Waraz Baldy aka "Red"
May 11, 1979 - November 24, 2010
Funeral service 10:00 am at Fiddler on the Hoof Farm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your local SPCA will be greatly appreciated.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
In His Own Time
.
I see you leaping the Rainbow Bridge - head and tail held high as you gallop with the wind.
I will miss you, my old Friend.
.
I see you leaping the Rainbow Bridge - head and tail held high as you gallop with the wind.
I will miss you, my old Friend.
.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Eleventh Hour
We went to visit my horse on Saturday.
I had previously informed the owners of the farm that we were going to see him for one last time and, after that, the rest was in their hands.
I admit, I hadn't visited Red for some time, but he really did look quite well. He had a twinkle in his eye, his winter coat is growing in thick and full, and he had no trouble enjoying the treats we bestowed upon him - the kids and I had assembled a cornucopia of apples, carrots and guinea pig food... After he'd been fed, coddled, crooned-over and scratched in all the right places, we bid our farewells and watched him trot down the hill to the watering hole. His stride was sure, albeit slightly uneven, but it was sure, nonetheless.
During his last supper, as the kids were wont to call it, and during the photo session, I kept looking for something wrong with Red. He does have a new small lump on his neck, but he's got lumps everywhere - nothing out of the ordinary for a horse - and the ends of the hair on his sides are slightly sun-bleached. He wasn't as able to dig into the apple with his past, youthful gusto, but he was still able to bite it in half with a couple of solid crunches. In retrospect, I should have brought his favourite - a can of Kokanee beer.
When we drove away, I bit back tears as I watched him fade into the distance in my rear view mirror. Could this really be the last time I see him?
I resigned myself to it.
But, something was niggling - not sitting quite right. I just know, that I know... that I know...
Later in the evening, when Gene and I were sitting in the hot tub under the half-moon, I asked him how he thought Red looked. Not being a horseman, but an attentive observer, Gene said that he thought Red looked quite well, given the horse's age. I agreed and it was then that I decided to make one, last phone call. Actually, two.
I had to tell the farm-owner to not go ahead until further notice. I also called my long-time friend, Sam, who's farm had originally been the place where I would take Red to spend his retirement days.
Unfortunately, Sam was recently involved in a car accident and, suffering from the after-effects, had been unable to take on the responsibility. I also know she is very connected with the local horsey community and I thought that one last plea might avail and she could pull something out of her hat. Red might not be so near to death's door if he had a place to stay that could offer some good old fashioned TLC.
As it turns out, after some plan B's, plan C's and plan D's, Sam can keep Red at her place, after all!
Red will continue on to be nursemaid for Sam's two weanling fillies. He will live out his golden years in comfort while resting in the quiet pasture outside Sam's front window. He might not be looking out over the lake, but the vista across the valley is equally as magnificent.
My old soldier will no longer have to compete with the rest of the herd for food, nor battle the cold winter winds that howl and swoop down from the icy peaks. Furthermore, he will have a pair of admiring young maids to keep him company.
As Sam puts it, he will be King of the hill and I'm good with that. Red will be, too!
We didn't ask for more, but we got it.
I had previously informed the owners of the farm that we were going to see him for one last time and, after that, the rest was in their hands.
I admit, I hadn't visited Red for some time, but he really did look quite well. He had a twinkle in his eye, his winter coat is growing in thick and full, and he had no trouble enjoying the treats we bestowed upon him - the kids and I had assembled a cornucopia of apples, carrots and guinea pig food... After he'd been fed, coddled, crooned-over and scratched in all the right places, we bid our farewells and watched him trot down the hill to the watering hole. His stride was sure, albeit slightly uneven, but it was sure, nonetheless.
During his last supper, as the kids were wont to call it, and during the photo session, I kept looking for something wrong with Red. He does have a new small lump on his neck, but he's got lumps everywhere - nothing out of the ordinary for a horse - and the ends of the hair on his sides are slightly sun-bleached. He wasn't as able to dig into the apple with his past, youthful gusto, but he was still able to bite it in half with a couple of solid crunches. In retrospect, I should have brought his favourite - a can of Kokanee beer.
When we drove away, I bit back tears as I watched him fade into the distance in my rear view mirror. Could this really be the last time I see him?
I resigned myself to it.
But, something was niggling - not sitting quite right. I just know, that I know... that I know...
Later in the evening, when Gene and I were sitting in the hot tub under the half-moon, I asked him how he thought Red looked. Not being a horseman, but an attentive observer, Gene said that he thought Red looked quite well, given the horse's age. I agreed and it was then that I decided to make one, last phone call. Actually, two.
I had to tell the farm-owner to not go ahead until further notice. I also called my long-time friend, Sam, who's farm had originally been the place where I would take Red to spend his retirement days.
Unfortunately, Sam was recently involved in a car accident and, suffering from the after-effects, had been unable to take on the responsibility. I also know she is very connected with the local horsey community and I thought that one last plea might avail and she could pull something out of her hat. Red might not be so near to death's door if he had a place to stay that could offer some good old fashioned TLC.
As it turns out, after some plan B's, plan C's and plan D's, Sam can keep Red at her place, after all!
Red will continue on to be nursemaid for Sam's two weanling fillies. He will live out his golden years in comfort while resting in the quiet pasture outside Sam's front window. He might not be looking out over the lake, but the vista across the valley is equally as magnificent.
My old soldier will no longer have to compete with the rest of the herd for food, nor battle the cold winter winds that howl and swoop down from the icy peaks. Furthermore, he will have a pair of admiring young maids to keep him company.
As Sam puts it, he will be King of the hill and I'm good with that. Red will be, too!
We didn't ask for more, but we got it.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
November
The time between,
When our world lies back
And heaves a great sigh,
Preparing to ease beneath
Its icy blanket of snow.
When our world lies back
And heaves a great sigh,
Preparing to ease beneath
Its icy blanket of snow.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Reality.
I find myself now having to make the ultimate decision.
My old horse's health is failing rapidly and, by all measures, it is apparent he will not make it through the winter. I am loathe to play God, as it were and, aside from the fact that Red has long been my faithful companion, this is also matter that I am wrestling with. Who am I to make the decision as to whether another being lives or dies? That is a tough one, and I could debate it forever.
Red has been with me for the past twenty-two years, and my children have never known life without him. If summer were upon us, and Red was failing as he is now, I would allow him lie down and fall peacefully back into the earth in his own time. But our winters are cruel. An old soldier such as he does not deserve to suffer.
Next weekend Beth, Bobby, Jenny, Eugene and I are going to say our last farewell to our beloved Red.
I have not specified a time, nor will I be there - I could not bear it. The owner of the farm will let me know when he is gone.
His final resting place will be in the shade of a pine grove in his sweeping green pasture on the shores of the lake.
I could not ask for any more.
My old horse's health is failing rapidly and, by all measures, it is apparent he will not make it through the winter. I am loathe to play God, as it were and, aside from the fact that Red has long been my faithful companion, this is also matter that I am wrestling with. Who am I to make the decision as to whether another being lives or dies? That is a tough one, and I could debate it forever.
Red has been with me for the past twenty-two years, and my children have never known life without him. If summer were upon us, and Red was failing as he is now, I would allow him lie down and fall peacefully back into the earth in his own time. But our winters are cruel. An old soldier such as he does not deserve to suffer.
Next weekend Beth, Bobby, Jenny, Eugene and I are going to say our last farewell to our beloved Red.
I have not specified a time, nor will I be there - I could not bear it. The owner of the farm will let me know when he is gone.
His final resting place will be in the shade of a pine grove in his sweeping green pasture on the shores of the lake.
I could not ask for any more.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Dreaming...
Discovering my newly-inherited, antique school bell in the hands of another...
Being late, due to a series of unfortunate events, for my first day of teaching on the mountain...
Skiing on lost skis, while wearing an ill-fitting ski suit, across a dwindling snowpack melting into asphalt...
Injuring my thumb when breaking a speedboat in half as we load it onto a yacht sailing upon a non-existent lake at the resort...
And making a stop, while on board, at the bar for a Guiness during the search for my son who had apparently been playing truant...
Waking up.
Being late, due to a series of unfortunate events, for my first day of teaching on the mountain...
Skiing on lost skis, while wearing an ill-fitting ski suit, across a dwindling snowpack melting into asphalt...
Injuring my thumb when breaking a speedboat in half as we load it onto a yacht sailing upon a non-existent lake at the resort...
And making a stop, while on board, at the bar for a Guiness during the search for my son who had apparently been playing truant...
Waking up.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Birthdays and Beaches
The main purpose of our holiday was to surprise our friend, David, on his 60th birthday, then spend the weekend visiting with him and his family. We hadn't seen David since the banquet in Banff almost a year ago, when he was inducted into the Canadian Ski Instructor's Alliance Hall of Fame. His wife, Jane, had been in touch with us for a couple of months, making plans for our surprise arrival.Above are the remains of the fabulous food dishes brought by all the guests. I packed my own "famous" potato salad all the way in a cooler. The name tags on our backs were not only our way of introducing us to others, but a way of saying how we know David. Apparently, the fellow in the Hawaiian shirt is David's lover...
The two Grandma's. Jane's mom, Catherine, and David's mom, Ruth. Such sweet ladies - they were the life of the party!
Eugene toward the end of the evening, with a glass of deliciously decadent Grand Marnier for dessert.
Walking it off the next morning in the rain forest. From left to right is David's sister, Linda, Larry, David, Eugene and Heather. I don't know where Jane went...And Mocha! I mustn't forget Mocha!
The boom of the sea, such as I have never heard before, and the wash of the waves against the shore were all so foreign to me, the land-locked mountain dweller. As well as the gagging aroma of the kelp lining the rocky beach...
That is Jane, appearing again out of the blue, in blue.
The boom of the sea, such as I have never heard before, and the wash of the waves against the shore were all so foreign to me, the land-locked mountain dweller. As well as the gagging aroma of the kelp lining the rocky beach...That is Jane, appearing again out of the blue, in blue.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
dragon slayers
The Fair - circa 2001.
That's Jenny riding shotgun with her best right hand friend, Courtney.
And, true to form, Bobby has the dragon by the tail.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Going West
The Trans Canada Highway - meeting construction head on in Salmon Arm. This city, located at the southern tip of Shuswap Lake, is considered to be the "houseboat capital of the world". Ahead of us are Gene's brother, Larry, and wife, Heather. On the first day, we convoyed to Whistler over the beautiful and remote Duffy Lake Road, then stayed in a finely appointed suite at the Club Intrawest Hotel for the night. After a delicious Italian meal at the popular Umberto Menghi's Il Caminetto, we were indeed ready to collapse into a soft, downy bed!
Day two saw us waving good-bye to the Mainland after traveling the newly-upgraded Sea to Sky Highway down the rocky coast of Howe Sound. We sailed from Horseshoe Bay and chugged our way across the Straight of Georgia to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. This is one of the largest and busiest ferry terminals in the province. Operated by BC Ferries as part of the public transit system, the ferry ride cost $75.00 for Gene and I to cross in my mini van.
Larry, Heather and Eugene on deck. The weather - cold and foggy, with misty rain and a spray of salt to top it off. The seas were relatively calm and the crossing was smooth.
This is myself squinting into the wind and, at the same time, leaving a fair-sized wake behind me. The ferry was large, therefore it was deceptively slow. I don't know at what land speed we traveled, but it was not at a snail's pace, to be sure!
Two ships passing in the fog - about fifteen minutes out of Nanaimo. The weather became steadily wetter as we approached The Island. The steward soon annouced that all those traveling via vehicle must go below to prepare for docking and disembarkment.We were then on to the next stage of our travels.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
Neighbours
Do they not realise that the morning has barely unfolded?
They've been at it since before the sun chanced a peek over the treed horizon, but it now hides its face behind a smoky, leaden layer of clouds. Last night's rain has left puddles glinting on the deck that throw back the dawning grey, and there is a palpable dampness in the blue-tinged air.
The valley would be calm and still, but for the screaming and screeching emanating from the home next door. It seems they quarrel over the smallest of things.
I have duly made note of their names.
Eagle and Osprey.
Please, never let up the bickering!
They've been at it since before the sun chanced a peek over the treed horizon, but it now hides its face behind a smoky, leaden layer of clouds. Last night's rain has left puddles glinting on the deck that throw back the dawning grey, and there is a palpable dampness in the blue-tinged air.
The valley would be calm and still, but for the screaming and screeching emanating from the home next door. It seems they quarrel over the smallest of things.
I have duly made note of their names.
Eagle and Osprey.
Please, never let up the bickering!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Monday, July 05, 2010
.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Is it reverse Karma? Or a void, perhaps? Is it a hole, left by someone else's bad Karma not yet fulfilled and lying in wait, into which some gentle, unsuspecting soul might fall?
Is it a momentary imbalance in the Universe? Conceivably, a split second where a tiny rift appears in the weave of the fabric binding the cosmos?
Could it be a trice, where light is superseded by dark and where shadow, let loose, greedily consumes the brightness?
How ever one might fathom it, terrible things can happen to those least deserving. In a breath, a person's world may change. No going back.
And with consequences beyond one's imagining.
Circumstances, bad or good, occur for a reason. Often enough, that particular purpose will not be immediately apparent, but instead, be slowly revealed across the span of time.
That being said, what if there is little time left? What if one is toiling toward the end of their course on earth, and simply looking ahead to a few comfortable years of quiet reflection? In such case, will there indeed be enough days remaining for all to be declared and understood?
My hope is that, when one comes of an age, we are somehow more suitably equipped to deal with horrific misfortune.
As for myself, I can merely send up my heartfelt love and prayers for these dear, kind and worthy friends of my family who may now be trapped in this conundrum. And I commit similar love and prayers to the family that bears the more direct consequence of this tragedy.
God be with you.
Is it reverse Karma? Or a void, perhaps? Is it a hole, left by someone else's bad Karma not yet fulfilled and lying in wait, into which some gentle, unsuspecting soul might fall?
Is it a momentary imbalance in the Universe? Conceivably, a split second where a tiny rift appears in the weave of the fabric binding the cosmos?
Could it be a trice, where light is superseded by dark and where shadow, let loose, greedily consumes the brightness?
How ever one might fathom it, terrible things can happen to those least deserving. In a breath, a person's world may change. No going back.
And with consequences beyond one's imagining.
Circumstances, bad or good, occur for a reason. Often enough, that particular purpose will not be immediately apparent, but instead, be slowly revealed across the span of time.
That being said, what if there is little time left? What if one is toiling toward the end of their course on earth, and simply looking ahead to a few comfortable years of quiet reflection? In such case, will there indeed be enough days remaining for all to be declared and understood?
My hope is that, when one comes of an age, we are somehow more suitably equipped to deal with horrific misfortune.
As for myself, I can merely send up my heartfelt love and prayers for these dear, kind and worthy friends of my family who may now be trapped in this conundrum. And I commit similar love and prayers to the family that bears the more direct consequence of this tragedy.
God be with you.
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