It Snowed Last Night--this song is exactly how I feel!

I love the snow and I love that I have had an extra three days off! Sorry to those of you who have to work. If it makes you feel any better, I have been sitting here grading papers and reading portfolios! But picture me at my table with Christmas carols playing and lights brightening up the Winter gloom. I love Christmas!

The pictures are mostly of Ziva (go figure!), but some are of Thanksgiving activities, too!

Pitching a fit

It rained Saturday, but Sunday we headed out to Underwood. Thankfully Lynn and Shirley waited for me and about 1pm we headed up the hill. We rode drag and Jupiter was not happy. I saw Ziggy's butt (I can only see when I am on Jupiter since Zigs' behind is too tall for me) and there were bite marks all over it. Lynn tells me that he and Jupiter are fighting. I guess the J-man is either trying to move up or simply mad he had to stay home too many weekends. Anyway, that was my first clue.

I fought Jupes all day. We rode a little sideways unless we got to the front. On the way down toward the truck, we made a wrong turn. Ziggy got ahead of us. I was holding Jupes back and Buster was filling the middle. Jupes humped and bucked and pitched a fit. But I stayed on! Seriously, he needs to be ridden miles and miles!

I don't know what this weekend will bring: maybe a new pickup for Lee (ha! for us to haul the boys with more like!). I get to babysit Haley, so Ziva will be happy. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and hanging out with Alisa and family. Bring the guns! It'll be a redneck good time. We should be on TV. :)

Any day riding is a good day

I missed two weeks of riding because of school stuff. Lynn sent us an email about their ride one weekend. It is too funny not to publish and record on our riding blog! So here it is:

Today started out just a little off.  First when catching the boys, Buster and Ziggy,  and while haltering Buster, he and Brady enjoyed  a granola bar, then I haltered Ziggy.    Ziggy did not get one and he knew it.   While heading to the gate he bit Buster twice!  Ziggy does not do that, that would be Star the old grump, the curmudgeon.   We hooked up, which took about five tries which is also a little off.  Then we saddled up and loaded up.  

 We get to our destination, the cul-de-sac at end the paved part of Hennessey Rd.  All is fine… so I think.    We unload.   I notice Ziggy has his head in the clouds looking up the road.   Then he starts wheeling back and forth and seems very uneasy.  We continue to get ready.  He even got a swift kick in the belly, which he did not even notice.  The thought of getting knocked to the ground while trying to tack up went through my mind.  Sometimes he is just big,  most times he is just normal, well maybe a little taller than everyone else.   I am in the horse trailer's tack room and I hear Mom yell, "Lynn, Lynn! Your horse is leaving with out you!"  Yep, there he goes headed up the road.  Head up, going to go see what the heck.  I run and I am trying to grab the lead rope that he is dragging.  I missed a couple of times.  Finally I get my foot on the rope and get him stopped just up the dirt road.  Ah I see, cows and lots of them, all in the bushes and one was coming right down the road has now stopped dead in her tracks.  It’s a stand off, but not for long.   Back to the trailer you big dummy.  We had quite the discussion with me doing all the talking and you know I was calling him an idiot, it’s just cows, you see them all the time.  

So finally able to mount up.   Then trying to proceed down the road to where our trail takes off up the hill.  And immediately I know I forgot my spurs.  Crap.  Oh well I was not going back.   A slap on the butt a few times seems to be working.  The lead brockle face cow is now off the side of the road  and of course Ziggy and I had to go see it up close and personal.   I really think Ziggy was embarrassed.  We had a great ride to the top.  We turned left up the road.  We hear dogs barking.  Two older men were getting fire wood.  They were quickly getting their three Pomeranians into the cab of the truck, as Happy is running hackles up towards them, but tail wagging like mad.  Haley said  ya, what ever …we’re on a mission to somewhere, and I don’t even care about your dogs or you I have stuff to do.  I hollered at them, saying we will hurry, as they were rolling big rounds 18 inches or so in diameter and about 3-4 feet long, down the hill and onto the road and loading them into a trailer.   I am sure that big flying round things would have but us on edge again.    We trotted on by saying hi.  We went up the road, down past the lake and on to a lower road.  We then turned right on our new trail, and down the hill, it’s a great day. At  the bottom road we took a water and granola bar break.   For some reason I could not quit my coughing fits that had started earlier in the day.  So now my nose is running, no paper towels a.k.a. snot rags new or used in any pockets.  Toilet paper works, just does not last for this type of job. 

The rest of the day was uneventful, until Ziggy tripped, going too fast down hill forgot to pick up his feet, I yelled at him and he turned his head around to me, his lips just a poppin' at me.  I told him that he better not back sass me!   I swear he rolled his eyes like “whatever!”.   We un-tacked , blanketed the horses and loaded up.  With us and  dogs loaded up in the pickup, down the hill we go.  Half way down the hill I look over and Mom still has on her helmet, and of course cocked to one side, it was a hoot.  What a beautiful sunny day.   

Arrive and unload at home.  Jupiter let us know he was not happy being left home and whinnied for the boys when we arrived home.  I chuckled--here's this all machismo horse with a very high pitched whinny…. Too cute.  Next time Jupiter!  

I wish it didn't have to end

Wow. I have had a great weekend. My horse and I are becoming true partners and my dog has new friends.

Weaverville is a great ride with beautiful colors and it surprises me that more people are not on the trail (but I'm glad not to have to share it!). Shirley scared the beejeebers out of us, but snapped out if it and recovered quickly. I know my brain was going at warp speed planning our next moves--pushing back the thought that even if she said that was how she wanted to go, none of us were ready for it. Thankfully we didn't have to put into action any emergency plans and we finished the ride as if nothing happened!

Oh there was that little straight up the bank endeavor by Jupiter. . . but otherwise everything was pretty normal.

We had a great ride around the Hennessy; Keota is getting more and more confident in his downhills and the joy of riding him is evident on Alisa's face. Star gave Shirley a good ride--a few bucks and crow hops between friends is acceptable as long as the rider stays on, right? That's what Jupes tells me anyway. Buster was his dependable self and then there's Ziggy. I think he feels lots better now that his teeth and gums are all healed up. Lynn said she about got swept off by the manzanita bushes flying through the twisties going up toward the bottom west meadow. She said she thought she should do some trimming. Her whole foot got caught in the crotch of a bush and it nearly took her off. I told her they were fine--it was her Woody Woodpecker red sports car careening out over the turn that put her in the bushes!

We saw the golfers again on the east meadow and had another nice ride down there. The cows had a few calves and were being protective, but Keota is getting used to them. The boys didn't get any apples, but I think they had a good time, too.

I think I need a day off in order to get anything productive done before I go back to work--but at least I'll smile and remember what a good time I had! Thanks for putting in the all the effort of coming over, Alisa!

Just another Sunday

Great ride today! The boys were huffing and puffing a few times, but I think they had fun, too. Lots of ups and downs and quick turns around trees. We love our boys!

Lee babysat Ziva again and as I type this she is crashed out by my feet. There are new pictures in Picasa (Ziva Grace! file) that show her new haircut and her size next to Haley. I tried to upload some video footage of us walking up the trail behind the trailer court. Can you check out my account (NickersandNeighs)? There should be three--Ziva, Haley, & Happy 1,2,3. They are just silly and may make you dizzy--

http://youtu.be/YVIG5A_qCnM
http://youtu.be/cFU0T6UUd5I
http://youtu.be/PbyAjRIJj50

Shirley and Lynn waited for me to come from church--I sure appreciate it. Once upon a time, I did not saddle my ride. I watched, but it was all done for me. Now it feels weird if I don't saddle my own horse. Although I know it was done by a professional :) I find myself checking everything. I am glad I can take care of my own stuff nowadays.

I am asking for Friday off--if I have to cancel, I will, but I want to be ready. What the heck! :)

I wish every day was a weekend day

Saturday was vet day. Jupes needed his flu shot and worming medicine and Ziggy got that and his teeth floated. Before the vet arrived, we had the boys out and Lynn measured them. Ziggy is 15.3 and Jupiter is 14.3. We need to remember to measure Keota next time he's here! I think he's taller than Zigs--what do you think? 16 hands? Didn't you always want a tall horse?  :)

Poor Zigs had been having much more issue with his teeth than Lynn (and Dr. Branch) originally thought! Poor baby's mouth was cut up and he had sores. Dr. Carlisle worked and worked on him and even had to give him another shot. Lynn said Ziggy looked over at her and a tear slipped down his face. Poor boy! Then he had to be walked and walked and walked around the parking lot. Long slow circles so he could move his feet without fear of falling.

Jupiter had a bit of a rodeo prior to his shots--there are transient people in the fields near the vet's office. Usually the boys are on high alert anyway, but suddenly Jupes went into longe mode. He was at the end of his rope and twirling around me (on the grass, thankfully). I looked for the source of his anxiety and there walking across the field toward us was a woman with a long black coat billowing out around her. She had a hat on and a back pack. Sheesh. She scared me too! :) She looked like a Halloween witch or a large black crow. She hollered, "Am I freaking your horse out?" Uh yeah.

Sunday was a beautiful day. We saddled up and rode up the Hennessy. Star got to go today and I think it was his first time on the new trails. I am sure it was fun for him and maybe he will let himself be caught again. It was a fun ride. We went pretty fast--zipping around the corners and jumping logs. We heard vehicles on the roads above us, but never had to deal with any hunters. Both the dogs had bright duct tape on; Haley had her pink bonnet and pink racing stripes around her body and Happy wore turquoise racing stripes.

Ziggy kept his tongue in his mouth almost the whole day. It finally hung out a little at the end. We were starting to think it had something to do with his teeth bothering him. But then there it was. Good! That tongue meant things were back to normal. The other thing the vet did was clean his sheath. More weird stuff--two things came out that shouldn't have been there. Dr. Carlisle is not a talkative man and he didn't offer any explanation and Lynn didn't ask. Afterward, in the parking lot, Ziggy peed a stream like he never has. We thought maybe he'd had a blockage or was uncomfortable and that was why he peed so often and such a small amount. But no, all that was back to normal as well. :)

Ziva stayed with her favorite babysitter: Uncle Lee. :) She ate all day (salami and cheese and Haley's food); chewed sticks while he greased the truck; she played with Gracie, and finally, she slept in his lap while he watched racing. A good time was had by all!

Later, we had our first bath together. Not her favorite. I blew her dry as well; again not her favorite. Then she ran around like a manic with the puppy crazies. She ate dinner, crawled up on to my blanket that was in the floor waiting for the clean sheets to come out of the dryer, and went to sleep. She didn't even move for three hours.

Life is good.

Is it really only September?

Thank goodness we went for a great, long ride yesterday. It has rained approximately 1 1/2 inches since 1:30 am this morning. We were able to ride to the right from the top and not have any bees bother us because of the cooler weather recently. We rode down and around to our new steep hill (going up this time) and the boys sure did sweat (and Jupes, the fat boy, was breathing hard). Then we came down our new trail on the east side that connects to our other trail. We all jumped logs and ditches and a good time was had by all.

Although the boys have been in high spirits at feeding time--they all behaved on the ride (you know who I have to worry about!). The night before, Jupiter and Ziggy were pouring it on across the trailer park and Jupes slipped in the mud and sawdust and down onto his rump he went. He jumped straight up and trotted around like "nobody saw that--that never happened!" Silly thing.

Ziva has been going with me to feed and after the horses settle into eating she gets to get down and go for a hike with the big dogs. She has so much fun. She is determined to do whatever they do. On Saturday, she got left home with Lee as babysitter. She had her first experience on the tie line while he was on the ladder. Lee said she cried once we left and he was out of sight. After he finished his chores, he played nonstop with her.

I came home and mowed the lawn and she stayed out of the way, watching and running from the front to the back porches. When I started spraying gopher stuff, I put her in the house. This is how I found her:

 

I don't think she moved for two hours! She is definitely teething and wants to chew everything. She keeps me busy watching to make sure we get outside to potty as well as keeping my shoes, table legs, rugs, dog beds,  magazines, homework, . . . all safe. But it's worth it.

Ziva & the mirror (9/20/13)

Ziva Grace

Yay! She's here! So everyone knows the last year has been hard for me--I have missed Izzy everyday. I wasn't totally sure I was ready or really if I knew what I wanted in a new puppy. I was conflicted mostly with having a dog that can run with the horses and be safe or one that is safe at home. I knew for sure I loved Haley and Sammi. My bringing home Ziva has been sheer providence.

First of all, I sort of decided it wasn't happening until at least spring. Then I got the surprise email. In the email I rarely check--yet it jumped out at me. Then the cost was somewhat astounding, but everything fell in to place--checks from summer school and my travel to work in Sonoma came AND a surprise freebie from Paypal. Shawn, the breeder, said the puppies would be ready on Wednesday and I had Thursday and Friday off! Finally, when I got there, Ziva was the only female left and when Shawn handed her to me, she instantly nuzzled my neck and licked me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and didn't want down. The most astounding thing of all was the name her family had been calling her: Grace. Grace comes from God. I knew right then, with all the other signs in conjunction, I am supposed to have this puppy.

She has been perfect in the car; she went potty every time I stopped for her on the trip, every time I took out last night, and every time I her put out on lawn--she's got it down. (We had one accident this morning because I wasn't watching her as close I should have been.) We had to run to town for a mammogram this morning, so the poor thing probably thinks she got adopted by a homeless person and she has to live in a car!

Anyway--I am so happy I have her. My life is ready to be changed and I know I will have help from on high--because that's why I have her.

Pictures of where Ziva comes from

**I knew I liked the name Ziva from the moment I heard it. I knew the character on the show was Israeli and I liked her. When I looked up what it means, I found that it is Hebrew (I guessed as much) and it means "brilliance and bright." I like that it has a Z and a V and doesn't sound like Haley, Sammi, Happy. So Ziva's got her own sound. :)

Group therapy

Where to start? I have had three great weekends in a row with my friends and favorite boy. We have ridden with Alisa and Keota each weekend and the only thing that could have possibly made it better was if Shirley had been well enough to join us.

The horses all got along beautifully on the trail and performed to the best of their abilities. Keota didn't do a lot of his beautiful jumping, but it's probably because we kept turning around to watch him. He is a "floper" though! (He floats when he lopes.) The only little blur on my personal riding was yesterday when Jupiter was losing ground and wanted to catch up with long-legged Ziggy. He went straight from fast, hard trotting to galloping. He freaks me out when this happens. He feels bunchy in the middle, like I am going off. I did lose one stirrup, but I had my knees clamped around him hard. Lynn stopped and that stopped us. Someday I will be able to ride faster.

The dogs have had great weekends too. So has Graycee (Gracie?). She really likes Sammi who plays more gently than Haley. But it doesn't really matter because Gracie gives as good as she gets.

Fall is definitely in the air and we are thinking about meeting Alisa over in Redding for some rides now that it is cooling off a bit. We also want to go to Weaverville for the fall colors and check out Lack's Creek, too.

Hennessey trails 001

Happy Birthday Weekend!

What a great three days we have had! Hennessey, Underwood, & the ranch. Only Ziggy got in trouble and it was for his usual passive/aggressive behavior of "I'll go where I want to go" unless Lynn is paying attention. He got his hiney spanked over and over on Sunday, until she really laced him and then he paid attention. It's nice that he is feeling better and back to his old tricks.

Alisa had so much fun--it was written all over her face. We heard lots of laughing and giggling coming from the back, since she and Keota mostly rode in back. But then we'd hear his hooves and would be loping up the trail. He loped all over the place!  And sometimes, if I turned back quick enough to watch, I got to see Keota's pretty jumping technique. He looked totally relaxed and like he was having fun every day.

Jupiter was good all three days and although we never got into a lope, we did some hard trotting. He behaved around Keota and that was important to me. He did everything I asked and we had fun, too.

I am looking forward to the next two weekends to do some more! It will be fun to have Alisa with us again.

Two kinds

There are two kinds of conversations that I often have with Lynn. One begins with, "Your horse!" and one begins with "STUPID HORSE!"

The first one of course is about some goof ball things Jupiter does. There are so many. This week it was being a big scaredy-cat. He scooted through the gate to eat some apples, rather than go with the four-wheeler down to get his breakfast in the bottom field. It was early morning, so it was dark. Lynn wasn't sure which one it was, but she knew one had headed for the apple tree.

Well all at once I guess he realized that he was alone in the dark and thus susceptible to the horse-eating monsters that lurk in the field. Lynn said she had never seen him run so fast. There was no bucking, farting, or squealing. It was all out, head straight-lined, sprinting. He was going so fast he had to make wide turns around the gates to make it. Once he was down in the lower field, the brakes "ur-ur-ur" stuttered to a stop, but there was no arrogant, "I'm all that" afterward.

We all know he's spooky anyway--we have that in common!

Then there's the second kind; they look like this:
"Had bear this morning at 4.  Haley went nuts!  I could see it just past the propane tank gone by the time I got the spot light and dang stinking glasses.  To heck with clothes.   Could see Deer, Horses going nuts, I could hear the bear going through the woods.  

When feeding this morning horses looking calm, but Haley barked and they were stirred up again.  So heading down the hill horses on my left they are flying all of the sudden a horse (Ziggy the big idiot) was between me and the fence, he cut in front of me hitting the 4 wheeler and knocking me side ways a little.  So it's DARK thirty and I don't use lights because I can see better without them.  So could not see if the IDIOT got hurt or not... Did I say IDIOT?   Went out when a little lighter.  The big dummy is fine.   Whew what a morning."

Too funny! Well as both Shirley and Lynn say, "That's life with horses!" Or something like that. (:

Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!

 Bummer morning--too much smoke to ride and now I have ashes falling on my car. Lynn is afraid we may not get to ride anymore this summer if the fire isn't controlled soon. Pray it isn't so.

Lee says our fence is "snakey." I think it's great!

 smokey mountains & Willy in background

Banner Day

Have I said how much I am enjoying my summer? Well, I am having a great one! Today was a perfect example. Shirley is off to Montana, so Lynn and I loaded up the boys and went up the Hennessey all by ourselves. What a ride. It was really fun. We went on new twist that will probably become part of our regular ride. Zigs was nervous and pooped all the way down, but he seems so much more like himself--he stopped to pee at least twice and he drank out of the puddle.

Jupes about got high-centered on a log. He's so responsive sometimes--I said, "Hey!" or "Whoa!" or something and he stopped in his tracks: two legs on each side of it. He wasn't worried about it, but reacted to my concern, I guess.Then we easily went over it. Zigs and his ol' long legs gracefully jumped over it. It wasn't as picture perfect as Alisa and Keota, but then I was watching from behind and didn't see if his front legs were curled up when he went over. (:

We were trucking right along like we do: laughing, talking, crashing the brush and then we came out on our regular trail. I was in front. Again, I was like, "Whoa!" (who knows what actually comes out of my mouth! But he does stop when I say it.) I thought I was going to see a bear. Then it stood up. It was a man in camo, hunkered down looking at us under the branches. I said, "There's a man!" (I am so eloquent when I am surprised.) He said, "I tried to warn you that I was here." Today is opening day for bow season!

He was really nice and we told him, "There are no deer, here." But he said he was enjoying his walk anyway. The really funny part is both Lynn and I heard him whistle--we just both thought it was the other person. We laughed.

Later on, Lynn set us up for a lope. We did it!! It was fun and comfortable to sit. I just need to trust him (and myself), I guess. I am sure he says to me, "Just sit there and relax--I got this!"

Then it got smoky and we headed for home. Hailey wore her duct tape bonnet the whole time. She never acted like it bothered her at all. I came home and made cement. Then I watched it dry. (: I know, but at least I am hanging out with my mom (and Gene).

It was a banner day all the way around.

That's way we like it

After a long four days of sitting in a cold room working on school stuff, Sunday finally came! We drove up Underwood to ride our big loops. What a day! It was not as smoky and it was a pleasant temperature. Ziggy is seeming more like himself and Buster, although nervous, was a happy camper. Jupiter was a joy to ride and we worked in harmony the whole morning.

We have now gotten our ride to be mostly on trails and much less on the road. There is only one spot we travel twice and it is just to get us to the road. Lynn was looking up toward the mountain and thinks there is probably a way to miss the high road altogether. Nothing could have been better! I heard Shirley say, "It doesn't get any better than this!" Amen to that.

As we were putting away stuff back at home, I said to Lynn how much I had enjoyed the day and how "everybody behaved." She looked at me and laughed and said what had sort of flashed through my mind at the same time, "Everybody else usually behaves--you mean Jupiter behaved!" Well, yeah, I guess that's what I meant. (: 

Coming home, I heard one of our theme songs: "Sunshine, summertime, and good friends--that's the way we like it." Definitely.

Counting my blessings

We rode on Saturday and had a nice day. It got hot before we got off the hill, but we were home by 10. No bees, no riders fell off, and all dogs stayed close to their people. It was fun all the way around. (: We didn't ride Sunday because the smoke was too thick.

We have been picking apples to take to the boys and they recognize the bucket and come running. Jupiter about took out Lynn one day in his rush to get to the apples first. I try to save Brady a pear whenever I can, because we all know he is the special one (whether Jupes thinks so or not!).

Last night we pounded posts again. It was harder because the ground is so compacted. We only have about five left to do and then we need to do the end posts. I am not looking forward to that as I think it sounds really hard. However, changing out the barbed wire may be the hardest part of all. Together, Lynn and I are like comedy capers anyway, but adding in the sharp barbs may take all fun out of it. (:

The best part of last night was watching the horses. They ran and bucked and raced up and down the field. They looked so pretty and powerful. Ziggy is so fast! He started out in back of the pack and effortlessly passed everyone and won the race to the top fence. He is so smooth; he doesn't even look like he was trying. Jupes herded Buster back and forth across the top fence--running from one end to the other. Then he ran down into the middle of the field and stood there with his mane flowing in the breeze and standing like a show horse. Dang, he's beautiful! (:

Once they stopped to catch their breaths, we went back to work. Pretty soon we had Buster on one side of the fence watching and Jupiter on our side of fence breathing down our necks. The rest of them stood over to the side and watched as well. Silly things. Just looking at them makes my heart swell with love! I am so glad I finally got a horse and I have been blessed with good friends!

Country girls

Hanging out with Lynn is always a potential opportunity for fun. Yesterday was no different.

Lynn asked me to come down and help "pound posts." I had no idea what that would look like, but I readily agreed. I picked a bucket of apples up for the boys and headed down. She had five (I think) barbed wire, metal fence posts loaded on the quad. She added a heavy, two-handled "pounder" and we were off.

Talk about easy! She must have been doing all the hard work, because honestly I thought we could've done the whole fence line! (: She cautioned me that the next day might remind me how old I am and that I should pace myself. Too true--I always forget!

From there we talked about making jelly from cherry plums. What a good idea! So we went to pick them. It was a hoot! We put a sheet down and then shook the tree! Plums went raining into the sheet--bouncing off our heads. We got a whole five-gallon bucket! I am excited to start cooking them tomorrow and then turning them into jelly. I love canning. It falls under that "instant gratification" column.

So there you have it--one real country girl and one quasi-country girl doing chores. (:

A couple of recent rides

I am getting awfully slow about relating our weekend adventures! Sorry!

Weekend before last, Jupiter bucked me off. I am not sure why. Lynn says he was mad because Ziggy cut us off and got in front coming off the new trail. This is definitely a possibility. It could however be that since I am more of a novice rider than perhaps I appear--I may have done something that caused him to rebel. He was picking up his pace and I may have pulled too hard on the reins. I don't know. It felt like he was crow hopping and twisting. At any rate, I went off sideways to our right. I landed on a shoulder and knee and kind of twisted. But I think I popped up pretty quickly--you know everything happens so fast, it's hard to know exactly. Anyway, I am fine. Another scraped knee--another scar--another story to tell. Sandi says it's better to have a horse who fights to be in the front than a horse who never wants in the lead; so that's one way to look at it. (:

Last weekend we went up Underwood to ride our new loop. It turned in to an adventure, too. We saw two fawns about the same size as Haley. She was on one of them--inches from catching a leg or landing on top of it. She disappeared and we called and called. Finally she found us. Then we saw a woman sitting on car wrapped in a blanket. I figured she had spent the night under the stars with her hubby (who was going potty in the bushes). As we went down the road, we met a car coming up toward the woman. They were friendly enough, but it was weird. Then we met ANOTHER car! It came from the direction of a dead end road. Lynn said and we agreed that probably they were checking to see who was in the second car.

But then Haley disappeared again! This time Lynn and Ziggy ran back up the road looking for her. She came to Shirley and me down at the bottom, but as Lynn was coming back, Haley took off again up the mountain! They thought maybe she was scared and lost and couldn't see or hear Lynn who was 10 yards clomp, clomping (Ziggy not Lynn) from her, but I think there was something in forest that she was concerned about. We had to call and call again and look for her a little in the woods. Anyway, based on her trip to the top, Lynn said all the people in the three cars were friends. So I guess they were just ordinary drug dealers/growers. It was still weird to see people and cars way back in there. (I wonder if they have hidden cameras and know when it's just us.)

Coming up the hill where there's a tree across the road, I decided to take the route Lynn and Alisa took rather than the one Shirley and I took last time. I knew Jupes didn't want to go that way and I figured it would be good to make him do what I wanted. Well, he was right. We got caught up in the brush, which he doesn't like at all; I got wrapped up in it too and as I was calming him down and trying to free myself so I wouldn't be brushed off, he jumped sideways and banged my left knee into a tree. Doggone it! Another swollen and scabby knee!

Haley was so tired that night that she just went to bed (Lynn's bed, not her own)--probably from stress as well as physical activity. I didn't get to go on Sunday and haven't heard any stories, so it must have been without any weird events and everyone's horse behaved and the proficient riders they are just sat their seats. (: 

So there you have it--two weekends in one post.

A week of Saturdays & two Sundays

When you're on vacation, every day feels like Saturday. What a great week we have had on Lynn's vacation. (: Today, we rode around the ranch/lower meadow on the Hennessey. We rode on the east side of the barn where it is park-like.We went up the steep quad track as far as we could go (there were two trees that were too low to go under and too long to go around) and back around to our favorite short cut/new trail.  It's always fun and games until someone loses a dog! ):

Haley and Sammi took off after something and disappeared into the woods. Haley came back, but no Sammi. After much calling and whistling, Lynn finally said she was going to backtrack and see if she could find her. Sure enough, she was a ridge over from where we were, nose to the ground, tracking her way back from who knows where! She was easily as scared as Alisa and was happy to be reunited with familiar horses, dogs, and most of all her momma! She stayed really close to Keota and did not wander off or chase anything after that.

It was a quick ride so Alisa could come home, shower, and head out. I came home took a nap, fiddled in my yard, and basically whittled away the day. I told my neighbor I would see him tomorrow at work. Hmmm. It was hours later when I realized it was only Saturday. I guess since Alisa was going home, I thought it was Sunday!

So anyway, here I am enjoying a cool sprinkle on Sunday morning wondering if my horse is looking for me or just enjoying his day off with his friends. I know I miss him--it's pretty fun to ride every day!

I guess it's time for me make my summer list of "to dos" and get crackin'. I have lots of projects I can be working on during the week days so I can ride on the weekends with my riding partners. I am happy it's summer--it's time to get organized--then I can get everything done and play, too. Thanks for a great week to kick it off!

Days 3 & 4: Bear Basin & Underwood

Wednesday morning started in the dark and with little sleep, for most of the humans anyway. The horses were ready to go--they knew it was going to be fun. Unfortunately, Zigman has not been himself so Lynn took Buster to ride. We stopped in Weaverville at Marino's and had a good breakfast and then we headed up Highway 3 for 29 miles to the Swift Creek turnoff and then a looong, teeth-rattling, bone-jarring six miles into the trailhead.

It was a gorgeous morning! The azaleas were still blooming and made the trail smell wonderful. There were Tiger Lillies and Columbine and Pitcher Plants and lots of other unidentified, but pretty wildflowers blooming along the trail. There was a lot of water and the horses and dogs were able to drink whenever they chose.

We saw deer, but no bears. We met horse-eating monster backpackers with long antennas meant for fishing that scared the beejeebers out of Buster. We traversed up and down steep, rocky paths and rode along beautiful green meadows. In fact, the horses thought maybe they were in Heaven again eating all the grass their hearts desired (as fast as they could!).

I think Lynn said it best: Bear Basin is magical. We discussed whether to go ahead and ride up to the peak, but a cold wind came down off the snow and the sky was getting a little dark that way, so we decided to get down off there before either lightning or snow fell on us.

The horses did fantastic. They paid attention to their feet and chose good places to put them. No one slipped badly or seemed worried about the trail. Buster is not used to being in front and he was a nervous wreck--sweating and pooping--but he did just fine. Lynn learned just how quick he is a couple times when he turned all the way around on the trail before she even knew he was going to do it! He also was quick to climb straight up a bank to get away from the backpack monsters. She said where Ziggy is the Cadillac that floats along and makes wide corners, Buster is the sportscar with quick handling and road hugging performance.

After hamburgers at Marino's, Lynn gave her own show of "flinging it out the window" by making her riding bra a bright green flag as we pulled out of the parking lot. We were all punchy and silly, but it couldn't have been more fun.

Today, we took the boys up Underwood for a quick, loosen-up your legs and backs ride. We did some steep climbs, but found a cool loop we can make to hook two of our trails together. It has a great view of the valley to the west as well and I am sort of surprised we can't see the ocean we are so high! Again, this is a great time of year to ride as there is a lot of grass and water available.

Alisa and Keota put on a show by performing like jumpers on TV--we came up to downfall log with some water running alongside it. Keo decided not to get his feet wet. Just as I turned back to see if they were fine, he picked up both his front feet, curling them just like he was going over the big poles, then he kind of coiled, and sprung forward off his back legs all in one motion as he gracefully jumped out and over the obstacle. Alisa said it was smooth and lots of fun! She wanted to go back and do it again. It sure looked neat!

In the afternoon, we took Zigs over to see Dr. Branch. He said maybe we should give him something to clean out his belly to make sure there's no sand rubbing in there. He said there are 85 feet of intestines in a horse! They have lots of hills and valleys and the sand can settle in them. So all the boys are going to have some! (I wasn't there to give it them, so I hope it went okay!) The blood work will come in tomorrow, but everything else tested okay. We are all hoping he will get over whatever is making him be "off" and be fine soon!

Day 2: Hennessey

Today was another great day--cool and comfortable riding weather. Of course, there was the little matter of wet cedar trees and tablespoons of water in cupped Madrone leaves! We all know why cowboys wore chaps, that's for sure!

The four of us rode up to the top of Hennessey and then down and around to the pond, making stops for good, high-mountain blue grass and sips of clear creek water. The boys all behaved perfectly and a joyful day was had by all.

Day 1: Lacks Creek

It's the first day of our riding vacation and we set off for Lacks Creek off Bair Rd in Redwood Valley. Jupiter, Keota, & Zigs were easy to catch and it took the three of them (Shirley, Alisa, and Lynn) to corner to Star. But then we were off!

The road was dirt and somewhat slippery once we got off the main paved road and head up the hill. We accidentally passed the kiosk for our trailhead, but after meeting a friendly logtruck driver that Lynn knew we headed back to it. He even left us a great sign (actually two signs!) in case we were even more stupid than we appeared. (:

 Once we were saddled up and on the trail, it was awesome. The trails were clearly marked and easy to follow. The footing was good and there was a lot of water for both the animals and for us if we had needed it. We went on the Beaver Ridge trail to Faulkner Trail which led to a meadow where we snacked while the horses ate good grass. We saw a huge redtail hawk, a ginormous black bull, a bunch of cows, a horse-eating gray boulder, but although we saw elk dung, we didn't see any elk. We went back up the trail and got back on Beaver Ridge and we followed it out pretty far, but decided that would be another day's ride.

As soon as we got back to the trucks, the heavens opened up and it poured rain! The horses were ready to get in the trailer even without having any grain. We also met two really nice BLM guys. They want people to use their trails and are working on marking some more. We all decided this ride is a definite do-over!

It was a good day and great way to start our riding week--even Star had a good time. I can't wait until tomorrow.

Operator Error: Unscheduled Dismount

It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The first Saturday of summer vacation for me and the start of Lynn's vacation. Once on top, we turned to the left and rode the Hennessey trail in reverse. I think the horses were feeling good because it was cool and the trail looked different from the opposite direction. We let them go a little faster than normal and all of us were jumping logs and creeks and whatever. It was fun!

As we were making our way up the backside of the mountain, Jupes and I were in the back and he was trotting hard to keep up. At one point, we came down off a slope and he jumped the muddy ditch and began loping/cantering/trotting/crow-hopping to pass the boys and get in front. I do not know exactly what kind of gait it was. Lynn said it was a new invention that Jupes simply created in his desire to be in the lead! All I know is, it felt funny and I was trying not to yell at him and pull him up if he wasn't bucking, but trying to read him to make sure he wasn't going pitch me off in a hard buck. It's kind of a fine line of discrimination with him. I can hear him thinking, "Whoohoo! I'm in front! Catch me if you can!", as he shifts into happy gear and kicks up in joy! (Been there, done that!)

For all his mellowness, Ziggy really likes to be in front. I think Buster really likes to be in front of Jupes (payback for all the orneryness in the field!). So when Jupiter got the lead, the competition was on and he was not going to let go of it. Heading up toward the creek, I took him around a downed tree and Lynn had Zigs jump it. Jupiter could see Ziggy and knew that his long legs would take him over the tree and into the lead, so he cut the corner tight and squirted out in front him and back on the trail. As we headed up, Lynn laughed and said, "I saw daylight (between me and the saddle)! You'd better watch out, you're getting a little out of control!"

Well we stopped for a quick drink and then headed up the hill. I told Jupes to go easy as we went on downslopes and then I would let him power run up the next side. Well. I think the branches bend the opposite way since we usually come from the other direction, because the next thing I knew, I am trying to slow him down as I am fighting the branches. I was laying across his neck when I was lifted up and found myself looking down at his back. My right leg was still over him and as I was thinking, "Am I strong enough to pull myself back into the saddle?", I landed on my knees on the ground next to him. The hard-packed ground, I might add!

I landed with the reins in my left hand and my right hand and knees were in tabletop position right next him. He was looking at me like, "You know, we could have a lot more fun if you would just stay up there!" I  got up and led him up to the flat so I could look at my knees and brush myself off. Thankfully, I am fine--scraped up knees is the worst of it. I think the tree limbs broke my fall.

I heard Lynn's, "Rider off!" as they slowed down and walked up to me. Shirley was laughing, "Well you almost made it a year!" But she also gave me a compliment--she said I was good rider and blamed my fall on not having a horn or bucking rolls. Yeah, well I know all but two times I have gone off have been my fault! I guess I should be happy that I have down to one a year. (:

The Final Countdown

It's Wednesday of the last week of school! Next week is vacation and lots of riding my boy and  hanging out with my besties. (:

Today Lynn and I are going to check out a potentially new place to ride. We may have two new ones to add to our regular rides. I can hardly wait.

Who's ready?

Play Day videos

Play Day April 2013

 

Hoopa Play Day

Today we did something I have never done--we did barrels, poles, and combinations of both. I really had fun and am glad we did it. Lynn said this is how it is: sit around watching others, socialize, ride, sit around watching others, socialize, sit around watch them change the arena for the next event, repeat. Good thing Star was not with us--"Star's bored," would have been Shirley's mantra.

Nope, she had Mr. Boring who gave her a rodeo ride just inside the gate. That was it--none of us wanted her to go off, so that was the end of her "play day." The wind kicked up, Shirley didn't eat anything all day, and Buster was no fun, so she was ready to leave. But we stayed most of the day. Lynn and I rode the events and visited with people.

Ziggy was nervous so he kept his tongue in his mouth the whole day! He ran beautifully and reined perfectly. Lynn knows her way around barrels and poles and such so they were fun to watch. Jupes was awesome! He and I are rookies, but he did everything. It might have been a little jerky (my fault) and he high-stepped a little in the middle (his "I'm all that" attitude), but it was fun. He is so smart--once he understood what I was asking, he just did it. Lynn didn't get to do the poles or watch me because Shirley wanted out of there, but Jupes did the poles like an old pro. He would've run if I weren't a big baby.

We also rode outside the rodeo grounds and went to the river. There were no bathrooms or porta-potties, so we saw someone crouching in the tall flowers to go so we rode around on the roads below the arena a little, too. (:  It was funny. Alisa, if we aren't camping in Bieber, you might have to come over here and we'll do it again the third weekend in June. Keota is smart; he would be good, too.

Anyway, I had a blast. Anything I get to do with my horse and my friends is fun. I got to surprise a lot of people who only know me as the high school teacher, so that was fun, too. We took some videos, so once I am somewhere where I can upload more quickly--I will put them on YouTube so we can watch them! They turned out pretty good.

Never a dull moment

On March 20, 2010, we drove to Oregon and got Jupiter; tomorrow he will be turning eight! I can't believe how much fun we have had together. I am glad he's my partner, BUT he wears me out! Today we went on the Hoop-de-do trail to check out whether there were any down trees. Nancy, Lynn's sister-in-law, intimated that she would ride with us if asked. Long backstory, but ultimately, we went to check out whether it would be do-able to meet her above her house on the trail.

Well, this is the trail that always makes me nervous, even though it's fun. Jupiter has been so well-behaved that I should have expected the day we had. He started out feeling like he was a spring under me and then it just escalated. It all came together as we started running up a hill behind Buster and Ziggy. It was deja'vu. I know we have been here before. He jumped and crow-hopped his way up with me yelling, "DOGGONE IT!" He stopped and I whaled on him and told we were not doing this. He pouted and sulked all the way to the end. Then coming back, he acted up coming downhill. So I used the spurs and reminded him that I am the boss and he is to do what I ask him to do.

Sheesh. Gorgeous day, but I was tired. I think I gritted my teeth most of the day. Tomorrow, we are going to Hoopa to a gymkana/play day. I am not sure what we will do--Shirley thinks we'll ride in it--poles, barrels, whatever. We'll see I guess.

Enjoying life

Today is a gorgeous March Friday. The boys got new shoes yesterday and started a new story for Adam. (Lynn did you notice he knew all the boys' names? I thought it was cool.) Jupiter is learning too much from Star. I know I was lamenting that he and Indy were so close and I didn't want him to be a ditz; but now he is acting a little like Star and that's not good either. As soon as he saw Adam coming up the hill to fetch a pail of water--oh, wrong story--fetch him to get his shoes, he and Star ran willy-nilly up the hill! Thankfully, he thought to wrinkle an old oak leaf and Jupes thought he had a granola bar and came back to him. Sheesh. I guess it's a good thing he is so food-oriented.

Nevertheless, Adam had followed them almost all the way to water tank! They were heading for the high country. Lynn had to take off work to go and help catch the sillies! Adam admitted he made a mistake--he left Ziggy by himself. That boy does not want to be tied, does not want to be alone, and won't stand still when he's worked on. Lynn had to catch him again because Adam thought he might have been a little lame when he turned him loose and he wanted to check him. Again, thanks Adam. I guess $120 is acceptable for all the extra stuff. Ziggy must have gotten everyone worked up because even Buster was a difficult job!

I am excited because I am feeding the boys all by myself. Lynn is off to hang out with Alisa while the guys work on a truck. Ziggy didn't get to go after all because there is still too much snow. It will be a good chance to see them all weekend because next week is going to crazy busy for me and the following one I will be out of town.

Last weekend Alisa came over and brought both Keota and Odie. Our boys were less than hospitable and bullied their guests. Odie probably hung out with Brady when we were all gone; that is if Star let him! They all rode on Friday and then we rode on Saturday (without Shirley) and then the three of us rode on Sunday. It was fun and eventful. Some of the highlight include: a car with a bullet hole; two men (paramilitary types) shooting on the top of Hennessey; lumberjacking down trees on the road; bushwhacking on new trails around formerly good trails with trees blocking them; and over all good times of being with best friends--both human and equine.

Just sittin' here musing

It's a gorgeous March morning; the sun is shining on my outside temperature gauge and it reads 67 degrees. Inside it says it's 66! Maybe I should get out of my pajamas (ya think?!) and go outside! But the wind is blowing, so I am sure it is actually much colder; nevertheless, I am sad that we are not ahorseback. We had snow on Tuesday and there is simply too much of it on our regular trails. I wonder if more trees have come down? Which reminds me: my VP says he has a chainsaw for me to take on our rides! He fashioned a chain with handles that will saw a small tree and it's portable. (:

The news on the street is that Lynn's sister-in-law is getting a new horse. I wonder if he (hopefully not a she) will be another squeaky toy for Jupiter?

Wet blankets = good horses & happy people

New England in the fall. . .DC in the spring. . .yeah, yeah whatever--pretty leaves and cherry blossoms. We've got Redding in February! (: After holding our breaths all week, we gathered up horses and headed out.

Our first stop (after lunch with Alisa) was the Clikapudi Trail on the southeast side of Lake Shasta. What a gorgeous day! Bright sunshine and no jackets (for a couple of hours anyway) and we wound our way around a loop that was an easy ride and snake-free. We met an endurance rider who was less than friendly and we got out of his way and didn't let his angst touch us. Haylee disappeared for longer than any of us were comfortable with, but she barked and let us know there was a bicyclist down on the trail before she ran like the wind to catch up. She and Sammi had a great day.

The horses got to see their first power boats and hear them suddenly start up and roar off. Ziggy and Buster were pretty sure that they probably ate horses, too. Once when Ziggy was behind Jupiter, Zigs got spooked by something (unusual for  Mr. Calm-Nothing-Bothers-Me) and tucked  his tail and charged up behind us which got Jupes moving too, because he wants to make sure any horse-eating monsters get whoever is behind us! It was a real pleasurable day and everyone behaved (horses, dogs, even us!).

Next we drove to the Loomis Horse Motel in Anderson. I was worried about Jupiter being mean to Keota in the corral and he was. He bucked and kicked at  him, but there was a pretty little blonde mare next to the corral and he fell in love. His first crush. He arched his neck over the fence and was cheek to cheek with her. He did not let anyone else get near her. Every now and then she would squeal and kick and he would run off all puffed up and looking good. They rolled and drank and ate and settled down for the night.

The next morning we had breakfast with the Loomis family and they told us one of the boards got busted between the two corrals. I worried that it was Jupiter being stupid. Later I thought maybe it was the mare, because the novelty had worn off and Jupes wasn't interested in her anymore--maybe he decided he didn't want a high-strung new friend.

Kate and her daughter Kori took us out back--on the trails that lead off their property. Buster was higher than a kite and gave Shirley a ride. Jupes stayed with him and we ended up leaving Ziggy and Keota way behind and the two Halflingers somewhere in the middle of us. I felt kind of bad, because I know Zigs cannot stand for us to be so far ahead and Keota was wound up, too, but Buster was over the top!

I learned that llamas are the best watchdogs for sheep because they are mean and will fight coyotes or wolves. As cool as that is--llamas and sheep coming up behind Zigs and Keota was almost more than they could take. Jupes shot through the gate (again--monsters eat the ones in back, right?) and then he was fine.

Buster finally settled down a little and we got to ride with our hosts and visit. We rode on dirt roads and trails and tootled around in the brush--making our own trail with Lynn busting out the saw and clippers, just like at home. The boys got to see their first pigs and that was an adventure, too.

Sunday dawned bright and clear and we rode down on the Hennessey meadow. It was slick in some spots, but do-able. There were cows, calves, and tons of frogs singing.  All in all, it was a great weekend and I am so happy we got to do it! We made new friends and got to hang out and laugh together. Wet blankets and good times! I am ready to do it again.

Another day ahorseback

Hold your breath and cross your fingers! The weather map is not looking promising for our trip to Redding.

 

We had a beautiful weekend here and got to ride both days. Saturday was another adventure up the Hennessey; the downed trees on the road were cut away a little more until we reached the turn below the top and it was impassable. Our short cut between the roads just below the top also has several large trees down--not just one or two--4 or 5 that totally mess up our trail. Lynn went down from the topside to see if there was a way around, but it doesn't look like it will work. Shirley was too nervous to try to it and we stayed on the road. She admitted that she wasn't up for as much bushwacking and trying new stuff anymore and wanted to just meet Lynn at the bottom.

When we were first heading up, just above the dumpsite, we were able to drag limbs and detritus to the side and create a sidepass around a tree we can't go under or over. Jupiter even helped by picking up a branch and held it up for me to grab. But he is always a little jumpy, and he didn't really like the movement of the branches under his feet, so he decided to head back to the trailer without me. Thankfully, Shirley and Buster slowed him down and I caught his reins. Later on, he got freaked out by stump and shied so hard I actually thought he had slipped on the ice and we were going down--but it was just a shy.

Lynn and Ziggy had a bit of excitement coming down the new trail to the bottom. Zigs likes to be in front; so does Jupiter. The two of them are getting where they like to take the trail pretty fast. I think some of it is because we are almost back  to the trailer, but I think a lot of it is because it's fun. We got pretty far ahead of them and Ziggy had a fit. I haven't seen him do it yet, but Lynn says he puts his down and twists it around and humps up and acts like he is going to buck to Heaven (which I have seen!). It was one of the steep, rocky slides and he is already raked before he puts his head down! I heard her holler, so we slowed down and waited a beat. Zigs took the lead toward the bottom and Jupiter wanted to trot hard on his heels (not literally of course). We waited a couple of beats for Shirley and Buster, who takes good care of her and doesn't get into the pissing match between the other two; but he does give Jupes the eye occasionally when he is in front of us.

Sunday we went across the river toward Denny/Horse Linto and rode the Forest Service roads. It wasn't anything exciting, but it was riding! It was colder even though there was less snow and it was on the sunny side of the mountain. Jupiter was in front the way out and is not interested in walking with everyone else so I can talk or listen to the conversation. He did slow down a little so we were in conversation range some, but I think because Ziggy walks so fast, Jupiter thinks we need to keep up a little trot to remain out in front. This behavior is mostly on roads--he likes to trot and see around the corners. He is almost always out in front. But when we go on the trails (especially unknown ones), he doesn't really mind Zigs in front--in fact he relaxes a little. Sometimes he waits for Ziggy to take the lead and then he follows; however, he wants to be behind Ziggy--not Buster!

Coming out on the road, I made Jupiter stay in the back--even when there was "daylight" and he wanted to squirt through. I think he is worried that he isn't as fast as the other two and if a monster comes up behind us, it will get him! He looks back often and stays pretty close to the other two. I told Lynn that I had a talk with Jupes while we rode back there about getting along with others. I told him Keota was coming with us next weekend and we were going to have fun seeing new places. I warned him he has to get along and not be pissy around Keota. Lynn said Jupiter doesn't like anyone--he thinks he is an only child and doesn't have to get along. I thought about this as my spitfire cat was cuddled up under the blanket with me while I watched TV and knitted. Hmm. We seem to have a pattern developing! (:

Keep an eye on the weather and a prayer on your lips--new territory awaits!

A whole new world

Sunday was bright and sunny and a little cold, but the boys were ready to be caught and taken off the place. Ziggy opened his mouth wide for the bit and Jupiter stood perfectly and even backed up to the log so I could on quicker. Buster was up for a "chase me" moment until he realized that Zigs and Jupes were going with  me, so he let Lynn catch him. When it came time for Shirley to get on, he still needed to be held, but behaved perfectly after that.

They were super excited to go somewhere and the best thing of all: our usual ride wasn't so routine. There were trees down everywhere and snow and everything simply looked a little different. We all needed it--horses, dogs, and people! I think I'll be able to make it now. . .

Living the good life: 10+1

People are always trying to find the secret of good health and longevity. Just about any magazine you pick up will have some sort of advice: from eating blueberries to a simple walking regime. Last week I read one that I think is the truest of all--ready?

1. Social connections: people with a consistent, active social life (friends, family, neighbors, colleagues) are less likely to decline in the ability to reason, remember, or physically able to perform day-to-day activities. Having those connections plays a more important role than smoking, lack of exercise, or obesity.

2. Pets: people with pets have healthier hearts. They help lower blood pressure and are always ready to exercise or just be there when you need them.

3. Chocolate: of course it's dark chocolate, but the higher percentage of cocoa the more healthy it is. It lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow to the brain and heart, and raises your good cholesterol. No more than an ounce a day, though, as it does have calories. (:

4. Coffee: yea!! It lowers the risk of diabetes, heart disease, pneumonia, protects against skin cancer, liver damage, Parkinson's, and delays the onset of Alzheimer's.

5. Wine or beer: daily max of one glass for women is heart healthy and can protect against diabetes and certain types of cancer. They were unsure if it was the alcohol or some other component.

6. Sex: the endorphins released act as painkillers, reduce anxiety, reduce depression, and bolster the immune system.

7. Music: joyful music (which is whatever is your favorite!) causes tissue in the lining of blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. It brings on sound sleep, boosts mood, and reduces anxiety. Listening to music after surgery even reduces the need for pain medication.

8. Naps: a midafternoon nap can help improve mood, memory, alertness, and learning. A 90-minute nap clears the brain's short-term memory storage and makes room for new information; a 20-minute nap improves alertness and performance without grogginess.

9. Nature: being outside and seeing green is as healthy as eating greens! It improves the way the immune system works and helps diabetics with glucose levels. Just five minutes a day of an outdoor activity boosts your mood and sense of well-being.

10. Soap: okay, one kind of weird one--stop using cleaners that have the antibacterial agent triclosan. It may contribute to the rise of dangerous, disease-causing bacteria resistant to antibiotics and asthma.

Finally they say, "Living a long and healthy life has a lot to do with living an enjoyable life. At least once a week, buy yourself the present of spending time doing exactly what you want."

Based on this and the research behind this list, I think I am doing pretty well! This is do-able. (:

*Source:
Simon, Nissa. "10 Tips for Better Health." aarp.org/bulletin. January-February 2012: 10-14.

Speaking of boots. . .

Okay, does everyone know how much I love shoes? Does this look like the closet of someone who needs more boots? There are two more dress pairs inside the closet door, one more casual pair of (red) boots, one pair of muddy hiking boots, AND one pair of heavy duty snow boots! The boots in this pic are just the ones I've worn the most recently and haven't put away!

The Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale is coming up and look what I found inside the program:

Sounds like a good shopping opportunity to me! Who said I needed more boots? I WANT them--needing them has nothing to do with it.