by T.W. Harvey
by Kathy S. Elasky
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Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
Milliron Monday: Letters Home March 21 1960
Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.: June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010 Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021 |
Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.
"I've come to the conclusion that my husband must be a mechanical genius or something."
― Jody Smith
Jody's letter home to Mansfield, Ohio. Backstory: Enclosed in this letter, Jody's grades from winter quarter and her schedule for spring quarter.
917 Remington
Fort Collins, Colorado
Monday, March 21, 1960
Hi Everyone,
Well, "M-Day" arrived officially yesterday. We went out to Les and Hope's for lunch and dinner and I wore my black maternity slacks, a white blouse and the plaid over-blouse (which also has a matching skirt). Pete was real sweet and made a big fuss about how nice it looked; I didn't feel quite so much like a traveling barn. Actually, I haven't gained too awfully much weight yet but it's beginning!
According to Dr. Rumley (had another appointment Saturday) all's well and progressing on schedule. I was very pleased to learn that it's perfectly all right to cart ride up until the last six weeks.
We've had beautiful weather the last few days. Pete and I took a lunch and went cart riding Saturday for several hours - really lots of fun.
We got quite a bit accomplished during our few days of spring vacation. I got lots of washing and ironing done, the living room cleaned, the floor washed and waxed, the kitchen floor washed and waxed, and the cabinets scrubbed, and all the living room, bedroom, and bathroom throw rugs washed.
I've come to the conclusion that my husband must be a mechanical genius or something. Our dryer hasn't worked since about the middle of January, so he tore it completely apart, found the trouble, fixed it, and it runs fine. He's also been doing a real good job with Starboy's feet so shoeing him this year just cost for the shoes (about $1.00 for the four instead of the usual $7.00 for a shoeing job).
Enclosed is the "progress report" from last quarter as well as my schedule for this quarter. I had hopes for the 4-point finally but no such luck. Mr. Matott (my creative writing teacher) said he debated about giving me an A but if he would, he'd have to give two others A's instead of B's also and he didn't want to give so many A's!
Pete got three C's and a B which I felt was awfully good for vet school but he was kind of disappointed since two of the C's turned out to be only 2 or 3 points below B's.
I feel as though I'll really be loafing this quarter with only 12 hours but considering the courses it may keep me busier than I think. Even if they are supposed to be rather tough, I'm sure they'll be pretty interesting.
Thank you very much for the huge package which arrived a couple of days ago with the food carrier, baby bottles, diapers, cloth books, measuring pitcher, and all the other things. Our little one certainly will have a nice homecoming prepared for him or her.
You never did answer my question as to what you thought of the name "Jessica Lynn".
I was wondering what you had planned concerning coming out here for graduation. If you're not coming, I'm not too anxious about going through all that rigmarole and ceremony since I may not be feeling particularly anxious to stand around in a hot robe for such a long time in the condition I'll be in by then. Having my diploma mailed to me would mean just as much to me as fussing around with any kind of ceremony, but, of course, if you'll be able to come out I'm sure it wouldn't hurt me any to participate in the graduation ceremonies.
Guess I'd best dash - got to get to my first class of the quarter on time!
Love,
Jody
Previous Letters Home:
~ ~
Connect with Gina...
Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
This Week @ Monday Creek: Living Local
Living Local
You know you live in SE Ohio when seasons intentionally change – all four
of them. Each one creates a certain aesthetic that is coveted by many. Fall arrived with a beautiful bright morning sunrise, followed by star-lite
skies, both creating a surreal hue to the landscape.
Where we live, it’s not a far journey to the Hocking Hills
where there are a myriad of tourist attractions; hiking, canoeing, zip-line, camping,
etc. We decided to join the crowd and visit the new Hocking Hills Lodge for
lunch. Driving the scenic route, we were surprised at the amount of traffic on
a weekday. Traveling the twisty road were campers, trailers with ATVs and kayaks, and cars with bicycles roped
to racks.
The new Lodge is beautiful. Through the glass doors, two
very large fireplaces grace a towering atrium with seating in the middle
overlooking woodlands. There was standing room only as visitors chatted and
enjoyed the view. But, we had to ask, “Where is the restaurant?” There were no signs to guide
visitors through the maze of chairs and people. Finally, with the help of a
desk clerk, we made it to Rock House Restaurant, which is just off to the right
as you enter the lodge (someone, please put up a sign!). The waiter seated us
at a table by the massive windows. Looking outside there is a large porched
area for dining with a view of more woodlands. The waiter was super and lunch
was good. One distraction was the staff cleaning with Lysol nearby. The smell
of the Lysol was a little much. Otherwise, it was a nice environment. The architecture
captures the Hocking Hills and area craftsmen, including hand-blown glass by Jack Pine Studio.
Exiting the restaurant, you will find a gift shop to the
right where you can purchase books in the Pudgy Possum Children’s Literature
Series by Monday Creek Publishing Author, Kathy S. Elasky.
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| Hocking Hills Lodge, Logan, Ohio USA |
Enjoy the journey!
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Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Riding in Ohio: Meet Mary Jo Devlin
Riding in Ohio: Meet Mary
Jo Devlin
by Gina McKnight
Archived from the September 2023 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete. www.floridaequineathlete.com
No duplication without permission.
From southeast Ohio, meet seasoned equestrian Mary Jo Devlin. Ohio is home to many great equestrians and offers experienced riders who can provide insight to personal horse stories and engaging advice. Mary Jo is one of them. She knows the show ring, the practice ring, the day-to-day effort of keeping horses, and the love they return. I caught up with Mary Jo and asked about her horses and riding history.
Welcome, Mary Jo!
GM: When did you meet your first horse?
MJD: I was born with horse
DNA. I can remember riding a rocking horse for hours at a time and running
around whinnying on a stick horse; remember being glued to the TV set watching The
Lone Ranger, Fury, My Friend Flicka, Roy Rogers, Wild
Bill Hickok (and his horse named Cisco) on Saturday mornings. I grew up in
north Parkersburg, West Virginia. There was a boarding stable in the middle of
town owned by a local veterinarian. My Dad was an avid horse lover and he
instilled that love in me. He often took me for walks around the neighborhood
and sometimes to the local stable. The first horse I ever met lived there. He
was a tri-colored Pinto named Traeger and he was magical ! Sometimes the owner
would be there and would lead me around on him. Those were the best days. I was
a preschooler at the time. I was 12 years old when I was allowed to have my
first horse, much against my Mother's wishes, as she was afraid of horses and
of me getting hurt (that would come much later). My Dad named my first horse
Peggy. Peggy came from a horse trader's barn but she was a gem. I rode and
drove her in a cart all over the streets of Parkersburg.
GM: What a great beginning! What horses do you currently
stable?
MJD: I own three horses,
currently: Al (Prizm PA) is a purebred Polish Arabian that came from a local
rescue. I purchased Al in 2005 as a wild and woolly 5 year old. He was donated
to the rescue by a wealthy benefactor who had picked the wrong poison. He was
very well bred and not your typical rescue horse. When I met him I first
noticed that he had scars on his face from chain shanking. He'd been all over
the place with trainers, all who had tried to push him way beyond his
threshold. That doesn't work with Arabs. Despite the fact that he'd had some
rough treatment that ignored his feelings, he had an interest in and seemed to
like people. That's pretty typical for an Arabian. The first thing he said to
me was “Will you please take me away from these people?” so I did. He is the son
of a national champion trained by Tommy Garland, his breeding was impeccable
and he was (still is) a looker. But pretty is as pretty does. All of my friends
were sure he was going to kill me.
But I believed in Al as no one had. We didn't do much riding for about 5 years. I'd get on, he'd walk a few steps, then brace up in terror. I'd get off and retreat (thanks to my Parelli training) Sometimes he'd get catatonic, his eyes would roll up in his head and he'd start mouthing like a foal. That's because he'd been forced to do things in the past, argued and fought with him until he submitted. Maybe he hurt someone. I'll never know. Anyway, my mounting skills got good and he learned to pick me up on the fence. This went on for several years, taking my time, asking just for a few more steps, then retreating when he got scared. It blew his mind that I wasn't forcing him.
Things got better and better. I knew he needed to be shown. I tried to hide my skepticism at the first show. It was a small local one but it was apparent that he loved it! Al has gone on to win many blues locally and at Regional Arabian shows. He's a great trail horse and all around cow pony at the age of 20.
My second horse is Silver Sheikh, named after the first Arabian horse I ever saw in person. Sheikh came in 2013, after seeing him in a social media ad for sale. He was very poor but I knew he was special and deserved a good life. I brought him home the next day. He had been sold to some people as a kid's horse, which he was definitely not! He had a body score of two. He had a huge bulging upside down neck and was bug-eyed from bracing. His back was sore, his feet a mess, and he'd toss his feed container around because his sharp teeth were cutting his mouth. On the side of his throat was a tennis ball shaped mass which caused him to turn his head to the side so he could breathe better. I knew I had to address this first so I started giving him iodized salt. Worth a try. Well, within a week the mass was entirely gone and breathing improved. That wasn't the end of his troubles. The winter of 2014 brought a horrific Polar vortex with 30-below wind chills. He was so cold and I was pretty sure he wouldn't make it, but somehow he did.
Today Silver Sheikh is
30+, running around like a colt. I did some research and found out his story.
He was sold for five figures as a colt. Had some success in the show ring, changed
hands a few times (his papers are lost), ended up with a lady in Michigan, a
breeder of Arabian horses and German Shepherd dogs. She went through a nasty
divorce. Her ex burned down her barn and kennels and all the animals were
killed except for one...Sheikh was at a trainer's barn. So she called an acquaintance
in Ohio and asked her to come quickly and get him, fearing for his life. So he
ended up in Ohio and was eventually sold to the people I bought him from. It
must have been a life of general neglect and harsh treatment for him for
several years. But, he's an Arabian. He loves people. Follows me everywhere and
is a very loyal friend.
Horse number three is Peg, named after my first horse. She's a Morgan-type adopted from Heart of Phoenix rescue in 2017 as a weanling. Peg is an Appalachian Brumby. There's a show on Horse TV called "The Horses of Appalachia" that tells their story and the story of Heart of Phoenix. They are a real deal rescue and have saved hundreds of horses. Peg was wandering the streets of Charleston, West Virginia, looking for food. She had a body score of two. Being young, she regained her health quickly and has since become a handy little riding horse. Once a shut down and defensive skinny yearling, she's now very connected to me and has given me her heart. Not sure which direction we're heading but we've signed up for a couple of clinics with professionals this year. She's been to a Kerry Kuhn and Luke Gingerich clinic so far and has a couple of blue ribbons at local shows. I am older and it's comforting to know that if anything happens to me, she will return to Heart of Phoenix. She wears their brand and can never be sold.
GM: Great stories of amazing horses! What is your
preferred riding discipline?
MJD: I’ve done a bit of
everything, from Dressage to Western and currently show hunter under saddle.
I've always tried to be an ambassador for the Arabian horse who often gets a bad
rap. I never liked jumping and I'm not about to start! Nowadays I try to
support the local shows but mostly just fool around. After all, the horse
doesn't care what you're wearing or what kind of tack you use as long as it
fits.
GM: I understand
you are a Parelli fan. Tell us about your Parelli experience...
MJD: Parelli is the way. I
am so thankful to Pat and Linda for saving my life many times over. I watch
those with non-Parelli backgrounds struggle, living in the question whose
answer never comes. If you get deep enough into the Parelli way of thinking/interacting,
you don't even have to ask the question. The answer is there. It is only the
human instinct that sometimes gets in the way. Human instinct (anger,
impatience, direct-line thinking, pride, desire to dominate) got in my way in
2010, while I was "wrestling" with a horse that wouldn’t load into a
trailer. I was knocked to the ground, dragged, and sustained multiple
fractures, nearly losing my life. Completely my fault. Six months later, I was
riding again.
I am currently addicted to Warwick Schiller. His teachings are more about connection and behavioral modification than physical training but the end result is a well-trained horse. This man is truly a genius. I also like to follow Patrick King. In my opinion he is one of the greatest horsemen in the world today. I've been to his clinics and have had private lessons and he never fails to impact your horsemanship in a good way and in a short time.
GM: In your
opinion, what is the most important rule that all riders/horse owners should follow?
MJD: Most important rule for horse owners: Yes there is a rule, only
one. PUT THE RELATIONSHIP FIRST! (Thank you Pat Parelli), Great things will
follow if we don't follow human instincts for praise recognition and material
things. Principles before goals. Feel like I am quoting Pat Parelli here!
GM: What advice do
you give to novice riders looking to purchase their first horse?
MJD: Pick an older "been there done that" horse. Old show
horses are often a good find as they're pretty used to commotion. There is
nothing better than an old horse!
GM: There is so
much controversy now about the state of America's wild horses and the BLM(Bureau of Land Management). What are your views of this ongoing controversy?
MJD: My thoughts on wild horse issues, BLM don't know much about BLM but
what I've heard and read doesn't sound good. However, I'm not an expert that's
for sure. I can tell you that close to home, in West Virginia, there are
literally thousands of feral horses that have been turned loose to fend for
themselves on abandoned strip mine lands. They are breeding and inbreeding,
dying of starvation, being hit by cars, being shot for sport and suffering a
gruesome death from mineral depletion, specifically selenium deficiency right
here close by. It's a huge problem.
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| Mary Jo at the show. Photo by Black Rabicano Photography 2023 |
Monday, October 2, 2023
Milliron Monday: March 16 1960
Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.: June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010 Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021 |
Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.
"It's certainly wonderful to get out in this wild, open country."
― Jody Smith
Jody's letter home to Mansfield, Ohio. Backstory: It's Spring break from college, Pete and Jody are spending a few days with friends Les and Hope Rivers.
917 Remington
Fort Collins, Colorado
Wednesday, March 16, 1960
Hi All,
Pete and I survived finals week with no major casualties. We both seemed to do a bit better than last quarter.
Right now we're out at Les and Hope Rivers, on a ranch in the foothills about 30 miles from Fort Collins. We've been here since Sunday morning after church and are going back to Fort Collins this afternoon. It's been a nice break - no meals to get - for both of us. Pete has been helping Les with the feeding and calving. This country is really beautiful. I took some slides which I can show you when they get developed. From the hill across the meadow there is a beautiful view of both the Never Summer and the Mummy Ranges. The ranch is in pretty wild country and there's lots of coyotes, deer, etc. all around. I saw an eagle and three deer yesterday. Sure, wish I'd had Starboy up here but we still haven't gotten a trailer hitch. Besides, it took us about an hour to get up one of these icy hills with just the station wagon. We'd never have made it with a trailer. We've had snow and blizzards since last Saturday.
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| Les and Hope Rivers |
I rode Les' horse for a couple hours. It's certainly wonderful to get out in this wild, open country. I surely hope we'll be able to live somewhere like this in the not-too-distant future.
Thanks so much, Mom, for the latest slack's outfit. I really like the styling of the black and white blouse with the clever bow and stripe in back and, of course, I like the turquoise checked top very much. It's really wonderful to have such a nice wardrobe in readiness.
We register this coming Friday so actually only had four days of spring vacation - not counting the weekend. I've been advised not to take any more hours than I have to. I was planning on taking 15 or 16 hours as per usual, but I think I'll probably cut it down to just 12 hours. I've been getting pretty tired (or else lazy) lately and according to Jana Little Williams (she's dropping out of school this quarter to have a baby in May) she sleeps an extra hour in the morning and another one or two in the afternoon. She was only carrying 8 hours and said she was having trouble keeping up. I only need 9 more hours, only four of which are required (4 hours of Social Science) but I want to take at least 12 hours since that is the minimum required to be considered a full-time student.
I'm planning on not continuing with the third quarter of the creative writing series since it's offered at night every year. If it's not too expensive to audit it, I'd like to take it next year. Pete said he's quite willing to babysit at night. I've been enjoying the Creative Writing classes quite a lot. At least it keeps me writing regularly and would give me something at least a little bit challenging (intellectually, that is, I'm sure this baby will be quite a challenge, too!).
I have another appointment with Doctor Rumley on Saturday, so will let you know later how things are progressing along that line. They've progressed sufficiently to the point that I've moved buttons as far over as possible on my gray wool slacks, Bermuda's, shirts, etc. My ski sweater has certainly been a warm, bulky "cover up" but in another week or so I'm certain to begin taking advantage of the nice clothes you've been sending.
"Willie", a blue parakeet, is helping me write this letter. He is staying with the Rivers' since his owner, another tenant on the ranch, just got back from the hospital; he surely is a pesky little creature. I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that I've outgrown the parakeet and hamster stage - much to Pete's relief, I'm sure! He gets a kick out of Pooh, though, and I'm becoming more and more attached to the conceited little alley cat.
Hope and I just went for a hike. It's awfully pretty back up in the canyons and hills behind the house. We saw lots of deer tracks and a coyote track. We started out in warm, sunny weather and came back in a blowing, drifting blizzard. The snow's up above our knees in some places, some spring we're having in Colorado! There's been several inches of snow on the ground since Saturday.
Thanks for sending the article about the English Channel, Jess. Looks like quite a project.
Bye for now - I'll try to write again before classes, homework, and such start.
Love,
Jody
P.S. Just returned home to find it still standing and Pooh very happy to see us. Thank you for the letter awaiting us. No, I'm sure I won't need an evening dress but thanks for thinking of it anyway.
I have an old pair of Levi's which fit so far so they ought to last a little longer and I probably won't be able to ride for more than another month or so but, of course, will still be out feeding, brushing, and lunging Starboy as long as possible.
Guess we'll tramp over and buy our textbooks for next quarter before the big rush begins. I'll be taking a 5 hour English course which has 2 fat books, a 5 hour English History course which has another monstrous book and then another smaller book for an honors course in Science and Religion which sounds real interesting, new and different!
By again.
Love,
Me
~~~
Previous Letters Home:
~ ~
Connect with Gina...
Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.
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