A lovely day in the neighborhood...

Hi all! Just thought I'd better check in and drop a few lines. I've joined Facebook a few months ago and have found it to be very interesting. Perhaps that's why I've been neglecting my blog so...This afternoon I touched base with an old high school classmate and she had posted some pictures from our 30 year class reunion which was held the summer of 2008. I didn't go. I wish I would have gone now, after seeing these pictures. I suppose I had more than one reason, but I just couldn't muster the energy or whatever to go. Maybe it's my vanity, or maybe I'm just a coward. But, I really got a kick out of seeing pictures of some of my old high school classmates. And, what a shock to see how everyone's aged! Good grief!! I guess I needn't have been so worried about my appearance so much after all. Some looked great!...and some, well, some looked not so great. But it looked like I really missed out on something that probably would have been very enjoyable. I haven't gone to any of my high school reunions, but the next one I'm going to go, if at all possible.

So, I've been hauling Harley to a nearby indoor arena and have been riding a couple of times a week lately. He's been such a good boy, except for last Sunday!!! He was a complete BRAT!!! If I wasn't mistaken, I surely think that he meant to buck me off...little turd anyway. So, this old gal decided to dismount, save dignity and lunge his little spotted butt instead. He galloped full tilt yelling and digging in until he was frothy and dripping in sweat. For what, I have absolutely no idea except that my hubby had brought Ladde along! After 20 or so minutes of pure insanity, he came back to his senses and calmed down...somewhat. I then got back on and we walked for another 15-20 minutes and tried to just chill. Sheesh!! He had a bee in his bonnet for sure!! Oh well, it happens to the best of us from time to time, I guess. After his cooling out session and a quick brush, we loaded up and headed home. Thankfully it was a very warm day and it didn't bother him to be turned out in the pasture soaking wet. He galloped off, tail in the air, apparently none the worse for wear and rejoined his herdmates. I can take him alone and he's a perfect little gentleman. Bring Ladde...and his brain disengages and he becomes a raving lunatic!! Go figure!! Does anybody else have this particular problem, and if so...how do you overcome it? Maybe we just need to persist and eventually the problem will just cease to exist. I would love to have some input on this particular subject. They do seem to be joined at the brain and/or hip. Horses!! Such a fickle lot!!

Life is fairly bland right now. I just keep showing up at the clinic everyday, going home to chores each evening, going to bed and then rising to begin all over again. Monotony - pure and simple!! Winter can be so extremely tedious and boring sometimes. Our weather for the last month or more has been warmer than average, in fact, this is the third warmest January on record to date. And very, very wet. Yeeuck!! That means more than average amounts of mud to endure...what a complete drag!!

I wish it weren't so, but sometimes I feel like I live my life awaiting the warm spring and summer months...and they come and go so very quickly that I am surely wishing my life away. Just like my mom used to say I did, so many years ago...apparently I've been this way all my life it seems. *sigh* Life is too short to not enjoy the full set of seasons. Maybe I should start looking seriously at relocating to a more suitable climate. Where oh where do you think that might be? A perfect place I'm sure, exists only in my imagination. But drier ones would certainly suit my fancy just fine. Trouble is, I don't want it terribly hot either. I'm so difficult to please. Maybe I just need some ice cream. Ice cream always helps a troubled mind. My grandma told me so.

Blessings everyone,

Cingspots

Patience: "the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint". God help me...

Accomplishments, Pleasantries and Bugs

Truly a feeling to relish! After Mother Nature's spectaular display of springtime perfection this past weekend, I'm feeling positively frisky. Tis so true. It felt like we were going from sunup to sundown, but it wasn't all work. Mixed in between, there were plenty of opportunities for the savoring of a beautiful day. White, billowy clouds floating across a sky of the most delightful blue. And the glorious sunshine was just warm enough to cause a sweat across the brow, and give one the chance to pause and savor the cool breeze. Absolutely delicious!! My shoulders feel mildly sensitive and there's a blush to my complexion that I haven't seen in quite some time. It feels so good to be warm!! I couldn't ask for anything more.

And yes, I absolutely did get to ride - both the boys. And it felt good. I felt at home in the saddle and there was a peace of mind that's been missing for quite some time. Aaahh, truly a gift to be astride a horse. Yes indeed, what a blessing! Now, some people might not know just how I'm feeling, but it's not something that can be explained. It just has to be experienced. It's truly one of the best feelings ever...without a doubt.

Since it's been a while for all involved, I put Ladde in the round pen first. Perfection. Simply couldn't have asked for anything better. Attentive, calm and happy to be schooled. My big boy performed like a professional. So, I hopped (actually climbed would be a better word) aboard and we walked around for a while both directions. We worked on some flexing and some suppling exercises, we backed, we rode some diagonals. Then we stood, well he stood and I sat, and watched the sunset, felt the cool breeze on our faces and contemplated the universe. It was good. Then we called it a day, I groomed him, gave him a treat and let him back out with his buds. That's when I noticed it. The left front foot is totally out of balance. Farrier's going to be here this Wednesday, so no more riding the Laddster until his feet are levelled and balanced. I'm not taking any chances with his soundness. Then...all bets are off. Conditioning 101 here we come!

Then it was Harley's turn. As usual, he was pleased with coming in for a nice grooming session and a little one-on-one time. He's all sleepy and doe-eyed. So sweet sugar wouldn't melt in his mouth. At least until I asked him to move out in the round pen. Then the little sucker dropped his head to the ground, rounded his back into the perfect arc and took to bucking!!! Little beast!! All I could do was stand there in the center of the ring and laugh at the theatrics of it all. His eyes were all drooped like a cocker spaniel's and the red interior was prominent. He looked like one of those rodeo broncs - it was classic style!! Obviously he wasn't impressing me, so with a look of complete and utter disdain directed towards me, he stopped. Just like that. Quit and gave me the look. I asked him to move out once again; and he was Harley again. My sweet boy. *sigh* Ya just gotta love 'em. I mounted up and we rode and practiced all the same stuff as I'd just done earlier with Ladde. Good as gold.

We got lots of yard work done this weekend too. My hubby finished building my 20 ft. long raised cane berry planting bed and our neighbor loaded the box with dirt from our supply in the pasture. Oh wow, am I ever impressed with equipment!! My wonderful neighbor got our riding corral all tilled up and powdery beautiful, and loaded the raised planting bed in about an hour. You just can't beat that with a stick!! The planting box alone would probably have taken us all weekend, just to haul the dirt. I love my neighbor...and his tractor. We are blessed because even if we can't afford to buy our own tractor - at least we have well supplied neighbors!! Could be worse.

Our weekend wasn't all roses though. Hubby and I had went out for breakfast and on the way back, made a stop at the local fossil fuel emporium for some gas in our truck. Remember the truck that my hubby had just repaired the previous weekend by replacing the water pump? Yes, that one. Well, long story short. The problem remains. It was hot and we had the air conditioner on and the blasted engine overheated again. And, what's worse, this time when it was all hot and bothered, the oil pressure dropped to zilch. That's not a good sign. I don't know a heckuva lot about engines...but I'm pretty sure that's a bad sign. I could be wrong, but probably not. So...this coming Memorial Day weekend when we had planned to go to Mt. Adams and go horsecamping with all our friends??? Yep - we're not going anyplace. It's just not worth the risk of breaking down alongside the road with the horses. Nope. Not this time.

Oh well...you can't win 'em all. Some days you're the windshield - and then some days you're the bug.

How do my wings look anyway??

Good??

Cool.

Remember to be thankful for all things...even those dadburned tribulations!!

Hope you all have a great week.

All the pretty posies

When the sun is shining, all the world's a much happier place. At least this is true of me and my little world. My sweet Annie and I returned to a favorite pasttime today; and I gotta tell ya, it felt grand.


On the springtime breeze is the delightful scent of flowers, and there's abundant birdsong in the air. Fresh air, sunshine and a wonderful friend. A truly wonderful way to wile away an hour.
The time does fly by, but it does a body and the mind, not to mention one's frame of mind - a world of good.

Yes, our rain has disappeared for a while and we're supposed to have sunny skies and warm temperatures for the next several days. A recipe for delighting the senses...and accomplishing projects, hopefully. I talked to my neighbor with the tractor this morning. He will definitely work up the riding area this weekend. I am so excited! My friend Shannon and I are going to ride the boys, Ladde and Harley tonight when I get home. This will be the first time I've been on my horse since last fall. Shame on me!! It's hard to believe that it's been that long. Used to be, I could hardly manage to get through a single day without riding my horse. Times sure have changed; and in more ways than one. In my opinion, I would like that to change that. Beginning tonight. Wish me luck.

I realize that today's pictures have absolutely nothing to do with my topic here, but the flowers are so beautiful and so colorful that I just couldn't help myself. Hope you all approve. Spring in Oregon really is beautiful and I just wanted to share what Annie and I experienced today on our little outing. This picture above is an especially lovely and large, Pink Dogwood.

I have no idea what this is, but the lady whose yard I was photographing said that it was some kind of a bulb which she thinks starts with an "S". Hmmm, anyone know what this flower is called. It's quite unusual, but so pretty. See the little pods before the flower opens up? Mother Nature sure can produce some interesting specimens.

This is quite possibly the most pansies I've ever seen in one location other than a park. This is just a small section. Happy little faces!

So, back to riding my horses. Obviously, I need to work on conditioning - both the horses and me. I plan on wrapping Ladde's lower legs just as a precautionary measure. If you remember, last November he had a torn suspensory in his left front. He's been sound for months but I just want to be cautious. We will work on lots of walking and maybe a little trotting. I just want him to be relaxed, soft and supple. Speaking for both of us of course. That will be a good place to start. I probably won't wrap Harley's legs, but will adhere to the same level of work for him as well. And since I'll be riding with my good friend, we'll get to visit as well. Sounds like a very nice way to spend an evening.

This is a rhododendron. Not sure if I spelled that quite right, but you know what I mean. Rhodies grow wild in the forests around here, and there are literally hundreds of different species and colors. They can grow to be huge, tree-like bushes if left on their own.

I realize this is the second time that I've posted this particular picture, but I just loved this little garden spot with the bamboo fencing in the background. It's so serene. I can imagine having a comfy little chair and reading a book here.

These tulips were quite tall, probably nearing 4 feet or so. Not sure what variety of tulip this is, but it's a fairly late bloomer. Most are already gone until next spring.

These are violas. I love violas even more than I love pansies. They're tiny and adorable.

Again, I have no idea what this particular flower is, but I think it's beautiful the way it's trailing over this fence. I would love to have something like this in my yard. Looks all English countryside to me.

Well, that's about all I have today. For once, I'm pretty much at a loss for something to say. Enjoy it, for that doesn't happen very often. I've been told all my life that I need to talk less and listen more. *sigh*

I try, really I do.

Until tomorrow then,

Blessings to all, cingspots

Emotions and Monsoons

Clearly it is spring...for the monsoons have arrived. Yeeuck. I cannot believe how hard it was raining yesterday and last night. The weatherman says that we are in a pattern of wet weather - ya think? I hurried home last night to get the horses in as quickly as possible, and they were hiding out in the outside barns. The boys were in one shelter and the girls were in another. The girls looked traumatized. They were wet and trembling. Seriously trembling, all over their bodies and it wasn't from being cold. I often wonder just what takes place when we're not around. Hmmm, probably never will know. Anyway, so I brought everybody in as quickly as possible, gave them some hay and filled up the water buckets. Everybody settled in and calmed down...momma had arrived, there was food, shelter and routine - blessed routine. Horses are suckers for routine. It is a comforting thing. All was well.

Even Merlin wanted to come in for the night. Lately, since the weather had warmed up and I'd been leaving the large sliding door open at night for some fresh air, he'd come in and have a quick bite, then head back on out and spend the night outside in the pasture. But not last night, uh-huh, he was staying inside and he was wet...and smelly. Have you ever gotten a good whiff of a soaking wet llama?? Well, trust me - you're not missing a thing. They stink!! Llamas stink big time - but especially when they're wet. It's something that's hard to describe...but imagine, rotten old fritos mixed in with something earthy and male and...oh, I just can't describe it. I only know that it's not a pleasant smell. Nothing like horses, they smell good, but not Merlin!! He is seriously one smelly old dude...but I digress.

Last weekend was a mixed bag. As usual, the time went unbearably fast and was over in a flash. We decided to stay home and not go to church, so we spent a quiet morning around home, which felt great not to have to get up and rush off somewhere. We got the stalls cleaned early and spent some time sitting in the morning sunshine watching the horses eat their breakfasts. That was nice. Then I headed inside to fix my potluck dishes for the family barbecue Saturday afternoon. My sis and hubby have been gone to sunny Arizona for the last couple of months and they had just gotten home. So, to welcome them back and celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary, we were having a family get-together. Sounds nice huh? Remember, this is family we're talking about here. Always interesting if nothing else. Overall it was a nice time spent socializing and eating and relaxing. A brief, but intense spring storm moved through and brought with it, some pretty impressive thunder and lightening, a lot of rain and some very high winds. We had no damage, but watching the local news that evening showed that many folks in the Portland area did. Strange season so far. So, anyway we got home rather late, brought the horses in for a late supper and watched a little tv before turning in. Geez we live exciting lives don't we?

Sunday was spent mostly indoors because of rainy weather. I did some housecleaning and laundry, cleaned the horse stalls and even managed to take an afternoon nap. I wasn't really feeling very well and was overly emotional most of the day and probably wasn't very pleasant to be around for the most part. Good thing we stayed at home, I guess. I think part of my problem is weather related. I've been feeling very cooped up and unable to do a lot of physical activities lately which always makes me feel irritable and caged. I'm very anxious to begin conditioning my horses for the riding season and also have been looking forward to doing some gardening. I have so many projects dancing around in my head, but haven't been able to get anything started and it's really making me feel edgy.

Another issue is finances. We have really been feeling the pressures lately due to the reduced hours where my hubby works and I'm always feeling like we're trying to play catch-up. Seriously is getting very old. We both have always had to work full-time and our wages are very much on the lower end and that doesn't help either. Our truck is going into the shop today for the diagnostics. It has been overheating and we have no idea what is causing the problem. Hopefully it will be nothing serious and we can get it repaired without having to put it on the credit card. Our poor old house has so many issues that I won't even bother going into that. I just feel like there are way too many issues on my plate lately and I am not in the right frame of mind to deal with it all. I would love to run away from all the pressures and duties of this life for a while and deal with everything on my own terms, instead of somebody else's terms for a change. Wouldn't that be nice? Dreams, I know, just dreams.

But, in the midst of it all I remain thankful for the many blessings that surround me every single day. I just need to keep those things foremost in my mind and breathe deeply...for as my momma always said - "this too, shall pass". So very true.

On a brighter note, an old friend of mine will be staying occasionally at our place in her motor home while she does some planning about her own life. I had wished for someone to mentor and/or tutor me with my horsemanship...and like an answer to a prayer, here she comes, back into my life after being gone for about 5 years. I am looking forward to riding with her and having her help me with some issues that I have been struggling with. I am really excited about that. I just need to get some better footing in our outside riding area and maybe get our neighbor to do some work with his tractor. If the weather cooperates, it won't be long before I'm back in the saddle; and Lord knows that is always good for this cowgirl's soul. Yes indeedy!! And...I'm even wearing real shoes again!! Whoo hoo...things are looking up!!

Blessings from cingspots

The Color Purple

Oh my!! This is by far the nicest day we've had in a long, long time. The sky is an amazing shade of blue and there's only an occasional puffy, white cloud. A gentle breeze stirs the blossom-heavy tree branches, and it's nearly 70 degrees. Wow!! Just a heavenly day for sure.

And...I managed to get my toe stepped on by Kadie this morning.

I'll start at the beginning. For the last week, I've been watching Harley closely. He's been showing signs of "offness" and favoring his left front. Each night I carefully pick his feet, and I've noticed some heat the last couple of evenings. Hmmhhuu, abscess brewing. So, this morning hubby retains Harley and Kadie and feeds them their breakfast in the roundpen, and lets the other horses go out to pasture. Harley's pissed - big time!! Sometimes he can act just like a spoiled brat throwing his little temper tantrum. He reportedly goes charging all around bucking and snorting and farting and generally pitching a hissy fit. It gets him nowhere and eventually he and Kadie settle in and grudgingly eat their breakfast.

Couple of hours later, Hubby and I head on out to the barn with the soaking supplies with intentions of beginning the foot soakings. Grudgingly, Harley acquiesses and stands quietly for his torture. Must be rough getting your foot massaged in a tub of warm water huh? Poor little guy! So, anyway we finish up, towel dry his foot and put some salts in his medicine boot and prepare to let him and Kadie out into the pasture with their buddies. No problems right?

Well, Harley follows me to the gate - all antsed up and rearing to go. Note to self: when he acts like this again, do not remove the halter until after you and the horse have safely maneuvered through the gate. Hindsight always 20/20. Meanwhile, the little chargette, aka Kadie is revving her motor behind and slightly inside of Harley. I am against the barn wall near the hinge side of the gate. I open the gate and give it a shove. Harley hunkers down and prepares to fly...problem is, so does Kadie. The little female beast tries to pass through the gate at the same time as Harley and manages to (for a moment in time) pin me against the wall and herself between me and Harley and the roundpen wall on the other side...this is definitely not gonna work. Extreme pressure for a few, brief seconds - no big deal, but then Kadie has to go and grind her hoof on top of my freaking big toe!!! Ouch!!! Now, it's been at least 10 years since I've been stepped on by a horse. And you know what!? It freaking hurts!!!!!

You can bet your butt that I would have kicked Kadie's if I hadn't been so preoccupied with the intense throbbing sensation in my toe. So, instead I hobble inside and soak my toe in cold water and then sit on the deck for a half hour or so with the frozen bag of peas on my toe. Well just great!! My fortune last night after our chinese dinner said that the color purple would bring me good luck today...yeah right.

However, my left big toe is a lovely shade of purple, and it has this swollen, tight appearance, and the nail itself looks totally gross. It already looks yellowed and icky - like it's going to fall off and die. Just ducky!! Well, there's always the silver lining right?? I guess I should be counting my blessings that my toe wasn't broken or something...guess it will help me remember and be a little more cautious about just where I am placing my feet when around the horses.

Another one of life's little lessons. Gee - thanks life.

At least I was wearing shoes with covered toes. I am notorious for wearing my flip-flops around the horses in the summer. I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon.

I will live to be hurt yet again another time.

Day 9 (I think) of the 37 Day Challenge and we're still hanging in there. Annie and I had our 30-40 minute walk today in the glorious sunshine around the perimeter of the next door neighbor's grass field. Just a little bit slower than usual...and I took my cane - I mean walking stick along.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend, and hoping it's sunny wherever you call home.

Happy Sabbath!!

Blessings from cingspots...

Perspectives

Hey everybody - Happy Preparation Day!! That's another term for Friday for Sabbath keepers. We do things to prepare for the Sabbath, so that we can enjoy our day of rest when it comes. I usually don't do a lot of preparing because I'm always at work, but I do try and honor the Sabbath.

So, anyway I've got several things on my mind today and the first one is a bit of a "beef" or a pet peeve if you will. It begins with my family...it usually does. I am quite different in many ways from most of my family members. I'm not saying that I'm any better than them, just different on so many levels. I won't even bother going into details, but suffice it to say that we are vastly different.

As most of you know, I am definitely an animal lover. I have no children of my own, therefore my animals are that much more special to me. But, even if I did have children it wouldn't matter because I have always been a lover of animals of all kinds...but especially horses. No one who knows me is not aware of this. They would have to be living on another planet not to be aware of this. So, having said that...why would one of my family members presume to think that I would find even the slightest bit of humor in an e-mail "forward" that portrays a horse's back end sticking out of the windshield of someones' car along complete with emergency vehicles with a funny ha-ha joke. To me it was upsetting and absolutely non-humorous. Call me a stick in the mud, or whatever you like...but I find it in poor taste, bad judgement and if nothing else...a lack of respect for my feelings. Maybe I'm overly sensitive, probably am...but then again, you would think that my family would know this perhaps better than anyone else - right? Correct me if I'm wrong...tell me that I am being ridiculous or something, whatever. But tell me, how would you feel? Because I would really like to know why my family continues to send me stuff, political or otherwise that they should know, I am offended by. I just don't understand some people.

If any of you out there are readers of my little blog here, and have been around for a while; you probably already know that I am a fan of our newly elected President Barrack O'Bama. And, if not, now you do. I am. I admire him as an individual who has accomplished a lot in his fairly short lifetime, I admire him as an individual who has similar opinions as myself in a lot of different areas, I admire him (so far) as someone who seems to be holding steadfast to his political promises, and lastly if for no other reason, I admire him for his forward-thinking ideas and his God-given ability to speak eloquently and passionately to his fellow Americans and build in us something for which I believe we are in dire need of...and that is hope. He seems to speak forthrightly and honestly and from his heart. I respect him for that.

Okay, so having said these things...my sister knows this about me, she knows how and why I admired and voted for O'Bama. She also continues and has in the past, to send me those politically-inspired "jokes" through the internet disrespecting our new president. Some of them I just delete, but some of them cut straight to the core and tell me something about my sister (and the rest of my family) that I do not like. They are prejudice, and they really have no reason to be. I don't understand prejudice. I don't understand hatred of someone or a group of someones who you do not personally have a reason to hate. Now, even though the Bible teaches us that to hate isn't right and that we shouldn't hate, but instead love and pray for our enemies...this remains a challenge. I have to be honest and admit that there are some things and/or people who I feel hatred for at times. I too, am only human and I fall very short of perfection...but hatred without personal vindiction remains a mystery to me. I can hate people who are abusers of children, or animals, or old people. I'm not saying that is okay, but it hurts when I hear of abuse taking place and that's my reason for hating. It is vile to me. But prejudice because of skin color? I don't get it.

I don't really know where I'm going with all of my ranting here, but sometimes I just don't understand people, and especially my family members. We were all raised by the same people and we used to be a very tightly-knit family with a good and solid set of core values. We have digressed. I try very hard and yet still fall short in so many ways of Godly behavior, but I can honestly say that I am on the right path and am committed to continually staying on that path. The Bible teaches us that the path of righteousness is difficult and the gate is narrow, but the path leading to destruction is easy and the entry is wide. That statement scares me, for it says that many fail and will perish. I can only pray that God recognizes those with good hearts and continues to help those who pray and who try to follow His ways.

We are all so very, very far from perfection. My personal list is quite lengthy and probably contains many sins that I'm not even aware of. I will step down from my soapbox and "give it a rest" for now. Sorry for venting.

I have quite a few pictures in my camera that I've taken over the last couple of weeks, but keep forgetting to download them onto a CD. I can't upload my pictures directly onto my computer, so it always seems like such a complicated task for my little brain to accomplish.

Spring has definitely arrived here in the Pacific Northwest. My daffodils are blooming like crazy, my large shade tree in the back yard is covered in beautiful, white blooms, hubby mowed the grass for the first time last weekend and it's already in need of another trimming. Also, for the first time this year, on the way back to the house last night after doing the chores, I smelled the lovely scent of flowers on the breeze...lovely.

Breathe deep and maybe you can smell spring too.

Blessings to all,

Cingspots

A Pinch of this and a pinch of that

I'm feeling somewhat scatterbrained this morning. My stepson and our two grandsons Jack and David spent the night last night and we were all up before the crack of dawn. Hubby got the stalls cleaned and the horses fed while I cooked breakfast. We had whole wheat muffin and fried egg sandwiches, orange juice and coffee - yummy!! We don't usually have a breakfast like that mid-week, but since the kiddos were here, I got the urge and gammy fixed the vittles! Grandpa had help from David, the youngest with the chores. That kid is obscessed with the horses and the llama and the cats and the dog and just the farm in general. He loves to spend time with us and he goes full throttle all day and grudgingly dies in the bed at night...then we relax. We're just not used to having little ones around that much, and you know what? They are exhausting!! But, it is fun once in a while - keeps us young I guess.

And speaking of food, I had some Thai food for lunch yesterday. I've found a delightful new favorite. Oh my!! It is so good and so very simple. Now, I know what we can have for a treat when we're in Hawaii. It's called sweet rice with mango...and that's exactly what it is. Cooked white rice with some butter and sugar and topped with an entire fresh mango cut in slices. Oh my, the flavors are magical! You just gotta give it a try - you won't be disappointed, I promise! One thing I'm looking for in a rental in Hawaii is fruit trees on the property. I want to try tree-ripened fruit like mangos, bananas, pineapple and whatever else grows in Hawaii. Good grief, I'm making myself hungry all over again, better give it a rest.

Last weekend was the annual Canby Tack Sale. It's a big deal around these parts. Everyone and their brother sets up a booth and sells whatever you can think of in the horsey department. They have saddles, all kinds of tack, clothes, jewelry, purses...just about anything you can think of to be sold, bought or traded. They have new and used stuff and stores and individuals alike show up and show off their wares. It's a huge affair and has been going on for years and years. They hold it at the Canby, Oregon Fairgrounds each year in March and it's grown huge over the years. We would have loved to go, but alas it was only a one day event and was on the same day that the annual Horse Expo in Albany was being held. Now, that's something we've been to lots of times, but this year along with all the other clinicians and demonstrations and vendors and such; they had the Extreme Mustang makeover finals and auction. The last day was on Saturday and that's what I wanted to see. I had seen one of the mustangs that had been in training with a gal in Estacada and he was gorgeous. A 16+ hand bay gelding that had beautiful, fluid movement and would have made a spectacular dressage prospect. Oh, that's right, I don't ride dressage do I? But, I could always learn!! I wanted to see him especially, along with all the others and was very curious to see how much they sold for at the auction. So, we get up early and get showered and dressed and hit the road. Of course, we have to stop for breakfast along the way, but we had plenty of time (or so I thought) and head on down to Albany. We got there around noon and the auction had been held at 11:00 and was completely over by the time we got there. I was so disappointed! We had a good time looking at everything else, but I had really wanted to see that mustang demonstration. Guess that's what we get for thinking of our stomachs and not getting their earlier. Oh well, maybe it's a saving grace because if he would have been a really super cool horse and went cheap enough...well, you just never know what might have taken place...I can be weak, very weak where cool horses are concerned. *sigh* Maybe I should count my lucky stars and just be satisfied with my way cool new leather and western-inspired purse that I got there. I don't have a picture of it but trust me - it's a great little handbag...and I just had to have it!! I was looking for another vest, but couldn't find one that I couldn't live without, so there's always next time. My hubby says that I am obscessed with vests, and maybe he's right - so...what's your point!? A girls' gotta have something to get excited about right?

Well, the boss is out of town for the remainder of the week and I'm here all by my lonesome, so guess I'd better get to cracking and try to make my final decision on just which beach cottage to rent when we go to Hawaii...yeah, it's a tough job...but somebody's gotta do it - am I right???

Guess it's time to count my blessings again...

That's it for now from cingspots!!

Unending Errands

I have been so very busy lately that I'm not sure which end is up. Between doctor's appointments, haircuts, grocery shopping, going to work each day, taking care of the horses, buying grain, buying endless bags of cat food (yikes), gathering pictures for my ongoing scanning project, looking for accomodations in Hawaii, housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, getting ready for my upcoming tax appointment, church, riding club responsibilities, getting new reading glasses, finding time to exercise...and just trying to find some time to enjoy life...I'm swamped! I'm tired, I've been fighting a chest cold and it's been raining lately so our wonderful mud is back. Sheesh! My girlfriend invited me to go to Ray Hunt's memorial with her in Idaho and I'd like to, but I don't have either the money or the time, so I'm passing on that.

I sure would love to have some free time coupled with enough energy to accomplish some of the things that I've had on my "need to do" list. I'd like to ride my horse, or even just hang out grooming them. I feel like the faster I go, the behinder I get - seems like the story of my life lately. It's as if time has sped up somehow, like there really isn't 24 hours in each day anymore. What the heck! Is it just me, or is everything in our lives so darned fast anymore that we are on supercharge all the time?

Life used to be a lot slower. People used to take the time to sit on their porches and just be. Everybody just relaxed and enjoyed the passing of time with each other and maybe a cool lemonade or iced tea; or sit down at the kitchen table over a cup of coffee and visit for a couple of hours with family members or a girlfriend. I think we miss out on a whole lot when we try to pack each minute of each day with something. Why is it that we feel we must be accomplishing something every single day? I think my mom engrained into my very psyche that I must be "doing something" always. I know that when I do take an afternoon nap or sit on my deck in the sun and read a while in a book - I always end up feeling guilty for having "wasted" my time. I wish I could just figure out how to get past that feeling of guilt that inevitably follows some downtime.

I don't know, maybe it's just the weather. Rainy, grey, gloomy days always get me down; and by this time of year when I've just about had my fill...I'm about to bust. I am so ready for sunshine and blue skies and warm days and the lazy days of summer...man am I ever ready! I want to leave my windows open and feel the cool evening breeze blowing through my house and have barbecues on the deck and watch the horses playing in the sprinkler, and Ladde standing on his hind legs trying to steal the pears from the trees and plant some pretty flowers and torment the dog with the garden hose...sigh...yep, that's what I'm needing, some good old summertime when the livin' is easy and the days are endless...when you're so tired that you fall into bed at night and sink into a deep and restful sleep and wake up to sun in your eyes and the birds chirping and you pop up with vigor and impatience for whatever lies ahead.

Sounds mighty fine.

Until then, guess I'd better get back to work and quit my daydreamin'

Blessings to all,

Cingspots

Thoughts, trails and journeys

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever wondered just what it is that makes us the people who we've become? I have, many times. I just don't think I've found the answer yet. Maybe I never will; but I have learned a few things along the way.

Some believe in pre-destination, as in your life is all planned out before you've even begun. I can see some truth in that, but don't believe it wholeheartedly. We have way too many choices for that to be completely true. But I do believe that we are led, or manipulated if you will, to make some of the choices that are set before us. It's a deep subject for sure, and one that when discussed is always interesting, and subjected to many differences of opinion. Therein lies the intrigue...all those possibilities and points of personal perception. I love philosophy, discussions on the deeper subjects in life. I enjoy a good, deep conversation where that little light goes off in the brain; and you realize something for the first time, that's always been there - you've just never noticed it, or thought about it quite the same until just then - and all of a sudden you get this whole other insight into a completely new realm of possibilities. Knowledge is so vital to keeping one's curiosity alive. It really is the key to life remaining interesting and profound. I think that when we lose our curious natures, that is when we truly begin the dying process. We become bored, or too set in our own ways to look at something in a different light. We need to remain, or maybe go back, to becoming child-like and veiw the world and all it's possibilities through the eyes of a child's mind. We should never have confidence in our own understanding, but always remain a scholar, realizing that the more we learn...the more we have to learn. The bible tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding".

If we do trust in our own wisdom and believe that we know too much, then we quickly become fools, even if not apparent to ourselves.

So, just where am I going with all this? I'm not sure, just something that was on my mind this morning. In fact, quite often I ponder thoughts such as these and come up with more questions and like a waterway tributary, they often lead to parts unknown.

Maybe I've given you some food for thought today, and if so...enjoy the journey; for life is just that - a journey and we know not where we are going.

Just trust that you're on the path where you're supposed to be.

Happy trails my friends.

May you be blessed along the way,

Cingspots

Sunrises, Spring, Blessings and holidays, oh my!!

The sunrise this morning was absolutely gorgeous! The colors in the sky were so vibrant and bright, full of deep reds and oranges and pinks and silvers and oh my!! Simply stunning! You just can't improve on God's artistry no matter how hard we may try. I was talking on the phone to my hubby when he says that I should grab my camera and head on out and snap a few pics of the day's sunrise. So, I go take a peak and exclaim at the beauty. I head into the other room to grab my camera, but wouldn't you know it...the coffee was kicking in and I had to make a little detour first. *sigh* Sometimes timing really is everything. I know, sorry...TMI as my hubby says. By the time I took care of business, put my shoes and coat on, grabbed my camera and made it outside the colors had already changed, but it was still very pretty. Maybe next time...the weatherman is predicting the rest of this week to be sunny and with warmer temperatures too. Yippee!!

From my count on the calendar, the spring equinox is just 30 days away. Oh, I am soooo looking forward to spring and warmer weather and drier pastures and longer days and beautiful flowers blooming and oh, just everything that beautiful weather entails! I'm sure that we will be having plenty more days of wet, rainy weather, hey - this is the Pacific Northwest and you know what they say don't you? "It's so very pretty there, and it's just so very green!!!" Well, you know how that happens don't you? No? Well, let me tell you, we have plenty of annual rainfall, that's how...and we get a lot of it in the spring. However, at least it's warmer rain and it's mixed in with beautiful blue skys and sunshine and blooming flowers and rainbows and warmer days and oh it's just something good to look forward to and I can't wait!!

Ladde's birthday is on the first day of spring too! Yep, March 20th is the Laddmonster's birthday and this year he's going to be a teenager! I can hardly believe it - a whole 13 years old!! Why, it seems like only yesterday that I completely missed the birth and I went out to check on my beautiful little angel mare Kadie and ...there was this big, boney, excessively long-legged, mule-eared, curly-haired (funny looking) colt laying right on top of a pile of very large rocks that we had picked up from the paddock area and placed in the corner of the small pasture area. Yep, of all the places in the whole vicinity, Ladde had decided to lay down in the corner on the top of a pile of rocks. And - he was stuck. Mama had been pawing at the wall of the barn for apparently a long time judging from all the scratch marks on the wood above Ladde; but you see...he was on a pile of rocks and could not get his footing to stand and...well you know, he needed help. So, I squeeze inside and shimmy along the wall between Kadie (she wasn't about to move) and pick up the big, funny looking foal and place him on his feet. Did I mention that he had a huge, bright pink abrasion on his right hip bone? Well, he did and it was big and he still has the scar to this day. Anyway, so the instant I set him on his feet, Kadie gives me a definitive shove with a look that says now get the hell out of here and leave us alone - so I did. And then I started to cry because after all that time waiting and waiting, I have no idea just what I had expected but it sure wasn't this!! He was kinda funny looking, but I was so very thankful that he seemed to be doing fine and Kade sure seemed perfectly fine and all was well...and I was thankful and relieved and completely in awe. So, I went in the house and called my boss and said that I needed to stay home that day and I changed my clothes and headed back out to the barn to watch Ladde. And now, almost 13 years later, I'm still watching that horse and am totally and completely in love and enamored with him. Lord help me...I'm so hooked on the big old galoot. But, still to this day am counting him as one of my most dearly beloved blessings ever received from God above...and so very thankful to have him in my life. *sigh* I have no idea what I had in mind when I started typing this post this morning, but this wasn't it...see what I mean...it's all about Ladde.

I digress...once again. :) I'm blaming it all on hormones - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

So, I read my church newsletter the other day and inside was this true story and I thought I would pass it on. I enjoyed it very much and it made me smile.

The Atheists' Holiday

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument presented: it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day(s). The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed". The lawyer immediately stood, objecting to the ruling, saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah. Yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays". The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day' and Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his holiday. Court is adjourned."

Can we get an Amen!?

Thoughts to ponder

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen".




Ralph Waldo Emmerson

Winter is truly getting to me and affecting my outlook on everything. And when I get like this, I tend to become somewhat of an introvert lest I scare everyone around me off. I have learned many techniques over the years to help this situation; light is good, but I have very little control over the amount of sunlight in my world. Keeping my mind active with classical music helps, studying Scripture helps, especially Psalms and the Proverbs, but anything from the Bible really. Another useful tool is banishing all negative thoughts from my mind; this is an especially difficult one for me and it's not the same as positive thinking. Research in the area of depression has shown that positive thinking does absolutely nothing for the human psyche, but ridding oneself of negative thoughts is helpful. A fine line there, but if you think about that for a minute, there's definitely a difference. Drinking lots of fluids and especially water is a good thing, exercise outside in the fresh air is a very good habit to have, especially walking. I guess walking sets up a rhythm within the body that is one of the most beneficial exercises that a person can do. And, it requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. That's why it's usually my first choice in exercise. But really, anything is beneficial and better than nothing.

But, I am digressing again. My intent today was not to discuss depression, but more along the lines of a person's thoughts and how very much they affect our relationships with other people and our whole outlook in life. I can be a very judgemental person and for some reason, I tend to focus on a person's flaws instead of their attributes. I don't do this just with other people, oh quite the contrary...I am also my own worst enemy. I find it very difficult to give myself a break and treat myself with any degree of kindness. I am not a friend to myself. I have been working on this problem of mine for a very long time, and at times I'm definitely more successful than at other times. One of my areas of most concern is what I refer to as my "self talk". I would never in a million years verbally express to another person some of the things that I will commonly say to myself, or about myself. And, I tend to say some very hurtful things to the people that I love the most. Not all the time, but when I get angry, look out. I tend to let fly with my verbal onslaught and can snowball out of control rather easily. The Bible says that the tongue can be our most dangerous weapon and I know that this is true. More harm can be done with our words than with most anything else, and once spoken those words cannot be taken back. There are some things that I have said that I wish I could take back, but that will never happen. I just need to learn to control my thoughts first, and then it will become easier for me to refrain from saying things that would have been better left unsaid.

My mom used to tell me that if you can't say something nice, then you shouldn't say anything at all. Those are very wise words and I'm still trying to learn that lesson after all these years. I truly aspire to see the good in people rather than focus on their bad, and that goes for myself too. The Bible teaches us to stop pointing out the splinter in your neighbor's eye when we ourselves have a log in ours. I've oversimplified the verse, but the point is there nonetheless.

May God be patient with each one of us and bestow us with His bountiful blessings.

It's not Wednesday, it's Humpday

Frost art

Humpday -

That's what my sweet dad used to call Wednesday and because he did it, I do it. I sure do miss that guy. If he were here, I'd ask him to wrap his arms around me and make everything all better again. He just had a way of putting everything into perspective for me and making me feel so much better. I consider myself blessed to have had a dad like I did, one who loved me unconditionally and without question and I admired and respected him always.

I'm having another one of "those" days again. You know, the kind of a day where staying in bed and not having to face the world sounds so very, very good? But, I'm here and doing my best to carry on in spite of inwardly feeling profound sadness and questioning some very foundational things in my life. Sounds oh so dramatic doesn't it? I don't mean it to be, I just don't exactly know what to say or how to feel and I'm so very tired of feeling out of control. Remember that spinning wheels scenario, like I'm reliving the same thing over and over and over again and nothing ever changes. It doesn't get better and it doesn't get worse...it just keeps going. Kind of like the Eveready bunny, just not in any way cute, or amusing. Oh well, life is what it is. I'm going to pick my butt up off the floor and carry on and be happy about it. Because I do have some very wonderful blessings in my life even though life isn't even close to being perfect or even resembling paradise. Hee hee, paradise is what we make it isn't it? Check mate Charlie.

It snowed again yesterday morning. Just an inch or so, just enough to make everything look pretty and the roads very, very treacherous. I saw two more accidents on my way to work again. One involved a car and a pickup and a snapped in two telephone pole. On a flat road and on the straightaway. Hmmm, you think they might have been travelling a wee bit too fast? So, we sat and waited while they got the road cleared away and then onward to work I went. Old man winter...me thinks the thrill is gone. Go away! And Monday night we had another full moon. It was eerily pretty with the passing clouds and the leafless branches of our big old black walnut tree. I took a few shots and will post one today. According to the calendar, we are less than 4 weeks away from daylight savings time. That's always welcome in my book. And then spring is less than 2 weeks after that. Can't come soon enough to suit me. I am ready for longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures and blooming flowers and more time spent outside. Yep, just what the doctor ordered!

I think today might be a triple shot latte day. Hmmm, sounds good to me.

Blessings everyone,

Cingspots

Just another day

It's Friday, thankfully. I swear I say that every Friday, but I'm always happy when the end of the week rolls around. The pure anticipation and bliss of two whole upcoming days without constraints and deadlines. Glory be...they're just mine!!

I've always worked full time since I've been about 18 years old. There was that one blissful summer that I had off about 9 years ago, but other than that, I've always worked. So, to have time to myself is precious and I'll have to admit that I'm quite stingy with my days off. I hate (generally) to make plans for fear that when the time comes, I won't feel like doing said planned event. I know a lot of people aren't in agreement with me on this, and that's okay...plan away, but I prefer a more laid back approach to life.

I know quite a few people who have never had to work outside jobs and have been stay at home moms. Now, I'm not saying that that isn't a job in itself, but to have time to do whatever pops into the imagination, what a blessing! I am looking forward to the day when I can tender my resignation and walk away without looking back and have the free time to dedicate to my personal agenda. My very own "to do list". I can envision riding my horse a lot more than I do now, and even taking some lessons because I love to be critiqued and challenged to step outside of my comfort zone. I enjoy gardening and landscape design. Now I'm not saying that I'm good at either one, but I enjoy dabbling and learning and creating. I want to grow fruits and vegetables, lots of varieties of berries and of course I would love to have a gorgeous flower garden, something like you would possibly see in the old English countryside. You know, nothing proper and organized, but wildly imaginative and a bit out of control looking with a touch of old world charm. I especially love to plant flowers not only for their color and beauty, but for their wonderful scent. I want to attract honey bees and maybe even dabble in beekeeping. I think that sounds like fun.

Oh, there's so many things that I would love to try my hand at. I envision rising early and taking brisk morning walks or bicycle rides. I would enjoy taking another photography class and learning a lot more than I do now. And, if given some time for thought, I'm quite sure that my list would grow much longer. There's so many interesting and fun things to be enjoyed but for me, there's never enough time.

I think it would also be fun to remove every bit of furniture from my house and repaint or redo everything and begin fresh with a whole new palette. I would probably still gravitate to old world/farmhouse/western/English cottage design (picture that if you can), but wouldn't it be fun just to try and see how things turned out?? Oh, if money and time weren't always the determining factors of what I can or will do with my life. What a dream!

And I would absolutely love to travel. I have no desire to go to tourist destinations, but instead would rather spend at least a month in the places I like and set up temporary "house" and blend in with the locals. Sounds like a blast to me. What a dream it would be to do whatever our hearts or minds can come up with and then just do. But, that's definitely not my reality, probably won't ever be my reality. So instead, I have to live life on a much smaller scale and simply learn to rejoice in the everyday, simple little things that life has to offer and find the pure joy in the business of life - wherever or whatever our circumstances. That's probably the key in being at peace and finding true inner happiness and contentment. Just recognize and smile at all the simple, little things that happen our way everyday.

And then there's the unexpected little surprises that life throws our way. Here's one for example, I've always wanted to go somewhere warm and tropical. I have travelled to Mexico a couple of times and spent family vacations there when I was a teenager, but not since. The other day I was talking to my sister and she was telling me how she and her hubby are preparing for their annual trek south to Arizona for a couple of months. After I listened to her about their plans, I took a deep sigh and said how I sure wished that one of these days hubby and I would be planning a real trip somewhere warm and maybe even tropical. Wouldn't that be grand? Yadda yadda yadda, here we go again.

So, a few days ago hubby comes home from work and says that his little brother's only daughter who is planning her wedding this coming September has changed their plans and is now going to be married in Hawaii...and would we like to go??? Oh sure, like we can afford to go Hawaii I say...ever the optimist. But, dreams really do come true. Brother and sister-in-law are paying for several of the guests' airfare and the first 2 nights in the very exclusive 5-star resort and spa where the wedding is going to be held...and if we can find caretakers for the horses, they'd really like us to come for the wedding...are you freaking kidding me!!?? Of course we can!!! Count us in!!! So just like that, now I'm searching for beach cottages or hotel rooms on Oahu for a few more nights so we can stretch the vacation out just a bit. Albeit in something less exclusive than the 5-star resort, but who cares!!!! We are going to Hawaii!! Oh thank you most wonderful Father in heaven, what a blessing! You just never know what may be just around the corner in life. All I can say right now is that I'm feeling like one very lucky or probably more likely, very blessed gal who really does believe in miracles and in dreams coming true.

So Aloha baby!!! I'm going to Hawaii!!! Yippee!!!

I have so much work to do, let's see lose weight, lose weight, oh and then I should probably lose some weight too. *sigh*

Wish me luck??

What a difference a day makes

Hi all. I feel quite tired today for some reason. I decided to opt out of the daily walk that Annie and I usually take over the noon hour and instead did a couple of errands and came back and have caught up on some of my favorite blogs. It's almost time to go home and my plans are to go straight out and bring the horses in; get them fed and snuggled in for the night and head back inside for some fireside lounging. My hubby and I went out for dinner last night in a celebration (of sorts) of my birthday. However, by the time I got home from work, I was feeling like just staying home and turning in early. Always amazes me just how quickly my moods can go from very good to very subdued. There are so many things or variables in our lives that are just not in our control. I am ever so slowly learning to realize that I cannot change some things no matter how very much I wish and pray that I could. I just need to pray and trust that everything will be okay and will work out however they're supposed to. Our daily lives are all about our choices. Good or bad, right or wrong. Each one of us every single hour of every single day makes our own choices. And someday, each one of us will have to account for every one of our choices that we alone have made. I have for a long time lived with something that I have always thought was intolerable. However, by not making choices we actually do choose something don't we? My indecision has set me upon my chosen path and I have endured. I have been changed and continue to evolve with every new day that I remain. I trust and continue to have faith that I have and will continue to be just where I am supposed to be.

On a completely different topic, I am going to switch gears again. I seem to do that a lot, don't I? Quite some time ago, my wonderful friend Sherry at Fern Valley Appaloosas endowed me with an award which so many of you have also received. And then again the other day, my blogging buddy Callie at Midwest Horse blog honored me with the same award. I have been somewhat distracted of late and have neglected to post this award. I wish to thank both of these wonderful ladies who thought highly enough of me to grace me with this award which is all about attitude and gratitude. Something which I strive for excellence and sometimes maybe even achieve. I'll take some honest credit for trying. So...thank you gals. I consider it an honor to include you as my new-found friends and humbly accept. Another reason I've had for not posting this award before now has been the rules attached. I don't do well with rules, never have and probably never will. I'm supposed to pass this along to 10 other worthy (in my humble opinion) bloggers and post links to their blogs, etc. I think that by now most of you have probably gotten this award already, so I will not be passing it along to anyone except my near and dear friend Betty over at Panther Creek Cottage Blog. She is one of my most dear friends and I just love her.

So, if any of you would like to stop by and say hello to my friend, her blog address can be found on my sidebar blog roll. I'm sure she would love to have you stop by and leave her a comment from time to time. She's an awesome lady who I've loved and admired for quite some time.

Oh, and right now would be an awesome time to check her out. She has posted a video of herself and her dog sledding down the road she lives on in the snow we had recently. She's a hoot!!

So, here's my very first ever lemonade stand. There sure has been a lot of talk about lemonade-based drinks around here lately. (Think margaritas, my friends) Do you think we're longing for the good old summertime and wishing we were a-sippin' something long, cool and slushy, lemony good poolside in the sun???

Hmmmm...I'm thinking we need some heat and some sunshine for all of us, wouldn't you agree???

So, there you go Betty!!!! I choose to share this award with you my girlfriend!!!

Blessings my friends from cingspots

Finally Friday!!

That's how I feel. Like I've survived another week. The days have all been so foggy and grey that I have to admit it is beginning to affect my psyche. Yesterday afternoon was the first small peak of sunshine since, oh I don't even really remember when. Man did it feel good!! Took my little poochie Annie and went to the park and went for a walk and soaked up as many rays as possible. Wowee!! Sun is good!!! I had to wear my mucks because very recently this park was underwater, but it was sooo worth it. Took some pics too and meant to show them here today, but for some unknown reason, blogger wouldn't upload them. Ah well, another time perhaps.

I feel the need to get out and be with nature and would like to ride if possible this weekend. I need some uplifting and am hopeful of seeing the sun again soon. This morning the fog was so very thick and the temps were below freezing, that at first site it looked as if snow had fallen. Everywhere on trees and field there was a white "dusting" of frozen fog. Absolutely stunning!! However, by midday the fog was still upon my little world but the temps had warmed up and all traces of the white wonderland were gone. I wasn't able to get any pictures of the mystical world before it disappeared.

I am feeling blessed once again that all my beautiful little ponies are healthy, fat, fuzzy and happy. There are some out there who are feeling sadness at the loss of their precious friends. I will include you in my prayers and hope your heartsickness passes soon. We who love the horses in our lives understand your grief and sense of loss. May you be comforted by the Great Comforter and find peace.

Wishing everyone a joyful and relaxing weekend.

Blessings, C-ingspots

A Winter's Day Ramblings

So, I didn't ride this past weekend. Now I'm sitting here at my desk wishing/wondering why I didn't?? My answer...never enough time. That's it - in a nutshell - there just never seems to be enough time, for anything really. Saturday, I got up and had some coffee, lazed around the house for a bit and then hubby and I decided we were staying home instead of going to church that day. Ok, so now what?? I had some more coffee, did a few little chores inside the house, had a leisurely shower and got dressed. By this time, it was maybe 10:00 or so and my hubby who is ever the early riser was already napping on the couch. Grrrr...for some reason this always irritates me. Maybe it's because my own mom accused nappers of being lazy, but anyway, for whatever reason it always irritates me, especially so early in the day when the rest of the world is just awakening, for him it's already nap thirty. Ok, I digress. So, rather than spend time being irritated or nagging, out to the barn I go. Spend some time cleaning the stalls, grooming the horses and generally just hanging out. Something, I generally love to do. The morning dawned cool, foggy and ever so dreary...again. I am seriously getting tired of winter - already. Not a good sign. So, anyway I spent the better part of the day hanging out in the barn with the ponies. Ladde, Harley and the blonde boarder, "Sadie".

Sadie's a friend's horse who we've been housing for going on 2 weeks now. They had stall flooding problems and needed her vacated so they could do some remodeling so to speak. Ok, not a problem as long as you are responsible for your own horse - thank you very much - we already have as many as we can comfortably handle. Besides S, the wife does not work, drives past our house each day to go to the stable where they keep another one of their horses; so not a problem or a big deal right?? Or, at least you would think. Well, today is day 9 and maybe she's shown up, maybe she hasn't. Their hay is gone and they haven't been out since last Friday, so they haven't even become aware of this yet. 3 days out of 8 and S is a now show - no call, nothing, just doesn't show up. I'm wondering, is this their standard of care?? What about the other horse down the road at the stable?? Is anyone feeding/caring for him??? Hmmm, can't help but wonder. Today we'll see if anyone shows up to care for Sadie. If not, I will or Hubby preferably will have to make a call and see what's going on?? I hate being put in situations like this - makes me feel like I have to be the bad guy or the bitchy woman or whatever and say, this is just not cool folks. Grrr, I just don't understand people, I guess. If that were my horse at someone else's place, you can bet your buttons that I would be there promptly every day making sure that everything was in order and my horse was being cared for. I just will never understand why people have horses and don't make the time to make them a priority. Come on, if we have them, then we are responsible for them. Period. Enough said!! Next time, we probably won't be so generous with our time, efforts or the barn, at least with these people anyway. We'll see, but right about now, I'm feeling a little taken advantage of.

On another note, I did enjoy my day in the barn. I took a few pictures, then my camera quit. Batteries needed recharging, so not many pictures of the day. After cleaning all the stalls, emptying the roach coach twice and grooming Lad, Harley and Sadie, I took a little break. I just sat down and let the horses mill all around me. Harley and Sadie headed outside to the round pen and Ladde, Annie (my dog) and I shared an orange and contemplated the universe. It felt very nice and it was peaceful and quiet. For some reason, Ladde has always enjoyed these quiet times, hanging out and doing nothing, just being in close proximity and of course partaking of any morsels there just might happen to be. I love that horse. Just don't know what I'd do without him. Life wouldn't be nearly as sweet tis sure. I am thankful for him everyday. He is a blessing for sure. I'm not saying he's perfect - but he's perfect enough for me.

Saturday night, we went to our riding club meeting. The first one of this year and we voted in new officers and planned the upcoming year's events. We have several weekend campouts scheduled and the big week long Cowboy Campmeeting over the week of July 4. This year it's at a place called Tamarack Springs near Ellensberg, Washington. My boss says it's ugly country and a poor place for camping. Hmmm, we'll see how things pan out - it's kind of far to drive if the spot isn't that great. I only get 2 weeks total paid off all year, so I tend to be rather stingy when it comes to our one vacation each summer. Oh, and I'm the new president of our club. I'm not quite sure how that happened, or if I really want the responsibility of that, but I am it. Oh well, I guess I'll do my best - it's probably nothing to fret about. I can be bossy, so no problemo!!

Sunday I spent a fair amount of time doing laundry and house cleaning, yeeuck!! Not my favorite thing by far, but it's got to be done, so what's a girl to do?? Boring at best, and I just wasn't in the mood for it, but I did manage to get the place fairly clean, so whatever, it's fine for now. I even tried to take a little nap in the afternoon because I had a headache (again), but couldn't sleep, so I got up and read some blogs for a while. Later we picked up a pizza and a movie. Exciting huh?? We watched George Clooney in Michael Clayton - pretty good, however it does make you stop and take a hard look at humanity from time to time. But, overall a pretty good movie. I give it a "B".

So, there you have it - my weekend in review. Nothing earth-shattering, but it is January and the weather is grey and wet and boring. Things could always be worse. I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I plan on going home and doing my chores. It's a no cook - fend for yourself night at our house and I'm going to hit the hay early. Hopefully after some Tylenol PMs, I will get a much-needed respite from my ever-busy mind and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a brand new day.

That's it for now at C-ing Spots

Full Moon A Comin'

Thanks Gail, I've been very forgetful lately and just realized that I hadn't yet acknowledged your kind gift of this lovely award. Thank you so very much!!! This is just beautiful. I appreciate you and your wonderful writing more than you'll ever know. Thanks so much!!!!

So...you do all realize don't you that this coming Saturday night is the full moon? Well, that could be one possible explanation at least in part for my complete lapse into moodiness lately. At least, I'd like to think that there is some outside force at work here...and not just my changing hormones. :) At least some of you know what I'm talking about, don't you??

This month, I will be celebrating my 49th birthday. Good grief!! I am getting so very old. I know that I've said it before, but it continues to astound me just how very, very fast time goes. It's shocking and just a little bit scary. At this rate, I'm gonna wake up tomorrow morning and I'll be 63 or something!! What the heck is up with that?? There are many aspects of aging that don't really bother me all that much. I'm not one of those women who are driven by their appearances. I mean, I like to look nice and all, but my looks aren't the most important thing to me. I have grey hairs, my hair is thinner than it used to be, I'm definitely fatter than I used to be (aack!! kinda hate that part!!), the skin around my eyes have those little lines that never used to be there, I have less energy than I used to have, I'm not as physically strong as I used to be...and probably the list could go on and on and on...but, who really gives a rat's patootie anyway?? There are more important things to a person's worth than what they look like. At least I think so. I am smarter now, I'm no longer a shy little church mouse, I'm not afraid to speak my mind and I know a little bit about a whole lot of things. I'm gaining wisdom. And there's a whole lot of value in that, I think.

Another thing that's interesting to me, is that not much scares me anymore. I'm not saying that I'm an unusually brave person, because that's not it. I'm not really very brave at all, at least in many situations. I'm not exactly sure just what I'm trying to say here, but I guess it's just faith. In a nutshell, I have faith that everything will always work out. Not necessarily how we want it to, or even how we think it will...but it's usually for the best just how things tend to pan out in the end. I believe that God is in heaven and He is in charge and whatever He decides is gonna go down - will. So, like the bible verse says "When God is for us, who or what can be against us?". Absolutely nothing or no one, that's what. So...rest assured that all will be ok. Everything's gonna work out in the wash, probably not how we think or want, but it will work out the way that it's supposed to. Of that, I'm sure.

Our new President will very soon be officially sworn into office. I have high hopes for him. I also have fear for him. I am going to keep him in my prayers that he will be allowed to fulfill his obligation to us and to our country and do a good job. It's not something that's going to be easy. We have gone down a long, slippery slope and are pretty low at this point in time. I don't expect miracles. I just hope that he will get people to have hope again. There are so very many problems that need to be worked out. It's going to take a lot of people, including you and me to work together and each one of us to do our part, however small that may be; but it will take us all collectively working as a whole to bring our country back into some sort of a healthy place. I do not envy President O'Bama at all, not really sure who in their right mind would even want to try and tackle all the problems we have right now. America is in the lowest slumps we've been in, in a very long time - maybe even ever. I think that America as a whole has turned it's back on God and what's right and because of that, we are getting just what we are choosing. The devil is being allowed to have more and more freedom and he's wreaking havok on everything and everyone. I personally believe that everything will probably get a whole lot worse before it gets better - if it ever does get better - maybe it won't. Maybe we are much closer to the end that any of us would like to admit, even to ourselves. Whatever. It's not for us to worry about, it's not in our control. I think that it is our responsibility to keep living our lives and keep praying and asking God to lead us in our decisions and our paths. And He will. I for one, would like to remember to always lend a helping hand to others whenever and wherever I can, and that includes animals. Be kind and compassionate and generous to everyone we come in contact with. Personally, this can be a challenge for me, as I can be not very patient with people sometimes, especially it seems with those who I love. You know, like our family members or our spouse or children. For some reason, the people who I love the most are usually the people I tend to be the most unkind to. One of my many shortcomings and one I will always have to keep in my prayer requests, I'm afraid. Sometimes a simple smile can make all the difference to someone who is downhearted or feeling lonely. And no matter how little we think we may have, each one of us can always afford to share that which we do have. And in giving, we are always blessed.

I heard this little saying somewhere the other day, but I liked it very much and it is something which I definitely need to keep close to my heart and in the forefront of my mind at all times. It goes like this: "Before we can change the world, we first have to change ourselves".

I like that.

Wishing a good weekend to all and many blessings.