Focused Action

Focused action is actually the purpose of a 'to do list' or why we breakdown a goal into smaller stages.  The "SMART" goal setting method of breaking a big goal into a (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) action plan, can help us to achieve our dreams, step by step. 


When I first got Amiga, the fall of 2009, it was my plan for her to be a trail horse.  After a winter and spring of riding lessons, I took her on a trail ride with my trainer, and absolutely loved it.  I wanted to do more, a lot more.  I thought endurance riding would be so cool too.  However, fairly quickly I discovered that Amiga's fine bones and teeny little gait, made it difficult for her to cover lots of miles especially on rocky terrain.  So I settled for moderate rides and thoroughly enjoyed many years with that, even though there were lots of interruptions and suspensions from riding due to lameness issues Amiga had.

The Dream Catcher - I found I still yearned for longer days in the saddle, going further distances on the trail, and seeing more of Tennessee's scenery.  So my new dream is to see Tennessee on horseback.  I knew Amiga could not do this and needed to be semi retired, so I decided to get a second horse.  I now have Rico and am getting to know him and am experiencing some short to moderate trail rides on him.  Now in order to see my dream to fruition, my next step is to get Rico in better condition (for long, tough rides) and start trailering him to different destinations.  But, I have trailer anxiety, due to several bad (difficult) experiences with Amiga.

You can dream, but you got to take focused action to realize it. 


Doubt will take your dream.

If you let self-doubt consume you, it can effectively prevent you from achieving your goals and aspirations, essentially "stealing" your dream by stopping you from taking action towards it; it implies that doubt is a major obstacle to realizing your ambitions.  "Focus more on your desire than on your doubt, and the dream will take care of itself." Mark Twain

A day stays dreams if you don't take action.
 

Saturday 11/16 - I was able to post my blog fairly early, but then my computer started acting up.  It wouldn’t let me download or copy and paste any photos or memes.  Finally once Joe was up, I got his help and things went from bad to worse.  He ended up turning my computer off and then after a few minutes when we turned it back on, it was working just fine and everything was back the way it normally has been.  Go figure.  I need to remember that next time it gives me problems.
 

Joe and I both drove to the ranch and did a few little things together.  He re-arranged some equipment in the shop (me helping him with backing the huge trailer into a tight spot) so we have access to the round bales come December.




When Karen and Patty arrived, we gathered the horses and tacked up.  I was taking Amiga, Karen would be on Zorro, and Patty was going to ride Rico.  Maggie waited patiently for us to hit the trail, while Amiga also stood very calmly. 

Patty on Rico, ready to go. 


We started off down the trail along the back of our property.



After riding along Jem's back field we continued over to the neighbor's, who has given us permission to ride his 4-wheeler trail  anytime.  We wanted to see what all he had burnt last week. 





It appears that he did a controlled clear burning, but we wonder if he really had it under control, especially since it has been so dry.  All of the woodland undergrowth had been burnt. 








We had a nice little ride.  It was short but sweet.  All three horses did well.  We did a little extra horse care on each of them once back to the barn.

Maggie wore herself out on the trail and picked a good spot in the sun to take a rest.  And of course Wanda joined her and they both settled in for a nap. 









Karen headed home and Patty was off to get a late lunch.  I got to work on raking leaves behind the paddock fence that Joe had blown there.  I got distracted at one point and started raking our woodland trail.  Joe who had been bush-hogging the back pasture; and when finished, left with Maggie.

By now Patty had returned to do feeding chores.  We have to start them by 3:30 to get finished before dark.  I continued to rake leaves until both dark and fatigue got me to stop. 

I stopped at Food City on my way home.  Poker Joe was gone so I made a big salad for dinner.  It seemed a lot later than usual.  While walking Maggie, I got this photo of the Lutheran Church steeple, the flag, and the almost full supermoon rising.
 

Sunday 11/17 - On my way out the door to meet Shirley for church, I noticed the flowers on this azalea were extra vibrant. 

Karen and I met at the ranch a little before noon and went for a ride together, she on Zorro and I on Rico.  Rico continued to be slow and lazy (as usual lately) and he tripped way too many times.  I am not sure why he is doing this or how to resolve the problem.  But I need to take action. 








Karen and I rode for an hour, and then when she turned for home, I turned the opposite direction and rode Rico out alone for almost another hour.  He was reluctant at first and kept looking at the horses in our back pasture.

When I turned and headed Rico out onto Marmaduke, he was much more willing to pick up the pace.  I got a real nice gait out of him for a nice long stretch of road.  I also cantered him at a few spots and he went right into it and then slowed right back down when asked.  In this (video) he is gaiting up the drive for home. 






I arrived back at the ranch with a hot, sweaty horse.  So, I took him to the wash rack to hose him off.  He was a little fidgety, but did quite well.  Once finished, I put him in the round pen while I cleaned up tack etc.  Of course, he stopped, dropped, and rolled immediately.  Then he just ate grass rather than racing around like the crazed horse as he usually does. 




I worked Rico by the shop, in preparation for a trailer loading lesson and saw some progress.  Once up to his paddock, he got a nice long drink.  Dorado was glad to see him returned, and welcomed him with some nuzzling. 

Just as I was leaving, the neighbor's tractor back in the woods caught the attention of Rico and Dorado.  They didn't even notice me slip out the gate. 

Below is another flash-back in time and a photo I have always been fond of. 





The day after Linda delivered Amiga, she rode with Courtney (on Zorro) and I (on Amiga) in our fields.  Here we face off with the 'Iron Horsemen.' 

I was home with plenty of time to do the extra Sunday evening weekly chores.  And then I even spent some time here at my computer playing some games on the Jacquie Lawson Advent calendar.

Monday 11/18 - Walking the dog at 3:45am, I heard probably foxes yelping.  Listen right at the start of this (video).  I was in the Lutheran Church parking lot.  Near the end, you can hear leaves rustling in the woods across the street and an animal came out and ran across the lot.  Another animal came out onto the road, but heard or saw me and turned around and went back into the woods.  It was too dark to see for sure what they were.  

When I arrived at the ranch a little after 8:00, an hour later than usual, these four were patiently waiting for me to open the gate to the back pasture and let them out of the paddock.  After completing all my morning chores, I raked leaves behind the dam until Christie arrived. 

In order to be able to see TN on horseback, I need to be able to trailer Rico all over.  So he needs to be willing and able to easily get on and off my ramp load trailer.  I was told he has loaded onto step up stock trailers, straight load trailers, and slant load trailers, but never gone up a ramp to get in a trailer.  I did not want to have a first bad experience so I turned to Christie for a lesson and a loading episode.
Christie did about 15 minutes of ground work, helping Rico to back better and circle (lunge) moving around her in a circle at a walk which helps build trust and improves communication with the horse. 

Then Christie tried loading Rico and he went right on.  He never 'batted an eye' and was as calm as could be. 




Christie worked with Rico, loading and unloading for another 15 minutes.  In these photos, she was sending him on, which he didn't understand at first but with a little help was quick to figure out. 

Then it was my turn to give it a go.  Seeing how well Rico did for Christie, I had no anxieties or apprehension about him loading for me.  Easypeasy (video).  How nice to have a horse who loads and unloads so wonderfully.  This now opens up the door to many trail adventures.

Joe drove the truck, with Rico in the trailer, and we went to Wildwood to see how he would do off loading after a drive.  I can't say enough positive things about how well he did.  I did a little ground work with him there, and Christie gave me some pointers.  Then I loaded Rico, said thanks and goodbye to Christie, and we went back to the ranch.  







I put Rico in the barn to get ready to go for a ride with Betty.  Patty took these two photos. 










In this second shot, you can see that in addition to the little crescent moon shaped white spot under his forelock, Rico has a little white stripe down his nose.  I think he's cute, handsome, and beautiful. 






Betty and I had a fun ride on yet another gorgeous fall day.  The back roads in the undeveloped parts of Fairfield Galde are a sight to behold. 

The ride went well, but Rico continues to trip a lot and be sluggish.  He needs to 'pick himself up' which I need to help him with by riding more collected and he may need to have more energizing nutrients added to his feed, but without making him fat.  I did some reading and it said more regular exercise will also help energize your horse.  That is true with people too.

I was hoping to have time for the gym, but when I got home at 2:15, I conceded that it just wasn't doable.  I even had to hustle to get household chores done, shower, and packed up for the evening party at the ranch and be out the door by 3:45.

Patty showing Carole and Judy F. my new horse. 


The boys came up to the yard fence and were all about getting some treats. 



Here is a nice photo of Betty with our two boys.


The sky is also quite pretty in these photos. 


We started in on libations right away.

People continued to arrive between 4 and 5:00 and enjoyed snacks and drinks around the fire. 









There was a total of 15 of us gathered around the bonfire.  It is always a great opportunity for bonding time.

How to roast marshmallows was the question of debate and the process of laughter watching some struggle with getting the 'perfect' marshmallow.

A few people left after it started cooling off but many of us were waiting for the moonrise, knowing it would be 88% full.  Our app told us it would happen at 6:25.  Well, by 7:00, with still no moon, people started giving up and heading home.  The wind had picked up, it was really cooling off, and we had been 'partying' for three hours. 











Patty and I were the last to go.  As we were cleaning up, putting some things away and locking up the house, the moon peeked up over the horizon.  It was 7:25.  So I think our app had the wrong time zone.

I was in bed with the lights out just after 8:00.  It had been a busy day, which had started way too early for me.

Tuesday 11/19 - The moon-rise over Lake Catherine last night, posted by a Fairfield Glade resident.

I was not very focused this morning, having extra time to spend here at the house before getting picked up by Betty and her husband Jerry just after 10:00.

We drove an hour to Rockwood, Bonnie's home town, and joined her and her neighbor Lin, at the VFW.  We, along with a few other ladies, participated in a line dance class for 90 minutes. 








We walked a few doors down to go to lunch.  We enjoyed a very slow and relaxed meal.  Lin, Bonnie and Jerry at Shorty's Cafe and Bakery.  Then we went across the street to the Spotted Frog for ice cream.

I got home later than anticipated and had to forgo the gym because of time.  I did have an hour to kill before going to the ranch to do chores.






Monita trying to engage me in play.

Wanda was glad to see me on this cold, rainy day. 



It drizzled while I was doing chores, and I got caught in a downpour while way out in the back pasture getting Banner who didn't follow the other horses in.

I was wanting to start pulling containers of Christmas decorations out of the bunk room, but once it is dark out, I seem to lose all motivation and energy.

Wednesday 11/20 - Rico ended up getting another day off today.  I was at the ranch to let the horses out just after 6am.  They were all dirty (not washed off from the rain) since there was a great deal of mud to roll in.  Look at Zorro!










Looking from the lower paddock to the upper paddock by the house, spotting Rico and Dorado waiting for me to let them out.

It was actually a pleasant (63°) morning, and in hindsight, I should have taken Rico for a ride.  Betty and I had planned to trailer right after lunch, hoping to get in a ride before the weather got bad.


I had a great 2½ hour workout at the gym.  When I came out at 11:45, the wind was really blowing and it was raining. 😠

Trailering and even riding was not going to happen.  I was bummed.  However, this gave me an opportunity to accomplish some things here at home.  So what did I do?  I sat and worked on this puzzle.  So much for focused action.  Although I did want to finish it (started over two months ago) so I could take it to Courtney's on Friday.

I had planned to muck when back at the ranch to ride, so had to make a special trip out there just to clean manure from the upper and lower paddocks.   

Patty and Karen picked me up at 5:45 and we spent the next nearly three hours at Betty and Jerry's.  They have a very unique house.  This is an old photo from a realtor site that shows all the interesting woodwork, but is not how Jerry and Betty have it furnished and decorated.  Jerry paints and cooks and does a great job at both.  He made us a wonderful gourmet meal.  Not only was the food great, but so was the conversation. 

Thursday 11/21 - The day started out cool and windy and was predicted to only get worse.  I knew I needed to trailer Rico again, not waiting too long after Monday's training session.  I was hoping my next trailering session would be with Betty (and Dorado), into the Glade, but she had family visiting.  Well, I needed to take action and go on my own.  So I went to the ranch at 8:30.
Just as I was walking down to the barn with Rico, these three big trucks came down the drive.  Come to find out they needed to put in a ground pole for their new high-speed Internet.  They said the Internet cable ended at this pole in the barnyard.

Anyway, this was enough to get Rico a little bit worried and revved up.  He didn't even have his buddy Dorado to take comfort with.  I groomed Rico quickly and when Joe arrived, I walked my horse up to the trailer. 





I did much less ground work than planned because by now the workers had the big auger drilling a hole and it was noisy and difficult for Rico to focus on me.  He was also a bit nervous, and I tried to stay calm to help him.  Joe got a (video) of the little bit of groundwork I did do (a quick circle and backing) and then my loading.

Rico loaded like a champ and he was very calm and levelheaded.  Joe drove and we headed to a cul-de-sac off Lancashire Road right near Westchester Drive. 

Rico unloaded slowly.  I was then quick to tack up.  Rico was very calm and stood quietly.  He is so nice.  







Rico even stepped over and stood still while I mounted from the running board of the trailer.

Joe took one more photo just before I headed down the trail for a long, almost two hour ride.  It was already a tad cool and windy when I rode off.  And it only got worse as I continued down the trail.

I proceeded to ride down Lancashire and into the back roads, going into remote areas where the boundary to Fairfield Glade ended.  There was no trespassing on this private property. 

Once to Arrowrock, I did a little gaiting (video).  It is difficult to collect Rico one handed and video with the other hand.  This road leads towards the Overlook parking area, but we turned off and headed south on Quinby Ln.

Quinby Lane had nice footing, so I bumped Rico up to a canter which became a gallop (video).  I was riding one handed and neck reining, with my phone in the other hand, making it difficult to slow Rico.  He got a little 'strong' moving out faster than I wanted.  But, he is so much fun. 
Later in the ride he almost lost me, spooking at wind blowing something in the woods and doing a 180 and bolting.  Thankfully I remained in the saddle, but just barely.  Once I got him stopped (after several strides), collected myself, and was able to calm him down and reassure him, we proceed down the trail.

It continued to cloud up and get windier.  Notice Rico's windblown mane.  The last twenty minutes of our ride, I started getting pretty cold and by the time I got back to the barn, I could barely get my fingers to work to unlatch the small bridle throat-latch hook.
There were a few flurries while I was mucking the upper paddock before heading to Food City and more flakes fell while I shopped.  The temperature really hadn’t dropped that much but with the windchill,
it sure felt a lot colder.  

When I got home at 2pm, I was 'done' for the day.

I had a hot lunch and green tea to help warm me up.  One of my necessary jobs (goof off activities) was to finish this puzzle, which I did after taking a short nap part way through puzzle working.  The morning's ride in the wind really wore me out.  Other menial tasks were accomplished and after dinner, Joe and I watched Survivor.

Friday 11/22 - "Focused action" with a gym workout means actively concentrating on the movement and form of each exercise during a session, paying close attention to your body's sensations and minimizing distractions, essentially "being present" in your workout by focusing on the muscle engagement and proper technique throughout each repetition.  I try to stay focused, but also enjoy chatting with fellow gym rats between sets.

Because my full gym workout takes 2½ hours to complete, I have not been getting to the gym as often because I haven’t had that kind of a time block in my busy days.  What I need to do is break down my workout into smaller components and try to get to the gym daily and do half a workout each day. 





The disadvantage to going to the gym daily, is that it does take time to change into gym clothes and drive to the gym.  So I feel like if I get it all done in one big swoop, every other day, I’m saving time.  Today I did arms and core (abs and back) in addition to the rowing machine and elliptical.  Boy, was my left gluteal muscle sore during my stretching.  I think from hanging on in the saddle during Rico's spook. 

Well, now I am off to Nashville to focus my attention on celebrating Courtney's birthday with a dinner concert.

Nostalgic

I have been feeling nostalgic, quite a bit lately.  Even though my days are good now, I miss the good old days.  I have had so many great and marvelous experiences, been blessed with wonderful family and friends, and had the affections and fun with so many wonderful pets.

I am still really missing my sweet cat Stevie, and I think reflecting back on life with her, gets me remembering and looking back on so many other great pets I've had.  Also, long rides on Amiga are now a thing of the past.
And, having recently spent time with college roommates from 50 years ago, and then Jim and Debbie who we did life with during our ?? years in the Danville area, where all three of our children were born; just keeps the sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, prevailing in my thoughts.
So many of my past experiences are well worth repeating.

Monday 11/11 - Happy Veteran's Day!  Here is a great song by Toby Keith to honor and thank our veterans, (American Soldier). 







I made a quick trip to the ranch to let horses out.  The overnighters were still there.  Look at this giant rig (seen from the chicken coop) that they were using to help move their daughter and her horse. 



Here is her horse in the coral and you can see their horse/camper trailer in the background.  Two of the travelers slept in the ranch house and one in their trailer with their two big dogs. 

Anyway, once back home, I worked hard at last week's blog, having difficulties with photo placement again.  I realized I wasn’t going to get it done or posted today so quit and went out to the ranch to horse around. 

I got Amiga from the backfield along with some manure from the very old manure pile way out in the back pasture, to send as kind of a joke to Jim and Debbie.

Amiga looking at Banner, Cowboy, and Zorro. 

I had a great little ride on Amiga.  I especially like the trail through the woods (video) although it is impossible to see all the roots and little stumps because of so many leaves.

I rode Amiga around the barn yard and up the drive once back from the trail.  On the way back to the barn, we saw Wanda in the neighbor's woods along the drive, up rather near our garage.  We like her to stay closer to the barn. 

I stuck Amiga in the round pen while I went up to the ranch house to collect trash and guest sheets and towels to take home to wash.  Then I brought Rico back down with me and tied him in the barn with Amiga.  I proceeded to do grooming and other cleaning and hoof care on both of them.

Once both my horses were tidy, I put Rico in the round pen to see how he would behave and immediately he started coming undone.  Amiga was standing very calmly in the barn but I could tell that Dorado was still running the fence line in the upper paddock. 

Rico seem to calm somewhat, when I went and talked with him and tried to sooth him (video).
It was past feeding time so I took Rico back up to let him and Dorado cool down.  I closed the chicken coop and went back down to muck and feed the horses in the lower paddock.  By now Betty had come, and it was getting quite late.  Betty ended up feeding the two boys and I got up there just as dark was descending, and they were finishing their dinner.

Joe and I watch Survivor to finish off the evening. 

Tuesday 11/12 - I got my blog done and the two loads of sheets and towels from the Ranch house started before heading to the gym.  Oh, I also mailed a package off to Jim and Debbie, which included some horse manure, chicken poo and Debbie's yeti water bottle she had accidentally left at the condo. 

Mama Styx really likes to cuddle, especially with it feeling colder in the house. 

I had to push myself to get through my usual workout.  I ate lunch on the road to the ranch.

Betty and I took our two boys on a six mile trail ride.  Slowly I am getting Rico conditioned to go many more miles.  Also, we are getting much more used to each other.  I was feeling really good about his responsiveness out on the trail today.  And even his two little spooks weren't bad. 






We noticed a bunch of smoke upon our return.  Karen was in the process of feeding.  While our boys cooled off some in the side pasture, we ladies chitchatted and decided to put the two boys on the front pasture because the smoke was so bad.  The idiot neighbor behind Jem was doing a 'controlled' burn that seemed out of control.

Wednesday 11/13 - I went to the ranch for morning chores a little later than usual because I was going to stay until our planned ride.  The two boys had spent the night out in the front pasture and were down by the corral when I pulled in down by the barn.  









The two boys trotted over to the back gate where I was opening the adjoining gate to let the other group of four horses out on the back pasture.  And then all six horses started racing around (video).


Saving mucking the lower paddock for later, I went up the hill to muck the upper paddock, open the chicken coop, and then tend to the ranch house.  I put clean sheets on the beds and stowed the towels.  The farrier arrived earlier than I anticipated, so I went down to help Bonnie out, and get Rico and Dorado in the corral. 












The three Pasos will be shod and trimmed in ten days, so Chris was finished in under an hour.  With time to kill, I worked on mucking, and Betty helped me.  Then I started raking leaves to get them out of the lower paddock. 

Karen arrived and we were on the trail in no time.  Karen and Zorro went a little over two miles with us, and then turned for home while Betty and I continued onward, completing a total of six miles today.

These previous three photos were taken at the same stop under the power lines.  Betty was looking down on me with Wildwood way off in the distance.  And I was looking up towards Betty, with our ranch way up past her.  



I didn't get home until 2:30, having left for the ranch at 7:30 this morning, that was a long day.  The first order of business was to grab some lunch.  Then I went out to work on the three leaf piles Joe had blown together.

After five trips across the creek with the king size sheet full of leaves, I took a break on the bench with Rose.  I couldn't get a good selfie with her. 

I did six more trips with leaves but ran out of daylight and had to quit with a third large pile still left.  I was out of energy anyways.  And once it's dark, I'm just done for the day.
Can you see Rose near the upper right hand corner of the photo?  She was staking out a chipmunk hole.

Thursday 11/14 - This is the first I have seen a cat (Monita) in this cat bed that Stevie frequented.  It's nice but sad to remember.  Gosh, how can one sweet soul leave such a void?

We had gotten a tad over an inch of rain overnight and it remained a cold, windy, damp, overcast day; all day.  The gym was the only place I went, which occurred from 2-4:30. 


The only other photos I have for today are ones from these two (videos) Betty sent, along with some photos when she was doing chores.


Betty and I wondered if Rico was tired from the extra mileage the day before, or maybe from a rough night out in the wind and rain.  He did have access to the sheds though. 


Rico is a lot like Zorro, in that he is 'in your pocket' curious, and mouthy... lipping everything he encounters, but never biting. 



These two boys really like each other and get along very well... almost too well.  They have become quite buddy sour right off the bat.


 

The two could be a comedy act. 




I wished I'd been more productive at home.  I struggled with things here at my computer for too long.  I did wash and stow away our cotton sheets and put flannel sheets on our bed with an added heavy blanket. 








Once home from the gym, I scrambled to feed the cats and dog, change clothes, and go to the Center for the FG Board of Director's budget meeting.  There were a number of us disgruntled Wildwood supporters who wanted to show our disapproval and distrust of the board's financial decisions.  

I had a late dinner of popcorn and beer (with some almonds for nutrition) while watching Survivor with Joe.

Friday 11/15 - Something about theses overcast, gloomy days make me ponder more, rather than get moving to seize the day.  I tend to be more sentimental.  Sitting here at my computer, I realized that eleven years ago today, with horse trailer loaded with Amiga and big house plants, and the car and SUV with golden retriever Kaysha, and our house cat Abbey, we left for our two day drive to TN. 




Flipping (well actually clicking or scrolling) through photos from back then, struck up wonderful memories and sure made me nostalgic.  We drove almost five hours and stopped at a campground in Shawnee National Forest.  A nice long hike on an equestrian trail helped all of us to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. 



We 'set up camp' in a little cabin and Abbey got to stretch her legs also.  The following day we drove almost another five hours and arrived at Wildwood Stables, where Amiga and I made many friends over the years. 






This photo was taken late afternoon on 11/16/2013.  Jean, Jan, Judy, and Shirley are all very good friends.  Sadly, the stables are being shut down by our board on December 31st.  I never would have moved here if it hadn't been for Wildwood.  I hold so many wonderful memories of my times there with Amiga and all the saddle sisters (and brothers) I had.

Even though the FFG board of directors was devious, deceitful and dishonest, it is evident that they are NOT going to change their minds about closing Wildwood Stables.  Such a shame and a loss.

Abbey and Kaysha have since passed from life here on earth.  I grieved their loss at the time but have moved on and filled the void with another dog and several cats.



My day included a long shopping trip to town, going to seven different stores.  I then went straight to the ranch to do feeding chores, but first worked with Rico down by the shop where I will be doing a trailer loading lesson Monday.  He has no clue how to lounge, and I'm not sure how to teach him, but we did accomplish some ground-work things.

After dinner, Joe and I started a new James Patterson, Alex Cross mini series on TV.

Around the holidays, we tend to remember days gone by.  I often get filled with a nostalgic longing for the past, for long-gone moments and happy memories with loved ones.  Oh, to be able to go back in time and relive the wonderful experiences, how sweet that would be.