Arbor Day

 Every year Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April (the 30th this year).  It is celebrated simply by planting trees and showing appreciation for the environment.  I love landscaping and gardening so am always planting.  Our yard has more than enough trees, but I will replace some if needed.  Once we close on our ranch property, we plan to plant fruit trees out there.

Planting a tree does brighten up my day.  Adding a tree to the landscape is not the same as the stroke of a brush that Bob Ross does, but I get the same joy by digging in the dirt.  I think in my case, planting a tree is easier than painting one.  LOL

Friday 4/23 - It was another cold morning, and continued with overcast skies and some rain before noon.  Daniel sent a morning up-date of Ava, getting her first sponge bath.  Notice she is sucking the tip of Dan's thumb.  Whatever works to keep her content.

We got bad news about our loan progress.  The lady doing all our paperwork had quit and so no progress had been made for awhile.  I had already been disappointed that we were unable to close early, but now I was worried we might not make the April 30th deadline.  Joe had to run to the bank to get yet more paperwork completed and he was feeling a little stressed by the whole situation as well.

I wasted away the morning and didn't leave for the gym until noon.  While doing my normal 15 minute warm up on the rowing machine, I decided I wasn't in the mood to lift weights and that it could wait till Saturday.  So I watched a HGTV home renovation show while doing the elliptical for an hour.  

I swung by Patty's on the way home and then pretty much called it a day.  Like Stevie in the photo, I was feeling lazy.  Gloomy, rainy days (well it was just drizzling) always do this to me.

I did do a few little things around the house, and then read and napped on the couch in the sun room, which did not see sun all day.

After 5:30 feeding time, and walking the dog, I ended up weeding down back for awhile.  I had gone out to dump some corn, saw some sticks so started picking them up.  I had to get the 30 gal. tub to put all the sticks in.  And then I started weeding since there was room in the tub.  

Joe was gone for the afternoon and evening, playing golf and then poker, so I computerized and then read.

Saturday 4/24 - Dan had sent this sweet photo of Val and Ava after I had gone to bed.  He and Val were catching up on their TV shows.  

I had not slept well, so didn't get up until almost 6:30.  It was another gloomy, rainy day.  Because of the weather, I was again quite unmotivated. 

I got myself back to the gym for my weight workout, which improved as I progressed through it.  I practically had the whole place to myself until the last 30 minutes when people started showing up. 

I made my last trip to Patty's.  She was on her way back home from Iowa.  When I got home, I puttered around the house.  One little project involved tying baling twine to this basket to make a little bird feeder.  The cats and dog love watching critters out the front window.     

Reading and a nap occurred on the couch in the sun room.  Pet feeding and chores were done early.  At 5:15 Joe and I went to town for dinner and then the Playhouse to watch 'Clue.'  It was more of a comedy than a mystery.  It was a fun night out, but I think I enjoyed the play more than Joe did.  Our 11:00 bedtime was later than usual.

Sunday 4/25 - This was the fifth day of cold, and it started very cloudy and damp.  I struggled to get going on anything, and lingered here playing games.  I was trying to finish a particularly difficult 300 piece, on-line computer jigsaw puzzle. 

We had a family chat with Courtney, Britney, Dan and Val.  I love getting Ava up-dates!  She is settling in to a more regular routine and going a little longer between feedings, but is still fussy from 1-4am. 

It was 1:30 by the time the sun came out and I finally got to the barn.  I had decided to ride first and then do yard work.  Amiga doesn't run from me anymore when I go to get her, but she doesn't come to me like Zorro and several other horses do for their owners.  Here she is standing as I approach her.

I rode for nearly two hours.  Amiga was quite willful a few times but we worked through it.  

This is Jack who has been working at the barn for over a month now.  He is very good with the horses.  Kind, gentle, but also firm and he doesn't let them push him around.  When he opened the stall door and Zorro started to just come right out Jack put his hand on Zorro's face to sort of hold him back, and then was petting him.  It was just sweet to see.  Then when he did stand back so Zorro could come out Zorro wouldn't.  LOL  So he put his hand under Zorro's chin and led him out and down the alleyway.  

After feeding the 'flock' once home, including myself, I did some yard work, trimming and tying back a few trees in an effort to control and shape their growth. 
Then Joe and I watched two episodes of Blue Bloods.

Monday 4/26 - Daniel tried on the baby carrier later in the day and sent this photo up-date.  I have become obsessed with working on-line jigsaw puzzles, and found myself whittling away most of the morning. 

Joe left for his camping trip and I went to the gym shortly after. 

Then my whole afternoon was spent at the barn and riding.

I walked Amiga through the pasture across the street (past Henry and Top Hat) to get to the trail that goes to the winter pasture.

I was very disappointed when I got to the winter pasture because it had been plowed, so the footing was not good.  It was tough going, riding around the perimeter of the fields because there was not enough room along the edge so we had to walk on the plowed areas quite often.
Seen in the photo below, we are on the ridge by the winter pasture, under the power lines, looking across Westchester at the switchback the livery ride takes down into the gorge.

At one point I tried cutting through from one pasture to another on what I thought was a trail the livery horses had made.  Well, I ended up riding Amiga through some pine branches and then under a low limb I didn't see until it was too late and I got brushed out of the saddle, making it under the branch hanging on to the side of Amiga's neck with one foot still in the stirrup.  My shoulder and neck got scratched up and Amiga's fly mask got ripped.  Dadgum-it.

We made our way down the steep, muddy hill of the long ride and then had a very pleasant ride along Daddy's Creek (video).    

Heading back to the barn, I turned Amiga off the livery trail, onto the Holly Trail.  She did not want to leave the path to the barn but all I had to do was show her the crop, and she cooperated.  I only took her to the #14 tee box and then turned around and rode back to the barn.

Amiga was tired and I was worried about her legs being sore, so I gave her a Prevocox.  She then got extra care and attention before putting her in her stall for the night.  I chatted with Judy, Karen, and Sharon while I looked after Amiga. 

I too was quite tired by the time I got home, but had to muster up the energy to finish laundry, put clean sheets on our bed, and do litter boxes and other pet chores including walking Maggie since Joe was gone.

Tuesday 4/27 - I always love our Ava up-dates and daily photo(s).  Here she is all tightly swaddled and looking more awake than usual. 

I did not waste much time at my computer and was at the barn by 8:45.  Amiga is now in the 'dry lot' with Merlin so she can't eat as much grass during the day.  They are getting along great.

It is definitely handier having her so close to the barn, saves me having to walk way out in the mare pasture.

It didn't take me long to tack up and hit the trail.   

I took the Holly Trail into the Glade and we rode in the wooded area between the fairways of the back nine of Dorchester.  I had fun cantering on some of the roads (video) but did run into difficulties because of downed trees that have not been cleared off the roads (video).

 

In some cases, the golf course has actually intentionally stacked the trees they have removed from the course, onto the dead end roads at the back of some holes.

After 2½ hours out on the trail, I got back to the barn on a hot, sweaty horse.  I hosed her off and then she had a good roll when I put her back out in the dry lot with Merlin.
 

Once home, I ate a late lunch and read out on the lounge chair (in the sun) for an hour.  Then I got to work in the yard.  I scrubbed this black rug (floor runner) Joe got off a trash pile.  We are going to put it in the workshop to replace the shag carpet scraps that have been there since we bought this place.  Who puts shag carpet in their work room?

I also worked in the front flower bed at weeding and more leaf removal (from the oak that drop their leaves in the spring) and then got this little azalea planted between the existing, two large ones.




After dinner I took Maggie on a long walk.  This photo of a back yard seen from the Library Trail does not do it justice.  It was full of color with blooming azalea, cherry, red bud, and dogwood.  I had walked to the new amphitheater to get photos, but my phone battery died so pictures will have to wait another time.

Long after I had gone to bed, Dan sent this photo of he and Ava, with the caption 'Movie Time.'  Ava does not look real interested in the movie, but happy to rest on her daddy's chest.




Wednesday 4/28 - My duck pair were sleeping in the front yard, although opened their eyes when they saw me lurking to take these photos. 

Stevie remained unbothered and unimpressed as I worked nearby, here at my computer. 

Before going to the gym for a great workout, I puttered around the house doing laundry, cleaning with conditioner my leather boots, running the dish washer, etc.  I also put a photo of Ava in this frame Jan had given me, and hung it on the wall.

  



I ran to Food City on my way home from the gym, and because it had started raining, I put planting on hold.  After I showered and had a late lunch, I sat on the porch swing and read for an hour.

Mama Styx and Monita were quick to join me and eventually they and then Stevie settled in on the swing by me.  I was wanting to nap, but Shirley was picking me up at 2:50, so I resisted the temptation to doze because I didn't really have time.

Shirley picked up me, we picked up Patty, and then we three went to Karen's house and hopped into her car to go to the new barn where Jan, Polly, and Melissa board.

It was great to see Jan, Polly, and Melissa; and tour the facility.  The beautiful indoor arena was especially nice, with all natural lighting and stalls around the perimeter.  I kept thinking it would be nice to be 20 years younger and running this type of business. 

There was a litter of nine, six week old, German Shepard puppies that we all enjoyed playing with.  We finally said our 'good byes' at 5:30 and headed back (the 30 minute drive) to Fairfield Glade. 

I enjoyed a big salad for a late dinner and climbed in bed early to have more time to read (after my nightly devotional) the good novel I have been enjoying.
 

Thursday 4/29 - I did not take any photos all day, which ended up having its ups and downs.  Val sent me this photo of Ava near the end of the day to help relieve my stress.  Look at that smile and those eyes. 

Joe arrived home early (9:30) from camping, plopping all his dirty, smokey gear in the garage and going straight to his computer to deal with more loan documents. 

It was predicted to rain mid-afternoon, so after spraying my clean boots with water proofing and setting them out in the sun, I headed to the barn to ride Amiga, giving her the exercise she needs.

Another Ava up-date to make my day.  Daniel sent this photo at nearly midnight, which brightened my day upon waking the next morning.

Just after I rode out from the barn, it started sprinkling.  I headed across the street to work Amiga in the little arena.  Before making it a second time around, the rain got much heavier so we quickly headed back to the barn.  I rode her inside, several laps around, until the rain stopped, and then back out we went.  We got in just over an hour of riding time when the second wave of rain hit, so I had to quit early.

I arrived home to remove my soggy boots from the deck that I had left out there in the sun.  It is frustrating when I plan my activities around the weather, but the weather man is wrong. 

After lunch I went to town to get supplies that Walmart was out of several days ago.  It was another failed trip.  The clerk stocking in the pet supply isle said the canned food and cat litter get snatched up right after being put out on the shelves.  Then to make matters worse, there were only two check out lines open and about seven people in each line.  As luck would have it, I picked the slower of the two lines so had over a fifteen minute wait.  I am so ready to boycott Walmart and not shop there anymore. 

Feeling irritated while driving home, the slow poke drivers and ones who pulled out right in front of me continued to add to my stress and frustration. 

Finally home, I then learned of the hassles Joe had been going through all day with the stupid loan process and he was more stressed than I was.  This just added to my angst.  We weren't sure what would happen if we weren't able to close by our 4/30 deadline. 

Maybe I needed to hug (or plant) a tree.  Research suggests that being around trees helps us feel less stressed and more restored.  I broke down and decided I had to have a beer, and it wasn't even 5pm yet.  Finally, at 6:23, we got the call from the lending company that our loan had been approved.  Yahoo!  There was still one change to make on the insurance document and Joe needed to set up the closing appointment with our lawyer, but Joe couldn't get a hold of him.

Friday April 30 - It was National Arbor Day and we were hoping it would be closing day on our ranch property.  Once Joe was up, he was back at it, communicating with several folks, to try to get our closing set up for today.  But to no avail.  The lawyer's schedule was full.  But at least we were able to get the closing appointment set up for mid-morning on Monday.  It IS going to happen!

I did some household chores before dropping in on Rita to make sure she was doing okay while Andy was having a test done at the hospital.  We had a lovely time chatting until Andy got home.

I spent several hours planting flowers, since I had no trees to plant.  I moved my fall mums out of pots and planted them by this flowering dogwood I had transplanted here in the fall.

I did do some weeding here and in some other spots. 

Here are most of the pots I got flowers planted into.  I really like a combination of bright colors in my pots.  I then dispersed them to various spots. 

The pot at the top of the driveway I had to plant where it sits because it is too heavy to move very easily. 

Joe and I took Maggie for a ride in the ATV.  She was a little nervous (videos), and I wondered if it was too loud for her.  We went down Weschester to the barn so I could pay board.  But Kayla was already heading down the road for home when we arrived.

I drove the UTV home, and although it runs a little loud, it is a lot of fun.  

After dinner I sat here in my office / sun room / cattery and worked on this blog.  I love the view of the woods and pond and watching song birds, ducks, squirrel, chipmunks, deer, and even sometimes a turtle come and go.  As the sun was setting, it filtered through the woods and lit up some foliage and the rock where I place the corn. 

What a beautiful and tranquil sight.  

Happy Arbor Day everybody.

Earth Day

Each year on April 22, people all around the world come together on Earth Day to celebrate the planet's environment and raise public awareness about pollution.  I have always had a respect and concern for our planet, starting with an early up-bringing with a mom who was (among many other things) an environmentalist.  My concern for our Earth only increases as this world seems to be spiraling out of control.  And now, with a new grandchild, my worry about the future of our planet is even bigger.  I can't wait to show Ava the great outdoors and our task we share in caring for and protecting our Earth.

Wednesday 4/14 - It was an early morning for Daniel with Ava, after mama Valencia fed her.  Later they got their discharge papers (a little after 9am) and were packed up and ready to leave the hospital by 10:15. 

The cute blanket is one Courtney had knit for Ava.

 









I spent most of the day getting all of last week's blog finished.  There were so many photos and so much to write about. 

The azalea have started to bloom and I was glad to see these two bushes finally looking more alive.  I thought they had died over the winter. 
I was also glad to see that the two dogwood I had transplanted last fall were sprouting.  Someday they will look like this beauty that is just outside my office/sun room window.
  

As you can see, the skies were overcast and, eventually they did let loose of some rain a few times.






Daniel had gotten Val and Ava safely home and now they could all sleep in their own beds.  Ava was napping peacefully in her bassinet in no time.



Aunt Courtney Mae with her new, little niece Ava Mae.  I am sure Great Grandma Freda Mae is looking down from heaven with a smile on her face.

I managed to get a load of laundry done and not be too distracted from blogging by the cats.  They were enjoying romping around the house and going out on the back porch. 

Two of Dan and Val's kitties got to meet Ava.  I am not sure what they thought.

The beauty of spring was enjoyed just outside my window while I spent hours here blogging.  Joe went to the ranch to do more planting.  After nine days of copious food and alcohol consumption, I knew I had to cut way back on both and get going on exercise.  Well I didn't get any exercise, other than a few dog walks, but I did eat less and less often.

Daniel reported that the cats were very curious about Ava, and that Tango was doing well with her.
 

Thursday 4/15 - Stevie wanting some lovin'.  All the cats have been a bit more clingy or affectionate.  Even Babe seemed to want to keep an eye on my where-a-bouts. 

I proof read and then posted our vacation blog, and then got this one started.  After finishing another load of laundry and a hearty breakfast, I headed to the gym.  I wasn't happy or surprised at my 3½lb weight gain.  My workout was less than usual, but felt like more work than usual.  I hate that back-sliding happens so quickly, but regaining fitness takes so long.

We didn't get any news on Ava until almost noon.  Daniel said that she had been very fussy, so they were trying a few things, figuring it out.

I didn't get to the barn until 1:30 and was slow to catch Amiga and saddle up.  I had been chatting with the staff and Pat and Art, and learned that Cheryl had sold Velvet and left the barn (4th person in two weeks) because she can no longer ride.  I was feeling sad that I now have only three riding buddies; Pat, Patty, and Babs.

Pat rode out on Rocky while I was saddling Amiga.  Seen here, she is leaving the small bean field after we chatted a minute.  You can barely see her in this second photo.

I took the Holly Trail, just down to the creek and then rode in the bean fields again.  Amiga was very alert to something, and then I saw the reason...




Judy was leading a trail ride past.   

Amiga was being a little barn sour, especially after this group left the area, so I took her into an open pasture by the barn (once back) and rode there a bit longer.

I had done some cantering shortly before quitting, so Amiga was hot and tired when I un-tacked.  I hosed her muddy legs and belly, walked her around a few minutes, and gave her a Prevcox. 

I spent 90 minutes in the backyard raking up sticks and finally got the whole job done.  But I noticed that now there are lots of weeds to pull.  Mr. and Mrs Mallard came near, quacking, so I went and got them some corn.   

Joe grilled steaks for dinner, which included potatoes and corn.  I had to hurry up outside, to get done in time to eat.

At 6:30pm we got an up date and photo from Dan.  They took Ava on her first stroll earlier, after eating, so she was now zonked out. 

I dropped by Patty's for cat care instructions and to grab Maggie's bed and toys.  Then I went on to Food City to buy brownie mix and some other supplies.  I was getting ready for a weekend trip to Nashville and to celebrate Joe's Birthday.

Friday 4/16 - Mama Styx sitting in Stevie's usual spot, lookin' for some lovin'. 

Karen had this old Jolly Ball she gave Maggie while Patty was pet sitting last week.  Maggie really has a ball with it (video), especially when playing outside.







I baked brownies and then did a Zumba class at the gym with only five other ladies.  I noticed sore muscles from the day before, but didn't have a great workout because it is difficult to do all the moves when you don't know the routine.

It was a beautiful 60+ degree day and I decided the weeds in the yard could wait, so I went for a long ride.  I took Amiga into the Glade by way of the Holly Trail, which was in really good shape.  Some of the roads however were not passable, because of downed trees.  In this photo, Amiga and I are behind Terry and Billy's.  The structure is the FGCC lookout tower, used when the area was first being developed.  It is mostly down now.  Beyond that is Terry's barn. 

Not only did Amiga and I spot these turkeys, but we also came across a bicycle that looked to be dumped in the woods, until I noticed a man in camo walking farther back in the woods.  I thought he might be hunting, (against the law) but didn't ask him what he was doing.  He did confirm that it was his bike. 

Once I got to Terry's, we chatted for quite awhile.  Amiga was very content to stand and graze for about 30 minutes while we did so.  

When we were heading back to Wildwood about 90 minutes later, we came across the camo guy riding his bike down Marmaduke.  Amiga started to spook, but he was very nice to stop and let us safely pass.

Nobody was at the barn when I arrived at 5:30.  Amiga got brushed well before being put in her stall.  I had been in the saddle for three hours, without any adverse affects.  It is odd that I can sit in my saddle for hours without any sciatic pain, but put me in a car and I am squirming in no time.  

Baby update - Ava had her first Dr. appointment.  She has gained 3oz since being discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.  Way to go Ava and Mama Val! 

 









The day ended with packing and battling a sinus headache I was sure was the result of allergies. 

Saturday 4/17 - Time to go to Nashville and meet Ava in person.  Maggie was Joe's co-pilot on our way to the kennel where we dropped her off. 


We got to Murfreesburo much quicker than I expected, waiting at Chick-Fil-A 15 minutes for the 10:30 lunch menu to become available so we could order off of it. 

When we got to Dan and Val's, we were surprised to see that Val's two sisters (Dominque and Alexis) and niece (Ariella) had arrived at 7am, surprising them also.  Ari was so excited to meet her new cousin (Ava).  We were also thrilled to meet Ava, our new granddaughter.


Ava eats every three hours so I soon had the pleasure of feeding her. 

  
Our little granddaughter has been struggling with some digestive issues and jaundice (hasn't pooped for a few days and is very gassy) so getting her to burp was of utmost importance.












Later Papaw Joe had the opportunity to hold Ava.  We are proud grandparents indeed.





Dan and Val are both doing such a great job with Ava.  They are lay-back, relaxed, and easy going, having a calming affect that makes for a tranquil home environment.

 






Ava mostly slept between feedings and rarely made a peep.  Apparently she is very good during the day, but more wakeful and fussy from midnight through morning.  She seems to have her nights and days mixed up.

It was very heart warming to see son Daniel holding and caring for Ava so tenderly.


Tango has been very good with the baby, keeping an eye on her, and very concerned when she cries (at night).  Val said Tango kind of whines when Ava is crying.

We all headed out for some fresh air and sunshine, bundling Ava up because it was a bit brisk out. 
 

Dan and Val live at the end of a cul-de-sac, which was the perfect place for Ari to roller blade.  A little later Dan and I joined her.  I was quite rusty to say the least.  Here are the on-lookers, enjoying the day outside.




Courtney arrived just as we were finishing up on our exercise session.  We spent much of the afternoon gathered around the dinner table, chatting, playing with cats, and holding and feeding Ava.

Fluffy Kitty and Paco were both wanting as much attention as possible, seeming to be a bit jealous of each other and of Ava.

Daniel mowed while Ava napped.










This was the first time she was able to successfully sleep flat on her back.

Yaneth and Val cooked a yummy spiral ham dinner.
Tango watching Courtney prepare the toss salad.

Dinner was very good.  Seen in this photo, going clockwise starting with Valencia; are Alexis, Joe, myself, Courtney, Daniel, and Ava.

Fluffy Kitty wanting the same attention as Ava.  LOL

Courtney did the next feeding.

After burping, Ava was soon back to sleep.

A little later we had brownies and ice cream and sang Joe Happy Birthday (a day early). 

The day was winding down early because everybody was so tired.  Courtney, Joe, and I headed to her condo for the evening.

Sunday 4/18 - Papaw Joe's Birthday.
It was a beautiful, sun shiny day.  Courtney was tired from the week of work so slept in.  Joe and I arrived back at Dan's about 10:45am and there was good news, Ava finaly pooped during the night.

By 11:30 we were having our family Face Time.  During part of the chat, Daniel sat holding Ava while Paco was trying to share his lap. 

Meanwhile, the Cruz girls were preparing and doing a photo shoot.  So Dan, Val, and Ava left the family chat early. 

Here are a few of the great photos they took:

Valencia with her mom Yaneth, two sisters Dominque and Alexis, daughter Ava, and niece Ariella.

     


















The new parents (Dan and Val) with Ava.                   

    The three sisters with (daughter/niece) Ava.















I really like this one they took with Daniel and Ava (Dad and daughter).

And here is Grandma Yaneth with granddaughters Ariella and Ava.

Ari and I started a puzzle while we all sat around the table chatting, and Joe 'took a turn' with Ava.  It is hard to believe she is so fussy at night because we never heard her cry during the day.

These boys are cute, but I sure hope Ava takes more after 'the Cruz girls' in the family.  LOL 

We all went for a late lunch to an ice cream / hamburger place.  The sun was out part of the time, warming us and giving Ava the rays she needed to help with her jaundice.

      










The food tasted great, especially since we were all pretty hungry. 

There was very little time left of our visit once back to Dan and Val's.  After a quick, short walk, I had a few more moments with Ava before needing to hit the road.  We had to be back between 5:00 and 5:30 to pick up our canine baby. 

It was a very short visit, but so worthwhile.  What a pleasure to see and enjoy our first grandchild.  I am thankful we live so close to Dan and Val, and worry that Valencia is so far away from her family. 

We arrived in perfect time to pick up Maggie, dropped in at Patty's to care for her cats (she is in Iowa for the week), and were home by 6pm.  

Valencia sent us this photo of Ava sunning in the window.  What a doll baby.  She loves being swaddled, so this probably took her out of her comfort zone a bit.  Although, she looks quite relaxed.  Everyday she is changing.  I can tell she is already becoming more alert, looking at faces and her surroundings.  

Well, I got to warn you all, in addition to lots of cat and horse photos on my blog posts, you are also going to see a bunch of baby Ava. (I keep bugging Dan and Val for up-dates.) 

Monday 4/19 -It was a beautiful day, although a little colder than it had been.  My cats hang around while I am at work here at my computer.  These shelves are on the wall overhead.  Monita is in the cubby, Mama Styx in the hammock, and Stevie up on the corner shelf.  Babe was elsewhere.

Joe played golf and later poker, so was gone most of the day and all evening.

Ava had a doctor's appointment, and was reported to be doing well.  She was also getting quite good at pooping.  Later in the day we were sent this photo of her catching some rays coming through the windows.  She has great parents who really love and care for her.

I had a productive few hours at the gym, and then swung by the Dollar Tree and went on to Patty's to care for her cats. 

After a very late lunch, I went to the barn.  They were just about to bring the horses in, so I gave Amiga half her grain and then tacked her up for a short (one hour ride).




Here we are looking at the distant pastures as we came out from the Holly Trail.  If you zoom in on the upper left of the photo, you will see the livery horses in the back section of their pasture. 
The sun was getting lower in the sky, but still filtering through the woods as we took the trail back to the barn.  Notice how green the woods are getting.



I rode Amiga around the barnyard and took her across the street to look at the gardens.  Most people really put a lot of time and effort into the plots they rent.  We rode around the near and far gardens.

It was after 6pm by the time I got home so my fur babies were anxious to eat.  Dinner for me was just a little bit of popcorn since I had had such a late lunch.

Tuesday 4/20 - Mama Styx spent quite a bit of time on my arm (which is unusual) while I computerized, but of course when I tried to take a photo, she got up and left.

A morning photo from Dan showed Ava working on her pinky toe stretch that the Villhauer feet have all inherited.





I went to the barn at 9am for a morning ride, planning to go into the Glade.  I cleaned some tack and chatted awhile and then hit the trail at 10:30.

Amiga has been much better on the Holly Trail, but for some reason today kept turning around just after crossing the creek.  The big (difficult) hill up is just after the creek crossing.  It took three tries to get her to continue after the creek to the flat area next to the creek where I get off, to then walk her up the hill.

We rode around the Glad checking out areas I haven't been to in quite awhile.  This is the 'road block' at Beachwood where it hits Chestnut Hill.  The Glade folks are quite serious about keeping out 4-wheelers and other vehicles.  I did ride Amiga around the obstruction to see if it was possible to get back onto Chestnut Hill, which it was.

I rode into Terry's property but was unable to get to (soon to be) our side because of new fencing put up.  She and Billy are preparing to move their horses over to the other parcel where the in-law's house is.

I hate that snakes look like sticks on the trail, and sticks look like snakes on the trail.  Keeps me on my toes.  Amiga has never spooked at a snake though.  I only worry about her getting bitten by a Copperhead or Timber Rattler. 

When I saw this big black snake, Amiga about stepped on it before I could get her turned around to head back the other way.  (I had been checking fence in the new gelding pasture and was planning to turn around anyway.)

My ride was 15 minutes shy of three hours.  Amiga has gotten fat this month, with new grass growth and me being gone (not riding).  So now I need to really get out and work her.

I went to care for Patty's cats, so it was after 3pm when I got home.  I had a very late lunch, or early dinner.

I was out cleaning and filling bird feeders when Joe came home from the gym in the UTV.  Maggie greeted Joe, not real sure of this strange vehicle.  

Joe later took the UTV to Terry's farm to meet with a home repair guy to see about getting the kitchen floor (to the ranch house) better supported under the island.

Since the kitchen has been remodeled (before Terry and Billy bought the property) the kitchen island (too heavy from the stone work counter top) has caused the floor to gradually sag over the past few years, which has resulted in some of the kitchen floor tile cracking.  We want to get it fixed as soon as possible, to prevent any farther damage.

I weeded the front bed for over an hour.  In the process, I noticed this bunny nest in the phlox.  I did not remove any hair to see if there were any babies down in the hole. 

I skipped dinner because of my large 3:30 meal, but did snack on popcorn here at my computer before bed.

Dan sent this photo of Ava, with the caption: 'Today's mood.'

I am not sure what her mood was, but I think she looks peaceful napping in the sun.

Wednesday 4/21 - It was a cold 34° when I walked Maggie at daybreak, and we did get a little sleet and snow off and on in the morning.  At least it wasn't the two to three inches of snow that the Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio family and friends were complaining about.

I didn't struggle at the gym as much as I had Monday, but it still seemed tough going to do my regular workout.

 

I had gone to the gym earlier than usual, so was home for lunch by noon.  Then I headed out for a full afternoon of shopping, stopping at Patty's first.   

This cart shows what just over $300.00 of groceries at Walmart looks like.  And this was after I spent a little over $100.00 on plants at Lowe's.

Here's our little Ava at nine days old. 
I love that Daniel sends at least one daily photo. 
He and Val are both on maternity leave for three months, so there is time to keep us posted.  I am sure they are still trying to get into a routine with Ava.

I didn't get home from my big shopping spree until 6:30.  The pets thought they were dying of hunger.  It was 8:30 by the time I had taken care of everything (pets, me, and all the stuff I bought), and another hour before I went to bed. 

Thursday 4/22 - Happy Earth Day!

I slept late so the sun was up when I walked Maggie at 6:30, but it was only 27° outside. 

 
I played a few more games than usual, and had a third cup of tea, because I was cold and unmotivated to do anything productive.

Eventually I did accomplish a few things around the house.  Here is a photo of Patty's two cats (Ellie and Gilley) who I fed right after lunch time.  

From Patty's I went directly to the barn.  There was not a soul around.  Although it was a tad windy and cold, it was a beautiful sunny day, and I thought it odd that the stables appeared closed for the day.

When I went out to the mare pasture to get Amiga, I noticed that the livery horses seemed to be enjoying their day off.

Both dogs were quite excited to see me, and went with Amiga and I out on the trail.

I didn't ride much more than an hour, but enjoyed myself with Amiga.  She was very responsive today and gave me a wonderful, smooth and slow canter the whole length of the large bean field.    

I was home a tad before 4pm and got busy transplanting these two house plants.  I moved the larger one into the pot I had bought the day before.  And then I moved the Norfolk Pine from its store bought pot into the white pot I had freed up.  I also planted the ivy into the little hanging pot I put in the sun room.

I got the two large plants moved into the sun room and  it was then feeding time for my beasts.  After dinner Joe and I watched two episodes of Blue Bloods.

Hope you all had a good Earth Day, a wonderful week, and remember, everyday should be Earth Day... we need to always take care of our planet.