New Growth

I love this time of year, to see all the new growth occurring in nature all around me.

I myself am also interested in growing; continuing to increase in knowledge, skill, strength, and certain abilities.  A goal is to work on growth and maintenance of these five aspects of the Pentagon of Health.

Specifically, I need to stay serious about weight lifting so I can maintain and build muscle strength.  According to the International Sports Sciences Association, "The human body breaks down and rebuilds all of the muscles every 15 to 30 days. Lifting speeds up the process due to an increased need for fuel. Rebuilding peaks 24 to 36 hours after training".  WebMD posted a study that showed "people over the age of 60 need to lift weights more often to maintain muscle mass."  
Although I could not find a clear-cut suggested amount, I know sticking to a routine of weight lifting is necessary and important.

Not only am I concerned about my physical health, I also want new growth (or not to become stagnant) mentally.  I like the Thomas Henry Huxley quote on this photo.  Having an area or two of expertise is good, but it is also important to stay informed about lots of other things.

Saturday was a pretty day.  I finished last week's blog while Stevie hung out near by.

Then I went out to plant my new Firepower dwarf Nandina (seen in pots below).








First I moved the scrappy looking ornamental arborvitae back against the rock (seen right).  I don't have much hope for it, but would love to see new growth.  Then one of the Nandina went into the old hole from where the mostly dead shrub had been.

I got two more of the new shrubs planted (seen left), but then it was time to head to the barn.

I wanted to get there to help with the trail ride that I was going to go on with Diva.  She needs a little more work before she is ready to be ridden by inexperienced riders.  The short ride was just going out, so I helped with that a little.  Then I had time to kill, so got Zorro out of the dry lot and let him graze out front.




I took some photos of these two new horses, beautiful TN Walkers.  They were very interested in Zorro.















The mare is a half sister to Diva.

They pranced back and forth for awhile, gaiting and even cantering. But they always stuck very close to each other.

They are absolutely gorgeous.

Once it was time to get the nine customers on horseback for the long ride, I helped with that, tightening girths, putting on bridles, and adjusting stirrups.  I got Diva ready and then we were off, Kyala leading on her horse Patience and I bringing up the rear.

I took several more photos.

Diva did well, but wanted to go faster, and get up front to her best buddy Patience.













On the first switch back going down into the woods, when I had started this (video), Diva actually tried to take a shortcut down the hill to get to the front, so I had to quickly correct her.

New growth can be seen all around with the woodland shrubs and early flowering trees.  I haven't been on the Daddy's Creek long trail ride in awhile because Amiga had been barefoot on her back hooves the last three months.  (I had Tom shoe all four last Thursday)  Also, with Amiga's reoccurring lameness issues, I have been worried about the slipping and turning of her feet on all the rock and tough hills.  In the right photo we are going under Weschester on the way to Daddy's Creek.

Diva did a lot of looking around, wanted to veer off the trail, and did not respond great to neck reining.  But she stayed calm, didn't spook, and was gentle.  She just needs more practice, new growth so to speak.  Seen below, we were heading back under Weschester to finish our ride. 

Once back to the barn, I helped get people off their mount and put their horse in a stall.  I am so thankful I was able to ride Diva, and help out just a little.  Although, I enjoy the speed and spirit of my Amiga much more, I'm just not sure how much I should ride her on this trail.

I got home and had time to plant the last shrub, but first had to move the Red Barberry.  I hate this bush because it is so prickly and a pain to keep trimmed.  It also has a lot of dead branches in it.  I split it in two and moved it down by the creek where it can just grow wild.  I hope it survives.







Joe and I went to Red's and Brian and his friend Joann (visiting from California) joined us at the bar.  We enjoyed Karaoke, which started slow because there were no volunteers.  So Terry sang several songs.  Boy is he good.  There was a group of rowdy locals, and the ladies got up to dance a few songs and I had fun joining them.

Easter Sunday I did not get up and going as early as hoped.  And then I took my time here at my computer, drinking tea, longer than I had planned.  But I did get to the barn at 9 am, and out on the trail on Amiga, which is where I had my 'sunrise service.'  

Guess who was peeking in through the barn window to see (the girls cleaning stalls) and hear what was going on when I got there?  Zorro, who was still in time out and bored with it.


I had a nice little ride, and as usual, the three stable dogs led the way.  Amiga felt great, with no lameness.  I am always so thankful to be able to enjoy riding my own horse.







 

The stables were closed to livery rides because it was Easter, so it was very quiet, uninhabited, when I got back to the barn.  I put Amiga with Zorro, and he was happy to have a friend.

A horse with two heads?

I had loaded up manure, and brought it home, so went to work in back sowing more seed down near the creek.   Mulched leaves seem to work well as a cover over the top of the seed.

The right photo was taken Sunday.  The bottom photo was taken five days later.  Notice new growth of the seed under the leaf mulch.  The grass clippings are on top of the seed I sowed Tuesday.









I also discovered new growth, my asparagus (seen right) has finally sprung forth from the depths of its 'burial.'  I only saw this one, but have planted six bulbs, so hope the others are on their way growing up.

The Wellness Center was closed and Joe was off playing cards so I worked on some of my learning activities, hoping for more growth (knowledge and practice) and then watched The Passion of The Christ, a movie I had never seen that seemed a good choice on Easter.

Monday I started this blog post and then was notified, by way of a text from my vet (Nathan) at 8:23, that he could do a barn visit this morning.  So I contacted Judy and then texted Dr. Perry back, that we were good to go.  However, I didn't hear back from him until 10:00, half hour before he arrived.  I had gone to the barn at 9:30 just in case he came without letting me know, which was a good thing.  While waiting I loaded up more manure, brushed and tacked Amiga and went for a short ride to see how she felt.  She seemed pretty good.

After Dr. Perry drew blood for coggins tests on the two new TN Walkers, he was ready for Amiga.  We discussed her lameness issues, past history of suspensory ligament tears, he examined her legs, and then we decided to do some x-rays.  Seen above, Amiga was looking over the x-ray equipment.  After sedating her so that she would hold her feet real still, Nathan and his wife Lori got to work taking the x-rays.

He did all four legs in the different areas of concern.

We looked over the x-rays together, as Nathan and Lori worked.  The good news, for the most part, is that Amiga's legs look good for her age.  There is no arthritis in the front, but she does have some (which is very normal for an 11 year old horse) in the back.  There is some scar tissue in the suspensory ligament on the front right, but there is no indication of greater harm or injury.

Dr. Perry said the lumps on both her hips is scar tissue (she's been kicked in this area many times) and that is what's causing stiffness in those muscles.  The scar tissue in her front right suspensory may also be decreasing her range of motion with that leg.  Keeping her hooves well trimmed will help keep tension off the suspensory ligaments.  But, there is no reason not to ride her like I want; long rides, and on some hills and rocks.  Dr. Perry did say if ever Amiga re-injures the suspensory ligaments, she may then need to be retired from riding, but if I were to get a different horse now, I run the same risk that there are preexisting injuries or new ones can occur.  He said if I really like Amiga, and because I know her, I should keep her and keep on riding her.  (I have been thinking about trading her in for a sturdier horse and discussed this with the vet.)
Dr. Perry said that Amiga seems to have a low pain threshold, because he has seen many other horses with worse scaring and arthritis, that have no lameness issues.  Amiga got her banamine shot (to prevent inflammation + pain from her shots), her coggins test and spring shots... then it was Zorro's turn, so I brought him in.

I spent about 30 minutes walking both horses when done, so Amiga could finish 'waking up' and to help circulate the shot serums through their blood so there would be less soreness at the shot site.  Then they got to hang out together in the 'dry lot' (seen below) the rest of the day.

Joe had come to the barn to bring me the old ultra sounds (I had forgotten) of Amiga's injuries when she was five, and he swapped cars and took the manure, and more importantly his golf clubs with him.  I went to town and bought horse supplies, plants, and groceries.







There was not time to do yard work when I got home and it had started sprinkling.  We did get our load of free wood chips from the tree guys.

We watched the last episode of Legacy 24, and of course there was a cliff hanger to draw us back in for the next season.

Tuesday it rained (slow and gently) almost all day.  The dog and cat entertained each other and me while I worked on this blog.  They played a little game of steal the ball. 

This is Maggie's toy, so she is allowed to take it back from the cat.  She is not permitted to take the cat's mouse toys away from her.


I had gotten up way to early so took two little naps during the day.  I ran to the library and got the Sue Grafton X novel and read some of that.  Then when the skies cleared for a little over an hour, I went out to dump horse manure, plant more grass seed and haul three wheelbarrow loads of wood chips.

The plants (seen right) would have to wait for a better day to get planted.

Once the rain started back up, I went to the gym to lift weights and do the stretch class.  But I really felt off for some reason.

I ran to Jan's to care for her two cats and cooked frozen lasagna and some green beans for Joe's Birthday dinner.  Then we watched the movie The Shawshank Redemption.  It was a good one.  The unjust and savage beatings the prisoners took reminded me of what I had seen happen to Jesus in the movie a few nights earlier.  I do not like seeing this brutality.

Wednesday morning the skies had cleared and things were looking up for the day's yard work, but I had limited time.  I moved one of the burning bushes and then planted the two Azaleas next to each other so I will get a mix of pink and red when they bloom.  In the lower photo you can see the Azaleas and the burning bush I moved (in the upper right part of photo) just to the left of the rock.






Joe and I also hauled several loads of wood chips to the back because I wanted to get the pile off of the grass.

We  left for Nashville at 1:15, dropping Maggie off at the kennel on the way.

We parked downtown at 3:30 and hit the streets on foot... goin' Honky Tonkin', which basically means bar hopping and listening to up and coming musicians for free, unless you want to leave them some money in their tip jar.


The band at Legends Corner was great, but it was standing room only.  So we moved on to the Tequila Cowboy where we had a seat, a beer and enjoyed this duo.





Once refreshed, we continued bar hopping, looking for a good band and place we could later meet for dinner.

This bus looked like a fun and good way to get around town and see the sights, but you wouldn't be able to go into the bars and see and hear the different bands.
We stepped into Margartaville, but it was more Country Western music (what the going theme usually is) and not Jimmy Buffet.  So we moved on.

We went up four flights of stairs to get to the Roof Top.  There was a soloist who wasn't great, but the sun and view were wonderful.  Again, it was standing room only so we move on. 







After another block of walking, we got word from Courtney and Mike, and also Brian and his clan, that they were in the vicinity, but in two different directions.  So we all planned to meet at 5th and Broadway.


Once together, we went to Bailey's (seen above) where Joe and I had been earlier.  It was not very crowded or as rowdy, and the male and female singers were only ok, but it was a good place to eat.

After dinner we walked to Bridgestone Arena for the Neal Diamond concert. 


We were all up in the 'nose bleed' section, with Rita, Andy, Joann and Brian, (seen below)  two rows behinds us.

Brian took this photo of Joe and I with Courtney and Mike.

We all really enjoyed the concert.  Afterwards, Courtney and Mike headed home (he had an exam the next day) and the rest of us went back to Bailey's for a few beers.  Joe and I didn't get home to Courtney's until 1:30 am and I felt bad that she had waited up for us.  We all went straight to bed. 

We were on the road by 8:30 Thursday morning.  I read my Sue Grafton X mystery during most of the two hour drive to Fairfield Glade.  On our way north on Pevine, we picked up the dog who was running wild in the yard at the kennel.  Arriving home to a ducky day with overcast skies and possible showers, I immediately got to work in the yard.  When I fed the ducks (later than usual) they came right up to eat before I had even left the backyard.  

The first of my iris's has bloomed.

I got almost all the flowers planted out front, but had to run for cover (with tools) on two different occasions because of little pop-up rain showers.   The work I accomplished is seen in the lower right photo.  In the lower left photo is a comparison; no flowers and in the upper right corner can be seen the half dead Red Barberry.  Now in its place is the Nandina and Azalea which I planted earlier in the week. 

Here is a (video) tour of the front bed, not yet done, but you can hear the lovely sound in the background of the mockingbird who sang all day.

I had daylight left so moved more mulch, filling in the low area at the end of this berm.  I ended up working until a late dinner, which Joe had grilled (polish sausage, tater tots, and corn).  We watched three hours of TV because after Designated Survivor, Survivor Game Changers was two hours long.



Friday morning there was sunshine.  The wood duck was standing on a rock, out in the pond.  Rain was in the forecast, starting about noon, so I scurried over to the barn to get more manure/dirt that I needed.







I used 4-wheel drive to be sure I didn't get stuck in the wet mud.  After chatting with Judy and Shirley, I came home and got right to work, knowing rain was going to cut me short.  It actually held off longer than expected and cleared off after the first shower, so like the day before, I dashed into the garage with tools thinking I was done for the day, but then came back out and worked a little longer.  First I mowed the very tall grass down by the creek and pond.  In the right photo you can also see the new mulch which had been added to extend the path down to the 'oasis' so to speak.

Then I worked at preparing a spot to plant one of the pink dogwoods I got on sale.  Here is a before and after shot of my day's accomplishments.  I know it doesn't look like much.

Let me point out what I did.  Seen in above photo, I had dumped a 30 gallon bin of dirt where there was a big hole.  Then I proceeded to remove grass from around the cluster of three trees, leaving the moss that was there.  Next I moved moss from the yard and put it on the new dirt and in the bare spots around the tree.  With moss over and around the rocks and roots, mowing in this area will no longer be needed.

Finally I moved grass from between the two rocks (seen in upper right of photo) and put it in the yard where I had removed patches of moss.  Because it is difficult to mow between the rocks, I planned to put the dogwood there and then wood chips.  This will also give the deer more cover when they feed at the mineral block and corn.

Can you tell what this is? →

I found this leaf and thought it really neat how the 'soft' tissues had mostly decayed but the veins still remained.

Joe had left early to play poker.  Once more, rain came so I called it quits in the yard.  The dogwood would not get planted this week.  I changed out of my dirty clothes and went to the gym.  After weights, elliptical, and shower, I ran a box of stuff into the Conference Center for the Trash and Treasure Dog Park booth.

Below, the left photo was taken Sunday and the right photo was taken Friday.  The grass can be seen at different stages of new growth, depending on when I planted the seed Sunday or Wednesday. 

With spring rain, warmer air, and longer days, comes new growth, but at a cost... lawn mowing, tree and bush trimming, and weeding have begun.  Also, not only have dog walks been wet and muddy at times, but the bugs have also come to life.  I have removed a tick or two at various times, on several occasions.  And then there's new growth of thrush and scratches that is more likely on horse hooves and legs in this weather and the possibility of colicing on spring grass which is high in sugar from all the new growth.