The Horse

Since this is the year of The Horse and horses are my main  focus at the moment, I hope to spend a lot of my time and energy in horse related activities.  Hitting the trails, especially new ones, and putting in lots of miles on Rico will be my primary objective.  I do also want to increase my amount and speed of walking, keep up with my regular gym workouts, and dance more often.

Riding Rico on new trails in Tennessee is going to be difficult because I have no one to trailer with and no one who wants to ride long miles in one day.  It’s going to be a big challenge because Rico is not comfortable going out alone, becomes much spookier, and really resists the process.  And I don't like driving a truck and pulling a trailer.  I need to figure this all out.  



My biggest obstacle, but main goal is to be able to easily go out on Rico, all by ourselves.  Getting him over his buddy sour tendencies and lack of confidence or trust in me is the hurdle.  The more I ride him, the better.  But riding every day this time of year is not easy unless I’m willing to freeze my butt off in temperatures below 40°.  I also need to start practicing driving the truck while pulling the trailer.  Luckily, this was a very warm week so I was able to do lots of riding.

In the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare and dynamic combination of the Horse sign and the Fire element, occurring every 60 years.  I hope this is a year of the horse for me.  But I hope the horse I ride is not too fiery. 🐴🔥 

Saturday 1/3 - Britney and Juan Carlos were headed home to Costa Rica before I even got up at 4am, although just at the airport waiting for their first flight.  By 8am they had made it to Bogota for a long layover but were concerned about their second flight, flying over the Southern Caribbean.  Due to recent U.S. military actions and airspace restrictions following early morning events in Venezuela, including explosions and the capture of President Maduro, there were significant flight disruptions, cancellations, and heightened security advisories for the region.  









Around noon, Patty, Jan, Joanne and I went on a very nice ride (video).

Patty on Zorro, took this photo of me leading on Amiga, followed by Jan on Cash, and Joanne on Rico.  In this second photo, Jan was in the lead.  
  

It is good for the horses to be switched up in the riding order (video) and also good to ride side-by-side (video).






Notice how small Amiga looks next to Cash.

It was another great ride on a beautiful, warm (55°) day.  With deer season over, there were no gun shots off in the distance.  We and our horses were at peace in the calm and quiet of the woods.  Nothing could be heard but the sound of the leaves crunching underfoot and our chit chat.  

I split off from the group and took Amiga on the newly used, semi-cleared trail to Eli Ford.  Arriving at Ava Way, I saw that Joe had put up our new sign.  We had ordered it a week or so ago, after Bonnie had had a 'face-off' just outside our electric front gate.  She was leaving in her truck, and an old, beat up white pick-up truck with plastic for windows was about to drive in through the gate.  She waited until the pickup backed down into Jem's drive and finally left out our shared drive (Ava Way).






Some people, out for a 'Sunday drive' or others who are snooping around, have driven back to our ranch or barn.  

This sign is to deter unwanted traffic, because it does seem like Ava Way is a road.  We also hope to discourage our new riding neighbors from considering coming on to our property.  






Riding up the drive and through the electric gate, Amiga and I then saw Joe and Dave finishing up hanging up our new 16 foot yard gate.  It is two feet longer, opens the opposite direction, and is hung on a bigger, much newer post.  Hopefully this ends the problem of people running into the post and knocking it over. 

Because I had poked around while riding back with Amiga and talked with Joe and Dave, we all ended up getting back to the barn at about the same time.  I ended up going three miles on Amiga and Joanne rode Rico four miles.







I worked at taking down Christmas decorations for over an hour once I got home.  This nativity is still up at the Lutheran Church.  


I took Maggie on an energetic 20 minute walk (with only a few stops, for her to pee and me to take photos).  


Before bed, I was relieved and glad to hear that Britney & Juanca had made it home safely.  It had been a very busy, nearly three week vacation for them in Colombia and a long day of travel, so they were exhausted and happy to be home sweet home.  






Sunday 1/4 - Dan posted a photo on our Facebook family chat of Ava with her new glasses.  She looks so sophisticated and grown up, yet still very cute.

I hit Food City after church, had a big lunch, and then headed to the ranch to ride with Karen. 
I love Patty's (video) of A&Z munching hay... the sweet sound. 






Karen and I rode 3½ miles.  Here is a look at the progress on the new house on Marmaduke.  

I helped with feeding chores and then went into the ranch house and worked on a jigsaw puzzle with Debra while enjoying a great cup of tea and home baked cookies.

Monday 1/5 - Dan sent this photo of Layla bird watching.  
What is on her head?  


And then he sent this photo, explaining that it's her new favorite thing to do when in the walker; zoom off to the kitchen and grab this small bowl.  I am guessing Daniel helped with the head placement.


I spent too much time on the phone trying to coordinate communication between two doctors to get my Reclast infusion scheduled, but again I had to wait, now on insurance.

Today's horsing around was a lone ride on Rico.  He did better than I expected although was sluggish (and cautious) going out but rushed when we turned back for home.


I only rode him 1½ miles... baby steps.  

Karen and Patty were waiting on me when I got back and Jan was now in the saddle.  



Jan rode out and we three girls headed out in the Gator to pick up trash and clear trails.  



We emptied leaves out of ten plastic trash bags dumped in three different locations, and collected some bottles and cans seen here and there.  We also took down a few small trees that had partially fallen over the path and trimmed back a lot of branches.  









We all got a little warm while working.  It was a sunny day at 61° and a joy to be out together, improving the trails.  

It is also a pleasure to hang around the barnyard area together with fellow saddle sisters.  I had to leave the gathering to get to the gym.  

I had limited time so only did an arm workout with rowing and elliptical for cardio.  

I 'crashed' sitting here at my computer at 6:30 but was able to stay up until 7:30.  I'm becoming more and more like my mom.

Tuesday 1/6 - Mid morning I took Debra (and Pugsley) on a little driving tour of Fairfield Glade, although Debra drove.  I showed her two hiking trails, getting out and walking a little way down the Overlook Trail.  We went around the back of the Methodist Church and past our house.  We went into the Library Building and Art Center and then also toured inside The Center and the CCMC Gym.  Debra picked up information packets at three of the places.  We hit the Recycle Center on the way back to the ranch, dumping a bag of trash and a bag of recycle.  Pugsley behaved everywhere we went.  

The weather had deteriorated from a heavy fog and drizzle, to a light rain, so Jan and I decided to give up on the idea of going for a ride.  I had lunch at the ranch house and then de-decorated.  In the process, Debra gave me this old ornament her mother had.  They had no idea where she had gotten it, and it had no sentimental value, so she asked if I wanted it, because she knew I loved hamsters.  We had worked a puzzle of a painting of a bunch of critters dressed in Christmas hats (from hamster to horse) and I told her about my past pets and critter menagerie.  This looks very much like the hamster in the puzzle.  





Upon closer inspection, I think it is actually a guinea pig, but I love it just the same.  It will remind me of Debra and puzzle working, and also of Britney with her little piggies.

I did chores in a light drizzle but was fairly damp by the time I had finished.  I was in my warm, dry PJs before dinner and watched a movie (Hope Springs) with Joe.  The comedy/drama was a little slow moving and not that funny, but with good acting.

Wednesday 1/7 - I forgot to mention yesterday that Joe finally took my advice and went to his doctor about the 'cold' he has had for almost three weeks now.  His doctor put him on an antibiotic.

Also, FINALLY the golf course picked up all the leaves that have been behind Brian's.  





They were piled so deep and were probably heavy from being compacted down and holding moisture, that the workers were using the bucket of a tractor to scoop them up and dump them in a truck.  
Now at last, we can complete leaf removal around our house and from the beds, without more pilling up in these areas after windy weather.  

I finished taking down all my Christmas decorations, but still have to organize a few bins and put several of the remaining things away.  But The Horse was calling.  

I met Joanne at the ranch at noon and we rode out (I on Rico and Joanne on Zorro).  It was unbelievably nice (sunny, slight breeze, and 65°) for a January day.  

All went well, until as we were crossing Marmaduke riding away from the construction site...  





...the staple gun started up (you can see guys on the roof).  It sounded like gun shot, and Zorro took off.  Joanne did great handling him, working at calming him, and staying on him.  Zorro remained revved up and was rushing all the way home, and then things got 'dicy' again when he ran into the woodland trail for home.  I won't go into detail, but thankfully some training occurred and we all made it back without injury. 

After doing a few things around the barnyard and up at the house and chicken coop, I still had time and energy for the gym, so went for a short aerobic workout and quick shower.  

I don't do exercises specifically geared to riding, but found that equestrian specific workouts are essentially the same as what I have been doing.

Thursday 1/8 - I received this text message from my dentist yesterday, so when I arrived for my eye doctor appointment at 9am today, I asked about insurance coverage.  My eye plan was unaffected.  

My appointment went well.  My eyes have changed very little and no new glasses are needed.  The doctor did recommend a different eye drop that would help my 'dry eyes' (rather than the allergy eye drops I use now) which was the only change in my eyes (and complaint) that I had.  


Dave on Zorro later today.

From the eye doctor's, I hit five thrift stores, in search of throw pillows (to put my new horse covers on), a lamp, and a dog water bowl.  All I found was a water bowl.  Then I did my shopping for supplies at Tractor Supply and Walmart.  

When I got to the ranch at 2:15, Patty already had the feeding process well under-way.  I did some things in the ranch house and then went to the barn with Dave and Patty.  Jan had also arrived and we got Zorro, Rico, and Cash saddled up.  

Patty was great help with Dave, giving him a little saddling instructions.  Then she took some photos of our little riding group before we left.












I was so thankful that Jan was willing to come also, even though she had been out earlier horsing around.  



I was a little worried about Zorro getting 'unruly' which is why I had asked Jan to join us, and we just sandwiched him in between Rico and Cash.  Zorro was a complete and total gentleman and took good care of Dave.  And Dave had a thoroughly good time, saying it was heavenly.  










Because of the unseasonably warm weather all week (it had gotten up to 62° today) we had planned a bonfire.  Our gathering started at 4:30 with everyone bringing snacks and drinks.  It was a bit windy, but otherwise great conditions.

Debra was able to get better acquainted with our 'ranch' team of equestrians and workers.  A good time was had by all.
Jan didn't stay long because Mike hadn't been feeling well, and didn't answer the phone when she called to check on him.  When she got home, she discovered Mike slumped over in his chair, unable to move or talk.  He'd had a stroke.  OMG!  He was airlifted to Erlanger, a specialized stroke center in Chattanooga.  I sent out messages and we all started praying fervently.

Friday 1/9 - The rain moved in overnight and was fairly steady much of the day.  It was a good day to be curled up on the couch with a blanket.  We continued to pray for Mike and Jan and wait to hear how he was doing.  








Karen, Patty and I went out to the ranch to care for Cash.  I also gave Amiga her pill and all the horses got more hay.

The round bale in the back pasture was nearly gone, so we got a square bale and put most of it in the shed so the boys could dry off while they ate. 

Once home, I hurried off to the gym and had a good workout.  I then heard from Karen and later got a text from Jan.  It was encouraging news about Mike.  When Jan walked into the ICU to see him this morning; Mike was standing up, with help, greeted her, and had a smile on his face.  
 

Thankfully Mike had gotten quick stroke treatment, a 'clot-buster,' to break up clots and improve blood flow to the brain, which will improve his recovery.  Jan said that Mike was progressing every time she saw him and they were all very encouraged and thankful.  They continue to need prayers and appreciate all the support. 

Recovering

Recovering can refer to too many things; such as gaining back your health, finding a lost item, returning something to its original state, or extracting something of value.  

Primarily this week, I was recovering from the bad head and chest cold that afflicted me.  After the holidays, we all need to recover from disrupted routines, lack of sleep, overindulgence, stress from hosting or visiting, and exhaustion from travel, parties, socializing, holiday decorating, shopping, gift wrapping, baking, etc.  

Monday 12/29 -  The weather and my cold had taken a turn for the worse.  Even though I was feeling pretty sickly, I did go out to fill bird feeders and put out corn for the deer.  Shadow came running over from behind Allen's house, so I fed him too.  

He was not in good shape.  I tried to get photos to show, he was missing hair from both front legs, was tore up around his neck, and had irritation of the skin on his face over his right eye.  

He also stunk so I suspected infection somewhere.  I wished I had the resources, but the best I could offer was food and water.  But then I couldn't help wonder if I was prolonging the inevitable.  He had recovered from his last scuff when he looked all beat up with mange possibly, so maybe there is hope.  

While finishing up the unpacking of bags and suitcase, I stowed away some things and put to use others.  Maggie loves the edible fishy chew treat that Kent's dogs (Dolly & Pekka) gave her.  

 

Our three cats loved the catnip log Cathy gave them (video) although it did lead to a few spats.  Eventually during the day, as each cat grew tired of it (or got too 'high') they left it and another cat savored it for awhile.  

Monita ended up with the catnip log, taking a nap while holding on to her possession.  



I basically laid low most of the day.  I did a lot of work on last week's second blog and had it ready to post by bedtime, but it needed one more editing in the morning.

Not only did my head cold cause me discomfort, my legs were still really sore from the walk and workout I did at the hotel Saturday.  Every time I got up from my desk my legs and hips were very stiff and sore. 

Joe left for poker and I wet to bed very early.

Tuesday 12/30 - A New Years party in July at the pool.  
I woke up feeling like I wasn't recovering from this cold at all.  And Joe had either had a relapse or caught a new cold.  He was coughing as much as I was.  Plus, I could not get rid of an atrocious headache.  
I did get last weeks blog re-read and posted, and then messed around here on my computer.  

Just before 10:30, I got horrible news from Malissa.  Marie's Larry (seen in the middle of this photo) died from a blood clot.  He'd had surgery 12/22 and was recovering fairly well.  So it was a shock to get this news.  I had just been texting with Marie earlier this morning.

Larry and Marie grilling at the pool several years ago.  I felt horrible, 1- because I was sick, but 2- because this was so devastating.  What a huge loss we would all feel at the pool, but even a bigger loss for Marie. 😭   Crying did not help my runny nose situation, and my head and heart hurt / were pounding.  


Britney got her haircut over the weekend and sent some photos. 
Before...


And after...


She had also cut her hair this short in December of 2022.  So wow, does it grow fast.  


Joe helped me do chores.  With two of us working together, we were able to get ice broken and removed from water troughs, hay delivered, and poop scooped relatively quickly.  All horses also got fed. 
Just doing the minimal was a struggle, but my aches and pains actually felt better when I got home.  The fresh air, sunshine, and exercise might have done me good.  



I took a hot shower when we got home from the ranch and had soup, hot tea and a nap.  

I was four days behind on my advent jigsaw puzzle, so finished it.  Throughout the day I had also computerized and read.  

I was in bed by 8pm.

Wednesday 12/31 - My cold had my sinuses and chest so congested, with a bad headache, and joint stiffness in my neck and back, that I stayed home in my jammies all day.  I never had a fever or upset stomach, so I continued to eat lots of everything (especially carbs).  I love Christmas cookies and candies with the extra mugs of tea I was drinking.  




Britney and Juan Carlos were still enjoying their stay in Columbia, and reporting in daily.  They celebrated the New Year partying at home with his sisters. 

I started feeling a little better by late afternoon. 







I worked on this puzzle while watching Iowa beat Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.  Joe headed off to poker before the exciting, high scoring game was over.
My New Year's Eve was spent in bed reading, with the lights out shortly after 8pm.

Thursday 1/1 - Happy New Year everybody!

I mentally entered the new year at 2am, getting woken up by my bedfellow who was coughing and hacking.  After three hours here at my computer, I went back to bed for awhile.  







I didn't make any resolutions for 2026; but I like this meme as a suggestion for navigating through life this year.  Of course these things can best be obtained through God's help, and it is He who I really need to get better in touch with, as I have drifted away recently.  

Sister Carol had given me a thistle seed feeder for my birthday and I hung it right outside my office window.  It is approximately nine feet off the ground so only birds can get to it.  But they aren't coming.  




I wonder if this other 'on-looker' is scaring them off.

The second time I woke up today, I could feel a big difference in my cold.  The headache was nearly gone, as was the cough and congestion.  My nose still needed frequent blowing.  

I needed to clean and fill Amiga and Zorro's big water tank and Joe had planned to set the new gate post and would need help.  First we put out a new round bale in the back pasture.

The other round bale was almost entirely gone, so the three boys came running when they saw the new bale, and they dug right in before we could get the baling twine off.

I helped Joe get the augar attached to the back of the tractor, and then went to the upper paddock.  





I worked at emptying, cleaning, and refilling the big stock tank while stopping to help Joe when needed.  Together we figured out pole placement, and I guided the augar (to be sure to get a straight hole) while Joe ran the tractor to do the drilling.  I took this photo while filling the water tank.  Joe was digging out the loose dirt from the hole.  

Amiga drinking from the 16 gallon heated tub I had just topped off.  I moved the hose from the paddock to where we needed water for the concrete.  After helping Joe get the post set on a straight vertical, and pouring in the Quikrete (fast setting concrete), we added water.  
I still needed to water my newly planted bushes, fill chicken waterers, and do a few things in the house.  




Cattle at the stables seen when heading home just before 3pm.  I was feeling much better by now; recovering well.  It was a 51° day so the fresh air and sunshine, along with some physical work, had done me good.  





I ended my day with an enjoyable evening out with Shirley and Patty.  We went to Grandy's Bar & Grill at the Deer Creek Golf Club.  It was very empty so we had great service.  The food was tasty and we sat talking for nearly two hours.  Then we headed out on a Christmas light drive.  There was a particular display in the neighborhood that you watch while listening to music on your device, and the light show is in sync with the music.  Well, we never found it, so assumed it had been taken down during the day, since it was now January.  Once back to the Glade, we drove in some neighborhoods known for their lights, and did see quite a few places that were still very lit up.  

Friday 1/2 - Juan Carlos bought this hat for Britney.  I got a kick out of it, and then got to thinking, it would make a good new year resolution also.

I was a little perturbed that my cough with chest and sinus drainage were back when I got up... but not near as bad and the headache hadn't returned.  

My ranch trip today was all play and no work.  Jan, Karen and I met to go for a ride.  We rode to check out a trail that riders have recently been using to go from the end of Eli Ford into the Glade.  It hits the dirt road (seen in the distance) that leads to Marmaduke (the gravel road in front of us in this photo).  




Last week when leaving the ranch, I had seen two women on horseback, with two men in a 4-wheeler following them, riding down Eli Ford.  Yesterday, Jackie (co-worker at the pool) had called about our horses.  She and her daughter, while out walking on Malvern Rd in the Lake Kirkstone area, had seen three riders and a 4 wheeler with a lady and a man holding a baby following the riders.  About three hours later, while Patty was doing chores, she heard and then saw the same group riding on Hathaway back behind the barnyard.  So Patty went out to talk with them.  The mom lives on Chestnut Hill at the corner of Eli Ford and her son lives nearby and owns the six horses we see in the field on Eli Ford.  



I love Zorro and Rico nuzzling each other in these photos.

Well today, when Karen was driving down Eli Ford to the ranch, she saw four people on horseback, heading down the road towards the end where FFG lots are located all along Marmaduke.  There was no 4-wheeler this time.  But we knew these horses were out on the trails somewhere.  We kept and eye and an ear out for them but never saw or heard them.  





We did however, see evidence of the 4-wheeler and horses on some of the trails we had made.  We all had mixed feelings about them being out here.
Our 4½ mile ride was enjoyable, especially since it was uneventful and there was no near-by gun shots.  Thankfully hunting season is winding down.

I finally felt well enough to go to the gym and made it there by 3:00.  I had a great 90 minute workout on all the leg, arm, and ab weight machines.  I could only do three pull ups, but feel confident I can re-build that strength.  Recovering from sickness, overeating, and under-exercising takes time.