This reminds us that plans that depend too much on a single detail, are risky. Good plans always include multiple options or contingencies to ensure success.
Robert Taibbi (a licensed clinical social worker) wrote - "Undoubtedly you’ve heard this before but it bears repeating: You need to have more than one basket in which to put your energy, self esteem, creativity, social needs, sense of purpose, etc. With only one – your work, your kids, your primary relationship – your life runs into trouble when that basket, through no fault of your own, gets tipped over. Financial people call this being diversified."
Being diversified doesn't just include finances. Having different social groups, hobbies, exercise plans, diet, etc. also benefit from multiple alternatives.
I noticed with training horses, the successful trainers have more than one game plan in mind while working with their horse.
I think this is also true for our energy resources. We can’t depend solely on wind and sun because we don’t always know when we’re gonna have either. I love that Tennessee uses a lot of hydroelectric for energy. But we also need to hold onto our fossil fuel plants to help provide the energy needed, especially during high demand periods when our electric grid can’t seem to keep up. With the growing population, and the increasing use of technology, and electric powered stuff, we need to keep other energy resources up and running and available by having 'our eggs' in multiple baskets.
Saturday 4/19 - Britney and Juan Carlos were without electricity all morning so they made use of their time by making thank you cards. Already the love and support pouring in for them was overwhelming and quite humbling. The kindness and generosity of so many family and friends was unbelievable and really touched our hearts. We all will be forever grateful for everybody’s help, whether financial assistants, moral support or spiritual comfort. And yes, Britney has turned the corner so to speak and is finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. She is getting stronger and feeling in much better spirits. Your blessings have had a very positive impact. Thank you once again.
It was tempting to remain here at my computer and play games, but I had a long 'to do' list and needed to take action.
I picked up a puzzle at the library on the way to the gym. After a good workout, I hit Food City for groceries and supplies for tomorrow's company.
After unloading a few things at home, I grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the ranch. Joe had gotten there ahead of me and already had the chicken yard mowed. In this photo, we used the gator to transport the 100 gal stock tank (chick brooder) back down to the shop.
Next, Joe and I got to work swapping out the old, coming apart pallet (as gate to shop side door) for a newer, nicer one. But first a little repair needed to be made to it.
Our head project supervisor was being distracted by our less committed assistant. 
Some hooks were added for tarp strap attachment and wallah, we were finished. 
A chain holds it to the one door and acts as a hing, while the tarp strap holds it tight against the other door, which can be opened and closed at various widths.
You can see the tarp strap in the first photo and the chain in this second one.
I did several other little tasks, spreading old hay, picking up sticks, organizing in the shop and feed rooms, and caring for the chicks. 
Joe took the boards down off the 'bus stop' shed in the coral and got them stored away in the shop. 
The trees are really leafing out and greening up.
After a little more work in the ranch house, I called it a day and headed home.
I was delighted to see this photo Juan Carlos sent of Britney. She was feeling strong enough to help out in the kitchen. 😍
I loaded up some toys for Ava and last minute food items, and headed to the ranch.
Soon Patty, Courtney, and Karen arrived and we fetched the horses. (Patty didn't ride because of a bad shoulder.) 
We set to the task of grooming and tacking up our horses while Patty took photos. 
Once tacked and mounted on our trusty horses, Patty took some more photos. 
Courtney on her horse Zorro.
I rode Rico so Amiga could rest. I am fortunate to be able to have another horse (second basket) in which to ride. 
Karen rode Betty's horse, Dorado.
Out the back gate we went, for a lovely 3.3 mile ride.
I had gotten off Rico a second time, for some reason, and Courtney caught a shot of me 'climbing' back on board. 
The weather was perfect, almost too hot in the sun, but it got a little overcast and a slight breeze picked up so the temperature was great and there weren't any flies. 
The horses were very willing and with Zorro usually in front, the pace was not sluggish (video).
By the time we rode back into the barn yard, Dan, Vale, and Ava had arrived. Ava helped brush the horses as we untacked, but was more leery of them than ever before. We left Zorro saddled and offered Ava a ride. She was afraid to ride. She did agree to sit in the saddle in front of me, but it did not last long. 
Courtney showed Ava a photo of her on Zorro at a much younger age, but that did not convince Ava that it wasn't too scary. 
Once Zorro was untacked, Ava really enjoy hosing him off (video), which he did well with it.
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After our ride, I had to do a little mucking in the upper paddock and then started dinner. We had also started in on healthy snacks for lunch while Tia Courtney hid eggs. Then Ava went on a hunt for them.
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She was putting all her eggs in one basket, but managing them quite well.
Notice the three Pasos in the background. 
About the time Ava's basket was almost full, there were no more eggs to be found. 
As always, when the hunt is over, it is time to see what is inside each egg.
Once I had the ham in the oven and helped Courtney fix
the sweet potatoes and onions, it was time to see the baby chicks. 
I
brought the four smaller, cuter ones into the house in a box. Again, Ava was worried about touching them. But once Daddy Daniel showed her, she gave it a try. 
At first she pet them...
...moving around the box as they scampered away from her.
And then when I showed her how to catch and gently pick one up, she was able to do so.
Ava kept saying 'they're so cute.' She was very gentle with them and even kissed some of their little heads.
Ava showed her Dad and Tia Courtney (who took all the photos) each of the baby chicks.
The dogs were most interested in these little squeaky (peepy) toys.
Oh Maggie and Tango, quit salivating you curious puppies.
Courtney, Joe and Vale were all napping when dinner was ready, so some of us (Patty, Karen, Shirley, Dan and Ava) started in as the others woke up and joined us.
Ava's favorite was the corn.
Seen here on Courtney's plate: ham, cheesy potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, and corn bread. There was also fruit salad, veggies and dip (we had been eating for lunch/snack); apple sauce, garlic bread, and later pineapple upside-down cake and pumpkin pie.
While cleaning up after dinner, Ava and Karen could be seen throwing leftovers to the chickens. 
Karen and I both felt like we needed exercise, so we took off in the gator to go collect some trash out on the back roads where we ride. Our Easter Sunday good deed.
Back at the ranch, folks rested and relaxed.
Or tried to relax, but maybe in the hammock, with a four year old was not the best location, especially with ornery Papaw near by.
A trip to the chicken coop and a peek at the chicks was also made while Karen and I were out on the back roads.
Shirley took a ton of photos and got some really cute ones.
I think several of these are great Easter shots.
Sorry, I couldn't pick just a couple of photos, but had to include most of them.
After the chicks, it was chicken time. Although the girls were playing hard to get.
Karen and I ended up filling the whole back end of the gator before returning to the ranch. We had driven down just two cul-de-sac roads.
Patty and Ava were just finishing up feeding the Pasos when we got back.
Ava had scooped feed into each of their buckets under the direction of Patty.
Now we were all ready for desert. 
Silly Tango had a flower petal on his nose. He is such a clown.
We all sang happy birthday to Joe and then indulged ourselves with cake and/or pie.
Sooner than I had expected, Dan and Vale packed up Ava and Tango to head back home to Murfreesboro. Patty and Shirley did the dishes and before long, Joe and all guests were gone. I closed shades, turned off lights, locked up the house, and shut gates on my way out. Boy did Easter come and go fast.
Monday 4/21 - I was working away on this blog when suddenly I realized I was no longer connected to the internet. My efforts to reconnect failed so I got up to go to the kitchen, and saw this out the window. I had wondered what was making all the noise outside before 7am. My office faces the backyard so I had no idea this was going on in front. Well, when the electric company was trimming branches, a falling tree limb brought down our internet cable.
Now, being frustrated with getting 'kicked off' my computer, I was even more disenchanted with not being able to get out of the drive to go to the ranch to do chores. The internet company couldn't be out until late afternoon, so I figured I'd get stuff done at the ranch. By 7:30, the drive was cleared and I was on my way. 
I did more cleaning in the ranch house. The chickens loved the cream corn that Patty had accidentally bought one can of, when I gave them a third of it.
Rain was coming so I hustled to rake up hay in the back pasture from where we had put all the round bales. I carted five wheelbarrow loads to the paddock and spread it out over the bare dirt.
It was sprinkling when Katy the horse chiropractor pulled in. Cowboy and Dorado went first while Patty helped me walk Amiga and Rico down to the barn.
Amiga needed quite a few small adjustments and was swollen in her back right croup so I gave her a Previcox once back up to her stall.
Rico had one big right hip adjustment and just a few other little ones in his neck and jaw. Katy said his knees and hocks were in great shape, still very loose, great news and affirmation that he wasn't started at a real young age.
Amiga in her stall so I could give her Previcox, and Zorro waiting right by the gate while Rico was playing with her lead rope. What a silly boy.
I had taken lunch, which I ate at the ranch, hoping the light rain would stop so I could finish the hay clean up, But it started pouring while my leftovers were in the microwave.
Juan Carlos sent this photo of Britney working from home earlier in the day. It was good to see her returning to normal activity.
I was too tired to do much blogging, so hit the hay and would catch up at my computer later.
Tuesday 4/22 - It was a ducky kind of day with light rain off-and-on much of the time. I have noticed that the two male ducks (drakes) have been around without the female lately. I'm guessing she is sitting on eggs somewhere. I hope she is safe. 
Joe had talked with the guy in charge of the team who cut all the branches near the power lines yesterday, and they brought us free wood chips today. 
Now I have a big project on my to-do list.
I made it to the gym at some point and actually had a good workout, although sit-ups are still too painful to accomplish. I didn't realize my upper body (rib cage) was so instrumental in doing them.
I have no idea how I used, wasted, spent the rest of the day, other than games on the computer and reading.
Wednesday 4/23 - I was at the ranch from 6:30 to 10:30, going early to let our Paso Finos out of the paddock. I had my 2nd cup of tea and started a puzzle. Then once it warmed up, I went out and put on fly masks, mucked our paddock area and chatted with Bonnie, who had dropped in.
I checked on the chicks and fed and watered them, and also the hens.
Babe, Gloria and Tiny were perched in the tree while Arnie was in the hen house laying an egg.
Before heading home, I walked the back pasture, checking fencing and every post where it attached.
This tree (with barbwire attached) had horse hair above the barbwire, but could be the spot where the boys have gotten some nicks. 'Fix-it' was added to my list.
This tree in the field near the fence line had hair on it, but appeared less hazardous.
Home for an early lunch, I then spent a few hours out in the yard working. My intention was to clear leaves from down back where we could start dumping the wood chips in my beds. But I got distracted by weeds and leaves along the sidewalk and hardly made a dent in the lower part of the backyard.
At some point I noticed my car, parked in the garage, had a flat tire. So Betty picked me up so we could go ride. Karen came to join us. While we three were tacking up, a storm seem to be approaching from the distance. After some raindrops hitting the barn roof, it seemed to clear off. We decided to chance it and go for a ride right away. Karen thought Zorro seemed off and we decided to see how he would do after walking for a bit, but she didn’t even make it a half mile before turning around to take him back to the barn.
A photo Patty sent earlier, of Wanda and Dorado checking each other out. She said they almost touched noses but she couldn't get the photo quick enough.
Soon after Karen turned back, Dorado had a big spook and Betty came off, landing quite hard. This is the first time this has happened to her in years. She hit her sternum, probably on the saddle, and was hurting but wanted to get back on and ride Dorado further down the trail so he wouldn’t get the idea that a spook would get him out of going for a ride. She was hurting too much and her saddle needed adjusting, so we made a short loop and got back to the barn, going about 1½ miles. I decided to take Rico back out and get more mileage in and see how he would do out on the trail by himself.
When you only have one good trail horse (Amiga is semi-retired), all your eggs are in one basket and when you only have one person (Betty) to trailer and ride with, it's the same dilemma. I need to diversify.
By diversify, I mean to find other people to meet and ride with when I trailer to horse campgrounds. I also need to train Rico to be able and willing to trailer and ride out by himself. This will be a monumental task.
I checked on the chicks before leaving the ranch. These two had been sleeping here on this little branch perch.
I hadn't made it to the gym, so took Maggie on a longer than usual (well it was only a mile) walk. Two large trailer loads of rock have been placed on the hill along the Lutheran Church. I'm not sure why they did away with the ornamental trees and shrubs they had here.
We couldn't get Survivor on TV in time to watch it live, so I went to bed early.
Joe took my car in, deciding to just get four new tires now, instead of this fall. So I was kind of 'home bound' for the morning.
He got back and I made it to a 90 minute work meeting at 1pm and then I went straight to the gym.
Home at 5:50, I fed the cats and dog, did a few chores and then loaded Maggie, my dinner (homemade ham & bean soup from Karen), a book and pj's, and went to the ranch. 
All the horses were ready to eat when I arrived at 6:30. I moved quickly to get chores done and also have my dinner. While stepping out into the yard with the dog after dinner, I took these two photos. The shed light is on a motion sensor, dusk to dawn.
I stayed up late reading my book that was coming to an exciting end, but still had three chapters left when I couldn't stay awake and hit the lights at 10:20.
Friday 4/25 - I had slept straight through the night until 5:30. The house was a tad cold, so I dressed and went out to put fly masks on all six horses and turn out the Pasos. Here they are, waiting for me to open the gate.
Amiga and Rico, seen here, have really buddied up. Either Zorro doesn't mind or he has given up trying to keep them apart. 
Although, Zorro was not too far off.
Mucking the paddock wasn't too bad, because they had only been fenced in for a little less than eleven hours. 
I took more cream corn with some diced cucumbers to the chickens, and noticed Tiny had a crusty butt again. So while my tea steeped, I soaked and then cleaned off her rear end.
I enjoyed cookies and tea while driving home and then got a second cup of tea and sat here at my computer in my office, while it rained. I needed to catch up on blogging.
About 2½ hours were spent in the backyard raking up leaves and weeding and then spreading wood chips as Joe hauled about twenty wheelbarrow loads down to me.
These wood chips were rather stemmy, with lots of sticks and frayed branches. When our project supervisor wasn't chasing chipmunks or chewing on a stick, she was keeping an eye on us.
We made good progress, but had to quit because it started raining. I switched gears, and outfits, and went to the gym.
A look down back from the deck. The lighter 'mulch' is the newer wood chips.
I chose the junk food basket for a late dinner, having beer and popcorn while watching Survivor with Joe.
