Many Boots

I have many boots, and wear them all.  And they're not just fancy cowgirl boots for dancing.  I have work boots, hiking boots, muck boots, and riding boots.  Oh and even snow boots, but thankfully they aren't worn too often.  Like the saying "I wear many shoes" (a variation of the popular idiom "I wear many hats"), I wear many boots (and shoes).  Cowgirl boots are by far my favorite.  They are stylish and have quite a bit of functionality, ranging from comfortable walking, to riding, and even to protection from snake bites!
 

Styling Tips-from The Country View Western Store: "Anytime you wear your pair of cowboy boots, remember to walk with that extra stride to your step and keep your chin up. This wardrobe staple shows everyone that you’re a hard worker with an admiration for stylish and functional footwear, not one or the other."

  

As I move from one task to another, taking on different roles and responsibilities, I slip on my appropriate pair of boots (or shoes).
 

Saturday 5/16 - I had chores again, so put on my 'all purpose' boots for mucking, walking around the ranch doing little tasks, and for riding.  This is the Paso's outhouse.  They did leave a few piles in each shed, but the majority of the manure was here.  






I had taken Cookie with me to let Maggie have some peace while she 'guarded' the house.  Cookie found ways to entertain herself while tied in the ranch yard.  See her standing up on the stump?  

After regular chores, I finished watering the trees we had planted along Jem's fence.  Cookie found one of Pugsley's toys when we went into the house.  

I put Cookie in Amiga's stall and headed out on my mare for a lovely three mile ride.  




We went past the new house construction and rode Stratford Circle (video).  Amiga was very (almost too) willing to move out, down the trail.







I have been working on Cookie with the cats - like don't chase or even play with (because she is too rough and rambunctious).  She and Wanda did go nose to nose and Wanda rubbed on her once, but Cookie was just too energetic and unpredictable.  So Wanda wisely keeps her distance.

I chose to have a late lunch rather than try to get in a quick gym workout because I had just over an hour before they closed.  I took a 'nap' (well laid down and rested) out on the porch with the two dogs and any cat brave enough to venture out there with Cookie.  

After a long vigorous walk with just Cookie, I kept her in the garage so I could shower and have peace (not worry about this puppy) for awhile here in the house.  She likes her 'tire' bed out there.  

Because I had not paid our two feline house guests any attention all day, I had a slumber party up in the guest room with the two boys.

At one point I was woken with one on my pillow and hair, and another time with loud purring from a warm lump of cat against my back.
 

Sunday 5/17 - I did Church, a grocery run, and some of my Sunday chores, before heading to the pool at 1:15.  It was my first day back on the pool job for this summer.  It was an easy shift, and I tried to stay out of the sun due to my 'burning' skin on my hands and my recent over-sensitivity to sun.  I had taken my last antibiotic this morning so hope this problem subsides.

   


The usual 'gang' (of our pool regulars) led by Melissa and Berry, had honored Larry (Marie's husband) who passed away just before the start of 2026.  This plaque is on 'his' table (where he always sat), in memory of him.  He is dearly missed by many.  








Karen had walked and feed the dogs because it was possible I wouldn't get home until 6:30.  (Joe was still in Iowa.)  Well, my last customers left at 4:45, so I was able to close at 5:30 and get home before 6pm.

The sunlight, filtering through the trees, had lit up parts of the backyard.  It made the wetland grass look like it was on fire.









I removed my pool shoes and put on my walking shoes and took both dogs for a long walk.  First we went down to look at the sad state of affairs with the pond, well actually now just a big puddle, with the stench of dying vegetation.  

It is so sad to see this.  We need rain so so badly.  
Cookie, as usual, was sticking her nose into every hole she discovered, and chasing a few frogs jumping to the safety of the water.








I finished my Sunday household chores and went to bed early, but got very frustrated with the I-pad, trying to read my e-book.  The darn thing keeps malfunctioning.   

Monday 5/18 - This photo of a beautiful mountain laurel flower was taken by acquaintance Meeko Oreo and posted on Facebook this morning.

I worked at the pool from 9am to 2pm.  The heat (85° day) really got to me, zapping my energy.  It is frustrating dealing with age related maladies.





Joe had gotten home from Iowa, so I went from work, straight to the Ranch to ride with Karen.  Rico and Zorro were very well behaved, if anything a little lazy.  I was hot and exhausted and think the horses were a little warm too because they were wet under their saddle pads and all we did was walk basically.  
What happened to the fire pit? 
 

Household chores felt like chores because I was so tired. By the time I showered, I did not put on any shoes or boots, but remain barefoot on this warm summer night, with no plans to do anything outside of the house.  






Joe had posted a new horse hotel add and used the above photo of the barn.  This was taken from the real estate listing in 2015.  The next photo was one Patty took not too long after we bought the ranch in 2021, so Joe up-dated the photo.  



And this last photo was taken Tuesday. 


Tuesday 5/19 - I couldn't fall asleep at 9:30 last night.  I woke at 1:30 and couldn't fall back to sleep.  After working on e-mails and this blog, I grew tired and took a 90 minute nap.  Back up at 6am with only a total of 5½ hours of sleep, I knew it was going to be a tough day if I didn't fit in a nap sometime.

The dogs and cats have been going crazy watching a chipmunk come and go from the little feeder just outside our large front window.  Well, this morning I discovered, the little bugger has gotten through the rotten wood that frames the window.  I don't 'wear' carpenter boots, so we will need to hire help to fix this.  

 

After a great whole body workout at the gym, I went to Patty's to water all her plants.  My own yard and house suffer while I am too busy at the ranch, caring for 'foster' cats and puppy, and working at the pool.  



I had an hour once home to eat a late lunch while reading.  Joe decided the old I-pad I was using was beyond repair and not worth messing with or keeping.  So he is letting me use his I-pad, and the reading is going much better.  

I went to the ranch to water the new grass and Rico came for a drink (video).  Joanne arrived a little later and we took Rico and Zorro out for a ride.  The two were much peppier than yesterday so we rode at a faster pace, going a little over three miles.  It wasn't quite as hot as yesterday. 

I went to bed early, sleeping upstairs with Kitty and Paco since they hadn't had any attention all day.  Also, this would assure that Poker Joe wouldn't disturb my sleep.
 

Wednesday 5/20 - I had morning chores, but when I arrived at the ranch, I discovered that Bonnie had done most of the work for me.  While mucking the Paso paddock, they all came in for a drink.  Amiga decided to take a nap in the shade of the shed, but the two boys headed back out for more grass consumption.  

I had kind of over heated, so once home, I didn't hit yard work right away.  I ended up having an early lunch and taking a very long nap.  







Rain was coming, so I went out, to work until it hit.  I raked up more leaves down back while my two project supervisors hunted for chipmunks.




Joe came out and mowed the oasis, including all the tall grass along the creek bank.  It looks so much better.  

Well, that then inspired me to rake leaves and other debris from the creek.  I was already  in my muck boots.  But this also distracted me from doing the badly needed leaf removal from the backyard flower beds.

I switched from my leaf rake to my garden rake and pulled a lot of muck out of the creek.  All the dark mud in these photos is what I had removed.  It proved to be a good arm workout.

Rain did come and I moved back inside.  Three loads of laundry (primarily sheets and towels) were completed during the course of the evening.  Joe and I stayed up till 10pm watching the final episode of Survivor.  I was not happy with the outcome, Aubry (one of my less favorite cast members) won this epic, 50th anniversary season with 24 fan-favorite returning players.

Thursday 5/21 - I was up at 1:30, after only three hours of sleep, with too much on my mind.  I didn't get sleepy again until 7am, so got a quick one hour nap in.   

Joanne had morning chores and sent this photo of the Pasos out on the front pasture while the rain fell lightly. 

I spent two hours at the gym, doing better than expected with the small amount of sleep I'd had, but it was still a somewhat reduced workout.  





I had a big protein lunch (eggs with ham and cheese).  
A call to Patty (while she was driving home from Iowa) on speaker phone, was made by Joe.  We hashed out some ideas and set up a meeting with Debra.  

From my big shopping trip in town, I went straight to the ranch to do chores.  Gloria was on the outside of the chicken fence.  WTH?  I checked the fence line and there is no way she went under it.  I guess she will be getting another wing clipping.

It was all I could do to unload and put away groceries once home, I was so tired.  I did make the second guest bed, but hit my own bed early.
 

Friday 5/22 - I was up well before 5am as a little thunderstorm passed through.  I'd had seven hours of sleep, but still felt tired due to the sleep deprivation from the night before. 
Because of the forecast, the pool was closed for the day, so I didn't have to go into work.






I checked out the water level of the creek when I took cracked corn down back, glad to see it had come up.  






Our rain gauge had a half inch in it yesterday morning and this morning there was another 1½ inches.  This helps, but we need more.  





A little later, when I took the dogs for their second walk, we went around the pond.  The water level has come up a foot maybe, but is still three feet lower than the spill way.  

Joe and I drove to the ranch in a down pour.  We, along with Patty, had an 8am meeting with Debra to compliment her for many positive things, but also to review some rules that needed addressing.  
Then Joe helped Patty with mucking chores once the rain subsided. 


I noticed that the carpet on this post had been tore off, most probably by Rico.  Finding this did solve the mystery of where the piece of carpet Bonnie found two days earlier, had come from.  



I got going on cleaning once we were home, starting in on the bathrooms first. 









Cookie was full of her usual energy, but because of the rain, it couldn't be expended on a walk outside.  








Dan and Vale were going to be later than originally expected, so after lunch I took a break from house cleaning and read upstairs.  Kitty (in the photo) and Paco hung out with me, and we all took a little nap.  

By late afternoon, when the rain had temporarily stopped, I went extra far on a walk with Cookie.  (Maggie takes care of business right away and is then left at home.)  The rain gauge had another inch of rain in it, and the pond was now up to the full level.  

The spillway had just a little trickle of water running over it. 

I had more time after dinner for additional cleaning and preparation for guests.  Then with my 'Grandma boots' (house slippers) on, I greeted Dan, Vale, Ava, and Layla when they arrived after 9pm.  The girls and I were tired and were in bed in short time.       

Keep Riding

Many things interfere with my ability to ride.  Sometimes when it’s just me to go out alone on Rico, I don’t have the confidence or feel safe (for whatever reason), so skip the ride.  The weather may be too dicey to chance a ride or Rico may be too anxious or unruly.  


Often, I just don’t have time to get to the ranch, get my horse, saddle him up, and take a ride.  There are other times when I’m just not able to ride.  I may be mentally or physically unable to handle the task on a certain day.  Or my safe horse (Amiga) may be unable to go out due to lameness issues.  Thankfully, with Rico, he has just about always been physically capable of going out on a ride.  

AI - Riding horses offers high rewards; deep emotional bonds, therapeutic connection to nature, stress reduction, and cardiovascular fitness—balanced against significant, unpredictable risks like severe falls, concussions, and broken bones.  It is a high-trust activity requiring specialized skill, with rewards often found in navigating challenges and achieving a partnership with a sentient animal.  
 

Saturday 5/9 - We decided to spray the lower paddock because the buttercup are taking over, so I opened the gate from the lower paddock to the front pasture to move Cash and Cowboy out there, where it is easier to provide water.  By the time I walked to the upper paddock, Cash had entered the front pasture where we wanted them.  Cowboy was a little slower to join Cash, but then took off to catch up (video).

With the two boys out of the lower paddock, gates were shut and Joe started spraying.  I had Cookie tied to the tree while I watered new grass and seed.  Patty had come and was mowing.  

Courtney arrived with food from Subway.  After an early lunch, Courtney and I walked Zorro and Rico through the front field, with Cash and Cowboy following us.  

I was concerned there might be some shenanigans, but the two boys did not interfere with us or the Pasos.

I was glad they had come down to the corral because I wanted to be sure they knew where water was.



Joe had left for the casino in Cherokee and Patty went back to mowing, so we put Cookie in Amiga's stall.  Zorro was getting a good look at her.  







Courtney's selfie with her horse.  





Once we were saddled and ready to go, Patty took a few photos.  Both horses had been a little agitated by tick bites, as you can see with Zorro lifting his back left leg to try and scratch.

Just look at our two handsome boys.




We had a lovely, uneventful ride, taking turns leading and also working at getting the two horses to walk side-by-side.  They each want the other to lead, so try to slow up and get behind each other.  



I really love a quiet, tranquil, peaceful ride through the woods on a calm and trustworthy horse.  But I also ride partly for the thrill and the adventure, the power and strength of the horse beneath me.  I enjoy going alone to be out in nature, bond with my horse, talk with God, and for some exercise.  But I also love going with others.  

AI says: Riding horses with others fosters a deep sense of shared adventure, trust, and community; enhancing both the human and equine experience.  Group riding encourages social interaction, improves safety, and allows for shared learning, while for horses, it satisfies their natural herd instincts, reducing stress and promoting positive behavior.






Once back, untacked, and having deticked the horses, Courtney 'babysat' them while I did finishing cleaning touches on the port-a-potty.  It had been serviced (pumped out) this morning, but there was still cleaning around the seat and floor that needed attention.  

"Horses change people. These beautiful, magnificent, stubborn, at once childlike and wise, frustrating and freeing animals not only become friends and family, they become part of you... if you'll let them."  Honeycutt Lon.

Dan and Vale's open house was today.  Here is the (listing) and if you click on video you can see all the professional photos.  

Last week I had offered to 'babysit' their two cats because each time they show the house, they have to pack up the two kids and two cats and leave the house for up to two hours.  After doing this for the professional photographer and then a private showing they had this morning, the stress for the cats was too much, so Dan decided to take me up on my offer and bring the kitties over today during the open house.  
I sent Courtney home with Cookie (to meet Dan) while I finished up a few things at the ranch and then went home.  

Dan was already at the house, moving cat supplies in.  











Soon we got the two boys, Kitty (yellow) and Paco (black) moved in upstairs.




Kitty was a lot less stressed than Paco, who hid under the bed much of the time.

Courtney and I didn't have much time to rest and were soon cleaned up and ready for pick-up, by Patty.  







We went to the hollers of Hebbertsburg, for the community center dinner and dance.  





The band was a disappointment, just not what they used to be.  But we enjoyed food and fellowship, and did dance a little.  During intermission the Sweet Teas clogged and there was the cake walk.  

We left early, and Courtney was on the road for home by 8pm and I was in bed after checking on Dan's cats and walking the dogs.

Sunday 5/10 - It was my second good night of uninterrupted sleep with little to no finger/hand/arm pain.  I checked on Dan's cats.  When I refilled the water bowl, Kitty was more interested in drinking out of the sink.  

You can see how sore Paco made his nose.  It will heal with time, especially since he no longer has to be put back in a crate to rub it raw again.  



Both cats got treats and brushing. 
 



Kitty sitting and listening to the noises of my cats on the balcony, outside the guest quarter's hallway door.  

After Church with Shirley, I changed into 'Cowgirl' clothes, walked the dogs, and watered plants (inside and out) until Shirley picked me up.  

 



We met up with Patty, Karen and Judy and drove up to Countryside Stables for a horse birthday party.  The three horses had actually been born on the same day and the one year old mini had been born in May so was added to the group.  




A good size group of Saddle Sisters were there.  We had tea and pizza, visited with each other and many of the horses, and then got ready for the birthday photo. 

Happy Birthday was sung (video) and cake was eaten.  After a lazy, sunny afternoon of visiting, we headed home.
   
This RTTH quote is so true.  


I am so thankful for Wildwood Stables giving me a place to board Amiga and the opportunity it gave me to meet and enjoy so many wonderful horse people and make lifelong friends.  




I had to quick walk the dogs before heading to the ranch to ride with Karen.  As is often the case, (video) Cookie was more interested in rough housing than in 'taking care of business.'

Usually I don't have a leash on Maggie, but recently she has been going after chipmunks and not staying with Cookie and I.  

 

Cookie Monster... not always the sweet Cookies and Cream.  I feel bad for Maggie and keep correcting Cookie, and sometimes just walk one dog at a time, if I have time.  

Karen and I had a very nice ride.  The weather was perfect once again.  

 

Mama Styx at bedtime.  

 

I love how she tucks her little paws under her chest to keep them warm.  It has been getting cold at night, down into the 40s, but warming up into the high 60s / low 70s during the day.  

Monday 5/11 - I intentionally had a slow and relaxed morning.  I spent some extra time up with Kitty and Paco.  

I had taken up the cat den/tower for scratching and sitting in or on.  I also added a stool by it, so both could sit and look out the window if desired.



I also put a second stool in the bathroom, for more window viewing opportunities.    




These two 'foster' boys are curious and always check out everything new to their 'world.'  

Their food was checked and water changed.  Again, Kitty preferred the sink for a drink.  He likes running water.  














I was off to the ranch at 10:30, to meet Patty who was going to give each of the horses their Potomac Fever shot.  

This tomcat at the ranch is just another cat I feed and worry about.  He is still injured, but tried to scurry off when I set a bowl of food by the fence.  Along with Wanda, and Shadow (the feral, beat up, black cat at home), I am now feeding eight feline.  






The inoculations went quick and easy.  Then I took Amiga for a short two mile ride.  She actually pooped five times out on the trail, with the last being very liquid.  I had been cleaning fecal drippings from her back legs the past several days.  I was hoping she would adjust to the rich grass on the front pasture.  Now I'm wondering.
 

With Joe still out of town, Cookie has been crated more than usual, so I took her for a long, four mile hike.  

 






Her sit-stay is not very reliable, but at least she didn't try to run off during some of these photos.
 

I took some before she got up from the 'sit.'

Cookie enjoyed the adventure and soon figured out not to get too far ahead or lag behind too much.

Pretty Mountain Laurel.

When we got to Lake Dartmoor, I encouraged her to get a drink.  

At the dock, we checked out this new kayak launch.  
















After dinner, I went upstairs with the two boxes that had arrived (Dan had sent an order in) and started unpacking stuff for their two cats.  







The two boys were very interested in all that was coming out of the boxes.  This is two beds.  


The two catnip filled banana toys were a hit.  





It took a little time to assemble the cat scratching post.  






Paco then checked it out (video).

  










After the excitement of the new stuff subsided, I went downstairs to call it a day and give my cats some time, once I went to bed.  Joe got home as I was drifting off to sleep.

Tuesday 5/12 - The girls intently watching chipmunks as I blogged nearby.

I put in a decent workout at the gym, had a late lunch, and then rested with our cat-house guests.  

Joe had downloaded a book on tape (almost the last of the James Patterson Alex Cross series) that our library does not have.  So I went up to read and give the boys some lovin'. 

Before long, the three of us were all napping.
I actually felt quite refreshed when I woke an hour later.

Patty had reported that Rico and Zorro were both quite 'gassy' when she did morning chores, so I had decided to decrease their pasture time.  All three Pasos were getting too much grass.  

So I moved the Pasos down to the corral for the night so they could not get as much grass, and I gave them some hay.

They seemed content with this arrangement.  



While replacing the bag of chicken feed, I discovered that something had gotten into the new bag.  




I wasn't out in the sun much today, but my face reacted (got real red), I think because I am on an antibiotic still.

Wednesday 5/13 - I took my last steroid and was back out at the ranch for morning chores.  I gave the Pasos more hay and cleaned a lot of manure from the corral.  

I had a few minutes to 'kill' so sat with Wanda and gave her some lovin'.  

Of course treats were given with lots of petting and chin scratches.  










By 8:35 I was headed to Dorchester pool to help with getting it ready to open.  Primarily I power washed and moved lots of chairs & lounges and set up umbrellas.  

I took time for a late lunch and short nap, and then went back out to the ranch.  Joe had been there and let the Pasos out into the front pasture at 2pm (as I had requested).  All three horses had their heads down in the grass (eating) when I arrived at 2:30.  

Karen, Jan and I went for a ride, although Jan rode our usual route in the opposite direction and then met up with us and joined us back around on the 'green mile.'  

Wanda loves people and the activity we bring when down at the barn.  









Jan had chores tonight but I wanted to feed the Pasos to get them used to the switch in time (late afternoon instead of morning).  





To give Rico and Zorro more grass time, we left them on the pasture.  But because Amiga had been eating the whole time we were out with the boys, I took her for a ride.  I rode her in our barnyard area, went up the drive, and then back behind Jem's.  

Rico went nuts, wanting to get to Amiga.  Zorro got a little wound up, but I think it was more from Rico's behavior, than from Amiga being gone.  I guess it might be better not to ride Amiga where Rico can see us.    

I didn't get home until 6:15.  I hit my home chores (now including Dan's cats' care), ate, showered, and was watching Survivor with Joe by 7:30.
 

Thursday 5/14 - Dan had taken these photos of their new house progress last night, which I didn't see until I sat down here at my computer at 3am.  

I can't believe how quickly this house is going up.  In the first photo you can see the corner that it sits on.  All their yard will be along this side with the windows and in back of the house.   

The other side of the house (without windows) is very close to their neighbors as you can see by the foundation/slab that is the start of that house.

I took a short, pre-dawn nap.  By mid morning Joe and Patty had both left for Iowa, driving separately because Joe was going to hit some casinos en route and not be gone as long as Patty.  

I struggled at the gym, just doing legs and abs.  I got a call from the Dr. office, all blood tests for four tick diseases were negative.  So that was good to know, but I couldn't understand why my recent problem... burning skin on both my hands, when in heat or cold, was occurring.  Maybe I'd gotten them sun-burnt.  I ate a late lunch and read more e-book with the boys upstairs before napping with them.  I hate the draggy feeling when I haven't had enough sleep.  

I had evening chores so fed the Pasos first, to get them off the grass.  Then I took Rico for a ride.  He was very forward moving, but not overly reeved up or anxious (video).  Notice our 16 minute pace, even when stopping to smell the mountain laurel.    

  

I was pleased with how well he did, so quite surprised when he came 'unhinged' back at the barn.  He was agitated by a tick or two on his legs but after I got them off, he proceeded to get more fretful.  I put him in the round pen while I fed Cash and Cowboy and he was yelling and racing around.  It didn't help that Zorro was yelling back.  When I went to him and talked quietly, he calmed down, but when I left to finish in the lower shed, he got all upset again.  Thankfully, he was calm when I took him out of the round pen and led him all the way up to the upper paddock.  I am glad he quiets down in my presence but wish he wouldn't get so anxious when alone.

Friday 5/15 - I didn't wake up until 6am.  Wow, I guess I needed to catch up on sleep.  After morning chores at the ranch I proceeded to pull out the long hose and fill the Paso's water tank.  We need rain so badly.  Then I watered all the fruit trees, bushes, flowers, and vegetable garden.  I had Cookie tied in the yard.

Karen and I rode today, leaving Cookie in Amiga's stall.  She does well in there.  
Rico moved out better than normal when with another horse, but we didn't push the pace, going at a 19 minute mile average.  That was a little faster and we did go a little farther than usual.  

I got home from the ranch a little after 3:00.  I'd been gone over six hours so Maggie was in need of a walk and Cookie came along for the fun of it.

Rest, reading and a nap occurred up stairs with the guest house cats.  The I-pad I have the e-book on has been persnickety, which has been testing my nerves.    

I rode six out of seven days this week totaling 20 miles.  That's not bad, but I wish I had time to go farther and the guts to trailer Rico.  Now that work at the pool is starting, it is going to be more difficult to get in the rides.  I'll just do what I can.