Some people have spoken

I am not a political commentator, nor am I a satirist. In fact, I'm no longer particularly a political junkie.

But, that said, I'm glad that people turned out to vote. I think it is interesting to see how it all turned out. It's a pity that 40% of the voters selected a government for 100% of the people, with the votes of the remaining 60% split among the various alternatives. But, c'est la vie. That's democracy in action and I can accept that.

What I have difficulty accepting is the lackluster campaigning that happened here in our riding. It seemed like the incumbent felt he needed to do nothing to retain his seat (and apparently he was right), while those put forward by the other parties to challenge him were naught but sacrificial lambs on the altar of political expediency.

I truly feel sorry for them. It seemed like there was no money to spend on anything but a FEW signs here and there, no meaningful advertising and publicity, and limited personal effort to get out there and meet potential voters. At our home not a single piece of informative literature from ANY of the parties was received. Nor did any candidates or their representatives make the effort to visit our community or knock on any doors. It seemed like no one wanted OUR vote.

Nevertheless, we did vote and that act alone gives me the right to express my opinion as I see it.

The candidates proffered by all of the parties in our riding (other than the incumbent) were virtually unknown entities, and now that the election is over and the campaign period at an end, I know little more now than I did 6 weeks ago about any of them. Was it the same in other ridings in our province and across the nation? If so, it is no wonder that Mr. Harper was able to retain the seats he had and acquire enough others to attain majority status.

I had a strong and visceral reaction to the negative, mud-slinging, advertising that first the Conservatives and later the Liberals indulged in. I felt like I was watching 3-year-olds in a sandbox, lacking adult supervision, trying to bully each other into submission and terrify bystanders.

Perhaps lessons have been learned by all concerned that will be utilized in the next election - a full 4+ years away now that the current government finally garnered a majority position.

Specials offered ONLY during the Equine Review

Thinking of having a family portrait done?

 Want to have your own "personal paparazzi" capture your action at a show or event?

Thinking of an image that will remind you of a special relationship for all time?

 Or a beautiful image to grace the walls of your home....

Photoshoots booked during the Equine Review week-end are eligible for a 25% reduction in the session fee. Drop by my booth and ask me about it. See you in a couple of weeks!

Action in the horse world is heating up

Horse show season in the Maritimes is getting under way. Here in New Brunswick, the first major event of the season is the Equine Review Exhibition and Trade Show held in Sussex at the Princess Louise Park Show Centre. Four buildings full of exhibits, constant demonstrations in the main arena, lectures and training opportunities run for two full days, Sat. April 30th and Sun. May 1st. For most people in this area, the Equine Review is the official start to show season.

This year the NB Equestrian Association is also giving a boost to show season by hosting a horse showing 'primer' clinic - Competition 101; everything you need to know to get ready for your first horse show.

If you, or anyone you know, is planning on showing a horse this season, especially for the first time or if you're returning to showing after an extended absence, be sure to check out the Competition 101 clinic happening near Fredericton on the 23rd of April. There will be several instructors and demonstrators on hand to provide guidance and information to make that first show a wonderful experience for you as a competitor, a parent of a competitor, a supporter or groom for a competitor, or a coach of a competitor. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to find out how to prepare for the best show season possible.

Competition 101 - So, you want to show a horse this season?

On Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, from 1-4 PM, there will be a FREE CLINIC for ANY and ALL NBEA members; potential competitors, coaches (counts for updating hours), parents and supporters.

Going to your first horse show - as a competitor, supporter (groom) or parent can be a daunting experience if you don't know where to start. This clinic is designed to help first time, or potential first time, competitors wade through the myriad of details and preparation that leads to a happy and successful show experience for all involved.

Find out what a prize list is, where to find one for your event, how to read and understand them and how to fill out the application forms correctly. Get some hints on what is appropriate turnout (grooming, braiding/banding, tack etc. for the horse and clothes and equipment for the rider) for your particular discipline.

Depending on your discipline and level of competition, learn about the judges' expectations in the show ring. Learn where to find, and how to understand, the rules and class descriptions for your discipline.

There's a lot to think about well in advance of a show. If you are "Training to Compete" - what do you need to know? Does your horse require any particular vaccinations to compete? What about special shoeing needs? How are you going to get your horse to and from the show, and what about stabling on-site?

What is your fitness level? Do you need help getting in shape for the rigours of training and showing? How about your horse's conditioning? And nutrition - for both of you - before and during the event? What is drug testing? Who might be tested and why?

Psychologically, are you ready? What is sport psychology and how can it help you?

There will be both classroom sessions and live demonstrations.

If you are thinking about showing for the first time, or returning to the ring after an absence and want a refresher, this is the clinic for you!

RSVP: The clinic is being held at Geary Hill Stables in Geary, NB. So the organizers can be prepared for the right number of participants, if you are planning to attend, or have any questions, please, call Deanna Phelan at (506) 461-1649 and let her know.

This clinic is brought to you courtesy of NBEA Zone 3, Dressage NB and the NB Hunter-Jumper Association and is open to all NBEA members in any discipline.

Ah April... you tease!

One day the snow is falling, the next it's warm and sunny - luring us into thinking that it truly is spring. Not! Then we get hit with more cold temperatures, biting winds, and precipitation that is confused about its own identity.

Still, when I'm out early in the morning with Hoover, and it's warm, the sky is clear with twinkling stars, no wind and no noise, I enjoy those peaceful times while they last. Here's hoping!

The ever optimistic other half took his new toy out for a spin the other day. Happiness is zooming around Sussex on the  Jazz! Good for him. Finally, something to play with and enjoy on warm, sunny days.

For me, it's all about getting out there with the camera gear. I've been slack of late, so it's time to gear up and go!

I believe.... I believe.... I believe

The sun is shining and it's early April. Therefore, it must be spring. If that is the case, why is it so bloody cold? The wind has the bitter nip of February in its teeth as it snaps at your fingers, cheeks and eyelashes.

If you can find a spot in the sun, sheltered from the wind, it's quite pleasant. But finding that cherished location requires some ingenuity and perseverance.

In the meantime, the presence of a small bouquet of daffodils, purchased in support of the cancer society, helps with the illusion, I guess.

But, spring will come, followed closely by summer in all its glory, we hope. It just can't come soon enough.

It IS spring, isn't it?

A few of the white tailed deer feasting on leftover cabbage

In this neck of the woods, when a few hundred deer descend on a cabbage field in Berwick scavenging for leftovers from the previous fall's harvest, you know that real spring (not just the date on the calendar) is close. The odds of spring truly arriving in mid-March in the Maritimes are very low. It's not unusual to have snow storms well into April and sometimes even into mid-May. There's no rush to plant a garden, let's put it that way.

Of course, SOME people figure that if it's after the official first day of spring, it really IS spring and certain tasks should be done, regardless of what is really happening outside. For example, to save wear and tear on our winter tires, something that happens if you run them too long on bare pavement, my husband decided to go to the garage and have them taken off today. It's snowing now. Go figure. Then again, the roads have been bare and dry for two weeks so what is one to do?

Roachville Road leading down in to Sussex

At this point, all we can do is wait and hope for warmer, brighter days and the hours of daylight increase minute by minute. And, stay out of the fields. When they thaw it will be boot-sucking swamp season!

"C'mon Papa" - life seen from the other side

My son David discovered Ryan Knighton's book "C'mon Papa" and gave it to me for my birthday last week. He knew that, as the daughter of a blind man, this book would touch the core of my soul - and it did.

As I read Ryan's descriptions of his day to day activities, thoughts, fears and triumphs, I pictured what my Dad must have felt and thought - that had never occurred to me before.

You see, growing up with a blind father means that, in your world, blind is normal. Blind people are normal - they just can't see very well (or, in my Dad's case, can't see at all. 100% in the dark!). In his book, Ryan quoted his wife Tracy saying, "I'm used to blindness, too, you know. It's about as normal in our house as air."

All new parents approach their babies with trepidation. What if I drop him? What if she gets sick and I can't fix the problem?

For the visually impaired, those fears, as cleverly described by Ryan, are magnified a hundred fold.

At their first ultrasound he said he felt "joy by proxy". "I felt happy for Tracy, excited to be a father, proud for the three of us, and cheated of the experience."

In hindsight, how often was my father 'cheated of the experience' or relegated to feeling 'joy by proxy'?

"C'mon Papa" is full of such insights, interspersed with humour that had me laughing out loud while sitting at the kitchen table, tea in one hand, book in the other. The visual image of Ryan and a seven-months-pregnant Tracy "doing the funky chicken" while crossing an icy street had me in hysterics.

Reading this book I laughed. I cried. And, I got to know my own father in a totally different light.

When my Dad passed away I wrote his obituary - the story of a man whose life was well lived because he was so loved by his daughter. Ryan Knighton's book has inspired me to tell more of my Dad's story through the eyes of his growing daughter.

I hope that Tess, Ryan's daughter, grows on to enjoy seeing life from both sides and that Ryan's journey into fatherhood brings him, Tracy and Tess, a lifetime of joy and laughter.

My Dad and me the day I came home from the orphanage. Yes, a 40-year-old blind man and his wife adopted a 4-month-old baby.