Along For The Ride

I do not want to just be along for the ride.  However, sometimes I am coerced into travels or trips I'd prefer not to do.  I don't like to travel, especially in a car or plane, it involves too much sitting.  But I like to experience new experiences.  Often for me, it is more about the destination, than the getting there, especially when it involves vehicle or air travel. 


If all my travels could be on horseback, then I would jump at the opportunity to go along for the ride.  
My nephew Ben has ridden his bike from Seattle to Guatemala.  Why would you do this, many will ask. 







As seen in this photo, I think why we go horse back riding has many of the same reasons why people bike.

Saturday 11/24 - Decorating for Christmas is not something I like to do.  I know, it seems odd, because I put so many decorations up.  However, it is not the decorating, but the end results that I love.  

Joe left for the casino in Cherokee and I was soon on my way to town to shop.  I had run out of dog food and could not postpone shopping another day.  Decorating had been put on hold yet again.

Not home until 2:30, I scurried to walk the dog and get to the barn by 3pm to go for a quick ride.  I wanted to work with Amiga out by the road and garden again.

Amiga did pretty well at the garden walking around that.  She would just get a little bit bouncy right at the corner where we cross the street.  But then when I rode her in the field with the obstacles she was horrible.  We did one loop of it at a walk that went well.  However, when I headed in the direction of the barn she’d start jumping up and down again.   I could not get her to settle down and just walk calmly.  When I finally got her to stop and stand for a minute, I got off and navigated her back out through the gate.  I decided to have her walk one more loop of the garden, which actually went okay.  But after crossing the street and heading to the barn she was bad again.  Finally back at the barn (trying to get there at a calm walk) after brushing her and caring for her feet, I left her in the cross ties for about 15 minutes, all by herself.  I was in the tack room going through my stuff.  I did find the cinch Jan had given me with a latigo, and put it on my saddle.  So I’m good to go in that department.  Amiga stood quietly the whole time.

It was almost 6 pm when I got home.  By the time I got dinner to the pets, unloaded all my new purchases, ate dinner, and got cleaned up, there was no energy, and not much time left to decorate.  Monita was checking out the new slippers I had just bought.  She especially likes the balls dangling from them.  













I checked e-mails and Facebook and down loaded some photos before calling it a day.  I like falling asleep in the light of the moon.

Sunday 11/25 - The moonlight morning as seen from my office chair at 4:45.

This photo was taken during our morning walk, with the moon light on the roof of our house.  

With the sun rising, the moon's presence (upper right in photo) became less noticeable, and the fog clouded the view out my windows, as I managed windows on my computer.

I had initially planned to work on Christmas decorations after Church because I thought it was going to be raining.  But the day ended up being quite nice, so I decided to go ride. 

I took the Holly trail into the Glade, riding Amiga down the hill, across the creek, and back up the other side.  The footing wasn't too bad.  Chester was with me, leading most of the way.  

The hill back down to the creek on the Holly trail was a little tougher for Amiga to navigate, but she got me down and up the other side.  She was actually quite calm most of this ride, and very responsive when asked to slow down.

I met up with Karen and Boz on our way back to the barn.  I got her to take a photo of Amiga and I.

I had ridden five minutes short of 2 1/2 hours.  Feeling a little sore getting out of the saddle, I thought Amiga might be sore also, so I gave her a Previcox.

  

The barn was bustling with activity.  Five other boarders were horsing around, including Patty.  Seen here, she is returning Zorro to the field after grooming and doing some round pen work with him.

Monday 11/26 - The wind had picked up and the temperature dropped starting at sunset the night before.  By daylight, it was 32 degrees and the light rain had turned to snow flurries.  Joe had gotten home at 8 pm the night before and I was glad he was here to help with dog walks.

I decided to try weights and see how my neck and back felt.  I needed to lift before Ballroom because Patty and I were going to Shirley's right after.  By the time I left for the gym at 8:30, quite a bit of snow had already accumulated (see below).

My neck and back tolerated the workout, but were still sore.

Shirley made hot chocolate for us, perfect on a cold morning.  We then sat at her computer and figured out our cruse excursions.  Nothing like planning for warm Caribbean beaches on a cold snowy morning.  The internet was running slowly, we think because of Cyber Monday, so we didn't get anything booked, but we had our game plan.

My afternoon was spent putting lights and then ornaments on the living room Christmas tree.  And then the tree in the balcony required some fluffing and adjusting of lights and ornaments that got skewed during storage.  The cats played (and got in the way) for a lot of the time, but eventually conked out right on my work table.  

Tuesday 11/27 - It was down right cold at the first morning walk and never really warmed up all day long.  Joe had booked us for a tour of the water treatment plant that left at 8am.  I was disgruntled about loosing my morning time and having to get dressed and go out in the cold... so kind of just 'went along for the ride.'  

Well the two hour tour was very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Once home I set to work decorating the mantel, built in shelves, and hearth.  Before this could be done though, I had Joe (with my help) make some adjustments to the new TV and sound system set up, including moving the TV stand a little bit and hiding all the wires as best as possible.  We had swapped out five speakers for just two, so that helped make it look more stream line.

I had to take a break from decorating to go to bible study.  Joe captured this photo of Monita making herself comfortable in this little Christmas basket while I was gone.

  

  

Once home, Joe helped me with booking some of the shore excursions for our February Cruise.  Then I got a little more decorating done, feeling good about the day's progress.  Next, we picked up Brian and Ken and went to Vegas for dinner.  It was nice to catch up with these two guys.
  

Wednesday 11/28 - Looking at the three deer at the corn, you can also see that most of the snow had melted.  I like the red rain-cover and cardinal in this second photo.  Notice the squirrel, under cover, eating away.

I have found that the food doesn't disappear as fast on the feeders hanging in front of my desk windows because the squirrels can't get to it.

After Ballroom Aerobics and a strenuous weight workout, I came home, still feeling quite sore.  I had an early lunch and soon took a nap in the sun on the couch in the sunroom.

Then I went to the barn to ride Amiga, even though it was only 32 degrees.  At least the wind wasn't blowing.  I rode her around the garden again, and in the front yard, doing several loops each place.  Amiga misbehaved a half dozen times, but we worked through it and hopefully made some progress.  When on the back of a horse, you shouldn't just be 'along for the ride' or they might take you for quite the ride.  Others might just stand and graze.

Seen in the above photo, Judy had checked on the livery horses across the road, and needed to bring a sick one back to the barn.  She cares so much for each of the horses she looks after.

The sun was setting as we both left the stables.  I took this photo on the way home, at the Dorchester club house.  I had salad for dinner since Joe was at poker.

Thursday 11/29 - I was waiting for it to warm up so I could go ride before the afternoon rains were to come.  Well, it was raining before I finished my second cup of tea.  Rain on the window made it tough to get a well focused photo of this Pileated Woodpecker.


I blogged and entertained myself with games and activities on the 2018 Jacquie Lawson advent calendar that Cathy gifted me.

By noon the rain had let up.  I needed to take more of Amiga's supplements to the barn and pay my board.  I also hoped I could get in a little ride.  It was raining lightly when I rode out, but soon let up.  Notice the fog and mist over the distant mountains.






I started out riding Amiga around the garden and yard again.  Only at one place did she really get anxious.  I can't tell if it is eagerness to get back to the barn, or anxiety about something else.

The rain had stopped and I rode Amiga to the Holly trail, but did not venture down the hill.  Chester loves going out with me, and leads the way down the trail.  Amiga was jumpy and spooky the first 2/3rs of our ride, but finally relaxed and was calm going back to the barn.















The rain moved back into the area and it sprinkled on us some, before we got back to the barn.  The above photo shows the gelding pasture from the bean field.  We ride along the side and back of this field on the livery trail.

Well, I was glad to have gotten in a tad more than an hour ride.  It poured on my way home from the barn, and rained fairly steadily the remainder of the day.

I was chilled (and achy) once home and after hot soup and a nap under blankets, woke feeling better.

I worked on packing and did more Christmas decorating, getting the kitchen and dinning room festive.  Joe and I watched the two hour episode of Survivor and then I struggled to stay awake trying to finish up this blog.

Friday 11/30 - I woke early, but not well rested.  Nights before traveling often are restless.  As I prepare to post this, I look at my to do list and know I must get a move on.

We are about to hit the road for Nashville (again) for the third time this month.  We are picking up Courtney and Mike and continuing on to Atlanta, but more about this trip in my next blog.  Even though I am tired of always being on the go because it gives me less time to ride my horse or for cozy moments here at home, I am trying to not just be along for the ride, but to fully experience this adventure.  So few people really live life to the fullest.  We get stuck in our ways and routines and just kind of coast through life,  but when a major event happens to you or someone you love, your view on life changes.
"It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts." ~ Adlai Stevenson

Hygge

Hygge - a Danish word for a mood of coziness; used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with people you love, at home or out.  It is always a calm, comfortable feeling of wellness and contentment, often enjoyed with good food and drinks, warm blanket, and fire or candlelight.

With Thanksgiving this week and Christmas coming, I wish you all hygge experiences with your family and friends.




Saturday 11/17 - We were off for Nashville to share an early Thanksgiving with family at Dan and Val's.  First we picked up Patty, then we dropped off Maggie, and 90 minutes after leaving the kennel, we arrived in Murfreesboro.  The smell of food cooking immediately graced our olfactory senses when we entered the house, and Val was hard at work in the kitchen.   



Before long we started on cookie decorating while Val continued with food prep.  I had bought this 20 cookie set, 75% off after Halloween, and thought we could do Thanksgiving pumpkins.  










We ended up with all three holidays being represented.  Daniel did the only Christmas cookie, taking the whole decorating session to complete his masterpiece.


We three ladies did all the rest of these cookies.


Everyone snacked on veggies and dip, meat, cheese and crackers while some enjoyed a beer or two.








As the turkey baked, we watched the Hawk game on TV while also working a puzzle and napping.  During half time, Patty, Joe, and I went for a walk.  The Hawks finally won after three losses, beating IL 63 to 0.  



Mike arrived and made the mashed potatoes.  Patty finished making the deviled eggs, and I chopped the rest of the veggies.  Valencia finished up preparation of the turkey, ham, mac and cheese, rice, corn, potato salad, sweet potato casserole, and bread.





Oh, we had also Skyped with Britney while dinner was cooking.  It was so good to see and talk with her.




This beautiful Thanksgiving table and feast was prepared and it was time to load up our plates.







First we needed a quick family photo before dishing up.  Val had her camera timed to take ten consecutive shots.  Why is it so difficult to get everybody looking at camera and smiling?  LOL  It was a hygge moment in a way.

The feasting soon began.  We all ate more than enough and there was still tons of food left over.

Nobody had room for dessert and we all went into a food induced catatonic state.

With all of us in our loungers (stretch pants or PJs), we gathered around the TV (or puzzle) and let our bellies digest.  Joe picked an odd movie (Ballad of Buster Scruggs) since no one else would chime in.  With blankets over our laps, we had a hygge evening, as Courtney knitted, some were on their I-phones, and Patty helped me with the difficult puzzle.

Sunday 11/18 - Us older folks had gone to bed earlier than the 'kids,' so we were also up earlier.  We all had a lazy morning.  I worked on the puzzle but knew it wasn't going to get done before time to leave.  Courtney had spent the night and Mike returned around lunch time, so we all feasted on leftovers.







It was a beautiful (over 60 degrees) day so I went for a long walk.  I had to take off my jacket it was so warm.





We ended our visit playing an exciting game of Ticket To Ride.  In fact, we had to speed play at the end in order to get on the rode in time to pick up Maggie at the Kennel between 5 and 5:30... We got the dog, dropped off Patty, and once the car was unloaded and everything put away, we were ready to call it a day.  A movie in front of a fire would have been nice, but we have no TV.  So much for a hygge evening, but it was good to be home, as much as I hated ending the visit with loved ones in Nashville.

Monday 11/19 - Stevie watches over me and the rest of her domain.


Today's unusual wildlife was a Red Tail Hawk.  He got my attention up in a tree when the crows were yelling at him.  Eventually he glided down to the edge of the creek.  (See the white speck in the middle of this photo.)





I watched him through binoculars and tried to take some photos.  He may have tried to catch something, but then decided to take a bath in the creek.








And like any bird, he dipped his head, flapped his wings, and shook his body as he splashed around.  Too bad I don't have a better camera and a telephoto lens.  I wouldn't have the patience to learn well, how to use it though.

My weight workout after Ballroom Aerobics took an extra 12 minutes because the gym was so crowded and I had to wait for machines.  I did use the time to stretch.

After lunch I went for a 90 minute ride on Amiga.  I decided to ride into the Glade, (first time since 8/6).  I took the Holly Trail, but for my horses safety, walked Amiga down the hill and up the other side (after riding her across the high waters in the creek).







It had been slick in spots, with lots of wet leaves and mud underneath.  The leaves also hide rock, stumps, and roots which makes the footing difficult.



I had worked up a sweat, but once in the Glade, enjoyed a wonderful ride on the good footing of the undeveloped dirt and gravel roads.







As always, it is an adventure to be out on my horse.  You never know what new scary things you will come across.  To feel a 900 pound animal collected under you and ready to bolt can be un-nerving, but I am usually able to get Amiga to calm down and face her fears.

In the first photo, you can see how far away we were when Amiga first 'detected danger'.  And she was reluctant the whole time we approached it. 

I decided to return to the barn by way of Chestnut Hill so I didn't have to navigate the Holly Trail hills.  Where Beechwood joins Chestnut Hill, the rocks had been moved but the wire and gate still made it un-passable.  

There had been a 4-wheeler trail around this barricade that I had cleared (months ago) to be able to ride around.  But now some boulders were in the way of it.  So I walked Amiga through the brush to get past them.

Dark descended as I got home (a little after 4:30).  Patty dropped by to deliver pie and get her Thanksgiving leftovers we had brought from Nashville.  Joe and I had the remaining leftovers for dinner and then I worked here at my computer but couldn't keep my eyes open past 8pm.

Tuesday 11/20 - The doe in back was like Amiga yesterday, leery of this new 'danger' (the pipe around the tree).  She approached with great caution and lots of sniffing.

Before long, the doe was munching on the cracked corn on the rock.  Monita was actually watching three squirrels, not the deer.

Right after lunch Joe helped me outside with tree trimming.  It takes two people to move this heavy, twelve foot  ladder.

Maggie had a ball helping with branch disposal. 

Joe's last task was to help me put brackets on the side of the house so I could hang bird feeders in front of my desk windows.









Then I worked at filling the feeders and getting them hung.  It was a tricky, somewhat time consuming task and will need to be modified if I am to do it each day.  

Now I can watch the birds from my desk, one thing I had missed since moving it out to the sunroom.










Needing to get my blood flowing and burn some calories, I took Maggie on a two mile walk.



I took these photos of the back yard and house from the #17 green.  Most of the leaves have come off the trees and it now looks like winter landscape.  Then Maggie and I headed up the 18th fairway and I took this shot looking back down from the green.  

Wednesday 11/21 - Courtney's Birthday, a big day in my life I will never forget.  She captured my heart from the day she was born, and will always be a big part of my life.  I am so thankful she is celebrating another birthday!

I had put this red cover (Allen gave me) over the bird feeder to try and keep it dry, and wondered if it would deter the squirrels.  But it didn't.

Similar to the doe and Amiga, the birds were quite cautious about coming to the feeders at first.  It didn't help that Stevie was jumping at the window when they came near.

Stevie even tried watching from a different vantage point but couldn't get comfortable on the ladder.


Eventually, later in the morning, more birds were swooping in to feed.  Stevie still lunged at them occasionally, but realized it was futile.


I think the birds' sensed that their safety was not too jeopardized by coming to the feeders, and it got fairly active.

When I got home from Ballroom, weights, and a very crowded grocery store, I saw that the new 55" TV had arrived and was already set up.

Once groceries were stored and a snack was had, I made the mistake of sitting down in the sun.






Stevie immediately hopped up on my lap, and then soon Monita tried to join us.






And as you can see, I and the three fur babies all enjoyed a nap in the sun.


Following the nap, was a trip to the barn and a solo ride on Amiga.  The best way to get a photo of us, is to take one of our shadow.













I rode through the winter pasture and then on the top of the ridge on the long trail.  Unfortunately, Amiga had a bad trip, while walking very slowly down a rocky section covered in leaves, and fell to her front knees.  Shoot, even when I try to be careful, she gets hurt.  Our trails are just too tricky. 

On our way back to the barn, we ran into the retired livery horses while coming up the hill after the creek.  I did not want to turn Amiga around because of bad footing and she was already acting sore.  So I had to kind of drive this first horse out of our way.  But we made it back.





The full moon was rising as I left the barn.  

Joe was at poker so I ate and watched TV by the fire on my own.  He got home early enough for us to have time to watch Survivor.  It was a very interesting tribal council and now I am really rooting for the 'David' team.

Thursday 11/22 - Thanksgiving Day.  I try to always be mindful of all my blessings, and daily thank God for them.  Let today be a reminder for all of us to give thanks.

The temps started in the low 40's and reached the upper 50's.  My early arrival at the barn, started out kind of cold.  Miss Kitty was in the window, soaking up the warming sunrays as I approached.





Patty, Jan, Polly, and I were quick to saddle up our horses and hit the trail.  








Blue skies, warm sun, and cool, fresh air, it was perfect riding weather (video).

We rode without any real purpose and in no particular direction.  We were just out to enjoy God's creation, our horses, the day, and each other.

We rode around in both bean fields.  Shortly after taking the above photo of Patty, her reins broke.  Luckily it happened while she and Zorro were just standing there.

Eventually we made our way back to the barn and horsed around there for awhile.  Polly stopped to put eye drops in.  I like this nearly silhouetted photo of Patty on Zorro.

Our next objective was to go across the street and ride in the field where the obstacles are.  But first we did some laps around the garden.  After a couple of trips around, Amiga started acting up.  We were right by the road, and she was literally jumping up and down.  And then suddenly my saddle cinch broke and I landed on the ground with a jolt and/or thud, flat on my back, still holding Amiga's reins.  For a split second, while it was happening, I thought Amiga was falling over on me, I guess because I was still 'in the saddle' as I was going down.  I had no idea the cinch had broken.  It was definitely an un-nerving experience.  I didn't feel like anything was broken so got up right away.  I could tell I was going to be sore though.  

Well, I wasn't going to let Amiga think she had won this battle.  She was acting up because she wanted to go back to the barn.  So I walked her back to the barn, put Zorro's saddle on her and rode back over to the garden area.  Jan accompanied me the whole time and was great support.  (Polly and Patty finished riding a little earlier).  Amiga continued to act up, but I stuck to my intent of getting her to walk quietly along the road.  Finally she complied.  About this time Joe showed up on his moped.  Thankfully this didn't spook Amiga.  I got her to walk quietly along the road one more time and then we went to the barn.

Home for a late lunch (snack really) I then sat for a moment to, well, rest I guess.  I noticed Stevie squished in this box, so tipped it over to give her more room.



Monita had to get in on the action and come see what we were up to.





I left these two resting in the sun and went out to get some yard work done.  It was too nice out to sit inside.








I had bought some Japanese Spurge quite a while ago, and finally added it to this spot to help fill in some of the larger gaps between the plants I put in last year.  A little weeding and raking leaves also occurred.



I needed to quit in the yard, both to get started on dinner, and because my neck, right bum, and left knee were really hurting.

Patty came for dinner, and brought information about her trip to Germany she shared with Joe, who is planning a trip there.  Dinner wasn't much, but it was our little Thanksgiving.  We also watched some football and a little of the Macy's Parade.

Friday 11/23 - The day started cold and cloudy, and never really got any nicer.  This Tufted Titmouse was quite brave this morning.  The feeders are just two feet from my head so I get a good view of the birds now.  I love it.

Black Friday is my day for decorating.  Since Joe was going to be gone over the weekend, I had him put together the Christmas tree.  It is his only decorating job.  Notice Monita is supervising.

We got to Spikes for the Iowa kick off at 11:00.  There was a large crowd here for this game against Nebraska.










It was a nail biter of a game, but Hawks won by three points with three seconds to go!  Patty was the winner (third time this season) of the pool for guessing the correct total score.

Late afternoon I decided to go sit in the hot tub.  I was hurting and wanting relief.  It did help somewhat. 

What is it with cats and Christmas trees?  





Just before this second photo of Monita scampering away, I had yelled at her for chewing on the tree.

I was too sore (and tired) to continue with decorating, fluffing the tree and getting the lights on it.  So I sat here at my desk to finish up this blog before bed.  

Decorating for Christmas has become more of a chore, but I sure do love the cozy, hygge atmosphere the lights and decorations create.