Paint Nite

I've been very behind on my blogging lately...

It didn't really help that my week last week was so busy, I felt like I needed to add time to breathe into my schedule.

I did do one fun thing, however....

Paint Nite.

Paint Nite is a series of random, get togethers at various businesses (usually places that involve eating, alcohol,  entertainment,  or a combination of all three). It's a sort of crash course in creating a nice, canvas painting in a group setting.

An interested person buys tickets ahead of time to attend and participate. They are provided with all the materials (i.e brushes, paints, a paint smock, and canvas) to create a painting.  Each paint nite has a selected painting and an artist who is present to provide instruction for each person to create "their own version" of that painting.

Of course,  if the individual wishes to create a different painting or variation of the provided example, they are free to do that as well.

More information on Paint Nite can be found HERE.

As it turns out, my sister, Gayle, had coupons for any Paint Nites in the month of October. She had already done one earlier in the month and enjoyed it.

After talking about it with my mom, they decided doing one with the 3 of us together might be fun. With me being a poor horse owner and my sister a poor parent, my mom offered to buy the tickets for all of us....

At first, I wasn't completely sure I wanted to go with how crazy my daily schedule has been lately..

But...

....then I looked at the painting we would be creating and fell in love with it. Bonus points were added because it had a dog in it...(although, of course, I would have loved a cat or horse themed painting even more :-D ).

I agreed to go, thinking my apartment could definitely use a little more wall decor...

Unfortunately, when that evening finally rolled around (last Wednesday), I found myself feeling quite run down physically and under the weather. A sore throat was plaguing me and threatening to turn into a full blown, cold.

How nice (insert sarcasm).

In spite of my physical self not wanting to cooperate, I still wanted to go. I dredged my way through work,  and somehow managed to find the extra umph to get myself there (thankfully, the hosting business was close by).

Our artist's name was Laura Clark and she did a fabulous job giving us encouragement and instruction. I wish I had gotten a photo of her with the original painting.

With a few cans of Dr. Pepper (I rarely drink), and a bit of concentration, I have to say I enjoyed the evening and came away with a painting I liked.

Oh....and I almost forgot. The dog in my painting has a cat friend! :-)

...and perhaps the best part? I never got a full-blown cold, just a few little aches and pains and  that pesky sore throat.

As always -- photos are below.

Happy (Belated) National Cat Day!

So yesterday was National Cat Day.

It seems only fitting that I dedicate a blog post in honor of my sweet, feline family members (even if --sadly-- I am a day late).

For those of us cat lovers....

Our cats are best friends. They make us laugh, love, and bend over backwards daily to win their adoration...

It is said that dogs have masters and cats have staff..... ( Yes, that's true)..

Amusement aside, however, there is nothing quite like winning the affection of a cat. ♡♡♡

So....

Here's a few photos of my boys in honor of National Cat Day.

Top pic is Simon (in pursuit of a bug on the wall).

Second photo is my "Smitten Kitten" Lukus. This is one of my favorite photos of him...

...and lastly, but NEVER forgotten...my beloved Cisco. I still miss you every day. ♡♡

Unsuspecting Infraction....

I really wanted something fun to write about this week, but my energy level is at an all time low.

Things at work have been chaotic, to say the least. We have an lab audit next week,...and that, although routine, brings about its own set of stresses.

....and if being pulled over a few weeks ago for having a headlight out wasn't enough, I got round two of that yesterday while headed out to take care of Griffin.

This time it wasn't such a logical reason..

Actually, it was a pretty stupid reason if you ask me....

The car I currently own is a '07 Chevy Cobalt SS. I've owned and driven this car for almost 8 years now. For the most part, it's a fun, little sporty looking car to drive. I bought it because I am a HUGE fan of driving manual transmission vehicles.  I feel safer in them and I enjoy driving them.

In addition to this, my car also has mildly tinted windows. I bought the car with them. I also bought the car from a dealership and not a private seller.

I think I said I have driven this car for almost 8 years now.

All over the state....

I have sat next to officers at intersections,  parked next to them in parking lots, gas stations, etc.

I also had a Police officer residing in my apartment building for just under a year. He was nice. We said "Hello" often....and although I don't recall his name, I would remember him if I saw him.

Well last night, a certain female state trooper decided it was my turn to wear the bullseye.

After (quite literally) tailgating me for a good minute and a half,  she turns her lights on and decides to pull me over. Honestly, if she had been any closer to my back end and I had to stop fast, she would have (100%, without a doubt) rear - ended me...

Once captured on the side of the road, I waited a good 5 minutes before she even approached my car.

My lights were ALL in working order.

I wasn't speeding...and in fact, may have been going a few miles under due to the crummy section of highway we were on.

I wasn't drunk, drinking, smoking anything, littering, or swerving...

So seriously? What the ****?

The problem?

My car has tinted windows that she thought were too dark. She produced a meter saying I was 1% away from the legal limit.

In 8 (that's EIGHT) years, I have NEVER been told my car was tinted illegally (even during the 2 previous, minor, stops I've had with this vehicle...neither of which were speeding. I have a clean driving record).

I posed the "why?" of this question TWICE to this officer and was not given a direct answer (only stupid reasons why someone would choose to tint their windows).

I was also not allowed to see the actual meter reading.

Thankfully,  I was only given a warning. The warning also DID NOT state the meter reading.

Something about this whole interaction felt very fishy to me....and admittedly,  the jury is still out on what my next action will be. At this point,  I do not plan to alter my windows until I get another official opinion (and  confirmed measurement).

Still....This whole 25 minute escapade has faltered my trust in law enforcement.  The officer was extremely terse with me....almost if she had been angry that I wasn't, in fact, a drug dealer hiding behind my deliberately, darkened windows secretly plotting the world's demise...... (complete with a paw print magnet on the back of my car that says "All my kids have paws."). There's not a smigeon of a doubt in my mind that she was hoping she'd "get me" on something else...

...especially after reading on line statements from other officers stating that window tinting is a minor issue in my state and rarely a reason alone to make a traffic stop.

For whatever reason, this police officer did manage to succeed at one thing...

Significantly ruining my evening....

...so tonight, I am relaxing with my feline family members, putting my feet up, and treating myself to some pizza and a Dr. Pepper...

Tomorrow is another day (....and no hopefully better than the last 2)!

I have inserted photos below of my car....In the same appearance it was when I purchased it.....

Night Shift

One of the rotations I do at work comes with having the latest shift. When compared to other jobs,  it's really not as late as some, but it's late enough to generally put me in the dark by the time I arrive at the barn.

When Griffin and I arrived at Tammy's barn 10 years ago, she did not have an indoor arena. The only building was the small, main barn (...and, believe it or not, I miss those days because I like smaller barns).

It goes without saying, that Griffin and I didn't ride much during those winters simply because we didn't have any daylight left. I often satisfied our time together with long groom sessions and hand walks down the drive (which, fortunately, is pretty long so it isn't boring).

I don't recall getting a lot of snow during those winters either, so I think we were able to continue doing the walks through most of those cold months.

Having pondered about all of this in my mind recently,  I've decided to try to do that again with Griffin this winter.  The walking will be good for his healing leg and will give us that bonding time together.  I don't foresee trying to do any riding with Griffin until we hit the latter half of February or so when temperatures begin to rise again. At that time, we can try to slowly incorporate some tiny rides in as Griffin dictates when/if he is ready (and willing) to do them.

I did the first of these many, nightly hand walks on Tuesday of this last week.

It wasn't a particularly warm night, but it was clear and there was no wind. Stars flooded the sky and, overall, it was a lovely evening.

Griffin was VERY happy to be out for a stroll. He was very forward at the end of the bridle and I had to stop and back a step or two several times to request his attention. He was a good boy and did as I asked. We enjoyed each other's company and my mind drifted back to those earlier years at Tammy's when Griffin was still a middle - aged horse.

I know it would have bothered a lot of people to not be able to ride through the winter months, but I honestly can't say it ever really bothered me. My horse was happy and healthy. I was outside with my best friend and it was quiet and peaceful.

...perhaps the best part was that I didn't have any training/competition pressures and therefore had no need to worry about climbing aboard to pilot my horse while dressed like the Stay Puffed Marshmallow man from Ghostbusters.

During our walk, I also thought about camping and wished that Griffin and I had managed to find the opportunity to go while he was still able to do longer trail rides. If I have any regrets with all that my boy and I have done together, not being able to go camping will always remain the biggest one.

Still.....looking at all of the years we have shared together...

I am immensly grateful that Griffin is still part of my life and hopefully will be for a few years yet to come...

Sometimes when I can get outside and feel relaxed (and not suffer from any of my own arthritis pain) and enjoy a walk like this with Griffin --it really DOES beat even a good ride on any other horse!

Wordless Wednesday: Taking care of Griffin ♡♡

Griffin's Oncore Performance ( in hurting himself yet again ) PT 2

On the evening following Griffin's injury, I was pretty sure of 2 things...

1) I would be taking some vacation time on Monday to go out and check on my boy.

2) We would be seeing the vet.

As it always does, worry managed to grab a choke hold on my thoughts and prevented me from getting much sleep on Sunday night. I can honestly say that at times like this, I wonder if I'm cut out to have horses in my life. I've seen so many other equestrians handle (much larger) issues with far more calm and grace than I could ever muster during even a mediocre problem.

I tell myself that the happy times still far outweigh the tough moments and  that it's worth it to keep picking up whatever pieces fall (both emotionally and physically) and keep trying.

So, on Monday morning, after a call to my not-so- thrilled supervisor,  there I was at the barn tending to my injured senior friend. ♡

I was somewhat relieved to see that Griffin's leg hadn't gotten any worse since I saw him last. Right away, I set to the task of doing another round of cold hosing & applying DMSO.

After Griffin was safely (but reluctantly) tucked back into his stall with a haynet, I phoned my vet to see when they might be able to come out for an exam.

The receptionist said one of the doctors was in our area and she would check with him to see when he could see us. She just needed to wait until he finished his current call and checked in. She would call me back....

So I waited....

and waited some more.......

I hid from Griffin's view and parked my butt at the picnic table just outside the barn. Griffin is a terrible "stall rest" type of horse. He must always have food and a buddy available to stay inside (Tammy's young gelding, Minnow, was assigned buddy duty for the old man. *Thanks Minnow*). In addition,  Griffin must also NOT be aware that his human is nearby. Once Grif spots me hanging around, he turns into a little whirling helicopter, anticipating that I will take him out.

He's a little spoiled that way.....

So.....as a result, I found myself eventually shuffling out to Tex's pasture in search of my borrowed riding partner. If I was going  to be hanging at the barn for awhile waiting for the vet, I might as well play around with Tex.  Staying seated  at the picnic table would only allow the dampness from the morning to seep through my jacket and into my bones. 

Grooming Tex proved to be a pleasant distraction to all that was churning around inside my mind. (The photo below is of Tex doing his part as my mental therapy horse on that day) ♡

I hadn't planned on doing any riding, but since the receptionist still hadn't phoned me back when I was done grooming, I decided a short hack wouldn't hurt and would help pass the time.

I can honestly say that for the FIRST time ever, I longed to be at work rather than on a horse. My reasoning was that if I was at work, then it would have meant things were normal. I was only using this ride as a distraction to pass the time while I waited for the vet (which, of course, was NOT A normal, Monday morning for me).

Tex and I only walked around.....or meandered as Grif and I usually do. I was not dressed for riding and my jacket had loose, shallow pockets holding my cell phone (awaiting a call from the vet).

Anything faster than a walk, and I could envision my phone taking an unexpected flight somewhere beyond....

Tex and I plodded around the arena, down the drive, around Tammy's house and the barn. It was probably almost 45 minutes before I finally got a call.

Dr. K would be at the farm sometime around 1-1:15 pm, but that wasn't exact since he was fitting us in. It would be at least another hour or so.

I found myself wishing I had brought food. The cereal I ate for breakfast was starting to feel like a distant memory.

Tex and I rode for a tiny bit more and then, not feeling my usual enjoyment aboard a horse, I finished...groomed him a bit more...and turned him back out.

I checked on Griffin (who was having a snooze after eating about 3/4 of his hay), and once again, parked myself at the picnic table.

The cool dampness finally started to penetrate my jacket and I got a chill.

Hungry and cold, I retreated to the warmth of my car and continued to wait. This was, perhaps one of the more miserable vacation days I've had.

Eventually,  my fellow boarder and friend,  Kris, showed up. She took pity on me and gave me one of the fresh apples she had brought with to eat. I was quite grateful...and darned if it didn't taste WONDERFUL.

Not long after,  Dr K finally arrived. Since there are roughly half a dozen equine vets in this practice, I'd never really met Dr. K before.

He handled Griffin patiently and gently and I immediately liked him. After testing Griffin's feet to rule out a hoof abscess (which can cause swelling that can be mistaken for tendon problems), he agreed with my thoughts that Grif had a bowed tendon.  Fortunately,  he also didn't think it was anything but a very mild bow and that it should heal fine.

In cases such as this, an Ultrasound is the recommended,  diagnostic tool, but since Griffin is (mostly) a retired horse and not, in any way, looking to return to any form of competition,  I opted to go only on a physical exam and treat accordingly. Dr K seemed to agree, all things considered, that this was a sensible enough choice.

Griffin is already on Previcox for arthritis comfort. Dr. K mentioned that the medication might have actually helped in this case for Griffin's injury not to swell too badly.

I was told to continue cold hosing and applying DMSO until the swelling subsides. Restricted turnout (since Grif is a terrible stall rest candidate) was recommended for at least 4 weeks after the swelling is gone. Tendons heal slowly, and it will take several months for a complete recovery. Unlike this time last year, when my boy did a number on his Stifle, I was also told that I could hand walk Griff immediately and that "controlled" exercise is good for the tendon. No trotting, running, or playing though..

I asked about wraps for support, but was told that Griffin's case was mild enough that he shouldn't need it (unless the swelling gets worse).

Dr K kindly apologized for not having better news (although, to me, the word "mild" associated with Griffin's injury WAS good news). He also said that for a 27 yr old, Cushings horse, my old man looked GREAT!

Did I mention that I like this vet??

After Dr K left,  I did the most sensible thing I could think of....

I drove to Subway and ATE A SANDWICH (I was hungry enough to eat 4)!!

***********

It's been a full week since Griffin's vet exam. I am happy to report that he IS improving. He attempted a squeal and silly bounce (which I quickly thwarted) yesterday during our walk. I've been walking him in his bridle just for this reason (as well as polos and bell boots for added protection).

He thinks he is 7 -- not 27....remember?

At this point, his swelling has come WAY down and he's pretty sound at the walk.

This is also the first chance I've had to write on my blog since this happened. Work and going to the barn have pretty much filled my days. A trip to my barn (both ways) adds up to about an hour and 15 minutes in the car alone.

By Friday of last week,  I was EXHAUSTED.  I didn't even have the energy to read my favorite blogs much less write on my own.

The positive side of me is keeping my fingers crossed that Griffin will continue to improve and we will be able to continue our meandering rides come spring...♡

Note to Griffin: Please don't pick ANOTHER body part to injure NEXT fall or your human might just go insane & jump off a cliff!!

Griffin's Oncore Performance (in hurting himself yet again) PT 1

I think Griffin read my last blog post somehow.

....and decided the cool, fall weather was a decent enough reason to injure another leg.

**Big sigh**

On Sunday, I was in decent spirits as I headed to the barn. It was Tex's day and I was looking forward to my ride with him.

Upon arrival, I noticed Griffin standing off in the distance hanging out with his good buddy, Taco. The scene looked normal so I didn't think anything of it.

With my attention focused on Tex, I got him ready and started riding in the outdoor arena.

Our resident Dressage Instructor, Jessica, was finishing up some students' lessons in the arena and then had hopped aboard one of her own horses for a schooling session.

In the midst of all of this, we ended up making small talk while riding and she dropped the bomb that Griffin was looking pretty lame today...

Oh Crap...

I'd had a nice little walk/ride with him on Saturday (previous post). Surely, she was mistaken and he was fine. After all, horse training is her business and she has A LOT of horses to keep track of...

I rode Tex over to the outside of Griffin's pasture were he was now standing by the gate. I rode along the parameter to see if I could get him to follow us.

No dice. He just watched us move on down the fence. It's pretty normal for him to follow me, but I wasn't alarmed when he didn't.

After leaving Tex at the hitch rail, I grabbed Griffin's halter and went to investigate.

Sure enough, my poor old man was dead lame on his front right leg. Closer inspection revealed swelling at the deep digital flexor tendon. It wasn't balloon,  exploding horrible, but it was definitely palpable with a small amount of heat.

After seeing Tex back to his pasture, I immediately began cold hosing and then secured Griffin in his stall. Tammy gave me no indication that he had gone outside sore (which she most certainly would have if he had. She is VERY good about things like that).

....so with that, my assumption was that Griffin went out bucking and playing and hurt himself. His Stifle injury last year was caused by the same antics. Same pasture (which, by the way, he has spent almost all of his summers in for the 10 years he's lived at Tammy's).

Thinking it would be worth applying some DMSO, to the swelling, I jumped in my car and literally sped to Tractor Supply to pick up some before they closed.

The entire time in the car, 2 thoughts filled my already overactive brain...

What if I whack a deer?

Do I really want to get pulled over again...and this time, get a ticket (see previous post)?

Thankfully, neither happened, and I got back to the barn in record time. I liberally applied the stinky gel to Griffin's (still wet) leg.

Griffin already receives daily doses of Previcox for his arthritis,  so I wasn't concerned about pain management.

Having done all I could for the time being, I went home. Tammy agreed to keep Griffin stalled on Monday while I decided to see how his leg faired overnight with a probable (non-emergency fee) call to the vet the next day.

....to be continued

A positive end to the week

Over the past few days, I hit a bit of a wall emotionally.

It was enough to throw me into a moderate, depressive state and sap both the motivation and desire to blog anything new.

....and then if you add to that, A few mildly annoying occurances I had:
*A beyond crummy workday.
*Getting a glass chip in my car windshield afer replacing the whole thing, due to a large crack, about a year ago. Both instances were courtesy of a wayward rock sprung up from the road.
*Getting pulled over on my way to work because I hadn't yet had time to replace a burned out headlamp (which, in turn,  made me nice and LATE for work...).

Not to mention my horse time was pretty non existant....

BUT

I dug my heels in on Friday. 

I got set up with my insurance to have the glass chip fixed. I bought a bulb from Farm and Fleet and fixed my headlight (with the help of a You Tube video and an extra hand from my mom).

The only thing left to remedy was to get some horse time in....

...and as luck would have it, today was Saturday (NO work).

I spent a VERY nice (albeit a bit COLD) day with my sweet, old man, Griffin.

We had a long brush session complete with a few Raspberry/Alfalfa,  Senior Horse cookies (they are so aromatic, people can smell them a few feet away in the barn aisle). Fussy boy, connoisseur, Griffin LOVES them!

We did a hand walk out to the road, and down it a bit (grazing photos along the way below), and had ourselves a much enthusiastic, walking ride in the outdoor arena.

As usual, Griffin asked to leave the arena, but was pretty well behaved when I suggested we do some bends and gentle yields first.

The wind was whipping around like crazy, and was loud to boot....but my old man payed attention like a champ and we both gave the Tazmanian, crazy wind a proverbial middle finger.  *Big Grin*

I found myself reminiscent of where we were at this time last year. Griffin was layed up with a NASTY, stifle injury and I was resigned to cold hosing, medicating and hand walks for the next 6 months or so....

....and then to add insult to injury, he was diagnosed with Cushings Disease a few months later..

Today, I felt like I had my horse back in a matter of speaking.

I feel Thankful that all of the tears, emotional struggle, and effort (and $$$) have payed off to bring back Griffin's happiness and enthusiasm for the time we spend together.

I feel thankful to have such great barn owners in Tammy and Randy and all they have done to lend help and support at times when they were most needed.  My anxious self couldn't have held it together without them!!

Each day I have with Griffin is a gift....and while I have no expectations for what the future will bring,  I find myself hoping that Griffin has several, enjoyable, happy retirement years yet to come! ♡♡

Wordless Wednesday: Waterpark fun with Fiona!

Longing for the trail

Griffin misses being a trail horse.

On Sunday, I spent all of my time doting on my old man. I generally try to split my time between both of my equine charges alternating between each one.

While Griffin's semi, 3/4, retirement means we don't ride as much as we used to, it certainly does not mean that I don't spend quality time with him, nor that I would give him less attention than a younger, more able, horse.

I will never be the type of owner who tosses my senior horse in a pasture and mostly forgets about him. Every horse I own will always hold an active place in my life and my heart. My horses are my companions as much as my riding partners. Always. ♡

At any rate, Sunday was Griffin's day and I decided that we could return to the trails for a short time.

With me on foot....

I had planned on doing a short ride after a hand walk in the woods, so I saddled and bridled Grif and then we headed on down the drive..

We wound around the trees, walked up and down tiny bumps and hills and worked on single file teamwork through narrow spaces. Branches cracked loudly beneath our feet, but we paid no mind savoring the time together..

Ears forward and eager,  Griffin enjoyed the walk as much as I did. It certainly did not feel that I had a 27 yr old partner on the end of those reins!

Eventually we made our way back to the barn. I climbed aboard for a walking stroll. On a loose rein,  we did some figures in arena,  then meandered around Tammy's house and the outskirts of the other pastures.

As we came back to where the driveway goes toward the road (and the woods), Griffin became rather insistent that we go that way. The more I pointed him back towards the outdoor arena, the slower his hoof falls and less enthusiastic he became.

Grif was about as motivated to ride in the arena as I am to go to the Dentist for a root canal.

Once back in the sand pit, every time we got anywhere near the end by the horse trailers (which we ride between to go down the drive), we had a "discussion" about which way we needed to go.

Griffin clearly misses being a trail horse....and I think my walking with him in the woods reinforced that longing for timber filled rides...

I finally did let him head down the drive a bit, but not the whole distance to the woods (which he would have surely gone if I had let him)!

If only.....

You hadn't hurt your stifle so badly last fall, my sweet boy....

If only...

I could guarantee a safe passage through questionable footing with a rider and no crazy, joint blowing, spooks.

If only...
I didn't worry as much as I do.....

Hunting season will be upon us soon and our favorite woods will be off limits.

Until then, Griffin and I will just have to hand walk together more...

Fiona 's FIRST horseback ride!

Yesterday marked one of those rare, weekend days Gayle was off from work. She works in the tourism industry,  so weekends are generally required.

We had talked earlier in the week and decided to take Fiona for a visit to the barn for a second time. She was pretty little the first time she saw the horses, and although she was curious about them, they scared her.

I wasn't sure what to expect yesterday since she is still just 2 years old and I knew the large horses could still seem intimidating.  I actually found myself wishing I had a pony or miniature instead of 2 15+ hand horses.

.....but Fiona is also an incredibly smart little girl. Almost everyone who meets her comments on it (..and, No, I'm not biased--perfect strangers have said this).

I had just gotten Tex saddled for a ride when my sister arrived at the barn.  We drove in seperate vehicles, so Gayle could bring her after her afternoon nap.

Fiona wasn't even out of the car yet before she was excitedly calling  out "Chickens, Chickens!!"

Tammy has a little Chicken coop by her house and the birds were making their usual verbal, ruckus.

I rode Tex over by the car. Fiona looked at me a bit strangely  ("why are you on top of the horse?"), but seemed very happy to see me and be at the farm.

Once out of the car, Fee made a beeline for the Chicken coop. She watched the Chickens for a short time, enjoying their erratic Chicken hops and squawks.

Afterwards,  we wandered around outside some of the nearby pastures, so she could see the other horses. She met Chance, Tucker, Minnow, Taco, and of course, my old man,  Griffin. She now knows who Griffin is (by name) and that he is "brown."

As we made our way back to the outdoor arena. I asked Gayle if she wanted to hop on Tex and have Fiona watch HER ride. I thought this might spark Fee's interest in trying it for herself.

Gayle rode and showed horses herself in 4-H when she was a teen, so I had no worries about her on Tex (Her 4-H mount had been a playful bucker, so Gayle is no stranger to silly, equine antics).

After Gayle climbed aboard and I adjusted her stirrups, she and Tex set off around the arena. Fiona and I sat in the porch swing by the edge and watched.

Unfortunately,  Gayle only made a single lap around before Fiona became restless and wanted to go by her mom. I asked Fee if she wanted to ride and she was already pulling my hand towards her mom and Tex.

We went back over to the mounting stairs while Gayle sidled Tex up alongside.  I once again asked Fiona if she wanted to ride and she had already climbed the first step of the mounting stairs. "up, UP!" she said holding her arms up to be lifted.

I helped her climb up to sit in front of her mom, then took Tex's reins to lead them both around.  Gayle kept her focus on holding Fiona in front of her and I on walking Tex.

This whole idea worked perfectly as Fiona grinned from ear - to - ear while being aboard her VERY FIRST horseback ride! A few times she pointed to the other horses out in the pasture and hollered "Tex!, Tex....!" ("No, Fiona..You are riding Tex.").

It was a short ride, before Fiona asked to get down again, but I was over the moon, happy that she had wanted to ride in the first place.

As I unsaddled Tex,  Fiona and Gayle visited with another boarder friend, Meridee, and her Morgan mare, Missy. Fiona enjoyed watching Missy get a bath and was delighted to pet her as well.

"What color is Missy?". I asked.

"Brown."

Brown indeed.

"What color is Tex?".

"Brown..." came the answer.

I pointed to Tex standing just outside at the hitch rail. "What color is Tex?" I asked again.

"Black!"

Such a smart girl!! 

Before we returned Tex to his pasture,  I asked Fiona if she wanted to walk him. She eagerly grabbed for his lead rope and set off for the outdoor arena. I followed alongside Tex, holding his halter and doing the actual leading for safety reasons. That didn't matter to Fiona...she enjoyed "walking" Tex and stepping in all of the sandy divets she could find in the arena.

...meanwhile, Tex wondered why we were walking around in little circles...

Afterwards, the 3 of us headed over to Pizza Ranch for a yummy, early dinner. Gayle was amazed at how much Pizza and Chicken Fiona managed to gobble down. I told her having fun with horses builds an appetite!

Because both of our hands were full most of the time making sure Fiona stayed safe, we didn't get much for pictures. I mentioned to Gayle that next time we'll have to bring mom (grandma) along as the official picture taker!!

...that, and hopefully Fee can have a ride on my boy, Griffin!!♡♡ (we just used Tex because I already had him out). :-)

 

Cat tree drama that ends well...

Last week, the boys and I had some "Kitty drama" on Wednesday morning.

I have often joked that my downstairs neighbor must think I have elephants running around my apartment.

One of my boys' favorite play times just happens to be when I first get up in the morning.  They run and jump and wrestle like wild children and they often have a blast doing it!!

Simon and Lukus have a great adopted, brotherly relationship,  so there's really never any sparring type issues.

What they do like to do is just have FUN!

At any rate, they were having one of their wild mornings on Wednesday.  At one point Lukus was hanging off the top of the cat tree, upside down and Simon was underneath, perched on the top of the "house" part, batting at Luk.

It must have gotten a bit too intense, because the top of the house part caved in!! Simon went with it, but it didn't faze him. He simply hopped out and continued his paw war with Lukus from the side.

I was standing at my dining room table,  wrapping a few presents for Fiona when all of this transpired. Since I was in the middle of my wrapping, I didn't think much of it. I just assumed that the lid would fit back on the house and maybe need to be glued or something. I thought I'd just throw it back together before I head out to work.

Little did I realize that it wasn't that simple. ..

When I was ready to leave, I want over to the cat tree and discovered that the top was actually held in by 2 inch staples pounded in sideways!!

YIKES!!!

I can't say enough how glad I was that I was home when this happened!!! Visions of my boys tearing themselves to pieces were not pleasant thoughts!!

So upon discovering this, I texted my supervisor and informed her that I would be late to work.

I got out a hammer and proceeded to reverse pound all of the dangerous staples out of the top of the circular base.

Without a (safe)way to fix the lid, it too, got thrown out.

I wasn't too bummed about it because my cats rarely lay in the bottom. Very occasionally, only Simon would curl up inside for a nap. I figured if nothing else, they might have more fun darting in and out through the top.

Well, it seems the top doesn't matter because I snapped the photos below just a few minutes ago.....

♡♡Serious cuteness♡♡

One step in front of the other...

The photo below is probably one of the ugliest pictures I will ever share on my blog (in my opinion anyway).

I snapped the photo this morning as testimony to what I drive through each morning on my way to work.

Pitch black, darkness.....(back, country roads).

The only thing that would have made it worse was if it had been snowing....

That, of course, will be here soon.

I can hear anyone reading this asking, why? Why take such a picture??

The reason is that it really fit my mood this morning. On most mornings, I can't say it really bothers me, but when I'm having a difficult morning-- the darkness feels almost sinister..

As I mentioned in a previous post, I suffer from a moderate form of anxiety. The details and triggers involved are too personal for me to discuss on the internet (and I wouldn't really care to talk about them anyway as that would be counterproductive in my particular situation).

With that said, I decided to write this post about what it is that I do when I find myself in a black rut and need to move forward (My struggles with this usually begin in the morning when I first get out of bed).

The first thing I do is mentally break my impending day up into little, tiny chunks. I prioritize items that NEED to be accomplished and put those that don't in a seperate "folder" in my mind. Mental Imagery is a powerful tool once you've learned how to master it (and to trust it).

Next, I reset my focus on each of my "task chunks," and get them done one at a time. Again, using my well practiced, Mental Imagery,  I block out each task that I have yet to accomplish. I physically push worry aside in my brain..

Putting one step in front of the other, I chip away at each chunk on my list. Regardless of how slow things go, I keep the focus on moving forward.

While this may seem simple to someone who is merely overwhelmed,  I can assure you that it's a different story when you are dealing with a hefty dose of anxiety and worry on top of it.

When I've manage to propel myself through a day that started out on "the wrong side of the bed," I take a few moments to allow myself to feel a sense of accomplishment (...and this is more important than it might sound).

My last step after a difficult day, is to spend some time in meditation (...and, no I don't hum, sit in strange poses, or make weird noises). Meditation,  done properly,  is all about training your body to relax and quiet your mind.  Everyone has a slight variation of different techniques that work for them as an individual.  No matter how it is approached, it WORKS WONDERS for reducing stress and anxiety.

So after a day that started out very unsteadily this morning, I am now finding myself calm and ready to face a new day tomorrow.

The BEST part is that I am planning to spend time with both of my horses AND I get to see my niece, little Fiona.

Due to the craziness of my week, I haven't had horse time since Tuesday (and that was pretty brief). Missing time with the horses does NOT help my anxiety....!

The Moral of the story??

It takes time and patience to work on anti-anxiety/stress strategies and put them into practice...but it's certainly worth it no matter how ridiculous some things might seem in the beginning (or at what level each person feels stress. Coping and calming techniques can help everyone).

Keep on "Keeping on," it DOES get better!!

Busy!

It's been crazy busy for me the past day and a half.

On one end of the spectrum, I love it because it makes the weekend come faster. On the other hand, it also makes things stressful (and tends to send my anxiety issues through the roof so-to-speak).

Today is Fiona ' s Birthday and I am just taking a few minutes away from things to just type I quick note.

I decided not to do any photos of Fiona today for the simple reason that I just wanted to spend time with her and not snap pictures....

I will, on the other, leave off with a few photos of my retired boy, Grif. I had a quick, hour and a half with him yesterday and snapped away. We groomed and hand grazed and that was all there was time for.....

So without further ado........

Another outdoor lover in the family!!

My sister, Gayle, sent me a couple of photos and a text yesterday...

The text message reads...

She says "Im camping"...LOL Mom just ran in to grab something.

The accompanying photos (which are shared below) are adorable!!

Fiona evidently thought following my mom into her camper was pretty cool. This little girl has camped twice now and it has already proven to bit a hit with her!!

Personally,  I am over - the - moon excited that my little niece is already showing an affinity for camping. I am looking forward to many future outings with her along.

Fiona loves being outside so much that getting her to go back inside is sometimes a HUGE chore. She will also take your hand when you are inside and lead you to the door to go outside to play.

What can I say?

I think it's a genetic thing......

I also want to add that I also came across a Facebook posting regarding these photos (and some others) that the dress Fiona is wearing was, at one time, the same dress my mom dressed Gayle in.

Definitely early 80's chic there, mom! I hope you didn't use mothballs (blech)!! 

A Platform Dismount comes in handy!

Because I now have a bum elbow, bum knee, and a recovering bum back (Train wreck...I know), I wasn't sure I'd be able to ride when I went to the barn yesterday,  but I sure wanted to try!!

I decided I was going to do a little ride with Tex because he stands well for me to both climb ON him from the big, outside mounting block as well as climbing OFF of him.

Vickie (Tex's owner who is also an avid trail rider) told me once she likes her horses to stand at a block for both mounting and dismounting as well as being able to do so from both sides. She has taken some seriously long rides throughout her horse life (including Competitive Trail) and she says that being able to dismount onto something is a definite advantage when every muscle in your body is screaming after a long ride.

Knowing some of the rides she has done, I don't doubt her for a second.

I have practiced the mount/dismount using a block with Tex before & he does very well.

...and as I suspected he did well with me today. With my aching, sprained muscles, it was an absolute godsend to be able to get on and off this way! (Note to self to teach Griffin the "platform dismount" as well. He simply has just never been asked to do it).

During our ride, we rode solo in our favorite woods a bit and then did some work in the arena. We even did some trotting (and posting) which I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to do.

.....and that made me happy!

Aside from riding myself, I loaned Tex to Jena ' s daughter, Jaxcin, to ride for a little bit (Jena is Tammy's sister. She has her own horse, Sky,  but Sky isn't quite ready for the kids to ride yet).

Jaxcin will be learning the ropes of showing over the next year so she can do the horse project in 4-H.

She spent a little time riding Tex and then hopped aboard Kris' s horse, Rain.  It is the plan that Rain will ultimately be her mount for the fair.

She did very well considering she hasn't had a lot of chances to ride.  Hopefully , she will get more practice in the coming months!

The top photo is a between - the - ears picture of my wooded ride with Tex. The next 3 are Jaxcin and Rain (sadly, I didn't get one of her on Tex).

Adding Insult to Injury and a few cat photos...

Yesterday was a pretty long day. I was at my folk's place most of the day and into the late evening. I have a close relationship with my parents, so we spend a lot of time talking.

As I mentioned,  my back has been getting better. My body must have thought it needed a new way to injure itself.

So as I was leaving...... (keep in mind that my parent's house is in the country, so except for a few lights on their pole barn and the front of the house,  it is PITCH BLACK outside)....I stepped outside the side door of the garage to walk out to my car and tripped on a plastic, dog dish that was laying next to the sidewalk.

My mom had rinsed it off (or something) after our last camp outing and set it in the grass next to the garage. It simply hadn't made its way back into her camper yet. Me, being me...I moved it to mow and then tossed it back where it was (which was in the grass right next to the side walk). I really should have just put it back in the camper......

Anyway, when I left that night, I must have briefly stepped off the narrow sidewalk in the dark and of course my feet found the stupid bowl to trip on.

I literally went flying through the air and face planted hard in the grass. I didn't loose my wind, but I felt so stupid, I just layed in the grass a few moments thanking god that it was dark and no one was outside to witness my idiotness...

When I finally got up on my feet, I went back into the house to turn every available outside light and the garage light on to locate my car keys which had flown out of my hand and now had turned into a treasure hunt in the grass.

My knee hurt and so did my elbow. Just Grand!! *Insert Sarcasm.**

Going back into the house before failing to brush off all the grass, my parent's entryway now looked like I had been bailing hay in there....My mom, being the Saint she is, said not to worry, she would sweep it up....

Thankfully I found my keys without succumbing to the desire to ask my mom for assistance in my little treasure hunt and proceeded on my way home...

This morning, after my flying lesson without a pilot, my knee is swollen and bending my elbow to do certain things like brushing my hair is a challenge.

....and I was looking forward to rides on both my horses today after being unable for a whole week because of my back.

So, while I sit here and ponder a few ways to still make that happen,  I'll share a few photos of my Feline boys (because they always help to make things better)♡♡.