Happy Friday!
The weather in Lexington has been quite ‘active’ lately and we’ve had several storm warnings. This part of my life is so different than anything I ever experienced in California. Lane’s End is exceptionally careful with us when this happens and our time outdoors is very structured and limited….if at all. Everything depends on the weather conditions and our safety.
Fortunately, TASTY and I love our stalls and are very comfy and cozy indoors. We do hope it clears up soon. This way we can get back into our ‘spending time outdoors routine’ …and things will be safer for everyone.
My days of ‘traveling alone…without a foal by my side’ are becoming more and more monitored. As of this morning, per the farm, my ‘bag’ is getting a bit larger. It is making all of the gradual changes necessary to increase in size…and I am ‘waxing a bit’. This all pertains to my udder and milk production levels which are consistently and carefully recorded all of the time now.
I must say, I never thought the words ‘bagging’ and ‘waxing’ would take on such great importance in my life! However, I have now learned when a mare is getting ready to foal…these terms become extremely significant!
From today’s report, it appears I am still on target to foal ‘sometime next week’…but nature is nature. I’ll keep you posted! As I’ve said so many times before, this is all so NEW TO ME! Thank you for your support!
This morning, my pals at BARN 55 wanted to send ME some fun….THINKING OF YOU…photos. They are wearing my NEW T-SHIRT and sending ME lots of hugs, warm greetings, and positive thoughts. They always do…but as it is getting closer and closer to my foaling experience….they really wanted to reinforce these thoughts and tell ME how much they care, think of ME, and MISS ME!
I miss you guys too….all of you….more than I can say!
So many stakes races are running the next few days…it is very busy! As always, I wish all of the horses running and their connections a wonderful time and lots of success! I’ll be really tuning into the Grade 1 races running at Santa Anita on Saturday and the Gotham for 3 year olds at Aqueduct. Focussing on racing over the weekend will not only be fun, but it will help to keep my mind busy!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Thank you, everyone, for thinking of ME!)
Z
On a very serious note….. A special hug and prayer is needed for one of my other BARN 55 pals, Dr. Leslie… who checked in on ME often when I was in California. She had a skiing accident yesterday and all of our prayers are with her at this time!
Kasey
I am so excited for you!!! Can’t wait to meet Baby Z :)
Living in an area that almost never has tornado producing storms, I was wondering if the farms have plans if a tornado were to have you directly in its path?!?!
Fingers, hooves, and paws crossed for everyones safety with these storms. Best wishes to YOU and Tasty with your foals!!! So exciting!
Kelli
WAX! In the homestretch now! :D
Lisag in Texas
THANK YOU, GOD!
JAG / More Excited Than Ever ♥ Auntie Judy / So. CA
♥♥♥
Zenny! Zenny! Zenny! Sweetheart! I didn’t want to leave for lunch because I didn’t want to miss a thing LOL Now I can exhale and enjoy my lunch :-)))
We had so much fun yesterday with our playful rantings on here – we released “nervous” energy! It kind of reminds me of when I used to watch your races… the anticipation was so G R E A T half the peeps watching hardly took a breathe – even when we KNEW you would have no problem getting to the wire first.
First Born Foal of Queen Zenyatta Arrives! Future headlines. I have a feeling you won’t be able to wait until the 9th, but that’s okay. The fact your projected date of foaling was March 9th is still sentimental to me AND to Uncle John Henry. XO
♥ Zen know this – John Henry, and Kari Bussell, have the best seats in the House to watch you foal…….. blessings from above, Sweetie! ♥
Kisses on your soft nose – hugs – tummy rubs for both YOU and TASTY!
Always in my ♥ !
Auntie Judy Who Touched The Queen (plus The Queen left her DNA on my coat!)
JAG / More Excited Than Ever ♥ Auntie Judy / So. CA
p.s. One of the foaling videos I watched, the narrator said the majority of deliverys are at night – I found that interesting! I guess it’s Mother Nature’s way of protecting newborns in the “wild”…..
Raylene/ So Cal
Your posts are always so cute and a joy to read. Have fun tomorrow.
Kimberly Potter/Montana
You are too funny JAG! Love your posts…..I totally agree with you about the “best seats in the house”. Kari is watching….
All you Dumplinz have a blast at Santa Anita tomorrow. Carly (my daughter) and I can’t to meet you all at BREEDERS CUP 2012.
Patricia ( from Lake Tahoe)
I am so sorry to bother you, but I am just getting back onto Zenyatta’s blog after a several month absence due to a health challenge. I see where you referenced Kari was watching from heaven, did Kari die?? I only knew her through this website, but I am so saddened by this potential news. I knew she was facing a challenge but somehow i had it in my mind she was getting better? Any news you can give me is so very much appreciated… Thank you
Kimberly Potter/Montana
Patricia~ Yes, we lost OUR Kari on February 17th. We miss her here in Zen Nation! She touched us all to our very core and she was such as JOY (as she would say) There are others here who can give you more details, but I thought I would just let you know until they can see your post. RIP Kari (JOY) Bussell.
Paula Higgins
Yes, she has passed away and she is very much missed.
Terry Crow
Amen.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Patricia, yes she touched many, many people with her courage and her love of Zenyatta thru all the videos she made under “AnimalsRock4Love”. I hope you have gotten to see some of them. Now we know she is with Zen as her special Angel and will help watch over her for us. Hugs
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Zenny, OOOOOHHHHH NNNNOOOO! This means we have to go thru the weekend with no news! Gosh, I need a tranquilizer to make it to Monday! Oh well mother nature runs the show, so I guess we just hunker down and WAIT.
Prayers go out for all of you in the danger zones for those tornadoes, animal and human……please post if you can.
Also prayers for Dr. Leslie I hope it is nothing serious.
And prayers for safety and all horses running and especially for our Mikey. Hope he gets closer to that magic number 5000![
For all you dumplings goin to SA on Saturday I hope you have a ball, sure wish I could be there and meet so many of you.
Love you Z and TT kisses on your noses, aging fast Auntie Sue
Andrea
Oh, she’s waxing up! She’s getting close :)
So exciting!
And, my mare, after aborting 2 VERY late term foals over the last couple of years, has about 8 weeks to go… this is the closest she’s gotten… Hooves Crossed!
Joanna from TX
Oh Andrea….hooves crossed here for you and your mare!
Andrea
Thanks, we need all the good vibes we can get!
Susan Carothers (in TN)
That’s wonderful, Andrea! Keep us posted!
Kimberly Potter/Montana
Prayers, good vibes and positive thoughts coming your way from Montana!
Jan S. / Houston
Andrea, Good vibes coming your way. :)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Andrea:
All the best to you and your lovely mare. Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Yes, Andrea, I hope your mare makes it this time.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Andrea, boy when that little one arrives is it going to be loved. I’ll say a prayer for your sweet mare. Hugs
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Andrea, I will be saying prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy mare and foal.
Marshall (in NC)
Andrea,
The very best wishes to your mare (and you) for a successful birth and a healthy foal!
Positive thoughts and prayers sent your way! All the Best, always.
Jan in WV
”Queen Z”
Please stay safe with all this bad and nasty weather in your area ! I am about 2 hrs from you and am watching the weather very closely. I am sure Lanes End will keep you safe , and happy, but this turn in the weather can be very dangerous !
I am so excited about your ”Baby” coming soon ! I will be glued to my computer for all your updates !~! Take care Beautiful Girl,,,, Hugggzzz and kisses to you and Tasty !
Jan in WV
Diane from Solana Beach
Zenny I pray for your’s and Tasty’s safety
along with Lanes End and all the Kentucky
farms. I will breath easier once this bad weather
passes through your area. Kentucky residents
please give us updates throughout the day
on how you’re all doing. I pray for all your safety.
dunie
A special hug from me and from our dear Kari. She is watching and and loving you from ABOVE!
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Dunie:
Yes Kari is.
Diane from Solana Beach
Queen Z.
I predict your little prince or princess will
be hear on March 5th!!! I really can’t wait…!
Love and Hugs to you and Tasty:). XOXO
Irene Caty
Zenny, Hopeing that you and Tasty are staying good and safe. It shows that killer storms are coming through there right now. These Tornado’s are the worst ever and in some case takeing whole towns. We are praying for you and keeping watch on the weather watch where you are. We love you very much and hope all goes well for you during this difficult time. I will keep checking for up-dates and needless to say that I am very nervous.
Joy in Texas
Hey Sweet Girl – I’m getting so excited for you and I know you’re excited too. Two of the mares at our stables foaled last week, we have 2 colts so far…. I just can’t wait til your precious one gets here. So just relax and enjoy being pampered because very soon, you’re going to be very busy :) I love you…
Kimberly Potter/Montana
ZENYATTA! You had me scared half to death! Thank you Lord…..stay safe everyone!!!
Love and Hugz
JAG / More Excited Than Ever ♥ Auntie Judy / So. CA
THINK PINK—————————- :-D
Nancy/Ca.
I hope someone built you a bomb shelter dear Zenyatta! lol Nervous auntie from SoCal who has the weather channel on,that looks bad!! Stay safe beautiful,I’m sure they do everything possible but being from here I have no clue how they keep you all safe in a tornado!! :( Uh oh,they’re talking about your area!
Perky Green
Hope all of that harsh weather goes away soon. We need perfection to welcome perfection. Glad to hear all is on scheduel with you.Eat healthy and get plenty of rest.I do so want to hear your baby girl is finally here and all is well with you.LOTS’o’LOVE BABY GIRL
Linda
Keep Safe Everyone!!!!! What devastation!!!! One more week Zenyatta!!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed for March 9th…that was my Mother In Law’s Birthday! You would have Loved her Zenyatta! Her name was Lilly, I think that would be such a pretty name if your baby is a girl…..Lets see…..How Exciting!! Hi to the Beautiful Tasty too!!! Good Luck Girls!!!
Linda xoxoxox
Carole Klumb #42 Eagle, WI
Z. It’s really getting exciting now. Horray for you. Glad when your horrible weather will be over. You and TT take it easy now. Special kisses to you and TT. XOXO
Great article about Dottie, she sure is great.
Anna hope you will be feeling better soon.
Dr Leslie hope you will be better from your skiing accident.
Zenyatta, nice tee shirts, LOVE YOU.
Sally B. (cherish Z) Wi.
My loveable Z; You are always just TOO CUTE when writing us. I am now at Madeira Beach Gulf Library. Forgot my glassses(a senior moment again). Joined here so that I can run over at times to keep in touch with you!! I was thinking you may foal March 6th, but I think more like March 10th. Glad all is safe there since I did hear of the severe storms. I walked the soft white sands by the ocean today. Dreaming, it would be just too awesome to ride you , the wind in your mane, turning up the sand. I’d fall off for sure!! NOT NOW of course. You’ll be running with your foal soon, this is the biggest dream come true!! I think of you each day, wishing, hoping and praying for you & baby z; and Tasty too.
Spent nearly two hours at the Mayberry Farm in Ocala. I saw your stall no. 12 with a gold Zenyatta plague on the door. Just think, you started training there!! Loved every moment visiting. I brought carrots and peppermints and fed treats to only those that April said were okay to do so. I watched some working out on the track like you did. The nicest people seem to love the horse because I thoroughly liked their friendliness!!!! This is where my soul belongs, with the thoroughbreds and on the farm; but my wish is with you and your soon to be baby z.
love you, 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
kiss for Tasty Auntie Sally
HI TO EVERONE!!! I feel so far away!
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
Sally – I love it that you visited the Mayberry Farm and I’m jealous. Is Zenyatta’s former stall kept empty or is it occupied?
Kimberly Potter/Montana
Hi Sally B~ Sounds like you are having a wonderful time…..Keep in touch when you can.
Hugz
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sally B.:
That’s so great that you got to tour Mayberry Farm and see Z’s stall and the track she first trained on. Hugs, JB
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Hi Sally B – How great that you got to visit Mayberry and that you have found a way to stay in touch. You can at least PACE on that wonderful sand. Enjoy.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Sally B, thank you so much for letting us know how your visit to Mayberry Farm was. It sounds amazing!! I am very glad you had such a wonderful time! Love that they have a brass plate on the stall for “Zenyatta”. I am sure that they have gotten a great deal of joy out of watching her journey to become who she is today and knowing they played a special part in it all.
Terry Crow
Imagine taking a trip all the way to Florida just to get out of your match with Sue F.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Terry, never fear she’ll be back Apr 1, hopefully things will start to thaw by then and we can set something up! LOL Course she could have an advantage working those massive thighs and feet on those beaches for a month!
shirlee in Indy
Dottie and Zenny, thanks for all the information on the foaling process. Even though I grew up in the Blue Grass, tobacco was our crop not horses.
Anna M, Campbells Chicken Noodle soup!! According to my grannie, it cured about any type of cold and/or flu.
Zenny and all the horses there in Central Kentucky, Stay safe!
Carmela B/Pasadena CA
OMG…next week…OMG….can’t wait!! Can’t wait to see that Z/B baby!
JAG / More Excited Than Ever ♥ Auntie Judy / So. CA
♥ DOTTIE – thank you for being YOU!
♥ JOHN – thank you for being a compassion and loving trainer!
♥ ANN & JERRY – Have a safe flight into Lexington. I hope the weather doesn’t detain you from arriving in time to welcome your Baby Z/B!
♥ MIKEY – we shall see you tomorrow! We’re in large numbers – so don’t blush when you hear the roar of the Z Dumplings greet you at the paddock ;-P
♥ SAFE RACING!!
♥ ALL Dumplings – have a wonderful weekend. We might become Aunts and Uncles by Monday – SWEET!
Auntie Judy G
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Judy, you have a fantastic weekend too my friend!! I envy you!! Please give our wonderful Cynthia H a hug from me if you see her!!!! Next week, SWEET indeed!!!
Hugs,
Dawn
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
Wishing Dr. Leslie a speedy recovery.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Dear Zenny and Dottie,
THANK YOU for update! Not long now :) Your Barn 55 friends look so excited. I hope Mario gets to visit you and your baby. I hope Dr. Leslie isn’t too badly injured and feels better SOON! You and Tasty relax and take care, big girl. Love you <3
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Susan in TN:
Hope the weather out your way isn’t too stormy. Hugs, JB
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dearest Susan, you have been in my thoughts too sweet friend. I hope you and all the horses remain safe and sound.
Love and hugs,
Dawn
Wendy
Stay safe Momma Z. Sounds like we are getting close!!! Blessings on you and all of Team Z.
sue and tony
Zenny, the pictures of your Ca “peeps” are “TOO CUTE”. Especially love seeing your Mario again…the shirts look awesome on all of them. It looks as if you taught Michelle some of your dance steps, too! We’re putting huge marks on our calendar for next week since it seems as if your little Z/B will be born within the next 7 days.
High Hoofs to everyone at LE who is watching over you.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
My sister and I always used to joke that YOU could control the weather (and L.A. traffic) — so many times it was overcast and the sun came out just as YOU arrived on the track — so I’m sure that when your foal is ready to make his/her debut, the skies will be clear. I almost wrote “the sun will be shining bright” but you’ll probably foal during the night. LOL
Elizabeth in Oregon
Hoping everyone will be safe–people and horses! Watching the latest pics on CNN are terrifying! Thanks to Margaret,
Ann Maree and others who have sent such info and links. Winter this year in W. Oregon has been fairly mild till our recent snow and cold temps. Our Saluki puppy is now 13 weeks and just experienced his first snow–a big surprise for the little guy.
Hugs to you, Queen Z, Tasty and all the other mamas at Lane’s End. We’re sooo excited for Zenyatta and her family!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
They’re so cute when they first walk in the snow. I bet he’s adorable. Hugs, JB
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Elizabeth, that had to be awfully cute! Puppies are so very sweet!!
Patricia/Far northern CA
@Elizabeth–
WOW, my Saluki puppy is 14 weeks old! Aren’t they fun!!! She has firmly entrenched herself into her new life, loves all the big dogs, rides in the car like a little princess, and is just cute as heck!! Keep in touch!!
Patricia — a couple hundred miles to the south of you, snow threatened but none received
Deborah Richman from So. Calif.
Dear Queen Z,
It is so reassuring to know that you are being so well taken care of at Lanes End. I hope the weather clears soon so you and Tasty can spend more time outdoors again.
Meanwhile, it is nice to know that you are happy in your nice comfy stall.
It means so much to us that you are keeping us informed about your pregnancy progress. Thank you! You are surrounded by love, prayers, and best wishes from around the world and beyond, that all will go well and you will have a healthy foal by your side soon.
I am going to add my prayers to yours for your dear Dr. Leslie. May she have a complete and speedy recovery from her skiing accident.
Wishing all the equine and human atheletes safe trips this weekend! A special shout out to your Mikie and to Mr. Commons!
Hope to see some of the Dumplings at SA :) :) :)
mary bobolis
You’re bagging up and now waxing. It won’t be vey long now Z. I believe it could be any time now!
We’re so excited to see your foal. Rachael’s Curlin foal is a real cutie and big for a week old. Your will be the best though..