A time of reflection, and moving ahead

Another new year has begun.  A brand new and clean slate for us to begin again, or at least continue onward.  Yes, onward and upward with faith, trust, courage and hope.  So many possibilities...

But first, before I dive head first into the new year, I want to take a few minutes to pause and reflect on the year we're waving good-bye to.  As are most years in my life, this one had its' ups and its' downs.  The good, with the bad.  But overall, I feel like it was a calm, gentle year with no real hits of drama.  We've fared pretty well.

My husband retired.  He still works part time, but officially he is retired.  That was a far more worrisome thought than it has turned out, in reality to be.  For that, I am thankful.

My niece had a baby girl born on my birthday.  I've still not seen her because shortly after her birth, mother and her "boyfriend" took the baby and began to live their lives on the run.  I pray for their safety and wellness without fail.  I have hope and faith, that God will watch over them, and especially to keep that baby safe.

Little Miss Sugar, Lil Miss, Missy as we usually call her, came into our lives.  We are so thankful that we got her.  And Ladde; well, he's finally gotten that partner in life, his soul-mate that I know in my heart, he's always wanted.  They're happy together, and that makes me happy.  She's a fun little horse to ride too, and she allows me to continue with patience where Eagle is concerned. I'm hopeful that I'll have enough faith in not only myself, but trust in him as well, to start riding him this year.

Bountiful Baskets.  The fresh fruits and vegetables that we get every other week.  By choosing to do this, we began a healthier way of incorporating fresh produce into our diets every day.  I've lost about 25 lbs, give or take up to now.  I'm hopeful to continue this trend.

I did manage to muster enough courage to sit on Eagle.  I'm not sure why, but it took all my resolve to accomplish this, and I'm choosing to have faith that I will keep working towards a beautiful, trusting partnership with this amazing horse.  God willing and the creek don't rise, as my grandma used to say...

Weather-wise, 2013 was spectacular.  We had a much drier weather pattern overall, we had some rain, a mild and beautiful spring, a long and fairly mild summer, with a few hot days thrown in for good measure, one of the best-ever falls on record, and a cold snap entry into winter.  A little rain, a little sunshine, a little snow and a lot of fog.  I couldn't have asked for anything more.

In March, Harley suffered a corneal abrasion that eventually ruptured; and completed his journey into complete darkness.  He's doing alright, remains active within our herd, and leads a happy and content life with the help of our old girl, Kadie.  If it weren't for Shad and Kadie's companionship, things would be much different.  We take it one day at a time, and pray for his safety every single day.

Ladde turned 17 years old.  Wow, what can I say?  I will never forget the day he came into my life, and have been giving thanks and singing his praises ever since.  Love that horse!!

Harley turned 16 years old in April.  Again, this is another one of life's events that will be firmly engraved upon my memory forever.  He was then, and continues to be, a blessing and a joy.  My Spunky.

We sold our big horse trailer.  This allowed us to pay off some debt, refinance our home, save lots of money and do some much-needed remodeling work in our home.  We got new floors, new paint, new counter tops, a new sink and new curtains in our laundry room, entryway and kitchen.  We're loving it!  Oh, and a new front door too!

I took Eagle to several clinics throughout the spring and summer.  It was invaluable to both of us.  And, we had fun!

We took several trips to the beach, two of which we stayed several days and relaxed.  We went horse camping a couple of times and enjoyed riding in the mountains, and time spent with good friends.  We watched fireworks with my family, watched a couple of local parades, went to the State Fair and went on a camping trip with my family.  We spent more time than we ever have, with my brother and sister in law, Steve and Kris.  They continue to be appreciated for so many things they do with, and for us.

We got a small swimming pool for our backyard, which we enjoyed immensely!  I had a small vegetable garden, canned peaches, made applesauce, and stored a lot of firewood.  We worked hard, but had a lot of outings as well.  Over the summer, we went to our local drive-in, rode our horses and even took a trip to Perrydale Trails.

As fall rolled around we put a quarter of a beef into our freezer, stored up supplies for the winter and started on a re-do of our living room.  We got new paint and have plans for new flooring, trim boards and curtains.  We're still (slowly) working on this latest home redecorating project...but we'll prevail.

Thanksgiving was a quiet holiday spent at home, with dinner just the two of us.  We did some work, and relaxed our days away.

A week before Christmas, our dear old friend, Merlin died.  It's just not the same without him wandering around.  I still find myself starting outside, after the horses are in, to see where he's at, and bring him in for the night...we miss him.  Smelly old guy.

We ended the year with a quiet, relaxing Christmas Eve with my family and then a peaceful day at home together, watching old movies and snacking.  New Years Eve, we had a quick meal out and then went to see The Hobbit at our local theater.  And then the first day of the new year, we again spent at home together, kept the home fires burning and spent some time grooming the horses.  I made a pot of bean soup and corn bread for dinner.  And then early to bed for a good start on the next day.

Time does have a way of marching on, doesn't it?

I have plans, hopes and dreams for the new year, but I've never been one to make resolutions.  Lord knows, I'd never stick to them, if I thought I had to.  I've always been rebellious and stubborn about things like that.  So, we'll just keep on, keeping on.  Taking one day at a time and handling everything as it comes, the best way that we can.

And as always, trying to follow the plan that our Lord has laid out for us.  We'll try to enjoy this life, and show respect, love, kindness and generosity to everyone we meet along the way.  And within my own heart, I'm choosing to live with hope, faith, trust and courage.  And as always, in everything, be thankful.

Blessings to you all, in this new year.

The year of the Horse!