Mid Winter and counting

Monday morning I awakened to a frozen and very foggy world. I saw two minor accidents on the way to work due to the slick streets and once again made my little wish for an early spring. We are now officially past the hump of winter and are on the downhill side heading for spring. I am so looking forward to a new and better season. Winter has gotten officially old and can gracefully bow out. Adios amigo.

The weekend passed ever so quickly and was greatly appreciated by me. I love my free time and cannot express this sentiment enough. My hubby and I went to church Sabbath morning, followed by breakfast out, grocery shopping and then took Annie for a nice, long walk in our favorite park. The weather was absolutely gorgeous!! - Blue skies, warm temperatures and nary a breeze. So very delightful and did it ever feel good!! After our walk we came home and had a nice little nap. What is it about naps that seem so deliciously decadent as an adult and so horribly detested by young children? Hmm, one of those questions to ponder and probably never be answered. Whatever, I love them. Afterwards we woke up just in time to bring the horses in for dinner and a little attention, then back in the house for a light supper and a movie on the television. What a lovely day!

And then Sunday dawns...not exactly the same picturesque story of weather delight. It was cold and very foggy and the temperature was below freezing and it was so very damp and cold. Yeeuck!! It's interesting to me how in mid-February we always seem to have a week or two of beautiful spring-like weather as a teaser, but then reality sets in and winter remains in control for another month, and in many cases two or more. Our horseshoer came and we got all caught up on the equine pedicures once again. Everybody was on especially good behavior and the job was completed without incident. I am so thankful to have well-mannered horses. Each and every horse we have is a perfect gentleman or lady while in hand. We expect near perfection and they almost always comply. After the farrier left, we headed inside to warm up and have some breakfast. Later on we did some major housecleaning and of course, the chores in the barn. I got caught up on all the laundry, which always feels good, but never lasts. I like to think of it as job security - yep, not a snowballs' chance in hell of that ever ending, or the housework. But anyway, it's always nice to feel that sense of accomplishment at having a sparkling clean house - even if it won't last.

This coming weekend will be the first time we turn Ladde back out with the herd. Yippee!! I'm so very happy for my boy. He simply won't know what to do with his newfound freedom and ecstatic joy at returning to the fold of his herdmates. He's been such a good and patient boy during his recovery period after his suspensory injury last November. On Valentine's Day it will be one full month after his third and final shockwave treatment. He has not taken a single lame step since the initial day or two following the incident of his injury. He's quite stoic and must have a very high tolerance for pain. But, I still take this as a good sign - no lameness is good. We plan on wrapping both his front legs for a while for a little extra support. Whether it does anything or not is of no consequence, but it sure can't hurt either. I am always quite nervous about the first few times in the pasture, but will say a prayer for his protection and will place my faith in his good sense to be careful.

In closing, here is one of the very many quotes that I love and wish to share with you.

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring which you have not; but remember that what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for."

Epicurus

Me and the boys on the banks of the Metolius River near Camp Sherman, Oregon.

And below is me and the Laddmonster back in camp.

Don't you think Harley needs to learn to relax when he's camping?? Poor baby!

Thanks ever so much Lisa!!! I am grateful and just as pleased as punch if even once I've made someone smile or laugh.