yet nervous about the long trip alone. I am planning on taking 2 of my doggies this time....hopefully with 2, they will keep me on my toes & keep the anxiety attacks away with their playful goofing around. Picking up the rental truck today will make it all that more real especially when trying to load as much as possible into it. I decided to go with the medium size truck because I felt a bit intimidated when I got into the huge one. I will save having to rent the huge one for only if I have to for the next load (depending on how much is left to move).

I am looking forward to getting back to my farm...it seems like a dream that is just sitting there in my mind....knowing it's real, but seems imaginary....even with all the photos of the new windows that are being installed.. The house looks completely new & yet there is so much work I left undone as I rushed out to make the plane on Aug. 2. I have no idea what shape the pool is in....I am sure the swimmy bugs have taken over & the frogs are probably back enjoying the pool too. I have to put the closets back together & finish up the detail work on the painting. The interior doors need staining & finishing & the wall sockets that are broken need to be replaced.....along with installing many of the dimmer switches. I have all base boards & casings to finish & paint the front porch & decking.

Of course, I have to work on the most important part of the farm & that is setting up the horse buildings so I can get my horses moved there. At least, Izzy is being green broke (saddle trained) while I am in Kentucky. I will be able to know more about her dressage potential once we can ride her. I pray that her size won't intimidate me....it's a long way down from a 17 hand high horse. I am also looking into purchasing another horse. I have been doing some trail riding at the ranch on a sweet little mare that was rescued Yosemite trail horse who was retired. She makes a great trail horse since my older horse is going blind & doesn't get around well anymore. I am also looking into purchasing a lower lever dressage horse to give me something to train on while Izzy is being trained. So many things to think about & figure out.....requiring the right decisions to be made.

Getting away to Kentucky again hopefully will put me back into the good decision making mode......I am also looking forward to driving my new truck again.....It's been sitting in the garage.....all part of the Kentucky dream that I know isn't my imagination.

Will be really busy for quite a while now.....taking my laptop with me & I already have my internet set up from before, so plan on having some relaxation time to check in here once in a while....expecially when I am in desparate need of a break.

Will see how packing goes over the next few days,
Debbie