Friday, July 25, 2025

Moderation

Awhhh, the old familiar saying, all things in moderation.
This is a good rule of thumb with eating, drinking alcohol, 
spending, screen time, hours of work, and even exercise.  Overindulging in any of these can lead to negative consequences for your health and well-being.  I need to watch myself in all these areas, but for blogging purposes, I am trying to moderate (shorten) the content in my blogs.  Except maybe with regards to photos, I want to back off on text; too much talk.  I'm just trying to be more concise in my writings.  



I do also try to keep my content appropriate.  According to Wikipedia, content moderation (not the same as censorship) is the process of reviewing and removing content that is unfit, illegal, or harmful (like posts, comments, or videos on social media) to ensure it complies with established community guidelines, terms of service, and legal requirements.  The goal is usually to create a safer, more respectful online environment.


Well, now that I have already gone on too long about moderation, this quote is also applicable, and I need to give moderation a rest. 😜  
This quote has been credited to Oscar Wilde, Benjamin Franklin, Socrates, Proverbs, Myay Angelou, Julia Child, Petonius, Gautaama Buddha, and Ralph Waldo Emerson to name several.  So there ya go.

I had thought about putting a weekly calendar with my usual activities on it, like a planner, but decided that too was more than I wanted to manage.  


Friday 7/18 - After morning chores, I rode 4½ miles with Betty.  We were back to the barn by 10am and it was already hot and muggy.

Home for a snack and nap, I was then able to get in a good weight workout,  while it poured rain outside. 

It was Ladies night out at Rumors.  Richard 'ubered' Micki and I there at 5:45.  With many spouses also along, we were a group of 18.  

A selfie photo bomb with Elaine and Micki.  


Terry does karaoke there, and I always love hearing him sing.  There were some great performances and others who, well, made a not so joyful noise.  We girls would have liked less slow, sad ballads, and something a little more upbeat and happy that we could dance to.
 


Saturday 7/19 - Shadow becoming quite comfortable hanging out in the front of our house.  Rose is still missing and I am missing her.  I have been debating continuing feeding Shadow.  Maybe it should be moderation with feral cat care.
 
While I worked at the pool, we got hit with rain and then a storm early afternoon.  So, I was told to close the pool and tell Mary not to come in for the second shift.  Well, by the time I did all the cleaning and closing procedure, it was already 2pm (the usual end of my shift).
If you enlarge the next photo, you can see it is raining, as people gathered under the shelter.

I ran to the ranch to do hoof care and give Amiga Previcox.  While mucking, I got rained on again.  

I ate an early, big dinner and then felt bad (so much for moderation).  I'd had too much and maybe the taco meat from Food City or the old cabbage I had frozen, didn't agree with me.  I laid down, napped some, and woke up feeling sick... very bloated and nauseous.  I took a gas pill, did some abdominal massage and rolls, and was soon relieved somewhat.  After another storm, I walked Maggie, which helped me with further gas relief.


Sunday 7/20 - With less time spent blogging, I have time for some puzzles in the morning.  I took a (video) of these two, grooming each other.

After church I spent an hour picking up yard debris that Karen had raked into piles.








I went to work a little early to help with set up for the live music we were having from 2-4.  



The pool was already quite crowded, and it got even busier.  At the end, it was twenty minutes later than usual when I finally locked up and left.  It had been very busy with the party and live music, added to the fact that it was so blasted hot.  We'd had the second largest crowd for this summer.  But it was fun.
I got home exhausted and ate dinner since I hadn't had time at the pool.  Then I had weekly household chores to attend to.
 

Monday 7/21 - We had overnighters arrive after 1am and they decide to stay all day and a second night to recuperate and rest their horses before another long day of travel.  They had been delayed by traffic and then had to stop to cool their horses off at one point.  

After work at the pool, I went to the ranch and did hoof care for Amiga and also mucked to help Karen out since it looked like it was about to rain.  Rico usually runs down (video) to the lower paddock when let out on the front pasture for the night.  


I also did some cleaning (of dishes and iced up ice-maker) that had been left in the ranch kitchen sink.  Normally we have 24 hour notice before we have guests, and have the house all ready for them.  The other problem, was the mice had not been completely eradicated from a few weeks ago, so I helped Patty, who did the bulk of the cleaning and then set traps. 



Some rain did come as I got home, and more was on the way.  I was exhausted and hungry so after my shower, I decided to skip Mirror Lake Blast because it was drizzling.  I had veggies and dip and a fruit salad along with my frozen dinner of 
spaghetti.   

Britney and Juan Carlos at the Colombian Embassy, celebrating Colombia Independence day yesterday.

Tuesday 7/22 - I had another disrupted night of sleep, and was awake from 1:45 - 4:30.  I went back to sleep until 6:30.  This has become the norm recently.

I did 90 minutes of yard work, pulling weeds, and hauling piles of yard debris across the creek.  


 


Maggie usually hangs out with me, but at one point I couldn't see her.  I called several times before noticing her here, 30 yards away from where I was working.  She was in a trance (video).  



Shadow was sleeping in the front flower bed when I left for the gym.  He reminded me of the Bible story of Jacob's stone for a pillow.

I spent almost two hours doing 20 minutes of rowing to warm up and then a full weight workout.  




Shadow still napping when I got home.  You can see an area on his neck missing hair.  He has several 'scratches' around his neck but I can't get close enough to see what is going on. 

Joe reported that 
the overnigters had troubles getting their two horses to load and didn't leave until 2pm.

 
Also, we thought we were going to get the fields cut today, but our hay guy's two tractors are broken down and he is waiting for a part.  Ughh!  


These photos of Layla were sent a few days ago.  What a cutie.  Courtney commented, 'So much hair she needs a sleep bonnet.'  Dan is silly putting those sunglasses on her.





I spent three hours going to and from town to shop.  It was after 6pm when I got home so I juggled feeding pets and my dinner with stowing my goods away.


Wednesday 7/23 - Happy Birthday Britney!

I did chores and then rode with Betty.   



 


It was actually quite pleasant out, 
riding in the shade and with the slight breeze some of the time.  Wended up going longer/farther than planned (six miles) since it wasn't so hot.  And we hit a few obstacles on a road we haven't ridden in a long time.  





There are six horses in this photo, but Dorado is the little spot, farthest right, on his way up to join the others, after Betty turned him back out.  





The three Pasos, in the upper paddock during the day.  
I worked in the ranch house getting beds, sheets and towels ready, in preparation for when our next overnighter books to stay.  






Patty had cleaned the house and then caught a mouse yesterday, but there were no mice today when I checked all of the traps.  

It ended up being an afternoon of rest and relaxation for me because I couldn't get motivated or energized.  I did quite a bit of reading and took a short little nap.  

Joe grilled hamburgers for dinner.


Thursday 7/24 - Today was mermaid and pirate day.  
Even though we have had two days without rain and slightly cooler temperatures, we need more moderation to this heat and humidity.

Shadow went charging after a squirrel that ran up the tree.  














Which put mama doe on high alert.  See the fawn right behind her?  









So next she walked towards Shadow until he sauntered off, and the fawn followed.


Although I had nothing scheduled, it proved to be a rather busy day.  I worked in the yard from 9 to 11, pulling weeds and hauling piles of yard debris across the creek.  This bed is completely finished, other than needing some fresh mulch/wood chips.  







I re-stacked the top three rocks of the cairn, which keep toppling since the base rock is at a larger angle because of tree root growth and due to the deer knocking them off when they rub on the stack.  

I took a lunch break and read my book, and then worked in the yard another hour before going to the Wellness Center.  
It takes me two hours at the gym to do my warm-up, complete weight workout, and stretch and balance exercises at the end.  


I ran to The Center to pick up keys to the library building, but had to postpone meeting Patty there because they mistakenly forgot there was a ballroom dance class going on.  Amiga getting a drink.
 







← Amiga and Zorro hanging out in the smaller shed.
 

So I ran to the ranch to do evening chores: feeding Wanda and horses in lower paddock, mucking upper paddock, hoof care on Amiga, chicken care, etc.  


I left the Ranch at 5:30 and met Patty at the library building at 5:45.  We proceeded to count and measure all the tables, discuss decorations and room layout, and finalized a food and drink list.  Our 'shopping' list was also completed.  This is the only photo I took, to see if this would work for Cathy as a podium/altar... and if we wanted to try and dress it up some.  

The dog, cats and myself all had a late dinner.  I was able to read a little more of my Patterson thriller before turning the lights out at 9:30.


Friday 7/25 - During ranch chores, I came across this snapper in the front pasture.  Lately I have had to walk down to the lower paddock to get Rico and bring him up for breakfast and then to be shut into the paddock with Amiga and Zorro during the day.  









I have gotten him to join up with me and follow me up through the pasture to the paddock.  But this morning he got distracted by the snapper.


Betty and I went for another six mile ride, covering more dirt roads we haven't been down in quite awhile.  It was quite pleasant and our horses did very well. 

Once untacked, with Rico back with the Pasos in the upper paddock, I filled feed bins and then cleaned in the barn.  The overnighters had left a lot of loose hay and there was large gravel/small rocks everywhere, that apparently their horses had 'stirred up' while there.  



Up at the chicken coop I changed out water and filled food containers.  I caught this young hen trying to eat a big bug and took a (video) of her also trying to keep it away from the other hens.

I had a snack of nuts while driving home, arriving after 1:00.  
I immediately laid down and took a nap.  Ugh.
 

I had been so sweaty, I was chilled from the air conditioning when I woke up 90 minutes later, so I changed into loungers.

I made a big salad for a late lunch/early dinner.  I still did not have the energy or desire to work in the yard or go to the gym for some aerobic exercise, so I read on the porch.  





It was a tad too warm so I didn't stay out long.  And I could have fallen back to sleep, like Babe here on the arm of the glider, conked out.  I hope it is the heat (and maybe age) making me so tired, and not a health issue.  

For me, at my age and physical conditioning, what is the right amount of sleep, exercise, and food?  I don't want to overdo or have a lack in any; 
keep things in moderation.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Game Changer

Game changer is defined as an event, idea, or procedure that causes a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something.  Blogging has become a 'ball and chain' for me lately, especially because I am just too busy this summer.  So I, with all sincerity and effort, plan to greatly reduce my musings and compositions from here on out.  

Thursday 7/10 - Once getting home from our Costa Rica travels at 7:30 am, after 24 hours of travel = no bed, I was dead tired, in a daze, but just not sleepy enough to go to bed or even take a nap.  I sat here working on the travel blog, but it was slow progress because I was too tired.  At one point, while letting Facebook distract me, I clicked on a bad link and got hit by a virus.  The only thing I could do was shut off my computer.  Joe was sound asleep so blogging was no longer an options.  



Two of the black 'baby' hens.  They are nearly adults.  

I did completely unpack my suitcase, do two loads of laundry, and put everything away.  I did a few household jobs like water plants and clean litter boxes and finally laid down for a nap.  





Joe woke, fixed my computer, but soon I had to get to the ranch to do evening chores. 

All was well with the horses and hens, oh and also Wanda.  

A bird has built a nest and was feeding babies back in the same spot of the large, upper shed.  I was going to try not to worry about the kids falling out this time. 

I took a Tylenol pm at 7pm and went right to sleep.


Friday 7/11 - I woke at 5am, getting ten hours of sleep.  I blogged for three hours and then went to the ranch to do morning chores.  Betty helped so we could get out on the trail because she had to be somewhere by 11am.  Our 3½ mile ride was wonderful, but started to get hot and buggy by the end.  Rico did great and I was really glad I took time to go.  







I had an early lunch and then got back to blogging.  I didn't get far before nodding off at my computer so took an hour nap.  Then after a few more hours of blogging I got too sleepy again, I took another hour nap.  Scheesh, I thought how am I ever going to get the blog finished.  


I was really missing Rose and fearing that the worst possibly happened, but I was hoping she might be at her other home and getting the care she probably needed.

I went to dinner and then the play Hairspray with Shirley.  We thoroughly enjoyed both.

It was a very late bedtime by the time I got home.


Saturday 7/12 - I would have loved a relaxing morning, but had to go to work.  Shadow heading out after breakfast, as I was leaving.  My shift at the pool started rough and then ended a little bumpy.  Mary, the new employee did not close the register correctly, so I had to call IT to get it straightened out.  And then I discovered the cash bag had four, twenty dollar bills and only seven ones and the rest quarters to total out $100 start up.  Not near enough small bills for change.



We were hit with area thunderstorms and pop-up showers from
 12:15 until 2:00.  So I was forced to get people out of the water twice because of nearby thunder and then later was seesawing on the same decision when low rumbles were heard really far off.

I ran to the ranch to give Amiga a Previcox to 'prep' her before the farrier on Monday.  





It's best to have the pain/anti-inflammatory in her system a few days ahead of time.  I could tell she was sore because she was laying down when I first got there.  





I got home and made a salad for a very late lunch.  I tried to blog but took over an hour long nap.  I was really out of it when I woke up and couldn't get my eyes to focus.  But I was meeting Micki at The Grove for an evening of music and dancing.  The band, 'Four On The Floor,' was a lot of fun and great to dance to. 


Sunday 7/13 - I skipped church and finished the Costa Rican travel blog and posted it.  Then I started the wedding ceremony blog, but quickly got bogged down by so many photos.  Also, I had recalled seeing some photos that I didn’t have downloaded on my computer so I had to figure out where those were, to include them.  Two cute fawn, romping down back.  


I left for work early because first I went to the ranch to muck and give Amiga another Previcox.  I arrived at work just after the weather turned threatening; with thunder, dark skies, and an increase in wind.  I had to clear the pool two different times, but we barely got a shower.  Most folks had cleared out, so my shift was very easy.  I got home at 6:25, hot, sweaty, and exhausted.


Monday 7/14 - I left for the ranch by 6:30 to do chores and move the three Pasos down to the barn.  I was ready when Chris (the farrier) arrived early, at 8:15.  All went well, but Chris did find that Amiga had a light case of thrush on all four hooves.  In this photo, his apprentice had found Rico's 'sweet spot' and my boy was lovin' it.  Silly horse.  









I had to scurry to get to the pool by 9:15.  It was another hot, humid day with rain threatening just as I was leaving the pool and headed back to the ranch. 
I treated Amiga's thrush and gave her another Previcox. 





Bonnie sent me the above photo of Rico and Cowboy scratching each other.

I took a very short nap once home, did the night feeding of pets as usual, showered and headed to Mirror Lake Blast.  Micki, Donna, and I having fun.


Tuesday 7/15 - I'd gotten eight hours of sleep but woke at 5:00 with a headache and still feeling so tired.  Laundry, blogging, and ranch business occupied my morning and into my afternoon.








I stopped at 2:00 to go to the gym and get in a full weight workout.  It was not near as strenuous as my last one at the gym 15 days ago, but still kicked my butt.  





I went to Food City on the way home.

Patty is in Iowa helping their older sister Mary who got home from re-hab (after surgery) on Monday.  So after unloading groceries, I went back to the ranch to do chores for her and care for Amiga's hooves and lameness.  Amiga and Zorro stayed in the shade of the front pasture once I let them out of the paddock.  Rico goes with the boys in the lower paddock at night.

Wednesday 7/16 - I left for the ranch at 6am, fed the Pasos, and then took Rico down to the barn where Betty was grooming and tacking Dorado.  We headed out on a ride before 7:30.  We saw a medium size bear out on the trail.  It was crossing up ahead of us quite a way.  Our horses had heard it and were on moderate alert.  The bear looked at us and sauntered off into the woods.  Our horses looked at the bear, got a little nervous, but just stood there looking while we kept them calm.  They did excellent.  


Betty riding through the ferns on an untraveled dirt road.  






We ended up riding for over two hours, going almost seven miles.  




I cleaned the Pasos water trough; draining, scrubbing, rinsing, and re-filling it.  Rico enjoying a good roll and scratch session while I was working in the upper paddock.  




All three Pasos happily munching in the upper paddock, with the three boys nearby in the front pasture. 

I was falling asleep driving home, so grabbed a quick, late lunch and took a nap; a two hour nap, sleeping quite hard.  And I was rather disoriented when I woke.  







I made ice tea and 
soon Karen came over so we could work in the yard together.  Karen had raked leaves while letting Maggie hang out with her in the yard when we were in Costa Rica.  I hauled some of the many piles away, while Karen did some more raking.


Thursday 7/17 - Happy Birthdays to my brother John and sister Jean (seven years apart) and I'm not sure how old.  Joe woke me at 2am asking if I had heard the loud bang.  No, I hadn't.  I had been sound asleep.  Wondering what it was (he thought maybe something had hit a window) I got up to investigate.  










It was the wooden pallet that is the 'door' to the front of the litter box/cat tower base.  It's just outside our bedroom sliding door and sounded loud when it fell on the floor.

Totally awake, I made tea and finished the wedding blog, before getting sleepy enough to get more shut eye.  I waited to send the blog after proofing it.  Well, I slept from 5 to 8am, jumped up, walked and fed Maggie, and went to do chores (for Patty), a tad late.

I had my second cup of tea and proofed and then posted the
 wedding blog once back home.  Then I went to the gym for an aerobic workout, 30 minutes of rowing and just over an hour on the elliptical.  




I made another trip back to the ranch to feed, muck, and put medicine (greenish) on Amiga's four hooves.  Joe and I went out for dinner.  Stonehenge and Reds were too busy so we ended up at Sandbaggers.  I went to bed fairly soon after getting home.

Okay, so I didn't shorten this blog much, because I had already done a lot of the writing in my notes each day.  Next week will be less.