Light Hearted

Light hearted - cheerful and happy; free from care, anxiety, or seriousness; happy-go-lucky. 'A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.'  Proverbs 17:22


With our country's politics; world hunger, suffering, and wars; animal cruelty; human and natural disasters; house problems; worries about family; health issues; etc...   it can be a challenge to be carefree and light hearted.  However, we all need to have fun, enjoy life, and be cheerful.  This can be accomplished through counting your blessings, being positive, and taking time for play.  Experts tell us that play provides a huge benefit to our mental health, releasing lots of feel-good neurotransmitters.  We need to play more often and not take ourselves so seriously.  Animals are great at playing.  And like them, we are wired to seek these little lifts.  It also explains why we delight in watching cute and funny cat, dog and horse videos.

Saturday 6/15 - I woke at 5 AM after eight full, uninterrupted hours of sleep.  I felt ready to face the day.  For some reason this squirrel was yelling at me when I took corn down back. 

Then I noticed Rose kind of hidden behind a tree.








I didn't get to the ranch as early as usual for morning chores. 





Cowboy watched me in the shop, getting hay ready to take out to the four of them at 8am.

After an hour of doing this and that, I brought Amiga into the barn and let the boys out on the pasture.  She was all wet from splashing in the pond. 

After getting her brushed and dried off a bit, I took her for a little ride around the fields, barn yard and shop, and in the woods out back. 




She was off a little so we only walked and I didn't ride long.  I just love how willing she is for me and she didn't even hesitate walking across this tarp (video).

This buck was in the front yard when I pulled into the garage.  I had arrived home hot, sweaty, and kind of tired, but still made myself get to the gym since I had only made it there once during the past week. 


I started out slow, but picked up momentum, and ended up having a great workout.  Then I had to scurry to shower, buy gas and some groceries, drop food off at the house and pick up the dog, and get to the ranch in time for the 5:00 start of Joe's party. 









It was time for some fun and games, food and drink, conversation and laughter.  Patty was the grill chief and Karen the bartender/hostess. 

After Kevin (Joe's poker buddy and our construction worker) had had a few burgers, brats and beer, he actually fell asleep on the hammock. 














I later went down to open the gate so the horses could go on the front pasture for awhile, and our guests could seem them up close if wanted.

Patty assisted with horse meet and greet.

Zorro and Amiga both got to be out without their grazing muzzles on, and they were going hog wild with grass consumption.

Getting the horses to come back into the paddock, off the grass was a bit problematic.  But with Patty and I working together, we got it done.

It was still very hot out at dusk, so no bonfire was lit.  And the ranch house air conditioner had quit working (add to the fix-it list) so it was actually cooler outside with the slight breeze. 

Sunday 6/16 - Sunday I woke from a good night of sleep (because I'd taken a sleep aid)  I got this blog started and then met Shirley at church. 

I packed up for work and then went to the ranch for 90 minutes first.









I collected trash and recycle, gave Amiga a Previcox, and took Zorro's grazing muzzle off.  We’re going to start giving him more green grass to eat because we noticed his weight is down a little so we don’t need to worry about getting him to lose weight anymore.

As I went to care for these two, I noticed a 'wardrobe malfunction' on Amiga.  Can you see the problem with her fly mask?  It is off one ear.  This photo also gives you a good view of her grazing muzzle. 










I love how bonded these two are, but are okay with being separated (without going bonkers) during feeding time, rides, and other horsing around activities.

My sift started out really hot and I mostly stayed in the office because the heat was just more than I could handle.  But I only worked four hours because a huge thunder/wind/rain storm sent everybody home, even the several who tried to ride it out.

Patty got stuck at the ranch in the storm and sent these (videos).  The storm did cool things off and since everyone cleared out by 4:45, it gave me a chance to do some extra cleaning before clocking out.  When I got home, I had some extra time to do my Sunday evening chores.

Poker Joe was home earlier than usual, not having a successful night at the table. 

Monday 6/17 - I was at the ranch from 8-1:00 doing a little bit of this and that.  I did quite a bit of weed whacking and weed pulling, fed the catfish, and did some organizing and cleaning.  I took Zorro‘s grazing muzzle off just before I left. 







My next order of business was the gym.  I started out feeling kind of tired, but the air conditioned coolness helped me and I pepped up.  I don’t get it, but exercising pumps me up.  I took a speedy shower at the gym, and came home and had a quick salad for dinner. 




Babe - I've probably mentioned this at least once before, but I love how cats tuck their little paws underneath them.

After the critters all got fed, I head over to Mirror Lake Blast, two miles away. 








The band, Double Shotz, was fantastic.  All us dancing ladies really enjoyed it and I did a lot of dancing.  They played until 8:45 so it was after bedtime when I got home.

Tuesday 6/18 - Mama and two fawn becoming regulars down back.

I couldn't linger here at my computer because I had to pick Joe up at A-One Auto (where he dropped his car off) and bring him home before I went to work. 








Even though it was overcast, it was hot outside.  Patty and Joe both took advantage of the pool so I had Patty take a photo of me working hard (hardly working).  In reality, I stay pretty busy here at the pool, especially on hot days when we have a large crowd.  The masses didn't start arriving until just after noon. 




I went straight to the ranch when I got off work at 2:00.  Walking up through the front pasture to get Amiga, I snapped these photos of our three (Amigos, Musketeers, Stooges, Caballos).





I groomed Amiga, did hoof and wound care, cleaned her udder area where dirt collects, did bug and fly control, and gave her a Previcox.  Susan and Dave arrived to do evening chores just before I headed up to water plants around the house.

Joe got home early (7:30) from poker and we watched two episodes of Suits.

Wednesday 6/19 - My usual family of three visitors were accompanied by an additional doe. 












It was farrier day, but since Patty had morning chores, she got the horses in the barn, allowing me a little extra time before needing to get to the ranch. 

When I arrived, Cowboy was finished and Zorro was being trimmed.  Andy (Chris' apprentice) working on Zorro in this photo.

Last it was Amiga's turn.  Chris and I had talked in length as to what to do for her, since she had still been lame most of the past five weeks. 

Chris measured Amiga's angles before the shoes came off and after the trim, and made the necessary adjustments. 


We did not continue use of the pad (which was a real pain to try to keep clean under).  This will lower the angle some (which may have been a bit too much for Amiga).  Chris also took off the back part of the shoe to help give Amiga a quicker 'breakover' in front.  He explained all the physics and what to look for when trimming (which was a bit over my head) but helped me feel much more confident in his workmanship. 








Once everyone (Chris, Susan, and Patty) 'cleared out,' Wanda and Maggie had some quiet time in the barn. 






I started in on work, watering all the fruit trees while also picking up sticks and weeding around the house. 

I spotted Mr. (big) black snack when dumping weeds behind the dam and again when weed whacking back there.  I have also been slowly removing the yellow flowering weeds from the paddock by pulling them... a long slow process, but I am making progress.

I had lunch up at the house and Patty and I went through the shopping list for Friday's Open House.

Two of my seven 'rescues.'  I love these two 'clowns!'  They make me feel light hearted just watching them together. 

I did more cleaning and organizing in the shop and once Joe arrived, had him help me move some heavy things.
 

Then we took to the task of trimming the tree line along the drive entrance.  This is the only photo I got because I had to scramble to keep up with Joe.  He had a long handle chain saw that could reach high up.  We ended up removing two large trailer loads of branches,taking them down to the round pen area and dragging them into the woods. 

These are the black berries (not ripe yet) that are on the other side of the barbwire fence all along our driveway.  
I got back home at 7pm, ten hours from when I had left for the ranch.  I was fairly exhausted, but felt good about the day's work accomplished.  Joe and I only had time for one episode of Suits by the time I had showered, ate, and did evening home chores.
 

Thursday 6/20 - Happy summer solstice.  Today was the longest day of the year.

Rose greets Maggie and I every morning and usually joins us on our walk.  Then she gets fed.

My gladiolas are blooming and the Deer-off has prevented them from getting eaten. 

I worked five hours at the pool.  Then worked-out and showered at the gym (2½ hours), followed by a trip to Food City on the way home.  Now that the pool is open and I work three days a week, there is less time for fun, and I have a little more stress. 

I played catch-up on household jobs and started a load of laundry.  I crashed into bed before 9pm bedtime.
 

Friday 6/21 - I love Monita's little paw covering her eyes as she napped.  I did my party supply and food run to Walmart and was home by 8am.  I made my five bean crock-pot dish for the pot-luck and had everything loaded into my car. 









Once at the ranch (at 11:00) I started getting everything set up for the party.  Joe and Patty had already done quite a bit.  Balloons put on the street sign so folks wouldn't miss it. 


And a sign pointing the way down our drive, which Patty later added balloons to because I can't blow them up.

Our invite was for the Open House from 3 to 6, immediately followed by the bonfire/potluck. 








It was a beautiful day, although a bit too warm. 





A few people 'trickled' in and out the first 90 minutes.  But then the 'party' crowd arrived, with the last staying until about 8pm. 










We shuttled some people in the Gater and golf cart too and from the barn.  And Joe took eight of us out in the hay rack. 

Margie shared some photos she took.  In this second one, I have no idea what I was doing.  But for sure, I was enjoying myself. 

I counted just over 30 people who attended, actual quite a few less than I had expected. 

We had quite a spread of food, and way more deserts than necessary. 


Everyone had a great time and all were very impressed with our little piece of paradise. 









Susan helped Patty, Joe, and I with clean up.




I was the last to lock-up and head out. 
The moon was rising and it was a pretty night.

I was exhausted, but a tad wound up when I got home so had to read for awhile before succumbing to sleep. 

We can all be in control of how much fun we have, living our best life.

Perception

Perception serves as the lens through which we perceive and make sense of the world. It is influenced by our individual experiences, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and personal biases.  As human beings, we construct our own reality based on the information available to us and the filters through which we process that information.  However, these filters are not infallible, and our perception can be flawed or distorted, leading to misinterpretations and misunderstandings.  LinkedIn
Wrong perceptions can lead to wrong emotions and actions. 

It is important to not just look at things from one perspective. 

Perception is a fundamental aspect of human cognition that shapes our emotions, actions, and the direction of our lives. 

Wrong perceptions can lead to misguided emotions and actions, affecting personal relationships, professional endeavors, and overall well-being. By recognizing the potential for distorted perceptions and actively working to address them, we can cultivate a more accurate understanding of the world and make informed decisions that lead to positive outcomes.  LinkedIn

It is through a continuous process of self-reflection, seeking diverse perspectives, and practicing empathy that we can mitigate the impact of wrong perceptions and ensure that our emotions, actions, and direction align with reality. Ultimately, by acknowledging the power of perception and taking proactive steps to correct distorted perceptions, we can foster healthier relationships, make wiser decisions, and lead more fulfilling lives.  LinkIn

Recognizing and addressing skewed perceptions is essential for personal growth.  To help address wrong perceptions:
Seek feedback from trusted sources to gain insight into how your perceptions may be affecting your emotions and actions. Engage in regular self-reflection to identify and address any distorted perceptions.  LinkIn

Saturday 6/8 - I prepared for a day away, packing a lunch, plenty of water, notepad, and directions.  First I went to the ranch to do chores.  This bunny in the yard reminded me of this popular image that demonstrates a visual illusion with varying perceptions. 


duck or rabbit?

Down at the barn, Wanda was playing with a fly mask I had set down while getting all the horses in them, along with grazing muzzles on our Pasos. 

I had thrown hay, mucked the shed and paddock, and then opened the gate for the horses to go out. 

I made the 80 minute drive to Timber Ridge Horse Campground with only one stop to check my map.  There were very few horses in camp because the ETS obstacle challenge was already underway.   



Patty, who was judging the last obstacle (#6), was already out on the course.  So I got a ride in a side-by-side out to where she was.

It was a long (nearly two hour wait) before the first competitors (out of 41 entries) got to this point.  They had to cover seven miles and five obstacles before arriving here. 

I watched three groups (12 horses total) give their try at the obstacle, which was very challenging.  Except when the board was dropped by the 11th competitor, it broke in half. 


 




So I helped with a temporary patch job, until the fellow you see taping a stick splint to hold the two ends together, went to get drill and screws to fix it better.  At this point, it was nearing 1:00 so I got a lift back to the campground.

After I ate my lunch, I walked around the campground chatting with folks that were already in (done with the eight mile, six obstacle competition).  I think this tent over the truck bed, with the tail gate as the entry way and table, is an ingenious set up. 







I eventually spoke with three people owning Rocky Mountain horses, and saw two of this breed up close.  I am really drawn to them, and am swaying this way for my next (and probably last) horse. 





I had been waiting for Garrett to contact me with the exact time and location at East Fork for me to meet him to ride Chester out on the trails.  Finally, I just decided to go there (it was right on my way home) and see if I could find Garrett. 




I checked in at the office, and at first they couldn't find Garrett in their system.  But he turned up under his wife's name and number.  Since they had an annual pass, and can come and go at liberty, the lady at the desk could not say if he was at the campground today or not.  I tried a third time to contact him. 







While waiting and hoping for a reply from Garrett, I walked around the day parking section of the campground.  There were lots of white trucks but I couldn't remember exactly what his trailer looked like.  I never found (or heard from) Garrett, but it was fun watching all the people out 'horsing around.' 

I eventually gave up, and went straight to the ranch to do chores for Patty, who will be covering mine in a few days.  Joe was up at the shop, moving things around, getting ready for this year's hay to go in there.  Zorro was milling around at the shed, waiting for dinner time.

Joe and I watched two episodes of Suits and then I struggled to get to sleep, thinking about horse shopping and speculating about why Garrett never contacted me.  I wondered if there was an explanation, or if he decided not to bother with me, since I had been up-front with him about not being 'sold' on Chester and wanting to try him out on the trail.  I had even offered to pay for his time and trouble.  But I did also tell him to sell Chester if he found another buyer, not to hold him for me.  Whatever Garrett's reason, it seemed inconsiderate of him to not even answer my text messages.

Sunday 6/9 - Before meeting Shirley at church, I worked on this blog post, but was struggling with formulating words to my thoughts about how we perceive things.  Our perception can be distorted, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings because of misinterpretations.  For example, when you receive a text message or email, your perception of the tone and what is meant by what is written impacts how you feel about it and then how you respond.  And then I found a LinkedIn article that expanded on what I had in mind, so I quoted some thoughts from it.

After church I put in two hours of online horse shopping, trying to come up with a way to organize and plan for a road trip to go look at some possibilities.  Since I have kind of narrowed down my focus to a Rocky Mountain or Fox Trotter, the selection is much more limited.  It seems there are a ton of Tennessee Walking horse out there... go figure.  After a while of looking at so many ads, I have to say, I feel I need to read a book on horse buying for dummies.  Horse flippers or traders often lie and say what buyers want to hear; but horse sellers get frustrated by buyers who really aren't serious, and are just 'window' shopping.  Also, buyers misrepresent their skill level, usually thinking they have a higher level and can buy a horse suited for a more advanced rider... then they end up mad at the seller that sold them a horse they couldn't 'handle.'  Things like how dead-broke a horse is or how good a rider is, lie on a spectrum and rely heavily on a person’s experience & perception.

Mama doe and her fawn down in the creek.

I worked at the pool from 1:30 to 6:15, then along with my daily chores, I did my usual Sunday weekly chores, including watering plants and taking out trash.  Patty sent this (video) of the horses coming in for dinner.

As often is the case, I was sound asleep by the time Poker Joe got home.

Monday 6/10 - I worked at the pool (Mike's shift because he was subbing for me Tuesday).  I squeezed in a short workout at the gym, and then I danced for most of Mirror Lake Blast.  Soul Fish (the band) did a great job and the lawn was packed, even Shirley and Patty attended. 


I love this photo a friend shared, that shows me having fun with Micki and Sherri.  We girls do know how to have a good time. 


This second photo was from the internet.

Tuesday 6/11 - Colonoscopy prep day = liquids only and drinking some nasty stuff.  My morning tea was not near as enjoyable as when it is accompanied by toast and then cookies. 

I wanted to get some exercise so the day wouldn't be a total loss, so before I drank the Magnesium Citrate, I walked 45 minutes with Maggie while wearing my weighted vest.
 

Can you see what we saw?  Maggie alerted me to this cute, young, tiny skunk while we were on the trail. 









It went it's way and we went ours.

Once home I started the worst part of the prep, drinking the first 10oz bottle of Mg Citrate.  I gagged as I was finishing the last gulp. 




I laid on a lounge chair out in the sun and read.  I kept drinking lots of water but couldn't get rid of the sickening taste and queasy feeling.  And then the frequent trips to the restroom began. 

I moved onto the porch, sitting on the swing and reading.  The dog and cats joined me, all of us enjoying the sun. 

 
Stevie

When it was time for the second bottle of Mg Citrate, I was really dreading the thought of trying to drink it.  I ended up not being able to get the whole thing down.  I kept gagging, so dumped out the last two ounces.  I think my perception of how bad it is to drink it may have made it worse, but in reality, it is awful stuff.

Styx and Monita on the swing with me.

If an up set stomach, abdominal cramps, and frequent, hurried trips to the bathroom weren't bad enough; I then started having leg cramps.  When I was squatting and doing some household chores, various leg muscles would completely lock up.  It also happened getting out of bed about every hour all night.  I think my electrolytes were screwed up.

Wednesday 6/12 - Boy was I glad to get the colonoscopy over with.  The procedure itself was a breeze compared to the prep, although I'm not real excited about the results.  I’m gonna need to have a follow up procedure, I don't know the specifics yet, but I sure was hoping to be done with all this for another five or ten years.

Joe took me to and from the medical center, and I took a nap when I got home.

Because of the anesthesia, I was not allowed to drive for 24 hours after the procedure, so Patty picked me up to take me to the ranch to do chores since Joe had gone to Nashville to attend a James Taylor concert with Courtney.  She periodically gets corporate suite seats to events at Bridgestone Arena, from her company.

Patty came into the house when dropping me off and Shirley came over with Subway sandwiches.  It was nice to have company for dinner.  The girls then went across the street to a Civil War event held at the church. 
And I hit the hay early, needing to catch up on sleep.

Thursday 6/13 - I was up at 2am, with too much on my mind.  Rose joined Maggie and I on our 4am walk.

I love that this semi-feral cat has gotten so comfortable with Maggie and I. 

I put in a five hour shift at the pool.  It had gotten up to the mid 80's so we were pretty busy.

Rose napping out on the back deck when I got home.

I drug myself to the gym, but picked up 'steam' as I worked out, and left 2½ hours later, feeling much more invigorated. 

After a hearty, healthy dinner (and pet chores) I put on my pjs and went out on the back deck to read.  Rose soon joined me. 

 

 

I did not last long, getting too sleepy.
I was in bed with the lights out right at 8pm.

Friday 6/14 - I was up from 1-5am and then slept two more hours.  I had gotten seven total, but it didn't feel like it. 










There were two fawn with this doe, enjoying the creek before heading up the hill.

This Chewy box came with horse supplement not cat supplies, but the cats were happy with the box regardless of what was shipped.

I struggled to get going, and drug all day long, through the few tasks I did do. 







I did get three loads of laundry done, and took care of several clerical and administrative tasks at my desk, worked on the jigsaw puzzle, and took a long nap while waiting on laundry to dry before folding. 






I had planned to work in the back yard and did finally get out there, but I was moving slowly.  After raking up and lugging away four loads (king size sheet each) of sticks, leaves, and a few weeds, I got most of just this one bed cleared out. 







There was just one spot left to clear of debris, but I was out of time (and energy).





The dark areas you see is where the leaves were particularly deep and still moist underneath. 







Karen and I went for a lovely ride, with she on Zorro.  It was still quite warm out at 5pm, but we stayed in the woods and the shade of the tree lined roads.  Zorro was a perfect gentleman and Amiga held up well, but acted a bit sore by the time we got back.  Karen and I worked together on hoof care on both horses, which makes the job easier.  



Returning the Pasos, we left with all four horses happily eating hay.

Joe and I watched two episodes of Suits before I went to bed, thinking about what lies ahead for me.
Perception is everything.  We choose our perception of life around us.  Regardless of what actually happens in life, how we perceive things becomes our reality.  I hope to maintain a clear, positive outlook as I face struggles with horses and my aging process.