January 2008 Newsletter

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better (wo)man.

~Benjamin Franklin

Christmas Party

Once again, we had a great turnout for our annual Christmas party on December 8.th This year we met at Cozumel’s in Whitewater…all 25 or so of us.
It was great to see so many new members and I’m sure that everyone had a great time! This year we had a special snowman poop game and prizes, thanks to Shirley.
We enjoyed dinner and drinks and had fun exchanging (and stealing!) gifts.
Thanks to Shirley and Crystal for organizing the party and to everyone that attended. And thank you for that western light…I love it!
What a great way to end the year! Check out more photos here.

Important January Meeting

Unlike most other clubs, Hags on Nags really has only ONE official meeting for the year. That meeting takes place in January and it is so important that you attend.
It is at this meeting that we will set the calendar for 2008 and recruit volunteers to help in organizing events. We will also be discussing possible clinics, etc.
Please, please, please try to be there! This year we will be meeting on Saturday, January 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Diane and Floyd’s place…. 1908 Manogue Rd. Milton, WI 53563…our semi-official club house.
While we have a lot of business to take care of, we also will be enjoying brunch.
Please RSVP to Diane at dpapcke@centurytel.net, let her know if you are coming and what you plan to bring for the brunch. I sure hope to see all of you there!
Bring your calendar and your ideas!!

Membership Dues for the New Year

As in the past, dues will be collected for 2008. I will try to have official membership cards made out for those that pay their dues before or at the January meeting. I see no reason to change from the current $10 membership fee, but if someone feels strongly against that amount, the time to voice your ideas and opinions is at the meeting on January 26th. I think we may finally be able to afford to host a clinic of some sort in 2008.

As you think about membership in 2008, remember the benefits of being part of a herd…..

1) We probably shouldn’t be riding alone. The herd (even a small group) brings a certain sense of safety.
2) The herd also provides support and encouragement to help you reach goals.
3) The herd provides playmates!

4) Another benefit of the herd is in accessing resources. With a large membership, there is always a good chance that someone has something they can share.
5) Let’s not forget about accessing the collective wisdom of the herd.
6) Herd mates can also provide comfort in times of loss.

Herd Mare/Filly Forum

Looking back at 2007, the Filly Forum, as a decision making body, has been a great help. As you recall, last year we randomly selected 5 names from a pool of volunteers; Brenda, Vikki, Joan, Sue N, and Patti.
These people have been a wonderful help, and even with Patti moving to Georgia, she still continued in her role here. With people stepping up and volunteering to organize things, and with the Filly Forum to help with decision making, being Herd Mare continues to be considerably less stressful.
Unless someone else would like the opportunity to take things over, I would be honored to continue as Herd Mare.
Please know, however, that, as always, if members feel that we should go to a more traditional system of elected officers, etc., we can certainly discuss different options at our January meeting.

Potential Project for 2008

I’ve heard plenty of positive comments about our group over the years.
One thing that many of the husbands (love those Duds on Studs!) mention is that we sure know how to eat well at our events. If you think about it, I’m sure you will agree!
I’m thinking about those yummy potatoes that Audrey makes, the baggie omelets, the salsa, the cream cheese Danish, the breakfast bake, the sticky buns, Cathy’s salads and appetizers,
the raspberry/pretzel dessert, the chili ….and on and on and on.
Mmmmmmm! Why not use some of our funds to produce a cookbook?
We really would only have to pay for the printing and spiral bindings. We could put them together using the binding equipment at my school, which is pretty easy to do….or so I’m told.
I’m not envisioning this as a money maker, but rather kind of a gift to ourselves, maybe to be distributed at the 2008 Christmas party? What do you think? Are you willing to volunteer for the Cookbook Committee?

New Year Resolutions

Do you make resolutions? I came across the neatest little website recently and just had to share. When you get a chance, check out http://www.flylady.net/
I promise, you won’t be disappointed! It’s fun and worthwhile.

Tack Sale

The Jefferson County tack sale is Sunday, January 27th.
Although we did not sponsor a table in 2007, there have been years when we did. The question is, is there interest in doing a table this year?
Do you have things to sell? Are you willing to set up, supervise, and take down? Who will organize and make arrangements?
Please email me right away if you are interested in participating. Table or not, I plan to go if the weather is decent.
Anyone want to meet for breakfast and/or coffee?

Trips ?

As I watch the snow fall, it seems like a great time to think about warm weather and upcoming trips with the horses.
MaryAnn extends an invitation to anyone who wants to make the trip to Golden Hills in Raymondville, Mo. MaryAnn will be staying there until spring and would love visitors.
For the most part, she says that riding can be done comfortably all winter. There are a lot of riding parks in the area including Eminence, Big Piney and, of course, Golden Hills.
You can hook up your trailer at MaryAnn’s house or stay at the Pony Boy motel near by. MaryAnn’s barn has stalls and a turn out pasture.
Her barn has a heated bathroom and fridge, micro wave and coffee pot, etc. MaryAnn would love to see you.
Contact her at 19935 Chisholm Trail, Raymondville MO 65555, 417-457-1030.

Do any of you have plans for a trip somewhere? Do you want to open it up for other HONs? Maybe we could post a master list of what’s going on.
I’m going to South Dakota in June and there are some others going too. What else is being planned?
Send me details (Where and when you’re going) and we can do a listing.

January Mystery Member

This lovely little gal was about 6 or 7 years old when this photo was taken. She’s got several horses now, including a barrel horse or two and a Friesian.
Among this gal’s many talents is writing, as anyone who read about Pinky could attest. Word has it that she is currently writing about her experiences on the Outlaw Trail.
This HON could also find her niche as a spy, as she has been known to hide under parked cars in the summer moonlight, taking in all the after hours campground activity!
Can you guess who this is?
Be the first to email me with a correct answer and you will be the winner of a fine Hags on Nags bumper sticker.

Welcome Kris Lasica-Soltis as our new member this month. Kris is from Sussex and has owned horses for many years.
She enjoys sharing what she knows and loves learning more. She has a gelding named Torque and is interested in trying some mounted shooting.
Welcome, Kris! We look forward to riding with you in 2008!