I've been neglecting this blog way too long. Much has happened in the months since my last post.
1. On 2010 Nov 27, Banner finished 3rd in a NOFCA mixed stakes. He made finals, but I scratched him on the line when he appeared to be injured. There was a bit of swelling in his front ankle AND he would cry when I flexed the joint. So... he was scratched. Since he was in the final three, he got a 3rd placement.
2. Christmas came and went, leaving me with a couple of nifty things that I really wanted, one of which was a meat grinder. Now, I can start making my own sausage and I can make ground beef with a bit more fat in it. A fattier beef makes for better stuffed cabbages.
3. New Years Day found me in California chasing wascully wabbits. It was an interesting trip home as California had some snow. Those people really don't know how to drive in it and one fellow speeding past me in a 4WD, spun out, almost taking off the front end of the Toyota 4Runner! Eek! Thankfully, I was going a reasonable speed in the frozen slush and I was able to slow considerably & quickly without losing control, allowing him to spin past the front end. Truly, he only missed me by about 6-10'. Scary, especially with two greyhounds in back of the Toyota. However, I got home safe & sound, even if it was late and took me nearly 20 hours.
4. Two weeks later, on Jan 23, Banner & Glory were entered in another NOFCA event here in New Mexico. Both hounds had recovered from their CA adventure, with Banner winning the mixed stakes for a total of 40 points. Glory did not fare as well, even tho' she made finals. I slipped her and she was off and running, forcing a wrench on a very good rabbit. She swung wide and continued the pursuit. Shortly thereafter, she quit running and came back. She was one very tired dog but she still managed to finish 6th.
**Both pups were very tired for the next two days. However, Glory had a swollen foot and she was limping on it. As a precautionary measure, I took her to the vet. Thankfully, there wasn't any breaks, tears or anything else. She was fine and the swelling went down quickly.
5. We've had some very cold weather here in New Mexico. Just about a week ago, temps were down in the negative numbers. Rob & I awoke one morning to -21 degrees F! Yikes! This morning, it was a bit warmer at only -3 degrees F. This too shall pass.
6. It appears that Glory has a beau. After an agreement is reached and signed, I'll let y'all know who the lucky dog is. What I will say is that we expect to have black puppies with white trim and they should be very good coursing dogs.
And finally....
Yesterday, Banner received an invitation to attend the Grand Course, our version of the Waterloo Cup.
Tally ho!
