Warmer!

It's bright with sunshine outside - especially with the sun refracting off the still crystalline snow that's in the backyard. The weatherman just said that Boulder should reach 35 degrees today... while on the Eastern Shore, the expected high is 28. Hurrah for warmth and sunshine! Both kits took a quick stroll this morning (after all, it is 11 degrees outside) and then quickly returned to the warmth of Kathryn's afghan. Gimpy is sitting up against the patio door, soaking up the sun and stuffing himself with nuts. I've got my presents ready to send, as well as my Christmas cards; all I have left to do is grab a couple of stocking stuffers for the family for Christmas morning, and I'll do that next week. (And I need to replenish the kits supply of catnip, too.) There were no birds visible or calling when I walked this morning, but a large group of crows and ravens just flew over - I guess it's warm enough for them now.

In Florida, Black Mambo has been put down at Bridlewood Farm, where I used to work. He became infected with EPM, equine protozoic myleoencephalitis, and was immediately put under a strong regimen of treatment. The attending vet said he had never seen EPM attack and ravage a horse so fast. Ten days after diagnosis, the Mambo was gone. ... In 2007 the Breeders Cup Mile champion was Kip Deville, a very handsome grey/roan colt. He has continued his race career and his winning ways, but in August he had to have colic surgery; while recovering from the surgery, he developed laminitis in his left fore. He is currently in critical condition at one of the top equine medical centers in the country. Please send healing thoughts toward this gorgeous creature. ... And, finally, Joanne Chandler, a 79-year-old trainer who maintains a small racing stable, made a long-awaited return to the winner's circle Dec. 9 at Golden Gate Fields when her filly Beau Tiful Slew scored a 30-to-1 upset in the second race. Beau Tiful Slew gave Chandler her first victory since Nov. 18, 2006, when her mare Award Winning won at Bay Meadows and paid $18. Chandler went 2-for-19 in 2006 and Award Winning accounted for both victories. Ms. Chandler also owns the 4-year-old Beau Tiful Slew. Keep on training and winning, Joanne!!