Search found 96 matches

by highoctane
Wed Mar 20, 2019 8:32 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: A vegan cheese you can bring home to meet your parents
Replies: 11
Views: 8498

Re: A vegan cheese you can bring home to meet your parents

OMG THANK YOU!!! My hubby found the Chao at our local Walmart, and coupled with Frantz white bread - which is the best gluten-free bread IMHO - this stuff makes AMAZING grilled cheeses! I went back and got more to try on some gluten-free pizza dough (pizza just isn't pizza without cheese, and Daiya ...
by highoctane
Tue Mar 12, 2019 5:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Driving to & from the boarding barn - this is how we do it.
Replies: 13
Views: 9568

Re: Driving to & from the boarding barn - this is how we do it.

Your post reminds me how much I want to learn how to drive (and harness)!!
by highoctane
Wed Dec 19, 2018 12:01 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Riding After a Hysterectomy
Replies: 6
Views: 6119

Re: Riding After a Hysterectomy

I had my surgery on 11/9. It was a lap (DaVinci) and was a complete hyst. I figure I should be released to ride by March, hopefully, if all heals according to plan. I was curious as to if anyone was very uncomfortable for the first few rides. Yes, uncomfortable...but it was more of the way things h...
by highoctane
Mon Dec 17, 2018 9:26 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Riding After a Hysterectomy
Replies: 6
Views: 6119

Re: Riding After a Hysterectomy

Mine was 10 years ago, so the details are fuzzy - but I believe it was 8 weeks or so before I could even think about riding. You must wait until your internal stitches completely heal, otherwise you risk them ripping (bad bad bad). I stuck with a walk for quite some time.
by highoctane
Mon Nov 19, 2018 7:54 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Pre-Thanksgiving thanks giving post
Replies: 9
Views: 6904

Pre-Thanksgiving thanks giving post

Or probably more aptly named "Update on My Life". Read on only if you're bored like me. :-) Some of you may know I lost my handsome boy Hi-Oc to sudden, severe colic on February 1st of this year. He'd never colicked before, never even been sick really. A month shy of his 25th birthday, I c...
by highoctane
Wed Oct 31, 2018 5:45 pm
Forum: For Sale!
Topic: blankets, boots, girths - and a bit :-)
Replies: 0
Views: 2496

blankets, boots, girths - and a bit :-)

I have most of this listed on Facebook marketplace, but thought I'd try here as well. All blankets have been professionally laundered. OBO on all items, can ship at buyer's expense. I'm located in Arlington, WA. 80" Rider's International Hug heavyweight blanket, blue. Only worn a few times. A f...
by highoctane
Thu Mar 29, 2018 11:51 pm
Forum: For Sale!
Topic: Blankets, polos, wool cooler, fetlock shields
Replies: 0
Views: 2371

Blankets, polos, wool cooler, fetlock shields

My horse passed away so selling all his stuff. I can do local meet up (Arlington, WA) with cash, or Paypal...but please add 5% or do a "friends" transaction so I don't get charged- thank you. I can't upload photos here, but if you text me at 4two5 7three7 3three8four, I can send them. Or e...
by highoctane
Tue Jan 23, 2018 4:19 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Mane hair memorials? Not tail!
Replies: 22
Views: 15219

Re: Mane hair memorials? Not tail!

I believe it's Tailspin that makes keychains, and can even put short fur into resin for a pendant (or bracelet charms). Maybe even glue it to an enlarged photo of him, in a shadowbox...
by highoctane
Mon Jan 22, 2018 5:33 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

texsuze wrote:High-o, if you and hubs want to come down to explore central TX ya'll are welcome to stay here on our place for a visit :) We're an hour west of S.A. PM me if/when you might want to think about it.


Thank you Texsuze - I will definitely keep that in mind!!
by highoctane
Tue Jan 16, 2018 5:19 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

I was messaging back and forth last night with a friend who lives near San Antonio. He used to live up here, and hatched his escape last year. He highly recommends Texas, especially around SA. Having not spent any worthwhile length of time in TX, I'm not sure where we'll end up - but it's become #1 ...
by highoctane
Fri Jan 12, 2018 11:32 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

BTW, when we had 2 vehicles in NC, I recall paying annual auto property tax of something like at most $350 per vehicle, and much less if the vehicle was old (like $70 on a 10 year old car). I think a new car is now a max of $450 the first year. But we didn't have very expensive cars. When I moved t...
by highoctane
Fri Jan 12, 2018 6:08 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

I've been researching states for retirement locations but some of these sites may offer you tax type information. I stumbled upon this reply from a poster comparing NC to FL. "I have lived in both NC and Florida, there are a few things that really upset the tax battle between the two. North Ca...
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:03 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

Are sales taxes a major part of the overall taxes you pay? I ask this in all seriousness, as they are a very low portion of taxes for us, even in a high sales tax state. For higher income households, property, state (if applicable) and earnings/investment taxes are generally more important consider...
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:47 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

Texas resident here, in the greater Houston area (which is, btw, massive). Commuting here is rough. This town gets to work early and stays late; rush hours are 3+ hrs long on both ends of the day, depending on where you are. Uninsured drivers are a huge problem in TX so auto insurance may give you ...
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:43 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

demi wrote:High octane, is central Texas a possibility? It’s a lot different than DFW.


Maybe? I don't want to get too far south due to the heat (I don't mind it, but hubby will). I think Houston is way too far south for us.
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:41 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

I loved living in Summerfield/Greensboro NC. Easy winters, better summers than Raleigh. Southern Pines is great with sandy year round natural footing. I also like Advance and Mocksville. I have dear friends in Granbury TX, Austin, and Houston. Really terrible summers. I would never have horses ther...
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:23 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

There is no state income tax in Texas, which I think makes property taxes a little higher. I have heard that the state also won't give you an agriculture exception just for horses, so that can also make property taxes higher. In North Texas you have to be really careful about location, as some area...
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:17 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

Taxes are public information and easily checked on property. NC has state tax; TX does not. Sounds like you need to do some research. Good luck! I am just starting our research, thank you. Both NC and TX sales tax rates are much lower than WA - depending on our spending, we could either match the t...
by highoctane
Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:10 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Re: Anyone in NC or TX?

Tsavo wrote:I don't have any info on TX but can ask a friend who lives in Grapevine who has several horses if you like.


If you could, that would be very kind, thank you!
by highoctane
Tue Jan 09, 2018 10:36 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone in NC or TX?
Replies: 30
Views: 18857

Anyone in NC or TX?

Hubby and I are fast-tracking our escape from WA, moving up the timeline to within the next 3 years. Hubby is from VA originally and is in the pet supply industry as a merchandising manager. I'm a military brat and have lived all over, but I'm most at home on the Right Coast. I work in admin as an a...
by highoctane
Tue Jan 09, 2018 10:18 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trucks! Need help/opinions on tow vehicles
Replies: 16
Views: 12546

Re: Trucks! Need help/opinions on tow vehicles

I don't have a horse trailer currently, but I pull a 24' enclosed car hauler with our '97 F250 diesel. Total tow weight is about 9-10k. I've used it to pull both bumper pull and gooseneck horse trailers in the past, though. Gas vs diesel: Nowadays, the horsepower/torque ratings are impressive for bo...
by highoctane
Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:36 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Half of all sport horses are lame apparently
Replies: 39
Views: 22458

Re: Half of all sport horses are lame apparently

I'd venture a guess that at least half of human athletes are sore/lame or stiff. ;-)
by highoctane
Thu Jan 04, 2018 6:00 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Pretty farm for sale in TN
Replies: 17
Views: 11688

Re: Pretty farm for sale in TN

TN is on our short list of state we wouldn't mind moving to. We're on the 5-10 year plan on getting the heck out of WA. I've heard middle to eastern TN is quite affordable?
by highoctane
Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:24 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Pretty farm for sale in TN
Replies: 17
Views: 11688

Re: Pretty farm for sale in TN

I wish we could afford it...it's lovely!! Is this yours?
by highoctane
Fri Dec 22, 2017 4:23 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Winter Solstice
Replies: 12
Views: 10060

Re: Winter Solstice

Yesterday was my favorite day of the year, every year. I'm "solar powered", so I get my energy/self esteem/gumption to do anything at all from Vitamin D. :-D
by highoctane
Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:20 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Having to make the hard decision
Replies: 18
Views: 13693

Re: Having to make the hard decision

Oh I love the orangies :(. I lost 3 in the last couple of years, so I'm a bit partial. Hugs to you - I know how hard it is. <3
by highoctane
Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:27 am
Forum: The Menagerie
Topic: Solved Senior Kitty problem!!!
Replies: 4
Views: 6043

Re: Solved Senior Kitty problem!!!

Love the problem solving, and glad it was something "easy"! :-)
by highoctane
Fri Dec 08, 2017 7:00 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: How much should we expect from our senior animals and modern medicine?
Replies: 10
Views: 8919

Re: How much should we expect from our senior animals and modern medicine?

I have this convo with myself every day. I have several aged pets, all with specific medical issues. 2 of my 3 parrots need medications occasionally (the third, an 18yo cockatiel, seems to be doing ok with just a heat lamp during the winter). My 19yo (ok, so not really "aged") macaw has as...
by highoctane
Mon Nov 20, 2017 6:00 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Bunch of 'tude and an experiment...
Replies: 5
Views: 5343

Re: Bunch of 'tude and an experiment...

did he say why to discontinue the nexium? She didn't think the dosage (3 pills/60mg a day) would be enough to make any difference, as the usual dosage would be 25 pills/day. To be frank, I'm not sure she realized I was giving him esomeprazole and not just omeprazole. His last dose is this weekend, ...
by highoctane
Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:38 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Bunch of 'tude and an experiment...
Replies: 5
Views: 5343

Re: Bunch of 'tude and an experiment...

Update from the vet visit yesterday: Hi-Oc was worked up from being kept "in", ie not getting turned out RIGHT NOW with his buddy (we kept him in his paddock for the appointment...was probably a 45 minute delay, if that). He would not *walk* for the tech, instead did a lovely Call To Post ...
by highoctane
Wed Nov 15, 2017 5:36 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Bunch of 'tude and an experiment...
Replies: 5
Views: 5343

Bunch of 'tude and an experiment...

My 24yo OTTB, Hi-Oc - the one who had his incisors removed in February due to advanced EOTRH - has been quite the brat lately. I barely rode this summer due to life, but when I did, he was fine...until about September. He started head tossing/squealing/jigging when ridden, then escalated into jiggin...
by highoctane
Fri Oct 20, 2017 4:59 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: ISO Free Lease - NW Washington State
Replies: 2
Views: 3495

ISO Free Lease - NW Washington State

Not sure this thread goes in this section...admin, please move if it doesn't belong here! After 17 years of riding Hi-Oc, and dealing with his temper tantrums, I think I'm done. Meaning, I'm getting too old for his isht. I had a horrid ride yesterday, following a horrid ride on Sunday. This is not t...
by highoctane
Fri Oct 13, 2017 6:33 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Farm/Stable on 16 acres for sale!
Replies: 31
Views: 21377

Re: Farm/Stable on 16 acres for sale!

I live 12 miles or so south of Tuffytown on .10 acre, 848 sqft house. My taxes are $1800/year. Sales taxes, if you're curious, range from 9.5% to 10.5%
by highoctane
Wed Sep 20, 2017 10:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14046

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

OMG SQUEEEEEE!!!! So fantastic!

Healing thoughts to Amber, too!
by highoctane
Fri Sep 15, 2017 11:47 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Farm/Stable on 16 acres for sale!
Replies: 31
Views: 21377

Farm/Stable on 16 acres for sale!

Please delete if this is not allowed. Tuffytown is selling her lovely home on acreage, 5 min off I-5 in Stanwood, WA :(. It's 16 acres of horse heaven, topped with a renovated 1925 farmhouse. Huge indoor, GRASS pastures with horse-safe fencing (some pastures/paddocks even have the corners rounded of...
by highoctane
Fri Sep 01, 2017 5:14 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: EOTRH
Replies: 68
Views: 42804

Re: EOTRH

I refuse to pay Photobucket's exorbitant fees to host pictures...so my apologies, but I will have to repost pix when I'm able to find a solution. Grrrr.
by highoctane
Wed Jul 26, 2017 11:30 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone ever had hip labral tear surgery?
Replies: 5
Views: 5726

Re: Anyone ever had hip labral tear surgery?

I've had 2 shoulders and 2 knees done. The knee replacements were a walk in the park compared to the shoulders. Was back on the horse in 6 weeks with the knees so if you have your hip replaced, barring any complications you should be OK. My understanding is that the hip replacement surgery is much ...
by highoctane
Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:14 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone ever had hip labral tear surgery?
Replies: 5
Views: 5726

Re: Anyone ever had hip labral tear surgery?

I haven't but on TOB (Chronicle of the Horse) there is a lengthy thread on repairing labral tears. It is under the Riding with Health Issues forum. I haven't seen any action on that thread in a while so you would have to search for it. People have had mixed results and the rehab is pretty lengthy b...
by highoctane
Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:11 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anyone ever had hip labral tear surgery?
Replies: 5
Views: 5726

Anyone ever had hip labral tear surgery?

Hello fellow horsepeople - I'm looking for stories/experiences from anyone who's had surgery to fix a torn hip labrum. I see an ortho specialist next week, but having had my shoulder repaired two years ago, I know to start my research NOW lol. I had an MRA last week that showed a tear about .8cm x 1...
by highoctane
Thu Jul 06, 2017 6:56 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Guess the breed? New puppy after our old girl crossed over
Replies: 48
Views: 29735

Re: Sick dog; there's no hope, is there? Update, not so great.

I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. Hoping that the oncologist has better words of wisdom than anything I can provide, having had two pets with lymphoma :(. Cancer sucks. That said, try to get calories into her, no matter what form. Cancer drains their energy and takes all the calories away, so you...
by highoctane
Mon May 22, 2017 9:02 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trucks - $$$
Replies: 29
Views: 17929

Re: Trucks - $$$

New trucks are ridiculously priced. I'm hanging on to our '97 F250 diesel because I just plain can't afford a new (or slightly used) truck payment! That said, it's probably worth looking into getting it repainted or even wrapped. Both require some prepwork that you may be able to do at home and save...
by highoctane
Tue May 09, 2017 3:46 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Lonely cat
Replies: 13
Views: 12516

Re: Lonely cat

I have a similar situation with my 16-1/2yo kitty. I originally had 4 adopted cats...one by one they've crossed the Bridge until it was just Porscha when Geddy passed last year of heart failure. Since, it's been a daily struggle to get her to eat, even warranting a few emergency vet visits. Sometime...
by highoctane
Mon May 08, 2017 6:59 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: 2nd Opinion?
Replies: 29
Views: 19813

Re: 2nd Opinion?

Have you looked into giving her turmeric? I've heard amazing recovery stories.
by highoctane
Mon May 08, 2017 6:53 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Holy retained sole!
Replies: 13
Views: 11570

Re: Holy retained sole!

Oh WOW...this is totally fascinating! Had the vet(s) seen anything like it before?
by highoctane
Tue May 02, 2017 9:37 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: EOTRH
Replies: 68
Views: 42804

Re: EOTRH

Such great and important feedback. You found the key to changing your guy's life! I hope your story gets to plenty of others! I hope so as well! I don't know what I would have done before the internet...just researching this disease/syndrome alone is actually very comforting to me. Knowing that TON...
by highoctane
Mon May 01, 2017 8:56 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: EOTRH
Replies: 68
Views: 42804

Re: EOTRH

Just a little update on my guy: He's still feeling great, holding his weight at about 1200lbs. In fact, we're going to start weaning him off beet pulp with the hopes that he can just eat the Haystack with his supplements. It'll be a yoyo for a while, I'm sure, but I think we can handle it :-). I sta...
by highoctane
Mon May 01, 2017 8:42 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Best place to live with horses?
Replies: 26
Views: 18016

Re: Best place to live with horses?

I'm sick of the rain as well; a record-setting 45"+ since October 1.

I have my eyes set on NC or maybe northern Texas. Hubby and I can't wait to get out of here, but our jobs have us stuck here (which makes it worse).

Can you take mini-vacations to possible new locations?
by highoctane
Tue Apr 25, 2017 3:44 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Trust your gut: Indy's story
Replies: 25
Views: 18639

Re: Trust your gut: Indy's story

Such a beautiful tribute - thank you for being brave and doing this. Not only for having her dissected, but posting here for the rest of the world on what you've learned. I often wonder what I'd find if I had Hi-Oc done...gawd knows he's similar to Indy. After his recent tooth issues, we all are giv...
by highoctane
Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:04 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: EOTRH
Replies: 68
Views: 42804

Re: EOTRH

4 week post op update: Hi-Oc has been feeling REALLY good, and putting weight on like mad, so I'm now cutting his "grain" (Haystack Special Blend) in half. Per the BO, he's ignoring the hay put in his pasture now, preferring to just graze- so no more extra hay either. He's MUCH better abou...
by highoctane
Tue Mar 21, 2017 11:38 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: EOTRH
Replies: 68
Views: 42804

Re: EOTRH

I just saw your update and your guy looks FABULOUS!! He certainly has no issues eating grass which will keep him very happy. I think you will really notice a difference now that he is no longer in any discomfort. I know it was so much stress but now you both made it! :D He has his "official&qu...

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