Our crab apple is flowering!

When we moved in the crab apple in the front of the house did not look good at all.  We had it pruned in August and we are happy to see that it has some beautiful flowers.... 

Everyone on a horse!

Today was a beautiful day and Brooke, Bernie and I decided to take the opportunity to ride Luna and Messy.   Bernie got to ride for the first time, and we are happy to report that he stayed on!  He did not ride Luna because she was not the quite horse that I rode last week: our neighbor's 'geldings' were out and she really wanted to be there with them and play.. 
Few pictures of the riders.... 

Howard Lodge celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy

Today in Italy we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unity of Italy.  Even if we are far away, we decided to celebrate.  My mom last night at 10 was sawing this ribbon to put on the door and tonight we had a risotto 'Verde, Bianco, Rosso'.  Auguri Italy!!!

Howard Lodge with the Italian colors!

Our italian door

Mom with her 'tricolor risotto'

Verde, Bianco e Rosso risotto

Happy Birthday Messy!

Today we celebrated Messy's Birthday... She is now a lady and therefore we cannot say how old she is!

Mom got her a carrot cake and everyone had a piece:

Messy: 'That cake looks good! When can I have a piece?'

'Can I eat it now?'

It looks good!

I am not sure I like it!

Let me try another piece!

Can I try it too???

Messy and Luna suggested that next year we get the cake from another bakery, but still ate it...  Shadow instead liked it very much!

Mild colic for Luna but all is well!

Friday morning when I went down to the barn to feed the horses, I noticed that something was wrong with Luna: first she was really quiet, second she did NOT attack her food, and last she kept stretching.  Those where all signs that she was not feeling well, and probably having colics.  For those who don't know, colic can be really a serious condition for a horse, and you could actually have to put it down.  With the help of the vet and Luna - she was really good and co-operating - we got the problem solved and by lunch time she was well enough to go back to eat hay with her friends!  Big scare for me, but I am glad everything went well at the end!

First Big Snow of 2011

Last night, we had our first big snow

at Howard Lodge. You can see more photos here.

Ghosts in the Kitchen!

As readers of this blog know, our house is said to be haunted. So, imagine our surprise when Nicoletta noticed this in the peaches in the backsplash pattern in the kitchen...

This is the backsplash

And here is the thing that got our attention!

Needless to say, it is in all the peaches.