Stayin' Alive

Good ole Saturday Night Fever with the Bee Gees, which had something to do with disco-mania, keeping it alive.  The theme also touches on the idea that everybody struggles against the world, fighting all the things that can drag you down.  


As for me, this blog title is more about Staying fit or getting and keeping fit for longevity; for stain' alive.  


I was talking with my friend Greg at the gym, who also works at the hospital in patient transport.  I made the comment about the conundrum with staying fit as I get older, to live longer; but that I am now outliving friends and possibly family that are in the same age bracket as I.  It’s scary, and sad/depressing/uncomfortable having to deal with death of loved ones.  Greg then commented that staying fit is so important, because he even sees much younger people (patients in their 40s and 50s) dying because they’re not in good physical shape.

From an article in my AARP magazine, it warns that low fitness is the biggest health threat.  Information about Fitness for Longevity states:  As we age, the goal shifts from high-intensity strain to functional fitness - training your body to handle daily life with ease, preventing falls, and maintaining muscle mass.  Strength Training: Lifting weights or using resistance bands is critical to combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and keep bones dense.






Mobility & Balance: Practices like yoga or tai chi improve stability and flexibility, which are the best defenses against injury.  Zone 2 Cardio: Consistent, moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) builds the aerobic base necessary for heart health and endurance.

I am busier this time of year with the addition of work at the pool and work in the yard and on trails, so some of my winter fitness workout regimen has been nonexistent.  I just don't have time (or energy) for the elliptical I did with the weighted vest for an aerobic workout.

Saturday - I left for the ranch just after 8:00 to get my chores done and have time to cool off, clean up, and get dressed for Mike’s Celebration of Life service.  Joe picked me up at the ranch to take me to the Baptist Church.  It was a beautiful service.  The testimony of Mike and Jan's grandchildren and their two sons was heartwarming and inspiring and I think made us all cry.

Many of the saddle sisters dressed in our cowgirl get up, since the men from Mike’s golf league wore their golf shirts.  There was a small private luncheon for immediate family and out-of-town guests after the service.

We saddle sisters went to bunkers for lunch.  



Seen in photo (from left going clockwise) Karen, Patty, Shirley, Judy, Deanna, Babs, Carole, Joanne, Bonnie and I.
Jim and Callahan (from Celtic Rose) had driven up from Alabama and Joe was also with us, making a total of 14 at our table.  Joe took this photo after the Alabaman’s had left to head home.  Jo Wind was also with us, but not seen in photo.  
After great meals, we lingered at the table for quite a while, just enjoying tales of old, exciting stories of recent, and anticipation of future horse endeavors.

I got a ride back to the ranch with Joanne so Joe could go home for dog duty.  We did a few little chores, waited awhile for Karen, and once she showed up, we headed out on a trail ride.  It was warm but tolerable and a safe and enjoyable ride.

Patty was mowing and came down to the barn to chitchat with us once we got back.  Wanda on the red bench, looking at GW (Gray&White cat) over by the fence.  




Zorro and Rico got hosed off before returning them to the front pasture.  Patty took some photos of me giving Rico a drink out of the hose.  





Both Rico and Zorro like drinking out of the hose.  Silly Boys.  

The three Pasos were happy to be back out eating grass in the shade, until dinner time.  Amiga is in the middle, with the fly mask on.








Patty, Joanne and I sat around up at the house, on Mom’s memorial bench, after finishing up chores.  We were chitchatting with Debra and enjoying the cool of the shade.  I didn’t get home until 6:30.

6/14/26 - Sunday - Dang it, I was up way to early (only getting five hours of sleep) and tried to go back to sleep after sun-up, but did not succeed.  









Maggie is starting to get a little more assertive with Cookie, and I don't discourage it.  She needs to put the little punk in place.  They don't fight, it's more like rough housing, but Cookie gets too rough and also won't stop when Maggie's had enough.




After Church, I ate an early lunch and then took a nap.  Patty had sent these photos.  In this first one, there are five hens in nest boxes, with one on her way out and another one ready to take her place.  

While Patty was weed whacking around the round pen, Wanda was napping under the red bench in the shade.  

Photos of me reading while giving some lovin' to Dan's cats.  This was before I took a nap with them.  Upon waking, I had to hustle to get to the pool for work.




Rain blew in at 3pm and everybody vamoosed.    
I cleaned for closing and then read until 4:30 to be sure no one would be coming to swim.  

This photo is of Bonnie test riding Roscoe at Countryside Stables.  She is very strongly considering buying him.  He is a nine year old quarter horse gelding.  

I was home before 5pm.  In addition to the usual extra chores of trash collection and watering house plants, I also finished up a load of laundry.  

I was ready for sleep by the time I went to bed at 8:30.

Monday 6/15 - Monday night Mirror Lake Blast photos are all I have from today. 

Here are two of my dancing buddies, Cleet on the left in the photo and Patty to the right.



I put in a five hour shift at the pool on an absolutely beautiful day... mid 70s, partly cloudy, gentle breeze.  

Once home, I showered, read, and napped.  Then I packed up and headed to Mirror Lake.


The first two photos are from a video Joe took and this last one, that you see Joe dancing with me, is from a video Patty's husband Mike took.  

As always, a good time was had by all.  The music genre wasn't my first choice, but being out on a beautiful evening with Joe and friends, chatting, goofing around, and dancing, can't be beat.
 

Tuesday 6/16 - I barely got Joe up and out of bed and the bed stripped before Scottie arrived to work on our master bedroom ceiling fan replacement.  We took the mattress off the bed then moved the bed out of the way.  We tried to set up our 14 foot ladder, but it was too tall.  Our 8 foot was too short. so Scottie had to run back home to get his 10 foot ladder.  


Joe left to golf and once Scottie got started and assured me he did not need any help, I went to the gym from 9:30 - 11:30.  


Our room looked like this when I got home.  The new fan was up and Scottie and his ladder were gone.

I moved bedding from the washer to the drier and started another load.  



I was off to the ranch early to get in a little ride before doing chores.  Since I was all by myself, in the interest of 'staying alive', I took Amiga.  Actually, it wasn't fear of riding Rico alone, I just didn't have the time, energy, or patience to tackle it.  I needed a serene ride, so took Amiga.  This is a photo from several weeks ago, but how we looked going out.  

Kind of at the last minute, Joe expressed interest in going to Lake Tansi for their music. 

So I hustled through chores at the ranch and at home, took a quick shower, and we moved the bed and mattress back into place.
 

We arrived after the band had started, and sat with Joe's poker buddy Ferrell and his wife Janet.  It was another perfect evening with weather, and there was a large crowd for the very good band.

 

We were home at 8:30.  I made the bed, finished cleaning litter boxes, and settled in to read at 9:30.  I didn't last long.

I love the overhead light in our bedroom, which we did not have before.  It sure helps light up the room when I am doing laundry, making the bed, or when we need to pack a suitcase for travel.  Both the light and fan are on a remote control, which is very handy. 

Wednesday 6/17 - I forgot to post these yesterday.  Patty took them, of the inhabitants of our blue bird box out at the ranch.



I count five little babies. 

We will have to watch for when they fledge the nest so as not to have the dogs in the yard.  








Debra sent this photo after Joe had arrived at the ranch and tied Cookie in the yard.  Pugsley enjoys romping with her.  You can see the bird house on the tall fence post.

Joanne and I had gone for an early (8:45) morning ride.  We took Zorro and Rico on trails between the back nine of the Dorchester golf course, where I had gone with Rico last week.  Zorro has only been back there a few times and it has been awhile.  Both horses did very well.

Joe was at the ranch when we rode in.  After I got Rico untacked and out to pasture, I went in the truck with Joe and Joanne finished my mucking chores for me.  I directed Joe into the Glade to the 'Green Mile' trail.  

Joe mowed one pass down the middle of the trail, while I walked it, with the big heavy duty trimmers and cut (way back) all the growth that has encroached on both sides of the trail.
After working for nearly 2hrs, exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks.  I could not lift the heavy trimmers over head any longer and my legs felt weighted down.
 

In the interest of 'staying alive,' I headed back to the ranch to get my water and power bar.  I still needed to walk ¾ of a mile to get back.  








It was after 3pm when I got home, and I got right in the shower.  I removed two ticks (ugh) and then found two more after getting out of the shower (double UGH). 



I went up stairs to R&R with the boys who were craving human attention.  Once they got their fill of 'lovin,' I read and then napped.  

It was almost 6pm by the time I got back down stairs for evening duties.  My arms (and for some reason my legs) felt like I'd done a power workout at the gym.  A pain sleep aid was taken to get me through the night.    

Thursday 6/18 - I'd slept well, but felt like the Tin Man in need of oil when I got out of bed.  And then, out of nowhere, I got rained on while walking the dogs at 6:30.  And finally, while enjoying my tea and toast, I felt this tick bite me on my head.  UGH!  I guess they are doing the best they can at stayin alive, but not at my expense.  And of course, all morning long I kept thinking ticks were crawling on me, and I had to get up and go in the bathroom to check for them.  




Last night's rain had dropped the temperature plus the rain still lingered, so Patty and I decided to wait and ride at 10:30.  That gave me extra time here at my computer to play games after blogging. 

When we ride Zorro and Rico, we bring Amiga down to her stall where she is quite content (with a little hay and water) to wait for us to get back with the boys.






We only went on a short easy ride and I was quite surprised at how hot I felt, but it was because it was so humid.  I mucked our paddock and also had to muck the corral because our over-nighter did not do it.  He had left in the rain however.  






When going to dump the wheelbarrow of manure, I noticed this small (but actually rather heavy with all the leaves) branch on the electro-braid fence which you hear shorting out in this (video).






It was 3:00 by the time I'd finished at the ranch, gone to Food City, and ate a big lunch.  Shortly after 4:00 I was headed back to the ranch for late afternoon chores.  Down at the barn, Cash, Cowboy, and even Wanda spooked and ran because of something in the woods.  
The Pasos are usually really good about coming in for dinner.

Although I think I confused them while taking this (video) and only having one hand to manage gates.  

My evening was spent communicating/coordinating with Jan and Bonnie as we plan and prepare for the arrival of Roscoe on Saturday.  Yes Bonnie bought him!
 

Friday 6/19 -  Happy Juneteenth.  

I worked what felt like a very quick shift at the pool, being moderately busy while enjoying chatting with pool patrons.

Patty sent the photos of GW (gray & white cat) with Wanda.  They are becoming friends.  There is a black and white Tom that picks on both of them.  

 
I went to the ranch right from the pool and was soon on the trail with Karen.  She rode Cash, but we ended up turning back at a ½ mile because Cash was acting kind of sore on his front, right hoof.
I helped Karen get Zorro ready to ride while she un-tacked Cash and soon we were right back out on the trail.




Rico seemed a little confused at first while we headed back out, but then actually was moving out quite well.  He and Zorro continued to want the other horse to take the lead, so they both slow way down or stop when we try to ride side by side.  

Zorro getting a big drink once we were finished with the ride. 
There was a slight miscommunication between Joe and I and he had booked an over-nighter.  I did not want anyone in the corral because Bonnie‘s new horse would be going in there in the morning.  So we ended up putting the over-nighter in the round pen.

It was a good week, no accidents or casualties out on the trail or elsewhere.  Stain' alive is also my goal when riding.  It is a high risk activity and should not be embarked upon lightly.  I almost always wear my helmet, especially on Rico, and I monitor my horse as to what kind of a mood they are in before I go.  

Be Brave

We all desire a brave horse; one who is willing, calm, predictable and does not spook.  But this also takes a brave rider.  Building a brave horse involves establishing trust, taking things slow, and gently exposing them to new experiences.  By being a calm, confident leader and rewarding them when they conquer their fears, we can help them build the confidence needed to handle spooky objects, new environments, and challenging terrain.  

Bravery comes from teaching, not pushing.  A horse needs to know you will not harm them.  When your horse spooks or gets nervous, help them calm down and relax instead of letting them overreact.  Your horse looks to you for safety.  Many riders freeze and pull back when a horse spooks, which can actually escalate tension.  If you grip tightly with your legs or tense your back and hands, they will assume the perceived threat is real.  Keep your posture soft, breathe deeply, and sink your weight into your heels.  This takes being brave, to stay calm and relaxed as a rider.  Rico's first response to fear has been to spin and run away, but thankfully this first reaction has become less prevalent.  I got a laugh out of this (video) of someone's 'spin' dismount. 

Cultivate bravery and build trust rather than trying to force it.  Always monitor your horse's current comfort level, and never do more than they are ready to handle.  When your horse spooks or gets nervous, help them calm down and relax instead of letting them overreact.  Take pressure off if their fear becomes overwhelming.  This is an absolutely hilarious (video) of a voice-over of a horse spooking at a number of things and the brave rider's response and calming voice.  I love the joy and patience she has with her horse.

Saturday 6/6 - I was scrambling to get last week's blog finished and posted so I could then get out to the ranch for morning chores.  Cookie is slowly figuring out that she is not to bite or pull on Maggie's feet and ears.  







Maggie does like to wrestle with Cookie, if the biting doesn't get too rough.  

Maggie will actually, sometimes lay on Cookie to kind of pin her down and immobilize her.

Patty had actually gotten to the ranch ahead of me to check her trail cam.  She has had very little luck spotting what might be digging under the side of our barn.  Last night Wanda had made two appearances.  

This photo of the injured gray and white Tom cat was from Thursday night.  You can see he is still not putting much weight on his back left leg.  

Patty and I felt that probably the critter that made the hole was gone and not coming back.  So we decided to fill in the hole from both sides of the barn wall.  It was a tight fit between our shavings bin wall and the outer barn wall, but I got in between the two walls to work.
  

I had to dig a little and move some dirt to fit this cinder block across the hole in the ground and board.  It was a little cramped working because my shoulders didn't even fit in the space.  



Patty assisted me and then she filled in the hole with gravel from the other (outer) side of the wall.  




This is what the second hole looked like (with the one rock I had used to block the first hole).  And then how it looked when we had finished blocking both holes with the cinder block and gravel.  


We will keep an eye on this and see if a new hole is made.

I did some neatening up in the shop and of the manure and hay on the backside of the dam.  

Cash came over to see what I was doing behind the dam and I noticed his fly mask was half off/on (video).  Silly boy, I fixed it for him.  

I mucked the upper paddock while draining the water tank.  Once it is this empty, I can flip it over to remove the rest of the scum from the bottom and then clean it.  

 
I noticed both bluebirds trying to get into their house and saw that the metal washer that Patty had just re-glued back on the hole in front, had slipped partway off.  I removed it.  


Before I'd finished filling the water tank, Zorro came in for a drink.


Soon the other two Pasos joined Zorro for a drink of fresh, cool water.  I watered some plants while I had the hose stretched out across the yard.  







Then the decision to either go to the gym or ride Rico was rolling through my mind.  I’ve heard it said that you should ride first before doing extraneous barn chores otherwise you’ll never get to the ride.  I definitely can attest to that.  Now it was too late to both ride and get to the gym. 

I am a little nervous about riding Rico alone because he can become quite anxious and then difficult to manage.  I know I need to 'be brave' and keep riding him out by himself though.  He does continue to improve.
I get so frustrated with people who dump their brush and trash, especially right in the middle of the road.  

Rico was very forward moving the whole ride, but not really nervous... just ready to go.  

At one point he became unmanageable because he had a horse fly on his belly.  Once I could carefully get off, I rubbed his belly and finally killed the horse fly who flew up onto his rump.  We were then able to continue 'safely' down the trail.

I took Rico down past Lake Kirkstone and rode in that area.  We haven't been there in awhile, but he did fairly well.  As you can see, our pace was much quicker than usual.  



The day had heated up and I also realized the advantage of riding sooner than later.  Because the day gets kind of warm later.  I hosed Rico off and he quietly joined back up with his buddies.

I had planned to take a nap once home, but had some phone calls and household duties = no time.  Joe had wanted to go out to dinner, so we tacked it on to the front of my night out with the girls.  






We ate at Club 1660 and soon after Bonnie arrived, Joe headed home.  Micki and Johnny also joined us and we sat at Big R's table once the band started.  It was a fun night of dancing, chit-chat, and jokes.
Bonnie gave me a ride home just after 10pm.

Sunday 6/7 - I saw this posted this morning and did a follow up inquiry and Robert (who posted this on Facebook) confirmed that this is the new build at the corner of Marmaduke and Beachwood.  Right where we ride sometimes.  

It was another beautiful day in the neighborhood, but Shirley and I were both sleepy at church, due to our sleepless night.

Patty and Joanne had gone for a morning ride.  They did not see the bear, but flushed a turkey who aggressively tried to scare them off, protecting about a dozen young babies.  Thankfully, neither horse overreacted.  




Joanne sent this photo of the three Pasos happily grazing together after their ride.  

I did end up napping after church, upstairs with Kitty and Paco.

I woke with very little time to get ready for work and rushed off to the pool.  I was thrilled to discovered that they were having a pot-luck party and there was plenty of food to share, since I had left home without fixing a dinner, or getting much lunch.  Parties do require a little more work with extra trash and tables to clean up and stow away, but I like to keep busy during my shifts because the time goes so much faster.

Monday 6/8 - My morning chocolate tip.  Confidence doesn't come before bravery, but is the self-assurance you earn afterward.  So being brave will boost your confidence. 

It was a very rainy day so the pool was closed and I didn't have to go into work.  I did clerical things here at my desk, then ran out to the ranch to muck until the rain really started coming down.  From there I went to town to do my big shopping trip, primarily to get pet food/supplies, but to also buy a ceiling fan to replace the one in our bedroom.  

By the time I got everything unloaded, I gave up trying to get to the gym before they closed, because I was starving and tired.  I ate, read, and took a nap.  Perfect rainy day activities.  

When I woke, it was already past feeding time and then I did household evening chores.

We had to walk the dogs during breaks in the rain.  They were getting a little 'cabin fever,' especially Cookie with all her puppy energy.
 

Tuesday 6/9 - I got word first thing this morning that John Cannon, the owner of Wildwood Stables, had passed away unexpectedly overnight.  I know he will be dearly missed by his family.  

I guess we don’t necessarily need to be brave as we age and see those we love or know pass away, but it’s definitely weighing on my mind, at how fragile life is, especially as we get older.   
Then there's the question of do we need to be "brave" in the traditional sense of hiding our pain or "staying strong" during the time of loss of a loved one?  According to AI: "Denying grief, to appear brave can make the healing process much harder.  Authentic bravery in grief simply means having the courage to feel your pain rather than suppress it."




I was at the gym from 10:30 - 1:30 which included 30 minutes rowing machine warm-up/aerobics, a great all body weight workout, balance & stretch cool down, and a shower. 

While home eating lunch, I looked at the weather and decided to go a little early to do feeding chores to beat the 6:00 prediction of rain.

I had hooked Cookie up in the yard and ran down to get a few supplies for up-top, and it started to rain.  By the time I hurried back up, got my car windows shut, and brought Cookie into the ranch house; a flash rain storm struck (video).  I started a jigsaw puzzle while waiting out the storm.  

When the rain stopped and I went down to the barn to feed, I walked around to see how the drainage ditches were working.  

Most were doing their job, but there were a few areas that have 'filled in' that could use some work. 

It was later than usual when I got home to feed and care for the masses here.  Poker Joe was gone and so I read quite awhile before 'lights out.'

Wednesday 6/10 - My night of slumber was interrupted by a 'knock down, drag out' cat fight outside; accompanied by dogs barking inside.  By the time I got up to quiet the dogs, take them out for a walk to scare off the two cats, and bring them in after they'd done their business, I was too wide awake to fall back to sleep.  So I read for two hours.

I had a successful, somewhat invigorating, ride on Rico, going on trails between the back nine of the Dorchester golf course, where we haven't been for a long time, or by ourselves.

We were on the trail from 11-1:40.  My riding app. failed to give me mileage, but it was probably close to 6 miles.  Rico spooked at a large, long pile of tree logs at the edge of the dirt road.  He did end up doing a 180° spin, three times, but did not try to run away.  He just did NOT want to face his fears and go past the logs.  I probably spent nearly ten minutes working with him to finally get him to go past.  And when he did, it was at a rather fast pace.  At one spot we rode across Westchester onto Lancashire, looking for the backyard of a possible property & house Debra‘s considering buying.

Rico really did quite well, but because I never know when he’s gonna freak out, it’s very difficult to relax and completely enjoy a ride on him, out solo.  We both need to be brave.

Cookie had been in Amiga's stall.  I hope someday she can go with us, off leash, out on the trails.  We both came up to the ranch house to rest.  I worked on the puzzle while eating a late, light lunch.  

I tied Cookie in the yard, where she played, rested, and chewed on her bone, while I mucked and did other little jobs.  She never barked or whined, but watched me much of the time.  I had bought staples so finally got to work on repairing the two posts Rico had partially pulled the carpet cover off of.  



We'll see how long this lasts now.  



I felt exhausted by the time I got home.  I am not happy with the reality that my 70 year old body just doesn't have the same energy and it can't keep up with my needs like it used to.  





After a short nap upstairs with Dan's cats, I woke to Kitty on my pillow, staring at me.  

This 14 year old boy is equivalent to 72 in human years.  He is showing his age also.

Joe and I watched two episodes of the forensic thriller, murder mystery, 'Scarpetta.' 

Thursday 6/11 - The pain sleep aid I took last night, enabled me to get seven uninterrupted hours of sleep.  Maggie and Cookie 'sharing' a toy.  Cookie continues to learn she needs to play nice or not play at all.  











I haven't seen the pregnant doe in several days, so think this mama and her very tiny baby that showed up this morning, is probably her.  

The day was heating up quickly and I was undecided about how to spend my time and get exercise.  The two beds in our front yard are in desperate need of work, I usually go to the gym on Tue & Thur, but had been sore yesterday from Tuesday's workout.  I knew a ride should be done sooner than later, but I had evening chores and didn't want to make two trips to the ranch.  So while 'figuring out my day', I did a bunch of little chores and a few 'fix it' projects.  My three cats got their nails trimmed and so did I.
 

Joe got word from Debra that she was 'getting' a house (right up the road from us on Snead) with a moving date of July 18th if all went well.  We'd also heard from Jem that his one sale fell through, but he had another one, with a closing date of July 10th.  Now if Dan and Vale's house would just sell.
 
Cookie needed to run off some energy and I needed to get in some aerobic exercise, so I took her for a long, three mile walk.  

The Community Church, ¼ mile up the road from us, was ready for Flag Day.  

Another ¼ mile up Snead, is the house (seen in photo) that Debra's brother is buying, which he will then rent to her.  





I picked up the pace with Cookie, after she'd done her business and I took a few photos.  It was very hot on the road, so as soon as possible, we ducked into the woods on the paved trail from Peavine up to the Library building.

The day was heating up, I was hot and tired, so next I went to the pool to cool off, relax and chat with folks.
 

By the time I changed at the pool, to go to the ranch at 3:30, I was already hot and sweaty again.  First I did the mucking.  The Pasos were up in the shed cooling off from the sun and waiting for their dinner.  Sometimes you have obstacles to work around while you’re cleaning up manure.

After both groups of horses had been fed, I walked Amiga down to the barn, did a quick curry job on her, and then headed out on a ride.  I was soaked in sweat but the shade of the woods helped cool me down (video).  I kept the ride short and slow, but Amiga was a tad sweaty by the time we got back to the barn.  
I decided, rather than walk Amiga up the drive, I would ride her with just the halter and lead rope.  The closer we got to the boys (who, especially Rico, had been hollering off and on the whole time we were gone) Amiga got rather revved up.  I had my hands full for a bit and was sweaty all over again.

Friday 6/12- It was fast to heat up outside and felt like a lazy day of summer; but I had to get going to work.
During my shift at the pool, I was chatting with the morning water exercisers and we decided, you can't be a sissy as you get older and have more problems with your aging body.  Ya got ta be brave, or at least have courage to face your limitations and difficulties.  





I was hot and tired and even forgot to clock out when I left the pool.  With the 30% chance of rain and the way I felt, instead of going to the ranch to ride, I did myself a favor and decided to go to the gym where it was air-conditioned and much cooler. I think I did my horse a favor too.  LOL.   Isn't she a brave one?  



When I came home to change into gym clothes, that's when I took these photos of the deer just outside and below my desk window.  

I had a decent workout in spite of my fatigue.  At least I wasn't too hot.
By the time I showered, went to the Center to correct my time card, got gas and a few groceries, ate dinner, fed the pets, cleaned litter boxes and walked the dogs; it was bedtime.