Hazy days and lazy nights

Winter is rolling right along, and very polite so far this year.  I like that.  So many times in my life winter has got the best of me.  I felt irritable, cooped up and just hated the rain and long nights - not to mention the mud.  But this year has been easy, even feels restorative.  Now there's a surprise. 

I'm loving the variety of the briskly cold and dry (we've had many days of weather perfection), along with the occasional fog-engulfed or torrential downpours of the rain.  It keeps us thoroughly entertained and just enough reasons to spend time indoors, getting cozy and domestic, just enjoying a slower pace.  Maybe I've finally reached an age where I appreciate a valid reason to slow down and not have to be going at high speed all.   the.   time.  Can anyone relate?  If not always physically on the go, you spend time in your head feeling guilty that you're not being productive?  I think I got that from my mom.  She was a gung-ho kinda gal.  I do like a feeling of accomplishment though.  You know, a job well done and all that? 

I've got plans to switch my furniture all around and just have everything feel different inside for a change.  When I do that, hopefully it will give me even more incentive to clean out and donate.  I'm still working on that.  Haven't done badly, but there always seems to be more.  In the nooks and crannies, in the closets, we (mostly me) still have way more clothing than we  I need to hold onto.  It's a process.  Living with less seems freeing though, like taking a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air.  More space - less clutter is my goal.   If I don't use it routinely or wear it often, out it goes. Or part with the pieces I've worn to death and are ratty beyond repair...I've got a few of those too. 

 I'd really like to hire somebody to re-do the bathroom.  I suppose we could do it, but it's not something I dream about either.  Priorities are important too.  We don't have much free time, so it's vital to make the most of it.  Realize what's more important in life and forge on!  :)

The horses are all doing well.  Gettin' lazy and fat.  Fuzzy too, and oh, did I forget muddy?  Well, that too.  But healthy and happy ponies they are.  We're so blessed that our horses are aging pretty well.

 Ladde has his cushings, and I can see changes from that, but his weight is pretty good, feet are in great shape and there's never anything amiss with his appetite.  He and Missy's marriage is as most are - good days and bad days, but he's the boy, so there's that.  Just sayin'  He'll be 23 this year and he's not a kid anymore, but considering everything, he's doing great.
 
Shad is old and he's definitely starting to look like a bony, old man, but he's still playful sometimes and has a twinkle in his eye.  He's always been a bottomless pit and could eat everything without gaining an ounce.  You know, the metabolism we all wish we had?  Yeah. 

Missy's plump and sassy, but still lives with her navicular everyday.  It sometimes pains me to watch her gimp around after a pasture-burning race with Eagle, but she manages just fine.  And usually brings things upon herself.  She's one tough little cookie.  A sweeter mare to be around you'd be hard-pressed to find.  I really love her.  I've always loved mares though.  They're opinionated, brave, loving, intelligent and disagreeable all at the same time.  You gotta love that!  :) 

Harley is blind.  He does absolutely great if not rattled in a tight space by some particular little female whom shall remain nameless...you can't help but admire his fortitude though.  I've never met a human who could roll so well, with such a devastating blow.  No self-pity, not one drop! 

And Eagle is fine.  Very pleased with his station in life.  It's written all over his entire demeanor.  Thank God he's so kind and fair.  Fairness is HUGE with him.  Maybe it's a Mustang thing.  I love them all.  They make our lives so much richer and give us a reason to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise where otherwise we'd be lazy and getting even fatter. 

It's looking like we're going to need more hay.  Ugh!  I decided to cut back because we had some 1-2 year old stuff that we never got to, but a couple tons are likely going to be needed by the end of February I'd guess.  Not bad, but a pain.  First time in many years I've under-purchased on the hay supply.  Firewood's doing great though.  With the fairly mild temperatures, keeping the house warm is pretty easy. 

Nothing of any real importance to share, but I've been so lax with writing in my blog that's it's troubling to me.  I really enjoy being able to look back over events and remember everything that I might otherwise forget.  My journaling is important and I want to do better with that. 

Well that's about it for now!  We are eternally grateful for what we have.  We're blessed with more than we need and truly want for nothing we don't have.  Who could ask for anything more?  We're both healthy and doing fine, animals are good, our home is warm and dry, and thanks to a recent trip to Costco, the pantry and freezer's in good shape.  We're ready for that long, cold season of no holidays and keeping our noses warm and to the indoor grindstone until another season rolls around.  Winter is a blessing too.  Especially now being older and truly learning to appreciate a kinder, gentler approach to life.  I've got several books I'm anxious to read, recipes to give a "go" and that rearranging project I mentioned earlier awaiting my attention.  And oh my goodness, Outlander!  Have you been watching???  I just love that show!  It took a little bit of a downturn for a while, and I was thinking all it was going to be was one tragedy after another, but this new season is proving to be wonderful, and oh so interesting!  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend watching from the beginning or reading the books.  Both are incredible and worthy of a winter afternoon or a few...

Winter on everyone!  May you be warm and blessed.

Until next time,
Lorie