My mood may be a bit better tonight but the events of the day are not necessarily better.

We have this main gas line that will carry gas from the region under ground to other far off places for refining going through our pastures. Generally these huge contractors and gas companies do a fair job of keeping the land owners/occupants happy as they infringe on their property regardless of the result to the surface as it was and as it is left.

However, oddly enough we didn't even hear from anyone before we noticed they had cut into our fence off of the road and were fencing our horses out of their way... I know our landlord well enough to know that he always tells people who are going to do any gas or oil work on the property that they need to talk to me about the horses and fences before they begin. But for some reason they apparently thought it was okay to discuss it with the neighbor who doesn't even own any of the land they are cutting through, giving her a phone number in place of us. NOT COOL! But I seen the fence by the road and all appeared to be okay and acceptable. I thought to call them and remind them they needed to reseed it with dry land grass seed throughout the areas they are taking out for this line when they are finished; but otherwise I figured I'd leave it as is even though they didn't so much as come and talk to us first.

That was until today when one of our mares was in their fenced off area and we realized the fence they put in further down the line was only two strands and was only a little over three feet high in most places. Needless to say, the mare is hurt and hurt bad. Without a doubt, the majority of her upper foreleg is scalped all the way down to the muscle. She was in shock when we found her and fell down a couple times before we could get her to where we could fully treat her. It will no doubt scar her and leave her with the potential of future laminitis problems. This mare is a beautiful and athletic horse whom had great potential; and I'm not happy!

We began today and are concluding the removal of their poor fence work tomorrow to insure no other horses are injured before it is done appropriately. When it is re-done I am going to be assured it will be done right. I further more anticipate monetary off set for the injury that has rendered her to probably no more than a brood mare providing this heals up. Too boot she's pregnant and I had to give her injections that I would not normally give a pregnant mare. However, I have to take care of the mare first and the foal second. I'm just so not happy with these people. Needless to say, I’m prepared for what they have to say when they arrive on the property to work on Tuesday and find their fencing removed. That is if I can't get a hold of someone beforehand!

So, that is my rant for the day. I am hopeful with much TLC she will recover but it is going to be a long journey without a doubt.

As for the rest of the day, it was very nice. We enjoyed a barbecue with the family for our nephew's high school graduation which took us away from home for several hours. The weather held and it was so nice out for such an occasion.

I even got one of my whiskey barrel planters planted with my red, white and blue color scheme. I am hopeful that tomorrow is a bit less eventful and that I will have a chance to get a little more done in the yard. So much still to do just to have it in any sort of managed condition... Maybe we'll take a drive to visit a couple of loved ones grave sites or just hang out at home and enjoy the day with fond memories of them which they'd no doubt appreciate just as much if not more... But one way or the other, I'm optimistic that it will be a good day and in spite of the hurt inflicted unnecessarily to one of my precious critters, I still know that I know - "God is in the process...therefore trust the process!"

Have a great weekend and Memorial Day if I should miss an entry in the next day or two.

Hugzzz to all!