Nostalgic

I have been feeling nostalgic, quite a bit lately.  Even though my days are good now, I miss the good old days.  I have had so many great and marvelous experiences, been blessed with wonderful family and friends, and had the affections and fun with so many wonderful pets.

I am still really missing my sweet cat Stevie, and I think reflecting back on life with her, gets me remembering and looking back on so many other great pets I've had.  Also, long rides on Amiga are now a thing of the past.
And, having recently spent time with college roommates from 50 years ago, and then Jim and Debbie who we did life with during our ?? years in the Danville area, where all three of our children were born; just keeps the sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, prevailing in my thoughts.
So many of my past experiences are well worth repeating.

Monday 11/11 - Happy Veteran's Day!  Here is a great song by Toby Keith to honor and thank our veterans, (American Soldier). 







I made a quick trip to the ranch to let horses out.  The overnighters were still there.  Look at this giant rig (seen from the chicken coop) that they were using to help move their daughter and her horse. 



Here is her horse in the coral and you can see their horse/camper trailer in the background.  Two of the travelers slept in the ranch house and one in their trailer with their two big dogs. 

Anyway, once back home, I worked hard at last week's blog, having difficulties with photo placement again.  I realized I wasn’t going to get it done or posted today so quit and went out to the ranch to horse around. 

I got Amiga from the backfield along with some manure from the very old manure pile way out in the back pasture, to send as kind of a joke to Jim and Debbie.

Amiga looking at Banner, Cowboy, and Zorro. 

I had a great little ride on Amiga.  I especially like the trail through the woods (video) although it is impossible to see all the roots and little stumps because of so many leaves.

I rode Amiga around the barn yard and up the drive once back from the trail.  On the way back to the barn, we saw Wanda in the neighbor's woods along the drive, up rather near our garage.  We like her to stay closer to the barn. 

I stuck Amiga in the round pen while I went up to the ranch house to collect trash and guest sheets and towels to take home to wash.  Then I brought Rico back down with me and tied him in the barn with Amiga.  I proceeded to do grooming and other cleaning and hoof care on both of them.

Once both my horses were tidy, I put Rico in the round pen to see how he would behave and immediately he started coming undone.  Amiga was standing very calmly in the barn but I could tell that Dorado was still running the fence line in the upper paddock. 

Rico seem to calm somewhat, when I went and talked with him and tried to sooth him (video).
It was past feeding time so I took Rico back up to let him and Dorado cool down.  I closed the chicken coop and went back down to muck and feed the horses in the lower paddock.  By now Betty had come, and it was getting quite late.  Betty ended up feeding the two boys and I got up there just as dark was descending, and they were finishing their dinner.

Joe and I watch Survivor to finish off the evening. 

Tuesday 11/12 - I got my blog done and the two loads of sheets and towels from the Ranch house started before heading to the gym.  Oh, I also mailed a package off to Jim and Debbie, which included some horse manure, chicken poo and Debbie's yeti water bottle she had accidentally left at the condo. 

Mama Styx really likes to cuddle, especially with it feeling colder in the house. 

I had to push myself to get through my usual workout.  I ate lunch on the road to the ranch.

Betty and I took our two boys on a six mile trail ride.  Slowly I am getting Rico conditioned to go many more miles.  Also, we are getting much more used to each other.  I was feeling really good about his responsiveness out on the trail today.  And even his two little spooks weren't bad. 






We noticed a bunch of smoke upon our return.  Karen was in the process of feeding.  While our boys cooled off some in the side pasture, we ladies chitchatted and decided to put the two boys on the front pasture because the smoke was so bad.  The idiot neighbor behind Jem was doing a 'controlled' burn that seemed out of control.

Wednesday 11/13 - I went to the ranch for morning chores a little later than usual because I was going to stay until our planned ride.  The two boys had spent the night out in the front pasture and were down by the corral when I pulled in down by the barn.  









The two boys trotted over to the back gate where I was opening the adjoining gate to let the other group of four horses out on the back pasture.  And then all six horses started racing around (video).


Saving mucking the lower paddock for later, I went up the hill to muck the upper paddock, open the chicken coop, and then tend to the ranch house.  I put clean sheets on the beds and stowed the towels.  The farrier arrived earlier than I anticipated, so I went down to help Bonnie out, and get Rico and Dorado in the corral. 












The three Pasos will be shod and trimmed in ten days, so Chris was finished in under an hour.  With time to kill, I worked on mucking, and Betty helped me.  Then I started raking leaves to get them out of the lower paddock. 

Karen arrived and we were on the trail in no time.  Karen and Zorro went a little over two miles with us, and then turned for home while Betty and I continued onward, completing a total of six miles today.

These previous three photos were taken at the same stop under the power lines.  Betty was looking down on me with Wildwood way off in the distance.  And I was looking up towards Betty, with our ranch way up past her.  



I didn't get home until 2:30, having left for the ranch at 7:30 this morning, that was a long day.  The first order of business was to grab some lunch.  Then I went out to work on the three leaf piles Joe had blown together.

After five trips across the creek with the king size sheet full of leaves, I took a break on the bench with Rose.  I couldn't get a good selfie with her. 

I did six more trips with leaves but ran out of daylight and had to quit with a third large pile still left.  I was out of energy anyways.  And once it's dark, I'm just done for the day.
Can you see Rose near the upper right hand corner of the photo?  She was staking out a chipmunk hole.

Thursday 11/14 - This is the first I have seen a cat (Monita) in this cat bed that Stevie frequented.  It's nice but sad to remember.  Gosh, how can one sweet soul leave such a void?

We had gotten a tad over an inch of rain overnight and it remained a cold, windy, damp, overcast day; all day.  The gym was the only place I went, which occurred from 2-4:30. 


The only other photos I have for today are ones from these two (videos) Betty sent, along with some photos when she was doing chores.


Betty and I wondered if Rico was tired from the extra mileage the day before, or maybe from a rough night out in the wind and rain.  He did have access to the sheds though. 


Rico is a lot like Zorro, in that he is 'in your pocket' curious, and mouthy... lipping everything he encounters, but never biting. 



These two boys really like each other and get along very well... almost too well.  They have become quite buddy sour right off the bat.


 

The two could be a comedy act. 




I wished I'd been more productive at home.  I struggled with things here at my computer for too long.  I did wash and stow away our cotton sheets and put flannel sheets on our bed with an added heavy blanket. 








Once home from the gym, I scrambled to feed the cats and dog, change clothes, and go to the Center for the FG Board of Director's budget meeting.  There were a number of us disgruntled Wildwood supporters who wanted to show our disapproval and distrust of the board's financial decisions.  

I had a late dinner of popcorn and beer (with some almonds for nutrition) while watching Survivor with Joe.

Friday 11/15 - Something about theses overcast, gloomy days make me ponder more, rather than get moving to seize the day.  I tend to be more sentimental.  Sitting here at my computer, I realized that eleven years ago today, with horse trailer loaded with Amiga and big house plants, and the car and SUV with golden retriever Kaysha, and our house cat Abbey, we left for our two day drive to TN. 




Flipping (well actually clicking or scrolling) through photos from back then, struck up wonderful memories and sure made me nostalgic.  We drove almost five hours and stopped at a campground in Shawnee National Forest.  A nice long hike on an equestrian trail helped all of us to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. 



We 'set up camp' in a little cabin and Abbey got to stretch her legs also.  The following day we drove almost another five hours and arrived at Wildwood Stables, where Amiga and I made many friends over the years. 






This photo was taken late afternoon on 11/16/2013.  Jean, Jan, Judy, and Shirley are all very good friends.  Sadly, the stables are being shut down by our board on December 31st.  I never would have moved here if it hadn't been for Wildwood.  I hold so many wonderful memories of my times there with Amiga and all the saddle sisters (and brothers) I had.

Even though the FFG board of directors was devious, deceitful and dishonest, it is evident that they are NOT going to change their minds about closing Wildwood Stables.  Such a shame and a loss.

Abbey and Kaysha have since passed from life here on earth.  I grieved their loss at the time but have moved on and filled the void with another dog and several cats.



My day included a long shopping trip to town, going to seven different stores.  I then went straight to the ranch to do feeding chores, but first worked with Rico down by the shop where I will be doing a trailer loading lesson Monday.  He has no clue how to lounge, and I'm not sure how to teach him, but we did accomplish some ground-work things.

After dinner, Joe and I started a new James Patterson, Alex Cross mini series on TV.

Around the holidays, we tend to remember days gone by.  I often get filled with a nostalgic longing for the past, for long-gone moments and happy memories with loved ones.  Oh, to be able to go back in time and relive the wonderful experiences, how sweet that would be.

Like Old Times

The past five days were spent vacationing with Jim and Debbie, and in route to (and from) The Links Golf & Racquet Club in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Our visit felt the same way that it does every time we get together, like old times. 


I love that when we get together with Jim and Debbie, we just pick up where we left off after our last visit.  It is wonderful that we can easily reconnect after a period of time, as if no time has passed.

 
Wednesday  11/6 - I was at the ranch at 5:30 to do a quick job of the chores.  I put the four horses on the front pasture because Dorado was going to be gone for the day, and I wanted Rico to be able to see his neighboring horses. 

Back home before 7am, we finished packing up the SUV and were on the road by 7:30.  Leaving Fairfield Glade, I noticed the new sign at the corner of Westchester and Chestnut Hill, no longer contained 'Wildwood Stables.'  Wow, that didn't take them long to change. 





Our drive took nine hours and included three stops.  Lunch was at Subway. 

It was dark when we arrived at The Links Golf & Racquet Club in North Myrtle Beach.





Libations were enjoyed as we unwound, got settled in, and chatted with Jim and Debbie. 

We had dinner at the Calabash Seafood Buffet.  There was plenty of non-seafood eatable stuff and I ended up overeating.

We played a card game called Play Nine until late for me.  It was 10:30 by the time I climbed into bed.

Thursday 11/7 - We were all up early planning to golf at a 7:15 tee-time, but it was drizzling and it was predicted (at a 90% chance) to rain mid morning.  So we opted to wait and play Friday.  Betty sent this photo of both 'the boys' together in the small shed.  She said Dorado had a sleepover.  LOL  I really enjoy Betty, it's just like old times when we were both at Wildwood, and rode together.


I can't get the photo to move up into this space and am not going to waste anymore time trying!

We spent the morning playing bridge and then went to burn off some energy at the gym and pool and sit in the hot tub and sun.  It was overcast, but actually quite nice out.  Some cornhole was also played while out at poolside.

This stupid Blogger program is not cooperating, and giving me fits!

After showers, naps, and kibitzing we went to Barefoot Marina for a paddlewheel (Barefoot Queen Riverboat) dinner cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway. 

These two are such a lovely couple and so fun to vacation with.

It was overcast, and a tad damp from the rain (which had stopped) but a lovely evening for a boat ride.



Blogger is doing it again! 😠

They sat us for dinner as we boarded the boat and we started our meal once the vessel got underway. 










The food was not fantastic, but we enjoyed the meal and the entertainer who serenaded us, karaoke style and he also told stories, with fascinating facts of the Waterway’s rich history. 




We went out on deck to look at the scenery and watch the sun set.  Our MC pointed out several ritzy homes owned by famous people. 



Behind Jim and Debbie in this photo, you can see an example of one of many stunning million-dollar homes that lined the coast. 









For some reason, no sunset photos were taken.  I might have been in the dinning area, dancing with a few other girls. 

We were done and home from the cruise and in our pajamas by 7:00.  Some more cutthroat bridge was played until almost 11pm.  I did not enjoy myself because of the horrible hands I was getting.  I couldn't even help Joe.  This is an example of one of my hands. 
 

Friday 11/8 - We were up and out the door before seven to golf at a nearby course.  Heavy dew was still on the grass when we got started.  I did not play every hole and only usually hit four shots per hole, and still managed to wear myself out before we were done with 18.  But I had a great time being out with Jim, Debbie and Joe. 









It was a beautiful day and I was enjoying the weather, the sunshine and blue skies. I also saw a ton of wildlife out on the course. 

There were many very unusual looking squirrels. 
They all had white noses or faces. 








And also varying amounts of black on them. 

I was concerned that the big hawk seen in the photo below, had an injured wing because it was hopping around.

But after observing it for a while, I decided it was just picking up leftovers from whatever it had been eating when we had ridden up in our golf cart and interrupted it. 

Oh and yes, there was some Birdy juice (Fireball) drank, after Joe's first birdy and even when Joe didn’t get a birdie.  LOL

We finished on the golf course in 3½ hours.  Home for an early lunch, we then spent the rest of the afternoon sitting around the pool.  The sunshine was wonderful.  I think we each also took a little nap even. 

We drove out to the coast and hit Myrtle Beach for a walk as the sun got lower in the sky. 





Debbie took all of these wonderful beach shots because I had left my phone in the truck.





The sun was warm, the surf cold, and the wind just right. 

Unfortunately, with Deb being the photographer, she wasn't in any of the photos. 
















The 'boys'.
















Goodbye Myrtle Beach. 














After getting the sand off our shoes and feet, we clambered back in the truck.

It had gotten dark and was time for dinner, so we went to Outback Steakhouse.  We all enjoyed a tasty meal. 

And then if that wasn’t enough food, we decided to stop in for ice cream at Mermaid Dream Ice Cream. 


It was a fun place with a putt-putt coarse that looked challenging and fun.  But we opted to just eat ice cream. 

 

 

Oh my did I really overdo it then, when I ordered this one (large) scoop on a large double chocolate waffle cone.  It was so good.  I ate the whole thing.

It was pretty late by the time we got home.  We had had a big busy day, and none of us were really motivated to get a bridge game started up.  It was nice just to lounge around and chat.  Actually, I hit the hay earlier than the rest and read for just a tad bit before falling asleep.

Saturday 11/9 - we had nowhere to be at any certain time so had a leisurely morning.
Patty sent this photo of Maggie, lounging with her donkey head toy, one of her favorites. 

Patty also sent this photo.  It was overcast and dreary out at the ranch.

Eventually we headed for Calabash, to do some art and antique shopping.  We ended up in some thrift stores waiting for some art shops to open, and I was actually the only one to make a purchase all morning.  All of $5 worth of a few little trinkets. 





I had wanted to go to Lakewood Camping Resort located on a section of Myrtle Beach where they were doing the 43rd annual American Heart Association Beach Ride.  Betty had done this several years ago and wants me to join her next year.  So I wanted to check it out, and see a bunch of pretty horses on the beach. 

 

 

Unfortunately, the grounds were closed to the public due to 'the inherent dangers of being around horses.'  So I had to drop that idea.

We ended up back at the condo for a late lunch and more pool time.  I was too full to workout at the gym, but did swim some laps after a nap in the sun. 

 


Sitting on the swing just outside our condo.

We had decided to order out food from Domino's Pizza and got salads and pizza, eating dinner in our loungers.

Then we struck up some more bridge, playing three rubbers.  We paired up with each of the three others of us.  I'm not sure who the winner was, but Jim was (without a doubt) the looser.  He just couldn't get any cards ALL NIGHT long.  I felt bad for him.

 




I had some decent hands, a few really good ones, and some that weren't worth looking at.  This was one of my worst hands and one of my best.  I did my packing of bags whenever I was the 'dummy.'

Sunday 11/10 - Jim and Debbie were already gone by the time Joe and I got up at 6:30.  I only had one cup of tea because we spent little time sitting around and were on the road by 7am.  For some reason, Joe's GPS took us a different route home, driving through Hot Springs, NC. 

I took this photo out the window.  We saw lots of damage and debris still, six weeks after this town was hit. 

I was not happy riding on the winding, hilly roads the stupid GPS had selected for us, and was so glad to get to TN. 

Even in TN we were still in the mountains and along a once flooded river, as seen in this last photo. 

It had been over an eight hour car ride with only two quick stops at a gas station and rest area.  I was so glad to be home, safe and relatively sound.  Although that kind of driving leaves me on edge and stresses me out.  It was only 3pm, but I was done for the day. 

Well, I did unpack and do two loads of laundry and also ran to the grocery for items we were out of. 

Joe had to meet an overnighter at the ranch and got home at 8:30, just as I was turning out the lights.