Nobody's going to break my stride.
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How can you not watch this cute mini horse (video with sound on) without feeling upbeat and ready to keep moving on?
Once my initial rib pain subsided, I engaged in gentle movements and exercises to prevent stiffness and promote healing. Now, at this point, I am exercising to strengthen the muscles around the ribs and improve stability of the tissues. I back off when it gets painful, am not sure how much to push it, and try not to get discouraged by my lack of strength and immobility in the injured area. At least my rib(s) don't seem to be 'popping' anymore.
Saturday 4/12 - Joe and I picked up Patty just after 7am and we were on our way to Nashville to spend the day celebrating Ava's birthday with her. We arrived just in time for the wonderful breakfast Ricardo, Yanith and Dan had been preparing.
Bacon, eggs, bagels, pancakes, waffles and fresh fruit; with all the fixen's.
Look what Dan put on his waffles = mint chocolate chip icecream. 😆
The Birthday Girl hit the bacon and fresh fruit energetically, and then did some 'gaming' while we all finished eating.
I enjoyed a third cup of tea, since I had been up so early and had my first two before 4am.
We chatted about Britney's health and her's and Juan Carlos' wedding plans in Costa Rica and Fairfield Glade. Talk of Dan and Vale's new baby (Ava's little sister) was included in our dialogue. And Ricardo and I discussed natural holistic health practices which he has been doing a lot of studying up on lately. Exercise (keep on moving) is definitely one important aspect of healthy living and longevity.
Then it was time for the main party event, meeting at Color Me Mine (paint-your-own pottery studio).
We were corralled to our party area of the studio and given instructions. 
Ava and one of her little friends were quick to sit down and start coloring.
Ceramic pieces were selected from a long shelf of many choices. Paint (glaze actually) colors and coating were explained, as well as brushes and other utensils.
Then we were 'turned lose' to pick colors and supplies and start painting.
Papa helped Ava with her frog.
These two boys declined on painting a ceramic piece, so chatted and watched as we all worked. 
I sat across from Patty and beside Courtney and had a good time interacting with them. 
Painting was more difficult than I expected and I had to really concentrate at times. I made a few little 'happy mistakes' as Courtney (per Bob Ross) calls them.
Pizza and cup cakes were offered and painters took a break to enjoy them. I was too full from breakfast. 
This is the second table of painters (one, of two of Dan and Vale's neighbors who each had a child Ava's age that came).
Everybody concentrating on their work of art.
And posing for a photo. 
Ava with her two neighbor friends, waiting to open gifts. 
A beautiful mermaid skirt, skillfully and wonderfully made by Tia Courtney...
...who then gets a big hug.
Ava had a fun time with her little friends.
Once back to Dan and Vale's, there was a little time for a nap (adults only), but then...
....it was time to open more gifts.
Many packages were from Ava's parents, grandparents, and aunts.
The scooter was the first to get a good trial.
It wasn't long and then we were off to White Pelican Baby Ultrasound + Boutique. 
Another birthday surprise for Ava, getting to see her baby sister, in utero, at 32 weeks gestation. 
The room had a sectional couch, dim lights, soft music playing, and a candle burning. The session lasted about 20 minutes.
The word cute was used often, but not exactly what came to my mind. 
I was thinking she was fascinating, miraculous, and wonderful.
I got word from Joanne, while she was doing chores, that all three boys were getting along great.
The three Pasos were continuing to work things out. 
And the four hens were all good.
Next, we were movin' on to Plaza Mariachi where we had dinner and listened to live music. 
At this point I had gotten word from Courtney that she was not going to be able to make it because she and Kent (in his car) had gotten rear-ended. They were the first of three cars in the 'pile-up'. Anyway, her neck had been hurt and she was too sore to join us.
After the big meal - we pushed back our chairs, loosened a notch on our belts and enjoyed the entertainment. 
There's always room for ice-cream, so we indulged in a few scoops, each of our favorite flavors. 
With the full moon rising, we were on our way home. We were meeting an over-nighter who was actually a little ways ahead of us on I-40. We caught up with them on Chestnut Hill and pulled around them at the corner to Eli Ford Road.
We lead the rest of the way, opening the front gate to our property and showing them where exactly to go down at the coral, where they unloaded their two mules. They parked their rig, hooked up to our electric, and were good for the night.
After dropping Patty off, we were home right before my bedtime, and I was soon asleep.
Sunday 4/13 - After ten hours of sleep, I rolled out of the sack at 7am. It was time to get moving. Shirley and I had agreed that church did not work into either of our schedules, so I stayed home and got this blog started and worked a great deal of time on Saturday's big day with lots of photos.
Mama Styx just being cute, laying in the sun. 
By 1:00 I was off to the ranch to meet Karen to go for a ride. 
We fetched Zorro and Rico, and as usual, Zorro wanted to be in control of the lead line (actually I think he likes to suck on the buckle).
It was perfect weather, plenty cool so flies weren't bad and the horses didn't get too hot. Rico leading the way. All went well on our short, slow, relaxing ride.
I did chick care and soaked Tiny's crusty butt again. In this photo her back end is wet, but clean.
Home alone with Poker Joe gone, I was feeling unsettled, at loose ends, worrying about Britney, who was struggling for reasons I won't get into. I wanted, but didn't know how to help.
Monday 4/14 - Ducks enjoying some corn before the deer came through and finished it off.
I got to the gym early, but had to 'fight' the morning crowd to get though the part of my workout I can do with out antagonizing my ribs.
When I got to the ranch just before noon, Rico and Amiga were sacked out in the side pasture...
...while Zorro bravely stood guard.
I did my usual chores and also gave Amiga a Previcox, because she had come up lame (probably running the fence line) while Karen and I were out on Rico and Zorro the day before.
Once the two nappers got up, Zorro did his best to keep Rico away from Amiga.
Amiga has come into heat, so Rico is quite interested in her, and she (flirting) in him. It is strange how Amiga and Zorro have never shown sexual interests towards each other, but are very much bonded (sibling love).
Betty arrived as I was walking Rico down to the barn. She fetched Dorado, who she ties to her truck to tack up there because all her gear is in it.
In short order, we were tacked and ready to ride.
Rico remained calm but quite interested in seeing his buddy Dorado. Two nice, sweet, good looking boys.
I only took these two horse photos because it seems my riding app screws up if I mess with my phone while we are out on the trail with the app running.
Betty did take two photos of Rico and I during our ride. Oh, and I took two (videos) of us hitting blocked roads from storm damage. We turned around at one but forged through at the second one.
It was a hot ride (over 80°) but the breeze helped and in some areas of shade it was quite nice. 
As you can see, we were out for over two hours and went seven miles. Both our boys did well, were fairly willing, and got back to the barn quite sweaty.
After a good hosing, I returned Rico to the upper paddock. Patty had been planting in the raised bed gardens and Karen arrive to do chores. 
We ladies chatted some and then I did chick care.
When I got the girls more sand, they went nuts taking dust baths. Joe had also arrived and helped me get the new oak table leveled.
Then Patty helped me hang the last two pictures that needed to go up. The house is now ready to host our parties and Air B&B guests. We have decided not to try renting it until fall, so we can use it all summer.
Sleep did not come easily as I wrestled with Britney's struggles, wondered what was at the heart of the matter, and what we could do to help her.
Tuesday 4/15 - This house plant is flowering. I had been smelling a very sweet fragrance in the house, very similar to the honey suckle we are smelling at the ranch right now, and thought it was drifting in from outside somewhere. And then I put two and two together.
Joe and I talked with Britney late morning. What has her so up-set is her financial insecurity. She is very mad about her health care / insurance dilemma and living with a shunt and all its problems. NO ONE will insure her because of her pre-existing illness, which she believes (and I agree) is so unfair. She feels de-valued, angry, sad, and frustrated. Also, as a missionary, she gets very little pay and is dependent on the financial support of others, which at this point, just isn't enough. We encouraged her to 'keep on moving' (in various ways) towards possible solutions.
Do you see what I saw running across the back yard this morning?
A big ole (actually giant) groundhog.
Betty and I rode again today. No photos were taken, but here's a look at our time, mileage, and route. It was much cooler and quite windy, but the horses did well.
While I sat at the table eating dinner, Rose (as she often does lately) was on the deck step giving me the hungry stare.
I had struggled all day with feelings of sadness because of Britney's situation. Parents never stop worrying about their children.
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I took Maggie for our after dinner walk but Rose (rather than following us all the way) stopped at Brian's drive and waited for our return. .png)
Then she escorted us back. She and the deer were fed. .png)
I had suggested Britney get out of the house, go for a walk and go see her kitty whom she hasn't seen in over three weeks. And of all things, when she did go see Lupe, the cat's eye was hurt, so she and Juan Carlos took Lupe to the vet.
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These photos were taken from a video Juan Carlos sent of their returning home. It was so good to see a smile on Britney's face and a return to maybe some normalcy. I know it was good for her to get out and about.
I still tossed and turned at bedtime, with a number of things on my mind.
but then ended up being groggy all day.
I was off to the ranch at 8:30, to first gather the three Paso Finos for the farrier, and then to do morning chores. Rico was relaxing in the sun, while Amiga (seen behind him) and Zorro (off elsewhere) were happily munching grass.
Rico was a little more wound up today, because he is still adjusting to his new herd situation. 
He kept a close eye on the farrier, seeming to watch what was going on.
When the shoe and pad were pulled off his back right hoof, it did smell a bit 'thrushie' so I put Keratex on it, and actually decided to apply it on all four hooves of all three horses. Rico's stone bruise did appear completely healed though. 
Zorro waiting, sometimes not too patiently, in his stall.
Patty and I lead the two boys back up to the side pasture, giving Amiga (who was happily resting) some extra stall time, before I went back down to the barn to get her.
Joe had brought Maggie out and we pushed and staked the
leaning cypress tree back up. Patty continued with mowing, Joe sprayed
fence lines, and I mucked and did chick and chicken care. 
Then I was off to town to do my weekly shopping. We were completely out of chick feed, so there was no waiting for a rainy day to shop. 
We talked (by phone) with Britney and Juan Carlos and discussed a financial plan moving forward. It was good to see her smiling during her afternoon walk.
The internet had been down when I got home, and remained so until after I had gone to bed. So reading was my only entertainment option, after I had done some housekeeping things.
Thursday 4/17 - I left for the gym at 8am and worked out till 10:20. I am increasing weight and getting back strength on just about all 'stations' except I still can't do pull-ups, pull downs, sit-ups or obliques without pain in my right chest/rib area.
I was at the ranch before noon and Betty and I prepared to trailer out. She backed the trailer to the barn so I could load my saddle into the trailer tack room.
We parked at Beachwood and Marmaduke. 
I had forgotten my hat so Betty let me borrow this one of hers, which Rico was styling for the camera.
I hadn't thought to take any photos once we got started. 
Rico had gotten very sweaty on the trailer, a bit stressed I guess, but cooled off once we were under way. It was in the upper 60's, but overcast, so felt perfect for riding. 
We were out on the trail two hours and rode 6.3 miles.
Again Rico got very sweaty on the trailer ride home. 
We hosed both horses off because they were both hot and sweaty.
After a little time to graze and cool down, I walked Rico back up to his Paso herd and then started chores down at the barn.
Tiny's back side was still clean, so maybe we are over that episode of problems.
I had dinner while watching Survivor with Joe. It was one of my favorite 'meals', popcorn and beer. But I added a mix of nuts to get some protein.
Friday 4/18 - It was Joe's Birthday. I left him a card and candy (he was still in bed) and headed to the ranch at 6:30 to do morning chores = fly masks on all horses and opening the upper paddock so the Pasos could get out on the side pasture. I was back in the ranch house just after 7am, enjoying my second cup of tea with a couple of cookies (Patty keeps the freezer stocked with home baked goodies.)
The chicks were outgrowing their brooder and also creating so much dust with their bathing, the whole house was getting very dusty.
It was time for them to be moved to the chicken coop. But they are too small to be with the big chickens or out on their own. So I spent over an hour getting a new area set up for them on the garden side of the chicken coop.
Betty arrived for our 10am ride time and I put chicks on hold and went to get Rico. 
Rico had headed into the pond, was eating swamp grass, and I wasn't sure how I was going to get him without getting my boots wet. He proceeded to get a long drink of water, so I waited until he finished and lifted his head to look at me. I held out a treat and called him and he came over. Yippee.
Patty arrived while we were tacking up, and took a few photos of us. In this first one, the boys are greeting each other. Rico is so happy to ride with Dorado, missing being in the same herd as him.
It was in the mid 70's, but the sun was quite warm. With the strong breeze and more shade coming available as the trees leaf out, we kept fairly cool most of the time. Watching a golfer tee off on #13 of Dorchester.
We ended up riding for three hours going 9.2 miles. Our two horses did great for us. They were exposed to several scary things like many golf carts, a construction porta-potty door banging open and closed, and stuff blowing during gusts of wind. Rico only had one kind of big spook, when a lady on the back deck of her house shook out a big plastic grill or chair cover.
Cowboy showing Dorado how to splash in the pond to cool off after the ride..png)
But Dorado chose to roll instead.
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I was in the shop messing with stuff when I had heard splashing and took the above photos. Then I saw Rico, who was in the barn yard area, wander over to the fence and greet Banner.
Once Rico was back in the front pasture with Amiga and Zorro, I went back to the task of moving the chicks into the coop. I got their 'cage' all set up with pine shavings, heat lamp, food, water and dust bowl.
Putting all the chicks into a five gallon bucket, I took them out to the coop. They stayed in the safety and warmth of the corner at first.
Eventually they ventured far enough to enjoy the dust bath and climb on some of the branches.
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This (video) shows the girls in action.
Next I went to muck the upper paddock. On my way out of the coop, the three Pasos could be seen, comfortably grazing side by side. Zorro is in the middle, blocking Rico from Amiga. 
While I was working, all three horses came in and stood in the cool shade of the shed. Standing on a food bin in the feed room, I took this
second photo through the 'window' (hole) to the shed. 
All three horses were waiting for dinner, but I wasn't feeding them, it was Betty's chore night. 
I checked in on the chicks. They had all worn themselves out and were napping. The brooder was at 80° on the floor under the heat lamp. 
Tiny's fluffy butt - that's what I like to see... no crustiness.
I swept and dusted the entire ranch laundry room, which was a mess from the chicks dust bathing. Then I finally headed home at 5:30pm = eleven hours out at the ranch today.
I enjoyed fresh home grown asparagus and a salad while the dog and cats had their usual dinner. Poker Joe was enjoying another night at the table. I was exhausted from being on the move all day, and didn't even make it through a page of my book.
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