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.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Another day ahorseback
Hold your breath and cross your fingers! The weather map is not looking promising for our trip to Redding.
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!
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! (:
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!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
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. . .
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. . .
Saturday, February 2, 2013
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.
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.
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