So as you might have read earlier, I’m a bit worried about things of interest I might find to post about come two weeks from now when almost all the kids in our lives leave us.  You should be worried more than me.  You may soon be reading about such incredibly exciting things as what we’ve eaten for breakfast, or how many times the dog barked at a passing car.  Woo Hoo!  I am on pins and needles myself.

Thankfully, I still have a backlog of fun things to write about, and the cue lengthened considerably this past weekend.  All of my side of the family was able to find about an 18 hour window where we could be together at FavoriteChild’s place in Wisconsin.  I was initially worried we were trying to fit a round peg into a square hole by even trying to make this weekend work.  There were just so many different commitments and agendas to accommodate, I wondered if it was worth the trouble.

I’m so glad there are smarter people in this family than I.  And people willing to be flexible with their schedules.  Because, as a person who is not very good with words, I can’t possibly describe how wonderful this past weekend was.  But, I will try to hit on some of the major points.  Here goes:

• Elpis (Ellie!), the young foal, was a mere 36 hours old and was a wonder to behold.  Really.  If we had done nothing other than watch this little girl the entire weekend, it would have been totally fulfilling.  Here she is, all legs, a bit awkward on her feet still, and as cute and beautiful a creature imaginable.

• Elpis’ Mama, Salvana, is an amazing being.  She is 1,800 lbs. (did you comprehend that?  1,800 POUNDS.   I seriously have had cars that weighed less than this.  I probably shouldn’t be writing an entire paragraph enclosed in parenthesis so I will stop now) of power, grace, and gentleness.  And, she is an absolutely perfect mother.  Look at her here below.  She did not leave her child’s side and was ALWAYS vigilant to anything that posed the smallest threat to her baby.  I have no doubt, were a true predator to come on the scene, Salvana would have given her very life in an instance to protect her offspring.  NO DOUBT.

Honestly, I could relate to Salvana.  I don’t think there is anything I have ever felt that has run deeper, and more ingrained in my very being than that of being a mother.  It’s an unstoppable force.  Sorry, kids, when that protective instinct comes out it is as if I can not physically keep myself from stepping in and protecting as I see fit.  Poor DustMeister has had to endure some of this lately. 

And, you know what’s funny, I know that EVERY mom that reads this post can relate to Salvana, and to me. 

Look at this picture below. 

You know that I love to take photos, and I’ve captured a few that I think are special, at least to me.  At first glance the photo above might not seem to fit into the elite category.  But, look closer (click on the photo itself to make it larger and focus on Salvana’s eyes) and you’ll know that it does.  Salvana has had six babies and two are no longer with us.  Nanni had 4 babies in 5 years and never complained.  Salvana is a Mom of a newborn and feels the pain and anxiety.  Nanni is just starting to make her way on her own without her husband of 51 years.  Do you see it?  Do you see these two exceptional ladies communicating ALL this and more to each other and SUPPORTING each other?  I do.  And I am thankful for a Mom, and a horse who is  a Mom, and that they can communicate to each other and be there for each other. 

Salvana and Nanni, they are so alike.  And, trust me, that is a compliment – a SUPREME COMPLIMENT – to them both.

Ok, then.  I’ve lots more to post about this weekend.  Here’s a slide-show if you would like a sneak preview:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderfultoday/sets/72157621824312015/show/

SweetGuy, Bud, Magoo, and I were hanging out in the living room settling down for the evening. 

Surprisingly, there was a loud, quick, sharp knock on the glass door.  Berzerker barked and went crazy.  As SweetGuy headed towards the door, we saw lights and heard a vehicle peel out of our driveway.

Upon investigation, to our COMPLETE surprise, some people who wish to remain anonymous had, beneath our very noses, replaced our gazebo furniture.  They decided our (pictured) hand-me-down circa 1973 picnic table could stand to be replaced.

This was one of the coolest things anyone has ever done for us…. the gift itself, the total surprise, the secret agent method of gifting.  We felt incredibly special, and even more so after we called the offenders, made them come back and we all sat on our new furniture talking, laughing, and eating until way past our bedtimes.

I think people should give us gifts more often.  It’s rather enjoyable.

Oh, and our cats are VERY grateful too!

Thank you to the crazy people that did this.  The furniture is awesome, and the gesture and memories of the evening are even more so.