Get Set, Go!

It is not easy to plan and prepare for an eleven day get-away.  There is so much to do, and I am not a fan of all the tasks to carry out.  I don't even like to travel.  But I love visiting friends, seeing new places, and going on a cruise.  


This week we were flying to Florida to visit/hang out with/and engage in fun and games with Jim and Debbie.  

Then, to start out next week, the four of us will be boarding a cruise ship for lots of fun and games.  It is a Poker Cruise but will be stopping at four destinations.

 

Saturday 1/17 -  One of the first things to do to get ready to go, was to get the travel laptop working better.  I had handed it off to Joe, and he ended up having the 'computer guy' come look at it, and get it working faster.  I then copied some files to it.  Joe also installed Windows 11 on my large desk laptop since Windows 10 is no longer being supported.  Thankfully, it was a fairly easy switch.

I started selecting and collecting 'outfits' and washed some of  the clothes to be packed that have been hanging in the closet, unused for at least a year.

I made a section in my closet, of clothes ready to go in the suitcase.  I also used the kitchen counter to go through all my travel toiletries and daily pills (mostly supplements) to separate into my carry on and my suitcase.  My carry on always has essential prescribed medications for the trip and a day's worth of necessities in case my suitcase should ever 'get lost' like it has before.

I have been doing a lot of reading during the day, to finish this James Patterson book so I can take just the new one on our trip.  I am nearing the end and it has become an even more compelling page turner.  

My workout at the gym went longer than planned, until almost their 4:00 closing time.  I went to Patty's on the way home from the gym to get her suitcase.  It is the perfect size, so I am borrowing it.  We sat and chatted for awhile so I could fill her in on several little details about Maggie and the ranch, since Patty will be in charge while we are away.

I was too sleepy to make much more progress on my book at bed time.

Sunday 1/18 - It was a cold, crisp morning so Shirley and I chatted at 'our' pew after church, rather than in the parking lot where we usually stand and chit chat.

I did chores at the ranch today because Bonnie is covering for me on Tuesday.  This is Tracy, a lady I met at the gym.  She is looking for horse property, so after coming out to meet our horses while I did chores, we went and looked at some prospects.  One had this cute little barn.

Just before dinner, Joe and I Face-timed with Britney and Juan Carlos.  It was his 54th birthday today.

Monday 1/19 - Today, the third Monday in January, is called Blue Monday.  Supposedly it is the most depressing day of the year; factoring in cold weather, post-holiday debt, and failed resolutions; but it's largely a marketing concept used by travel companies for PR.  However, it does tap into genuine winter blues feelings.  I must admit, knowing we are heading to warm Caribbean weather soon, does help get me through the cold days.  And when we return, it will be closer to spring.  


It was sunny but cold.  My fur babies do enjoy basking and napping in the sunshine.  

Birds were enjoying the feeders and I had no desire to leave my office, especially with the space heater running and the heating pad behind me, warming and soothing my sore back.  I spent a fair amount of time studying our ship map and highlighting the areas I wanted to be sure to check out once on board.



I made a quick trip to the ranch to give Amiga her pill.  I filled Amiga and Zorro's heater water tub and gave the chickens a chopped up apple.  





I also did a few things in the ranch house, including putting my gifted horsey pillow slips on the new pillows I had recently bought.
I dropped in to visit Marie on the way home.






I started a load of farm clothes, and did some more packing organizing before making a late afternoon trip to the gym for an aerobic and leg workout.  Once all the critters and myself had dinner, I got cleaned up, and then tried on various tops.  I made my final selection of outfits to pack for evening attire.
  

Tuesday 1/20 - First thing this morning, all over the internet, was news of the coming winter storm.  Joe and I would be long gone, but I was concerned for Patty having to deal with it.  Some forecast models were really laying it on thick, stating that this snow storm could rank as top ten most snow ever recorded here in TN.  

The weather reports are often exaggerated, an occurrence known as "wet bias".  Forecasters often intentionally err on the side of caution to protect themselves from public criticism, and so that bad weather doesn't catch people off guard.

I returned my paper back to the library on the way to the gym, where I started slow, but ended up putting in a decent arm and ab workout.  

I had my Reclast infusion today so while at the clinic, I started this new paperback, which will go on the cruise with me.  


Calls, text messages, and a pet care note were made once I got home.  After dinner Joe and I watched this new movie (Song Sung Blue) that is recently out in theaters.  He has a way of 'getting' these un-televised shows on our TV.  It was an entertaining and touching 'true' story.

I took a Cold PM Tylenol, hoping not to have symptoms from the Reclast infusion and to sleep well.
   

Wednesday 1/21 - I slept great, from 9-5.  I was glad that I had no 'residual' effects from the osteoporosis treatment yesterday. 
This forecast was posted on Facebook very early this morning.  I am sure we will be hit with a storm, but the prediction uncertainty remains, regarding the location and magnitude of this winter storm's precarious components.

The sun was shining much of the day and the temperatures were up from earlier this week.

After dropping Maggie's bed, food, bowl, toys, etc. off at Patty's late morning (in preparation for her staying there while we are gone), I went out to the ranch.  

Zorro was peacefully resting in the sun, in the corral, while Amiga was off about 40 yards away, eating in the front pasture.  But as soon as she saw me, she started coming over.  

Amiga walking by, wanting in the photo?  She continued right past Zorro, who still remained in his relaxed resting state.  








Amiga was more interested in getting grass on the other side of the fence.  I went into the corral to retrieve her, and Zorro didn't get up until I was leading her out through the gate.  

Down at the barn, Amiga got her pill, and then I returned her to the corral with Zorro.  Rico came right over when I went into his paddock for him.

Karen and I went for a nice little ride.  She rode Cash because Jan was out of town, with Mike who was getting a biopsy.  Karen has been helping with Cash when Jan is away.

Going past the cow skeleton on our back trail. ↓  

Both horses did great.  I was very happy with Rico.  

As we were crossing Marmaduke, I even took Rico up to the construction site.

He hesitated, but went when I legged him on.

Karen headed back earlier than I was ready and I wanted to see how Rico would do by himself since he was doing so well today.  We went an extra mile, totaling four.  Again he hesitated turning away from Cash and the direction of the barn.  But we quietly worked through it and I was very pleased with his effort, attitude, and deciding to comply with me.  
Get set, go Rico.  He can be such a good boy.
 

I  had to restock some feed and supplements and then quickly headed home.  In no time I was back out the door and went to the gym to do leg weights and the elliptical for an aerobic workout.
I did not get any farther on organizing my overnight (carry-on) bag so I would know what all had to go into the suitcase.  This was because I was texting and calling others about ranch business, winter storm prep, and a sick pool employee who needed our prayers and support.  I did some work on my travel laptop, but discovered that it would not let me add photos to this blog.  So it was not set to go.  Ugh!

Thursday 1/22 - Go Time was 3:00, so I needed to get my suitcase and carry-on (backpack) packed.  I did not want or need the cats interfering so planned to just load everything in and zip it up.  


I can handle a little playful meddling, but did NOT want any cat peeing going on, which occurred to a pile of socks and underwear on the bed when I was packing for a cruise last year.  

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Joe but out a new round bale of hay to hopefully last until we get back from our cruise.



As usual, the horses were excited to see a new round bale, and dug right in.  









My bag was packed and ready to go, and no cats caused too much interference.  

Until go time, I did some cleaning around the house; liter boxes, watered plants, filled cat food containers, and even swept and dusted.  

 

Our drive to Knoxville was quick and easy.  We had an early dinner at Quiznos and then a 45 minute wait before boarding.  

Our flight to Jacksonville was only an hour of air time.  Jim and Debbie picked us up and we were soon sitting in their living room enjoying a beer.  

Patty sent these photos of Maggie and Ellie.  Kitties just love this dog.  All was well in Tennessee.
 

Friday 1/23 -  After a hearty breakfast of sausage, eggs and toast, we went for a nice, over one mile walk.  

I did not bring my new walking shoes because they were a little stiff and needed breaking in better.  So I was in my 'old favorites.'  


After lunch we hit the golf course.  I didn't golf but enjoyed more walking.  I don't know what happened with this photo, but I rather liked it.

It was a beautiful, sunny, 75° day.  Absolutely lovely for golf and walking.

Geese were seen at several places along the gorse, as was many turtles and shore birds around the ponds.  








Jim had sliced some prime rib and grilled very juicy, tasty stakes while Debbie baked potatoes and made a fantastic coleslaw, for dinner.  

Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice bonfire which helped warm us from the 60° chill in the air.






Oops, I had a little mishap.  I had my feet up on the rock wall of the fire pit to warm them, but when they started to get too hot, I slid them down a ways.  Well, my shoes had gotten so hot it melted the rubber/glue and part of the sole detached.  As I slid my foot down, the piece of rubber sole was pushed up, part way off the toe of my shoe.  

Once my shoes cooled off, the part of the sole that had slid up, cooled and harden.  I did not discover this until I stood up to come into the house.  We could not get the piece pulled off the shoe.  😞

We ended the evening with some spirited bridge playing, while staying in touch with Patty who had gone out to the ranch to meet a lady traveling with three horses who needed to get them off the trailer for a rest.  She was back on the road after an hour break (to finish her 20 hour trip) and get home ahead of the storm.

Saturday 1/24 -  Debbie and I were off to do a little shopping.  She needed a new watch band and I needed new walking shoes.  We succeeded and also came home with a little extra stuff.  I actually really needed to replace my 'old favorites' and these new shoes worked.  By the time we got home from shopping, Courtney reported that it was snowing in Nashville.   









Britney of course had to share a cat photo and her concerns for us Tennesseans, although Joe and I were safe from the winter storm.  

We took Jim and Debbie out to lunch, and once home, heard that it was now snowing in Crossville.  

During our afternoon of more wild, lively, and rousing bridge, Patty sent this photo and reported that the horses, Wanda, and chickens were all fed and watered. 

Then I saw an email from my twin sister Carol, who also sent photos. 


She was really struggling in Indiana with her Ewes lamming earlier this week and during this storm.  Some lambs had been rejected by their mothers, others stolen by another mother, a pair got switched by two ewes, and one got tousled by a different mother.  Some lambs were found in a semi-abandoned state, way too cold and needed immediate attention.  And while Carol was dealing with the lambs she also was busy trying to feed sheep and get them drinking water.  I felt horrible for her and feared for her own safety as well as her livestock.
I worry about everybody dealing with this storm, feel a little bit guilty for not being back home to help out, but am set and ready to go on our cruise tomorrow.

No Guarantee

We all know there is no guarantee in life.  There is no absolute certainty or promise of tomorrow.  These past few weeks, the reality of life's uncertainty has been all too tangible.  

Larry's passing in end of December was a shock, as was Mike's medical emergency last week.  
The lives of our pets and livestock also has no assurance.  We should take no one nor anything for granted.  


  






It is important to cherish the present, embrace the journey, and act with hope.  We should make the most of each moment, seize the day, and accept impermanence.  Try to find meaning and make memories in the unfolding, unpredictable course of life.

Saturday 1/10 - Rain continued overnight and much of the day.  I had planned a day off from the ranch knowing it would be too crummy out.  









I don't know what is so endearing about cat toes, but I just love them.  Mama Styx has cute white paws.

I had plenty of time for a complete body workout at the gym, so did that.  I showered there and was envisioning a late lunch of the high protein bean & lentil soup I had made for dinner the night before... but got an urgent phone call as I was driving home.

Bonnie was at the ranch for chores and said that Rico was acting very strange.  He was trembling and somewhat agitated when she tried to look him over.  He wouldn't let her get too close to him and she wondered if he was colicing, had gotten cold from the rain, or both.

I grabbed my boots at home and went right out to the ranch.  Bonnie had dried Rico off some, and by the time I arrived he seemed much better, although still a little jumpy or agitated.  I dried him more and talked softly and reassuringly to calm him, and pretty soon, he settled down and seemed his normal self.  

Bonnie brought Rico warm mush for dinner (to help warm him if needed) and he ate it all up.  While chatting with her, she said that as she drove up, Wanda (the wonder cat) had jumped down from the roof of the shed where Rico had been standing.  We deduced that the cat leaping through the air had extremely terrified Rico, thus the trembling and agitated behavior. 
 

After feeding time I checked on Rico who had been eating hay.  He walked right over to me (video).  Phew, there are no guarantees, so I was quite relieved that it was nothing serious.  The Rico and Cash photos are from the video.  Notice they were fairly wet.  




I had planned to finish up storing Christmas decorations but ended up plopping down here at my computer with a cup of hot tea.  Right away I saw an e-mail from Cathy that her son Ben had to euthanize his cat (Bruce) today.  Bruce had appeared sick a few days ago and had a very low red blood count, and possible bone cancer.  He was not a good candidate for treatment because of age, cost and no guarantee it would work.
  



Since Bruce had gotten worse, Ben knew it was time, and did the humane thing.

I never did anything productive all day... there's just no guarantee that I'll amount to anything once I start working a puzzle.  Although, getting this much done accounts for something.

Sunday 1/11 - This photo is from a (video) of Ava helping out in the kitchen.  She is just so darn cute, grown-up, and helpful. 

It was much colder today, but at least it was sunny.  There was a substitute for our keyboardist at Church this morning because her husband had just been diagnosed with a brain tumor and he was going to have a biopsy to determine if it is cancerous.  Shoot, they are only in their early 40s... there is just no guarantee. 

I scooted home from church and then out to the ranch to give Cash his morning snack and supplements.  Joe had come so we could get a round bale out for the boys.  

And boy were they excited about more hay.  They had been following behind the tractor as Joe came across the dam, and then busted a move to go around him before I got this (video) going.  

I got these photos from the video to capture these boys in action.  Cash was definitely 'full of himself' as he lead the procession.  

The 'ya-hoo buck' and quick 'out of the starting block' propulsion is what tweaks their back and hind quarters.  Go easy boys.  There's no guarantee they won't hurt themselves while racing around.   

And of course the boys had to dig right in, eating hay, before we could get the feeder around the bale and the twine taken off of it.  Notice the sky, it was starting to cloud up again.  

Debra; her sister, partner, niece and three dogs were just leaving with a trailer load of things to take to her storage unit.  Joe and I had to get the guest bed box springs 'unstuck' from the door frame of the guest bedroom where they had tried to put it so they could move Debra's mattress and springs into her room.  



Once home, I rested in the sun with my fur babies, and then finally finished stowing away all of the rest of the Christmas decorations.  





Maggie is the best 'cat' dog ever, and Babe loves on her the most.  I feel so blessed to have all these pets, especially when they are happy, healthy and getting along with each other so well.

Monday 1/12 - While at the gym, I inquired about Lee, a trainer who had broken his back while doing squats there last spring.  Come to find out, during rehab, he had another fracture and was then diagnosed with a rare degenerative bone disease.  He would have succumb to problems years ago had he not been an avid weight lifter.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee even if we exercise, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep.

Karen and I rode nearly three miles in 45° weather.

Tuesday 1/13 - We don't have anywhere to store the queen mattress and box springs from the ranch, and inquired with Habitat for Humanity, who will take them.  But because the mattress from the ranch is nicer than ours, we swapped them.  In the process, I decided to do a deep cleaning in our bedroom.  It took three loads of laundry to do three mattress covers, a set of sheets and some towels. 




I completely dusted everything; bed frame, all dressers, baseboards, and even fan blades.  Unfortunately, while cleaning the 4th and final blade, it just snapped right off in my hand.  It is 50 year old plastic, so I guess no surprise since at this age, there is no guarantee.  





We had used the trailer to bring home the mattress and two club chairs that have been 'replaced' by Debra's two rocker/recliners.  The mattress went on our bed and the two chairs we put back up on our balcony.  When we returned to the ranch with our old mattress to be picked up by Habitat for Humanity, I stayed to go for a ride with Karen.  She and Jan arrived just after noon.

 

It was so good to see Jan and know that she (and Mike) were back home.  We brought Cash and Rico into the barn, leaving Cowboy by himself in the paddock.  He whinnies some but does very well on his own.  Jan gave Cash his snack and rode him around the barnyard bareback while I did extra grooming on Rico before tacking him up.

 







Karen got Cash tacked up and then we hit the trail.  We used to be able to get under this tree that fell over the trail last week.  We longer can because it must be slowly sliding down the tree it is hung up on.  So we navigated around it.

There is no guarantee the trails will be clear, especially after strong winds.  We had a nice, uneventful 3½ mile ride (except Rico spooked at two dogs).  It was a fairly pleasant winter day, with some sunshine, mild breeze, and 53° temperatures.

I did ranch chores and once home, got back to work after dinner; doing more cleaning, finishing up laundry, and making our bed.  Finally done, I got right into bed to read and then sleep on the newer, better mattress. 

Wednesday 1/14 - I love looking back through old photos.  It brings back so many great memories.  Here are a few of my wonderful Saddle Sisters at Juan Carlos and Britney's reception last August.  I miss Betty (seen far left with her husband) who left our barn the end of October, but am so thrilled to have Jan (seen far right with Mike).  

I spoke with Jan at the ranch today to hear more about the new 'development' with Mike.  They had found a mass in his brain and will now be doing a needle biopsy next week.

Joe and I had gone to the ranch at 9am to clear a tree from the drive and another from the trail.  We didn't quite finish on the trail because the chainsaw battery ran out of juice.  

After raking the whole trail in several areas where needed, I took Amiga for a ride.  As we headed out through the gate, she stopped dead in her tracks, head up, listening and watching.  

And then I too, also saw it.  A white truck (circled in blue) with two workers, one in an orange vest (circled in orange) and one in a lime green vest (circled in green).  The men were bent over doing something under the power lines.  Hum.

It was on the cool side at 45° and a fairly strong breeze.  But I enjoyed a nice little two mile ride on Amiga.  I took this (video) of us crossing the new trail obstacle - the tree that is now down on the trail but can be stepped over.  

The boys watching Amiga and I head down the trail.  
The rain started later, as light, intermittent, isolated drops as we were nearing home.  





Before turning Amiga into the barnyard, I steered her over to the power line to investigate.  The truck and men were gone but there was a bright pink sticky note on the ground where the truck had been parked.

I went to Food City in a steady rain on the way home from the ranch and then enjoyed a large, late lunch. 



While allowing my food to digest some, I worked on the jigsaw puzzle.  I almost completed it, but made myself stop and go to the gym.  I put in a good aerobic and leg workout.

I skipped dinner and had popcorn (no beer) while watching the movie Jay Kelly.

Thursday 1/15 - I met Patty and Polly at The Center at 9am to come up with a game plan for taking our next step in a possible meeting with the General Manager and a board member.  



Bill and Sherri




I went straight to the gym from The Center, and accomplished a great ab. and arm workout.  Once home I finished the puzzle and had a short nap.  


Jim and Linda



Then I was back at The Center from 4:50 - 7:10 for the concert/dance.  And these were the only photos I took all day.  



Sherri, Linda and I.  

 










In this photo is; Jake, an unknown fellow dancing lady, Micki, and Tamara.  A good time was had by all.  And I got a good leg workout and aerobic exercise with all the dancing.

Friday 1/16 - it was in the 20's but warmed to 36° by the time I went to the ranch to give Amiga her pill.  The heated water bucket was empty since the pond and large water tank were frozen, so I cleaned and added water.  



Zorro was quick to come over to get a drink.






I had a cup of tea and a cookie at the house and did a few things before heading into town.  




I ended up blowing most of my afternoon shopping.  I was looking for a good pair of walking shoes and some nice dress jeans to take on the cruise.  I absolutely hate trying on clothes, but at least I wasn’t shopping for swimsuits.  It could’ve been worse.

I stopped to take a photo of the Veterans & First Responders Memorial as I drove by it (here in the Glade) because the flags were so gallantly streaming in the wind, which I could (and did) so proudly hail.