I started my mini sabbatical a week ago by volunteering at Camp Able. At first it didn’t look like it was going to work out. I emailed the food bank, and quickly had a response that someone would get back with me shortly. That didn’t happen. I never thought volunteering for places that really can use volunteers would be so challenging. None the less, Ray mentioned to Nadene who is chairman of the board for Camp Able that I was having issues. As only she can do, she took the proverbial bull by the horns and I was a volunteer.
As I arrived I was still quite unsure as to what was expected. I learned quickly that Nadene had bragged on me and that left me just a little scared! Renee Hicks, owner of Camp Able is a super sweet lady that has a tremendous love of horses, mainly ones that have been abused or neglected. Not only does she love horses but she is loves children with disablilities. She uses her horses to help children and adults.
There is much going on and the day to day life on a ranch is busy. There was another volunteer already there. A girl name Chloe who has been volunteering for a while. She is 15 and knows her way around the horses. My initial job wasn’t much, but it was something that I love. The farrier was there to trim hooves and replace shoes. I was to brush the horses. I am not tall by any means, but I seriously could only see over 1 horse’s back and that is only because her breed is short. One horse name Buddy literally has hooves as long as my foot with my tennis shoe on! His back was way over my head. So dirt and horse hair was blowing right in my face. Now to some that might seem a bit well, nasty, but to me it was great. I love animals of all kinds, but horses are such majestic creatures, each with their own personalities and nature. My day lasted only until 130 but that was ok. I was pretty dirty by then.
Tuesday, Renee had appointments and wasn’t going to be around so I did not go out, however, Wednesday, when I arrived, Cary and Lota, nephew and wife were working on the new tack rooms. It is going to great and so much easier for everyone to work with. Very organized. Renee had another appointment, but ask if I would use the weed eater and get rid of a very annoying weed that was growing primarily in the fence rows. This particular weed has a dried “pod” that gets in the horses mane and leaves a tangled mess. I said sure! I love a good challenge. The weed eater only beat them, but would not cut them. I however was very determined to get rid of them. So I proceeded to pull them up by the roots and pile them up. During the process I encounter some very angry and potent fire ants and a bumble bee that decided my temple was a good place to plants his stinger. I did persevere and spent hours pulling weeds, but I was quite pleased with my progress. I did decide that part would have to wait until Thursday and I would bring my battery operated hedge trimmers. The weeds would not win this battle and neither would the ants and bees. She had also ask me to catch Tara, a beautiful paint that I had met and brushed the day before. She had gotten her face in those hideous weeds and her forelock was a mess. So after pulling weeds I got the halter and lead and went for Tara. At first I thought she was going to be a pill and just run, but after flying past me she stopped and I was able to put the halter on her and brush her mane. I gave her extra brushing as a treat to myself. I also caught one of the miniature horses and gave her a good brushing.
Lota said if I had time would I mind checking out the concession stand and see how dirty it was. It was filthy. Someone had kick the door in, breaking the door jamb. Now this was something I could definitely fix. I went to town for a new lock and to get our nail gun and some caulk and paint. I clean as much dirt as I could possible get out of there, replace the door lock, painted and paint the door and the jamb. My day ended around 345. I felt I had done a good job and was proud of what I had accomplished.
As promised I went Thursday with my hedge trimmers and cut down and pulled up weeds. I also rode with Renee to another place to get 3 other horses.
My sister, Kim said she had google sabbatical and it said the number one thing you should do and the most fulfilling thing to do is to clean your sister’s house. I laugh so hard I thought I might have a dislocated a rib!
Camp Able does tremendous work, but in order for Renee to do what she loves best, she needs a team of volunteers and money. Horses are not cheap to take care of and anyone who has every owned land or even a house, the care and upkeep is never ending. She is surrounded by great people who work hard to help her out. I for one plan on going back and I hope you will as well.
Thank you Ray for telling Nadene and thank you Nadene for calling Renee. Thank you Kris for a mini sabbatical.
Now for my vacation week I am doing something else that I love to do. I am painting the inside of my house and I am already off to great start.