Happy Friday!
Another week! Wow, the time truly passes by so quickly. Thus, we often get so caught up in our various daily activities that we forget to say THANK YOU to those people around us…..who care so much and work so hard to make our lives special!
Today, I’d like to take the time to do so! MY JOHN and Dottie receive lovely notes all of the time from so many of you. They asked that I personally THANK YOU for them. The time you take to write them…and the words expressed so graciously do mean a great deal to them and all of MY TEAM. YOU ARE SO KIND!
Last Saturday, Victoria Racimo was visiting Los Angeles from her home in New York. Steve Haskin (who you all know as he writes for The Bloodhorse) emailed John asking if she could visit BARN 55. Victoria had been at Keeneland the evening I arrived in Lexington and stood in the 17 degree weather for hours to see ME. She commented to John that she “still remembers rubbing ME that evening and feeling the warmth of my body”.
Victoria has a friend, James, who is 10 years old and receiving chemo treatments for a rare form of Leukemia. His parents work in a Feed Shop in Paris, Kentucky, and are very involved working with and following horses in our industry.
Per Victoria, “James has followed and adored Zenyatta from when she first started to make her mark. He is only 10 years old now.”
There are so many wonderful moments to Victoria’s visit to BARN 55 and her follow-up note to John. One very special and touching part was hearing about James and being able to visit with him. MY JOHN called him. At that very moment when MY JOHN called, he was in the hospital receiving treatment. Per Victoria, “James has been over the moon since that day.”
MY JOHN also gave Victoria MY DODGER BILLBOARD for him, the one he had standing on his desk. It is on his way to James right now. Victoria commented, “it took me a while to package and wrap so her ears would be safe.” (Thank you, Victoria! I appreciate that!)
In her note, Victoria went on to state, “I want to let you know how meaningful your good works are to so many. You, Dottie, and the Z Team continue to be a life force carrying on Zenyatta’s magic—the magic that has made the difference in thousands upon thousands of lives. I thank you for the kindness of that day. You are blessed to have met Zenyatta and she you and in the rest of the scheme of things, we are all winners because of your presence and grace in this world.”
To Victoria and All of YOU….WE WANT TO SAY….. THANK YOU! The true beauty of all of these experiences is we have all met each other and been able to share in so many special moments and friendships! THANK YOU for your kindness and the difference YOU have all made in our lives as well.
With Love,
Hugs to All~(A special HUG this morning for you, James!)
Z
SHERRY DRISH WV.
@CAROL in UTAH I smile evertime I see your posts..PACING, IT is so sweet. I know from experience that that is such anxious time. MY horse Magnum will be 23 years old, tomorrow.. He would be 76 years old if a human. John , your thoughtful ness to James was so sweet of you . . I know that James will treasure it always. I am hoping for a colt. my plushie is named ZATS MY BOY. WE feel like it is like having the Queen here. Hope you all have a great weekend.. Sherry..
carol in utah
Thanks sherry…..although we need not worry…Z is in charge …I am sure she will do this as superbly as she has done everything else….and her team is there giving her 110% support…just like always…as today’s post shows Z’s team are the best ever…and we are all lucky to be a part….however small…of her world
suew/Va
Zenny, who would ever have imagined when YOU were born that such magnificience would pour from your being. Your heart and charachter continue to touch thousands of people world wide and your special love of children is evident in everything you and your team does to reach out to them. We’ve said it MANY times but you were blessed in so many ways when you were born…landing with the wonderful people who were part of your life and continue to be is a special gift. I doubt any horse, present or future will touch so many in a thousand ways.
Jean Friedman
I really enjoy reading these comments….they are delightful, and funny.. And, to you, James, may God send his angels to watch over you, and keep you safe and happy. Jean.
Terry Crow
@Rosemary McCauley, Denise in AZ and Diana S, charter members of Arizona/New Mexico chapter-You might be a redneck if the same pair of boots have been in your family for five generations and they’re only 20 years old. @Darlene Daniels, president of Indiana chapter-You might be a redneck if your best coat is a black and white checkered. @Debbie G, president of Kentucky chapter-You might be a redneck if one of your relatives is named Cletus. @Marty R, president of Colorado chapter-You might be a redneck if you refer to your cousin as “my boyfriend.” @Marshall, president of North Carolina chapter-You might be a redneck if you spell out NASCAR in your Christmas lights. @carol in Utah, president of Utah chapter-You might be a redneck if the directions to your bathroom include “go past the big oak and hang a left at the woodpile.” @Sue Colvin, president of New Jersey chapter-You might be a redneck if you have to shuck your toilet paper before you use it. @Judy Berube, president of New England chapter-You might be a redneck if you prefer the Sears catalog to Charmin. @Stephanie in San Diego and Vicki B, members of California chapter-You might be a redneck if higher math means counting over 10. @Sandy in northern Ohio, president, and Shari Voltz, charter member of Ohio chapter-You might be a redneck if you’ve ever shot a mouse in your home. @signofthetimes, president, and Barbara Wood, charter member of Texas chapter-You might be a redneck if, when someone knocks on your front door, your back door rattles. @Sue Fredrick and Sally B, charter members of Wisconsin chapter, presidency to be determined-You might be a redneck if you think that petroleum jelly goes with toast and grits. @Brenda S, president, and Abigail in Montreal, member of Canadian chapter-You might be a Canadian redneck if you consider pickled deer organs to be a delicacy. @Susan in TN and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if the lake has to be restocked after you take a bath. You might be a redneck if your favorite perfume smells like exhaust. You might be a redneck if you consider your annual bath to be one too many. You might be a redneck if you wore a baseball cap to the opera (Grand Ole Opry acceptable). You might be a redneck if your county ambulance is a mule driven buckboard with a spinning lantern.
carol in utah
Terry …you are a hoot
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
YEA! It must be OK to mess with NASCAR! You might be a relative of a redneck if your nephew has a life-sized cardboard cutout of Havrick in his living room! :-)
Terry Crow
Another good relative of redneck joke. Vicki?
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Yes. Terry, I was just telling a friend yesterday about the Redneck Club here, and he told me his one story, about his Aunt Oley. “You might be a redneck relative, if you rotate your shoes, so they will wear evenly.” I laughed and laughed. He said her feet musta hurt, but she did it apparently most of her adult life. (I was trying to post earlier today, but then we suddenly had about a two-hour power failure. Weird.)
signofthetimes
Great jokes; TC; you did not mention the charity
You were donating your redneck certificate money
To???
Jethro Bodine, my TB, has a hillbilly
Name, but the heart, courage, boldness and determination
Of a TB. All business other than on his Sunday ride
He would try to take me places that would cause him
To spook. I had to put a stop to those redneck ways
Or would have ended on the ground.
Debbie G/Kentucky
I love your horse’s name! I grew up watching that show and still love it today. (Does your horse have a sister named Jethrine?)
Terry Crow
If anybody orders one and doesn’t cancel, I will decide then. What do you suggest?
Debbie G/Kentucky
Great jokes again, Terry.
Kari Bussell/Tn.
LOL!! Great jokes as always Terry!!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
OMG Terry, I’ll have to try that petroleum jelly, but grits, yuk!
Terry Crow
You mean you don’t mind the taste of petroleum jelly but you do not like the taste of grits? That is a redneck joke if I ever heard one.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Terry C.:
Laughing out loud. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Terry C.:
Just read today’s redneck jokes to Russ. He said they’re tremendous and he’s still laughing. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, El Vino! Congratulations to the Mosses, John and MIke Smith on the win! Bravo, Mr. Bossy Pants, the beautiful grey, for third!
JAG / Pacing Auntie Judy So. CA / Plushie #33
CONGRATS EL VINO / Mosses / Shirreffs / Mikey!!
JAG / Pacing Auntie Judy So. CA / Plushie #33
Mikey is very tan!!! :-))))
Karen Gogue Pacing Nanny-Granny
Yahooo! way to go El Vino with Mikey aboard! Great win today for the John Shirreffs Racing Stable! Diastu – Miz Bossy Pants – your relative Mr. Bossy Pants finished third!
JAG / Pacing Auntie Judy So. CA / Plushie #33
LOL I just sent her a text!!!
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
What a beautiful post today. So glad James is doing
Well. Children with cancer are so very special. Their
Fight is so different from adults. So very glad he got
A wonderful call from YOUR JOHN. The very special
People of Barn 55 reach out to everyone in their
Very special way. You have truely lead a charmed life
So very well deserved. Did you know when you put
Your head on Ann Mosses shoulder at the Keenland
Sale that you would be the Queen of racing???
XXXOOO
signofthetimes
War Horse the play is coming to at least 20
US cities; if not more.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
signofthetimes, I’m hoping if it does really well, it will come back for a longer run — 6 weeks in L.A. is not enough time! It’s so popular in London, after years of running, that they are currently booking into 2013, already.
signofthetimes
WOW !!!! Thanks for the heads up.
Hope it comes to Houston, it is going
To Boise, Idaho,
If not guess I will need to make a week trip to
LA to include races, carrousel and play and I
Am sure more.
Elizabeth in Oregon
What a wonderful story about James and Victoria! Thanks for sharing. Our best wishes for James in his fight. :-)
My Plushie is making its home on my bed, snuggled with my elderly cat. Our 10-week old Saluki puppy thought it was for him, but he has to settle for dog toys. My husband also ordered a teal Z hat for himself and a pink one for me. When he visited the mall this afternoon, a man tried very hard to persuade my husband to sell him his hat. My husband told him no, but he could buy his own online at the Z shop. The Queen is admired everywhere! Westminster Kennel Club show is Monday and Tuesday. As many might know, it was won last year by another long-legged athlete, Hickory the Scottish Deerhound. Best to all!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Cute post, Elizabeth! Love the hat story!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Elizabeth – I will be glued to the TV for the Westminster Kennel Club show. I look forward to it each year!!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
So, Elizabeth, does your Plushie have a name, yet?
One poster (above) nominated her Plushie for THE ZENYATTA CLASSIC race, and said her ‘Zenesque’ would be winning the race. Others joined the competition, with Plushies ‘Zingular Zensation’, ‘Zensational Zurprise’, ‘Esprit de Zen’, ‘Z ONE Z ONLY’, & ‘ZATS MY BOY’. Several other foal names were mentioned (Big Zweetie, Zinger, Dancing Memories), but they didn’t say if their Plushies would be racing, or not.
Katie Ziberna
I love you girl how is your baby to be
Celeste in TX
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photo and the lovely story of Victoria’s visit to Barn 55. What a dream trip that had to be! Your dear John’s kindness to give the billboard of our Queen to help James through his trials is so beautiful – it just made me cry. So many things about the love that surrounds Zenyatta and the Mosses and John and Dottie just make my heart swell with such feeling – it is so uplifting and helps get through the tough times. Thank you so very much for providing for us here, for being here for us – you all are beautiful. Just wish I was better at expressing my feelings, Zenyatta, but I don’t have someone as talented as your Dottie to type out what is in my heart.
Darlene Daniels
Celeste, you did say it beautifully.
Karen Gogue Pacing Nanny-Granny
Ditto Celeste!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Celeste, your words were beautiful my friend!! Feelings shared with joy are received with joy!!!
Heidi Kruckenberg (Vallejo,Ca)
What a special gift for James! How wonderful are the Z Team members! It never amazes me at how giving they truly are!
Update. My friend Freddie who was attacked a few weeks ago, well, he looks like nothing ever happened to him! Amazing to say the least! He’s in very good spirits and has been back working in his antique shop. I have to believe that he has healed so quickly because of the prayers and candles from Z nation! Also from the community! Thank you everyone that helped in his healing!
Zen, what are we going to do over the weekend without a post from you? The time is getting so close, and anyday without word, makes me all the more anxious!
I have an idea for all the PACERS, maybe we can come up with a fund for new carpets? LOL :)
Anyways, Love you big Mama have a great weekend, stay safe and warm. Give TT a hug for me as well!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
So great to hear that Freddie is doing so well. Please say hi to him from all of us!
Debbie G/Kentucky
I’m so glad Freddie is doing better. That’s wonderful news.
Jan S. / Houston
Wonderful news about Freddie.
Kari Bussell/Tn.
Great news about Freddie!!
Kim S in Tampa FL
High Hoof to Freddie!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Heidi, I am so happy that Freddie is recovering so quickly!!
Heidi Kruckenberg (Vallejo,Ca)
Happy belated b-day to Hannah! Keep your dreams alive because, in this industry it isn’t an easy thing to do!
Fran
Oh Z that brings tears to my eyes. You, and your entire family are just so amazing. John and Dottie are so very special. I feel as though I know them well. Just, well there are no words to express what a shinning light you all bring to this world. Thank you for you kindness to others. You are all so very very kind and thoughtful. Well, Z, you and Tasty have a wonderful evening. Sending you both smooches and hugs! xxoo
Abigail from Montreal
It’s early evening here in Montreal with a tease of a spring breeze wafting through the living room. Daisy aka Doodlebug is finally asleep: she was spayed yesterday but needed to come home last night instead of this morning because she was distressed being kept in the indoor dog run at my loving vet’s clinic. Meaning: she actually scaled the walls 3 times looking for me prior to her surgery. So home we came and — a little like a mom with a newborn — she finally fell asleep @ 3 AM, with yours truly sleeping near her on the couch. By way of saying: I’m a bit of a basket case tonite, as is Daisy.
But I did want to write to say how moved I was by today’s diary, Zenny & Dottie. Team Z @ Barn 55 are becoming tricky to describe because there are just so many accolades for genuinely compassionate and socially responsible people — and equines, Zenny — such as yourselves. I’m beginning to run out of words to adequately describe your caring and concern for the welfare of others. Not only do you have values and beliefs that I cherish, but you seek to live them every single day. And in what you live and do for others, I know you are drawing on the wisdom that governs your personal lives. That wisdom, in turn, is the harvest of your own experiences of love, loss and learning. A cycle of being “in the world” rather than part of the world that makes me SO PROUD to be a member of this virtual family of ours. It’s not so much a question of beauty by association. It’s more a matter of finding my spiritual home.
So, my sweet Zenny, Dottie and John and dearest Zensters: I wish you the promise and hope that so many have found through their love of a great mare and the incredible generosity of those who know her best — tonight, this weekend & always.
PS: Gettin’ into my retro jammies & slippers. My ZENYATTA PLUSHIE arrived and I will be opening her with my sweet Daisy and my kitties, all of whom will figure that their “mum” has joined the 4-Legged Club for REAL, since she now has a cuddle toy just like theirs!!!!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Beautiful post, Abigail! High hoof to you and your new, sweet spirit dog Daisy!
Abigail from Montreal
Trina: Thanks! You sure know the way to a girl’s heart…….
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Oh my Abigail, Please give Daisy Doodle a hug and kiss from me, poor baby having to be separated from her Mommy. The weather forecast for the weekend is NOT good so you may want to stay indoors in the PJ’s and slippers and cuddle up with Miss Daisy and your plushie. Hugs to all in Westmount.
Terry Crow
I hope your sweet dog calms down soon.
Jan S. / Houston
Kiss, Kiss to Daisy….
Paula Higgins
Nice post Abigail. I hope Daisy is doing well.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Give Daisy Doodlebug and kiss and hug from me. Your post was wonderful!! I can just see you in your slippers and jammies cuddling up with your plushie, kitties and of course precious Daisy. It paints quite a picture in my mind, which is actually pretty familiar as I do the same thing with my Bindi and Sassy! Too fun!!! Love to you my friend!!! Hugs, Dawn
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
This is nice, Abigail!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
BLACK CAVIAR tonight at 8PM PST (California time) on TVG.
Andrea
Thanks for the headsup!!!
Kelly J. /ND
You are #1!XOXOXO
Abigail from Montreal
Tomorrow or Sunday I wanted to enter my nomination for Zenny’s next beau!
Eveline / Maryland.
RIP Roxy! Here’s Roxy’s famous freestyle routine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wLikusmCEA&feature=fvwrel
Louise Castello
Such sad news about the gorgeous Roxy! What a beautiful, beautiful girl. Heartbroken for her connections. RIP special girl!
Marty R / Colorado
Eveline or Louise, What happened to Roxy? I haven’t seen anything about her. Thanks.
Marty R / Colorado
I just found an article about her. RIP Roxy
Trina Nagele in So Cal
So sad to hear–what happened? Their performance was FABULOUS!
Marty R / Colorado
Trina, It is best to read the article. Hope this works. You may need tissues.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID195888src=LN
Marty R / Colorado
Sorry about this. It almost works. The article is the third one down under Latest News ( Reinging Champion……)
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Eveline, what a sad, sad story. Roxy was beautiful and the connection between she and Stacy was remarkable. I am so sorry they could not save mother or foal. RIP Roxy and dear little one.
Abigail from Montreal
What a TRAGIC story. I watched the video — thank you — and was so moved by the connection between these two. As with all such losses, Roxy is irreplaceable, even if she did produce foals who were carried by host mares. I feel so sad for her connections & those of you who loved Roxy and followed her career. It reminds me of not only losing my Spirit Dog, Jericho, but of the way I felt most recently when Templado, the star of the original Cavalia, died.
Here’s the story from The Horse about Roxy:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19588
Karen
Blessings and love to James and love to you beautiful Zenyatta. And gratitude to all who watch over and take care of Zenyatta.
Debbie G/Kentucky
What a beautiful post today. John and Dottie and the entire Z team never cease to amaze me with their warmth and generosity. Sending hugs and prayers to James…
Debbie G/Kentucky
The post today mentions people writing to John and Dottie. Does anyone have their address? I’d love to send them something.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
You can write to them c/o Hollywood Park, Box 369, Inglewood, CA 90306-0369.
Maggie
You are so beautiful Zenyatta. Thanks to Sarah for capturing that beauty and sharing with us. Love to you and Tasty! Dottie..you are truly a gift for giving voice to our queen!!
Anne
Yet another touching story which was brought about by you, Zenyatta and the magic you seem to give off to all of us that have been fortunate to have at least seen you.
Something those that don’t believe, end up believing once they see you.
Of course none of this would be possible without the caring group around you. Your John, Dottie, team Z and of course your gracious owners Ann and Jerry Moss make this all happen.
I am so glad that James was able to visit and be touched by “his angel.” I wish him all the luck with a circle around him of prayers to enable him to have that clean bill of health.
Take care of yourself Zenyatta. You are such a breath of fresh air in today’s hustle and bustle life style. And… we thank you for the sanity you bring.
olga lidia rubi
@keta thank u for the heads up, we were upset when lindero was put down, and am happy some muscle can now help this poor horses.@ zeni how are u ? almost there…i too ofcourse would like a colt for u just because of the triple crown, however that would be bitter sweet cause that would be it and if is a filly we have many years of races to go to and new babies to look forward too. God will choose.well for now i have to settle with the wedding of the century on blue ray breaking dawn today as 12am.lol
Keta
You’re welcome! Enjoy the wedding.
Past the Grandstand
What a touching story! Victoria’s words are so true. THANK YOU, Zenyatta and Team Z! Love you!
Kari Bussell/Tn.
My Queen,
What a beautiful story you shared with us today. One of the many reasons Your John (my Hero) is my hero and your Dottie is our heroine. I was so very blessed that Victoria reached out to me on facebook about a year ago. We exchanged our stories and she is the main reason I try to always include a photo of that day at Keeneland when so many braved the cold just to see YOU and a lucky few touched YOU! Victoria is a very gentle , sweet soul and a visit at your Barn-55 could Not happen to a better person. What Your John and Dottie did for James leaves me in tears ……Your team is soooo very precious and generous.James remains in my thoughts and prayers. You look beyod beautiful in your photo today Zennyatta. Please tell Tasty hello for me and that we all Love her too!!! I Can’t wait for the Big day.
Dearest Dottie- thank you for All you do!
@Cynthia Holt – LOLOL!!!
12th -Heart- Quick someone teach me how to do heart here!!! LOL! You are Bad. In a wonderful way!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
My dearest Kari. I am still getting caught up with some of the previous postings for the last couple of days and I have to tell you I was so touched by your response to my message for you. Thank you for your kind and generous words my forever friend. They meant a great deal to me!!!! Love and hugs, Dawn
Cynthia, you are often in my thoughts my dear friend. I am still working on plans for Breeder’s Cup and can’t wait to meet you and give you a hug in person and of course share some tea!!!! I did receive your message, thank you for making my day very special. I will be sending you a message this weekend. Much love, Dawn
JAG / Pacing Auntie Judy So. CA
Kari – it’s called copy and paste!! ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥
Judy G
Shari Voltz from Ohio
@ Lisa G Mo is still so much a part of my world at school. When something orange comes up it is not just orange but Uncle Mo orange. We still say GO MO GO !!! He just touched my heart and it rubbed off on the children too. His name gets picked for the social studies games.
@ Terry I can be crying one minute and then read your post and laugh my head off the next. I am so glad we have YOU !!!!!
@ Bella your in my thoughts and prayers. You are very BRAVE. God Bless You Always : )
@ Sharon again THANK YOU for the BOOKS : )
@ Susan in TN The book you sent me also gets read a lot. Today Evan brought it back after he had read it. Thank You sweet friend : )
@ Hi Dawn : )
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hello, sweetie!!!!!!
SunnyBoyd
Good evening Zee & Tee,
http://www.drf.com/news/hovdey-aftercare-no-longer-afterthought
let’s hope it gels.
Sleep tight and dream sweet
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sunny Boyd:
Thank you so much for posting Mr. Hovdey’s article. Hoping with enough media attention like this, the absolute need for mandatory funding for retired Thoroughbreds will become a reality. Hugs, JB
Karen Gogue Pacing Nanny-Granny
Bella our love is sent heart to heart, from our hearts to yours … may your recovery be swift and complete – GOD IS GOOD.