Heavy On My Mind

There is not one specific thing that is weighing heavy on my mind, but several little things, that collectively cause my mind to feel over burdened, much like carrying a heavy physical load.  Also, some of the physical burdens I have (jobs, responsibilities, all the animal care, trying to stay in shape in spite of my many age related aches and pains) are weighing heavy on me, wearing me down, and causing burn out.

Saturday 8/29 - Just getting both dogs walked, to be sure they have 'fully' relieved themselves before being left for several hours, occupies my mind.  Maggie was 'good to go' for the morning, and I took Cookie with me to the ranch at 8am.

Patty, Bonnie, Karen and I saddled up our horses and headed out on the trail.  I had talked everyone into trying the section off Beachwood to Chestnut Hill because Jan rode it a couple of days ago and said it was great.  

I didn't take any photos, so got these off the (video) I took as we rode back into the barnyard.  Above, Karen is riding Cash over the ground cavalettis.  







Bonnie was leading the way back on Rosco.  
As it turned out, our ride wasn't great.  First we came across two 'hikers' and their dogs, which had all our horses on high alert.  The horses all did well, but then the ladies thought the trail got too rocky and too steep.  So we turned back and tried to take a shortcut home on Hathaway.  But it was un-passable because of two big trees down across the road.  So back we went on the rocks and hills.

This map shows our route.  You can see where we turned around on Hathaway.  Having talked the ladies into going down Beachwood, but it being an epic fail, weighed on me some.  I felt bad, but also wished for more durable, daring, adventuresome trail buddies.  And just having those thoughts weighs on me also.  I love my fellow riders and being out on the trail with them, but need to remember horse riding etiquette - to only go at the level (speed, trail difficulty, and length) as the group is comfortable with.  That being said, it is on my mind that I need to find a more adventuresome, probably younger rider, to 'really hit the trails' with.

Once back to the barn and un-tacked, I did not linger too long.  Cookie jumped up into the back of my car and I ate a protein snack on the way home. 

My 'turn around time' was pretty good, after walking the dogs and changing clothes I went to the gym.  

I had a great, total body workout, complete with stretch and balance at the end.  Joanne sent this photo of the three Pasos as she was finishing up chores.

At some point during the afternoon/evening, while on my computer, I came across this (video).  It is a very nice tribute to Dolly.



I think many of us have the death of Dolly on our minds.  There are so many wonderful tributes out there, pouring in on social media.  This tribute especially touched me.  The more tributes etc. I watch, the more I realize what a fantastic person Dolly was and a great loss her passing is.

Sunday 8/30 - It was the fifth Sunday of August so Church was one combined service, which I’m not a big fan of, so I skipped out again and went riding instead.  
Joanne and I started down the 'alleyway' between the ranch yard and front pasture, with the three Pasos, and then Cowboy and Cash were quick to come accompany us.  




Karen met us to get Zorro, and Rosco joined the boys in the field, escorting us down the drive.  If you zoom in on this photo, you can see Wanda and George in front of the barn waiting for all of us.

Today's ride was much better than yesterday's.  I was on Amiga, Joanne on Rico and Karen rode Zorro.  Amiga was feeling good, hot to trot, walking briskly and took the lead, keeping the pace going.

We picked up a 'trot' (a Paso gait actually) several times.  All three horses were very willing and did wonderful.  It was a fun ride.  It was getting rather warm however, so we all rinsed off our sweaty horse when we were back and un-tacked.   

Patty and I both noticed that the broody hen has finally given up and joined the flock.  Patty sent this photo later in the day.  


Our current flock of nine hens.  




I took care of a few things around the ranch, like taking hay up to the Paso feed room and I finished weeding and trimming in the chicken yard.





The rest of my day was uneventful, but Patty had a bear sighting on her way to the ranch to do afternoon chores.  

She saw two of them on Chestnut Hill Rd. where Beachwood ends.  We were about 300 meters from here on our ride yesterday.  

I had gotten more bug bites during the day and was tormented by the itching and scratching when I went to bed.  All my bug bites are mentally wearing me down because they are so agonizing and I can't figure out when and where I am getting all of them.  It is probably chiggers, but I can't help wondering if it's from fleas in the house.  I have not seen a single flea in the house for two weeks now... but still I worry, especially when I occasionally see the cats scratching.

Monday 8/31 - After a rather warm shift at the pool, which was moderately busy, I came home to shower, nap, and do several pet tasks.

I headed to Mirror Lake Blast for the Heart tribute band concert, knowing I wouldn’t be too thrilled with the music.  I’m just not a fan of hard rock which is their core signature sound.  




I ended up having a good time socializing and also danced a fair amount.  I even had a very good dinner from the Greek truck (a Gyro and Greek pasta salad).  




Kind of spur of the moment, although I'd been thinking about it all afternoon... as to how to transition the Pasos to longer grass time, I decided to run out to the Ranch after the concert and let the horses out for the night.  Patty asked me to look at how bright the solar light (she put on the wall) lit up the flag.  

These three photos were taken from this (video) of me letting the three Pasos out into the field, using my car lights to see the gate.  



I love how the horses are silhouetted in the light. 

It was after 9pm when I headed home. 

I walked the dogs then went upstairs to sleep with Dan's cats, so Joe wouldn't disturb me, when he would get home at midnight.
 

Tuesday 9/1 - And just like that, August is over.  

I took my time getting out to the ranch because 1- I had gone to bed later than usual so got up later, and 2- The Pasos had been out on pasture all night and wouldn't be waiting for me to come let them out.  

This photo was taken of sweaty, dirty Joe, getting out from under the bush hog PTO shaft he had just connected to the tractor.  I had been down spreading Fly Predator on manure piles and heard Joe struggling, so tried to help him.  
Below, Joe trying to figure out how to adjust the mechanical 3-point hitch system because it was crooked and had been rubbing the edge of the back, right tractor tire.  Again I did what I could to help.


I opened and closed gates for Joe down at the corral and then up at the Paso paddock so he could do a little bush hogging in the side pasture.  At this point, he realized the maladjustment of the 3-point hitch system and I manned gates so he could go back down to the shop.  I had been mucking the upper paddock and then out on the gator delivering more hay.  

Finally the bush hog was working well enough to safely mow the front pasture and I was finished with my morning chores.  Next I started the task of watering all trees and shrubs we have planted in the past three years.  I had shut the yard gate and un-hooked Cookie from her tie so she was free to roam while I watered.  She loves being up on this bench.

Watering was nearly a two hour task.  While soaking some trees, I did other things, like feed the Pasos lunch, since I am moving their once daily feeding to morning.  
My project supervisor was more playful than helpful.  I had taken these photos and then decided to (video) her, just before Joe came up the drive to take her home.  







I got home at 2:30, feeling exhausted.  I guess the nearl 90° heat and fact I had been on my feet over four hours, was the reason.  A much needed shower and late lunch, led to a nap, and then it was dinner time, at least for the seven fur babies.

Joe and I started a series, Cape Fear, that we decided not to continue.  It was too creepy for us.

Wednesday 9/2 - The horses were a little confused about coming in for breakfast, but when I shook the feed bucket and called them, they were quick to arrive at their feeding spots. 

Joe, Cookie and I met at the Cascade Trail to complete this 2.3 mile segment of the Hiking Marathon.  

The day was warming up to the low 90s, with high humidity even though we haven't had rain in ten days).


We took turns with Cookie, who did very well, and seems to enjoy walking in the woods.  


Joe had headed back early to get jobs done at the ranch.  

Cookie and I did a few side trails to see scenic views.  This was from atop a rather high ledge.  





And this is seen from under the ledge, to give you and idea of how high up it was.  

Cookie was a good sport about posing for photos.








The day had heated up, getting warmer than yesterday.  




Cookie plopped down on the cool garage floor once we were home.  Because our 'patched' garage door spring is on 'borrowed time,' I have been parking in the drive during the day, not using the door very often.  


Even when Cookie came inside, she chose the cooler wood floor.  

Maggie, who has slowed way down, usually gets left home from the ranch and from hikes.


I changed out of my sweaty clothes, ate a light protein snack, and read and rested for an hour.  

Cookie had cooled off and chose her comfy bed by Maggie (both near me) to rest.  








I went to the gym over the lunch hour and was surprised at the energy I still had to do a good arm and core workout.  I showered at the gym and had a late lunch / early dinner once home.
My mind was weighed down at bedtime, processing too many things; but prayer quieted my thoughts and led to sleep.

Thursday 9/3 - It occurred to me overnight, when I woke up at 3:15 and couldn’t get back to sleep, that I really needed to fill the Pasos' water tank.  I had noticed yesterday when I fed in the morning, that it was a bit low.  I don't know why I didn’t think of it when I had the hose all stretched out.  

So I went out to the ranch at 8am and filled the water tank with my project supervisor/hose handler, very willing to help.  


You got to admit, that Cookie Monster is kind of cute.

I also mucked manure out of the sheds, where the horses had spent the day yesterday.  

Cookie and I then met Joe at the Overlook Trail for another leg of the hiking marathon.  The 2.3 mile trail has a total of 255 feet of elevation change.  Joe took a selfie of us while sitting on a bench to rehydrate and rest.  Cookie would not look at the camera.  



When we got down to Daddy‘s Creek we gave Cookie a chance to get a drink.  The trail along the creek is quite scenic with the water (even though it is low) on one side and rock outcroppings on the other side.  


Once home, I sat and read my gripping James Patterson, Alex Cross, novel.

All too soon, I had to head to work at the pool.

I was subbing for Mike.  It was a hot shift with the temperature up to 94° and a heat index around 105°F.  We have been under a heat advisory across Cumberland County from Tuesday - Friday.
Vicky, who had the first shift, had the air conditioning on in the office so I spent a majority of my time in there, working on Sudoku and doing some text messaging.  
Joe came out to sun, cool off in the water, and get dinner for the two of us, next door at the club house.  

Patty sent this photo during afternoon chores.  Wanda was hunting something that had made a new hole under the side of the barn.

Friday 3/4 - With almost two weeks with no rain, the pond in back is back down to just a big puddle.  We, the neighbors and I, suspect the leak was not adequately fixed.  The issues with the creek blocked with three downed trees, the succession of the pond with all the dead leaves and soil running in from up-stream, and the leak causing low water level, has all been a mental burden.  

The heat was already oppressive when I was unlocking the pool at 9am.  With deck blown off, umbrellas up, tables wiped down, skimmer baskets cleaned, flowers watered, I then got in the pool to cool off and scrub tile, an enjoyable job on a hot morning.  
I spent an hour during the middle of my shift, training a lady who would be subbing on Sunday afternoon.  

 

Once home, I showered and then did some needed tasks and caught a 15 minute nap in preparation for a girls night out.  


We had another table full of ladies, but this is the only photo (and not even an good one) taken all night long.  There was lots of dancing, along with chatting, joking and laughter.  

I read until 11:30 and still couldn't get to sleep.  I let even the little things trouble my mind and take up space in my head.  

No matter what burdens weigh heavy on our minds, remember, everything is going to be okay.  In January, in honor of her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton released a new version of "Light Of A Clear Blue Morning" (video) with Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, and Queen Latifah.  It's goin' to be okay.

Whatever The Weather

'Whatever the weather' is part of a traditional British rhyme and tongue-twister.  It teaches endurance through changing natural elements.
"Whether the Weather" - 
Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!

Saturday 8/22 - With Joe gone for the next nine days, the sole responsibility of dog walking has been on me.  Cookie has gotten much better about taking care of business while out on walks.  It's like now she knows what the walk is for.  But I also like to take her for longer walks just to spend some of her energy, while leaving Maggie at home.  I had the dogs sit by this pretty Crape Myrtle for a photo this morning.

Late morning, I made a trip to Food City because we had run out of milk and lettuce.  

Then I went to the ranch to pick up the hay, Bonnie's authentic old western saddle, and other 'photo booth' accessories.

Barb, seen here, had ordered the backdrop for Steve's Cowboy themed 70th birthday party.  Back in July they had come to the ranch and picked out the props for this 'photo booth.'

We messed around with hay and saddle placement and played with the lariat and also the headgear (Cowboy's bridle and reins).




In this photo, you can see the placement of the 'photo booth' under the pavilion at St. George with the lake and some boats in the background. 

This was just the start of what would turn out to be a very fun memory making photo area for all the guests at the party.  


Barb and Steve are a delightful couple who moved here to the Glade from Britain.  Not only is their accent cute, so are they.  They are a very fun loving, generous, caring couple who are a delight to know.




I left the truck at St. George and Patty picked me up and took me home.  After a dog walk and late, light lunch,  I took a nap.  


I fed the cats and dogs early, got the canine walked, and Bonnie picked me up just after 4:00.  In just minutes, we arrived at St. George marina pavilion for Steve's 70th Birthday hoedown/hog roast party.  










First off I introduced Bonnie to Barb and Steve and we got some photos at the western booth.  


This is just two of the several photos that were taken.

The photo booth was so much fun for everyone.  

Even if not actively participating with the props, it was a great backdrop for the country theme.  

Bonnie and I started with a drink, her a pop and mine a little hefty with the rum, but quite tasty and giving me a pleasant buzz.  I then switched to water for the rest of the night.  

The band (out of Nashville) was a tad too loud, but was very good and played many great country songs.  





And yep, lots of dancing occurred.











I didn't take any dancing photos, cause I was up dancing.  But some (these) were shared with me.  

 


Our "hostess with the mostest."

Many of the 'gang' from Dorchester pool were there.

Barry and Malissa.










In the back, Marie and her sister.
In front, Robbin and Linda.  







Michelle, Vicky, and Deb.  









It was quite a lively party, being as it started at 2:00, was open bar, and there were 130 guests.  





Some from Steve's family brought out the b-day cake, but the wind had picked up and was blowing out the candles. 
Okay, all lit and ready for Steve (who was also 'lit') to blow out.  There weren't 70 candles, but there were enough to challenge Steve.   

A severe storm that brought strong winds and large hail (reported later up to 1½ inches in size) blew into Cumberland County about 6:30pm.  The concert that was occurring at the Grove had to be shut down because of lightning. 

Steve's party was going to continue whatever the weather.  We were very lucky at St. George, only getting about 20 minutes of rain, no thunder or lightning, and very little wind.  

Some lingering clouds were obstructing the nearly full moon as the sun set and lights came on at the dock.  
I loaded hay, saddle and other props into the truck and got home just after 9pm. 

Sunday 8/23 - Shirley was not feeling well and decided not to go to church, so I played hooky and went riding with Bonnie, Joanne, and Patty instead.  












It was a cool crisp morning, starting to feel a little bit like fall, and was very pleasant for riding.

Each of us took turns leading and others followed in various positions.  Here Bonnie is in front, then I on Amiga and Joanne on Rico.  Patty at the end of the line, took the photo.  

I took this photo with Patty in front and Bonnie behind her.  Joanne was behind me.  

On the roads where it is wider, we tried riding side by side.


It did warm up quickly and by the time we got done, we were beginning to sweat a little.  

Amiga continues to be irritated by her scratches (dew fever) which start to improve (as I have been treating them) but then get worse again (video) because of all the wet grass.

Joanne helped Patty with the mucking and I drained, scrubbed, and filled the big stock water tank up in the Paso paddock.   I also raked up all the crappy hay that’s been on the ground for a while, because the horses have not wanted to eat it.




It was mid-afternoon by the time I got home.  Cookie had been at the ranch with us, but Maggie needed a walk, so I took both dogs around the block.  

I spent the remainder of the day eating, blogging, napping, and doing several household chores.  I even vacuumed my office/cat room, that I feared had fleas. 

Patty sent this photo during evening chores.  Wanda and George are becoming friendlier with each other.   

Monday 8/24 - My shift at the pool was uneventful.  It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, with a light breeze and a high of only 84°.
I didn’t get home from work until 2:30.  I tried to do some blogging and did pet chores early so I could walk the dogs before I left for Mirror Lake Blast at 5:15.







The Blast was not a blast.  Melissa Ellis and The Fellas was the band.  They played all blues and jazz.  Their sound was good, but there were only two fast songs during the whole concert that could be danced to.  This photo shows how the dance floor looked for a majority of the concert.

Tuesday 8/25 - I was at the Ranch for morning chores before 8am.  These three were ready to get out on the pasture to graze.  By 9:30 I was heading into town to do my big shopping, which primarily consisted of animal feed (horses, chickens, dogs, and cats).  I also did get a little food for myself, in addition to household supplies.
Once home, I had a protein snack, unpacked and put away all my purchases, filled feed containers, and then headed to the gym. 

I did a complete core and arm workout.  While on the rowing machine to warm up, I watch four different TVs and on every station, they were announcing the death of Dolly Parton.  

In the next few days I was reminded of just how great Dolly was: a legendary American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist.  
Here is a short Dolly tribute (video).  
She grew up in extreme poverty as the fourth of 12 children in a one-room cabin.  She released over 50 albums across a seven-decade career, scoring 26 number-one billboard country singles.  She co-founded the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge and created Imagination Library: a book-gifting program that mails free books to children worldwide.

By the time I showered and had gotten home, I only had 90 minutes before Micki  was to pick me up to go to Lake Tansi.  I quickly got my dinner time chores completed.
We picked up Johnny (seen standing in this photo) and sat with Jake and Tamera.  







There was a huge crowd here to hear the fun band Four On The Floor.  

We all danced a ton and had a blast, unlike last night.  The Tansi venue has such a pretty setting by the lake and the 'dance floor' is neat with the lights after dark, seen in the next photo I got off Facebook.  

I was home in bed by 9:45, but unable to get to sleep.  I was just too wound up I guess.  By 11:30, I took a pain/sleep aide.

Wednesday 8/26 - Getting in my car to go to the ranch at 8:00, I saw the scrub brush I had left here on the cowl panel (that's a new word for me).  It's the part of the car where the windshield meets the hood.  Anyway, I had set it here Sunday, after scrubbing out the stock tank.  So I drove around with it here for two days, even going on the interstate.

 

I removed our Mountain View flag and put the American flag at half-staff, more out of respect for the memory of Dolly Parton, than to follow Presidential orders.

Patty helped me wrangle horses to get ready for the farrier.  Our three Pasos did well for him.  I mucked and did a few other tasks before heading home.  

After an early lunch, I tried to work on blogging, but ended up taking a two hour nap.  I had not slept well, only four hours, last night.  

Once up from my nap, I took Cookie for a one hour hike.  Then I weeded in the front yard for an hour.  By bedtime, I was itching from getting more chigger bites, or was it fleas?

Thursday 8/27 - All my mornings start with tea at my computer.  By my second cup, I let Cookie in from the garage (where she eats her breakfast) so she can join Maggie and I in my office/cattery. 

At 9am I met Patty at The Center where we joined a large crowd for the monthly board meeting.
 

Fairly soon, I think we all realized that the board was stalling/wasting time/and 'wearing us down' with their overly long talking.  Three phrases to describe each of their presentations:  
Long-winded - Speaking for too much time without getting to the main point.
Verbose - Using many more words than needed, making explanations confusing.
Going on and on - To continue speaking at great length past the point of necessity.

I had worked a whole Sudoku and when Patty and I both got bored and tired of listening, we had a little 'camera war.'  Notice the three police behind me.  There were way more officers than necessary, because they expected the crowd to get unruly, which we did a little, during the question and answer (two 30 minute time periods).  Our board President was interrupting and speaking down to many members in a patronizing and condescending manner that was so disrespectful, or shutting people down, not addressing their question.

Many of the questions that were answered by various board members and General manager, took way too long.  They droned on and on taking up way too much time of the 30 minutes they allotted to us (the audience).  

The meeting was adjourned at noon, with the president cutting off a man who had started to ask a question, because our 30 minutes were up.  The crowd was angry and the police on high alert.

I went straight to the gym, where I had parked, but had very little time or interest in doing my workout.  I needed to get home to walk the dogs.  I did expelled my pent-up frustrations going as hard as I could on the rowing machine for 30 minutes, then left.

After a late, big lunch, I vacuumed all the downstairs carpet, in case there were fleas.  I combed each cat, but never saw a flea.  So probably all my new bites, that are itching like crazy, are chiggers.  












I walked both dogs and then took Cookie to the ranch to do chores.  Jan was down at the barn trying out her new Child's Tandem Ride Behind Saddle.

But first Wanda was giving it a try.  This is an extra-rider pad (often called a buddy seat or child's trail pad) which is placed behind the main saddle to support a second rider safely and comfortably.  

This internet photo shows how it is placed.

Jan did not have a photo or instructions, so was trying to figure it out, and I was no help to her.  George was very comfortably relaxing near Wanda while Jan and I messed with the buddy seat.

I left to finish feeding and mucking chores up-top with the Pasos.  I also played with Cookie in the yard for a bit, before we headed home for a late 6:30 pet feeding time.

Friday 8/28 - The only photos I took today were during my after dinner walk with Cookie.  Now I know what the square structure up at Druid was for... a four sided clock.

I left for pool duty at 9:0o.  



A view from the clubhouse of the 9th green and fairway beyond.  



For such a beautiful day, I was surprised we weren't busier at the pool.  



Our long shadows as the sun was setting (earlier each night).  The firepit, clock and driving range are seen in this photo.

I got home at 2:20, walked the dogs, showered, and then read and napped on the screened porch with the dogs closed-in, out there with me.  








Seen from high up on the hill between the parking lot and Lakeview.  I am guessing this is where the electronic sign is going to go.  
And what is this toilet seat doing right out near the front of the building on the temporary fence?



I took Cookie on a long walk after all (myself included) had eaten and I'd finished my evening household chores.  It was another beautiful evening in paradise.  









We are weathering some nasty 'currents' with several poor decisions by our board, which I hope doesn't ruin our beautiful Fairfield Glade community or put us in insurmountable financial debt.  
However, whatever the weather, I'm going to endure and find joy.  We'll weather the whatever, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not.