Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
The ICE Adventure
You've read maybe, about McKeever's First Ride. If not, back up ...
We arrive at Chastain Horse Park at roughly 9 am with about 20 bags of ice packed in coolers. At 9 am, it's about 95 degrees.
Those of you that know me well are aware that while I am not overly large, I am not tee-niny either. Publishing a magazine is not a physical job and well, I'll just say it. I'm somewhat lazy.
So, at 9 am I am helping Dee, Miss Deenie and Karen carry stuff for the event. It's not far really. A couple hundred feet, maybe not that much. Back and forth up the sidewalk. Within 5 minutes I am sweating like an unrepentant sinner on judgment day.
It's all good thou. We are happy and life is good. We get the drinks sorted into tubs and we are going to add the ice and water about 45 minutes before our guests arrive.
I asked God for a breeze and he supplied one! All was well.
We iced down the water and sodas and it quickly became apparent that in what was then 103 degree heat, we didn't have enough ice.
Karen was taking photos and we came in her truck, so Dee handed me the keys to her Range Rover and off I went to get ice.
Now then, Chastain Park for those of you that don't know is pretty much in the "hoity-toity" section of Atlanta. I wen to Publix to get ice and when I parked Dee's Range Rover there were two other Range Rover's in the lot but one was grey and the other was white. Dee's is black.
Into Publix I went. I gathered a dozen bags of ice into the buggy. I paid for them. I had the most pleasant cashier. It was going splendidly!
I walked out into the stifling heat and immediately considered climbing into the buggy with the ice.
I look around for where I had parked the car and noticed that ... while I was in the store ... about six Range Rover's IDENTICAL to Dee's where parked all around. I couldn't tell which was hers!!
This was a funny joke!!
Here I am on a black asphalt parking lot in 103 degree heat with a buggy full of ICE!
No problem, I'll use the key thingy to beep Dee's horn right? NO! Apparently, even though Range Rover's are in vogue in Buckhead, the keys aren't fancy enough to make the horns beep.
My ice is melting ....
Now I am suspicious looking because I am running around the parking lot with a buggy full of ice peeping in the windows of all the black Range Rovers.
I get several strange looks.
I want you to know it was the "horse person" in Dee that saved me! Her's was the only Range Rover with a saddle in the back.
I loaded up my dozen bags of melting ice ... and tried to shove Dee's gorgeous saddle as far away from the ice as possible.
Can't have water spots on the leather!
I just knew that before I got back, Dee was going to have a swimming pool in the back of her car.
Fortunately, the ice stayed frozen and many hands helped me carry the bags to the coolers and we managed to serve ice cold beverages to some very hot people!
Thank goodness the joke was only on me!
Abundant Blessings and ice cold drinks!
Tess
We arrive at Chastain Horse Park at roughly 9 am with about 20 bags of ice packed in coolers. At 9 am, it's about 95 degrees.
Those of you that know me well are aware that while I am not overly large, I am not tee-niny either. Publishing a magazine is not a physical job and well, I'll just say it. I'm somewhat lazy.
So, at 9 am I am helping Dee, Miss Deenie and Karen carry stuff for the event. It's not far really. A couple hundred feet, maybe not that much. Back and forth up the sidewalk. Within 5 minutes I am sweating like an unrepentant sinner on judgment day.
It's all good thou. We are happy and life is good. We get the drinks sorted into tubs and we are going to add the ice and water about 45 minutes before our guests arrive.
I asked God for a breeze and he supplied one! All was well.
We iced down the water and sodas and it quickly became apparent that in what was then 103 degree heat, we didn't have enough ice.
Karen was taking photos and we came in her truck, so Dee handed me the keys to her Range Rover and off I went to get ice.
Now then, Chastain Park for those of you that don't know is pretty much in the "hoity-toity" section of Atlanta. I wen to Publix to get ice and when I parked Dee's Range Rover there were two other Range Rover's in the lot but one was grey and the other was white. Dee's is black.
Into Publix I went. I gathered a dozen bags of ice into the buggy. I paid for them. I had the most pleasant cashier. It was going splendidly!
I walked out into the stifling heat and immediately considered climbing into the buggy with the ice.
I look around for where I had parked the car and noticed that ... while I was in the store ... about six Range Rover's IDENTICAL to Dee's where parked all around. I couldn't tell which was hers!!
This was a funny joke!!
Here I am on a black asphalt parking lot in 103 degree heat with a buggy full of ICE!
No problem, I'll use the key thingy to beep Dee's horn right? NO! Apparently, even though Range Rover's are in vogue in Buckhead, the keys aren't fancy enough to make the horns beep.
My ice is melting ....
Now I am suspicious looking because I am running around the parking lot with a buggy full of ice peeping in the windows of all the black Range Rovers.
I get several strange looks.
I want you to know it was the "horse person" in Dee that saved me! Her's was the only Range Rover with a saddle in the back.
I loaded up my dozen bags of melting ice ... and tried to shove Dee's gorgeous saddle as far away from the ice as possible.
Can't have water spots on the leather!
I just knew that before I got back, Dee was going to have a swimming pool in the back of her car.
Fortunately, the ice stayed frozen and many hands helped me carry the bags to the coolers and we managed to serve ice cold beverages to some very hot people!
Thank goodness the joke was only on me!
Abundant Blessings and ice cold drinks!
Tess
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Healing Horses ....
What an awesome few days I've just experienced. I'll try to put it into words.
On Wednesday, Karen Jones (our new editor) packed an overnight bag and made our way west to Cartersville, GA. We pulled up at the gorgeous Serendipity Ranch owned by one of those "angel on earth" people Deenie McKeever.
Deenie is about the size of my 12 year old son. Just a tee-niny cowgirl. She ushered us into her home where we met Elliot, her handsome Golden Retriever. Her home over looks a giant treehouse nestled among the woods. From there you can see the mountains from which Karen and I drove from.
Along the wall that leads to the back of the house is a great collage of photos and newspaper articles, basically a visual walk thru this incredible woman's life.
Deenie's dad Dan McKeever was a pioneer in the world of prosthetics. From what I gather, Deenie got her sweet positive spirit from this man. Deenie tells us her world got turned upside down one morning while listening to Good Morning America. The guest was talking about Horses for Heroes, a program that pairs disabled veterans with horses for both physical and mental therapy.
A light bulb turned on and Deenie went to work. McKeever's First Ride was born! On Thursday June 18th, a bus load of folks in town for the The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) and the Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) conference came to Chastain Horse Park for this amazing event.
McKeever's first ride became a part of other clinics like First Swing (Tennis), First Swim etc. All of these programs are an effort to promote fitness among those with limb loss.
My dear friend Ed Dabney was on hand to show people and their families how to communicate with the horse, how they learn and how you ask for a response from them. (Which led me to think WOW, wouldn't it be great if everyone was introduced to horses this way!)
It was nothing short of pure magic to see these brave, wonderful souls interacting with the horses. As their minds engaged in learning about the horse and their hands glided down their powerful necks all thoughts of disability faded and the horses did what they do best ... captivate!
Those of us with horses know that in the still quiet of the morning, or in the dusk of a summer evening when you are greeted by the low soft nickers that horses can soak up your worry, your frustration and sometimes even your fear. For some of the attendees at McKeever's first ride ... a connection happened.
I know some of those people will seek out horses for not only physical therapy but for the pure joy and euphoric feelings they give.
Feeling Grateful,
Tess
On Wednesday, Karen Jones (our new editor) packed an overnight bag and made our way west to Cartersville, GA. We pulled up at the gorgeous Serendipity Ranch owned by one of those "angel on earth" people Deenie McKeever.
Deenie is about the size of my 12 year old son. Just a tee-niny cowgirl. She ushered us into her home where we met Elliot, her handsome Golden Retriever. Her home over looks a giant treehouse nestled among the woods. From there you can see the mountains from which Karen and I drove from.
Along the wall that leads to the back of the house is a great collage of photos and newspaper articles, basically a visual walk thru this incredible woman's life.
Deenie's dad Dan McKeever was a pioneer in the world of prosthetics. From what I gather, Deenie got her sweet positive spirit from this man. Deenie tells us her world got turned upside down one morning while listening to Good Morning America. The guest was talking about Horses for Heroes, a program that pairs disabled veterans with horses for both physical and mental therapy.
A light bulb turned on and Deenie went to work. McKeever's First Ride was born! On Thursday June 18th, a bus load of folks in town for the The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) and the Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) conference came to Chastain Horse Park for this amazing event.
McKeever's first ride became a part of other clinics like First Swing (Tennis), First Swim etc. All of these programs are an effort to promote fitness among those with limb loss.
My dear friend Ed Dabney was on hand to show people and their families how to communicate with the horse, how they learn and how you ask for a response from them. (Which led me to think WOW, wouldn't it be great if everyone was introduced to horses this way!)
It was nothing short of pure magic to see these brave, wonderful souls interacting with the horses. As their minds engaged in learning about the horse and their hands glided down their powerful necks all thoughts of disability faded and the horses did what they do best ... captivate!
Those of us with horses know that in the still quiet of the morning, or in the dusk of a summer evening when you are greeted by the low soft nickers that horses can soak up your worry, your frustration and sometimes even your fear. For some of the attendees at McKeever's first ride ... a connection happened.
I know some of those people will seek out horses for not only physical therapy but for the pure joy and euphoric feelings they give.
Feeling Grateful,
Tess
Monday, June 15, 2009
New Helmet Laws in Florida
http://www.flgov.com/release/10814
GOVERNOR CRIST SIGNS BILL INCREASING EQUESTRIAN SAFETY FOR YOUTH
June 8, 2009
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
Governor Crist Signs Bill Increasing Equestrian Safety for Youth
~ “Nicole’s Law” promotes safety of children under 16 who participate in equestrian activities ~
LOXAHATCHEE – Governor Charlie Crist today signed House Bill 169, “Nicole’s Law.” The legislation creates safety standards to minimize the number of serious or fatal head injuries to Florida youth sustained during equestrian activities and recreation.
“Today I am proud to sign legislation that will help ensure the safety of Florida ’s children and prevent serious injuries that otherwise could have been prevented,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud our Legislature for taking action to protect Florida ’s future leaders.”
“Nicole’s Law” is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died after being thrown from a horse in June 2006. This legislation creates safety measures for children who participate in equestrian activities and recreation. It requires a child under age 16 to wear a helmet that meets the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear.
Sponsored by Representative Joseph Abruzzo and Senator Dave Aronberg, “Nicole’s Law” applies to children age 16 and younger who are:
Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way.
Riding on a public equestrian trail, public recreation trail, public park, public preserve or public school site.
Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.
“Nicole’s Law” does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:
Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the show or event.
Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed.
Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.
Governor Crist signed the legislation at Hamlin Park , a seven-acre equestrian park, in Loxahatchee. Nicole’s father and mother Gary and Monique Hornstein, as well as two sisters, attended the bill signing ceremony.
Later today, Governor Crist will join Representative Juan Zapata during a visit to Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami where he will tour the facility and meet with veterans. Following the visit, Governor Crist, continuing his focus on strengthening Florida ’s economy, will go to Hialeah where he will tour the Hialeah Downtown Career Center and meet with Florida job seekers. For more information on Florida nearly 90 One Stop Career Centers that provide employment and training services and resources to businesses, workers and job seekers, go to www.EmployFlorida.com
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Copyright 2008 State of Florida | Privacy Statement
GOVERNOR CRIST SIGNS BILL INCREASING EQUESTRIAN SAFETY FOR YOUTH
June 8, 2009
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
Governor Crist Signs Bill Increasing Equestrian Safety for Youth
~ “Nicole’s Law” promotes safety of children under 16 who participate in equestrian activities ~
LOXAHATCHEE – Governor Charlie Crist today signed House Bill 169, “Nicole’s Law.” The legislation creates safety standards to minimize the number of serious or fatal head injuries to Florida youth sustained during equestrian activities and recreation.
“Today I am proud to sign legislation that will help ensure the safety of Florida ’s children and prevent serious injuries that otherwise could have been prevented,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud our Legislature for taking action to protect Florida ’s future leaders.”
“Nicole’s Law” is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died after being thrown from a horse in June 2006. This legislation creates safety measures for children who participate in equestrian activities and recreation. It requires a child under age 16 to wear a helmet that meets the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear.
Sponsored by Representative Joseph Abruzzo and Senator Dave Aronberg, “Nicole’s Law” applies to children age 16 and younger who are:
Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way.
Riding on a public equestrian trail, public recreation trail, public park, public preserve or public school site.
Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.
“Nicole’s Law” does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:
Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the show or event.
Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed.
Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.
Governor Crist signed the legislation at Hamlin Park , a seven-acre equestrian park, in Loxahatchee. Nicole’s father and mother Gary and Monique Hornstein, as well as two sisters, attended the bill signing ceremony.
Later today, Governor Crist will join Representative Juan Zapata during a visit to Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami where he will tour the facility and meet with veterans. Following the visit, Governor Crist, continuing his focus on strengthening Florida ’s economy, will go to Hialeah where he will tour the Hialeah Downtown Career Center and meet with Florida job seekers. For more information on Florida nearly 90 One Stop Career Centers that provide employment and training services and resources to businesses, workers and job seekers, go to www.EmployFlorida.com
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Copyright 2008 State of Florida | Privacy Statement
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About Me
- Tess Logic
- I'm Tess the owner and founder of HorseSouth Magazine. The south's BEST horse publication. I am 38 years old. I am happily married to a wonderful guy. We have 3 beautiful children, 4 horses, 2 dogs and a very busy life. http://www.horsesouth.com