Slow Start

Starting slow is still a start, and a slow start can be a beneficial approach in many situations, offering advantages in areas like building new habits, easing into new experiences, and optimizing performance in activities like exercising and riding.
"When we set goals, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting a slow start. We can see the target, we know where we want to go, but we can’t seem to get traction.  However, a slow start offers the time and testing you need to build the right foundation for success."  Michael Hyatt. 

I love this short (video) clip, especially the music. 
My top goal this year is to put in miles on Rico, out on many trails, here in middle Tennessee.  So far, I have run into difficulties (complications) that have set me back on riding goals.  Rico has become very buddy sour, was lame (with a stone bruise) early on, and has been a lot more spooky, especially out by himself or out in front of others.  My rib injury and recently loosing my #1 riding partner due to her injury have also slowed down the process.  I need to remember, when training Rico, it is best to go slowly and not rush through any steps.  He needs a good foundation to build his trust, understanding, and conditioning.  So I'll make the best of this slow start by re-thinking some things and approaching it a little differently.

The advantages of a slow start to obtaining our goals, are that we can find weaknesses we otherwise wouldn’t notice.  This allows us to discover resources we didn’t know we had.  It also forces us to rise to the occasion, to come up with unique solutions we wouldn’t otherwise have, and it gives us an opportunity to grow and develop resilience.

Some say by taking your time and having a slower morning routine, you can reduce your stress levels.  It can help you start the day in a more relaxed, calm, and peaceful state of mind.  I like to start each day slowly, sipping tea, blogging, surfing Facebook, and communicating with family and friends on-line or by e-mail. 

However, studies show that movement is important first thing in the morning:
Starting your day with movement boosts your energy, improves your mood, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.  It helps increase focus, reduces stress, and kick-starts your metabolism.  Whether it’s stretching, a walk, or a quick workout, it helps get your body moving in a healthy way.  Mornings set the tone for the entire day… but let’s be real, getting moving first thing isn’t always easy.
So why have I migrated away from a good morning walk while my tea steeped, which is how I used to start my day?  Habit.  I started getting on the computer, and blogging, and just got drawn into sitting rather than walking.

Saturday 5/3 - The day and my week began with a slow start.  It rained off and (mostly) on, all day.  Our (Joe and I) immediate goal was to get wedding reception invitations finalized and sent.  We had sent the information to Juan Carlos, who came up with this lovely invitation to our reception (party) for he and Britney.  Next we compiled a list of family and close friends to send it to.  Then we wrote the email, added the invitation attachment, but weren't quite ready to hit send.

Two and a half hours at the gym in the afternoon, resulted in a good workout.  My sore muscles the next morning attested to how hard I had pushed myself. 

When returning a library book on the way to the gym, I just so happened upon a group setting up the room across the hall, for a 50th wedding anniversary party.

The only photos I took today were of this beautiful set-up.  This is the same room I have reserved for our 'Happily Ever After Party.'  Ours will be nothing this fancy or grand, we are doing more of a picnic style.  But it did give me an idea of what could be done. 

And Terry (whom I'd plan to ask DJ for us in August) was there helping.  So I mentioned the date and my hopes to have him, and that I would be calling him soon.

Sunday 5/4 - It was another cold, rainy day.  Today was the first outdoor Church service for the summer season, but at 52° and spitting rain, Shirley and I decided it was too cold and nasty.  I had turned our furnace back on and was happy to just sit here at home.  And I actually got a lot of little jobs done before heading to the ranch at 11am. 





I had taken a third cup of tea and heated it, and a bucket of water up to sip tea while soaking Tiny.  She is egg bound (egg stuck in the oviduct). 

 


She quickly relaxed in the warm bath and even kind of fell asleep (closed her eyes).  I messaged her abdominal area part of the time and after twenty minutes took her out, dried her off and watched.  She was less lethargic pooped a little, but still no egg. 

I got more hot water, changed her bath to clean warm water, and put her back in.  She again settle right in and didn't even need to be held down.


After ten more minutes of soaking, with no success, I again dried her off and watched.  She went into the chicken coop and huddled in a corner where I had first found her.

I had taken the heat lamp off the timer and put it back on full time because it was not very warm in the coop.  Then I fenced off a spot in the corner of the chick cage, under the lamp.  Notice the curious chicks.

I gave Tiny a warm coconut oil enema (syringed a little into her cloaca) and gave her chick feed and crushed egg shells (for the calcium) in warm water, which she really went for.  I had also put probiotics and electrolytes in her water and grit and meal worms in another dish.  I added the cookie sheet to block the view of the chicks so they wouldn't bother Tiny, or reach their little heads through the wire to take her food.  No egg ever came out but Tiny did seem to perk up some and was more willing to eat. 

Finally, I moved on to working with Rico, just to do some ground work.  I was looking to gain his trust and cooperation.  I walked him down to the barnyard, but he was not really paying very good attention to me.  He either wanted to eat or make eye contact with Amiga and Zorro.  When I walked him back behind the barn, by the round pen, things quickly 'went south.' 


In hind sight, I was expecting too much, moving (pushing) his training faster than he was ready, and I may have over corrected him.  When he would not back up, I flicked (okay, maybe snapped) the lead rope on his chest, and he came un-done.  He started rearing and running around me.  I was trying to get him to stop.  This is the most frightened of a horse I have ever been.  After four or five circles, I got so dizzy, I fell over and let go of the lead rope.  And then I couldn't stand up, kept falling back down I was so dizzy.  Meanwhile, Rico left at a full canter and ran all the way up the drive and down the alleyway to the upper paddock.

The rapid pounding of my heart and the adrenaline rush were slowing by the time I had walked all the way up to the paddock.  I was debating what to do next.  Rico was eating, but still a little jumpy, so rather than take him back down to the round pen area, I decided to tie him to the hitching post and let him think on things a bit.  I put Amiga and Zorro in a stall so they wouldn't bother Rico and he couldn't be by them. 




As Rico calmed down some more, I went over and groomed and talked calmly to him.  When Joanne (whom I had texted for training advice) arrived to do chores, Rico was standing quietly where he had been tied for almost 30 minutes.  She did a little work with him, as the skies opened up and it began to rain.  She worked until he started listening and soften to her commands.  We quit on a positive note and before getting soaked by the rain. 


I checked on Tiny who was still fairly chipper, warmed her food some, and then headed home. 

Poor Rose has not been happy (comfortable) with all the rain we have had.  She won't go under the deck anymore because the Tom has scared her off too many times and marked it as his territory.  There was no sun to bask in out on the deck; to warm her up and dry her off.  When it started raining again, she moved to the front porch where I then fed her.

Juan Carlos sent photos of Britney, hard at work in the yard of her tiny house. 


She was busy transplanting some things to take up the hill (about 200 meters) to the apartment where she now resides with Juan Carlos.

She had harvested some fruits of her labor and it was so warming to see her smile. 

Britney moved in with Juan Carlos (during her time of infirmary) and has now made it her permanent residence.  She is also preparing to sell her tiny house, getting it ready.

Britney has also moved her cat (Lupe) and three guinea pigs up to the apartment.






Juanca helped Britney build a cat tower/hammock for Lupe and a larger cage/running area for the three piggies. 






As you can see, Lupe was quite happy with the new arrangement.

It is so comforting to know Britney is safely housed, cared for, and happy.

Monday - Cinco-de-Mayo
It was the 4th day straight of mostly rain.  The ducks and deer didn't seem to mind. 

Rose was camped out on the front porch, out of the rain.  I fed her there (blue bowl on the table).


The Rhodadendron out front was happy, looking beautiful. 

Joe and I were able to finalize the guest list (difficult to decide where to cut off the invites to keep the number under 100) and we sent out the wedding reception invitation e-mail. 


Backing out of the drive, I was able to catch a quick photo of the black cat (had been at the feed dish) as he ran off.



Once at the ranch, I checked on Tiny, who was still alive, and soaked her in warm water again. 

During this process, Joanne arrived and helped me out with the warm coconut oil enema.  Unfortunately, still no egg came out. 

Then we went to work with Rico again today. 








Rico was a little better than yesterday, but still hesitated to walk away from the paddock where his two Paso friends were. 






He was also very tempted by the lush grass at his feet.

I hadn't been down to the barn yet, fly masks weren't needed, so Wanda came up to us, begging for food. 
Just another distraction for Rico.

Joanne gave me more pointers and we got rained on again today.  I need sunshine and warm air.

And then Amiga and Zorro came up to the fence to see what was going on with Rico. 

And of course, this was another distraction.  Amiga is in heat (again), squirting and flirting with Rico and has his utmost attention.  Zorro tries to stay between them, but has pretty much given up.  So I would say Rico is even more bonded to Amiga than he was to Dorado.

Joanne watched me do a little work with Rico before we ended the training session, so I felt more enabled.

Wanda followed me down to the barn to be fed and then I returned to chicken care.  I soaked Tiny again, longer this time, but still no luck.  I got her dried off and situated with warm feed and fresh water (video). 

I went to town straight from the ranch, muddy boots and a bit grimy, but I fit right in at Tractor Supply, Rural King, Lowe's garden center, and even Walmart.

I got home at dinner time and called it a day after I stowed away my purchases and cared for pets.

Tuesday 5/6 - This morning, the black cat was laying with Rose (to her left) on the front porch.  I took this photo through the garage window so I wouldn't scare him.  If he is going to be nice and share with Rose, then he is welcome.  There is another larger, scruffier Tom (a tabby) that I have also seen poking around right outside the house.  So maybe he is the one scaring Rose and doing the marking. 





It was my day off from the ranch, but I needed to check on Tiny and do chicken/chick care.  Joe came out and helped me set up a different (larger) fence for a little chick yard.  And then I soaked Tiny again, who actually seemed more vigorous than the day before. 

The sun was finally out and warming up the yard, so after drying Tiny off, I turned Tiny out in the yard with the other three hens. 






Meanwhile, the chicks were getting up the courage to come out of the coop and check out their new, larger yard space.  They could fit through this fencing so some even ventured farther out, but mostly they stayed near the coop door. 



I forgot to get any photos of the chicks running around their yard.  Oh and I also had to deal with the Frontier guy, but we finally have the internet working again. 

I spent about 45 minutes working with Rico, and although he was fairly well behaved and responding to my cues, he really wasn't connected with me.  I need to realize this may progress slowly, and just keep at it and be patient with him. 





I planted a few parsley starts I had bought and while puttering around in the garage, Jem (who was mowing out by our front gate) saw me and came in to say hello.  I got an up-date on Denise and a photo of his new, very nice riding mower. 




At one point I checked on the chicks and Tiny.  She was laying under the cypress tree that they all like to sit under, so I moved her to a nest box in the coop.  She acted very interested in settling in there, but then decided to come back out.  

After spraying the bad, obnoxious, stickery brier out in the front pasture, I put the chicks and Tiny away for the day and came home.  I was ready to sit and relax, but really needed to get to the gym.  I debated for a few minutes, but did manage to get myself there, even though I was pooped out and there was less than two hours until closing. 


 

Patty had ranch chores, and sent this photo and (video) of silly Rico.  I saw it when I left the gym at 5:50.  Rico, like Zorro, is a big goof ball.

I had asked Britney to send a photo of their finished 'set up' for the cat and guinea pigs. 









In this second photo, silly Lupe joined the Guinea pigs in their cage, taking one of their hiding spots. 

The cat does not bother the piggies, other than bopping them with her paw occasionally.

Because I was short on time and hadn't done the elliptical at the gym, I took Maggie for a brisk, one mile walk after we both had dinner.  And then I was definitely done for the day.  

Wednesday 5/7 - Mama used to say, 'Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning.'  The sky was definitely red (pink) this morning.  These photos don't actually show just how pink it really was.
  

 



Well, I should have heeded Mom's advice instead of believing the weather report which said no rain until late afternoon.  I did put the tarp back over the wood chips. 
It was misting in the morning, and continued to do so while I drove to the ranch to do morning chores.

The neighbor's horses at the corner of Eli Ford and Chestnut Hill.  I put too much faith (or trust) in the weather report and still planned to meet Joanne. 

Our Pasos were just finishing up their morning feed when Joanne arrived and even though it was still misting, we took Rico and Amiga down to the barn.  We worked on leading & backing while walking down there.

Joanne cleaned Rico's sheath while we waited for the rain (which started coming down quite hard) to lighten up.  I had Amiga in her stall, and she was still flirting (squirting and nickering) with Rico.

I decided to leave Amiga stalled and walked Rico back up the drive, (with Joanne's pointers) to see if he would cooperate.  He did fairly well. 

After checking on Tiny, who was still alive, I fed her and then went back down to the barn.

It had cleared off so I put fly masks on the three boys (planning to do the Pasos later) and set out on Amiga for a short ride.  No sooner did I get on her back, then it stated raining lightly again.  And boy was Amiga a handful, acting quite mareish (irritable, cranky, difficult, with an obstinately uncooperative attitude). 



I 'stayed the course,' trying to keep her moving forward, and working at settling her down.  We did a short loop, sticking to the road because it was too muddy in the woods.  When I got back to the barn, the hollering between her and the two boys started back up.  These photos came off the three (videos) I took.  I hadn't taken any more photos all day. 
 

You can see that Rico had himself much more worked up than Zorro.  Once I walked Amiga up and turned her loose in the paddock, all three horses went ballistic.  
They were racing all over the place, with Rico trying to get near Amiga, Zorro trying to keep him away, while she was trying to get near Rico.  Anyway the rain had started back up and they were slipping and sliding all over in the mud.  I feared one would get hurt so I stuck Rico back out in the side pasture away from the other two and things settled down.  Although, Amiga and Rico hung near each other on opposite sides of the fence.  They sure are pretty when they are moving all excited and animated.

I soaked Tiny in a warm epsom salt bath, but still no luck.  It was still rainy, cold, dark and miserable outside, so I had kept the chicks and Tiny in the coop.  

I had three hours to get to the gym and workout, so hustled to do so once out of my wet ranch clothes.  It was legs, abs, and aerobics today.  I had skipped a stretch the last two times at the gym, and could tell I really needed and benefited from it today.

Joe and I watched Survivor while I ate dinner; milk and then popcorn with ham, cheese, and carrots on the side.

Thursday 5/8 - Finally some sunshine this morning, but I had a meeting for work (at the pool) so was unable to get outside tasks done. 

I left for the ranch before noon, eating lunch as I drove there. 




I got the baby chick's outside run set up and then Joanne arrived. 

We got Rico and Zorro groomed and saddled, with Patty there to help us and then take photos. 


It was a beautiful (70°) day, perfect for riding, although the weather report did say a late afternoon shower was expected.


I have much respect for Joanne, who is helping me to slow down as I work with Rico.  She has great training experience and the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitude to be successful.

And she is a lot of fun to work and horse around with.  Her generosity in giving of her time and efforts is so valued and appreciated.  I was glad to finally be able to take her out for a ride.  And both our horses did great.

Well, we weren't far down the trail, when we hit this snag.  Two more trees had fallen down across our path, where the one dead one had blocked it last week.  There was no getting past it, so we turned around.

I had posted this photo after clearing a 'walk around' a week ago.  You can see the same log marking the left side of the trail.  Well, just after we turned around, it started thundering and a cold wind blew in.  So we rode back to the barn, only going one mile today.  😖

To get chores done before the storm hit, Joanne helped me and we started right in on them.  Once finished it looked like the storm was going to miss us.  I later heard that Crab Orchard had gotten a bunch of hail.  I decided to quick plant these marigolds before going up to shut the chicks back in the coop. 

The three boys in the lower paddock saw that the gate to the back pasture was closed and were content eating grass there.  They had not realized the gate to the front pasture was now open. 

Up at the coop, I noticed Tiny's backend was a bit poopy, so I decided to give her a soaking to get it cleaned off.  She is definitely feeling somewhat better, because she has been happily out with the other hens, and fought the soaking a little bit (videos).


Coming out of the coop, I noticed Cowboy and Dorado had found their way into the front field and were up near the upper paddock fence. 







And Rico was wanting to join up with them. 

I felt like this was an okay change in events, so Amiga and Zorro could have a break from Rico. 






Another storm did pass by us, with threatening thunder not too far off, but we never did get rain at the ranch by the time I left at 4:15, or at our Flossmoor home. 




The evening news reported hail storms (some golf ball size) in middle TN and showed a clip with Chris Janson, a country music singer and songwriter.

We got a strong thunderstorm (no hail) about 7:30pm.

Friday 5/9 - After a very early morning here at my computer I made a quick trip to the gym doing a 90 minute workout (just arms and abs).  Then I went to the ranch to do morning chores (late) at 10:30.  Seen here, feeding Gloria the calcium/vitamin supplement I had gotten to help Tiny. 

I got the chick fence and coop door set so they could get out.  It did not take them long to make a mass exodus. 

The babies tend to stick pretty close together.  In this second photo, you can seen one of the tan babies on the outside of their fencing.  They can all squish through the large mesh of the fence to venture even farther from the coop, but will scramble back in when they perceive danger. 

Tiny was a little slower moving this morning.  And then she kind of just stood hunched over by the fence and didn't do much walking around. 






Joanne and I had planned to ride in the afternoon, so after I ate the lunch I had brought, I headed out to see if I could make a path around the trail obstruction we had hit yesterday.  I noticed these two trees may be the next to finish falling and also block the trail.  Time will tell.  

I walked and mapped out a course around the blocked trail and then started clearing, first the large stuff and then the little vines and seedlings, along with lots of dead leaves and branches.  I took a (videos, also included Rico and chick videos) and some photos of the finished detour.
 

This second photo was taken looking at it, coming down the trail from the other direction.  Joanne had arrived a little early, so I hustled back to the barnyard. 









We brought Rico and Zorro down to the barn, got them saddled up, and were soon headed out on a ride.

The weather cooperated and so did our horses, so we had a great ride.  It was the perfect temperature, a gentle breeze, and no flies. 

We had left Amiga out of her stall this time, and had heard her calling to the boys while we were down at the barn.  She was very glad to have them back. 

I was going to soak Tiny again, but when I checked on her, she was walking around, looking much better.  I can't figure it out, her going back and forth between looking good and then bad.  I got the babies back in the coop and they all proceeded to take a dust bath.  Silly girls. 

As I came out of the coop and looked at our Pasos in the side pasture, I was glad to see they looked peaceful and quite content. 






I got home with plenty of time to feed fur babies, fix a salad for dinner, and do my nightly chores.  I was in bed with the lights out just after 8pm.  I needed to catch up on sleep.

I hope I can stay in low gear and just proceed at a leisurely pace and not get in such a hurry as I work with Rico (and Amiga).  They do so much better if I take my time.