Parched

With the current heat wave, but this time with little or no rain; the land and plants are extremely dry.  The lack of moisture and intense heat have left us all parched.  Working at the pool and ranch have been more difficult because our bodies must spend extra energy trying to cool down, which strains our heart and causes fast fatigue.  Our body faces a heavy physical burden to stay at a safe internal temperature.  Because our blood rushes to our skin to cool us down, our working muscles and brain get less oxygen and energy.  This makes us feel tired very quickly.
 

Saturday 9/5 - I woke at 3:30, with only three hours of sleep.  I always have company at my computer in the wee hours.  I finished and posted my blog, answered several emails, worked on some office tasks and then read till I got sleepy.  I did get a two hour nap mid morning, but then didn't have time for the gym. 

I worked a hot, exhausting shift at the pool, subbing for Vicky.  Joe had left on another trip, this time a weekend in Illinois for fantasy football and poker, so again I was stuck with the tasks of full doggy care.
 

Sunday 9/6 - The sermon at church tied in having a parched spirit to that of our current state of drought.  So many points were hitting home with me.

Signs of a Parched Spirit - 
Exhaustion: A deep sense of lethargy or spiritual fatigue. 
Irritability: Growing impatience, frustration, or a short temper. 
Isolation: Feeling disconnected from God or the people around you.  
Ways to Refresh Your Spirit -
Prayer: Reaching out to God in honest, quiet prayer restores inner strength.
Scripture: Reading daily verses brings "living water" and fresh perspective to a weary heart.
Worship: Listening to uplifting music or spending quiet time in reflection redirects focus away from daily stress.

Before Church I had started a crock pot of beans for a potluck at the pool.  Well, I was in such a hurry to get to Church on time, I forgot to put the lid on the crock pot.  By the time I had gone to Food City, for more beans and pulled pork; the beans had been cooking, baking, burning, getting parched for nearly three hours.  This internet photo is close to what I encountered when I got home.  Adding more, wetter ingredients, helped and the beans now had kind of a caramelized flavor.   
I had a wonderful time at the pool party; relaxing in the cool (but crowded) water, eating, drinking, and being merry.  Our patrons (friends) are such a fun group.  

I stayed longer than planned, rushed home to walk and feed the dogs, and then went back to work an hour, helping the new lady who had agreed to sub but needed help with the closing procedures. 

Courtney sent this photo of she and Kent at his brother's wedding, up in Milwaukee.  What a handsome couple they are.  Joe had also reported this morning that he had made it to Peoria.  I always like hearing from and knowing my 'peeps' are doing okay.
 

Monday 9/7 - Labor Day, and I had to work, basically the fifth day in a row if you count helping for an hour yesterday. 

Shadow (the feral cat I feed who has become quite tame) has been following me when I walk the dogs, to make sure I don't forget to feed him when we get back to the house. 

Shadow got fed and I headed to work at the pool.  

Once home, again I was walking the dogs with Shadow shadowing us.  Joe had gotten home but then left to golf.








These two photos are from this (video) of the two.  Shadow rubs against Cookie, who is gentle, but then gets playful and it quickly gets too rough.  They do tend to provoke each other.  

Second Wind Knox was at Mirror Lake Blast so I was sure to get there early because it was going to be a big crowd.  Caroline enjoying the brass section who came out on the dance floor with us.  










It was a large crowd, possibly our biggest yet this summer.  I tried a panoramic shot.  

 

Karen and Joanne had gone for a ride and reported that George was very friendly during feeding time.  

It was a beautiful night, light breeze with just the right temperature, and the rain shower forecasted to hit, never did.  
Lots of dancing occurred (video).

Tuesday 9/8 - A photo of my dinner (teriyaki chicken and pasta salad) from my favorite food truck.  
I took my time getting to the ranch so the Pasos had as much pasture time as possible, and would spend less time in the paddock during the day. 
Then I went to my oncologist appointment to check my iron and for a tumor marker blood test.  From there I went to Tractor Supply and Walmart.  




I got everything unloaded at home and as quick as possible, was back out the door to get to the gym.  I had a decent arm and ab workout.

After a protein snack and 20 minute power nap, I did pet chores and was soon on my way to Lake Tansi with Micki and Johnny.  We met Tamera, Armina, and Jake (seen in photo) there.

It was another beautiful night, perfect temperature, nice breeze off the lake, and a fantastic band, Soul Soup.  I danced so much that I could hardly walk when I got out of bed the next morning.  Oh, and I had my favorite meal, shown earlier.

Wednesday 9/9 - I slept 10:30 - 1:30 and 3:00 - 6:00 ...  not what I'd call a good night of sleep.

Just before Bonnie and I headed out on a ride, I met with a new hay man, Jerry; because we are afraid Dale is going to bail out on us a second year in a row.  Last week he said he had 200 acres to bale before he could get to us.  When Joe checked with him yesterday, he said he had 500 acres.  WHAT???  I think he keeps bumping us to the bottom of his list, and then never gets to us.  

Bonnie and I had a great ride.  Both horses were very forward moving and cooperative.  They were 'on edge' a couple of times, but probably just deer in the woods or something else (bear or squirrel), one never knows.   

I read, relaxed and cooled off at Druid pool.
I also went to bed early and continued reading and relaxing, until at 8:15 I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Thursday 9/10 - I spent over five hours trying to post photos on this blog.  I even tried a different website to create a new blog on another blogging platform.  But I was overwhelmed with all the steps necessary to get started.  I was ready to give up blogging all together.  I e-mailed my sisters for help/advice and then turned off my computer.  





I got ready to go for a hike with Joe and Cookie.  








Mama Styx and Monita helping me with my shoes. 

On our way to Pleasant Hill where we were going to hike two of the Marathon trails, Cookie was being so good (as usual) traveling in the car.  She just lays there, even falling asleep sometimes.


First we did the Lake Alice trail.  In this photo we are at the Fery Branch trail head.  


The day was heating up but it was cooler in the woods.  The hikes were scenic.  We only did a total of a little over 2½ miles, but with the heat, and our age, it wore us out.  



I think it wore Cookie out too.




We all three took a nap once settled in at home.  The cats and Maggie were napping too.  





I went to the ranch early for chores so I could first ride Amiga.  Because I ride her bareback, I use this stump just outside the back gate, to get on her.  






I was surprised to see this fungi growing, as dry as it has been.  I guess the rotting wood and shaded forest kept it from getting parched.  


Amiga was great as usual.  

Here we are, heading to go under the lookout tower on our way back to the ranch from Hathaway.  
After feeding down below, I spent a little extra time filling up our feed bin and then mucking the paddock.

I had reached out to Courtney about my photo problems, and she gave advice.  I changed the setting on my phone, tried down loading photos here, and it worked.  I am fairly sure that Blogger, the site I use, was experiencing problems this morning, because it would not let me post any photos, regardless of format, but it would post them this evening.
  

Friday 9/11 - May we all commemorate those who lost their lives 25 years ago and those who were forever changed by the horrific events of 9/11.

I woke at 2:30 with a parched throat, took my Levothyroxine and got a big drink.  I had no other symptoms of a cold or allergies.  By 3am when I got up to start my day, I was wondering if I had some kind of throat infection, except I felt fine, other than it really hurt to swallow.

Rosco and Rico grooming each other across the gate.  

 

I had many distractions on my phone during my pool shift.  There were several shared photos and videos from various people while I was also keeping tabs on Joe.  Patty caught Rico and Rosco being friendly even with a gate between them (video). 





Rosco, how did your fly mask get off and into the Paso paddock?
Rico, is that Rosco's fly mask you are playing with (video)?

Joe had been having shortness of breath and fatigue lately, reminding of us of the same symptoms he had a year ago, when they found two blood clots in each lung.  With a little coaxing on my part, he contacted his two different doctors, both who told him to go to the ER.  So I waited to hear from him.  He was there for seven hours.  Long story short - They tested for covid and flu, nada.  His blood draw showed elevated kidney function.  They gave him IV fluids.  The lung scan showed no clots and his EKG was normal.

Joe was sent home, with instructions to follow up with his regular care doctor.

Bonnie sent several photos of the three boys in the lower paddock playing in the pond.  They were cooling off from the parching sun rays. This was my favorite shot.  






It was an uneventful evening.  Joe got home while I was eating dinner at 6pm.  I did take Cookie on the one mile library trail hike.  I also got these photos of the pond in back which is just a puddle now.  We really need rain.  The last photo is two combined.  To the left you can see the damn and how low the water level is.  To the right is much of what is behind our's and Brian's house.  No water at all, just parched ground and aquatic plants.
 

Heavy On My Mind

There is not one specific thing that is weighing heavy on my mind, but several little things, that collectively cause my mind to feel over burdened, much like carrying a heavy physical load.  Also, some of the physical burdens I have (jobs, responsibilities, all the animal care, trying to stay in shape in spite of my many age related aches and pains) are weighing heavy on me, wearing me down, and causing burn out.

Saturday 8/29 - Just getting both dogs walked, to be sure they have 'fully' relieved themselves before being left for several hours, occupies my mind.  Maggie was 'good to go' for the morning, and I took Cookie with me to the ranch at 8am.

Patty, Bonnie, Karen and I saddled up our horses and headed out on the trail.  I had talked everyone into trying the section off Beachwood to Chestnut Hill because Jan rode it a couple of days ago and said it was great.  

I didn't take any photos, so got these off the (video) I took as we rode back into the barnyard.  Above, Karen is riding Cash over the ground cavalettis.  







Bonnie was leading the way back on Rosco.  
As it turned out, our ride wasn't great.  First we came across two 'hikers' and their dogs, which had all our horses on high alert.  The horses all did well, but then the ladies thought the trail got too rocky and too steep.  So we turned back and tried to take a shortcut home on Hathaway.  But it was un-passable because of two big trees down across the road.  So back we went on the rocks and hills.

This map shows our route.  You can see where we turned around on Hathaway.  Having talked the ladies into going down Beachwood, but it being an epic fail, weighed on me some.  I felt bad, but also wished for more durable, daring, adventuresome trail buddies.  And just having those thoughts weighs on me also.  I love my fellow riders and being out on the trail with them, but need to remember horse riding etiquette - to only go at the level (speed, trail difficulty, and length) as the group is comfortable with.  That being said, it is on my mind that I need to find a more adventuresome, probably younger rider, to 'really hit the trails' with.

Once back to the barn and un-tacked, I did not linger too long.  Cookie jumped up into the back of my car and I ate a protein snack on the way home. 

My 'turn around time' was pretty good, after walking the dogs and changing clothes I went to the gym.  

I had a great, total body workout, complete with stretch and balance at the end.  Joanne sent this photo of the three Pasos as she was finishing up chores.

At some point during the afternoon/evening, while on my computer, I came across this (video).  It is a very nice tribute to Dolly.



I think many of us have the death of Dolly on our minds.  There are so many wonderful tributes out there, pouring in on social media.  This tribute especially touched me.  The more tributes etc. I watch, the more I realize what a fantastic person Dolly was and a great loss her passing is.

Sunday 8/30 - It was the fifth Sunday of August so Church was one combined service, which I’m not a big fan of, so I skipped out again and went riding instead.  
Joanne and I started down the 'alleyway' between the ranch yard and front pasture, with the three Pasos, and then Cowboy and Cash were quick to come accompany us.  




Karen met us to get Zorro, and Rosco joined the boys in the field, escorting us down the drive.  If you zoom in on this photo, you can see Wanda and George in front of the barn waiting for all of us.

Today's ride was much better than yesterday's.  I was on Amiga, Joanne on Rico and Karen rode Zorro.  Amiga was feeling good, hot to trot, walking briskly and took the lead, keeping the pace going.

We picked up a 'trot' (a Paso gait actually) several times.  All three horses were very willing and did wonderful.  It was a fun ride.  It was getting rather warm however, so we all rinsed off our sweaty horse when we were back and un-tacked.   

Patty and I both noticed that the broody hen has finally given up and joined the flock.  Patty sent this photo later in the day.  


Our current flock of nine hens.  




I took care of a few things around the ranch, like taking hay up to the Paso feed room and I finished weeding and trimming in the chicken yard.





The rest of my day was uneventful, but Patty had a bear sighting on her way to the ranch to do afternoon chores.  

She saw two of them on Chestnut Hill Rd. where Beachwood ends.  We were about 300 meters from here on our ride yesterday.  

I had gotten more bug bites during the day and was tormented by the itching and scratching when I went to bed.  All my bug bites are mentally wearing me down because they are so agonizing and I can't figure out when and where I am getting all of them.  It is probably chiggers, but I can't help wondering if it's from fleas in the house.  I have not seen a single flea in the house for two weeks now... but still I worry, especially when I occasionally see the cats scratching.

Monday 8/31 - After a rather warm shift at the pool, which was moderately busy, I came home to shower, nap, and do several pet tasks.

I headed to Mirror Lake Blast for the Heart tribute band concert, knowing I wouldn’t be too thrilled with the music.  I’m just not a fan of hard rock which is their core signature sound.  




I ended up having a good time socializing and also danced a fair amount.  I even had a very good dinner from the Greek truck (a Gyro and Greek pasta salad).  




Kind of spur of the moment, although I'd been thinking about it all afternoon... as to how to transition the Pasos to longer grass time, I decided to run out to the Ranch after the concert and let the horses out for the night.  Patty asked me to look at how bright the solar light (she put on the wall) lit up the flag.  

These three photos were taken from this (video) of me letting the three Pasos out into the field, using my car lights to see the gate.  



I love how the horses are silhouetted in the light. 

It was after 9pm when I headed home. 

I walked the dogs then went upstairs to sleep with Dan's cats, so Joe wouldn't disturb me, when he would get home at midnight.
 

Tuesday 9/1 - And just like that, August is over.  

I took my time getting out to the ranch because 1- I had gone to bed later than usual so got up later, and 2- The Pasos had been out on pasture all night and wouldn't be waiting for me to come let them out.  

This photo was taken of sweaty, dirty Joe, getting out from under the bush hog PTO shaft he had just connected to the tractor.  I had been down spreading Fly Predator on manure piles and heard Joe struggling, so tried to help him.  
Below, Joe trying to figure out how to adjust the mechanical 3-point hitch system because it was crooked and had been rubbing the edge of the back, right tractor tire.  Again I did what I could to help.


I opened and closed gates for Joe down at the corral and then up at the Paso paddock so he could do a little bush hogging in the side pasture.  At this point, he realized the maladjustment of the 3-point hitch system and I manned gates so he could go back down to the shop.  I had been mucking the upper paddock and then out on the gator delivering more hay.  

Finally the bush hog was working well enough to safely mow the front pasture and I was finished with my morning chores.  Next I started the task of watering all trees and shrubs we have planted in the past three years.  I had shut the yard gate and un-hooked Cookie from her tie so she was free to roam while I watered.  She loves being up on this bench.

Watering was nearly a two hour task.  While soaking some trees, I did other things, like feed the Pasos lunch, since I am moving their once daily feeding to morning.  
My project supervisor was more playful than helpful.  I had taken these photos and then decided to (video) her, just before Joe came up the drive to take her home.  







I got home at 2:30, feeling exhausted.  I guess the nearl 90° heat and fact I had been on my feet over four hours, was the reason.  A much needed shower and late lunch, led to a nap, and then it was dinner time, at least for the seven fur babies.

Joe and I started a series, Cape Fear, that we decided not to continue.  It was too creepy for us.

Wednesday 9/2 - The horses were a little confused about coming in for breakfast, but when I shook the feed bucket and called them, they were quick to arrive at their feeding spots. 

Joe, Cookie and I met at the Cascade Trail to complete this 2.3 mile segment of the Hiking Marathon.  

The day was warming up to the low 90s, with high humidity even though we haven't had rain in ten days).


We took turns with Cookie, who did very well, and seems to enjoy walking in the woods.  


Joe had headed back early to get jobs done at the ranch.  

Cookie and I did a few side trails to see scenic views.  This was from atop a rather high ledge.  





And this is seen from under the ledge, to give you and idea of how high up it was.  

Cookie was a good sport about posing for photos.








The day had heated up, getting warmer than yesterday.  




Cookie plopped down on the cool garage floor once we were home.  Because our 'patched' garage door spring is on 'borrowed time,' I have been parking in the drive during the day, not using the door very often.  


Even when Cookie came inside, she chose the cooler wood floor.  

Maggie, who has slowed way down, usually gets left home from the ranch and from hikes.


I changed out of my sweaty clothes, ate a light protein snack, and read and rested for an hour.  

Cookie had cooled off and chose her comfy bed by Maggie (both near me) to rest.  








I went to the gym over the lunch hour and was surprised at the energy I still had to do a good arm and core workout.  I showered at the gym and had a late lunch / early dinner once home.
My mind was weighed down at bedtime, processing too many things; but prayer quieted my thoughts and led to sleep.

Thursday 9/3 - It occurred to me overnight, when I woke up at 3:15 and couldn’t get back to sleep, that I really needed to fill the Pasos' water tank.  I had noticed yesterday when I fed in the morning, that it was a bit low.  I don't know why I didn’t think of it when I had the hose all stretched out.  

So I went out to the ranch at 8am and filled the water tank with my project supervisor/hose handler, very willing to help.  


You got to admit, that Cookie Monster is kind of cute.

I also mucked manure out of the sheds, where the horses had spent the day yesterday.  

Cookie and I then met Joe at the Overlook Trail for another leg of the hiking marathon.  The 2.3 mile trail has a total of 255 feet of elevation change.  Joe took a selfie of us while sitting on a bench to rehydrate and rest.  Cookie would not look at the camera.  



When we got down to Daddy‘s Creek we gave Cookie a chance to get a drink.  The trail along the creek is quite scenic with the water (even though it is low) on one side and rock outcroppings on the other side.  


Once home, I sat and read my gripping James Patterson, Alex Cross, novel.

All too soon, I had to head to work at the pool.

I was subbing for Mike.  It was a hot shift with the temperature up to 94° and a heat index around 105°F.  We have been under a heat advisory across Cumberland County from Tuesday - Friday.
Vicky, who had the first shift, had the air conditioning on in the office so I spent a majority of my time in there, working on Sudoku and doing some text messaging.  
Joe came out to sun, cool off in the water, and get dinner for the two of us, next door at the club house.  

Patty sent this photo during afternoon chores.  Wanda was hunting something that had made a new hole under the side of the barn.

Friday 3/4 - With almost two weeks with no rain, the pond in back is back down to just a big puddle.  We, the neighbors and I, suspect the leak was not adequately fixed.  The issues with the creek blocked with three downed trees, the succession of the pond with all the dead leaves and soil running in from up-stream, and the leak causing low water level, has all been a mental burden.  

The heat was already oppressive when I was unlocking the pool at 9am.  With deck blown off, umbrellas up, tables wiped down, skimmer baskets cleaned, flowers watered, I then got in the pool to cool off and scrub tile, an enjoyable job on a hot morning.  
I spent an hour during the middle of my shift, training a lady who would be subbing on Sunday afternoon.  

 

Once home, I showered and then did some needed tasks and caught a 15 minute nap in preparation for a girls night out.  


We had another table full of ladies, but this is the only photo (and not even an good one) taken all night long.  There was lots of dancing, along with chatting, joking and laughter.  

I read until 11:30 and still couldn't get to sleep.  I let even the little things trouble my mind and take up space in my head.  

No matter what burdens weigh heavy on our minds, remember, everything is going to be okay.  In January, in honor of her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton released a new version of "Light Of A Clear Blue Morning" (video) with Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, and Queen Latifah.  It's goin' to be okay.