Our Little Miles

Miles

Little Miles, saved only because she was the runt of the litter. As her brothers and sisters ventured out to play...something lurked from the ground, or maybe from the sky above...taking innocence with them.  One little white and black kitty remained; too afraid to come out from the shed - hiding in the deepest, darkest space in the corner. 

When I took her in my arms, as tiny as she was - she buried her head in the crook of my arm.  When the kids held her, she found safety as they cupped her head in their hand.  Then she relaxed.

A new found safety and freedom....the house; with a new mom (me).  The mom had disappeared weeks earlier.  We tried to feed the kittens, and then I received a phone call from our neighbor.  At their place was a mom with no kittens. As I drove up, hoping against hope that somehow the mommy had made it across the way; but hope was lost.  It was a stray mom, with no babies.  Who knows what mother nature had gotten away with, but this mommy would soon have some hungry baby kitties to take care of.  She actually laid down, and here came the babies, happy for a mommy.  Whatever happened to her, may have been the same fate as the original mommy, and the babies.  But in the end, there was only the little white and black kitty.

That was in about 2000-2001. Josh would have been in his soph/jun year in high school.  He named her Miles.

So it's been a loving 13-14 years with the softest little kitty in the world.  If you been to our home, you've probably met Miles first hand, as she jumped up on your lap; and if you didn't give her a push off your lap, but a friendly rub on the head or back...you were doomed with left over Miles hair on your clothes.  She loved attention and had the most unique prrrrrrr.  We found out in September of 2013, that she had some abnormal valve stuff going on in her, she was probably born with it.  That is also when we began doctoring her for different ailments.  Calvin came up with a miracle drug...one minute she was hanging on to life, and in 2 days, she was running and chasing with Snickers; taking on the dogs; and loving life.  We had 3 different med bouts since September of last year, but this last one did not work it's magical tricks.  Her body was tired, her lungs giving way to more problems than she wanted. 

It was exactly 5 days ago when we started the 3rd round of special mix meds.  In 2 days she was standing straight up, biscuitting the chopping block.  My hopes were high.  And then last night she took a turn for the worse; her breathing was labored, her walk was staggered.  As she tried to sleep on the cat bed in the living room, 'mom' pulled up the dog bed, threw a blanket over it, and lay beside Miles, trying to bring her some comfort.  I was going to take a trip to visit Calvin today, but I hated to move her and take her into the cold; she was finally laying peacefully most of the day. 

Cadence came down after school, and she laid on the floor as she watched me give Miles some water through the little syringe.  Her eyes welled up with tears, and she lay there, softly crying.  We sat in Grandpa's rocker and talked about all the fun we've had with Miles.  She remembered Grandpa Don Odell sitting with Miles in his lap at the table and petting her over and over.  We talked about how Idda would pick on Miles, but now soon - Idda would be there to greet Miles and they would now be friends.  We cried together, my sweet little granddaughter and me.  I told her she could say good-bye to Miles if she wanted to, because even though it was hard on us, Miles was going to be so much happier in heaven, and she would probably be able to go there soon.  Cadence said if I took her into the vets, she wanted to go with me. 

We got down on the floor again, she told Miles good-bye.  I asked her if she wanted to say a prayer for Miles.  Yes.  She folded her hands together, bowed her head, and listened to Grandma's prayer.  We asked God to let Miles peacefully stop breathing, so she could go to heaven - and not be sick any longer. We told God we would miss Miles, but we knew He would take care of her better than any of us could.  As we were finished praying, I am not kidding you one bit....we watched Miles intently, and I truly think it was only a minute or so.... I said, "Cadence, I think God already answered our prayer."  She agreed.  He did. 

And so with that, I say good-bye to my beautiful little Miles.  Until we see you again, enjoy running with those that have gone before.  I'll miss you being in the midst of our lives.  You may be only a cat to some, but for years you've been our sweet little Miles.  In our hearts, you will always be.

Miles
Gone to heaven on Friday, February 7, 2014

3 years ago...

It's been 3 years since situations came about that would change my life forever. It was called the 3 Strikes Mustang Ranch. Three years sometimes seams like yesterday. What this situation did; was open my eyes to what is going on in the real world.



As much as I love animals, I had no idea of what was happening to so many, throughout our entire country. How nice it was to have my own little world going on here at the ranch, with our content and happy dogs, cats, horses, and cows. It was easy to not know about the fate of the unfortunate ones.



I had no idea of the war going on for the horses; and it continues. I hate to admit this, but I had no idea of the slaughter issues (who slaughters a horse?) - or puppy mills, abuse to farm animals, etc etc. Why would I look that up on Google?



Now I know. It's heart-breaking to see. So many stories of rescues gone bad, for whatever reason - that doesn't help the good ones. So many stories, pictures, and videos of animal abuse - horse slaughter in a sick and demented way - calves having their skin peeled from their body while they are still alive - horses being stabbed in the neck over and over with cheers in the background - animals being dumped to fend for themselves, without food or water - BLM rounding up horses (for what reason, really?) while helicopters run them to their death?



I used to think I couldn't do anything to help. That can NEVER be ANYONE'S cop-out reasoning again. There's so much you can do; from writing letters, donating (research for the good and ligit ones), making phone calls to officials, and just pure and simply doing the right thing and standing up, in some way, for the animals that cannot speak for themselves to those who refuse to listen.



A challenge; look in their eyes and tell me they can't speak. They just can't cry out in words we understand; but they cry out. So do something for them, no matter how small a task. One letter can make a difference.



If you're not sure where to start, here's a suggestion: http://www.rtfitchauthor.com/ or http://www.animalsangels.org/ or check out your local animal shelter; I'm sure they could always use help in some way.



And God Bless the people that care for the animals.

Would WILLIE have heard, "Voodoo!" ?

That was the best 634.6 mile trip I got to take, just for myself!...

Once upon a time, about 6 weeks ago....I heard it on the radio - - - - Willie Nelson would be entertaining at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. I couldn't get the salt and mineral put out fast enough; had to get home to the Internet. I think this was the first time I've done something like this so spontaneous, without consulting (asking permission) to anyone: I was going to buy Willie Nelson tickets!! Good reason, concert would be Sept. 4, my birthday is the 6th - ha ha, just for me! I'll buy myself a birthday present (and drag Don with me)!!

It was a secret, I wouldn't tell Don yet. (although everybody else knew, because I put it on Face Book!)

I contained myself quite well... but in preparation, I played my Willie Nelson CDs everywhere we went. Don said once, "What is it with you and Willie Nelson?" So when we traveled, the first thing that came on when the dial was pushed, "On the Road Again..." I giggled with glee!

About a week before the concert, I figured I should tell him where he was going. The good thing about that was, I could now be my usual self and really get silly, jumpy, excited - my natural way of dealing with things when I'm a happy camper. I drove everyone else crazy with all my plans, but too bad, no blue eyes cryin' in the rain for me.

Mom and Dad knew about it all right away. They couldn't believe I would get Don away from the ranch to go to a concert. (Maybe a tractor, a bale processor, a bale bed, a horse, sell cows....but not a concert!) September 2nd was my dad's birthday. At 4:30 that morning, he fell and broke his hip. I knew right away, and with no regrets I might add, that I would have to call Willie and tell him I couldn't make it (a little drama there). ...and that was OK. Later that day, as Dad was laying in the hospital bed in Scottsbluff, he reminded me I was going to see Willie Nelson. "Yea, OK" was always my reply. "I mean it," was always the comment. I would tell him to lay there and be quiet, he was going to make his hip hurt worse. His surgery was finally done in the early afternoon of Sept. 3rd; and that was way too close a time to be taking off and leaving my dad. Mom was assuring me how bad Dad would feel if I stayed home. (Can you tell I'm still making my mind believe it was all ok?)

After much deliberation; encouraging nudges from family members, and Dad saying, "if you don't go I'm gonna kick your butt" - I decided it might work to go. The concert was Sunday evening; Friday night when I got home from the hospital - I was wound up after Dad was unable to get the surgery done until Saturday morning; so I drake a pot and a half of coffee, sat my alarm for 5; and wondered why at 4 am I was still trying to get to sleep. Back to the Bluffs Saturday morning for surgery, (which didn't happen until afternoon) and I was on the way home after Dad was recovering well (exception of pain) Saturday evening when Don called and said, "Good, I'm glad your dad is doing better. So, what do you want to do tonight?" I had planned on telling him to his face, but said, "I thought we'd go to Grand Island." Silence. Anyway, instead of leaving that night, or at 3 am we actually decided sleep might be better. Which was easy for me to do - I was sleeping before my head hit the pillow.

Now.....the exciting part: woke up in the morning, loaded up, hopped in the pick-up, turned the key on, punched the dial......"ON THE ROAD AGAIN...." and we were off!!!

Don had told me the week before, that it would be my day, he would just follow me around and I would decide what all we were going to do. My first thought: he should not have said that. I had intended to write on a paper a note to Willie (I know, I'm weird) - and say hi, and tell him Jerry said hi, and thank him for taking the horses that he does (especially the 3 Strikes horses!) - I was going to have Don put it on the bus windshield! Yes, I realize I was living in a fantasy thought.

To the main point of my story.... NE State Fair was OK, ...when we walked in to the concert area.....well, let's just say: I'm 52 - never been to a concert before - and Willie's music was playing through the building. Anticipation! We definitely need to get out more: we went and got a beer; then noticed a table that everybody was getting wrist bands; (it was to show you could buy beer - had to have one) so when I walked up to the table, the lady says, "Put your glass down, you can't hold that until you have this band on." OK. HA! Got our seats, guy comes out to announce Willie....Don looks at me and grins - Oh, I'm happy! It would have been nice to actually be close enough to see that it was really Willie, and not an impersonator; lip sinking ;) but it was still great. Live and learn. Guess I was just lucky to get tickets at all. In the brochures, it stated "No Cameras" - I had brought my new little one, just in case. I am glancing around seeing all these blue screens thru the seats.... cameras! I whip mine out, and now I'm really happy. Even got some video of the greatest guitar pickin' I've had the privilege to hear. Geez Willie can make that guitar sing. Don was equally impressed, (just not as goofy about it).

I had a fantastic time. Oh yes, Voodoo. Had I consumed a couple of more beers, I was extremely tempted-during a split second quiet moment, to holler out loud, "Voodoo!" Do you think Willie would have heard? The temptation was unbelievable. (Voodoo is a horse, rescued from 3 Strikes Ranch to Habitat For Horses in Texas, thanks to Jerry Finch - Voodoo is now at Mr. Willie Nelson's ranch)

Today's Labor Day, and we labored; worked cattle, moved cattle, checked water, salt & mineral, etc etc. What a wonderful time I had listening to Willie Nelson and the rest. They were fantastic!!!!! Someday, maybe I'll get to Texas!

Flyin' With Hawks

OK - so..... they are in the air..... I am on the tractor.

To watch these flying hunters is amazing. Besides the fact that I always feel the urge to 'save' whatever it is they are diving after; I know this is just nature's way of survival.

When we hay the pivot, that is the best time to watch their maneuvers; it is basically flat ground and I don't have to worry so much about hitting a bull hole! I can spend my time watching the sky as they circle above the tractor, zeroing in on the next meal that I turn over with my rake. I have witnessed as many as 5 hawks at the same time, circling and watching for prey. This morning there were two. One just sat on the wind-row I just turned; and watched as I drove by. Then as I came up beside him, he lifted. The wind was mildly blowing as he drove his wings to meet the air. He pushed himself up, and then glided in cicles; watching below. As I made my turn onto the next set of rows; one dive-bomber was headed for the ground. I thought I would watch him crash, but at the last moment - up he swooped, his capture in the grip of his claws.

(I guess you can't see the hawk, but he is in the upper left of the picture)

They follow along with the tractor, circling and diving, feasting on what was hidden in the hay. Last year, we had a coyote doing the same thing. He just followed behind the tractor and snacked throughout the day. LIfe is amazing. In a small, small little way; we get to witness our own little 'National Geographic' shows.

Speaking of this, guess I better get back to the hay field!.....

A BABY DEER

Every year, one might drive by our place, and question if we raise cattle......or deer?
This year was no exception.
We actually have an increasing number each year, too many for our tree strips, to be sure.

Picture taken November 8, 2010

The threat of disease is something to not be taken lightly, for the good of the cattle, and the deer. But, I still like driving the meadows, tree strips, wherever they are; and enjoy watching them, watch me.

Picture taken September 12, 2010

It is completely common to look out the windows in the morning,

and watch the deer grazing, eating grass and trees....

Wait! Not the evergreen trees again....

Picture taken November 22, 2010

I have been known to walk out the door, yelling at the deer to go find other trees to eat on. I finally had to resort to walking out towards the trees, chewing the deer out for chewing on my trees. I eventually gave up, after they would trot 20 steps away, only to turn around and go back to the trees as I was walking to the house. I'm pretty sure it just became a game for them. I probably wasn't very convincing.

One particular Mom had twins, and they were constantly around the houses.
I'm sure they enjoyed the peaceful grazing moments, with no fear of hunters or wild animals attacking them! It became a daily ritual to watch the little family. The other deer were contantly around also, walking and grazing in between our houses, and the yards; but there was just something about this little family that captured my heart. They were more curious, more trustworthy. We could go outside and talk to them, they stood and listened. Really.

Picture taken September 12, 2010

The mom was actually 'tamer' than the babies, they would trot off a safe distance, and then wait for their mom to catch up, or turn around and go join her again. One of the twins appeared to be more cautious, more nervous than it's sibling. As the other deer would take off to the other side of the house if we showed ourselves outside, this little family remained, watched us, and dropped their heads to continue grazing. So as a reward, I began putting out food I thought they would like.

This picture is my favorite little deer that captured my heart. As his mom and 'brother' would venture off to other places, he stayed. He would watch, keeping still for a few minutes, then if I didn't advance, he would just continue eating. I would throw carrots and apples toward him. At first he didn't know what the heck I was trying to bomb him with, but then he came to expect a treat and nose around until he found it. I remember when I took this picture, I thought to myself, "I shouldn't, but I'll bet I could make this little deer a pet." You can notice a buck standing atop the hill in the background; trying to figure out what this human was doing.
The other deer figured out that there were treats around, so they would come for goodies also.

Picture taken November 18, 2010

I had my concerns early on as to why my little friend did want to just stay around. The majority of the time, when all the deer would slip off out of sight, he would stay. He didn't excite too easily, and he was just content to hang around. A few times he would go with the rest of the deer to the tree strips. In the picture above, he just stayed, watching the other deer walk off; even his mom and sibling would leave to the tree strip.

Picture taken November 14, 2010

It just became my daily ritual to go out talk to him, and throw food at him. I could now get within 7 feet to toss him food. His ears would show that he was in controll of being able to run away, but he never did. Cadence went outside with me to talk to the deer. We would tell him how cute and handsome he was, and that he would always be safe - if he stayed in our yard!

This was the little deer family in our backyard. I would open the sliding glass door and throw food out to them in the back. With all the deer in our yards, and around the place...it is too bad that their droppings isn't worth a lot of money - I could be rich!

Pictures above and below were taken November 22, 2010

They became so familiar with us, we could stay outside with them, talk to them, tell them how pretty they are, take pictures, as I would try to figure out how I could always keep them safe; even during deer season.

Picture taken December 3, 2010

At Christmas time, my little deer friend added to the decor in our yard. People drove into the yard; the other deer took off to the back, he just stayed. He was the little yard ornament. One should know better that to give their heart to a wild animal. I know better. But it never changes anything.

"Say Cheese!"

The little deer even got used to Duke. Duke would walk up to him, the deer would trot a few steps away - stop, turn around and look at Duke. Duke would walk up to him; on and on it would go. For weeks, my heart began to get heavier and heavier. I watched him, took pictures, talked to him and fed him.....let myself and my emotions go - as I often do.

Our little rescue kitties got so they would run up and see what I fed him. This day it was corn. There was a little cream corn mixed in, so they thought they were entitled to the cream part.

I watched, knowing the reality of the situation....I was afraid he was not feeling well. My biggest fear was that he got something from the calves, or a disease that deer get. I was determined that TLC, good food, good friends, and whatever else I could think of, yes-prayers too; would help him. I guess I kept all these thoughts to myself, but then we all started talking about it. It was the week-end, so we decided we'd call our vets on Monday and ask if there was something we could do for him. I told Don we would be able to get close enough to grab him, but even being sick, he would probably be strong enough to put up a fight.

Now it was a matter of time. He was alone, except for us. His mom and sibling were not coming around him anymore....that says a lot. An animal's instinct picks out their favorite, or if one is sick, many times the poor little thing will get abandoned. Even cattle that have twins will sometimes 'pick one' and leave the other. It just meant more care we had to give. We carried water to him wherever he was standing. He was finding it more and more difficult to get around. He seemed confused.

I knew what was happening, but I didn't want to think about it. His apple chunks were smaller so he could chew them better. His water was brought to his side. I thought about deer that run for their lives to survive. This little guy could have a safe life forever, but it wasn't going to happen. He was so sweet, so trusting. What else could he be?

He's eating apples. I knew way back when, that with time and patience, I could probably make this little guy trust me. I just didn't want it to be because he was too weak to do otherwise.

I couldn't resist. He had to know that he was loved. So I reached out and pet his nose. He lifted his head to meet the kindness given to him. My heart fell to my stomach. I continued to show him compassion, asking God to not let him suffer. Don went and got some alfalfa. It was going to be cold that night, and we wanted him to bed down in the hay. At least he would be pretty much sheltered from the wind here.

Picture taken January 9, 2011

The above photo is the last I took of my little deer friend. He was sick. In confusion, he would turn in a circle to the right. He would stop to eat a little, but turn again. I prayed he would stay on the hay during the night. I had called the Game Commision that day. It was January 9, 2011. I knew he was suffering. My photos may not show the pain, but it was there. He was limping, and it was getting worse. He walked away from the hay once, making a bigger circle. I would watch him from the kitchen window. I walked outside, and led him back over to the hay.

Tears, there were many. There always are in cases like this. I admire so much people that care and rescue animals. How you do it all the time, I'll never understand. It is good to know you helped an animal, if even for a short time; that's what I tell myself. I know that some people don't understand the emotion - that's alright. It's who you are, I guess. I have enough emotion that I think God forgot to monitor it when he was making my character and it overflowed. He must have figured I could handle it. Doesn't make a lot of sense when you raise cattle like we do. I guess I figure that at least while they are in our care, they are happy.

That night, my little deer joined the other numerous animals that I'm planning on taking care of in heaven some day. At least he died in his sleep, and didn't have to be put down. The Game Commision came out and got him. It sounds like it might be a brain worm thing, they get it from eating snails in the grass. We are waiting for results. Have you ever seen the movie, "Powder"? You should. If everyone really felt what an animal feels, there would sure be alot of happier animals. I'm not saying God didn't provide animals for us and our needs....but there are good ways and bad ways of that process. Just like there are good people and bad people. I'll keep giving my heart to the cows, the deer, all the animals.

My little friend on November 18, 2010. If you have animals in your care, care for them.

It was a hard time when Josh told me the deer had died during the night. But I knew it was going to happen. That is life. But Josh was on his way into town with Josie, and that morning would begin a good day. By the end of the day, I would have another Grandchild.

Logan James Freiberger

was born January 10, 2011

Cadence is well pleased with her little baby brother.

One Step Forward....Twenty Leaps Back

Having been away for SSSOOOOO long in the 'horse world' (meaning the online forums and stuff I like to check in on) - if it weren't for R.T. Fitch's writings, posts, etc. or the other friends on FB postings; I would be completely out of touch. For so very long, I have been silently reading about a 'rescue' gone bad in West Virginia. To most of you, I'm sure I don't even need to mention a name, and I choose not to. My heart was just heavy as more and more came out about this story. I had high hopes that it was just a big exaggerated mess.

It bewilders me how things can turn, or maybe the road was never on a curve, but a straight hi-way; with no road signs or speed limits. I must have been on the curb, waving at the traffic zooming by. That doesn't make sense? Well, this whole story doesn't make sense to me. What is weird, is that this person was one of the very FIRST people to offer her help in getting Meduna exposed when all the 3 Strikes stuff was happening. She took hits from people all over the place when she was trying to help 'warn' them about what was going on over there. She defended me whole heartily, and I defended her when people started bashing her about different things.

Then the day came when I became silent....I wanted to sit back and try and figure this out for myself. I DID NOT want to be like one of 'those people who knew nothing of Meduna, but defended him to the gills.' I always thought they were so stupid. I have not wanted to join those ranks, and be blind-sided on that curb. So I read the comments, and then I got busy at the ranch...and then the subject came up again when a friend on FB was mentioning needing to find places to take the horses that were being seized from that certain rescue. My heart fell again. I pushed it all to some distant corner in my brain, and kept doing the work here that needed to be done. Today I got on one of the forums, and it all surfaced again. This time I saw pictures.

I have no idea where things went wrong for her, or if they always were wrong and I didn't realize it, or if really bad circumstances happened and it was a sinking ship - but they did go wrong. I can't deny the pictures though, and I have to admit, that sort of thing doesn't just happen overnight. I just sort of hate thinking about it, to tell you the truth.

I do not like the term, 'he/she just got in over their head' - that's what I heard a lot of about Meduna. I found that hard to believe since people from back east confirmed that his history was long in contributing to the suffering of animals; and not just horses. So when someone claims to be a horse rescue, a sanctuary, whatever.... I do believe they 'should know better'. If you really care about the animals, and have their health, happiness, and best interest in the forefront; you don't just 'oops, have too many' - or 'oops, ran out of food' - or 'oops, no one would help'. Be real, we are supposed to be adults, making adult decisions. These are helpless animals. We know better.

Talk about living a sheltered life; I didn't know there was anything that existed called 'hoarding' until I started reading those forums...and now they have a T.V. show about hoarding. No, I have not tuned in yet; not sure I want to watch that. It's like there's some shows on Animal Planet that I hate to watch. If you have too low of blood pressure, it would be beneficial to watch.

In my rambling on, I'm just trying to figure out how people can let any of this happen? I'm probably referring more to 3 Strikes now, than anything. I think about the people who supported him; without wanting to know the truth. They must have been in it for their political or listener ratings reasons. So sad. Those people, you probably can't touch, because greed covers their heart.

The whole problem I see is this: there are many, many good rescues. Ones that know their limit on how many animals they can take in, according to accommodations, feed, money, etc. But when the media gets a hold of 'a rescue gone bad' - the forward progress is hurled backwards. Now the question is - just who are the good ones?...what if they don't really spend my donation for the horse's needs?...are they really a good rescue?.... on and on.

So naturally, the good rescues have to be hurt when news gets out about an animal seizure. Wish there was an easy answer. Not everyone can afford to drive/fly all over to visit the place and see if they are legit. I know first hand how an Internet web site can be falsified; and made to look fabulous; at the expense of the horses.

I just hope if you are a rescue place, and really in trouble for whatever reason; stop getting more horses! Stop breeding them, (or whatever animal it is) and get some help. I think it would be better if you are incapable of taking animals in - donate to a place that has the facilities needed. And I guess if you are a person that has only yourself in mind, anything anyone says to help isn't going to matter anyway....then you probably deserve what you get.

I realize, I have been told before I don't know what I'm talking about; as I'm not even involved in horse rescue.....but we do have cattle. We know our limitations of how many animals can be run on our land....and know about land management. We do know the difference in how animals eat.... and how that affects the land. The only 'rescue' animals I have are cats; but along with those and the cattle; there are of course dogs, our own cats, and horses.

If you choose to take care of animals, take care of them. If you can't - get help.
That's just my thoughts on a Saturday night.
And the Huskers did a fine job today!!

By the way..... God bless all you that fight for the helpless animals - for the horses - and that take care of them. I'm sure it seems a thankless job sometimes, I know it's hard work. What you do is amazing.

New Beginnings

We've (well - I should say, 'the guys' mostly)

have worked many hours...days......

in getting the land cleaned up and ready for cattle.

'The land' being the land that Greens purchased from Meduna.

I've said it before, but I don't think I can say it enough....

we are so fortunate to have Dan and Kylie as neighbors.

(and I'm not just saying that because our cows are on their land!)

And I'm also not just saying that just because Kylie is a fantastic cook....

and shares with us!!!!

We fixed some of the fence around the lake,

and changed other parts of it.

I'm driving the loader while Don pulls posts.

(He's way too trust-worthy of his driver....

but he didn't realize I was taking pictures at the same time)

Josh (driving) and Justin (unrolling new wire)

on the south side of the lake.

We spent an unbelievable amount of time just pulling wire out of the ground,

buried in the dirt. There were interior fences, they were just broken up

and on (in) the ground. We've rolled up scads of wire.

There really wasn't too much in the line of boundaries for the horses.

East side, west side; that was about it.

The guys were figuring out what could be fixed on the windmill.

Dan thought best to put in solar.

Windmills might be cool looking, but solar is the ticket.

Nothing like NOT having to hook pump-jacks up.

We're working towards getting more on our place;

it's just a matter of budgeting them in...one at a time.

Josh and Don on 4-wheelers moving our replacement heifers

on to Green's - the pasture they put the solar in.

The hail did not help the grass situation this year.

The grass on the hills is struggling to exist...

hail and hoppers don't help much.

Our heifers at the solar tank; the windmill is gone - but the water is flowing.

This stacker belonged to the Koopers. I sort of like thinking of times gone by, when Glen and Lucille lived here. I imagine Glen put up a lot of hay with this! And then he updated. You know, I'm pretty sure even when Don and I were first married, Glen would hook up the horses to help with the haying. I think he used them to feed, also. The coolest thing was all of his family helping during the summer in the hay field. Some cherished memories were made there.

Times change.

I can't say that I'm not glad they do. Makes our work a whole lot easier.
Makes our time more efficient; makes Don think we should be able to get more done!

The land to the south of us has a new beginning. People who care, and want to do right by the land. To fix it up and make it whole again. Our neighborhood is once again, filled with people who care, are kind, and want to be good neighbors. The whole lot of us!

Now we just have to find the time to all get together!

Gilbert R Field

Today marks another 'one year ago today' episode. It's probably not real significant in the big picture of the former 3 Strikes Ranch; but it is something that gave a couple of Jason Meduna's supporters something more to lie about....

***
I've written about it; when Justin and Josh dug out the auto gate (some call them 'cattle guards'). That was on July 3, 2009. Most people living beside the Medunas would do the same: that is- make sure your own cattle couldn't just walk across an auto gate and get on to his property. That's the whole just of it; he wouldn't dig them out. He was the only 'neighbor' that would not dig out the auto gates when needed. We were his only neighbor that had an auto gate to dig out, as he had to drive through our land to get to his main entrance. There were other places he could enter his land, but the main entrance was thru ours.
***
After the kids dug the auto gate out, and Jason filled it back in, makes me wonder just what Gilbert Ray Field or Jim Lambley would have done; if they had spent the time on a hot summer day, digging out an auto gate - to keep cattle where they should be....only to have Meduna come and fill it back in. Yet, it was those 2 people who had conversation on Lambley's radio station, "The Twister", out of Gordon, NE; that the Freibergers were tresspassing onto Jason Meduna's land and digging out an auto gate that they had no business doing so. Besides this being a total lie, I wonder if they realized what idgits they made themselves sound like to anyone who knows what auto gates are all about? or what the standard, neighborly thing is about sharing the responsibility of digging out auto gates.
***

Which speaking of.... that is my subject. Ray Field - whom some in the horse world are familiar with. I prefer to call him Gilbert Ray Field, as that is his name. I received a call from a friend one day, telling me they just heard the Freibergers mentioned on the Gordon radio. It seems that Mr. Lambley, and Gilbert have developed a talk show friendship and were defending Jason Meduna for all they were worth.

***

So the next week I decided to listen. Wow, they were talking about us! I think at some time, Mr. Twisted/Twister declared that Ray Field was not paying for his radio time. They must have really been friends then, because Gilbert had a lot of radio time on there. Once I got over being upset of all the lies he was telling, he became almost comical, foolish...I'm grasping for the correct word.

***

Ray, Gilbert, Gil - whoever..... this must have been a band wagon he jumped on for politcal, financial, publicity, or just a fight with BLM? He stated on air that he had never met Jason Meduna in person, that he would not even know him if he walked past him on the street....that being; he had never been to 3 Strikes Ranch. But my how he knew all about it, about the auto gate, about the Freiberger's tresspassing. In fact, in wrote about us on his website. I believe he called us the "Frillibergers". I'm not sure if that was just to make fun of our name, or he thought it might save him if he was ever brought into the court system.

***

He posted many pictures in reference to us. I imagine Jason or Anissa were sending them to him, or one of their fan club members. One picture in particular I think of; was a picture of the brother-in-law to the owner of Rayu. (A whole other story, Rayu being the horse Meduna said Justin - my son- stole, right out from under Jason's nose. The horse that was 'like a son to him'.)
***

***

I get off track pretty easily in talking about 3 Strikes Ranch, there is so much garbage to cover. Anyway, Gilbert posted a picture of this man standing at the fence, the opposite side of the fence showed cow poop. Imagine that, there had been cows in the pasture. These guys are smarter than I thought they were. What Gilbert claimed on his web site was the the Frilleibergers had purposely fed their cows up along the fenceline - (I think this had to do with the claims that we were feeding along the fenceline, poisoning Jason Meduna's horses - which would have included the horses owned by others that people had entrusted Jason Meduna to care for).
***

I sent many emails to Gilbert Field to ask him to remove what he was printing on the internet about us, because it was all lies. I even said he should come see for himself. He finally removed the picture I mentioned, after I emailed him and told him he must feel silly, because that picture was not even our land; but that I would pass it on to the people that did own the land, and that I was sure they would like to know Gilbert was putting pictures like that on his web site, about their land. That was the only thing he removed, until court proceedings started with Meduna (perfect timing for Gilbert)
***

Gil removed that picture. OK, I was gone for a minute; rounding up all the stuff copied from Gilbert's web site about the ..... Freibergers, I mean .... the "Frilibergers" or the "Frielebergers" or the "friliberge" or the (my favorite) "Frilelibergers" and the closest, "Freilberger". I even emailed Gilbert with the correct spelling of our name! HA HA.

***

I have the cutest little folder made about the Frilelibergers, since we had our own little section on Gilbert's web site. By the way, his organization is Wild Horse Foundation, in Texas. He will probably think to himself that he just got the edge, that I have promoted his web site. Oh.... contrare! I can't believe the people he has plastered on it. To each his own, but sort of confirms my thoughts of doing this just for political reasons.....problem is - HE PUT MY FAMILY THRU THE MUD IN DOING SO. So I cannot think too much good of people that promote him on his web site; I don't care who they are. I wonder if half of those people even know they are pictured on his site with their good buddy Gil?

***

Well, more about what he wrote - about us:
***
Neighbors Gone Wild.... was that about us? Gilbert is a silly person (it's hard to use the term, 'man'.)

***

Gilbert wrote that we wanted the land and the previous owner, (which would be Glen Kooper- God rest his soul; who was a very good friend of ours) - wouldn't sell it to us. Gilbert didn't mention the fact that Don and I were over at Glen and Lucille's talking about the land... we knew that people would buy it for more than we wanted to pay. Shame on Gilbert for telling any lies about Glen or Lucille. I'd say that makes Gil scum; to tell anything but the truth about Glen or Lucille. Glen was a good neighbor, who loved his family and his neighbors meant a lot to him. He said we'd been furious ever since Glen wouldn't sell the land to us.

***
Gilbert stated on his web site that we had started at $50 per acre in our offer (did anyone even take him serious???? - I mean that's a real smart person there to think anybody would even actually put an offer of $50 to someone for land. What a joke!) Anyway, he said we went from $50 to $200 per acre, but that the former owner (which would be Glen) hated our guts so bad that he sold the land to Meduna! That is what Gilbert Ray Field (I can spell his name correctly) - put on his web site. Then he talks about the fly over pictures; and that the bad land is actually ours, and he says people are asking how we can do that to our land.

***

One thing I almost forgot; as I was listening on the radio to Lambley and Gilbert talking, Gilbert said Jason had told him that he had the land sold for $220 and the Freibergers stopped the sale! (How much intelligence does it take on this one?) - (By the way, a smart person would have called Mr. Korth and found out the truth before they broadcast the wrong information) - So Gilbert went on to say that he told Jason he just can't let the Freibergers get away with this stuff. Don't let them bully him is what he said! And then.... this is a corker: he said, "Nobody looks at that property without the Freiberger's OK, nobody bids on the land without the Freiberger's OK, and nobody buys the land without the Freiberger's OK."

***

Nothing like comic land - my husband said, "geez, if we have that much clout, we should be doing something different!" Gave us all a good laugh anyway. I'm not sure how much Mr. Korth thought it was all funny when I visited to him about it. He mentioned he was going to make a phone call.

***

Keep in mind, I emailed Gilbert Ray Field, asking him if Jason was just sending this information to him? because it was lies - everything stated about us were lies. I asked him to remove the pictures and statements about us, but he would not. I also told Mr. Lambley that my husband would like to have a person-to-person interview with Field at the radio station, but there was no reply. Courageous, right? Definately not fair and balanced news!

***

Gilbert wrote on his web site that our 'children' (I'd like him to meet face to face with my 'children'!!) dug out the auto gate on the 'other people land' because we thought we would have run Meduna off by now. Wow - more intelligence!

And people support this type of person?
***

Gilbert posted a picture of our 3 horses by the fence, and a bale on Meduna's side, when Meduna had someone come bale hay - after the horses were gone mind you!!!! - and he put the caption as 'Please let us have good grass, its sweet and green....' I wrote back to him that the only reason our horses were at the fence line, was because they hadn't seen hay being put up over at Meduna's for years. They were astonished. I know, back and forth yackity-yack. But it was pretty hard seeing someone bash your family, and your family name on an internet site, where the whole world could read.

***

He accused me of 'losing my mind'. He accused me of 'stalking' - I guess Meduna. Well, I question Gilbert Fields true love for horses; if he had seen the dead horses that we did, could he have just ignored it? That does not make someone who has the horses' best interest at heart.

***

Gilbert said that ever since Jason owned the land, we have called the BLM more than the White House. He said the dead didn't get any rest around us. (Was he talking about the horses that died at Meduna's?) He said we've caused more harassment than any 'varment in the land'. He stated that the new owners will bring "these morons to stop faster than a prairie rabbit in heat"....morons meaning the Frileilgergs? Wow, and people throw money at this person.

What class he has...what integrity.
***

He stated that it's neighbors like these (that would be us) that make a man want to own sheep. Well I can't even throw a comment out there for Gilbert on that one. I guess he speaks for himself.

***

He stated this about me...

"anyone can spell DUMB"

"you LIE you get caught"

and he called me, "Gomer"

***

Personally, I liked Gomer Pyle!

And people throw money at this person?????

***

Reading down in my notes, Gilbert goes back to the autogate...(he's a gluton for making himself sound like a fool)...

***
He stated that looking at the picture of the auto gate that the 'filiberg had her kids dig out' on MEDUNA'S place (it was IN the fence line - not ON Meduna's place) that it looked like steel pipe (whoa, Gilbert does have some smarts about some stuff). He wanted someone to explain how an autogate could be dug out like I CLAIM it can be - he went on to say that I was telling a lie, but then made a comment like, 'oops I wouldn't tell a lie'. He's write, 'ole Gilbert is...I wouldn't tell a lie.

***
This is how we dig an auto gate out... (Of course on this one, they had to first remove the dirt on top of the auto gate that Meduna put on)

It's the magic auto gate. I doubt Gilbert knows anything about these sort of auto gates, it just takes a little muscle and willing to do some digging. (Twice in 2 days in this case for the Friellelberger children)

And then you just dig out the sides from under the pipes.

When you've dug it out, just put the center panel back where it goes.

All done. And they didn't even trespass!

***

Next, Gilbert says we don't have grass on our land, 'like the Three Strikes' - and he continues on to tell me, "Grow Up".

***

He also mentions the Range Management Specialist that did the proceedure wrong! I imagine Gilbert was fed many, many lies....yet he didn't desire to call us and ask our side. He slandered us, and made no attempt to find out the truth. As far as the grass test, as he testified in
court, there wasn't enough grass to 'cut' the clippings as they usually do - and for everyone's information, sadly; the grass in the hills is still not coming back as it should. Now Gilbert would just say I'm up to my lies again, but as he stated to me, 'the proof is is the puddin or in the sand'. I always thought that was a stupid saying, but 'in the sand'? Well, that one makes sense! "The proof is in the sand" .... "or not!"

***

Of course, Gilbert posted many pictures on his web site of the 3 Strikes Ranch. He posted pictures of hay that was put up by a couple of guys for Meduna. They did it for a percentage of the hay. Anissa said in court they put the hay up to show people how much hay they had! How Einsteiny is this? Put up hay after all your horses have been removed, but you didn't put up hay when they were there, needing it for survival. I'm sure that must have made quite an impression on everyone.

***

Gilbert wrote on his web site, "Frilelibergers rant on land, gosh they want it bad". Now why would a person write this that has no idea of any of the facts about this whole situation? If we really wanted it that bad, we would have purchased it from Koopers in the first place!

***

When Gilbert rambled on about the fact that Don and Vickie Freilberger had pictures of no grass on that place, he made a remark that there was no confirmation of when the pictures were taken, or that they were even taken of the 3 Strikes Land; one thing he forgets, the Deputy Sheriff was on that land and saw for himself the condition of it - the Dep. Sheriff was there because Jason Meduna called him.

***

I question the integrity of a person that can spew so many recklace lies from his mouth and in print. I imagine he truly did jump on the Meduna band wagon; for his own gain. Whatever that might be. To me, he just buried himself. But I'm finding that some people don't always care about who they hurt, or who they can take down.... as long as they think they are coming out ahead.

***

Gilbert Ray Field said the moral was for the Freibergers that the grass ain't always greener...etc. So learn to be a good neighbor, not snoops or noisy bodies. (I'm sure he meant nosey bodies, but he spelled it as noisy. Heck, maybe he meant noisy, I never could figure out exactly where he was coming from with his statements....)

***

Oh yes, on the lighter side.... Gil posted to the world that there would be an estimate of 2 million pounds of hay that would be baled. Now the guys did get a good laugh out of that one! I guess in Texas you put up your hay by the pound? Wow. (I know, that's not to slam my Texas friends that know what they're talking about.) The two guys that put up the hay were Jeremy and Shawn. The bales averaged 1100 lb. each - there were 155 bales left at Meduna's - they too the rest. There was a total of about 310 bales of hay put up, that makes 341,000 pounds, or 170.5 Ton - a far cry from 2 million pounds.

***

And then of course, he said we should get a real life.

*

We have a real life. We take care of our animals. All of them, whether it's cattle, horses, dogs, or cats. We believe in God, in Jesus, and we try to live by the standards set forth in the Bible. We are not perfect, no one is. My husband has been on this land his entire life (except for a couple years gone for college) - he is 4th generation here. My sons are 5th generation. We have a life.

****

Tomorrow we celebrate Independance Day. With this, come my freedom and right to say what I did here. Gilbert also has rights to voice whatever. It is just sad that he doesn't care whom he hurts, he doesn't care about our reputation; he tried to bash our name in country where we sometimes sell cattle. Was that the intent?

I have noticed many well-known people on his web site: Congressman Chet Edwards; Wayne Pacelle - it states he's President of HSUS (what is strange about this, is how much he was bashing HSUS on the radio station!); Chuck Norris; Congressman Chris Bell; John Cotton; Brad Bradford, Houston's City Counsilman; Gene Norman; then he posts the names of people like Brooke Shields, Sugar Ray Leonard, Nolan Ryan, Kelly McGillis, Sparky Lyle, Kris Kristofferson, Michael Knight, Roger Clements, and on...

***

I guess these people know a different Gilbert Field. I have personally never met this man, although I have emailed him to ask him to stop putting the lies on his web site. They are of course, gone. As soon as the Meduna trial started, he removed what I've talked about. But there are copies of it all over.

***

Is this what we have become as citizens of this country? Anything to get ahead, anything to promote yourself for your own gain? NO matter who you hurt in doing so? To each his own right? I'm glad I live where I live. I'm thankful I don't have to go to bed at night feeling guilty for any wrong I've done people. I am thankful for so many people that have spent their lives truly trying to help the horses. I'm thankful I've gotten to know them. Some I've met, some by phone, and some just by emailing, etc.

***

There's always a bad apple in the bunch, thank heavens there's more good!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Vicki Freiberger

It's time to start speaking out...

I don't know if 'bloggers' go in and practically rewrite their blog, but I am making some corrections, taking some bitterness out (I can let words get somewhat harsh) and getting back to my normal thinking.

It's too bad there are people who desire to bash people they know nothing about. In reality, I'm sure I've done the same thing, many times. The language in this blog is not my usual posting, but the words of spite and negativity are not mine. Once again, when confronted with, 'how long am I going to keep this up?' - and, I should 'just let it go'..... I might not completely let it go; but I realize (thanks to friends, especially my friend that's been thru this with me from the beginning; encouraging, understanding, and mostly; helping me to keep on the right path - thanks Brit) that I need to keep my character in check.

Turn the other cheek. I still like the story where Jesus went in and tore the temple apart, upturning tables, etc. I guess there is a time and a place for everything. I wanted to confront, (well - how can one confront someone who calls themselves anonymous?) so I'll still tell my side. Here is what was written on a blog I found while google searching 3 Strikes stuff:


from: http://bustedupcowgirlblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/ok-someone-give-me-low-down.html
***

Anonymous said...
mustangtruth/vicki freiberger/satans little helper is back!What a psychotic nutbag!You don't and didn't give 2 sh*ts about the 3 strikes horses.All your broke a*s cared about was trying to steal someone elses land and life by the foulest means possible.How lovely for the Meduna family that they were able to move away from your stalking, stealing, horse killing a*s!Do the fine people of the ABR actually buy into this nutters game?Hope you rot bi**h! You and your boys!
December 3, 2009 11:13 PM



***

Wow! That one surprised me! No, it wasn't bustedupcowgirl that wrote that, she actually defended me on her blog. And I thank her for that. I can't even begin to describe how I felt when I first saw that post from anonymous. But you guys are right, when I let it get to me, they won. Probably what did me in was talking about Justin and Josh in the way she did. But that also makes sense, when someone's going to attack, they are going to attack what means the most. I thank God I have good sons. Their thoughts on this person? ....just like yours...."She's not worth it, Mom."

I am here, because I desire a chance to speak up for myself against people that slander and lie about our character and what we believe in. Even if it is just on my blog. ***Let me rephrase: it was brought to my attention that people like this probably don't have happiness in their life. I should have more feelings of pity for them than of anger. I am usually a pretty compassionate person, and usually my first reaction would be one of 'wow, this person is empty'. So I read over my blog several times, each time the conviction hit me harder and harder.


My answer to your comments: yes, I gave more than 2 poops about the 3 Strikes horses. Seeing the survivors touches my heart greatly. What anonymous needs to remember, I...nor my family did anything bad to those horses. Meduna did it himself. Had they been healthy; none of this would have happened. Anonymous mentioned the word STALKING; I imagine you got that from Meduna. For instance; the day the Dep. Sheriff came to deliver my notice for the harassment hearing, we were in our meadow looking at a cow. We had cattle next to Meduna in the pasture to the west; I had just driven along the fence line on my 4-wheeler to make sure staples were not out, etc. The Dep. Sheriff had to stop at Jason's first and talk to him before delivering my hearing notice. Jason told the Dep. Sheriff, "She was just driving back and forth by the fence again a little while ago, STALKING us." Well first of all, .....If YOU had cattle beside Jason Meduna, wouldn't YOU regularly check your fences? That seems to be a no-brainer to me!


I'm trying to figure out the 'steal someone else's land by the foulest means possible'. Jason told people I hated horses, especially mustangs, and that's why I wanted them gone. What he didn't tell people is how I went over to the place and filmed the first load of mustangs being unloaded from the semi onto his property, as a favor to Lucille; the previous owner. He didn't tell you how he used to stop me when I was in the hay field on my tractor, and I would stop and go over and visit with him. (That gives me the willies now). That was the first summer he was there. He stopped me and said, "I see that you guys are haying this meadow, so I figure it must be time to hay mine since they're connected and beside yours." I am not kidding, that's what he said. He started haying it, but broke down and never got his equipment fixed. That was the end of his haying, until he hired it put up AFTER the horses were gone.


You call ME a horse killer? Our horses are doing pretty good. Maybe since you wrote that back in December, you now feel embarrassed; but that still does not justify what you said about me or my family. Like I've said before, this neighborhood, including our family; were very welcoming to the Meduna's. It was Jason that would not reach out for help. We offered.



***

Anonymous said...
BUC you should do your research. You really should.Talk about drinking the kook-aid!I agree with Marilyn.Wishing that your life may be filled with good things.But you have VF and her boys all wrong on this one.Facts don't lie."The land is under new ownership. If the Freiberger's wanted the land, they would have bought it...dontcha think moron?"If they had the money. Which they don't.One of the first rules of responsible reporting is to confine yourself to proveable facts.And this loser believes in the truth first and foremost.I have no difficulty wishing animal killers to rot in hell.No problem at all.
December 4, 2009 10:15 AM



***

So now she calls us animal killers, and we should 'rot in hell'?
Ok, we've killed some animals, that is true. They were suffering and we had done everything we could for them; so we humanely put them out of their misery.
And the money thing, I'm pretty sure this anonymous person isn't our banker, so how do they know our money situation? I'll add this about the money; who cares.

Rot in hell, huh? I still have a problem with this statement you made, anonymous. Let me tell you why, not so much is it a problem for me, because I know where I'm going when I die; I won't be rotting in hell. It's for those that aren't sure of where they're going...but that is a whole other subject.

***

(Dena's comment)...
Well, this has taken an interesting turn.BUC I have to agree with anonymous that facts are important.Necessary actually. Especially when in reference to a situation like this.Finding out whether or not V. Freiberger or family made offer or attempt to purchase the land isn't that hard.And the answer is, yes.Now does having done my research make me a nutter too?Or, does it just mean that there is a lot more to this story than has been presented?I have no dog in this fight BUC.I just want the truth.
December 4, 2009 10:34 AM



***

(By the way, Dena; I apologize for putting on here about your problems. If this was you, I guess I shouldn't judge you...how do I know the circumstances for what you did or did not do? If you were wronged, hopefully you can rise above the situation; if you did what was public news - hopefully you've changed your life around and that is all completely behind you.)

So now we have Dena, and anonymous. At least Dena had the courage to put her name when she questioned about the Freibergers.

Big thing isn't it? The Freibergers put a bid on the land. What is this world coming to?


***

(Dena's comment)...
Okay now I am laughing. And I agree that simply making an offer isn't indicative of nefarious intent.
That said, what if you are stretched to the limit and the bank says No Way Honey?

Vic's reply: Forget what ever I said about the bank, the money we have or have not. Who cares? If you all choose to ponder about it, guess it gives you something to think about. Remember; money is the root of all evil. I'm thinking though it's the root of all evil if you make it your god.


(Dena's comment): And what if you know something about the value of the property that not everyone else does?
And what if there is strong evidence that you deliberately worked to drive down the price of said property?

Vic's reply: WE deliberately worked to drive down the price of the property? I'd say Meduna worked pretty hard on that. We were not ever on the property. We didn't rape it of it's grasses. We didn't leave bones scattered all over.



(Dena's comment): Acted in all sorts of manners to make the property seem extremely undesirable?
Like I said, I have no dog in this fight.But in being objective doesn't some of it at the very least come across as a little stalkeresque?
I read all of her posts from the beginning and they just seemed blatantly manipulative to me.
I helped place some of those Mustangs BUC. My primary concern was and is their welfare.
And many of their symptoms did jive with rumensin poisoning.
Hair loss for instance from malnutrition usually isn't evidenced until much as in almost all of the body fat has been absorbed.
And one other nagging feature for me is this.Do I know the parties involved?
No.But Mr. Reynolds has devoted much of his life to preserving the Sorraia Mustangs. Something like 210 left?
Not sure of the number.But why would this man trust Jason Meduna with what appears to be his lifes work?
And why did everyone involved grossly exaggerate the number of dead?

To be honest Vicki Freiberger reminds me a great deal of another California nut before her fall from grace. The great STFU.There has been so much shoddy work by the supposed authorities in this it reminds me of the O.J debacle.
And I am not willing to throw Marilyn under the bus because she is adament in her defense of the Meduna family.
She took the time to go there. She also took the time to go and see Rayu.And we all know how I feel about poor Rayu. That horse has been lost and found more times than a set of keys.Honestly BUC I just don't know.
People lie.
People do horrible things to each other every day.
I just know that when it comes to credible information I am not willing to eat the candy at ABR.I want facts.
Because that is where the truth will unfold and reveal itself.
And I do not want to be guilty of convicting ANY innocent party.
I don't disagree with what you said about the background check.
But I know from personal experience that not everything put in print is the gospel.
And here is what keeps running through my mind. What if? Just what if the man is not guilty?

December 4, 2009 11:14 PM

***


So many comments. For what it's worth; Dena you have the right to think anything you want about the Freibergers. You are wrong in your assumptions, but anything I say will not change your mind. The people that are our friends, and actually seeked the real truth in this whole ordeal don't have those questions - their main question is 'what would possess a person to do this to innocent animals?' I visited with Mr. Reynolds all afternoon on his court day. We had an interesting conversation. People just speculate and don't know the truth about many things. A lot because they don't want to know the truth.
The number of dead was actually probably understated. We have since then found more skeletons that what were accounted for on the property. It would be interesting to gather all of the skulls, and get a count. But the coyotes have probably drug many of the smaller ones off.

The realtor called us before the property was listed. He said he always does that to surrounding neighbors when it's in the country like this. I asked him if he had any bids on it (I knew of 2 people that had placed a bid with him) - he said he could not tell me the bid amount, unless we placed a bid ourselves. I did not at the time, because I told him we knew it was going to go for more than what we would pay. I did not place a bid until the morning I was leaving for my harrassment hearing in Bridgeport. We were simply curious as to what the land was up to, so I called and gave him an amount. We both chuckled.

*

I took this from a blog and posted it because these people are telling lies about me, and it is my right to speak up and defend myself, and my family. Accusations were being posted all over the place about what we did or didn't do. This is the first of many. I realize lies will always be told about us. That is life. The people that count know the truth. That is good.

*

What I did, was saw horses and land in trouble. Nothing more. If you say you love horses, and accuse me of doing something wrong as far as those horses go; then it is my opinion, that you don't really have a horse's best interest at heart. How can you?

*

If by chance, these 2 people realize after all of this time, and all the facts are out; that perhaps they were wrong...let this be a reminder that you should be careful of what you write about someone; before you know the facts.

*

And as far as 'anonymous' goes; you say my sons and I can rot in hell. You call me satan's little helper. I don't think you understand the judgement you have just put upon your head. Yes, you might have gotten my dander up for a short time. But that too has passed. I am just thankful that I have a life, a good husband, good kids and their families, good parents, and a bunch of wonderful friends. To have thoughts as you do, I feel sorry for your emptiness. Hopefully by now, if you even read this; your opinions have changed, your heart has softened, and the world seems a better place.

The ANNIVERSARY

The Anniversary of

the Death of 3 Strikes Ranch

.....there is a lot of discussion happening

about what should the actual date be

which would mark the anniversary of the

saving of the horses that remained

in the hands of Jason Meduna,

or you could call it the

end of 3 Strikes Mustang Ranch.

It would seem natural that the date would be when

the last surviving horse was removed from the hell hole

that engulfed so many others; a final count that will

never be known for sure as to how many perished.

We will never know how many innocent babies died,

out in those sand dunes of Nebraska.

The land so abused, as abused as the horses;

in the care of Meduna and his wife.

For myself, the first anniversary was March 6 of 2010.

I started taking pictures long before that day of March 6, 2009,

but it was that Friday afternoon that he walked

out of the trailer, and noticed me on my 4-wheeler.

It was Friday, March 6, that he saw me taking pictures.

*

It was that afternoon:

he knew that I knew.

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This picture was taken Saturday, April 10, 2010

It is already different from when I first saw it earlier. My mom stands in the background. That day Mom, Dad, and I went to the bone pile. They had never seen it; in person. As we crested the hill and the bones were in their view for the first time, there was a little gasp. My dad said, "That's not right." My mom said, "Oh my God." It is hard to imagine someone just dragging a bunch of horses to a pile and leaving them to rot. It's hard to imagine until you stand at the pile, and those bones become bodies of helpless, loving and innocent horses. Horses of all ages. A baby laying by it's mom in bones over the hill. A sight that those who were out there could have seen, if they just could have been allowed off the trail, because the trail was so close. Many would have driven right by this pile....they did not hear the cries of the horses. They did not listen. They listened to Jason. Now, people are listening. The horses and burros will always be remembered. Time will go on, more horses will have unimaginable endings somewhere else, but some horses will be saved.... By loving, unselfish people who do what they do, because they are called? or because they just know they are needed. So in their compassion they reach out and give all they can to help. They do this time and time again. The strength they have is something I cannot imagine; but it is something I could only hope to be blessed with. Thank you Mom and Dad for all you helped me with during this whole entire ordeal. And thank all the people who had anything to do with the saving of these wonderful animals. You can find more information about the survivors on various sites. Start with the NE200:

http://nebraska200.horsereunions.com/

One of my favorite songs, "Bless the Beasts and the Children"...I think I'll go sit down at my piano now. I haven't played this in ages. I imagine I'll have a whole new perspective on the song.