Here's Your Sign. . .

On my way to town Saturday night (after a fun two days of riding!), I had an epiphany--before I bought Jupiter, Shirley said it was important that I find the horse that fit me. She said I would know him when I saw him. She said no one could pick him for me. Her final words were: "It's like picking a husband--no one can choose for you."

Well, if you scroll back through the blog posts, I am sure there's at least one where I laughed and said I had not done so well in that department since I am so obviously single. I think I thought it was a pretty good joke. Even Susie said she had done better picking horses than husbands since she was on husband #3. It was all cute and I liked it. I thought it was funny. Then I saw him. I fell in love with that horse as soon I as laid eyes on him. There was no getting around it--he was comin home with us--it was love at first sight.

However, as Jupes and I continue to work on becoming partners, it is becoming more and more clear--I picked a horse just I pick guys. Easy on the eyes. Fun to watch from a distance. And ornery. And difficult. If he had a car, he'd drive too fast. If he went to parties, he'd probably drink too much and fight around. If he doesn't have enough to do, he gets himself in trouble. He looks for it--trouble doesn't find him--he finds it all by himself. He's one of those short cowboys who knows he's all that and a bag of chips--just ask him and he'll tell ya. He's a bad boy all the way around. He has a temper. He wants his way.  He's not the top of the pecking order, but he's best friends with who is and that's all that matters.

How many times have I been off him? How many times has he made me scream because he scared me? How many times have I yelled in his ear, "Doggone it! Knock it off!" Yet, what do I say everytime we finish a ride? Yep--I love you.

Good thing he's a horse or I'm sure all my friends would be counseling me to get out of this bad relationship! He's the perfect example of why I am not married. I am attracted to the bad ones. The ones you don't take home for dinner. The ones you definitely don't marry.

The other side is probably the fact that I will win in this battle of the wills--I will get my way. I will make this partnership work. I'll end up a little battered, I know. But it'll be worth it in the long run. Two headstrong, willful, hot-tempered creatures cancel out all those negatives into a postive, right?

So there it is. Of course Jupes is mine. Who else would I have picked? We belong together.

80 is the new 30!

What great weekend! My life has been full to the brim with obligations, responsibilities, and STRESS! Last August before starting school we had a presenter come and talk to us about "emptying the cup" before trying to teach. I read his book and have tried to follow his advice within my own classroom. However, I forgot about my cup! Well, this weekend I emptied my cup. I think I will be able to be sane for the next week and it will probably be safer for everyone who has to work with me.

Friday was not only 11-11-11, but it was Shirley's 80th birthday! At 11:11, we were out on the trail. She said repeatedly it was the best way to spend her birthday. With all those elevens, I think this next year can be nothing but special for Shirley and since we are blessed to be part of her life--it will be special for us, too. I hope Lynn and I will be able to spend our 80th birthdays the same way--out riding the Hennessey--and even more, I hope we can all be horse camping on Alisa's 80th!

Saturday, we met up with Alisa and were introduced to Travlyn Chexs, also known as Keota. We spent a few hours at Swasey Creek riding the Meiner Loop and that starts with an L (?). It was Keota's first trip with us and Alisa's first time riding him away from his home territory and without his family. He saw bicycles and went through manzanita tunnels just fine. We found out he is a snorter when it comes to things he is unsure of! Other than reaching out to the behind of the horse in front of him, he was very good. He got a little nervous leading the string, but he did just fine. He is a beauty for sure. Our time together went by too quickly; but I am excited that we are going to try to ride all winter over in the Redding area where the weather is mild. Jupiter is getting new shoes this week, so we will be ready whenever we get the call.

We were back on the trail again Sunday--this time down and around the Hennessey. I thought maybe Jupes would be a little tired from two days of riding, but he wasn't tired enough to not have a little tantrum. He humped and jumped and kicked his feet out, but although I screamed (I guess like Lynn says, "a little girl") I stayed on and jerked him up and told him to "knock it off" and I got my way. He might be a pistol, but I am used to having my way, doggone it! (:

This ends my weekend--but I will tell the story of Lynn and the frog when I have more time.