Sally and I moved to open just before 2009. I picked some very challenging trials to run in my first year out....with no regret might I add. I learned that "trained" dogs still need training! Experience is the queen of mastery! To be the best trainer and handler I can be, I need to embrace each dog for what they are. That humble pie should be a daily staple in my diet. And not every person on the face of this planet wants to participate in my dreams or journey...."other people's opinions of me and my dogs are NONE of my business." 
Marinating in those revelations has given me the freedom to train my dogs......and enjoy the process presented! Nell ran some nursery and pro novice in 2009.....she gave me some nice "stuff" but we were not able to put it all together for the runs that I visualize! The runs were memorable....but reminding myself that I must embrace each dog for what they are....Nell needs time to mature. Nell and I took some time this year....missing many lessons, clinics and trials because I thought I would be in Missouri getting her bred! Then finally she went to Missouri, which made more time off to have her pups. Again, I think it is right where we need to be!
One highlight from 2009, Vicki Close took this picture of Nell at Sue Wessel's Dirt Blowing Trial. It was done up in a beautiful print.........that can be purchased from Vicki at Handhills Border Collies or from Border Collies In Action .
One highlight from 2009, Vicki Close took this picture of Nell at Sue Wessel's Dirt Blowing Trial. It was done up in a beautiful print.........that can be purchased from Vicki at Handhills Border Collies or from Border Collies In Action . By the way, Nell and I will be working on cleaning up that inside away flank in 2010!
Snook, after refusing to lift time and again when men were setting at trials, has shown me that she does best in arena trials. She gets a lot of courage from me close at hand....so 2009 had us participating in a few AHBA trials and my annual ASCA trial where Snook went High in Trial! She likes to work the ducks as well as the sheep so it is a win for her! I say it again and again, I owe Snook for all she has taught me and for being my first dog. Had I only known then what I know now....
This brings me to Bella.....I am NOT sure what came over me that second where I bought Bella...and it really did happen in just a blink of the eye......thank GOD I have one very understanding husband. Not only did I bring a new dog into the home, I brought a whole litter of pups! 6 for one! Bella has taught me that I really do enjoy training dogs. I love the whole process of thinking out how to help them learn what I am trying to teach them. The balance of insist versus input.....patience...when to push and when to let the moment sit.
2009 was quiet the year for me and my passion for dog work...yet the other side of my life was CRAZY. Being in the car business....chaos reigned with economic times filled with uncertainty. My dogs, my family and my friends brought perspective.....blessings abundant, thankful for the little joys that get me out of bed each day, my cup is so much more than half full...and for that, I can not express enough gratitude!2010....a clean new book.....pages blank waiting for me to fill them with life.....what will they hold? I have taught a few lessons for the past three years....I am looking at those...evaluating if I should continue or pass the baton. The next days will give me time to chew that cud a few times over......sort through some comprehensive goals for the coming year. It is good......
Seize the day.....
I think they liked it!!!!!
These are the other two girls......I continue on my quest of deciding which one would suite me best........
Man I love this dog!
All Miss Nell can think about is: "When do I get my sheep?!!!"
Nell is a very good mom! Other than she is a bit anorexic and compulsive about food......yesterday she actually ate decent so maybe we are over that issue. 
They look so sweet and innocent. It is hard to imagine that in a few short weeks I will have to protect my feet from them......
Second Born Girl #1: 
And last but not least....the fifth puppy born...boy #2.....tiny little pip squeak of a fellow....Spot:
Okay now I am exhausted again! Nell is being a very good mom...she loves her babies and is just a little protective!
She has so much natural "go to head" feel for control...but stopping sheep from escaping while still in the drive mode is starting to come together for her.
Our next steps on this journey are those inside flanks! Bella has some interesting ideas on what an inside flank should look like....I'll work on them and get back with a report.
Where Bella used to push through the pressure point on the fetch....she is settling in and is feeling her sheep so much better.