In our neck of the woods

Don't you sometimes wonder where these unusual sayings come from?  I do, and there are several in my vocabulary that I use frequently and have no idea of their origination; other than my mom or dad used them, and so, I do.  You know how that goes, right?  Kind of like my mom and dad called one of my favorite dishes, "fried potatoes".  They came from the midwest years before I was born, Missouri in fact.  My good friend and neighbor, Kelly's family were originally from Wisconsin.  Her family called the same dish, "raw fries".  Interesting.  Either that, or I'm easily amused.

According to our weatherman, we're experiencing one of the driest years (so far) on record, well since they've been keeping those kinds of records anyway.  Back to the '40's, I think.  In fact, our winter of 2012/2013 has been quite mild and overall unusually dry.  We're just continuing that trend into early spring.  I'm not complaining.  It's been beautiful and perfectly comfortable.

The spring flowers are blooming in earnest now.  Below is a picture of my heavenly scented daphne bush.  Oh, how I wish you could smell this...it's just delicious!  One of my favorites.  It's actually burst forth into more open blooming than this and its' scent is heady.  Soon will come the tulips and my lilac bush.

Mountain Heather - beautiful, but not much scent

This is one of our two cats, Snip.  In an accident or more likely an altercation with another cat; quite possibly with our other cat Patch, she lost sight in one of her eyes.  As you may or may not already know, Patch only has one good eye.  Each cats' opposing eye is good; so between the two of them, if they stand side by side, make a perfectly good-sighted, two-headed cat.  :)  Interesting little factoid there...

Ruby basking in the warm, morning sunshine.  And speaking of Patch; he's in the background eating a freshly-caught mouse.  Hmmmm, fresh mouse!  Sorry, did not notice that until I'd already posted it here.

 Annie enjoying a good roll in the sunshine.

 Looking down upon our little homestead from the twin oaks, so often in the background of many of my photographs.

 Ruby having a sniff of something interesting at the base of one of the twin oaks.  This is looking  northeast of our house, towards Portland some 35-40 miles away.

 Another shot looking North/Northeast from the twin oaks.

 Looking  west from the twin oaks down upon our homestead, and our ponies in their pasture.
Those little white sticks are newly planted filbert/hazlenut trees.  In years to come, the view from our home will look vastly different.

 Wide angle shot looking west towards our place.  The Coast Range mountains in the distance.

 Our ponies.  L-R Kadie, Eagle, Ladde, Shad and Sugar far right.  Not sure where Harley is.

 This is where we've called home for 18 years now.  Someday, we'd like to spruce up the two outside shelters.  They're a bit peter tumbledown, but keep the rain off the horses.  Our to-do list never seems to get shorter...

 The coast range got a fresh dusting of snow overnight.  

 The old grainery due North of us.  In this thicket of oak trees is a small, meandering creek where I taught Harley about creek crossings when he was a wee thing.

 The Yamhill Valley, so named for the Yamhill River that flows through this area.  Rich farmland and lots of horses reside within.  This is across the street from us and looking West towards the Pacific Ocean on the other side of the Coast Range mountains in the distance.

Looking a bit more Northwest from our farm, you can see the hills around us are dotted with grapes.  In the last 20 or so years, our area is a mecca of wineries where world-class Pinot Noir wines, among others are made.  We live in the heart of the Northwest's Wine Country.  

 Shad finally spotted Ruby and I coming back.  There's Harley on the far left, then Merlin, Kadie and Shad.  A pretty good shot of our neighbor's place.  They are a horse rescue called the United SPCA.  The mare being loaded onto their trailer was going to her new home.  

 Eagle having a morning nap in the middle of his breakfast.  

 Ladde watching me, watching him.  He and Sugar have fallen so hopelessly in love that, if left alone now, Sugar pitches a hissy fit and runs all around.  Not what she needs to be doing, so Ladde has to play pasture buddy to Sugar.  Poor baby...

Spring has definitely arrived around here, and I am so thankful.  We're very comfortable temperature wise, a few showers here and there, mixed with a fair amount of warm sunshine.  Flowers, trees in bloom, horses shedding like crazy and our lawn growing in out of control mode.  I can now walk out in the pasture without wearing my Muck boots.  We're even supposed to have a dry Easter weekend with temps hitting 70 degrees!  Whoohoo!!  I realize that many of you are still in the icy grip of old man winter.  Will keep you all in our prayers that spring will be arriving in your neck of the woods any day now.

Until next time,
Lorie @ Cingspots

A Sampling of Summer

Seriously, I do believe that this May has been the shortest ever!  And, without a doubt, I know that it's been the coldest and the wettest on record...May is usually one of my most favorite months, and this one was no exception, but...I'm so pale!  And my skin's gonna start wrinkling up like a prune unless I get some sunshine on this face (and legs) and soon!!  You see, here in Orygone, we crinkle from all the excessive moisture in our atmosphere, not from overexposure to the sun's damaging rays...  :~)  Don't ya know?

But, guess what?  This past weekend---we had summer!!!  Hot dog!!  Hot me!!  Hot, hot, hot!!  Oooh baby...I was sweatin' and a fannin' and a complainin' bout it bein' so dadburned hot...so soon!!  I even filled up the kiddy pool for the pooches...and me!!  Ah huh!!  And it felt good!!   Friday after work, we got the shoes on the horses.  This year it's all about me and Ladde.  And all about my hubby and his Shadman.  Yep, we've had Shad since he was a 3-year old and he's now 19 years young...about time he got some use, wouldn't ya say??  I would be remiss right about now, if I didn't add a small request for prayers for the safety of my dear husband.  You see - Shad's quite impressive in the art of "bucking".  Ah huh...impressively so.  But, he's a good boy.  And, we have faith in him.  We're gonna have fun, fun, fun riding those two this summer!! Yessiree!!  I've been riding Ladde for close to 3 weeks now, and he's doing fabulously well!!  I love that horse so much!!  Me and Ladde are pards for sure!!  We're going to be just fine.  Once I find a way to climb aboard, that is.  :)  Ladde is perfect!!!  And, I'm so very, very proud of that horse.  I just can't tell you!!  Anyway, bragging aside.  So far, so good.  I've been calm.  I've been in control of my emotions.  And, I've been in charge.  And Ladde knows it...that's the key.  When I'm not in charge...he immediately takes control, and that's not good.  So, I just need to remember to breathe deeply, relax, sit deep...and ride.  Piece a cake! 

On Sabbath morning, the sunshine was out in full force.  Since so far this spring, sunshine has been very short in supply...we opted to stay home from church and enjoy a leisurely morning at home on the deck.  It was beautiful!!  For a while.  And then it got hot, and hotter and hotter.  It was around 85 or so, and since we've been having temps in the 50's and 60's are a heat rush...we were sweatin' bullets.  I'm not complaining though...even got a bit of color in my cheeks!  :)

Saturday evening we loaded ourselves and our dogs in the truck and headed for the drive-in.  Double feature and pizza.  What could say summer more than that??  It was great!!  Families and people were out in full force!!  The smell of popcorn on the evening breeze and a sky full of stars...just beautiful!  We got home about 2:30 in the morning!!  A bit late for this early to bed kinda gal!  Aah, it was fun though, sure felt like a summer's eve for a welcome change!! 

Sunday morning dawned a bit overcast and rather balmy by comparison to Saturday, but it was warm and not raining so we weren't complaining a bit.  We got our garden plants planted (finally!), the lawn mowed again, housework caught up (sort of) and even had time for an afternoon nap before heading out to do the grocery shopping.  We barbecued hot dogs and had raw broccoli salad for dinner...oh, it's good to be looking forward to a few months of long, sunny days and warm nights!  I'm soooo looking forward to this summer!  There's so much that I want to do, and enjoy...I want to savor each and every possible moment!

Shortly after dinner we heard the rumbling sounds of thunder, and lightening strikes soon followed.  The rain started in as well, so we headed out to bring the horses inside from the pasture.  Harley practically ran to us when we called them, so apparently he thought coming into the barn was a pretty good idea too.  A tiny bit of grain and a flake of hay was all it took to soothe and calm the mighty beasts...aaahh peace.  I always sleep better on a stormy night when the horses are safely tucked inside their stalls too.  So much for our summer weather.  Spring sure seems more volatile in recent years than I remember...the times they are a changin'.

And here we are back to Monday.  Back to work, or back to the grindstone as my dad used to say...rest in peace my sweet daddy and Happy Birthday too!  June 3rd was my dad's birthday.  He's been gone for almost 17 years now, but if he were still living, he would have turned 89 - wow!  I can hardly believe it's been that long...and I still miss him every single day.  Life's never the same when your mom and dad aren't around anymore.  So, in closing...cherish your parents.  You will miss them one day.  I'm going home and I'm going to ride my horse.  Best therapy in the whole, wide world.  For me it is, anyway...

Blessings everyone,
Lorie

Oh, and in case you're wondering...today was back to normal.  Well, a wee bit warmer than what our normal has been of late.  Right around 70, warm and not raining.  It's been a good day. 

Oh, and...I can't believe I almost forgot!!!  33 years ago today, I graduated from high school!!  Oh man, I cannot believe how old I'm getting to be!!  Oh well, the alternative's much worse my friends!!!  Rock on Class of '78!!!  Rock on!!!

Good day sunshine!!!!!!!

Wow, I can't believe that it's been like,  7 weeks or so since I've done a blog posting!!!  How time flies!!!  Everything's been good...just quite busy, busy busy!  And today, I am so very thankful for this most glorious spring day we're experiencing.  The sun is shining, there's a gentle breeze blowing and just a few wispy, white clouds in an otherwise brilliantly blue sky...who could ask for anything more?  Well...I could be on vacation somewhere soaking up the sun, reading a deliciously erotic novel and sipping a cool and frosty exotic drink but...let's stick to reality shall we?  :)

Okay, I'll try to catch things up, even if only partially since my last post.  No, I haven't been riding my horse yet.  Only within the past week have I been doing regular grooming sessions and exercising Ladde in the round-pen and some on the lunge line; but he's such a good boy, he's doing splendidly.  We've been working on engaging the hindquarters and lifting and building his back muscles whilst really reaching under himself with his hind legs.  Maybe tonight, I'll saddle him up and do a little work under saddle.  I'm having such fun.  Last night was our first session working with a new trainer/horseman.  He's an english rider himself; specializes in dressage and some jumping.  Not exactly what I'm into, but good horsemanship is good horsemanship.  I believe that a good classical dressage instructor might just be able to teach us some of the finer techniques of suppleness, collection and fine-tuning our gaits.  And...he's an outdoor rider mostly, he likes to get out in the woods and enjoy nature while teaching.  Now, that is right up my alley!  He lives close by and I'm excited to be working with someone who has such an obvious love for his work. 

Harley is doing very well too.  He seems to be adjusting to his blindness issues more and more each day.  I don't plan on riding him as my regular mount this summer, but I will probably ride him occasionally on flat land only.  It seems a shame to leave such an able-bodied horse at home all the time, but I'm not quite ready to rely on him as my main trail mount until we're both more confident.  He doesn't seem to mind staying home with the girls most of the time. 

We've been doing a lot of yard work lately, trying to play catch up on all the mowing and trimming and weeding that has accumulated since last fall.  And, with all the rain we've had this year...we're talking jungle control!!  But, with persistence and a lot of aching muscles, we've gotten everything mostly under control again and the yard's looking much nicer.  Next will be the raised garden beds and my flower beds by the deck.  I've decided to go simple with the garden plans this year.  I have 3 tomato plants, will plant 1 zuchini and a few other veggies, but I want to keep it very low maintenance this time.  I want to enjoy the nice weather and don't want to be weeding when I could be riding or socializing instead.  I'm planning on buying my usual 15 lb. bucket of washed, sliced strawberries to make about 3 batches of strawberry jam and put the rest in the freezer.  I always can peaches...can't seem to live without those, and maybe some applesauce, but that's about it, other than frozen blackberries, raspberries and marionberries.  Those are simple though, rinse and put in freezer containers for using later. 

We discovered that our big horsetrailer suffered some water damage from a leaking roof over the winter.  The insulation, ceiling panels and trim all have to be replaced, and the carpeting on the walls and floor are going to require a thorough steam cleaning and deodorizing to kill the mildew.  And, obviously the roof leaks need to be repaired.  *sigh*  All-in-all, about $2800 in total damage.  Thank God, we had it insured!  We hope to take it to the repair shop very soon, so we'll have it back for summer camping season.  We emptied out all our belongings, bedding, etc the other night and I have a mountain load of laundry to be done...fun.  But, nothing was seriously damaged, just a little smelly from the accumulation of mildew.  Nothing a little bleach and washing can't handle. 

We re-painted our kitchen.  Everything.  Ceiling, walls, trim and cabinets.  I even painted one of my hutches to match the cabinets.  Also changed out all the hardware and hinges for new.  I ordered new curtains for the kitchen, mudroom and the laundry room.  Buttery yellow walls, creamy off-white trim and darkish tan on the cabinetry with black hardware.  My curtains are plaid material in shades of cornflower blue, sage green and yellow on a creamy background with ticking stripes on the scalloped bottoms.  So pretty and clean looking!  A much needed cosmetic redo.  My hubby got me a new kitchen sink too.  It's white porcelin and has one side much larger than the other, and both sides are deeper than my old sink.  I'm going to get a long goose-necked faucet and we're all set.  One of these days, but down the road for sure...new laminate-wide plank flooring and stone countertops.  We did the cheap stuff, but the expensive stuff's gonna have to wait!  Oh well, I'm just happy with what we've got so far - it looks nice.  Next on my list is re-painting the nook off the kitchen (woodstove room) and our bedroom.  It's just amazing how a fresh coat of paint in a pretty color will spruce up a room.  If we manage to get those two rooms done...who knows, maybe we'll tackle the living room.  If I'm honest, these things will probably wait until summer's over, at least the living room for sure.  Don't want to overwork the hubby.  :)

Business at the vet clinic has finally gotten busier after a longgggggg winter of very little work.  We're very thankful for this, sure hope the economy continues to improve.  I'm sure there's a lot of folks out there who can commiserate with that sentiment!  Hubby's still working reduced hours, but we're managing.  With gas and food prices, and really everything being more expensive it seems...we'll probably be sticking closer to home this season, but no worries about that, because we live within range of a lot of wonderful outdoor recreational areas.  And, I HATE to travel far with the horses and the big trailer, so...great excuse to stay closer to home. 

I hope that all of you are enjoying spring, your horses, friends and families!! 

Blessings and peace...

Cingspots aka Lorie

Potpourri

No, not the smelly kind - as in, a mixed up bunch of stuff. So, I'm at work today after having stayed home and taking a sick day yesterday. First sick day in, I can't even remember how long. Felt deliciously luxurious getting to stay home and sleep in for as long as I wanted to. The bummer was...I didn't feel well and that's about all I felt like doing. Funny how years and years later I still harbor guilty feelings about being "lazy" if I'm in bed during the daytime. I can still hear my mom's tiny voice in my head...isn't there something - anything better you could be doing besides laying in bed??? Will it ever go away and let me just learn how to relax?? Probably not. Anyway, I'm still not feeling very well, but I figured I may as well be at work collecting my pay instead of wasting my precious vacation time lazing around at home. Sick days are not a luxury I have, and I have no co-workers so I always feel guilty for taking a day off unscheduled. I hate that...feeling guilty is such a waste of emotion!

The horseshoer was out last evening and trimmed the girls and Shad, and we finally got shoes put on Ladde and Harley. Now I want to go riding!!! I want to go riding with just my hubby for a couple of times to see how Harley is going to be out and about with not much vision. I think if we stick to some wide, safer trails, he will probably be just fine. No super steeps and no drop-offs for us. We'll stick to the kiddy trails for a while and go from there.

Our horseback riding club has its' first scheduled camp-out coming up over Memorial Day weekend at Mt. Adams in Washington state. It's a beautiful location and has become one of our most favorite camping and riding locations. We're thinking that we may not be able to go because our truck is in serious need of new tires. I priced comprable tires to the ones we have now and they're almost $1300...ouch!! Amazing how expensive everything has gotten. We don't want to risk having a flat along the road somewhere with the horsetrailer in tow, so we'll see how things pan out, but it's not looking good. We were so looking forward to this camp-out too. Hopefully our lack of money won't prevent us from doing a lot of riding and camping this season. We may just have to stick close to home, but then we'll miss out on socializing with our friends and that's a big part of the enjoyment. Such a drag!! I wish this economy would make a turn towards improving and put lots of people back on track. Somehow, I just don't see that happening anytime real soon. I guess we'll just have to get used to staying much closer to home, at least for a little while.

Our weather is slowly becoming more spring-like. Most of the mud in our pastures has dried out and we're experiencing drier weather and more sunshine. The temps are still pretty cool, but I'm just happy the rain is decreasing. Hopefully before long, we can start planting our vegetable garden. We're staying pretty small this year, planting tomatoes, some salad greens and cucumbers and hopefully adding to our berry patch. We recently bought two more apple trees to add to the fruit orchard. We have peaches, cherries, pears and apples. Yum!! I don't want to go overboard, but fresh fruit in the summer is always a treat!

Hope all is well with everybody...blessings from cingspots!

If wishes were kisses

Monday again. Boy, weekends sure do fly! It's raining again and our sunshine which was around for at least part of the last couple of days has disappeared, and grey skies prevail. I read on someone's blog that they have a small peach on their tree and blossoms on their zuchini plants...well, they obviously don't live in the greater pacific northwest!! I can't even imagine such an early growing season - well, anything other than grass or weeds that is. Somehow, it just doesn't seem fair! (snarle)

We stuck fairly close to home the entire weekend. We didn't even go to church, but enjoyed a quiet Sabbath at home and just relaxed. It was nice. The house was cold enough that a fire in the woodstove felt mighty good, and once again we were thankful for our little stove. Our supply of wood is completely gone and we've been burning up old scrap lumber that we've stockpiled over the years. We're also completely out of pellets for the pellet stove. We're gonna be up a creek without a paddle if our weather doesn't warm up soon. I'd like to get our next winter's supply of wood soon if we can, just to be prepared and have one less thing to have to remember to do later. Like my hubby is always saying..."all it takes is money"...There are so many things on the "need to buy" list that it's disheartening, and that list just seems to keep on growing. Oh well, one day at a time, or maybe that should be, one thing at a time. Somedays I find myself wishing for not only more money, but more time and definitely, more energy. If there were only 2 of each of us, we'd make headway a whole lot quicker. Oh well, it's just not worth worrying over. I keep telling myself...worry about nothing - pray about everything. My new mantra.

Sunday was a work day for us. We tackled a long-overdue clean-up project that we've been putting off for a long time. It was one of those fenced-in, catch-all spots near one of the outside barns that was a real eyesore. With Harley's worsening vision, we thought it was the right time to get the job done. It looks so much better now. All the debris is in the back of our truck awaiting a trip to the dump and our burn pile has easily doubled in size. We also have the raised garden bed all cleaned up and ready to go, cleared the apple orchard pasture of the windfall from winter and got the lawn mowed and edged. We took an afternoon trip to Costco and stockpiled for the freezer and the pantry as well. The one area that was ignored was the house. As soon as the sun shows up, the inside is all but forgotten and we're outside playing catch-up. Like I've mentioned before, when both of us work 40 hours a week at an away from home job, have animals to be cared for daily and try desperately to honor the Sabbath...that leaves Sunday for the one day a week to try and accomplish everything that needs to get done. It ain't easy!

My list of warm weather projects keeps growing in size as well. Firstly, the winter's supply of hay needs to be paid for and promptly stored away in the barns. We're down to about 1-1/2 tons and hopefully, that will last until we get the new crop. I'm thinking 16 tons of local grass hay should do; and since that's about as much storage as we have available - that will just have to do. Firewood - I'd like to get/chop whatever about 3 cords and get 1, possibly 2 tons of pellets. I'd like to build 2 or 3 more raised garden beds - one for strawberries and the others for whatever we decide to plant. We'd like to replace the kitchen flooring and paint both the walls and the cabinets, and replace the sink. Of course, if we replace the kitchen flooring we want to include the mudroom, the nook where the woodstove is, and the laundry room. Matching flooring for this entire area would be a nice improvement. And, we need to repaint the exterior of our house, remove the moss from the roof and clean and restain the deck. I'm getting tired just thinking about all of it...never mind having to pay for it all. See what I mean? The list just never seems to ever get shorter, and there's never enough money to even get close to paying for it all. I guess I'm whining, but it seems discouraging at best.

In between all the projects and jobs that have to be done, we still need to enjoy some downtime as well. Remembering to take the time to be thankful for what we do have, realizing that it could always be so much worse, and enjoying the life that we have been blessed with is equally important. Not one of us knows how much time we have, or what will happen "tomorrow", so it's vital that we enjoy our lives, our families and our friends. And for those of us with horses...use and enjoy them when we can too. God knows we do enough laboring just to keep them, it's kinda nice to get to go riding every once in a while.

Some of the best things in life are the simple things...warm sunshine, sitting on the deck with someone you love, sipping a cool drink and listening to the music of nature on a summer evening, watching the dogs play, taking a nap, laughing with a good friend, taking a walk in the woods...so many things in life to savor...all I wish for is more time in which to enjoy it all.

If wishes were kisses, I'd be a pretty happy gal...

*sigh*

but then, kisses are pretty good too. :)

Blessings from cingspots

Life in the day

I had no idea what to title this post. I changed it several times. But, it's not about anything really...just life. When we wake up each morning, we never really know what's going to take place. Could be monumental; could be incidental; could be exciting, or boring...but regardless of the day - life just happens...every single day...to each one of us. Opportunities abound, shit just happens. Most of the time I feel like I'm just along for the ride. I'm definitely not in control of anything; and on those rare days when I think I've got it all covered...it's all cool...tomorrow happens and shoves me right back in my place.

I just keep getting back up, and trying to keep moving forward. Ray Hunt told me once that "the energy's gotta go someplace...best to direct it forward, if you can". He really was a wise man, and definitely not just about horses.

You probably can't tell, but I'm an emotional mess today. Oh sure, I'm at work and functioning just fine. I could almost do this in my sleep. I'm good at it. The smile is there and I'm putting one foot in front of the other. Answering all the questions, helping out wherever I can...autopilot on. "check"

I watched a very well-made documentary film on OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) last night. To say it was disturbing is more than just an understatement. I wish every single person in the United States could watch this film. We all NEED to watch this film. We should. It's called "Food Inc." It's available for purchase online if anyone's interested. I wouldn't recommend viewing it with the kiddies...or before dinner...it just might ruin your appetite. But, nevertheless...you should watch it. Very enlightening stuff.

So, anyway I was out and about on our property the other day and shot a few pictures of the critters. Spring has sprung in all its' glory, and our little piece of reality is a very pretty place right now. The horses are shedding their winter woolies, enjoying their rolls in the mud and eating everything in sight. Life is always grand for the dogs...they spend their time playing, sleeping and begging. Hey, what's not to enjoy? Nellie's been growing leaps and bounds, and has outgrown her first baby collar. I don't think she'll be as big as Annie, but that's just fine. She idolizes Annie and that's okay too. She couldn't possibly have a more perfect mentor.

Ladde with spooky glowing eyes. :) He's as fat as a tick. I need to get started on his conditioning sooner, rather than later. Their shoes go on in early May, and I am more than ready to hit the trails. I cannot wait!

Harley horse. He sure doesn't have the look of a blind horse does he?

He still has some vision. This is his good eye, but there's a little vision in both. I am anxious to get him back out in the woods too. I'm still working on wrapping my mind around the fact that my best trailhorse is nearly blind, but we will work through it together. He trust me and that's what counts.

The infamous cushioned post that was probably instrumental in causing trauma to his left eye. He and Ladde were always playing "face wars" around this post and on several occasions, Harley's eye took direct hits. Aaah...hindsight.

Sorry for the dirty lens...the dogs at frantic play. The term, "whirling dervish" comes to mind. :)

Little Miss "Frosted Siri L" - she has always been so very opinionated. Hmmph!! I bet she wouldn't have been so incredibly rude, had she known she had grass stuck between her teeth!!

The perfect little angel horse...Kadie. THE best mountain horse - EVER!!! How I love this horse!!! She's 24 years old this year. Don't you just wish you could turn back the hands of time?

I sure do...

"The girls" My beautiful dogs and bestest friends anybody could wish for - Annie and Nellie.

Nellie adores Annie. And, I'm pretty sure you'd never get her to admit it; but...Annie's pretty fond of little Nells Bells too. And, that's a very good thing!

Life's pure pleasure for these two!

What a good pup!! She has been the easiest puppy I can ever remember training. She's a very smart little girl. She's about 6-1/2 months old now. She's gonna have a fun summer...I see swimming and camping and a whole bunch of new adventures in store for this little gal!

Sorry for the blurry pictures. Our neighbors finally burned down the big, old, red barn. It was a sad day, but I guess it needed to happen. Nothing lasts forever in this life.

Annie does not dislike cats. However, most of the time I think she would just appreciate them all leaving her alone. But, you know how that goes...they all love her! :) We all do!! *sigh* Whatever is a girl to do?

This is "Princess". I know, it's a ridiculous name, but I've always named the animals whatever pops into my head. What can I say? She's a princess!! Just look at those beautiful, blue eyes!!

Our shaggy little old lady of the herd. Siri is 28 years old now. She's actually shed out since I took this picture and is looking amazingly good for a mature woman of her years. You'd never guess her age if you saw her! Good genes.

This is Harley and Shad - not a great picture, but it does show how wet and muddy our pastures have been. They've dried out some since this was taken, and we're eternally grateful for that. But, spring in Oregon you never know what to expect!

Nellie, crazy puppy!!!!!

The seasonal creek near our house is a source of great joy for our dogs...however, there have been times when it's been a source of great distress for us - in the form of very muddy, swampy-smelling canines. Oh, the ups and downs of living in the country!!

Until next time, blessings everyone! May you enjoy peace and joy this spring!

Cingspots...over and out!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

...or, as it's been more appropriately termed..."All Fool's Day". :) To me, this somehow includes all of humankind and is much more politically correct. Wouldn't you agree?

Shame on me...sorry, couldn't resist!

Anyway, thought I'd better drop in here and chat for a bit. My last posting has been a couple of weeks or so ago. I know...I'm not doing very well here lately. I do, however read my favorites a lot more often than I've been updating my own blog. I love reading about what all my wonderful blog buddies are doing.

Seems lately my life has been in a bit of a standstill for some reason. I get up each morning and greet the day, head off to the clinic and put in my time there, come home and along with my hubby, take care of the horses and the cats, then head inside for a quick dinner. "yawn" See what I mean? Boring, huh? Since the news about Harley, seems like my energy level has dipped to an alltime low. I know it's a bit of depression hitting me, and I will overcome, but it's there all the same. I've actually been feeling more tired than depressed. For a while there, I was walking several times a week, had started swimming with a friend, well I did once anyway... :) , with hopes of doing it at least twice weekly, and riding twice weekly. For the last month, I've hunkered down and done a bunch of nothing, or at least it feels that way.

The rain certainly doesn't help. It's been raining torrents lately...lake backyardy is looking like a great hangout for the local duck and goose population...sigh...it's spring, or at least the calendar says so, however our weather since spring has sprung, is far worse than most of our winter was. Sound like I'm complaining? Uh-huh, I am. I am so sick of rain!!!!! And mud, and grey!!!! I want to go lay in the sun and feel the warmth deep inside my bones, and get a sunburn. Yeah, soak up a lot of sun and wear summer clothes and complain about how hot I am...and fan myself like a true Southern Belle. Not some wrinkly old prune drowning in all this dreary Oregon rain!!!!

Okay, that feels better! Just need to vent a little and get it all out. Like a big, loud belch! Admit it - it feels good sometimes.

Thanks for listening...

Blessings ya'll

Cingspots, over and out!

Oh, just thought of something. Quick update on my Harley horse. Last week, I took a day off work and took Harley to an ophthamologist for a thorough eye exam. Diagnosis is chronic uveitis (cause unknown), secondary cataracts in both eyes and mild to moderate glaucoma in both eyes. There is still some vision in both eyes, but not much in his left, more in his right. In human terms, he would be declared legally blind. He sees shapes, shadows and changes in light, but no distinction. This has probably been coming on for possibly several, if not many, years...at least he's had time to adjust. For which, I am eternally thankful. Me, however...I'm still trying to get used to the idea. Blindness would suck. But Harley's so much more resilient than I will probably ever be. I am thankful that he trusts me so much. In fact, I feel honored that he trusts me. I love my wonderful, gorgeous Harley horse!! I just pray that I don't let him down. I hope to ride him again on Sunday, for the first time since finding out about his vision. I will be both our eyes, and we'll be fine.