Valentine's Day and Broken Promises

Well it's Valentine's Day and the sun even came out today for a lovely visit. Today was the day I had promised to turn Ladde out in the pasture with his herdmates...and I did for a very short time.

I fed everybody their breakfast and after a couple of hours, went out and led Ladde out into the pasture where all the horses were hanging out. The sun was out and every belly was full and all were looking kind of dozey. Things looked promising, until I turned Ladde loose...at first he was a good boy and went to finish off the scraps from breakfast (always thinking of the belly first is a common thing), but then it was like all of a sudden he realized, Hey!! I'm loose and I'm out here in the big pasture with everybody!!! WHAT AM I DOING EATING??? So, he arches his neck, drops his head and humps up his back and does the colt buck in place move (too cute with such a big boy!) and lets her rip!!! He got everybody wound up and they all started bucking and running and slipping and sliding and that's all I could take. I had to intervene. We had too much at stake here, with the expense of the shockwave treatments and all the time spent in confinement and all...there was no way I wanted to risk it all for releasing him too soon.

So out I come with halter in hand...and at first he looks at me like - I don't think so...you promised!! You know that look. He wandered away from me, but then stopped and turned around to face me and dropped his head in resignment. Poor baby!! I felt so bad for him, but it is so muddy and slick out in our pasture that even I was slipping just walking back to the barn. Sorry dude, not today; not after all we've been through to get you sound again. Sorry charlie and all that. I'm the bad guy but life's a bitch and then you die.

We got almost all the way back to the barn and I sensed a change in his attitude. So, I stop and tell him to forget about it, just be a good boy, before long the footing will improve and you can go out, blah blah blah...you know how it goes...and on we head towards the barn.

But Laddmonster had other plans ticking away in his little pea brain. All of a sudden, he does his very best at spooking, run up ahead of me and spin and face me trick!!! I yell at him and give the rope a good snap and tell him to "Knock it off!!". We resume our journey to the barn - Ladde head down and all the life sucked completely out of him. Poor guy. I felt so sorry for him. So, I let him go out in the corral and I returned out to the pasture and brought back Harley for his prison buddy. Mean old me!!! A few alfalfa cubes helped a little...but he's still disappointed, I can tell. *sigh*

Sometimes it's so hard being the bad guy. But I had a bad feeling about that pasture today and I gotta trust my gut. Drier days are a-comin'. But right now I'm feeling bad because my horse is very droopy and feels like the perverbial carrot has been dangled in front of his nose and yanked away just when he was about to bite.

Poor baby. I think I'll beg for his forgiveness in the form of treats. Isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about anyway?? Giving goodies and love noogies to the ones we love? I think it just might work...wish me luck?

How could I ever resist that sweet mug??

Have I ever mentioned just how much I love that horse??

I'm a goner.

A Picture's worth a thousand words...

A day at the beach is always a good day. First, find a quaint little cottage right next to the ocean where you can listen to the roar of the surf whilst you sleep.

Beautiful flowers flourish in the daily mist that the sea provides and the temperate climate soothes and ensures a steady growth.

What a great place to bring your chair and curl up with a good book.

The Pacific Ocean on a peaceful summer's day. Can't you just hear the gulls and the crashing of the waves against those rocks?

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse perched on a jetty of rock overlooking the crashing ocean just below. Completely restored, you can climb the spiral staircase inside and have a look from the very top. It's a lovely view.

The tidepools below harbor a world teaming with life. The day was cool with a stiff breeze coming in from the ocean and the fog never quite receded.

The rock that juts out from the shore is a favorite perch for the marine birds as is evidenced from the mass quanitities of their droppings. See all that white stuff on the top of the big rock? That's not frosting or seafoam...

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to soar through the air like the birds? Oh, the sheer joy and the freedom they must feel would be amazing! Just catch a little current of air and soar above everything!

The beach has always been a place of peace and relaxation for me. A great place to visit and just let your senses go and let your imagination run wild. Feel the spray of the ocean on your face and breath deep...glorious!

And the sensation of the cool water swirling around your feet and the sand disappearing beneath your toes. Heaven!

And just before you head back inside to warm up with your favorite hot mug; one last look over your shoulder at the sun sinking low on the horizon...a smile passes your lips at the farewell of another perfect day...

at the beach.

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

Mid Winter and counting

Monday morning I awakened to a frozen and very foggy world. I saw two minor accidents on the way to work due to the slick streets and once again made my little wish for an early spring. We are now officially past the hump of winter and are on the downhill side heading for spring. I am so looking forward to a new and better season. Winter has gotten officially old and can gracefully bow out. Adios amigo.

The weekend passed ever so quickly and was greatly appreciated by me. I love my free time and cannot express this sentiment enough. My hubby and I went to church Sabbath morning, followed by breakfast out, grocery shopping and then took Annie for a nice, long walk in our favorite park. The weather was absolutely gorgeous!! - Blue skies, warm temperatures and nary a breeze. So very delightful and did it ever feel good!! After our walk we came home and had a nice little nap. What is it about naps that seem so deliciously decadent as an adult and so horribly detested by young children? Hmm, one of those questions to ponder and probably never be answered. Whatever, I love them. Afterwards we woke up just in time to bring the horses in for dinner and a little attention, then back in the house for a light supper and a movie on the television. What a lovely day!

And then Sunday dawns...not exactly the same picturesque story of weather delight. It was cold and very foggy and the temperature was below freezing and it was so very damp and cold. Yeeuck!! It's interesting to me how in mid-February we always seem to have a week or two of beautiful spring-like weather as a teaser, but then reality sets in and winter remains in control for another month, and in many cases two or more. Our horseshoer came and we got all caught up on the equine pedicures once again. Everybody was on especially good behavior and the job was completed without incident. I am so thankful to have well-mannered horses. Each and every horse we have is a perfect gentleman or lady while in hand. We expect near perfection and they almost always comply. After the farrier left, we headed inside to warm up and have some breakfast. Later on we did some major housecleaning and of course, the chores in the barn. I got caught up on all the laundry, which always feels good, but never lasts. I like to think of it as job security - yep, not a snowballs' chance in hell of that ever ending, or the housework. But anyway, it's always nice to feel that sense of accomplishment at having a sparkling clean house - even if it won't last.

This coming weekend will be the first time we turn Ladde back out with the herd. Yippee!! I'm so very happy for my boy. He simply won't know what to do with his newfound freedom and ecstatic joy at returning to the fold of his herdmates. He's been such a good and patient boy during his recovery period after his suspensory injury last November. On Valentine's Day it will be one full month after his third and final shockwave treatment. He has not taken a single lame step since the initial day or two following the incident of his injury. He's quite stoic and must have a very high tolerance for pain. But, I still take this as a good sign - no lameness is good. We plan on wrapping both his front legs for a while for a little extra support. Whether it does anything or not is of no consequence, but it sure can't hurt either. I am always quite nervous about the first few times in the pasture, but will say a prayer for his protection and will place my faith in his good sense to be careful.

In closing, here is one of the very many quotes that I love and wish to share with you.

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring which you have not; but remember that what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for."

Epicurus

Me and the boys on the banks of the Metolius River near Camp Sherman, Oregon.

And below is me and the Laddmonster back in camp.

Don't you think Harley needs to learn to relax when he's camping?? Poor baby!

Thanks ever so much Lisa!!! I am grateful and just as pleased as punch if even once I've made someone smile or laugh.

Fantastic Friday Whimsy

Howdoo everybody!! Welcome to another Friday post and as usual, I have no agenda. However, I did want to touch base and write down some thoughts I've had and also post some cleverly written little tidbits that I have found along the way. They have amused me and hopefully they will brighten your day as well.

I'm feeling better today, after having gotten a good nights' rest and a triple shot latte which I'm still nursing as I write. Yummy!! I have to admit that they are an addiction for me - I love my lattes and actually just coffee in general - as long as it has creamer in it anyway. Okay, so what's new in my life anyway?? Truthfully, not much but I have been looking online for Oahu beach rentals and have found several charming possibilities. One even has its' own private pool in the back yard. Doesn't that sound grand?? And my only criteria for the last four nights in Hawaii is that the cost must be less than $100.00 per night, be within walking distance to the beach and probably a small town where we can purchase groceries and a kitchenette for preparing at least some of our meals. I've heard that everything in Hawaii is very expensive, so that will be one area where we can hopefully save some cash. There are many choices but they are not in hotels. Oh, I can't wait!! I know the time will pass quickly and then the vacation will come and go in the blink of an eye, but I am so excited at the prospect. I have also checked into a day cruise of whale watching, dolphin watching and you even get to swim in the ocean with the dolphins if the crew decides it's not disrespectful to do so at that given moment in time. They also have snorkeling. That sounds like fun to me. I've never swam underwater before, but I'm willing to give this a try. But seeing the dolphins is the most exciting prospect to me. I've always been fascinated with this extraordinary animal and I am hoping that I will be able to get in the water and at least watch them up close and personal and experience them in their world. Other than the day cruise, I would like to take some hikes and of course take lots and lots of pictures and do a fair amount of lounging in the sun on the beach. Aaahh, just sounds lovely to me. So warm and peaceful - can't you just feel the sun on your face right now?? I guess I'm like my dad in the way that he always enjoyed the preparations and the planning for the trip almost as much as he enjoyed the trip itself. So, I'm enjoying this little challenge at the moment and anticipating the pleasures that await us in sunny Hawaii. :)

Here is something that I found on a fellow blogger's site. I have no idea who the author is, but reading it made me smile. Hopefully it will do the same for you:

On the first day, God created the Horse

On the second day, God created man to serve the Horse.

On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth to spook the Horse when man was on his back.

On the fourth day, God created an honest day’s work so that man could labor to pay for the keeping of the Horse.

On the fifth day, God created the grasses in the field so that Horse could eat and man could toil and clean up after the Horse.

On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the Horse healthy and man broke.

On the seventh day, God rested and said “This is good. This will teach man humility. It will tire him out and keep him striving ever forward to meet the needs of the Horse.”

Amen!!

These pictures were all taken from a camping trip to Sheep Springs Horse Camp near Sisters, Oregon a couple of years ago. Me and my trail pony, "Harley".

Spinning Wheels

Do you ever have days on end when you seem to be so busy that you accomplish absolutely nothing? Well, lately that's exactly how I've been feeling. I get up each morning and prepare for my day. Each morning lately it seems that no matter what time I arise, and no matter how swiftly I try to complete my morning routine that I am running behind schedule before I ever leave the house. I arrive late or just in time to work and open the clinic. It's still slow, but business has slowly begun picking back up again (thankfully), but even though there may be no appointments on the book for that day, my boss has been showing up at the clinic and hanging out...and interrupting my day; and he's driving me insane!!! I cannot wait for business to resume so that I can schedule appointments for the day that keep him running. Anyway, I digress - but for whatever reason, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. I seem busy and completely occupied, but at the end of the day I feel like I have accomplished so very little and wonder at just where the time has gone? The weather has been beautiful and warmish in the days and cold and below freezing each night. Just like I like it. Annie and I have been going for our walks and I do my chores each evening and prepare dinner and go to bed. Routine, routine, routine but still I feel like I'm making no headway. I really can't explain it, but in my mind I have all these endless lists of things I want to do and projects I want to be working on, but there just never seems to be enough hours in a day and my energy is never quite enough. I am tired and so help me, if I hear my boss's voice much more, I just might crack! Seriously, he's driving me nuts and I feel like I'm gonna blow...and it won't be pretty. I haven't even posted anything here for almost a week.

I'm not sleeping well lately and I'm very irritable. I have absolutely no reason to feel angry lately but that's exactly how I'm feeling. Very angry, and I have no idea why.

I read this on one of the blogs that I follow recently and somehow it seems appropriate for my frame of mind.

All animals except man know that the ultimate of life is to enjoy it.

Samuel Butler

What is my problem?

On a better note, Ladde is doing very well and will be able to go out in the pasture with his herdmates very soon. Maybe in a week or so. My hubby suggested that we wrap his legs with a support bandage for a while in case he gets a little over zealous at his newfound freedom. Probably not a bad idea. Hopefully he will keep his head and remain a calm and steadfast fellow. It's always with trepidation and a little bit of fear when we first turn him back out in the big pasture after such a long period of confinement and expensive therapy. I am hoping and praying for continued soundness.

I am so happy for him that his days of prison are soon to come to an end. He's been such a good boy and has accepted his fate with resignment and good cheer (at least for the most part). Bless his pea-pickin' little heart.

These last two pictures were taken a couple of years ago during a campout at Sheep Springs Horse Camp near Sisters, Oregon. Good memories and warm June days. They sure do look good right about now.

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??