Mixing Business with Pleasure...2014

 Good Evening,
Hard to believe that another school year has come and gone.  My fifth grade students have worked hard these last ten months.  In mid-June we celebrated the end of a successful year with a day at Moose River Farm.  Once again, I shared the animals with 11-12 year olds who have listened to the antics and escapades of the critters who share my life.  The students have heard about the night that searching for Bing and Frankie in the dark brought an end to my donkeys' freedom.  Although this was a sad moment for the donks, it has led them to a purpose far more important than living a carefree existence unrestrained by fences.  

    My students know about the night that Rosemary, the iguana, nearly froze to death. After the long cruel winter of ‘14 appeared to be over in April, she exited through the dog door and remained outside for hours in a snowstorm. These adventures will find their way into my next book.

The students have also listened intently as I read excerpts from my first book, Finding My Way to Moose River Farm, at various occasions throughout the year.  

    Of course nothing brings the animals to life more effectively than getting to know them personally.  Having a head and shoulder massage from Easau’s muscular upper lip creates a special bond between horse and child.  So too, does climbing up on Ben, Spirit, Joshua and Tango, the four majestic mounts who provided pony rides that day.  

    A hike with 5 dogs, Fiona the pig and Rosemary, the iguana provided the students with a special mix of species with whom to enjoy the beauty of this glorious region in which we live.  Sunshine warmed our path along the open field and around the run-off pond at the bottom of the sandpit hill.  My long-haired dachshund, Hayden and a visiting collie, Tondi waded up to their bellies.  Three boys succeeded in capturing slippery frogs without the aid of a net. Thankfully, Hayden was not aware of this.  He is an avid frog hunter.  

   In preparation for the trip, my class and I spent lots of conversations discussing how to remain safe around large and unfamiliar animals.  Throughout the day at the farm the students made exceptional efforts to monitor their noise and energy levels.  As a result the animals remained calm; engaging with their guests the whole day.  This is proof to me that expectations can be achieved when taught.

    One young lady remarked, “Mrs. Phinney, it is so quiet here.”

    “Yes, Haili, I agree.”

Photos by Michele deCamp

Our Principal, Mr. Swick rode Ben at MRF.  photo by Megan Ulrich

"My favorite part of the day was riding Spirit without anybody helping me."  Brooke

"My favorite part was....well, all of it; all the animals show such feeling and cuteness!"  Haili

"My favorite part was catching frogs with the dogs and my friends and of course, Fiona."  Ethan

"I liked catching frogs at Moose River Farm."  Jonathan

"The best part of my day was when we caught frogs in the pond."  Porter

"This is Tango in the stable."  Alana

"My favorite part was being in the saddle on Josh."  Maddie

"My favorite part was walking through the field with Huxley the dachshund."  Dawson

"My favorite part of the fieldtrip was when we played kickball with the dog, Tondi.  It was funny watching her try to get the ball in her mouth."  Reagan

"My favorite part was riding the horses."  Stefanie

"My favorite part was petting and riding the horses."  Alison

"My favorite part of the day at MRF was when we walked with the dogs."  Annaliese

"My favorite part of the trip was the hike with the dogs and Fiona."  Jens

"My favorite part of the trip was spending time with Sandi and the donkeys."  Lexi

"My favorite part was seeing Spirit, (Supreme's Golden Spirit)."  Renee

"My favorite thing at Mrs. Phinney's farm was all the animals."  Anthony

"My favorite thing was riding Spirit."  Laura

"My favorite time was when we played kickball and Tondi tried to get the ball from us."  Tyler

"My favorite part was riding Ben in the yard."  Brady

"Bing and Frankie taking the lead for Sandi was my favorite thing."  Jennifer

"My favorite part of the trip was when we went and saw Sandi the blind horse."  Cameron

Spreading the Word...on TV

Good Morning,
     Putting my book's promotion into the hands of a publicist has resulted in some exciting experiences these past few weeks.  Not only has it provided some much needed publicity but it has also given me a glimpse into the broadcasting industry.  
     From my living room perspective, the news appears to be delivered seamlessly by a singleton who looks right into the camera speaking directly to me.  In reality the studio is a busy place.  It is a choreography of sound and camera technicians dancing out of each other's way to produce an image that appeals to viewers.  It is fascinating to witness. 
     From a quiet darkened corner of the studio Rosemary, (my iguana), Michele, (my photographer and dear friend), and I watched the news reporting process while waiting to tape a segment of Albany's Channel 13 Sunday morning program, Forum 13.  The show was taped with host Phil Bayly, the NBC news affiliate's anchor.   
     We arrived in Albany the night before, having stayed in a hotel with our precious cargo, Rosemary.  She is an easy traveler and the perfect ambassadress to represent the animals at Moose River Farm.  Thank you Susan Schwartzman, (Susanschwartzmanpublicity.com), for these substantial opportunities. 

Forum 13 with Phil Bayly  

     The following photo essay invites you to tag along on our big day.
Photos by Michele deCamp

 After checking into the hotel, Rosemary is bedded down in a dresser drawer. "Night night Rosie, sweet dreams."

 The next morning she starts the day with a breakfast of kale and bean sprouts.

 We wait in the 'green' room, (actually the lobby) of the Channel 13 studio.

 Rosemary takes it all in stride.

 During the briefing, host Phil Bayly puts his guests at ease.

Time to set the stage for our interview after "mic-ing up." 

Rosie sits on Phil's lap while taping the show. 

A final photo with our host. 

 One more shot of our exciting day.

Rosemary plants a kiss on her favorite talk show host.

Happy Memorial Day

     Happy Memorial Day,
    As I write, the Adirondacks are blooming with the possibility that a lush bountiful summer is on the horizon.  Harsh memories from the winter have been chased almost into oblivion as moths and toads, beckoned by the warming trend, flutter and chirp through the business of living.  Bird song joins the chorus, serenading our entire farm in glorious symphony.  It is a soothing celebration. 

    Scattered about the yard and paddocks are blossoming memorials planted in memory of old horses.  Each spring tender shoots and fragile buds encourage a visit from our fondest memories.  It is an event I look forward to every year.  
    Sadly, this Memorial Day weekend has also provided an opportunity for my siblings and me to gather around my mother in her hour of need.  After fifteen years together, her husband David passed away 2 months shy of his 89th birthday.  David and my mother found each other after both were widowed at a young age.  Their union was full of adventure that included travels around the world.  I am grateful to David for bringing my mother to the Adirondacks every summer to visit me.  
    Over the years Rod and I have had the pleasure of traveling with Mom, David and all of our family members.  To the entire Lane family I extend my heartfelt condolences.  Perhaps in the future we can cultivate a plan to meet and share our memories of this lovely man.  Until that time you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
  

  An apple tree was planted for Windy, 2010.

 This marker identifies the four corners where Windy, Spy, Murray and Welby are buried.

Crocuses were planted in Welby's honor.

Daffodils, (Murray-dils), bloom in Murray's memory. 

My siblings and I gather to comfort my mother after the loss of her husband...


...David Lane.

Happy Mother's Day, Xena

     Good Morning,
     Of course I am thinking of my own mother and wishing her a day blessed with many phone calls from my siblings and their children.  However, in my blog post I am paying tribute to the mother of my two West Highland Terriers, Niles and Nina, (Puppy Play).  Their mother, Xena is approaching her seventeenth birthday!  Although this wonderful girl is frail with lost faculties from old age, she has yet to indicate that it is time to travel to the Rainbow Bridge.  Her mother, my dear friend, Missy, (Walking with the Animals), is listening and watching closely, preparing for the inevitable.  Until that time Xena exists in a state of contentment, eating with gusto and tending to business outside.  Its about all we can ask for at the end of a long and spiritually prosperous life.  
     Without Xena, I would not have two precious Westies who have filled our lives with terrier joy for a sum of 24 years.  Their "big dog personalities in little dog frames" supported by sturdy exteriors have been a pleasure with which to co-exist.  Our daily walks keep them mentally and physically fit making frequent trips to the vet unnecessary.  Watching their elderly mother decline, reminds me that Nina and Niles will also be geriatrics some day.  The realization chokes me; forcing me to accept that which I can not control.  But it also forces me to keep them close, to spend as much time with them as I possibly can and to provide them with love and dignity until the very end. 
     Happy Mother's Day, Xena and all Mom's everywhere.

Xena hovers close by while Niles and I get acquainted.

Niles, 7 weeks.

Two years later, Nina arrived, 7 weeks.

My beautiful canine and swine family.

Nina, Niles, Lynnie, (Nina's litter-mate), Xena and Huxley

Another family reunion; Xena, Niles, Huxley, Nina, Lynnie.

Huxley, Niles, Nina, Lynnie, Xena and Hayden.