Mules and More - Editor's Blog

About a pretty sunset...

2012-02-03T08:50:00.001-08:00

This Is Adorable...

2012-02-03T07:37:00.001-08:00

Winter?

2012-02-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

So the weather here has been unbelievable. Temps in the mid 60s in January and February is not a common occurrence in Missouri. I have gotten to ride twice this week. Yesterday when I went to catch Maggie, she was sunbathing. When I walked up to her, she just continued to lay there and look at me with this "are you serious?" expression. She eventually got up, but much to her disgust...

I hear we have all sorts of bad weather on the way, though. That figures. I assumed we would be paid back in full for having it this nice so far.

Good News, Bad News

2012-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

So, lots of stuff going on here.

1. Sue is slated to come home today! She is anxious to get back to Spencer (and the office, but we are going to make sure she takes it easy!). She is going to continue to do rehab therapy at Frene Valley three days a week, which will make her recover much speedier!

2. They closed our post office today, with literally less than an 18 hour warning. This is truly a shame for our community. I was in the post office when our postmistress Debbie Scheel got this call, and she was truly in shock. Like she said, why would you close down a post office that actually makes money? As of now, our mail will be in Owensville, but I honestly don't know what we are supposed to do after that. That is how little warning she had.

3. Tomorrow is the deadline for the March issue of Mules and More (February 1). If we can help you advertise, please give us a call at (573)646-3934 or email at mules (at) socket.net

4. The Jack Issues should have made there way to many of you by now! What do you think? I personally really love the cover, but then I love pink, so.... We have lots of new information regarding breeding and caring for mules and donkeys. I hope you enjoy it!!!

UPDATE: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=713978#.Tyg0dWBqMw0
Hooray! Looks like we are good again. That is a load of stress of our backs!!! Our post office will continue to stay open!

Sticky Bones McGee

2012-01-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

This made me giggle.

Also, for those of you wondering about Sue's progress recovering from knee surgery, here is an update: She is currently at a nursing facility in Owensville and getting better each day. She had a minor set back due to some blood clots in her lungs and a hurt shoulder, but at the facility she will be getting rehab daily, so she should be back home in no time! Everyone's calls and emails have been greatly appreciated! She has her laptop there, and you should be able to reach her through her personal email: mulesandmore (at) gmail.com. Just use an @ symbol for where the (at) is. Stinkin' spammers pick up email address' all the time from blogs and such like this.

We are working on the March issue as I type. Let us know if we can help you advertise! The deadline is next Wednesday, February 1.

Mule Sale Date Changes

2012-01-13T10:52:00.001-08:00

In the December issue (page 23) the wrong date is listed for the Kelso Mule Spring Sale at Clark’s Auction Barn, Mayfield, Kentucky. The correct date is Friday, March 2, 2012.

Due to the W. T. Hayer Foxen Canyon Ranch Estate Carriage Collection & Farm Equipment Auction scheduled for April 27-28 in Los Olivos, California, the California Draft Horse & Equipment Sale advertised in the December and January issues has been cancelled.

If It's The Beaches

2011-12-29T10:36:00.001-08:00

Where You Invest Your Love...

2011-12-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

"In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love, you invest your life..."
-Awake My Soul, by Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-22T06:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas is three days away... do you have your Christmas cookies baked? And your shopping done? And your presents wrapped? I do!

Merry Christmas From The Family...

2011-12-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

It's not Christmas without hearing this song a few times. (Uh, for the record, it is not the most "PC" Christmas song ever written, so there is your disclaimer.)

"Make bloody Mary's cuz' we all want one! Send somebody to the the Stop and Go. We need some celery and a can of fake snow..." Robert Earl Keen is just the best.

We sent the January issue to the printers on Tuesday, and Grandma Sue is picking up blueline today. We are having our annual Christmas party at Sybill's (YUMMM!) next Tuesday, and we will be closed next Friday-Sunday to celebrate Christmas. The deadline for the Jack issue is Jan 2. If you have a suggestion as to what type of articles you would like to see regarding breeding and caring for colts, please let us know.

We got a lot of compliments on the December cover. I agree, that mule had the sweetest face. But our January cover is very cool. Grandma Sue said it was one of her favorite pictures to appear on the cover, which says a lot, as she has been looking at Mules and More covers for 20+ years.

I am down to just a few names on my Christmas shopping list, and am hoping to finish those up soon. If you are still looking for gifts for your favorite mule/donkey lover, check out our "M&M Store" on our website. It's got a lot of ideas, and we can work with you on shipping to ensure it makes it by Christmas Eve.

--Cori

Snail Mail

2011-12-07T12:36:00.001-08:00

If it were up to us, we would mail your magazines on the 25th of the month, and every one of you would receive them on the following day. Obviously, there are certain factors that make this next to impossible.

As if dealing with slow delivery isn't already a problem, this has been all over the news recently:
http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=694156#.Tt_ONWBqMw0
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/2011/12/stamping-out-the-post-office.html

Yup, they are closing 250 mail processing centers.

We are appreciative of the (almost always) kind calls we receive from our subscribers checking on the whereabouts of their most current issue. As I mentioned earlier, we mail on the 25th of the month, and are recommended by USPS to allow 15-20 days for your magazine to arrive to you. If you haven't received your magazine by the 15th of that month (for example, if it was the December issue, it would be December 15) then you should feel free to give us a call and we will replace it for you. We keep a record of whose magazine we have to replace, and try to fix any patterns of lost magazines immediately by verifying your address and if necessary contacting your postmaster.

Sue, Kelly and I all want you to get your magazines as quick as possible. We work so hard on our magazine, we want you to be able to enjoy it in a timely manner! After all, magazines are "time sensitive," they contain dates and information that you need before an event happens, not after.

I would like to be able to say that things will get better, but if you watch the news you know that's just not true. Please, hang in there with us. Your magazines were mailed with the most positive and optimistic thoughts behind them, wishing them a safe and quick journey to you. Just stick it out a little longer. They are worth the wait.

--Cori

Christmas Card Preview!

2011-12-01T09:02:00.003-08:00

Happiest Season Christmas Card

Create from the Heart: photo Christmas cards from Shutterfly .

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Card Preview!

2011-12-01T09:02:00.001-08:00

Holly Toile Christmas Card

Turn your favorite pictures into personalized Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Blazin' Blue Bonnet

2011-11-23T06:42:00.001-08:00

It is with a heavy heart that I report that yesterday Blue passed away. He taught me, my brother, and my daughter to ride, along with countless other children. I have so many memories interlaced with Blue, from high point buckles to lessons learned the hard way. It is impossible to imagine my parents house without him there to nicker at feeding time, but I know that we were so lucky and blessed to have ended up with that little mule in our life. They don't make them like Blazin' Blue anymore. Rest in peace, Blue.

Relatable...

2011-11-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

via Geekfill

Happy Mule Appreciation Day!!!

2011-10-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Mule Appreciation Day! Be sure to give your mule a big hug (or a scratch on the butt, which is what MagPie prefers) today! And don't forget about your horses and donkeys, since without them, we wouldn't have our wonderful mules!

The photos above are from the Mule Day Celebration event that took place last week at the Mule Trading Post in Rolla, Mo. It was a beautiful day to celebrate our long-eared friend!

CARD SHOWER FOR DOZER

2011-10-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

Dozer Beaver will be spending the next 4 weeks at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN for treatment.

Let’s all pull together and shower Dozer with Halloween cards to help brighten his stay. At this date we do not have an address for him in Memphis, so either mail your cards to Mules and More, PO Box 460, Bland, MO 65014, or to his home at Box 1412, Stilwell, OK 74960. Time is running out, so get your card in the mail today!

Pageant Mom

2011-10-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

via Buzzfeed.

The Best Costumes At The 2011 Tompkins Square Dog Parade held in New York City.

Agreed. This is amazing. Are you dressing your mule or donkey (or dog!) up for Halloween?

Help Wanted!

2011-10-20T09:51:00.001-07:00

Mules and More is looking to immediately hire a free lance ad sales position to help us with our holiday gift guide. This would be a temporary position with a possibility of becoming permanent. You do not need to be local, working from home is fine. Contact us at mules@socket.net or 573/646-3934 for more information!

Recycle Owensville

2011-10-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I am probably more excited about this than I should be. Owensville is going to have a recycle day on Saturday, which means I only have to drive my recycling a few miles (instead of almost 45 minutes)...so it will actually make it out of my garage! Yay!
I am going to sell my aluminum cans, too. And take that pile of stuff to the dump. And move the computer desk to the storage shed. And I am going to have my garage back!
Like I said, I am way more pumped for what basically amounts to cleaning than I should be. But it has been getting chilly in the mornings and it would be so nice to be able to park my car in there.

We just sent the November issue off to the printer. That means we are officially working on December. Oh man, I don't even want to think about all that yet. But, I do love Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas...so I guess it's not too bad :)

Everything else is secondary

2011-10-06T09:34:00.001-07:00

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
-Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Extreme Trail Challenge in Rolla, Mo.

2011-10-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

My mom has some photos over on her blog of the Extreme Trail Challenge Camri, my dad and I attended this weekend in Rolla, Mo., hosted by the Rolla Saddle Club. Hoosier and I were the big winners, followed by Dad and Jessie in second and Dad and Jethro in fourth. Camri and Shedaisy placed third in the 12 and under division. It was a great way to spend a beautiful Saturday with our mules!

I might possibly have some videos to post from the challenge, but I'm not quite sure of their quality yet. Camri recorded one of them (of Jessie's run). Dad said he added commentary to my run, so I am sure it turned out great (especially since I momentarily forgot how to open a gate, lol).

http://pairadicemules.blogspot.com/

Orange and Black Day!

2011-09-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

I think these two are officially tired of me taking their picture each morning... :)

PJ Day!

2011-09-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Day

2011-09-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

Busy As A Bee

2011-09-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

So, thanks to cheap airline tickets and good friends, in the past week I have got to spend time in Minneapolis, Denver, St. Louis, Little Rock, and Atlanta. I am so glad to finally be home!

I went out and spent Thursday evening through Sunday morning with my good friend from college Sarah in Denver. She lives and works there now. Another one of my best friends from college met us out there, Bonnie from Columbia. We ate lots of yummy food, went out to some fun places, did some shopping, and even got pedicures. To say the least, we had a large time.

Sunday I got to spend the night in Little Rock because of a storm in Memphis. I finally got to work today (a day late!) so I have been busy as a bee!

The picture above is of the pretty clouds on my flight from Little Rock to Atlanta.

The deadline for the November issue October 1. Let us know if we can help you advertise!

Saturday Morning Cartoon...

2011-09-17T07:18:00.001-07:00

via http://imgfave.com/view/1136557

Go Cards!

2011-09-14T11:45:00.001-07:00

Cam, Ali, Davey and I went to the Cards game last Friday. It was a bit chilly but we had a great time!

Bon Iver

2011-09-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Davey and I went to the Bon Iver show at the Pageant in STL this Sunday. It was one of the best concerts I've seen in a while! Lots of energy, and I loved all the instruments (there are 9 of them!). Will definitely go see them again!

With Your Heart

2011-09-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

aiming and it sunk and we were drunk and we had fleshed it out
nose up in the globes, you never know if you are passing out
no it wasn’t maiden-up, the falling or the faded luck
hung up in the ivory, both were climbing for a finer cause
love can hardly leave the room
with your heart
--Bon Iver, Michicant

4-Peat

2011-09-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Cole and BB won the mule race at the National Championship Chuckwagon Races again this year for the fourth year in the row!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

We stopped to get gas last night on our way to the National Championship Chuckwagon Races in Clinton, Arkansas, and I saw this flyer hanging in the convenience store (which I had made for Ozark Mule Days!). It made me think to remind everyone that there are a lot of fun mule events this weekend, so check out our calendar of events and find one to go to! And don't forget to send us photos of you enjoying the long weekend with your longears!

From Granny

2011-08-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

I was going through the pile of photos/artwork that needed scanned and saw this card from Anna Arnold (Granny's Adventures). It's very "Anna," and such a cute card. I thought I would share!

Believe to Achieve

2011-08-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

via Believe to Achieve. Love love love these.

Cafe Press

2011-08-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

So, I've been messing around a little recently, setting us up a Cafe Press site. I haven't yet figured out everything, so I am not going to add it to our website or put a link up on Facebook...but if you have a chance, check it out and let me know what you think.

It seems like the dark shirts cost more, and that more than one color of ink ups the price. I have just been looking at the tshirts, but there are thousands of products you can choose from to list in your store. The NASMA site has some good examples of that.

The only thing I am a little skeptical about is that, for example, if you are shopping on our website and have things in your cart, and then visit the Cafe Press site and find things you want to buy there, too, you will have to do two separate check outs. I don't know how I feel about that yet, and I don't know whether shoppers would like it.

It does have potential to be a good resource though! http://www.cafepress.com/mulesandmore

Have Your Cake and Pizza, Too

2011-08-19T09:16:00.001-07:00

(via The Daily What.) I am going to try and remember to do this for Camri's birthday. She would get a huge kick out of it...She only likes the icing in cake anyway. And I'm positive she likes pizza more than cake.

From Across the Pond...

2011-08-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

We have had the pleasure of some very "lovely" company in the office the past few days...Donna Taylor, from France, who writes the "From Across the Pond" column in the magazine! She will write about her visit in more detail in her columns to come, but we enjoyed two days of riding and visiting, along with a trip to one of my favorite restaurants, Sybill's in St. James. She flew into St. Louis after spending some time in the mountains in South Carolina, and flew out today to Utah to see more friends.

I really enjoyed Donna's visit, and hope she gets a chance to come back!

Cori, Donna and Sue

Mussels in a wine and olive oil sauce from Sybill's. Not pictured: sangria and chocolate lava cake. They were all insanely delicious. Grandma Sue said Donna was still talking about our supper when when she dropped her off at the airport this morning!

First day of first grade...

2011-08-17T10:53:00.001-07:00

Like, very bad.

2011-08-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

I am having a bad day. Like, very bad. But I was goofing around and found this, and it brightened my day a teensy bit.

http://evilpig.imgur.com/facebook_prank#REmA3

Helpful Tip

2011-08-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/photoshop-tip-rotate-brush-between-use

I found this helpful tip today while working on an ad. It shows you how to rotate the brush you are using in Photoshop. This is kind of embarrassing, but before I found this I was rotating the canvas if I needed to use the brush at a different angle. You learn something new every day!

Let Me Try And Explain Again

2011-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

All the stars up in the sky
And the leaves in the trees
All the broken bits that make you jump up
And grassy bits in between
All the matter in the world is how much I like you

--Birds, by Kate Nash

Are Your Thoughts Results of Static Cling?

2011-08-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

I'm back at work today. Came into work to find a MASSIVE pile of ads and articles. It's been a yucky, rainy day on top of all that! Oh well, I had to come back to reality eventually... I've had Jason Mraz and Adele on repeat today. Magazine's due on Friday, so I'm going to stay motivated (positive thinking, lol)!

Yup, it sure is.

2011-08-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Oyester Bar and Grill

2011-08-02T19:32:00.001-07:00

We had dinner at Hurricane Oyster Bar and Grill. I had oyester nachos and lobster tacos. They were delicious! Davey had wings, and he said they were some of the best he has ever eaten.

We are headed back to the beach in the a.m. After we get some sand castle building supplies, that is :)

Waffle House hats

2011-08-02T06:42:00.001-07:00

Goofballs In The Backseat

2011-08-01T15:36:00.001-07:00

Loaded Up and Truckin'

2011-08-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

We are stopped for a quick lunch, then we're Florida bound!

Gus vs. Pool

2011-07-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

We have been giggling about this in the office, so I thought I would share!

My Latest Jam

2011-07-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

"How much did you pay for that tan?"

"More than you paid for your boots."

Senior Mule Trail Pattern at Shelbyville

2011-07-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

I am always interested in what kind of patterns are being used at mule shows across the country. I had snapped a picture of the senior mule trail pattern on my phone (because I was too lazy to draw it) while at Shelbyville, so I thought I would share it. What it doesn't show is how TIGHT they set this pattern up. The serpentine was insanely tight and I only saw one or two mules make it through. The warm up pen is huge where they set this course up, but they only used about 1/3 of it.

My Wish List...

2011-07-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

This might seem like a silly thing to put on my "wish list," but after spending what seemed like a really long time sorting recycling to take to the recycling center, I would love to have a set of bins like this. Camri and I hauled ours over in laundry baskets, and they are certainly not the most efficient way to transport recycling.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suncast-Multi-Colored-Recycle-Bin-Kit/11078498

I also am adding a cordless power drill to my wish list. I put a shelf together today, and one would have been extremely handy!

Yeah, I stayed inside today instead of riding my big ol' mules, but it is HOT outside and I got SUPER sunburnt on the river yesterday... I am hoping to get out and ride in the early a.m. tomorrow, as long as I can convince Cam to get up with me, that is.

The August issue with our Jake Clark Days coverage is gone away to the printer. We are now working on the September issue, with our next deadline being August 1. My boyfriend and I are taking our kids and going to Florida with another couple and their kids the first week in August, so I will be missing four days of work. I think I can manage, though!

Correction

2011-07-09T13:47:00.001-07:00

The high point winners below are for the NASMA National Champion classes.

Sent from my iPhone

High Point Donkey and Mule

2011-07-09T13:44:00.001-07:00

High Point Donkey:
Grand Champion- Clyde's Gallant Fox
Reserve- Sycamore Springs Joe

High Point Mule:
Grand Champion- Big Bruce
Reserve- Big Woods Queen Elizabeth

Sent from my iPhone

A Few Highpoint Winners...

2011-07-09T13:33:00.001-07:00

Amateur Mule:
Grand Champion- Big Bruce
Reserve- GiGi's Impressive Upfront

Training Level Donkey
Grand Champion- Circle C Mo Vision
Reserve- DLs Good Ol Max

Junior
Grand Champion- Deep Fork Farms Dixie

NASMA National Championship Senior Western Pleasure

2011-07-09T13:22:00.001-07:00

Grand Champion: GiGi's Impressive Upfront, ridden by Shelly Raley

Reserve: Big Bruce, ridden by Hunter Gramman

There were 15 in the class.

NASMA National Champion Donkey Western Pleasure

2011-07-08T09:03:00.001-07:00

Adult Costume Class

2011-07-07T16:50:00.001-07:00

Grand Champion Halter Mule Class

2011-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

2010 NASMA Awards

2011-07-07T05:57:00.001-07:00

Last night, NASMA hosted their 2010 awards ceremony in the outside arena at The Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show. High Point winners received blue saddle blankets. The top 2-10 youth received buckles.

The NASMA youth presented outgoing president Tom Cochran with a buckle (above).

It is nice to be back in Shelbyville and to get to visit with everyone. If you are here, be sure to stop by and check out the Mules and More booth in the coliseum. Sue has lots of great mule and donkey merchandise, along with books, DVDs, and caps. AND she is always up for mule and donkey conversations! I will be in the booth occasionally, when I'm not riding or taking photos.

Quality Time

2011-06-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hoosier

Since Shelbyville is next week, I have been spending lots of quality time with Hoosier, attempting to get him ready/in shape for the show. He has been ridden every day since I got back from Wyoming. We went to a schooling show up the road from my house where we had some much needed jumping practice. He even got to go to work with my dad at the sale barn yesterday. Hopefully, this will do the trick and we will have a successful show...

Back from Wyoming

2011-06-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

After a 24-hour-plus drive from Wyoming, we made it home late Monday night. And, oh man, was I zapped yesterday. Zumba was excruciating, and I seriously regretted eating those delicious fresh fried donuts for lunch three days...(but, ohhhh, they were yummy!).

We had a great time in Wyoming. We got to eat all sorts of great food (Proud Cut and Cassie's) and spent time with awesome people. The mules our group brought for the auction sold great (4 out of 5 went for over $8,000!). M&M handed out a ton of magazines and got a new advertiser. We are of course looking forward to next year's trip!

I was glad to get back to see Miss Camri... I sure missed her while I was gone!

The July issue's are going out early this month. I think they are being mailed from the printer today or tomorrow. It's filled with news and photos from Bishop Mule Days. I am anxious for everyone to see the cover. I just love it!

Next month, August, will be contain our Jake Clark coverage. The deadline for advertising/articles is next Friday, July 1. (Where is this summer going?)

Jake Clark's - Friday

2011-06-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Jake Clark's - Friday's Events

2011-06-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Trail Course, Ranch Work, and Roping - Friday's event

Jake Clark's Mule Days - Thursday Team Sorting

2011-06-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Jake Clark's Mule Days - Thursday Team Sorting

2011-06-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

We have two cameras going (my mom is using the other) so this is just a few of what I've taken so far.

I went four go's in the team sorting, but ended up scratching each time. Peggy Sue and Reba (the mules my dad has consigned) worked great - it was all "rider error."

Today is the course that shows the sale mules' trail skills.

Jake Clark's Mule Days - Thursday - Team Sorting

2011-06-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Brad Cameron in the team sorting

Tim and Shelia Cross

What Would Willie Do?

2011-06-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Davey and I, along with another couple, Ashley and Aaron, went to Columbia for Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown. What a good time!

We ate at 44 Stone, an English pub, for lunch. (Sooo yummy!) Then we headed out to Midway Expo Center for the show.

We saw all sorts of singer/songwriters, including Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and Brantley Gilbert. We did get rained on, and ended up getting cold and heading out a bit earlier than planned, but all together it was a great day.

Since this was on a Friday, I only had a four day work week last week...and since I am leaving for Wyoming today, I only had a three day work week this week. I am Wyoming bound in an half an hour and will be back next Monday. Yup, that means I only have a four day work week next week, too. I love June!

I will keep you posted on Jake Clark Days this week and will hopefully see some of you there!

;)

2011-06-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

The video is a little goofy, but all the same. <3 this song.

"Would have never found you, if he had wanted to stay..
He hurt me bad, in a real good way..."

Perfect Summer Weekend

2011-06-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Friday night, I headed up to Columbia to the Blue Note for the Yeasayer/Smith Western/Hush Hush concert with my friend from college, Bonnie. The show was great!

Bonnie and I :)

Saturday morning I participated in the Quail Forever/Prairie Star Farm 5K Trail Challenge. I did the run/walk division and ran a 44:30 time. I haven't been running that long, so I was extremely happy with my time. I actually ended up first in my age division and got a cute little cooler as a prize!
That afternoon Davey, Camri, Ali and I went to Maramec Springs. The girls fed the fish and "swam" for a bit. The water was super cold, so they didn't spend to much time in it.

Camri and Ali at Maramec Springs

On Sunday, Ali and Camri had their tumbling recital. They both did great! Camri rocked her cartwheels and backbends. We got ice cream with the Surbers, my mom, and Grandma Alice afterward.

Camri at her tumbling recital

It was Ali's cousin Emma's birthday, so Sunday evening we celebrated at the girls' grandparents. They did a little swimming and sliding in their new pool.

Emma and Camri

I was crazy busy this weekend, but it was the perfect way to start June. I can't wait for more weekends like this this summer :)

Deadline...

2011-06-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

I got to work yesterday and had this wonderful pile of copy to set/correct. What a lovely way to start your day! Eh, it won't take long to get it down to a manageable amount. It might take a bit longer with Camri, the new office help, around, but her Grandma Lenice agreed to take her today, so I'll be done in no time :) (yeah, right!)

Sunday Ride

2011-05-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Camri and Kacie

Camri and Shedaisy

Camri

Maggie

Next Up...The July Issue!

2011-05-20T14:18:00.001-07:00

Camri at the Kindergarten Picnic

The title of this post was very odd to type, but not as odd as the fact that I know have to say I have a first grader! Camri is officially done with Kindergarten. And we are officially working on the July 2011 issue. I guess summer has started. Now if we could only get rid of this rain, things would be perfect! And maybe we can get some riding in this weekend. I've gotten to ride a few times here and there. I snapped the below picture of Maggie on Wednesday. Such a pretty lady!

Maggie

Show-Jumping Zebra

2011-05-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

I found this video today on thedailywh.at. I have to say, this is pretty darn impressive! I have heard zebra's are difficult to train, but this looks like a good time. Zack the zebra is 6 years old and 12.2H and he is jumping 2'8 standards.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-05-10T15:28:00.001-07:00

We have been busy, busy, busy around here! Between Kindergarten Graduation, Breakfast with Mom, and a field trip to the Magic House, I have spent a lot of time at Camri's school. The magazine has to be uploaded this week, so things don't look like they will slow down any time soon.
We had a great Mother's Day ride on Sunday. My mom has some pictures up over on her blog. Mom, Dad, Cole, Camri and I were joined by the Smith family and Wes and Brandi Wells, along with their friend Mic.
Now that it is getting nice here (it was 85 yesterday!) I have been getting to ride in what little free time I have had. I hope everyone out there is getting to, too!

What if it was true, and all we thought was right was wrong?

2011-05-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Such Great Heights

2011-04-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

"I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles
In our eyes are mirror images and when
We kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate that God himself
Did make us into corresponding shapes like
Puzzle pieces from the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch, but
Its thoughts like this that catch my troubled
Head when you're away when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road for
Several weeks of shows and when you scan
The radio, I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great
Heights, 'come down now,' they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
'come down now,' but we'll stay..."

--The Postal Service, Such Great Heights, off of the "Give Up" album

Modest Mouse radio on Pandora is kilin' it today. It's making this rainy, dreary afternoon inside a bit more bearable...

Easter is Approaching...

2011-04-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Easter is this Sunday, so of course Camri had to wear her new Easter bunny shirt, complete with her name on it, to school this week. She is looking forward to dyeing eggs and the beautiful new dress she gets to wear Sunday!

New Caps

2011-04-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, we have some new merchandise in the M&M store. First up, we have these new Mossy Oak camo caps. These are my first venture into merchandising. I picked out the hats and the embroidery. I think they turned out pretty great! Perfect for summer! We also added a pink shirt to the MuleWear t-shirt line. Check 'em out!

Here is a link to the M&M Store: Http://mulesandmore.com/shop%20storefront.htm

Saturday Morning Shopping

2011-04-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.nrsworld.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=11-57-590-211!KARAP&referrer=ratepoint

I am loving this look! It's a Stetson Floral Cami Dress from NRS. I have a pair of new boots on order, and want to find a dress like this to wear with them this summer. I better get a tan first, though...

Cook's Corral

2011-04-15T17:20:00.001-07:00

We are looking for someone to bring back our "Cook's Corral" segment, which has been dormant for some months. If you cook/bake, and would be interested in gathering a few recipes each month for us, email us at mules@socket.net for more details. Thanks!

Birthday Celebrations...

2011-04-10T17:01:00.001-07:00

Camri turns six this Wednesday, so we have been busy celebrating her "birthday week" in true Basham tradition. Friday, we went out to dinner with G. Sue and some friends, then went skating with her friend Kacie. Today we had a small birthday party at my house. It was a fabulous weekend!

Tomorrow I am finishing up the May issue and sending it to the printers. And then it is on to June!

To Quote Silversun Pickups...

2011-03-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

"It's everything that is connected and beautiful
And now i know just where i stand.
Move on...
Roll along...

Seasons always shift too late.
Spent too much time now on paths sideways."

--Kissing Families, Silversun Pickups

I think that pretty much sums it up.

I'm not always right...

2011-03-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Snowed in...and shopping

2011-03-26T18:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.gypsyville.com/store/store.asp?nProductId=25211

My stylist (Trina at Salon Bella) told me about Gyspy Junk, this online company with cute cowgirl-y stuff. The shirt above is from their store, and I love it. I would take one of each item from the actually...so much cute stuff. They have this cute pink retro pay phone that would look perfect in my house.

I also found some adorable stuff on Etsy. Last week, I found an awesome convertible dress and the perfect gift for my boyfriend's best friend's new baby.

I have been looking for a something to go in my living room. I found this sign today, and I think it would work perfect: http://www.etsy.com/listing/67445457/cowgirl-up-wall-decor

So...if anyone is in the mood to purchase me a gift, I would take either of these :)

I've got a three-year-old, a four-year-old, and a five-year-old at my house for a sleepover tonight... wish me luck. I am going to need it.

--Cori

Spring?

2011-03-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

It's March 26...and it has been snowing all day. Gotta love Missouri :)

Hoosier's Winter 'Do

2011-03-18T13:21:00.001-07:00

Survey Mentioned on page 8 of March Mules and More

2011-03-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

(This was mailed to me by M. Jean Gregg. They asked me to put this online.)

Survey Date: ____________________

The following survey is of much more value than one of interest, though it truly is of interest to see how various ones value their horses/mules/donkeys. Please answer each question.

1. If you were asked to place a daily monetary value on your personal, non-professional use enjoyment that you derive from your h/m/d's, what dollar figure would you provide? Be realistic, be honest, and give the question due consideration before you answer it.

Daily value: $ _____________

2. Check all that apply:

Is your enjoyment based on

handling your animals? _______

observing them? _______

riding them? _______

training them? _______

working them? _______

owning them for the enjoyment of

your children? _______

your grandchildren? _______

other people? _______

your self? _______

3. How long have you owned/enjoyed your animal(s)?

less than one year? _______ one to five years? _______

five to ten years? _______ ten or more years? _______

4. Do you ever consider your h/m/d's as your children? Yes_______ No _______

5. If they were taken away from you by death from an accident, could your h/m/d's ever be replaced by another one of like kind? Yes _______ No _______

6. Do you have any comments you would like to make? __________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Please provide your name, address, phone number. Why? This survey may help you in the future should you lose one of your animals. It will also help me because I lost two of mine.

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________ Signature: ______________________________________

Please make a copy of this for your records, and mail the original to:

Gregory Kuehmichel, The Mule Man

P.O. Box 761

Mineral Wells, TX 76068-0761

Your response is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, google search my name (M. Jean Gregg) on the Internet, and then call me at 318-461-2074 (Temporary) 940-452-8167 (Permanent).

Thank you very much!

Happy St. Pat's Day!

2011-03-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the April trail riding issue, and I am quite proud of it if I do say so myself. I hope it goes over well and can become an annual thing we do. It has one of my favorite covers so far.

While we are very glad we finished April, it ended on kind of a sad note. Our office help, Tracy, announced she was leaving to babysit full time. We will miss you Tracy! Thank you so much for all of your help, especially when we were all alone this winter!

But that means we now have an opening to fill. If you are from around this area and interested in a part time position, you can call 573/646-3934 for more information.

I have been busy re-vamping the website a bit. I think I will be pleased with it once

I get all the kinks worked out. View it out at www.mulesandmore.com and let me know what you think. I have the home page, the new issue page, the contact page, and the archive page done with the new layout.

We received a beautiful bouquet and nice note from the Charlie and Jerri Moore thanking us for for the work we did on their cover a story (in the March 2011 issue). I am so glad they liked it! I thought it turned out well. Don't forget to stop by Rooster's birthday party if you are at Bishop this year!

We had our family's Christmas this last weekend, since Grandma Sue has now returned from Arizona. Camri rocked her new boots that Mom and Dad found her at the Timed Event Finals in OKC. They suit her to a T!

The office received a much needed gift from the Basham's at Christmas, too. My grandmother has the tiniest coffee pot ever made. It made exactly two cups of coffee, which Tracy and I would drink in the first five minutes of being at work. I must have complained about it a lot, because one of my grandmother's gifts was a big coffee maker that makes a huge pot of coffee. Thank goodness!

I hope you all wore your green today. I was informed by Camri's step-mom that Camri had plans on pinching me if I didn't wear mine today. I realized yesterday that Camri's sixth birthday was less than one month away. I guess I better get to planning! And what do you get for the girl who has everything? Hmmm....I have lots to do before April 13!

--Cori

In The Mean Time...

2011-03-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

We are busy finishing up the April trail riding issue...but in the mean time, I wanted to share this link:

http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/2010/07/15/daddy-why-are-all-the-cages-empty/

This website cracks me up, but I really like this post, especially the pony photo. So funny.

To Quote Kanye...

2011-03-02T11:37:00.001-08:00

"If you admire somebody, you should go ahead and tell 'em...

People never get the flowers while they can still smell 'em."

- Kanye West, "Big Brother," off his Graduation album

April Trail Riding Issue

2011-02-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

April will be our special Trail Riding issue...so feel free to send in any stories, tips, or photos you would like to share that focus on the subject!

Also, if you are camping/trail riding business owner, contact us to take advantage of our "Trail Guide," which will appear in the magazine and online.

Pop, Soda, or Coke?

2011-02-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.popvssoda.com/countystats/total-county.html

Well, where we are in Missouri is definitely a soda county. We travel a lot, and we often get asked what kind of pop we want, or "do you want a coke with that?" I always assumed it was regional.

At any rate, it has been almost one month since I have had a soda (officially a month on the 25th). So I guess I won't have to keep current on the pop vs. soda vs. coke debate!

Boone County Draft Horse and Mule Sale

2011-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

I was up early on Friday morning to go set up a booth at the Boone County Draft Horse and Mule Sale in Columbia, Mo., last week. Only horses sold on Friday and they finished up at about 4:30 p.m. I drove across town to see a girlfriend of mine from college who had just had twins and went out for dinner later that night with a girlfriend of mine from high school. Then it was up early again on Saturday for the big mule sale!
It seemed like everybody was at this sale. It is the first mule event in Missouri after the winter (and boy, has this winter blown) so everyone is anxious to see their fellow mule folk. I had a good sale and sold quite a few subscriptions, with a lot of them being new. I got lots of praise about the new format and content of the magazine. I really like visiting with subscribers and hearing what they have to say about the magazine. Of course I like the compliments, but if anyone has a "constructive criticism," I like to hear that, too.
Mules sold from very high to moderately low. It was a good sale though, with lots of consignors and even more bidders.
I visited with the folks who sold the high selling mule ($12,700!) and took their picture with the mule. We should have more about that in the April issue.
I also snapped a few photos with my iPhone...

Tuff Enuff - Greenwood, Ark.

Golian's Saddles and Tack - from New London, Mo.

Finishing Up March...

2011-02-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

We are currently working on finishing up the March issue. I am going to the Boone County Draft Horse and Mule Sale, in Columbia, Mo., on Thursday through Saturday. My grandmother has gone for as long as I can remember, and since she is in Arizona this winter, I will be going in her place.
Sue went to the DeWitt sale in Arizona I had mentioned on this blog earlier and had a very good turnout. There will be an article with pictures in the March issue.
Camri had 4 1/2 snow days last week. I enjoyed having her around, but it was definitely time for her to go back to school. I heard, "Mom, I'm bored," a lot last week. It was too cold to play outside and since my car was snowed in, we were pretty much stuck at the house. I finally got my car out on Sunday...but it did take me two tries to get up the driveway to work today. It is supposed to get up to the 50s by Sunday, so that will help melt all this stuff.
We have been getting a lot of calls from subscribers who haven't received their February issue. I'm not sure what the hold up is, but we are required to allow 15-20 days for the magazines to be delivered. If you haven't received your magazine by February 15, give us a call and we can replace it for you. But until then, all we can suggested is to wait it out. I know it is frustrating, but some things are beyond our control.
--Cori

I Heart Donald Glover

2011-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for Thursday night TV on NBC. It is literally the only TV I watch all week. Community was great. So was Parks and Rec. And 30 Rock. I just love them all so much!

Super Straw

2011-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

I love Andy from Parks and Rec. He is seriously the best.

Ron Swanson is a close second. "You had me at meat tornado."

I rrrreeeaaallllyyyy love Thursday night TV.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY from US Airways

2011-01-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a copy of the email I just sent to US Airlines. It sums up my birthday pretty nicely:

"We showed up at the Las Vegas airport at 5 a.m. for our 6:40 flight, to find that our gate said "more info at 8 a.m." So we waited until 8, when we were told there was a maintenance issue, but it was being resolved. We got on the plane about 9, and taxied around the airport for 45 minutes, to be let off again, and told that we could leave for Phoenix on this plane once a part came from Phoenix to fix the issue. They said it would leave at 11, then they said it would leave at 12. At 12, I went to check, and they switched us to a flight that left Phoenix at 4:30. We took that, and then took the 7:35 p.m. to STL. We were supposed to be in STL by 1:20 p.m. But instead we got there at 11. So we were at the airport 10 and a half hours longer than we should have been. AND IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY! To compensate us, they gave us each a $5 food voucher, which was basically enough to buy a Coke. I will absolutely never fly US Airways again. And I will tell everyone to avoid this carrier. We had such a wonderful, perfect time in Vegas, but the issues caused by your airline truly put a huge damper on our trip. I am hugely disappointed, as this was my first time flying with US Airways."

On top of the above incident, as we were landing in Phoenix, the pilot couldn't get our plane landed properly and as we were supposed to touch down, he had to take off again and the plane tipped sideways. It was very frightening! I am not so much complaining about this, as I am mentioning that it was very scary!

Oh, and Davey's car broke down on the way home...so we didn't make it home until 4 a.m. this morning. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Besides all this, I had a fabulous time in Vegas. The food was AMAZING as was the entertainment...more about that later, though. I think I might go home and take a nap now :)

SNOW DAY!

2011-01-20T10:33:00.000-08:00

The view from the office...
Camri...

I had heard we were supposed to get MORE snow, so before I left work last night, I forwarded calls from the office to my cell phone, just in case we got snowed in. We did get some snow, enough for them to cancel Camri's school, but not really enough to snow us in at our house. So after getting about 7 calls before 9:30, I thought it might be easier for us to just spend the day at work.

Camri has been watching Netflix streaming, so she has been fairly entertained. My dad and Cole stopped by for a visit, too.

Now that we have the February issue done, it is time to start working on March... it will seem like a vacation after working on the jack issue, though :)

Speaking of vacation....I am taking one this weekend. We are headed to Las Vegas for my birthday! On the schedule is Cirque de Solei, eating at Bobby Flay's Mesa grill, and hopefully lots of SUN! It will be my first trip to Vegas, and I am super excited!

Tracy will be here tomorrow, though, so call the office if you need to get ahold of Mules and More. The deadline for advertising and articles for the March issue is February 1. (573)646-3934

--Cori

Stop By and Visit!

2011-01-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Sue Cole, Senior Editor of Mules and More, will be at DeWitt Stables in Mesa, Arizona, for the 6th Annual Horse, Mule and Antique Auction on February 4-5, 2011. She will have a merchandise booth, so if you are in the area, be sure to stop by and visit with her!

Here is some more info on the sale:

DeWitt Stables

6th Annual Horse, Mule and Antique Auction

211 E Quince

Mesa, Arizon

(480)266-8190

Horses, Mules, Wagons, Buggies, Tack and Packing Equipment

Antiques, Collectibles, and Amish Quilts

Friday - 8 a.m.: Multi-Hitch Driving Clinic by Haviland

Packing Clinic by Chris Issacs

1 p.m.: Auction

5 p.m.: Dutch Oven dinner by Corn Creek Saddlery

Saturday - 9 a.m.: Auction

Sue's personal email is mulesandmore@gmail.com if you would like to contact her.

--Cori

You Were The Last Good Thing About This Part of Town...

2011-01-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

I found this song while I was transferring some music from my PC to my Mac. Aaahhh, it's great. I forgot that I used to be a FOB fan.

I'm just about done with the February issue. It has to be at the printer's tomorrow, so I guess we will see if I meet deadline soon! It has been snowing all afternoon, which might mean a snow day for Camri tomorrow. She has been a trooper about staying with me at the office while I try to finish this month up, but I doubt she will be too thrilled about hanging out there all day... Maybe her Grandma Lenice will have a snow day, too, and she can hang out there for a bit ;)