2009 was simply amazaing and reminds me every time I reflect, how very important our relationships are--with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.  Our year started like 2008, with a small handful of Stacy and Ron's kids who joined us just before Christmas, and it ended with a list of horses over twenty long who had passed through our lives on the way to their new ones. 

2009 brought us Diamond Dooby Doo, whose mom found us on the internet and asked us to find him a home before her husband's deployment overseas.  It brought us Athena Haresign and Horse Jitney, LLC--what great friends we've become!   Julie and the crew at FLTAP came into our lives thanks to Bill's Fine Dancer when we met on our last driving trip to New York in July (did I say Thank Goodness for Athena!)--we all now work together to give these guys another avenue into new homes. 

Athena's friend King has asked us for help in finding homes for his retirees, and because of him, our friend Denise now has not two, but THREE graduates from us.  Dr. Margaret and Louise helped us bail Western Buff out of a tough spot at the close of the Fingerlakes calendar, and Melissa from Florida helped us to bail out Panky Hanky from a desperately uncertain future at the end of Suffolk's meet. 

As I reflect, I also thank David for putting up with me--it's never ending, and he helps me keep my perspective.  A few days ago he asked me when things would go back to normal...  What is normal?  I don't know that I remember! 

I thank Stacy and Ron for giving us the toe hold to start this adventure--it all started with Nana, and look how we've grown!  They have become such wonderful friends--my phone calls with Stacy never leave me far from rolling on the floor, and the brief time that we see each other though out the year is altways far too short.

Without those mentioned above--and so many, many others--none of what we do would be possible.  My students and the support that comes from them and from their families is so vital.  We collectively operate as a family--it takes a village to work with these guys.  Without our friends at the tracks, our friend who brings them to us, and the huge network of support that includes our wonderful vet Jennifer and our awesome farrier Jeremy, our horses would need a lot more than A Pinch of Luck to find their way to new careers.