Glorious, glorious sunshine!!!!

Oh wow, I just cannot express it enough how much better I feel when the sun is shining! I am so happy that I'm just about to pop a vein or something...well, you know what I mean. It is truly a glorious spring day and I would describe it as, dare I say it...perfect? Oh yeah baby!! It is a perfect day, and this is actually the fourth day in a row that I would use the "p" word saved only to describe those days where a body just cannot help but rejoice! And sing...and shout...and giggle...and walk. That's right, I said walk.

Yesterday was the first day that Annie and I resumed our noontime walking routine. Yippee!! It felt grand. Now, this was not what I would describe as our customary, brisk walk - no, not at all. On the contrary, this walk was more of a sensuous saunter in the glorious, God-given sunshine. I took off my flip-flops and walked barefoot in the cool and moist grass at the park. It was heavenly, and warm and utterly delightful. Annie frolicked and played, sniffed the sniffs and even chased the stick a few times. The day was positively meant to be savored. Today at lunchtime it was almost a carbon copy. Day two of walking barefoot in the park...beautimous!

Afterwards, I lay down in the sun and Annie layed in the shade of a cedar tree. Aaahh, how I hated to head back to work. Days like this were not meant to be spent inside. Pooey!! Bah-humbug!! But alas, the time came and we went...grudgingly at best. But as they say, lounging in the sunshine on a glorious springtime day does not pay the bills. The need for money really does interfere with my life. And, that is one can of worms that I'm not even going to open up today. That would seriously put a damper on my spirits, and I simply won't have it. Nope, not today!

So, as I mentioned last week my hubby and his horse, Shadman went to a clinic this past Sunday. The trainer/clinician, who we'd never met before worked with Shad for an hour or so. It went well. However, neither the trainer or my hubby actually mounted the horse. Hmmm, I wonder why no one feels like hopping aboard this guy. He has quite the reputation. Either that, or the trainer just did not feel lucky on that particular day. I was a little disappointed that my hubby did not take advantage of the situation and ride his horse, but I do understand that he was nervous and is not used to being in front of an audience. Been there, done that.

All in all it was a particularly enjoyable day. For once, I was the horseless person at an equestrian event and got to relax and enjoy watching. I do have some pictures to post, but am not quite ready yet. All in all, I am quite proud of Shad's behavior. He was noticeably nervous and more than just a little goosey when we first arrived. But bear in mind that this horse has not left home in at least 5 years. So, leaving home and trailering to a strange place alone was bound to make him question our motives...I'm sure.

There was one time that was quite funny. The trainer had a mirror mounted on one wall in the arena. He had worked with 4 other horses earlier in the day, Shad was the last one. Not one of these horses seemed to pay any attention at all to this mirror on the wall. Except Shad. After he had relaxed somewhat, and took the time to admire his surroundings; he did just that. He stopped and took a good, long look in the mirror. I wish I could have gotten my camera ready to snap a picture, but alas it was in sleepy mode and I missed it. But, he studied his reflection in the mirror, and then glanced at the audience as if to say...do you see this guy? Man, what a good looking horse! And then back to have another long, appreciative look. It was so cute!! A typical male response for sure!

The day was overall very enjoyable and we enjoyed the potluck lunch and good conversation with friends. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

One hitch in the trip was our truck. We have a 1995 Dodge 4-wheel drive truck which I have always loved. I love this truck. It drives like a dream, gets great mileage (for a truck) and has never really given us any trouble. We have overworked it ever since we've owned it, and it now has over 125,000 miles on the gas engine. Big grey is starting to show a little age. For the last couple of years, occasionally the engine would run a little hot. We've checked out every little thing that we can think of, but nothing wrong can be found...by us, anyway. We've changed the thermostat, the water pump, the fan clutch, had the radiator cored and flushed. You name it, we've done it as far as the cooling system goes. But on that particular day, it overheated big time, and several times on the way home. We had to stop 3 times, add cold water and let it cool down. Red-lined on the temperature gauge. Guess we're going to have to break down, bite the bullet and take it to the Dodge shop. At least have them diagnose the actual problem, and then if we can, fix it ourselves. If not, hopefully it won't cost an arm and a leg to get our truck in tip-top shape once again. It is afterall, the beginning of the horse camping season, and we are scheduled to make the first trip next month. *sigh* It always seems to be something to drain the pocketbook of what little savings we have miserly been able to hoard.

But, in the spirit of thankfulness...I am glad that it happened on a day that was pleasantly warm, neither too hot nor too cold, and we were hauling the small trailer with only one horse on board. And...we weren't too far from home. And...after all, Big Grey did get us home.

There is always something to be thankful for.

Until next time, blessings to all.

Cingspots