It's time for manicures at The Farmhouse. Mani / Pedi day starts early, so everyone gets breakfast a little earlier than usual.
Our Ferrier (Mani / Pedi Tech), who Mimi adores almost as a dog-hair-free house (and that's a LOT of adoration) Ben, is an Early Bird sorta guy. And he's always on time (another reason why Mimi loves him).
You have to start early... early enough to beat Sarah Beth's mind from forming the 4.2 million questions she can ask about horseshoeing. It should be noted, however, that Sweet Ole Ben answers every single one of them, should he start a few minutes behind her brain. Notice how HAPPY! Jordin looks in the above photo? Ahhh - just had to point that out.... because, despite the hour of the day, all the girls at the farm line up when Ben arrives.
Even Sundance. She wants to be first. She's sort of a diva like that.
Farmhouse Manicures require some - um - "special" equipment. Another reason Mimi loves Ben Taylor? Let us count the ways. He's way, way too experienced and educated for her to be telling him how to do his job... it's enchanting. For everyone. Ben also carries a calendar - and has his day planned out. Mimi loves this. If given the opportunity, she might trade me and Becca for him. Calendars make her knees buckle. Especially MEN with calendars.
These aren't Lee Press-On's, people.
Wait - can you see Ben's wedding band? If you want to hear a man talk about his wife in the way all wives dream of being discussed - you should listen to Ben. He's in love with Her. And knows and will gladly tell you what a true blessing from God Himself she is. She knocked on his door one day - that's how they met - God just walked her right up to his front door. And told her to KNOCK. And so she did. And they got married. And are currently living Happily Ever After.
Okay. Back to Manicures. Our "Spa-Tech" is the He-Man type. Strong. Gentle. Whispers in her ear while he files away. Sweet nothings about how he doesn't know why Mimi is out there with the camera either, but, remember ole' girl, she writes the check. And Sundance lets out a deep sigh. They understand each other, Ben and her.
Chance, while not pictured, is a different story. He likes to throw his weight around while his feet get trimmed up... you know, assert his masculinity for all to see. Manicures are just not MANLY enough for him, so he likes to try to remind everyone he's a REAL BOY. But Ben, in his gentle, yet matter-of-fact way, always gets the upper hand. And before you know it, even Chance is standing still and listening to Ben's whispers... but don't tell any of his buddies that. It just wouldn't sit well around the poker table.
Manicures are a smelly job at the Farm, and we're glad Ben's the one to do it. I am certainly not touching those nails. No way. Mostly because the owner of them weighs a WHOLE lot more than me and tends to have an attitude around other women. Especially ones she thinks might be competing with her for Ben's attention.
Heck, even MANDY likes Ben. Dear, sweet, hard-to-impress Mandy. As soon as she found out he could speak her Sci-Fi / CS Lewis language - she was enchanted too.
When it's all said and done - we're not sure who's nails look better... but we're partial to Ben's work.
(photos and commentary by Mimi)
