And....we're off

Already a week into the new year, and time is swiftly moving along.  Up until today, we've been having spectacular weather.  Mild, comfortable temps by day, chilly overnight lows and frosty mornings giving way to blue skies and sunshine.  What could be better?  Today though, we're back to what we locals here in the Willamette Valley call, "normal".  Uh-huh...grey skies and light rain.  But I simply cannot complain!  We've been watching the evening news and the weather over much of our country is catastrophically frigid...bone-chilling and dangerously cold.  Once again, I consider ourselves quite fortunate in the weather department.  Besides, we need some rain and our mountains are in dire need of some snow.  And when it snows here in the valley, that means snow in the mountains.  Good news for the skiers and for some much-needed moisture come summer.

I've been making some plans for this year.  Things I'm hoping to accomplish, progress to be made in other areas and growth in personal areas.  I'd like to become more physically active, maybe take a class of some kind to get in better shape.  I'm thinking maybe once or twice a week in the evenings throughout the winter and early spring.  Some kind of dance or yoga is of interest to me, movement with fun.

I'd like for my husband and I to get our "affairs" in order.  We've discussed this subject several times, and have some vague ideas, but we really need to put our wishes on paper in the form of a will.  Among the hardest of decisions would be to decide whom to place in charge of the care-taking of our horses.  That's a big responsibility and one we don't take lightly.  Not to mention the importance of who gets what, if one of us, or both of us, should die.  These are important things to consider, and of vital importance to have in place before an unexpected situation arises.  I've learned this from experience.  When you choose to do nothing, your worst fears are usually realized.

I'd like to purchase some life insurance.  I need to get educated about this, because I have no experience whatsoever.  Again, something I'd rather not have to think about, but I'd rather have a safety net, just in case.

The one resolution that I made last year was to get involved in a Bible study group.  I didn't do it, but still have the desire to get together with a small group and learn.

I'm hoping to continue (and finish) the living room remodel project we've recently started.  New paint, new trim boards, new flooring and new curtains.  When that is done, then I want to get a big area rug and a new cushy chair.  A big, cushy chair...for me.  :)  I just got a new floor lamp today.  I'm so impatient, I already have the flooring picked out, and I saw some area rugs at Costco recently that are gorgeous!!  I want to go buy one right now so they don't run out!!  No one has ever accused me of being patient ...

Our neighbor's llama - isn't she bautiful?

What else???  You see, I've already used up a big ole chunk of this year and it's barely begun.  :)  Of course I'm hoping to do a lot more riding this year.  The last several have not been big riding years for me, and it sucks.  I'm a happier person when I'm with my horses, and I'm a better person for having spent quality time in the company of a horse.  'Nuff said.

Last weekend the pooches and I ventured out in the field for a walk.  It was too nice of a day to stay inside and clean the house.  I did do some cleaning, changed my linens on our bed and did laundry.  And of course I made dinner and kept the home fires burning.  These things happen every day, pretty much.  We went to our first riding club meeting of the year and made plans for some camp-outs.  We went to church.

Life goes on...

I hope that each and every one has a chance to get outside, and have a look at the beauty in your neighborhood...you never know what you might find.

Or who might be watching you!